In the matter of the Petition of William M. Parkinson for a Writ of Habeas Corpus

To the Hon John W. Colvin
Law Commissioner of Saint Louis County

Your Petitioner Martin Parkinson, in behalf, and as next friend of his infant son William M. Parkinson, states that said William M. Parkinson is restrained of his liberty by one _______ Thorp and Frances Thorp his wife, somewhere in the City of Saint Louis. The said Frances Thorp was the wife of said Martin Parkinson and the said Wm M. Parkinson is their son. Whilst said Martin Parkinson was in California, Said Frances obtained a divorce and married said _______ Thorp. The said Martin Parkinson is legally entitled to the care, custody and management of his said son William M. Parkinson who is now nine years of age, of which care & custody he is prevented by said Thorp & wife, who have the said William M. Parkinson under restraint and illegal control. Your petitioner therefore prays that your Honor will grant a writ of Habeas Corpus commanding the said Thorp & wife to bring said William M. Parkinson forthwith before your Honor to obey the order of the court in the premises.

Martin Parkinson
his X mark

Martin Parkinson, being duly sworn on his oath says that matters and things as stated in the foregoing petition are true

Martin Parkinson
his X mark

Sworn to & subscribed before me this 28th day of April 1852.

John W. Colvin
Law Comr

The State of Missouri
To _______ Thorpe & Frances Thorpe Greeting

You are hereby commanded to have the body of William M Parkinson before the Law Commissioners Court of St Louis County forthwith together with the time and cause of his detention by you to do and receive what shall then and there be considered concerning t he said William M Parkinson who as alleged in the petition hereto annexed is restrained of his Liberty by you and have you then and there this writ unto your return thereon

Given under my hand and the seal of the Law Commissioners Court of the County of St Louis this 28th day of April 1852

John W Colvin Law Comr
By Mat Williams deputy

We John Thorpe, and Nancy Thorpe deny
they have possession or under their control
the child mentioned in this writ. and ask
to be discharged

John Throp [sic]

No 81

April 1852

Habeas Corpus
in the matter of
William M Parkinson

By the Habeas corpus
act

Thompson pq[?]

County of St. Louis, ss.
The State of Missouri, 
To Samuel Parkinson Jno. Allenton and wife Joseph Bruin Greeting:

You are hereby commanded, that, setting aside all manner of excuse and delay, you appear before our Law Commissioner's Court of St. Louis County, at the City of St. Louis, on the Forthwith 1852, then and there to testify and the truth to say in a certain cause pending in said Court, wherein Martin Parkinson is plaintiff and John Thorp is defendant on the part of the Plaintiff and herein you are in no wise to fail.

Witness, John w. Colvin, the Law Commissioner of St. Louis County, with the Seal of said Court hereto affixed, at office, in the City of St. Louis, this 28th day of April in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and fifty-two.

J W Colvin LC