Celia, a Slave

In 1855, Celia, a slave, murdered her owner Robert Newsom because of sexual advances toward her.   McLaurin’s Celia, A Slave accounts the five years of her recorded life until her hanging on 21 December 1855.   To understand her trial, its verdict, and the final disposition of her case, we must also understand the debates about slavery and free labor in both Missouri and the United States during this time.
Controversy in Missouri begins as early as 1819 when it petitioned for statehood. Debates on whether the territory should have slaves or abandoned slavery completely became a very emotional subject.   A compromise was made in 1820 making Missouri a slave state and admitting Maine as a free state.   This compromise was appropriately named The Missouri Compromise of 1820.   Arguments began again around the year 1850 with the admittance of the new territories gained from the Mexican War.   The North and the South were divided on the issue of slavery in the newly acquired land.   Missouri had an about an equal number of citizens on both sides of the issue.   The existence of Celia begins in this controversial year of 1850 when her owner Robert Newsom purchases her in Audrain County, about a day’s ride from her new home.   Her role as a slave was established on their ride home when Newsom rapes Celia.   This continues over the next five years.   He would give her food and a roof over her head.   And she would become his affectionate partner.   Newsom is even thought to be the father of her first two kids.   In 1854, Celia begins a forbidden relationship with George, a slave.   Sometime early in 1855 Celia becomes pregnant with her third child and is uncertain to whether it belongs to Newsom or George.   George believed the child was his and started pressuring Celia to end her relationship with her owner. Not wanting to go to Newsom directly, Celia appealed to his daughters.   She threatened to hurt Newsom if his sexual advances did not stop.   Her owner did not stop so Celia...