Zachariah Shaw (b. circa 1817 - d. ?)
MSA SC 5496-3379
Accomplice to slave flight, Frederick County, Maryland, 1855
Biography:
Virginia-born Zachariah Shaw, a laborer from Frederick County, was found guilty of inducing and persuading Negro Charles, the slave of Thomas Davis, to run away. Although Charles belonged to Thomas Davis, he was actually in the service and possession of James S. Davis at the time Shaw attempted to help him flee. Zachariah Shaw stood trial with his brother, John Shaw, charged with the same crime. Zachariah entered a plea of not guilty, but was nonetheless found guilty. His attorney motioned for a new trial, but the request was denied and he was sentenced to six years and two months in the Maryland Penitentiary on March 8, 1855. Zachariah Shaw was sent off to the Penitentiary on March 12, 1855, but his brother, John, had his trial pushed back to the October Term of the Frederick County Circuit Court in 1855. Governor Thomas Watkins Ligon granted John Shaw a Nolle Prosequi on October 24, 1855 because he testified on behalf of the state in the case of the State of Maryland v. John Morgan. All prosecution against John Shaw was terminated. On the same day, the Governor granted John Shaw a pardon, upon the condition that he leave the state of Maryland within six months and never return. Zachariah Shaw was recommended to the clemency of the Governor by the State's Attorney, Judges, and numerous citizens of Frederick County. Over a year after John's pardon, Governor Thomas Watkins Ligon granted a pardon to Zachariah Shaw on March 16, 1857.
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