Dred Scott

Born in 1795 in Virginia

Died - September 17, 1858 in St. Louis

Early Life

Dred Scott was born into slavery. He was owned by Peter Blow and his wife, Elizabeth Taylor Blow. In 1818, he moved with the Blows to Alabama. He then moved with the Blows to St. Louis. Peter Blow sold Dred Scott to Dr. John Emerson, an assistant surgeon in the army stationed at Jefferson Barracks in St. Louis. Scott became Dr. Emerson's body servant or valet.

Missouri Connection

While living in the state of Missouri, Dred Scott lived as a slave and made history by initiating a legal battle in an attempt to gain his freedom.

Claim to Fame

Dred Scott was a man born into slavery who tried many times, but failed, to gain his freedom through the Missouri courts. When his case reached the U.S. Supreme Court, the differences between proslavery and antislavery opinions in the United States were very clear. The controversial outcome of Dred Scott's court case eventually contributed to the outbreak of civil war between the southern and northern states.

Later Life

On May 26, 1857, Dred and his wife, Harriet, Scott appeared in the Circuit Court of St. Louis for the last time and were freed by his owner, Taylor Blow. For a year after he was emancipated, Dred Scott worked as a porter at Barnum's Hotel in St. Louis. He also delivered the laundry that Harriet took in as a free laundress. Sadly, Scott became sick with tuberculosis and died on just a little more than a year after gaining his freedom.

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