Skip to main content
« Back to Explore

Cases

Habeas petitions described a broad range of carceral, institutional, and interpersonal confinement over the long nineteenth century, including those used to demand due process, resist enslavement, challenge child removal and reservation confinement, avoid deportation, present child custody claims and protest child marriage, and to challenge institutionalization and detention in private and state institutions. As a legal mechanism borrowed from British common law and guaranteed as a civil right in US federal and state constitutions, habeas provides a lens on a diverse community of legal actors.

Our encoding practice allows us to identify petitions in these three categories and to indicate where those categories overlap. In addition to these three general categories, our team has identified the specific carceral charge being challenged as well as the particular forms of institutional and interpersonal confinements being questioned.

You may also browse or search petitions by location and/or jurisdiction to learn more about the myriad complaints petitioners brought before judges in Arizona, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oregon, and Washington between 1812 and 1924. Each case entry includes a full citation, a summary, links to people with a role in the case, a list of other people named, and any sites of significance. Visitors wanting access to full case files can contact the cited repository for information about obtaining copies. Those without institutional affiliations may request image scans from Dr. Jagodinsky directly. The Glossary defines the attributes used to structure data from the habeas petitions. The Code Book explains the relational structure of the data and functionality of the database website.

Filter by:

Date

Drag slider to explore cases

Dates: -

Petition Type

Petition Subtype

Petition Outcome

Fate of Bound Party

Sex of Bound Party

Age of Bound Party

Race of Bound Party

Petition Year

Earliest Record Date

Latest Record Year

Court Name

Type of Source

Length of Case File

Points of Law Cited

See more

People

See more
Petition Type : Institutional

215 results

Download JSON Download CSV

On the relation of Mrs. Lottie Parsons Relator vs. St. James Orphan Asylum Respondent

  • Earliest record date: October 9, 1911
  • Petition type(s): Institutional: child custody
  • Petition outcome: Writ dismissed
  • Fate of bound party: Remained in custody

Habeas Corpus of Theodore Mazzine for Martha Mazzine against Missionary Sisters of Sacred Heart

  • Earliest record date: February 22, 1912
  • Petition type(s): Institutional: child custody
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

In re Application of Michael Mullaly for a Writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: February 22, 1912
  • Petition type(s): Institutional: child custody
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

In the Matter of the Application of Emma Abbott for Writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: May 17, 1912
  • Petition type(s): Institutional: child custody
  • Petition outcome: Unknown
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

In the matter of the application of John Jakobowski for a writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: January 27, 1913
  • Petition type(s): Institutional: insanity

Habeas Corpus of Irene Thornton against Katherine Murphine

  • Earliest record date: March 11, 1913
  • Petition type(s): Institutional: insanity
  • Petition outcome: Unknown
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

In the Matter of the Application of Emma Bell Wenzel (Class name Celeste), Emma Hennesen (Class name Margaret Mary), Mary McCarthy (Class name Cresentia), and Susie King (Class name Delia)

  • Earliest record date: March 18, 1913
  • Petition type(s): Institutional: imprisoned for longer than term
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

Habeas Corpus of W. S. Matthews against Maria Matthews + House of the Good Shepherd

  • Earliest record date: June 10, 1913
  • Petition type(s): Interpersonal: child custody | Institutional: child custody
  • Petition outcome: Unknown
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

In the Matter of the Petition of Edwin L. Cady for a Writ of Habeas Corpus, in behalf of William L. Gardner vs Dr. R. E. Lee Steiner, Sup’t. of the Oregon State Hospital for the Insane

  • Earliest record date: September 1, 1911
  • Petition type(s): Institutional: insanity
  • Petition outcome: Writ denied
  • Fate of bound party: Remained in custody

Habeas Corpus of Frank Lagerquist against Peter A. Swanson

  • Earliest record date: November 11, 1913
  • Petition type(s): Institutional: insanity | Interpersonal: insanity
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

Habeas Corpus of Yakes Ishikawa against Doc. Mrs Jane Fife

  • Earliest record date: January 14, 1914
  • Petition type(s): Institutional: protestant mission
  • Petition outcome: Unknown
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

In the Matter of the Application of Paul Webster on Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: June 21, 1902
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: smuggling | Institutional: imprisoned for longer than term
  • Petition outcome: Writ dismissed
  • Fate of bound party: Remained in custody

Application of James A. Marcil for a Writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: June 21, 1902
  • Petition type(s): Carceral | Institutional: imprisoned for longer than term
  • Petition outcome: Writ denied
  • Fate of bound party: Remained in custody

In the Matter of the Application of Euphemia Eastwick for a Writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: December 11, 1911
  • Petition type(s): Institutional: insanity
  • Petition outcome: Writ denied
  • Fate of bound party: Remained in custody

In re Application of Sister Florida for a Writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: July 16, 1914
  • Petition type(s): Institutional: child custody
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

In re: E. Stubley on Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: February 1, 1909
  • Petition type(s): Institutional: imprisoned for longer than term | Carceral
  • Petition outcome: Unknown
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

Petition of William Gerald for a Writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: September 13, 1888
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: smuggling | Carceral: immigration | Institutional: imprisoned for longer than term
  • Petition outcome: Writ dismissed
  • Fate of bound party: Remained in custody

Application of Minnie Hall Riley for a Writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: November 23, 1914
  • Petition type(s): Institutional: child custody
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: New custody arrangement reached

In the Matter of the Application of James Walton, Jr. for a Writ of Habeas Corpus, in behalf of Edward Carter vs. Dr. R. E. Lee Steiner

  • Earliest record date: November 27, 1914
  • Petition type(s): Institutional: insanity
  • Petition outcome: Petition withdrawn
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

In the Matter of the Application of W. T. Gardiner for a Writ of Habeas Corpus (James Walton Jr Petitioner)

  • Earliest record date: September 1, 1911
  • Petition type(s): Institutional: insanity
  • Petition outcome: Writ dismissed
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

Ora Miller v. House of the Good Shepherd and Mother Superior Rachel

  • Earliest record date: March 29, 1915
  • Petition type(s): Institutional
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

In the Matter of the Application of Virgie La Grand, ex rel James La Grand, her husband, for a Writ of Habeas Corpus vs. Esther M. Hopkins, Supt. State Industrial School for Girls

  • Earliest record date: November 7, 1914
  • Petition type(s): Institutional: juvenile detention | Institutional: spousal custody
  • Petition outcome: Writ denied
  • Fate of bound party: Remained in custody

In the Matter of William Gerald on Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: July 1, 1912
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: immigration | Institutional: imprisoned for longer than term | Carceral: smuggling
  • Petition outcome: Writ denied
  • Fate of bound party: Remained in custody

Roy Stearns vs. R. R. Lee Steiner, Superintendent of the Oregon State Hospital

  • Earliest record date: July 18, 1916
  • Petition type(s): Institutional: insanity
  • Petition outcome: Writ dismissed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

In the matter of the application of Mrs. Gladys Fredrika Fuson, for a writ of habeas corpus

  • Earliest record date: July 10, 1916
  • Petition type(s): Institutional: child custody | Interpersonal: child custody
  • Petition outcome: Writ denied
  • Fate of bound party: Remained in custody

In the Matter of the Application Lulu Huffman for Writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: December 5, 1916
  • Petition type(s): Institutional: insanity
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

In the matter of the application of George Craig, Olie Williamson and Mabel Williamson

  • Earliest record date: February 7, 1917
  • Petition type(s): Institutional: child custody
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

In the matter of the application of Michel Koseris for a writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: November 7, 1917
  • Petition type(s): Institutional: seeking exemption from draft
  • Petition outcome: Writ denied
  • Fate of bound party: Remained in custody

In re application of Mary Harmon for a writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: January 24, 1918
  • Petition type(s): Institutional: convent
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

In the matter of the application of Gerasimos Nicolovinis for a writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: May 1, 1918
  • Petition type(s): Institutional: seeking exemption from draft
  • Petition outcome: Writ denied
  • Fate of bound party: Remained in custody

In the matter of the application of Phillip Chiantis for a writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: June 5, 1918
  • Petition type(s): Institutional: seeking exemption from draft
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

In the matter of the application of Theofarius George Mastoros for a writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: April 13, 1918
  • Petition type(s): Institutional: conscription
  • Petition outcome: Unknown
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

In the matter of the application of Frank M. Ringer for a writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: March 26, 1918
  • Petition type(s): Institutional: seeking exemption from draft
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

In the matter of the application of Bessie Berry for a Writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: July 6, 1918
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: vagrancy | Institutional: vagrancy
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

In the matter of the application of Blanche Barry for a Writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: July 10, 1918
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: vagrancy | Institutional: public health detention
  • Petition outcome: Writ denied
  • Fate of bound party: Remained in custody

Ex Rel Ruth Livingston vs. Dr. Ernest T. Manning Health Commissioner, City of Omaha and Alta Burger Superintendant Detention Home for Girls, For Writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: July 15, 1918
  • Petition type(s): Institutional: public health detention | Carceral: inmate of ill-governed home
  • Petition outcome: Writ dismissed for want of prosecution
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

In re application of Lena Heaton for a writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: July 20, 1918
  • Petition type(s): Institutional: public health detention
  • Petition outcome: Writ denied
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

In re application of Mrs. Carmen Lynne for a Writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: July 20, 1918
  • Petition type(s): Institutional: public health detention
  • Petition outcome: Writ denied
  • Fate of bound party: Remained in custody

In the matter of the application of Joe Lacorte for writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: May 18, 1899
  • Petition type(s): Institutional: seeking exemption from draft
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

In the matter of the application of Genevieve Shoemaker for a Writ of Habeas Corpus <Frankie LaPorte>

  • Earliest record date: March 5, 1918
  • Petition type(s): Institutional: public health detention
  • Petition outcome: Writ dismissed for want of prosecution
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

In re application of Marie Wells for a writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: October 16, 1918
  • Petition type(s): Institutional: public health detention
  • Petition outcome: Writ denied
  • Fate of bound party: Remained in custody

In the matter of the application of William Carthrum for writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: October 16, 1918
  • Petition type(s): Institutional: public health detention
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

In re application of Maud Shaw by Jud Brown for writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: March 5, 1918
  • Petition type(s): Institutional: public health detention
  • Petition outcome: Writ dismissed for want of prosecution
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

In the matter of the application of Nellie Atkins for a writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: January 16, 1919
  • Petition type(s): Institutional: public health detention
  • Petition outcome: Writ denied
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

Nora Sullivan v. Henry M. White

  • Earliest record date: July 16, 1916
  • Petition type(s): Institutional: immigration
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

In the matter of application of Margaret Grundy by Mrs. Roy Davis her mother and next friend for writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: August 23, 1919
  • Petition type(s): Institutional: convent
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

In the matter of the application of Arthur Treichel, minor on the part of Marie Holz and Adolph Holz for a writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: October 2, 1919
  • Petition type(s): Institutional: child custody
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Dismissed

In re application of Frank Kreishutz for Writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: October 14, 1919
  • Petition type(s): Institutional: insanity
  • Petition outcome: Unknown
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

In the matter of the application of Sadie Millett and Harry D. Ryan, for the writ of Habeas Corpus for the custody of Constance Cheshire

  • Earliest record date: March 9, 1916
  • Petition type(s): Institutional: child custody
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody
Back to top