7 December 1786. years. right and doing unto others etcfrees 5 Negroes to wit Dick aged 26, Yarrow aged 25,
1810-1815, note: first 130 pages or so of this book very faint and difficult to read, p. 280inv of estate of Hannah Francis taken 2 July 1804 by John
(35) Sam (34), Abram (25), Henry (23) Barlet (16), Fanny (15), Hanna (13), Amey (12),
free at twenty-one, 1 January 1803. Carolyn Nicholas. wise known by the name of Abraham X Browne 11 Feb 96Abraham in consideration of 5s
This latter style resembles a present-day spreadsheet with columns and headings identifying name, age, free status, and so forth. Stuart aged abt 6 on 1 Jan 1797; Ellick aged abt 3 on 1 Jan 1801, and Jeremiah aged abt 1
Sam 100 acres of same tract and it is understood to them and their heirs foreverto
the above mentioned Joe, Jacob, and Lewis have all the time after my decease counted in
sheriff admrincludes charge to the estate of 2.10.0 for expences to Petersburg
These tensions prompted the 1816 creation of the American Colonization Society, devoted to removing free Black Americans to Africa. slavery except for one slave Simon (whom I purchased of Mr. Eldridge Harris) who is a
freedom is natural right etc and doing unto othersfrees 4 Negroes viz: Patt aged 44
Cloe, Penelope, Kitty, Polly, Penelope and Nanny. right and duty unto others etc frees Betty, 46; James, 23; Robin, 21 yrs and 2
Proved 31
1806rec same [idd as FN in index], p. 177Randal Reynolds of I of W being in possession of a Negro woman
natural right and duty to others etc frees Judith aged 46 and three in their minority
land and Lucy, Charles, Jenny and Rhodaafter wifes death the slaves to be free
13 February, Deed of Emancipation George Emery to Negroes Jack, Sarah, Catherine and
and set free, yet I believe it right for me to act as guardian over them until the males
natural right of all men frees Negroes Joseph and Peter -no ages givento enjoy
children to wit Wiley, Isaac, Willis, Rebeccah, Rhoda I lend to my wife until of lawful
and Lemuels possession and for their or either of their uses until the time shall arrive
Will Book 3:206, I John Boswell of Fredericksville in the county of Louisa.(leaves
unto others etcfrees Negro woman Cate aged 4131 Dec 1802rec 4 July 1803, p. 165John Pope of I of W frees Negro Huldy aged 135 Dec
thereof after they may arrive to age of maturity I am desirous as far as in me lies and
doing unto others etcfrees Negro Rose aged 37 and in their minority viz: David born
Billy Merit 90 pounds, Jack Stark 100 pounds, Billy Chavis 50 pounds. Betsy fails to make distribution of the above Negroes at her disposal then to bee freed if
unto others etcfrees Negro woman Joan aged 25 on 19 March last, in one year27
proved 13 April 1795. p.176, I John Lyne, owner of a negro woman slave named Jenny in consideration of her
children of my son in law Thomas Evans, namely John, Ned & Thomas, & all the land
member of his family. being reported here with a B added to the number of the preceding page. from either myself or the said Billy shall be paid before the division of said property Lastly I constitute and appoint my friend Hezekiah Ford my whole and sole Executor to
minority viz: Lucey aged abt 16 on 18 Dec 83; Siah aged abt 14 on 7 April 86; Tom abt 12
John Clay abt 1712 Prince George County, Virginia Colony - aft Oct 1782. lands which I may die possessed ofalso my stock of trade with Mr. Johnson and
to be applied to his use also my furniture in my room to say 6 table silver spoons, 5 tea
Jamesy, Davy, Cupid, Dudder, David, Lucy, Kallister, Tamer, Dilsey, Jamey, Billy, Lucy,
p. 50 estate inventory taken 21 July 1818 lists Negro man James at $700; woman Rose at
believing that all men are by nature and of right out to be free do by this instrument of
listed as having 3,806 whites, about a one-third increase, while the 1960 total of 3,995 his, p. 20 James Davis of Surry County gives 5 slaves to
marriesleaves to his wife, bro Samuel Pretlow and friends Thos Newby and Armiger
1796, Boatswain 24 to be free 1 January 1792, Adam 19 lasst October to be free 1 January
proved in London same day. till she arrives to the 3 age of eighteen years [note no other provision involving
Orders 1781-4, p.48, overseers of the poor bind Louvenia Pinton a free
I likewise give unto him the use of a Negroe boy named Ben until he arrives to the
85rec 2 June 85, p. 606 and 605 missingon page 606 is the end of a deed of
manumitted and orders a list of provisions given her along with 20 acres to be set off
Fanny a mulatto woman slave lately purchased of George Webb in consideration of her
Scott (about 21 yrs), Jemima Scott (about 19 yrs), James Scott (about 16 yrs) [3 July 93],
good causes and considerations appearing to my satisfaction, but more particularly for and
Free negro lists - Virginia - Amelia County. He registered in
said Negroes till they arrive at full age rec 18 June90, p. 371 8 June 90 Henry Alley of Prince George County
Bob (23 yrs), Roger (17 yrs), Lewis (15 yrs on 3 June last) -Roger and Lewis to be free at
further research by those seeking to make connections between slaves and holders. of my said trustees I request and desire the monthly meeting of Friends called Quakers
then lend her ie Aggai to nephew Wylie Turner, free Negro and requests he treats her
my will and desire that Eliza a free black woman who now lives with me should have a part
in June 1801; Ben aged abt 2 to be free in April 1803; Lydia aged abt 1 to be free in
persuaded that freedom is the natural rightdo unto othershaving under my care
21; being fully persuaded that freedom is the natural right of all man kind and that it is
same date. Virginia Slaves Freed after 1782. DB 8:202, William Bouldin to negro woman Charlotte and Clovey. 97rec 20 Mar 83and p. 166--since Jesse Henley and Anne his wife had a part of
the said Negrorec September court 1797 along with receipt for the 80L from Moody, p. 19729 Jan 1798John Bolling of Chesterfield emancipates
Abba.July 16, 1796 John Abba.June 10, 1798 Will Abba.Feb 15, 1800 Hanner Abba
[a free Negroe] 313 acres for seven years starting 1 Jan 1800for $20
charged with murdering her bastard child 23 December last. Cloe the mother of the
followed that inhuman trade ( of which I now declare my detestation) and who afterwards
Stribbling, Jack, free man, living with Marryana Noble, Sarah, free woman, living with Lawrence Lewis, Moses Graham & Flora his wife living with John Rhodes, George Wilson & Fillis his wife on Blue Ridge, Clary a Mollattoe living with Hannah Cooper, Lymas, Daniel Cooper, Cyrus & Lydia } liviing with William Jolli__. 13 January 1799. 1821rec 26 Mar 1821, end of book and end of Surry County will abstracts, p. 1364 July 82James X Watkins of Sussex being fully persuaded
1799. 1798, proved 10 September 1798. p.445, John Lester for 65 pounds by my negro man slave James Cole emancipate and set
1809rec 2 Sept 1813, p.124will of William Gilliam of Sussexhas land in Surry and
Antislavery factions argued that this revolt demonstrated the corruptive effects of slavery and refuted enslavers claims of the contented slave. 2005 By the Library of Virginia. is natural right etc and doing unto others etc emancipates two Negroes viz Jack aged abt
167 and 269Milisent Ricks frees Tom Buck born 23 April 74; Sarah the 8 Nov 92
Contents of these records concern the business of the Virginia government's requisition faithful services and good behaviour frees Negro man Jack aged between 45 and 5014
Whereas the said John Plenty stands justly indebted to the said John Grammer
(12), Samuel (8), Ned son of Molly (5), Joseph (1), Andrew (3), Moriah (35), Prissy (10),
22. of Charles City County. aged 1 when he is 21 on 12 Nov 1802 reserving guardianship etc23 Dec 82rec 3
liberate and set free at this time one of the Negroes ie Bobso does so24 July
lately emancipated by the will of Catherine Williamson to James Garriott. him30 April 91rec 15 Dec 91, p. 136overseers of poor bind John Brewer orphan of Henry Brewer to
Clarissa Martin. 17 Negroes now in their minority frees the males at 21 and the females at 18 vizt:
State of Virginia Do hereby in consideration of faithful services manumit and forever set
Phoebe and James children of little Suckey and Charles, Cloe and little Tom Sallys
Will, Amy, Mingo, James, Jenny, Tom, Affey, Tiller, Joseph, Cupit, Charles,
9 June 1800. p.116, William Nimmo, merchant, for divers good causes emancipate a certain mulatto
Item I give to Nancy, a free woman of colour called Nancy Lipscomb one hundred and
into ct proceedings 21 July 1817, Southampton County Deed Book 16
1800. proved 1 September 1800. p.704, I Littleberry Wilcox of the County of Halifax in the state of North Carolina in
Berekley property of William Whitfield of Sussex County and among such of my said children
should give such bond or bonds as may be required by the court of Southampton or any other
87rec 14 Feb 88, p. 140Robert Ricks of Sohamptonfreedom is natural right and
the age of twenty one years. a free woman to all intents and purposes rec 14 Oct 05. p. 172 5 Feb 06 Alexander Banks of town of Manchester
otherwise be under care of trustees appointed by the Monthly Meeting. liberty and discharged from the service of any person whatsoever and enjoy the benefit of
hath given to me a just & equitable right to the labor or service of any
and doing unto others etcfrees Negro Ned Mears aged abt 402 Feb 99rec 3
25 March 1799. proved 8 April
twenty years, Jack also a mulatto boy aged about eighteen years (which said last mentioned
othersunder our care one Negro of the following name Charles Rivers aged 22 yrs, we
yrs), Judy (20 yrs), Grace (22 yrs) I do therefore emancipate and set free the above said
to the more socially tolerant climate of Ohio. Nicholas Stanback. The central figures were cunning tricksters, often represented as tortoises, spiders, or rabbits, who defeated more powerful enemies through wit and guile, not power and authority. He married Salley Talbott. or more, the largest size category enumerated in the census, and another 2,882 farms of 500-999 done as 20 acres of land seems not sufficient for a man of industry it is my will he may
right to property and her posterityfrees Negro girl named Milly Simpson when she
Leonard at his death in consequence of the services which he has rendered him25 Jan
slave Betty. 5 July 1798, proved 10 September 1798. 10 August 1794. proved 6 Oct 1794. p.358, I Joseph Harding do believe that God created all Men equally free. the age of ten years Kitty about the age of seven years Polly about the age of four years
[in crack] Fanny in Aug 9813 Sept 82rec 6 Mar 83, p. 148Sarah Hollowell, Scott Hollowell, William Hollowell and
p.195, 15 November 1802, deed of emancipation from Peter Fagan to a
and sufficient have emancipated a mulatto woman formerly the property of Jerman Baker,
aged abt 20; Izabell aged abt 18 and reserving
the Remonstrance and Petition of the Free Inhabitants of Amelia County, 8-10 . Gabriel was a literate enslaved blacksmith hired out to work in Richmond by his enslaver, Thomas Prosser of Henrico County. Learn more. for 80L sells to Betty Hollowell a free woman of colour, Scotland late the slave of the
permission to bind himself to sd Cary for a Term, not exceeding seven years,
and shoemakerEubank not to remove from counties of Henrico or Chesterfield7
Gambo, a shoe and bootmaker, for 200 dollars, Emancipate. And provided she shall have a child or children and I leave no
34. natural love and blessings of freedom frees her husband Bryant20 January
Throughout slavery and beyond, spirituality and the church served a vital role in Black communities. esq3 Sept 93rec same, p. 180Thomas Uzzell Sr of I of Wfreedom is natural right and
those in minority, reserves guardianship until males 21 and females 18not all have
care of herself then she is to get the whole of his estate of what kind so everin
his niece and one to his nephewemancipates Negro woman Peg to enjoy all the
young ones until they arrive to the ages fixt for their freedom by me and no longer
Barrow and the other half I give and bequeath with the interest arising thereon to be
liberated him one bed and furniture and 4 head of cattle, one mare, one looking glass and
Hannah Green 19 on 1 Sept last; Silvia Diggs 19 on 17 Sept last; Patty Diggs 17 in April
fit28 July 82rec 25 Feb 83, Surry County Deed Book 12
In summer of 2017 I was able to help save a slave house. Sussex whom he purchased at a sale of estate of Wm Daviss, decd1 Dec 1800ack
I give and bequeath
6 January 1800. proved
In 1861, they formed the new state of West Virginia rather than join the Confederacy. said brother till they arrive to the age of twenty five years and then they and their
proved 2 January 1797. p.479, I John Plenty Emancipate a Negro woman Polina and her son Abram which I
p.131, Coltilde Miller Leslie widow of Philip Marchand, deceased, late inhabitante of
proved 12 July 1802. p.479, I William G. Payne do liberate one mulatto girl Judah commonly called by the
consideration of 75 pounds paid by said Diana emancipate and set free. 1791 to David Clopton and Job Clarke for the benefit of Rebecca Bennett our
emancipated by Philip Davis. Delpha 25 December 1805, Veney 25 December 1808, Winey 25 December 1809, Dice 25 December
writing emancipate and set free my Negro man Francis aged abt 43 yrs and woman Cis abt 35
Nancy. kind so ever except my Negro man named Robbin which I hereby liberate and set free, but
under the care and management of the said Rees Cadwallader and David Ross if then living
the proprietors of the town of Swansborough sells to Edward B. Edwards a man of colour for
related terms such as African American, black, mulatto and colored are used as in the source or at own mind being fully persuaded that freedom is the natural right of all mankind and that
13 day 1st month 1799. p.675, Joseph Price to a mulatto man commonly called Isaac Price about 25 years of age. Nathaniel Sebrell a per bill of sale of this date25 Feb 1806rec
Deed Book 10, p.25, I Joseph Quinichet for certain reasons free ony yellow woman called
1786rec 27 Feb 1787affirmed by Aaron Cornwell and Jacob White, p. 240Jacob White of Perquimons Co, NCfreedom is natural right
under my care Negroes now in their minority of the following names and ages vizt Moses (16
the care of his mother Fanny except the silver spoons with my silver watch and gold seal
Amelia County, Virginia, Buildings Survey: Sites and Survivors of the Colonial and Federal Periods. turns 217 Feb 91rec same, p. 313Prudence X Clark of I of Wfreedom is natural right and
18 viz: Hannah in July 92; Joseph in Mar 85; Sampson on 1 Nov 87; Jane on 13 Dec 86; Peggy
Negro man Moses abt 25 yrs12 July 1817rec in clerks office 12 June 1817 and
will be 18 on 15 Dec 1807; and Negro boy Moses Moseley when he is 21 on 29 Dec
Note the different register styles represented in this volume from Goochland County, 1804-1864 vs. one from Chesterfield County, 1804-1830. free30 May 1801rec 6 July 1801, p. 587will of Timothy Tynesall of my slaves of every
Negro or Negroes and the rest of my children shall be entitled thereto. freedom is the natural right of all mankind, on which account I am much distressed in mind
Lett, to be free the
1806rec 17 July 06, p. 405James Canady of James City for natural love and affection
for sixty two pounds ten shillings, given (as appears by the will aforesaid) for the said
own labor also gives her the use and labor of one of my Negro Women to be chosen by her
p.299, It appearing that Lewis Jones a Negro fellow and to be the bearer
12 July 1802. Dec 1811rec 9 Dec 1811. Twenty One Southern Families: Notes and Genealogies by Elizabeth Pryor Harper Wil Book 3-385, will of John Pryor, wr 3 Sep 1785, pr 27 Oct 1785 . going unto others etc frees Negroes Charles aged 41 and James aged 329 Sept
desire to be done by in the like situation and having under my care a Negro woman named
natural right of all mankind and that it is my duty to do to others as I would desire to
five years from and after my decease and at the expiration of the said term of five years
1801rec 6 April 1801, p. 596Joseph Duck of I of Wfreedom is natural right and doing
will mentioned, and from her husband (a free man of color) the said Cuffie, compensation
Ann Margreatwants above mentioned Janny to have the care of her dau Linda until she
Lewis born 5 Oct 81; and Rachel born 21 Feb 84when they turn 21 if male and 18 if
for 50L current Negro man Jack on 3 Jan 98, p. 351John Joyner of I of WBill of Rights, freedom is natural
Nathan Ayres of Buckingham County recorded in county court 8 March 1784. p.338, 27 July 1795, William Randolph to negroe Rebecca. July 12 1808 Easter Aba to be free Apr 12 1808 And all that may be born before their
I also do manumit a mulatto
Cyfax, Sue, Doll, Siller, Linder, Jude, Ame, Jacob, Tiller. writing had never existedThos Davis, Peter Butts, John Dennen and Elias X Love
Deed Book 18:113, 17 February 1801, I Benjamin Jones for sundry good
30 December 1812, Jinny Miller emancipated by John Mason, dark complexion,
31 August 1782. p.149, 6 January 1783, William Binford to 18 of his Negro slaves to wit George, Joseph,
& Edmund Bayly, Jr. (Source: Stratton Nottingham, Wills
To my
As New York Citys Colored American newspaper explained, This Country is Our Only Home. assembly frees mulatto woman Ariana aged abt 23 and her child Kizzea abt 3 yrs old9
forth tht she is entitled to her freedom by Deed of Emancipation from William Early. divers other considerations me thereunto moving frees himto all intents and purposes
his fidelity and good services and moreover wishing to comply with the law of the French
p.209, I Elizabeth Galt for 70 pounds have emancipated a negro woman named Charlotte
lawful age. Jacob, Anna, and Fanny. suitable educationleaves other items to nieces, nephews, etc24 March
5'3", yellow complexion. forever and as to the increase or children the said Annaka and Fanny now have I lend them
1796-1806, p. 1 Elizabeth X Gilliam of Sussex County my will and
John children of said Maolly. Sept 8, 1789 the two last to be free at 21 yrs of agerec 8 April 1790, p. 68914 Aug 1790--William McKenzie of Chesterfield for divers good
30; Treasey, 28; Sam, 35; Harry 34; Moses, 35; Chaunce, 27; Joan, 24; Tom, 21; Moses, 21
my execs at the place where he now lives to the best advantage to sure his labor as he has
aged abt 16; and Isaac abt 5 yrs19 Jan 90rec 9 April 90seems out of
1 January 1793. pages 291-2, I Robert Carter set free Willoby Grumby, Jesse Richardson, Daniel Conway,
3 on 18 Dec 1800; Beck abt 2 on 12 Oct 98; Silvy abt 1 on 10 June 99; Jacob abt 1 on 15
Deed Book 6, 1800-1803, p.243, Foster to Nancy White emancipation. But if any of my children shall claim and hold in
abt 19 yrs 10 months) [last day of Feb 89], Silvey (9 yrs) [8 Nov 96], Selah (8 yrs) [1
consideration of 37L pd by Robert Pollock for and in behalf of my Negro woman slave named
The earliest section of the main house on the plantation dates to the 1740s. apparently 25 yrs old viz: Sam in 1811; George in 1813; Lucy in 1811; Sall in 1815;
William White. cildren to be free at 25 and her female at 18. Margaret at $200, all listed together among 32 other slavesrec 22 May
life. 29 March 1803 when Sam registered: aged forty-fiveblack colour
2 January 1792. p.239, I Robert Carter set free Joe Reed, Robert Robinson, Anthony Harris, Keziah
mentioned. Charles Tynes, Sr shall build himself a house on sd half of David Tynes tract and that he
legal to manumit slaves other than for special services rendered (such as aborting a slave
which said woman has been hitherto held as a slave and was purchased by the aforesaid
old24 Feb 1801rec same, p. 191Whereas Richard Cocke Jr late of Surry decd did by his
free. 21ie on 1 Jan 178513 Aug 1782rec 2 Nov 1782, p. 89William Butler of Sohamptonfreedom is natural right and
), SURNAME MATCHES AMONG AFRICAN AMERICANS ON 1870 CENSUS. and four children Silla (19), Pleasant (6), Charlotte (4), Betty (2 months). Edmund, America, Charles, and Katy as soon as they respectively arrive to the age of
Will; and that the Identity of the aforesaid persons may in future be better known, and
At the same time, enslaved Black people exerted a profound influence on all aspects of American culture. Esq., deceased, aged about forty three years and commonly called Betsy Ampey and
Orders 1796-8, 2 May 1796, p.53, Deed of Emancipation Samuel John Sykes to his slave
and Administrations of Accomack County, Virginia, 1663-1800, p. 399, Heritage
Nat Turner, an enslaved preacher and self-proclaimed prophet, led the bloodiest slave revolt in U.S. history in Southampton County. District and Sumpter Countyso this deed
pay them in bonds or accompts-[5 June 1818?] of William Knox of this town. age13 Jan 91rec 10 Feb 91, p. 530Benjamin Drew of Sohamptonwith authority of act of
months3 Mar 1806rec 7 April 1806, p. 1664 Oct 05Ephraim X Tynes [free Negro] sells to Jn Chapman
guardianship13 Aug 82rec 14 Nov 1782proved by affirmation of Sampson
available through Heritage Quest at http://www.heritagequest.com/ . document states that these are the dower slaves of Frances Tabb. and 1806 [PPTL 1782-1812, frames 114, 627, 639, 667]. Free negro registrations contain the name of the free person, sometimes their age and a brief physical description, and a statement based either on another person's knowledge or on other official documentary evidence seen by the certifier that this person was either born free or was emancipated.