Dred Scott V. Emerson Case Summary

Several years passed when Mr. Emerson took a wife, Irene Sanford. Not to long after they had been wed, the Emerson’s bought a slave woman by the name of Harriet Robinson. Shortly after her acquisition, Harriet Robinson and Dred Scott were wed. The couple had been rented out for a few years, ultimately returning to their master’s side in Jefferson Barracks. During this time the Scotts had children; two boys who died in infancy, and two girls. In 1843 John Emerson died, bequeathing all of his possessions to his wife, except for Dred and Harriet who were not mentioned in the will. Mrs. Emerson considered them her property and took ownership of them despite what the will said. Following the death of her husband, Irene moved to Massachusetts leaving the Scotts behind to be rented out. It was during this time that Both Dred and Harriet filed suits against Irene Emerson.
Dred Scott had reconnected with the sons of his original owner Peter Blow. Henry and Taylor Blow gave Dred legal advice, as well as financial help, in his quest for Freedom. On April 6, 1846 the Scott family filed a suit for their freedom in county court represented by lawyers …show more content…
Emerson case, which included his wife Harriet’s suit as well, began to gain popularity. Due to political tension during this era, this case became a pawn in the political game of chess, with each political party manipulating the case for their best interests. Judge Scott’s ruling was just the first step in the overturning of the original verdict. The case was then passed on to Judge Alexander Hamilton, for the final action of implementing the decision. Instead of enforcing the decision, Judge Hamilton continued the case, stating he was awaiting the Supreme Court to make the final decision. During the period of waiting, David Hall died and not shortly after Alexander Field moved to Louisiana. Not having any legal counsel, the case fell by the wayside with the new ruling standing that the Scotts were still

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