Introduction
Chapter 1 Beginnings
Chapter 2 The Crime
Chapter 3 Inquisition
Chapter 4 Backdrop
In Chapter 1 we are introduced to Robert Newsom the eventual murder victim. The Newsom family was very similar to many other families that emigrated to Missouri, they came from simple means but were able to gain themselves a solid living. Newsom owned several slaves including Celia, a young slave girl who was only fourteen or so when he purchased her. Newsom had lost his wife and this need of a female presence would play into the ultimate story.
In Chapter 2, we get a insight into the debate over slavery throughout the national, including Missouri. It is in this climate that the sexual exploitation of the young slave girl Celia by her owner Robert Newsom that led to her taking action. She struck Newsom in her slave cabin with a large stick several times until he was dead then disposed of his body in her fireplace. Although the issue of her having help in this crime was never decided, it is likely she had some aid from another slave named George. One crime had led to another.
Chapter 3 deals predominantly with the inquisition around Newsom's murder. This act of violence by a slave caused disturbance among the white slave owners throughout the state. The memories of slave rebellions and violence stayed in people's minds and this act of violence further set them ill at-ease.
Chapter 4 much like Chapter 2, gives us insight into the political and social climate not only of Missouri but of the nation at this time. The issue of slavery was heating up and acts of violence and things like the Kansas-Nebraska Act led to a state of upheaval and chaos.
Below is a picture of Celia's slave cabin which stood behind Robert Newsom's house. Also their is a link to the Records of Callaway Circuit Court from the proceedings in the matter of
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/slavery/experience/legal/feature2.html
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