ROGER B. TANEY
The Maryland attorney, famous for his Supreme Court opinion in the controversial Dred Scott case, writes out and signs a plea on behalf of his widowed client, whose late husband is accused of wrongdoing
Autograph manuscript signed: "R.B. Taney attorney/ for Def" and docketed "R.B. Taney" in faded black ink. 2 pages, 8x12½. Frederick County, Maryland. June 14, 1808. A legal plea in the case of Regina Grandadam vs. John Schultz where Taney, acting on behalf of Regina Grandadam denies allegations made by Schultz against her late husband Francis Grandadam. Taney (1777-1864, born in Calvert County, Maryland) was educated privately before attending Dickinson College, where he graduated first in his class. Taney apprenticed with an Annapolis lawyer for three years and was admitted to the bar in 1799 when he was 22. After two years as a Federalist member of the Maryland House of Delegates, he began his legal career in earnest in Frederick, Maryland. There, he met Anne Phoebe Charlton Key, the sister of Francis Scott Key, whom he married in January of 1806. Taney, who became one of Maryland's leading lawyers, became an avid supporter of Andrew Jackson after the Federalist Party faded away. In 1831, Jackson appointed Taney as both Attorney General (1831-1833) and acting Secretary of War before naming him Secretary of the Treasury on Sept. 23, 1833. Taney served until June 24, 1834, when his appointment was rejected by the United States Senate. In 1836, after a political change in the makeup of the Senate, Jackson appointed Taney as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Taney served until his death in 1864. He is chiefly remembered for his decision in the Dred Scott case (1857), which stated that slaves were not citizens and that Congress had no power to prohibit slavery in territories. Normal mailing folds. Worn and soiled. Edges frayed with small tears. Toned. Dark toned stains in folds. Creased throughout. Inks spots throughout. Otherwise, fine condition.