John H. Rea

John H Rea

OFFICE LOCATION: Indianapolis, IN

TENURE:  –

HEARINGS: 1

RENDITIONS: 1

CASES: 

John Weston Case (1857) – 1 returned

• Alleged fugitive John Weston was seized by Kentucky claimants Hezekiah Ellis and George Vallandingham in Naples, Illinois in November 1857. While passing through Indianapolis on their way back to Kentucky, local anti-slavery activists filed a writ of habeas corpus, and secured Weston’s release. Undeterred, Ellis and Vallandingham turned to Commissioner Rea and obtained a warrant of arrest. After his release, Weston was “immediately arrested” with Rea’s warrant, and following a hearing remanded to slavery. [1857-12-05 Chicago Tribune]
• According to the Chicago Tribune, there were glaring problems with the claimants’ case. The affidavit, purportedly from a Franklin County, Kentucky court, had neither “seal or certificate” and misspelled the name of the state as “Kentuck.” Despite these inconsistencies, Commissioner Rea proceeded with the case and remanded Weston. [1857-12-03 Chicago Tribune]

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