Trial & Tribulations Project:The Story of the 1847 Matson Slave Trial

Trial & Tribulations is a historical program scheduled for Sept 18 and 19, 2009 in Oakland, Illinois that will tell the story of the 1847 Matson Slave Trial in which Abraham Lincoln represented the master enslaver and that resulted in the freeing of the Bryant family. The program is presented by Independence Pioneer Village, Oakland Historical Foundation, and Oakland Landmarks, Inc.

It is a story of bittersweet daring and historical mystery, involving one of the most divisive issues of our country’s early history, slavery. It reveals hidden parts of our local history, affirms our faith in our legal system, raises questions about our moral bearing and actions, and reflects how we remember or mythologize our heroes.

The Matson Slave Trial is:

• one of the top five trials in Coles County,
• one of the ten most important cases in which Abraham Lincoln participated, and
  
• a turning point for the local free black community at Brushy Fork.
  

Participants will:

• Meet the people involved,
• Watch a performance about the trial,
• Enjoy an 1847 meal, and
• Challenge your preconceived notions of history.

Those wanting more information may contact the project at 217-508-9113 or through e-mail at trial.tribulations1847@gmail.com. Stay tuned for more information.