Mary Bateman Clark facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mary Bateman Clark
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| Born | 1795 Kentucky
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| Died | 1840 |
| Resting place | Greenlawn Cemetery, Vicennes, Indiana |
| Known for | Indiana Supreme Court case of 1821, that freed her and set the precedent for other indentured servants |
| Spouse(s) | Samuel Clark |
| Children | 12 children |
Mary Bateman Clark was an American woman born in 1795. She was born into slavery. Later, she was taken to the Indiana Territory. Even though slavery was against the law there, she was forced to become an indentured servant. This meant she had to work for someone for a long time without pay.
In 1816, Mary was sold, even though Indiana's new constitution made slavery and forced work illegal. In 1821, a lawyer named Amory Kinney helped her fight for her freedom in court. She lost her first case, but she appealed to the Indiana Supreme Court. In a famous case called Mary Clark v. G.W. Johnston, she won her freedom. This important decision helped other indentured servants in Indiana become free too. A documentary called Mary Bateman Clark: A Woman of Colour and Courage tells her inspiring story.
Contents
The Fight Against Slavery in Indiana
For a long time, the area that is now Indiana was part of New France. During that time, slavery was allowed. French settlers, Native Americans, and their allies all practiced slavery. Enslaved people were bought and sold in big markets in places like New Orleans and Canada.
Those who were pro-slavery tried to perform an end run around the Indiana constitution by putting in place indentured servitude under which slaves, in theory, appeared to be able earn their freedom. However, the terms often placed on indentured servants were so excessive, many never actually never were able to achieve freedom.
In 1787, the Northwest Ordinance was passed. This law said that slavery was not allowed in the Northwest Territory, which included Indiana. However, many African Americans were still enslaved or forced into indentured servitude. Powerful leaders, business owners, and lawyers often found ways around the law. They claimed that the ban on slavery didn't apply to people who were already enslaved when the law was made.
In 1816, Indiana became a state. Its new Constitution of Indiana clearly stated that "there shall be neither slavery nor involuntary servitude in this state." This meant all forced labor was illegal.
Another enslaved woman named Polly Strong also fought for her freedom. She lost her case in a local court. But on July 22, 1820, she won her case at the Indiana Supreme Court and became free. Her victory helped set the stage for Mary Clark's case.
Mary's Early Life and Forced Labor
Mary Bateman Clark was born into slavery in 1795. When she was a teenager in 1814, she lived in Kentucky. She was sold to a man named Benjamin J. Harrison. In January 1815, Harrison took her north to Vincennes in the Indiana Territory.
Harrison forced Mary to sign a paper she couldn't read. This paper said she had to be his servant for 30 years. Black people were often threatened. They were told that if they didn't sign these indenture contracts, they would be sent back to slavery in the South.
Even though Indiana's 1816 Constitution made slavery and forced servitude illegal, Harrison sold Mary. He sold her to his rich uncle, General Washington Johnston. Johnston was a member of the Indiana General Assembly. On October 24, 1816, he bought Mary for $350. Her new contract forced her to be his servant for 20 years.
Fighting for Freedom in Court
In 1821, lawyer Amory Kinney decided to help Mary. He had also helped Polly Strong win her freedom a year earlier. Kinney filed a freedom suit for Mary. The case was called Mary Clark v. General W. Johnston.
Just like Polly Strong, Mary lost her case in the local Circuit Court. The court said she had "voluntarily" signed the contract. They ruled that she had to finish her 20-year term. Mary was even ordered to pay Johnston's court costs.
Mary's lawyer, Amory Kinney, did not give up. He appealed the decision to the Indiana Supreme Court. The new case was called Mary Clark v. G.W. Johnston. On November 6, 1821, Mary won her freedom! The court ruled that forced servitude went against the state's 1816 Constitution. This was a very important case for indentured servants. It helped bring an end to forced labor in Indiana. Mary's husband, Samuel, was also freed around this time.
After these big court wins, Amory Kinney faced attacks from angry mobs. After a few years, he moved away to Terre Haute, Indiana.
Mary's Family Life
Mary Bateman married Samuel Clark on July 12, 1817. She then became Mary Bateman Clark. Samuel Clark had also been an enslaved person from Kentucky. He worked for William Henry Harrison as a horse handler. He was with Harrison at the Battle of Tippecanoe.
Mary and Samuel Clark had twelve children together. Seven of their children are known by name. They were born between 1820 and 1837. Their names were Mary Eliza Brewer, George, William G. W., Frances, John S., Lovina Mariah Reynolds, and Maria Rollins. The family lived in Vincennes.
Mary Bateman Clark helped start the Bethel AME Church in Vincennes. She passed away in 1840. She died from dysentery after drinking poisoned water. She was buried in the Greenlawn Cemetery in Vincennes. Samuel Clark passed away on October 27, 1869.
Mary's Legacy
- A special historical marker honors Mary Clark. It is located outside the Knox County Court House in Vincennes, Indiana. The marker was put there on June 27, 2009. It tells about her important Supreme Court case. Vincennes was the first Black community in Indiana. This marker is the only state memorial in the town.
- Mary Clark's great-great-great-granddaughters, Ethel McCane and Eunice Trotter, perform reenactments of her court case in Indiana.
- The documentary, Mary Bateman Clark: A Woman of Colour and Courage, shares her life story. It also tells about her brave fight for freedom. This film was shown on local PBS TV channels during Black History Month.
