FAGAN FAMILY

Members of the Fagan family, born about 1750 were

1    i. Peter¹, born say 1740.

ii. William, born say 1746, a taxable head of a Bertie County, North Carolina household with his unnamed wife in the list of Samuel Granberry for 1774.

 

1.   Peter¹ Fagan, born say 1740, was called "a Negro man late the slave of Frederick Parker" in Sussex County court on 19 September 1765 when he recorded an order of confirmation of his freedom from the Halifax County, North Carolina court [Sussex County Orders 1764-66, 301]. He was called "A Free Negro...a Dancing Master living in Halifax (North Carolina) or Southampton County, Virginia" when a British merchant made a claim for a debt Peter had owed him since 1776 [NCGSJ XI:247]. In 1787 he was paid by the Southampton County estate of Lucy Hunt for teaching Charles and Henry Briggs to dance [WB 2:212]. He married Ariana, "property of Col. Kello," by 7 January 1786 marriage return of David Barrow. On 4 January 1793 he was called Peter Fagan, Sr., when he manumitted a woman named Harriet, otherwise called Harriet Johnson, after purchasing her from Henry Adams of Southampton County, stating in the Isle of Wight County deed that she had formerly belonged to Colonel Richard Kello and that he had purchased her with the intention of setting her free [DB 17:113]. He was called a "F.N." when he purchased 60 acres on the road leading to the courthouse and the road leading to Cabin Point in Southwarke Parish, Surry County, from Robert Cocke for 5 shillings on 22 January 1793 [DB 1:65]. He sued the executor of Daniel Fisher for £25 on 23 March 1797 and against the executors of David Putney on 22 March 1798 in Greensville County [Orders 1790-9, 474, 528; 1799-1806, 400], and on 9 February 1801 he was paid £3 by the Greensville County estate of James Epps for teaching his daughter Polly Epps to dance during the year 1800 [WB 1:475]. He was taxable on a horse in St. Luke's Parish, Southampton County, from 1801 to 1811 [PPTL 1792-1806, frames 514, 552, 621, 691, 805, 841; 1807-21, frames 71, 163, 191]. His deed of emancipation to a member of his family was proved in Southampton County court on 15 November 1802. He sued a number of people for debt in Southampton County between 1793 and 1805. He won a Southampton County case against John Wright for failing to pay the dancing school fees for his two daughters. Wright brought a suit in chancery against Peter in August 1805 claiming that Peter had moved away and neglected the school, but Peter replied that the school was kept by his son Peter, Jr., who was equally qualified [Minutes 1793-99, 33; 1799-1803, 195; 1804-7, 82, 83; LVA chancery case 1814-003]. On 13 June 1808 the Greensville County court awarded him £21 in his suit against Andrew Rhea [Orders 1806-10, 237]. He was head of a Petersburg household of 5 "other free" in 1810, and there was another who was head of a Petersburg household of 1 "other free" and 2 slaves [VA:126b, 125b]. Peter was the ancestor of

2    i. Peter², Jr., born about 1767.

ii. ?Thomas, a "Mulatto" taxable in Mecklenburg County from 1809 to 1818 [PPTL 1806-28, frames 134, 162, 235, 338, 388, 595, 654].

iii. ?John,  head of a Mecklenburg County household of 4 "free colored" in 1820.

 

2.    Peter² Fagan, Jr., born about 1767, was taxable in Cabin Point District of Surry County, Virginia, from 1791 to 1805: called Peter Phaygan, Junr., in 1791 when he was listed with Anne, "a slave now his wife;" taxable on Major Debrix's tithe in 1792; taxable on a slave named Sarah in 1794; taxable on a slave and a two-wheeled carriage in 1796; taxable on 2 slaves in 1797; taxable on Tom French's tithe, slaves Sarah and Cupid, and a carriage in 1798 and 1799 [PPTL, 1791-1816, frames 15, 65, 115, 166, 242, 292, 330, 371, 410, 485, 563, 593]. He was taxable on 60 acres in 1799 [1799 Land Tax List, p.7] and he was in the list of "Free Negro's" in Surry County in 1803: a dancing master living at Cabin Point. Anna Fagan was listed separately in the list of "Molatto's: a seamstress at Cabin Point with Siah Fagan, also a seamstress [A List of free Negro's and Molatto's, 1803, http://familysearch.org/search/catalog, film no. 4121845, frames 8 and 11 of 16]. Anna registered in Surry County on 8 April 1807: Anna alias Anna Fagan a Mulatto woman, who was emancipated by Benjamin Drew by his deed (of emancipation) bearing date the 20^th day of December 1792 and carried to record in the County Court of Southampton the 10^th January 1793 as appears by an attested copy of said deed...The said Anna is of a bright complexion, long but bushey Hair, small Eye-brows, 5'4" high rather delicately made, aged about 21 years [Back of Guardian Accounts Book 1783-1804, no. 65]. And she registered in Petersburg on 9 June 1810: a bright yellow brown Mulatto woman, five feet three and a half inches high, twenty five years old, long bushy hair, delicately made, emancipated by Benjamin Drew in Southampton County [Register of Free Negroes 1794-1819, no. 584]. Peter registered in Southampton County on 14 July 1804: age 37, blk, 5 feet 5 inches, emancipated by Peter Fagan, Sr. [Register of Free Negroes 1794-1832, nos. 311, 412]. He was head of a Southampton County household of 2 "other free" in 1810. Ann Fagan was head of a Petersburg household of 3 "other free" in 1810 [VA:334b]. On 26 October 1808 Peter purchased 1-acre lot no. 34 in the Blandford section of Petersburg for £50 [DB 3:346]. He was in the List of People of Couler in Petersburg in 1821 with Bridget Fagan, both laborers, and children Sarah and Nancy. Anna Fagan, a seamstress, was in a household in a different area of Petersburg with children Walter, Richard, Ariadna, Archibald and Rosalva. She made a deed of gift (signing) of her household furniture to her daughter Areadnae K. Traylor on 1 June 1826 [DB 8:14]. Peter made a 21 December 1826 Petersburg will by which he left his property to his children Peter, Sarah, Moses, Richard and Nancy Faggins [WB 2:232]. He and/ or Anna were the parents of

i. ?Peter³, born say 1786, taxable in Meherrin Parish, Brunswick County, Virginia, from 1804 to 1813, listed as a "Free Negro" from 1811 to 1813 [PPTL 1799-1815, frames 240, 343, 388, 433, 519, 559], head of a Free Town, Brunswick County household of 1 "other free" in 1810 [VA:769].

ii. Sarah.

iii. Moses.

iv. Walter, born 6 October 1808, registered on 11 July 1818: 10 yrs old Oct 6 next, has short light brown curled hair and light brown complection, gray or bluish eyes [Register of Free Negroes 1794-1819, no. 922].

v. Nancy.

vi. Richard, born 12 September 1810 registered on 28 July 1818: 8 yrs old 12 Sept next, very light brown complection, has brown curled hair, dark grey eyes [Register of Free Negroes 1794-1819, no. 584].

vii. Ariadna, born 6 November 1812, registered on 11 July 1818: 6 yrs old 6 Nov next, very light brown complection, light brown long hair, dark hazle eyes [Register of Free Negroes 1794-1819, no. 924].

viii. Archibald, born 15 September 1814 registered on 28 July 1818: 4 rs old 15 Sept next, light brown complection, brown curled hair, dark eyes [Register of Free Negroes 1794-1819, no. 925].

ix. Rosalva, born 3 October 1816, registered on 28 July 1818: light brown complection, has brown curled hair [Register of Free Negroes 1794-1819, no. 926].

 

FAGGOTT FAMILY

1.    Mary Faggot, born say 1720, was living in Prince Edward County in May 1757 when the court ordered George Ewing, Sr., to appear in court to prove that he was holding (her son) Jethro Faggott, a "Molatto boy," under legal indentures. In October 1757 the court ruled that the indentures were not legal and ordered Mary to pay her witness Charles Irby 103 pounds of tobacco for testifying for her and travelling twenty-six miles from his home (in Amelia County). The court also ordered the churchwardens of St. Patrick's Parish to bind Jethro to Ewing on condition that he post a bond of £300 not to remove him out of the colony [Orders 1754-8, 112, 127, 129]. Mary may have been identical to Mary Taggat, a white woman, whose "Molatto" son Peter was bound out by the churchwardens of Lunenburg County to Hugh Lawson on 9 July 1752 [Lunenburg County Orders 1752-3, 69]. Mary Faggot was the ancestor of

i. ?Agnes, born say 1739, called "Agnes Foquett, a "Mulatto," in Rowan County, North Carolina, on 25 October 1760 when she successfully sued Hugh Lawson for her freedom [Minutes 1753-67, 76, 78]. She married Isaac Freeman 19 January 1762 Rowan County bond.

ii. Peter, born say 1750, bound to Hugh Lawson in Lunenburg County on 9 July 1752.

iii. Jethro, born say 1753, a "Malatto" boy bound to George Ewing in Prince Edward County in October 1757.

iv. Phil Fagget, born about 1780, registered in Frederick County on 12 March 1816: a black man thirty six years of age, five feet seven inches high, was born free as appears by an affidavit made by Jesse Mandley on 14 May 1806 [Fagget, Phil (M, 36): Free Negro Register, 1816, African American Narrative Digital Collection, LVA].

 

FARRAR/ FARROW FAMILY

Members of the Farrar family were

1    i. ___ , born say 1746.

2    ii. Drury¹, born say 1748.

iii. Joseph Ferrar, born say 1750, married Mally Gantlet, "Molattoes in Goochland," on 23 September 1773.

iv. Mally¹, born say 1752, married Stephen Scott, "Molattoes," on 10 November 1773 [Jones, The Douglas Register, 347].

v. John¹ Farrow, enlisted in the Revolution from Goochland County on 9 March 1781 for 18 months and was sized about the same time: age 21, 5'2-1/2" high, yellow complexion, a waggoner, born in Richmond City [The Chesterfield Supplement or Size Roll of Troops at Chesterfield Court House, LVA accession no. 23816, by http://revwarapps.org/b81.pdf (p. 9)]. Benjamin Farrow received his final pay of £17 [NARA, M881, Roll 1092, frame 91 of 2281; https://www.fold3.com/image/23344373]. John Farrar was a "Mulatto" taxable in Powhatan County from 1788 to 1792 [PPTL, 1787-1825, frames 18, 32, 46, 60, 77]. He and Benjamin Farrow were on a list of soldiers who had served in the Revolution but had not received bounty land by 7 January 1835 [Brumbaugh, Revolutionary War Recorfds, 237].

vi. Benjamin Farrow, born about 1760, enlisted in the Revolution as a substitute in Goochland County on 20 March 1781 for 18 months and was sized in April the same year: age 21, 5'3-3/4" high, yellow complexion, a waiter, born in Goochland County [The Chesterfield Supplement or Size Roll of Troops at Chesterfield Court House, LVA accession no. 23816, by http://revwarapps.org/b81.pdf (p. 9)]. He received his final pay of £17 on 25 February 1783 [NARA, M881, Roll 1092, frame 89 of 2281; https://www.fold3.com/image/23344368]. He married Elizabeth Cockrane, 10 March 1784 Goochland County bond, Mary Cockrane surety, Fleming Payne witness. Benjamin Farrow/ Farrar was a "Free Negro" taxable in the northern district of Campbell County from 1800 to 1806 [PPTL, 1785-1814, frames 484, 544, 622]. He was taxable in Fluvanna County in 1801 [PPTL, 1782-1818, frame 271] and was a boatman on the James River in the list of free Negroes and Mulattos for Fluvanna County with (wife) Betsy and children Benjamin, Maryann, Sally and Susanna [Fluvanna Historical Society, "A List of Fre Negros & Mulattos," photographed by Robert Vernon].

vii. Lucy Farrow, a "FN" taxable in Botetourt County on a horse in 1806 and listed in 1813 [PPTL 1787-1810, frame 565; 1811-1822, frame 513].

 

1. ____ Farrow, born say 1730, may have married or had children by Amy Bowles and died before 1783. Amy Bowles was taxable on 2 horses and 8 cattle in Albemarle County in 1782 [PPTL, 1782-1799, frame 6] but called Amy Farrar in 1783 and Amy Farrow from 1786 to 1797 in Fredericksville Parish, Albemarle County: taxable on 2 horses and 5 cattle in 1783; a free male tithable, 3 horses and 8 cattle in 1786, 1787 and 1789; taxable on 2 free males and 3 horses in 1790 and 1794 [PPTL, 1782-1799, frames 29, 75, 116, 201, 418, 480, 515]. And she was called Amy Boles when she was paid 10 shillings by the estate of William Lewis for the support of his orphan Meriwether Lewis on 9 October 1788 [WB 3:78]. Amy Farrar, called Amy Farrow in the index to the deeds, purchased 224 acres in Albemarle County from William and Elizabeth Johnson on 13 July 1788 for £100. This was land in the same area as land which the Johnsons sold to Charles Barnett the previous year on 30 January 1787 [DB 9:337, 451]. Amy Farrow made a 21 October 1797 Albemarle County will, proved in October 1798, by which she left 224 acres to her sons Zachariah Bowls (Bowles) and Thomas Farrow and mentioned "All my children." Usly Topence (Twopence) was a witness [WB 4:14]. Amy was the mother of

i. Lucy¹, born say 1764, married Charles Barnett, 7 September 1785 Albemarle County bond, George Mann bondsman.

ii. Zachariah Bowles, born about 1769.

iii. ?Molly², born say 1772, taxable on a horse in Fredericksville Parish, Albemarle County, in 1794 [PPTL, 1782-1799, frame 418].

iv. ?Reuben, born about 1774, taxable in Fredericksville Parish, Albemarle County, in 1794, 1795, 1798, and from 1801 to 1813: listed with 2 horses in 1801; called "or gardner" in 1805; called a "Mulatto" from 1810 to 1813 [PPTL, 1782-99, frames 418, 448, 554, 590; 1800-1813, frames 72, 118, 250, 296, 387, 434, 566]. He was called Reuben Farrar when he sued Minan Mills in Albemarle County court on 5 May 1797 for trespass, assault and battery. Mills pleaded not guilty and said the beating, if any there was, proceeded from an assault by the plaintiff. The jury found for Reuben and awarded him a penny [Orders 1795-8, 316, 355]. He registered in Albemarle County on 10 March 1810: a man of Colour about thirty six years of age, five feet 10-3/4 inches high [Orders 1810-11, 66].

v. Thomas², born about 1778, taxable in Fredericksville Parish, Albemarle County, in 1799, 1802, 1804, and from 1805 to 1810: taxable on 2 horses in 1799; called a "Mulatto" from 1805 to 1810 [PPTL, 1782-1799, frames 589; 1800-1813, frames 27, 117, 207, 250, 296, 343, 386], perhaps the Thomas Farrar who was a "M"(ulatto) taxable in adjoining Buckingham County on a tithe and 2 horses in 1804 and taxable in 1807 [PPTL 1804-9]. He registered in Albemarle County on 6 June 1808: a free man of yellowish complexion aged about twenty nine years, five feet nine & 3/4 inches high [Orders 1808-10, 16]. He made a 25 May 1810 Albemarle County will, proved 7 August 1810, by which he left his land and property to his brother Zachariah Boles (Bowles) and sister Lucy Barnett and left furniture to his nieces Judah and Molly Bowles, daughters of Lucy Barnett. He also gave a bedstead that was then at Peter Bowles's to his brother Zachariah. And he gave four windsor chairs to James Bowles, son of Susanna Bowles. He appointed his brother Zachariah Bowles as trustee for his sister Lucy so her husband Charles Barnett should derive no advantage from the property since he had absented himself for many years. Zachariah and Lucy were executor and executrix [WB 5:77].

 

2.   Drury¹ Ferrar, born say 1748, married "______, Mulattoes in this parish," on 27 October 1769 [Jones, The Douglas Register, 347]. He was living in Cumberland County, Virginia, in November 1774 when he was presented for failing to list himself as a tithable but discharged (along with forty-two other persons) on 24 March 1778 for reasons appearing to the court [Orders 1774-8, 300, 441]. He was taxable on 3 horses and 7 cattle in Albemarle County in 1783 [PPTL, 1782-99, 29], a "Mulatto" taxable on 2 horses and 8 cattle in Powhatan County from 1784 to 1786 [PPTL 1782-86, frames 663, 680, 695], and taxable on 2 horses in Goochland County from 1790 to 1792 [PPTL 1782-1809, frames 236, 280, 295]. Robert Pleasants won a suit against him in Goochland County in August 1790 for a debt of £10 he owed since 19 March 1788 for the rent of a plantation in Powhatan County in 1785 and 1786, and Drury brought suit in chancery court in Goochland County against Robert Pleasants on 18 October 1790, claiming he had paid part of the rent. Samuel Howell deposed in Vaughan's Tavern in Richmond on 25 February 1791 that he recalled that Drury lived for two years on a plantation of Robert Pleasants in Powhatan County, and Samuel Red (who was emancipated by deed of Robert Pleasants acknowledged in Henrico County court on 4 November 1782 [Orders 1781-4, 114]) deposed in Vaughan's Tavern that Drury had admitted to him that he owed Pleasants the money and would have to sell some of his horses and cattle to pay the debt [Chancery case 1792-001, LVA; http://virginiamemory.com/collections/chancery].   He was called "Drury Farrow free negroe" when he was taxable on his son Daniel in St. Ann's Parish, Albemarle County, in 1802 [1800-1813, frame 96], a "M"(ulatto) taxable in Buckingham County in 1804 [PPTL 1804-9], and a "Free N." taxable in the northern district of Campbell County from 1805 to 1813: called "Sr." in 1809, listed with 2 free males and 4 free persons of color in 1813 [PPTL, 1785-1814, frames 622, 695, 730, 767, 803, 853]. On 6 October 1814 he and his wife Elizabeth Farrow gave consent for their daughter Betsy Farrow to marry Littleberry Moss in Campbell County with Drury Farrow, Jr., and Daniel Farrow as witnesses [Marriage Bonds and Consents, 1782-1853, frames 496-8]. He was the father of

3     i. ?Drury², born say 1771.

4    ii. ?Thomas¹,  born say 1775.

iii. ?James, born about 1780, registered in Campbell County on 23 October 1834: Age: 54, 5 feet 8 Inches, bright Complexion, Born free. And his wife Charity Farrar registered on the same day: Age: 54, 5 feet 2-1/2 Inches, bright Complexion, Born free [A Register of Free Negroes and Malattoes, p. 13]. He was called James Farrow in 1813 when he was a "free Negro" taxable on a female free person of color in Campbell County [PPTL, 1785-1814]. He was a 60-year-old farmer listed with his wife Charity (age 53) near Elijah (30), Betsey (33) and Wilson Farrar in the northern district of Campbell County in 1833 [Campbell 1833 Free Negroes and Mulattoes, African American Narrative Digital Collection, LVA].

iv. Betsy, married Littleberry Moss, October 1814 Campbell County bond. She may have been the Betsy Farrar who was married to Benjamin Whitesides on 21 November 1831 when their daughter Judith Farrar registered in Amherst County: daughter of Benjamin and Betty Whitesides of dark complexion 5 feet 5 inches high about 34 years of age [Register #50]. Benjamin Whitesides was head of an Amherst County household of 4 "other free" in 1810 [VA:297].

v. Daniel, born about 1791, registered in Campbell County on 29 October 1831: Age: 40; 5 feet 10 Inches, Yellow Complexion, born free [Register of Free Negroes, 1801-50, p.  9].

vi. Mary, head of a Nelson County household of 2 "other free" in 1810 [VA:691].

 

3.    Drury² Farrar, born say 1771, married Elizabeth Banks, "daughter of Jacob Banks," 2 December 1792 Goochland County bond, 3 December marriage by Rev. Lewis Chaudoin. He was taxable on 2 horses in the upper district of Goochland County from 1790 to 1792 [PPTL, 1782-1809, frames 236, 280, 295], taxable in Fluvanna County on his own tithe and a 16-21 year-old tithable in 1793 [PPTL 1782-1826, frame 154] and a "F.N." taxable in the northern district of Campbell County in 1809 [PPTL, 1785-1814, frame 730]. He was called Drury Farrow when he was a "F.B." head of a Bedford County household of 6 "other free" in 1810 [VA:461], called Drury Farrar when he was a "Negr." taxable in the northern district of Bedford County from 1810 to 1816, listed with 2 tithes in 1813 (probably his wife) and in 1814 [PPTL 1806-16, frames 234, 325, 390, 453, 677]. He was a "F.N." taxable in Botetourt County from 1818 to 1820 [PPTL 1811-1822, frames 346, 391, 435]. He may have been the father of

i. Moses, a "Negr." taxable in the northern district of Bedford County in 1813 and 1816 [PPTL 1806-16, frames 390, 677].

 

4.     Thomas¹ Farrow, born say 1775, was taxable in the northern district of Campbell County in 1804 and 1805 and was listed as a "FN" in 1807 [PPTL 1782-1814, frames 595, 622, 695]. He and his wife Charity Farrer were the parents of John Pierce Farrer registered in Campbell County on 1 November 1830. Thomas and Charity were the parents of

i. ?John², born about 1797, registered in Campbell County on 3 October 1830: Age: 34; 5 Feet 7 Inches; Colour: Yellow; born free [Register p. 10].

ii. ?Wilson, born about 1799, registered in Campbell County on 16 June 1831: Age 32; 6 feet; Yellow Complexion, born free [Free Negro Register, p. 9].

iii. John Pierce, born about 1801, registered in Campbell County on 1 November 1830: Age: 29; 6 Feet 2-1/2 Inches, Bright Mallattoe, Born free and a son of Thomas and Charrity Farrer [Free Negro Register, p. 9].

iv. ?Elijah, born about 1804, registered in Campbell County in November 1836: Age: 32; 5 ft 7-1/2 in.; Bright complexion, Born free [Free Negro Register, p. 15].

 

FARRELL/ FERRELL FAMILY

1.    Mary Farrell, born say 1670, was the servant of Arthur Robins on 21 June 1687 when the Accomack County court ordered that she receive twenty-five lashes for having a bastard child, and she was the servant of William Bradford on 18 February 1690/1 when she confessed to the Accomack County court that she had an illegitimate child named Thomas Farrell who was begotten by "Spindolz, Negro Slave to ye Said Bradford." On 15 September 1691 she bound her son Thomas to William Bradford until the age of twenty-four years. On 21 March 1693 she won a suit against her master, Richard Bally, for her freedom dues, stating that she had served Arthur Robins and William Bradford before completing her indenture with Bally. The court found in her favor [W&Co 1682-97, 115; Orders 1690-7, 20a, 38, 99]. She was the mother of

2    i. Thomas¹, born 1690-1691.

 

2.    Thomas¹ Ferrell, born before 18 February 1690/1, was a "Mulatto" who petitioned the Accomack County court on 6 July 1715 for release from his indenture to William Bradford. He testified that he had completed twenty-four years of service as stipulated in his indenture, and the court ordered that he be released after verifying his age from the register of births [Orders 1714-7, 10]. However, he was still a servant on 14 December 1722 when he petitioned the Northampton County, Virginia court stating that he was born of a white woman and had completed thirty-one years of service. On 13 March 1722/3 the court allowed him three days liberty to get his indenture, and on 9 April 1723 the case was dismissed on agreement of the parties [Orders 1722-9, 41, 45, 55, 60; Mihalyka, Loose Papers I:52]. Thomas was taxable in the Northampton County household of Thomas Marshall from 1723 to 1725 and was head of his own household with (his wife?) Ann Ferrell in 1726 and 1727. Ann was taxable by herself in 1728 and 1729 in Jacob Stringer's household [Bell, Northampton County Tithables, 43, 60, 85, 109, 122, 171]. Ann was the mother of

i. Peter, bound by the Northampton County court to John Lowry with the consent of his mother Ann Ferrell on 15 May 1728 [Orders 1722-9, 327].

ii. Thomas², bound to John Lowry with the consent of his mother Ann Ferrell on 15 May 1728 [Orders 1722-9, 327].

iii. Moses, born in August 1730, bound to Abraham Collins with the consent of his mother Ann Ferril on 8 June 1736 [Orders 1732-42, 218].

iv. Sisley, born in the spring of 1734, bound apprentice to Savage Bloxam with the consent of her mother Ann Ferrill on 10 February 1735/6 [Orders 1732-42, 197].

 

Other members of the Ferrell family were

i. Adam Farrell, head of a Baltimore City, Maryland household of 7 "other free" in 1800 [MD:202].

ii. Charity, head of a Beaufort County, South Carolina household of 4 "other free" in 1800 [SC:88].

iii. John, head of a Colleton District, South Carolina household of 6 "other free" in 1810 [SC:603].

iv. Watson, head of a Colleton District, South Carolina household of 5 "other free" in 1810 [SC:603].

v. William, head of a Colleton District, South Carolina household of 5 "other free" in 1810 [SC:603].

 

FARTHING FAMILY

1.    Ann Farthing, born say 1718, was living in Saint Paul's Parish, Kent County, Maryland, on 19 June 1739 when the court convicted her of having a "Mollatto" child by a "Negro" [Criminal Record 1738-9, 178-180]. She was probably the ancestor of

i. Ann, head of a Kent County, Maryland household of 4 "other free" in 1810 [MD:844].

ii. Henrietta, a "mulatto" child living in Fairfax County, Virginia, on 17 February 1761 when the court ordered the churchwardens of Truro Parish to bind her as an apprentice to James McKensy [Orders 1756-63, 553].

 

FEARS FAMILY

James Fears, born about 1828 in Charlotte County, Virginia, was the third child of James Fears, Sr., and his wife Rebecca Dungy. He married Serena Catherine St. John, "free persons of colour," 18 December 1847 Charlotte County, Virginia bond. He registered in Charlotte County on 7 October 1850: Bright complexion, aged 22, free-born son of James Fears & Rebecca his wife. He was the son of James Fears who was the 3^rd great grandfather of M Eileen Watson: eileenwatson62@gmail.com

 

1.    Elizabeth Fears, born say 1774, daughter of Absolem Fears, married James Dungee, 2 March 1795 Prince Edward County bond, 5 March marriage. She was probably the mother of

i. James, born about 1795, an "of Col^r" or "free Negro" taxable in Prince Edward County from 1816 to 1820: listed in 1820 with John Dungee and taxable on 2 slaves [PPTL 1809-31, frames 185, 234, 255, 333]. He married Rebecca Dungey of Cumberland County, 28 December 1822 Prince Edward County bond, James Fears and Theodorick Carter securities. He registered in Charlotte County on 7 October 1850: a free man of bright mulatto Complexion, he was born free in the County of Prince Edward, fifty four years of age, 6 feet 3-1/2 inches high in shoes, a blacksmith by trade. His wife registered the same day: Rebecca Fears (the wife of James Fears a free woman of bright mulatto complexion. She was born free in the County of Cumberland is now 48 years of age & is 5 feet 2 inches high [Register of Free Negroes, 1794-1865, nos. 624-5].

 

FERGUSON FAMILY

Members of the Ferguson family were

1    ii. Jethro¹, born say 1756.

ii. Andrew, born about 1765, head of a Monroe County, Indiana household of 2 "free colored" in 1830. He was about seventy three when he appeared in Monroe County, Indiana, on 16 August 1838 to apply for a pension for his services in the Revolution. He stated that he was born in Dinwiddie County, Virginia, and was drafted in Dinwiddie County in January 1780 at the age of fifteen by General Green who was at that time (1 January 1780) in Dinwiddie County. Two weeks previous to being drafted in company with his father (Andrew Peeleg as he was called) they were taken prisoner by the British under John and James Cuglie. They ran away from them because they whipped them with cat o' nine tails, and they fell in with the American soldiers under Green. He was under the immediate command of Captain William Harris and Colonel William McCormick. He was wounded in the head at Guilford and stayed about a month in the iron works. After his discharge he went to the ironworks in North Carolina and was tended by Doctor Harris and Doctor Sidney and "Mr. Furgison sent one of his sons for me and I got home again on the last of November 1781". Daniel Strother, head of a Polk County, Missouri household of 4 "free colored" in 1840, testified that he visited Andrew in the hospital in Charlotte County, Virginia. Andrew was about 96 on 8 January 1851 when he appeared in court to apply for a full pension in place of the small sum he was then receiving. He stated that he was pressed into service in Dinwiddie County with his father Andrew Ferguson. He was a Coloured man that was born free, his father being a free man and his mother a free woman. He was living with his wife at the time [NARA, S.32243, M804, https://www.fold3.com/image/17570759].

iii. Isaac, born say 1770, head of a Wake County, North Carolina household of 6 "other free" in 1790 and 10 in Rowan County in 1800 [NC:408]. He was surety for the 12 June 1802 Rowan County marriage of Eli Pettiford and his unnamed bride.

iv. William, born say 1775, married Nancy Harris (born about 1786) by 27 October 1802 Rowan County, North Carolina bond. She was the oldest child of John and Mary Harris according to William Ferguson's deposition in support of the Harris family pension application [N.C. Archives file CR 104.923.2 by NCGSJ V:251-2]. William Ferguson was head of a Wilkes County household of 8 "free colored" in 1820 [NC:543].

v. Nathan, born 10 April 1776, a nine-year-old "Mullato Boy" the 10^th April Next, bound by the Craven County, North Carolina court to Benjamin Mason to be a house carpenter on 18 March 1785 [N.C. Archives file C.028.30007].

2    vi. Betty, born about 1776.

vii. John, born say 1780, taxable in the lower district of Prince Edward County in 1800 [PPTL, 1782-1809], a farmer in the list of free Negroes in the lower district in 1801 near Elizabeth Harris's [A List of Free Negroes and Mulattoes in the Lower District Pr. Edward County in the year Eighteen hundred and one, 1801, African American Narrative Digital Collection, LVA].

viii. Rhody, born about 1782, a spinner listed in the lower district of Prince Edward County in 1806; a cook and washer living at the courthouse with two small children, apparently identical to Rhoda Evans who registered in March 1832 with Betty and Phebe Ferguson: 50, free born [Orders 1782-1832, 599]. She was called Rhody Evans in 1801 and 1804, Rhoda Ferguson in 1805, Rhody Forguson with two small children in 1806, Rhody Evans in 1807, and Rhody Evins in 1821 with her children Elcy and Rhody.

ix. James, born say 1785, head of a Spotsylvania County household of 4 "other free" in 1810.

x. Jane, born say 1799, married Robert Campbell, "Free Persons of Colour," Fredericksburg, Virginia bond.

 

1.    Jethro¹ Ferguson, born say 1756, was taxable on a horse and 5 cattle in Prince Edward County in 1782, head of a Prince Edward County household of 4 "white" (free) persons in the 1783 census [VA:59], taxable in Prince Edward County on his own tithe, Absalom Fears, and John Evans in 1787, and on a tithe and 2 horses in 1800 [PPTL, 1782-1809]. He lived with his wife Elizabeth near Elizabeth Harris's in Prince Edward County with children Sampson, Peter, Stephen, Shadrack, Isaac, Polly, and Patty in 1801 and was living on his own land with his wife who was called Betty Smith in 1803 [List of Free People of Colour, 1801; List of free Negroes, 1803 July 16^th, 1803, African American Narrative Digital Collection, LVA]. He was head of a Prince Edward County household of 7 "other free" in 1810 [VA:566]. He was living on his own land in 1817 but was listed on John. C. Owens's land in 1819, and listed with wife Betsy and granddaughter Sally on John Hubbard's land in 1820 [A list of free people of colour taken in Prince Edward County, 1820, African American Narrative Digital Collection, LVA]. He was a "Negro" listed with his unnamed wife in the 1813 tax list for Prince Edward County, taxable on a tithe and 2 horses [PPTL, 1809-21, He was the father of

i. Charles, born say 1788, apparently identical to Sampson Ferguson, listed in the upper district of Prince Edward County in 1805 as an itinerant carpenter, listed in the lower district on John Grayham's land in 1806 [List Free People in T Green's District, African American Narrative Digital Collection, LVA], a "fN" taxable in Prince Edward County from 1809 to 1814 [PPTL, 1809-21, frames 3, 26, 72], a carpenter with wife Sally and children Joshua, Jack, Judith, Polly, Jesse & Jim in 1820, with (wife?) Sally Davidson & James, Jack, Polly, Judy and Joshua Ferguson, a carpenter living with wife Sally and children Joshua, Jack, Judith, Polly, Jesse, Jim and Elizabeth on James B. Morgan's land in 1822 [List of free negroes 1822, African American Narrative Digital Collection, LVA]. Charles was head of a Prince Edward County household of 5 "other free" in 1810 [VA:567].

ii. Peter, born about 1787, a farmer on Thomas Shepherd's land in 1809 [List of Free People of Colour in the District of Thomas Green, African American Narrative Digital Collection, LVA], head of a Prince Edward County household of 1 "other free" in 1810 [VA:565] and an "of Colour" taxable in Prince Edward County in 1814 [PPTl, 1809-21]. He was a 70-year-old "Mulatto" counted in the 1860 census for Prince Edward County with (wife?) Becca, age 50.

iii. Stephen, born about 1788, a "Col^d" taxable in Prince Edward County in 1812 and 1813 [PPTL, 1809-21, frames 82, 110], a carpenter living with his children Peter, Joseph, and Charles on Absalom Fear's land in 1822, with children Peter, Joe, Charles & Polly on William Jones's land in 1823 [List of Free negroes, African American Narrative Digital Collection, LVA], a "Mulatto" carpenter living with wife Susan in Appomattox County in 1850 and 1860.

iv. Patsy, born say 1789, living in the lower district of Prince Edward County with her brother Charles Forguson at Molloy's Place in 1807, a spinner and knitter [List of Free Negroes John Booker's District 1807, African American Narrative Digital Collection, LVA]. She married Alfred Tyler, 8 September 1817 Prince Edward County bond, Claiborne Evans surety, Jethro Ferguson father of the bride.

v. Shadrack, born about 1791, a "Col^d" taxable in Prince Edward County in 1813 [PPTL, 1809-21, frames 17, 82], registered in Prince Edward County in October 1824: free man, 33 [Orders 1824-8, 101].

vi. Jethro², not listed in his father's household until 1809 and 1811, so perhaps identical to Jesse, one of Jethro, Sr.'s other sons, listed again as Jethro Forguson "about his father's" (place) in 1818, with wife Sally and son William in 1821 [List of Free Negroes 1817, 1818, 1821, African American Narrative Digital Collection, LVA].

vii. Isaac, born about 1797, a 63-year-old farmer in the list of Free Negroes for Prince Edward County in 1860 [List of Free Negroes for Prince Edward County, 1860, African American Narrative Digital Collection, LVA], a 70-year-old "Mulatto" counted in the 1860 census for Prince Edward County with $180 real estate.

viii. Polly, a spinner at John Grayham's in 1805, perhaps the mother of Sally Ferguson, a child listed next to her [List of Free Negroes in John Nash's District in the year 1805, African American Narrative Digital Collection, LVA]. She wrote a letter to her brother Jethro Ferguson at Flood's Post Office in Buckingham County on 14 January 1837. The letter from Bedford County was included in an affidavit from Samuel Richardson that Judy Ferguson's free papers from Prince Edward County had been destroyed [Ferguson, Judy (F): Free Negro Affidavit, 1837, African American Narrative Digital Collection, LVA].

 

2.    Betty Ferguson, born about 1776, was in the list of free Negroes & Mulattoes in the lower district of Prince Edward County: a Mulattoe Woman living with her children Dick, Betty, and Peter on John Grayham's land, a cook and washer in 1801; with children Betty, Peter and Pheby in 1802; living at or near the courthouse with children Betsy, Peter, and Pherby Ferguson in 1806; living at Hustee & Buchanan's with Edmund Young and her children Phebe, William, Jourdan and Selina in 1817; with children Phebe, Salina, Betty, Jourdan, Jesse and Peggy in 1819 [A List of Free Negroes and Mulattoes in the Lower District Pr. Edward County in the year Eighteen hundred and one, 1801; List of Free People of Colour 1819, African American Narrative Digital Collection, LVA]. She registered in Prince Edward County in March 1832: 56 years of age, free born [Orders 1828-32, 599]. She was the mother of

i. Richard, a "Mulattoe" Boy living with his mother at John Grayham's in 1801. He was living with his wife Susan in 1807 when he and Joe Bartlett were apprentice shoemakers to Benjamin Short.

ii. Betty, doing housework at R. Venable's with Phebe Forguson in 1821.

iii. Peter, born about 1800, registered in Prince Edward County in January 1823: mulatto man born of Betsey Ferguson a free woman of color, 23, 5'8-1/2" [Orders 1821-4, 431], a ditcher counted in the 1850 census for Prince Edward County.

iv. Phebe, born about 1799, registered in Prince Edward County on 20 March 1832: a woman of Colour, born of a free woman, aged thirty three years, five feet one inch high, complexion yellow [Ferguson, Phebe (F, 33): Free Negro Certificate, 1832, African American Narrative Digital Collection, LVA], counted as head of a household in the 1850 census for Prince Edward County with (her brother?) William Ferguson, age 46.

v. Salina.

vi. William, born about 1804.

vii. Jourdan.

viii. Jesse.

ix. Peggy.

 

Endnotes:

1.    A "Mulatto" boy named Jethro Faggot was bound out in Prince Edward County court to George Ewing in October 1757 [Orders 1754-8, 112, 127, 129].

2.    Jethro Ferguson's sons were listed as follows:

1801: Sampson, Peter, Stephen, Shadrack, Isaac

1802: Charles, Peter, Stephen, Shadrack, Jethro, Isaac

1803: Sampson, Peter, Stephen, Shadrack, Simon, Isaac

1804: Sampson, Peter, Stephen, Shadrack, Simon, Isham

1805: Peter, Jesse, Shadrack, Isaac (Charles in own household)

1806: Peter, Stephen, Shadrack, Isaac, Jesse (Charles in own household)

1807: Stephen, Shadrack, Jesse, Isaac (Charles in own household)

1809: Shadrack, Jethro

 

FIELDING FAMILY

1.    Eleanor Fielding, born say 1732, was the mother of William Fielding, a "Mulatto" boy bound out by order of the York County court on 18 June 1753. She was the mother of

i. William, born say 1752,  the "Mulatto" son of Eleanor Fielding bound to Rev. John Camm of Yorkhampton Parish by order of the York County court on 18 June 1753 [Judgments & Orders 1752-4, 232].

 

FIELDS FAMILY

Members of the Fields family were

1    i. John¹, born say 1733.

2    ii. Joyce¹, born say 1747.

3    iii. Sarah, born say 1770.

4    iv. John², born say 1775.

 

1.    John¹ Fields, born about 1733, was a "Mulatto" taxable in Buckingham County in 1774 [Woodson, Virginia Tithables From Burned Counties, 39]. He was living in Amherst County on 18 May 1781 when he enlisted in the Revolution for 18 months. He was sized on 22 June the same year: age 48, 5'7-1/2" high, black complexion, a farmer, born in Charles City County [The Chesterfield Supplement or Size Roll of Troops at Chesterfield Court House, LVA accession no. 23816, by http://revwarapps.org/b81.pdf (p. 65)]. On 5 October 1785 the Amherst County court ordered the overseers of the poor to bind out his "Molatto" child Joice Fields [Orders 1787-90, 538]. He was head of a Buckingham County household of 4 "other free" in 1810 [VA:806] and was a taxable "man of color" in Amherst County in 1811 and 1812 [PPTL 1804-23, frames 211, 233]. He was the father of

i. ?John³, born say 1776, a "melatto" taxable in the northern district of Campbell County from 1792 to 1813 [PPTL, 1785-1814, frames 231, 268, 302, 730, 696, 892].

ii. ?David, born about 1781, registered in Campbell County on 30 November 1807: age about 26 years, 5 feet 9 inches high, dark complexion, formerly bound to John McAlister of this county [Register of Free Negroes, 1801-50, p.5]. He was taxable in Campbell County from 1800 to 1813 [PPTL, 1785-1814, frames 484, 730, 696, 892], head of a Campbell County household of 2 "other free" in 1810 [VA:849].

iii. Joyce², born say 1785.

 

2.    Joyce¹ Fields, born say 1747, was living in Amherst County on 7 September 1767 when the court bound her "Molatto" child Mink to Henry Bell. In July 1784 she complained to the court that Bell had sold his apprentice named Moses Thomas, but the court dismissed the case after a hearing [Orders 1766-9, 200; 1782-4, 344]. Joyce was head of an Amherst County household of 8 "whites" (free persons) in 1783 [VA:48]. She was the mother of

i. Mink, born say 1767.

 

3.    Sarah Fields, born say 1770, was head of a Buckingham County household of 19 "other free" in 1810 [VA:799] and 7 "free colored" in Campbell County in 1830. She was the mother of

i. Ezekiel, born about 1795, registered in Campbell County on 23 December 1828: age 33, 5'8-1/2, Bright Complexion. Born Free and Son of Sarah Fields [Register of Free Negroes and Mulattoes, p. 8].

ii. Miles, born about 1807, registered in Campbell County on 11 October 1831: age 24, 5 feet 10 inches, dark complexion, born free, straight hair & bushy, and a son of Sarah Fields [Register of Free Negroes and Mulattoes, p. 9].

iii. Rixey, born about 1811, registered in Campbell County on 11 October 1831: age 20, 5 feet 7 inches, light complexion, born free, straight hair, daughter of Sarah [Register of Free Negroes and Mulattoes, p. 9].

iv. Sarah, Jr., born about 1814, registered in Campbell County on 11 October 1831: age 17, 5 feet 7 inches, Bright complexion, daughter of Sarah [Register of Free Negroes and Mulattoes, p. 9].

 

4.    John² Fields, born say 1775, was head of a New Kent County household of 4 "other free" in 1810 [VA:752]. In 1802 he received £9 as his wife's part of the Charles City County estate of her father Edward Bradby [WB 1:591, 601]. He was probably the father of

i. Edna, born about 1796, registered in Charles City County on 16 September 1824: a bright mulatto woman, aged 28 years, born free in this county [Minutes 1823-9, 77].

ii. Hannah, received a bed, cow, household items and five barrels of corn by the 22 February 1824 Charles City County will of William Thomas, Sr. [WB 3:28].

iii. Littleberry, born say 1805, married Elizabeth Thomas before 16 February 1826 when he received her legacy due from the Charles City County estate of her father William Thomas [WB 3:158]. She registered in Charles City County on 17 November 1831: (testimony of Peter Crew) wife of Littleberry Fields who was Elizabeth Thomas, bright mulatto, was twenty three years old 23 March last [Minutes 1830-7, 84].

 

Other members of the Fields family were

i. Betty, head of a Buckingham County household of 10 "other free" in 1810 [VA:799].

ii. Thomas, a "Mulatto" taxable in Culpeper County from 1799 to 1802 [PPTL 1782-1802, frames 738, 863], a "F. Mo." head of a Culpeper County household of 7 "other free" in 1810 [VA:31].

iii. Nancy, "m." head of a Buckingham County household of 7 "other free" in 1810 [VA:806].

iv. Major, a "B.M." taxable in Augusta County in 1796 [PPTL 1796-1810, frame 28], a "free negro" charged with taking several articles of clothing, 7 crowns and $6 in silver, the property of George Grove, in Augusta County on 19 July 1797 and sent for further trial at the district court in Stanton [Orders 1796-9, 184-5].

v. Adam, born before 1776, head of Rockingham County, North Carolina household of 6 "free colored" in 1820 [NC:641].

 

FINDLEY FAMILY

1.    James, born about 1704, and Chance, born about 1706, were the Indian slaves of Henry Clay who had their ages adjudged in Henrico County court in August 1712:

James an Indian belonging to Henry Clay is judged to be Eight years of Age & Chance a Girle also belonging to him is adjudged to be six years of Age [Orders 1710-4, 161].

Henry Clay left a 8 March 1749 Chesterfield County will which divided his slaves among his children William, Henry, Charles and John Clay. His undated inventory was returned to court on 7 November 1760:

Mulatto woman Phillis, Mulatto man slave James, Mulatto woman slave Phib, Mulatto lad slave Ned, Mulatto woman slave Sarah, Indian man slave Peter, Negro man slave Cumbo, Negro lad slave Cumbo, Mulatto girl slave named Rachel, Mulatto child slave name Hannah, Mulatto child slave named Frank, Mulatto child slave named Stephen, Mulatto lad slave named Sam, Mulatto girl named Rachel [Orders 1759-67, 90; WB 1:350].

John Clay's inventory was returned to Chesterfield County court on 19 August 1763:

one Negro Bowser, one Negro Peter, one Indian Peter, one Mulato James, one Mulato Sam, Negro Combo, Mulato woman Nann, Indian woman Jude, Indian girl Chance, Mulato girl Anica, Mulato Boy Frank [WB 1:344; Orders 1759-67, 459].

The division of his slaves was recorded on 7 February 1772 [Orders 1771-4, 63]. About two months later on 29 April 1772 depositions were taken in Chesterfield County at the direction of the General Court in the suit of Ned, Lucy, Silvia, Bristol, Chance, Ned, Frank, Peter, Sam, Rachel and her children against Charles Clay, Millie Clay, Thomas Clay and Richard Newman for holding them in slavery. Henry Clay's 85-year-old widow Mary Clay, Clay's 73-year-old neighbor Bartholomew Stovall, Clay's 85-year-old neighbor Elizabeth Blankenship and 30-year-old grandson John Clay testified that Henry Clay had brought home two Choctaw Indians, one a boy and the other a girl named Chance, from a trip beyond Carolina in 1712 and that the plaintiffs Ned, Peter, Sam and Rachel were Chance's grandchildren. In November 1785 Hannah Fender/ Fendley brought a Henry County suit for her freedom which relied on the Chesterfield County depositions as well a deposition taken in Powhatan County in 1786 which stated that she was the grandchild of Chance. Lucy Marshall, widow of Henry Clay the younger, deposed on 10 October 1786 that Henry Clay the elder gave her husband a "mulatto" or Indian Girl by the name of Judy, the mother of Hannah Fendley, and that Judy was the daughter of an old Indian named Chance, then in the possession of the elder Henry Clay. Elijah Clay received James and Bess Findley from his mother Lucy Marshall, by the will of his father, when he came of age. His father's Powhatan County will was proved in October 1764 and named fourteen slaves, including "Negro wench Nan, Negro girl Chance, Negro boy James and Negro girl Bess." Elijah deposed on 13 October 1819 that he had heard his mother and his brother Thomas Clay say that Nan was the daughter of "old Chance, an Indian woman who was brought from the Indian nation," and that Nan was the sister of Judy and mother of Rachel. Susannah Clay, widow of Thomas Clay, deposed on 13 May 1818 that her husband Thomas Clay was the owner of Sam and had Sam's sister Rachel in his possession as security for payment from William Clay, father of Mitchel Clay. She also deposed that Rachel was the daughter of Nan who was the daughter of Chance who was brought from the Indian nation by Thomas Clay's grandfather Henry Clay; Judy and her children were given by Henry Clay, the elder, to his son Henry Clay; Nan and her children were given to William Clay and his children [Sam-, etc.: Freedom Suit, 1773; Fender, Hannah: Freedom Suit, 1788, African American Narrative Digital Collection, LVA]. Chance was the ancestor of

2     i. Nan, born say 1730.

ii. Judy¹, born say 1730, an Indian slave listed in the inventory of John Clay's Chesterfield County estate on 19 August 1763 [WB 1:344; Orders 1759-67, 459]. She was free by 2 July 1773 when the Chesterfield County court ordered the churchwardens of Manchester Parish to bind out her Indian children Chance and Frank [Orders 1771-4, 294].

3    iii. Sarah¹, born say 1740.

4    iv. Hannah, born say 1745.

5    v. Thomas, born say 1765.

vi. Peter, perhaps identical to "and Indian named Peter" who was listed in the inventory of John Clay, Sr., in 1764.

vii. Bob alias Micajah Fendley, purchased as a slave by John Marshall who freed him in Mecklenburg County court on 9 September 1793 after he produced sufficient evidence that he was free-born [Orders 1792-5, 332].

 

2.    Nan Findley, born say 1730, may have been identical to "Mulato woman Nann" who was listed in the 19 August 1763 inventory of the Chesterfield County estate of John Clay [WB 1:344; Orders 1759-67, 459]. Seventy-one-year-old Frances Langsdon, who was raised in William Clay's household, deposed in Powhatan County on 22 March 1816 that Clay owned a "coloured woman" by the name of Nan who was said by Clay to have been born of an Indian mother, that Nan was the mother of Rachel who was sucking her when Henry Clay died, and that Nan was the sister of Indian Judy whose children regained their freedom [Kegley, Free People of Colour, 58]. Nan was the mother of

i. Samuel, born say 1750, won a suit for his freedom from Thomas Clay in the General Court on 4 May 1773 in consequence of his being the grandson of an Indian woman [Kegley, Free People of Colour, 54]. He sued Jacob Cohan in Powhatan County court on 18 May 1780 and asked that the deposition of William Byrd be taken. Cohan sued him on 21 September the same year. Both suits were dismissed [Orders 1777-84, 151, 163, 165, 233]. He was guardian of Phoebe Ligon on 10 May 1788 when he gave his consent to her Henrico County marriage to Thomas Findley. He was taxable in Chesterfield County in 1792, 1795, and a "free Negroe" taxable in 1802 [PPTL, 1786-1811, frames 140, 248]. He died before 16 January 1802 when a coroner's inquest reported to the Chesterfield County court that he had been found dead at Manchester Warehouse with no marks of violence on his body [WB 5:492].

6    ii. Rachel, born about 1754.

 

3.    Sarah¹ Findley, born say 1740, complained to the Powhatan County court on 18 May 1780 that Jacob Cohan had sold her "mulatto" son Arthur Findley as a slave. The court ordered Cohan to post £10,000 security to produce the child in the September session of the court. The court also ordered Lucy Marshall and Elijah Clay to show cause why they were holding Sarah's "Mulatto" children James, Bess and Archer in their service [Orders 1777-84, 150, 153, 155]. She was the mother of

i. James, born about 1759, registered in Powhatan County on 19 December 1822: Age: 63; Color: Dark yellowish; Stature: 5'10"; Emancipated by order of Powhatan Court 18 August 1786 [Register of Free Negroes, no. 54]. He may have been the James Findley who was the plaintiff in two suits against Isaac Taylor for trespass, assault and battery in Botetourt County on 15 April 1778: awarded £5 damages in one suit and £50 damages in the other on 14 May 1779 [Orders 1776-80, 59, 122, 212-4]. He sued Edward Gibbs in Powhatan County for trespass, assault and battery on 16 May 1794, and the jury awarded him $50 damages [Orders 1791-4, 423; 1794-8, 24, 180, 217]. He was a M^o" taxable on a horse in Powhatan County from 1792 to 1800 [PPTL, 1787-1825, frames 77, 92, 184, 206].

7    ii. Bess, born say 1761.

iii. Archer, child of Sarah Findley's, bound by the Powhatan County court to Thomas Hubbard to be a carpenter on 17 June 1784 [Orders 1784-6, 2].

 

4.    Hannah Fender/ Fendley, born say 1745, "suppose to be an Igeon," sued John Marr, Esquire, for her freedom in Henry County court on 25 November 1785. The court allowed her to take the depositions of Lucy Marshall, Thomas Clay and Samuel Clay on her posting security for her return. On 13 August 1788 the court found in her favor and awarded her 40 shillings damages. Marr appealed to the General Court, but on 31 March 1789 he reached agreement with Hannah that he would not prosecute his appeal, would pay all costs, and that he would immediately free her children Sally, Judy, Prudence and Ned and free her other children Jeany, Alias, Peter, Patty, and Billy when they came of age: the boys at twenty-one and the girls at eighteen [Orders 1785-8, 62, 96, 279, 281]. Hannah was taxable on a horse in Patrick County in 1804 [PPTL, 1791-1823, frame 396]. On 29 October 1807 the Patrick County court bound to her (her granddaughter?) three-year-old Ruth Findley, child of Susannah Findley [Orders 1800-10, n.p.]. She was counted as a 107-year-old "Mulatto" woman, born in Virginia, in Franklin Township, Floyd County, Indiana, in 1850. She was the mother of

i. Sally², married Nicholas Rickman, 28 March 1799 Stokes County, North Carolina bond.

ii. Judy².

iii. Prudence.

iv. Ned.

v. Jeany.

vi. Alias, married Polly Gowen, 1802 Grayson County bond.

vii. Peter, born say 1770, married Rebecca Gowens, 28 September 1797 Patrick County bond, John Cameron security. He purchased land in Patrick County in 1805 and sold it in 1810 [DB 2:475; 3:354]. He was taxable in Patrick County from 1800 to 1804 [PPTL, 1791-1823, frames 286, 342, 395] and head of a Grayson County, Virginia household of 7 "free colored" in 1830.

viii. Patty.

ix. William, married Susannah Rickman, 1802 Patrick County bond, John Going surety. Suckey registered in Patrick County in June 1832: aged about 45 or 50 years, of dark complexion...with black eyes and somewhat a round face and 5 feet 3 inches and 3 quarters high...Free born in the County of Patrick [Pilson and Baughan, Alphabetical List of Lands Taxed in Patrick County, 11].

 

5.    Thomas Findley, born say 1765, of Chesterfield County, married Phoebe Ligon, daughter of Hannah Liggon, 10 May 1788 Henrico County bond, Hannah Liggon, Jerry Liggon, and William Logon witnesses. Samuel Findley, guardian of Phobe, gave his consent. On 14 May 1792 he, Jeremiah Ligon, and two white men were ordered by the Chesterfield County court to post bond of £2.10 to keep the peace for three months [Orders 1791-2, 346]. He was taxable in Chesterfield County in 1792, 1801, a "free Negroe" taxable in 1802 and 1804, a "Mulatto" taxable in 1805, 1806, 1807 and 1809 [PPTL, 1786-1811, frames 140, 467, 503, 579, 658, 717, 753], a "Mullatto" taxable in Chesterfield County from 1800 to 1813 on a lot he purchased in 1800 [Land Tax List, 1791-1822, B lists] and head of a Chesterfield County household of 1 "other free" in 1810 [VA:70/1062]. He may have been the father of

i. Betsey, born about 1796, registered in Chesterfield County on 14 July 1823: twenty seven years old, light brown complexion, born free [Register of Free Negroes 1804-53, no. 490].

ii. Washington, born about 1803, registered in Chesterfield County on 10 September 1827: twenty four years old, brown complexion, born free [Register of Free Negroes 1804-53, no. 591].

 

6.    Rachel Findley, born about 1754, won a suit for freedom for herself and her children from Thomas Clay in the General Court on 4 May 1773 but was taken away and sold by her master. She was called a twenty-year-old "Negro Woman" in the deed by which Mitchel Clay sold her and her seven-year-old daughter Juda on 23 April 1774 to John Draper who lived on the Bluestone River near present-day Princeton, West Virginia. On 10 June 1813 the Wythe County, Virginia court allowed her to sue John Draper in forma pauperis. A deponent in the case, Edward Moseley, testified that Rachel was said to have been the brother of Samuel Findley and the cousin of James Findley [Kegley, Free People of Colour, 11, 53-7, 79b]. She registered in Powhatan County on 17 August 1820: Age: 70; Color: Brown; Stature: 5'5"; Recovered her freedom in the Superior Court of Powhatan County May 1820 [Register of Free Negroes, 1820-65, no. 10]. She was the mother of

8     i. Judy, born about 1767.

ii. Tom, allowed by the Wythe County court on 10 June 1813 to sue John Draper, Jr., in forma pauperis and set free on 9 August 1820.

iii. Peter, allowed by the Wythe County court on 10 June 1813 to sue John Draper, Jr., in forma pauperis and set free on 9 August 1820 [Kegley, Free People of Colour, 53].

iv. Robin, allowed by the Wythe County court on 10 June 1813 to sue John Draper, Jr., in forma pauperis and set free on 9 August 1820 [Kegley, Free People of Colour, 11].

v. Polly, held in slavery by Colonel Henry Patton, mother of Sally, Harry and Maria who were born between 1813 and 1 August 1820. Harry registered in Montgomery County on 3 September 1833: age 20, 5'10" high, son of Polly who obtained her freedom in Montgomery County court in August 1820, black complexion [Kegley, Free People of Colour, 59-60, 90; Montgomery County Free Papers, 1822-1863].

 

7.    Bess¹ Findley, born say 1761, was called an Indian when she sued Elijah Clay for her freedom in Powhatan County court on 21 February 1782. Her case was continued in court until 17 July 1785 when it was dismissed by her order. After her brother James was manumitted by Clay, she again brought suit on 17 July 1788, and on 21 November 1788 the court ordered the deputy attorney to initiate a suit against Elijah Clay for the freedom of her children Fanny, Effee and Sally. A jury found in her favor on 21 October 1790, and a few months later on 16 December 1790 the court ordered the overseers of the poor to bind her children Sally and Effee to Elijah Clay [Orders 1777-84, 187, 286, 326, 339; 1784-6, 60, 178, 192, 216, 247; 1786-91, 319, 370, 451, 545, 613, 617, 625]. On 19 May 1796 she sued Edward Haskins for trespass, assault and battery, and on 22 February 1798 she brought the same suit against Thomas Watkins. The jury found him guilty but did not award her any damages [Orders 1794-8, 241, 273, 428-9, 523]. She was the mother of

i. Effey, born about 1784, daughter of Bess Findley, bound by the Powhatan County court to William Moseley on 19 April 1792 [Orders 1791-4, 95], registered in Chesterfield County on 11 October 1819: thirty five years old, dark complexion, born free [Register of Free Negroes 1804-53, no. 364].

ii. Sally³, born say 1781, daughter of Bess Findley, bound by the Powhatan County court to Edward Haskins on 19 April 1792 [Orders 1791-4, 95], married Jacob Pitman, "free Negroes," on 27 December 1799 in Powhatan County [Marriage Register, 41].

iii. Fanny, born about 1787, daughter of Betty Fendley, bound by the Powhatan County court to Valentine Ball on 16 August 1797 and bound to Elizabeth Blackburn on 20 February 1800 [Orders 1794-8, 376; 1798-1802, 203], head of a Chesterfield County household of 1 "other free" in 1810 [VA:70/1062]. She registered in Powhatan County on 18 April 1822: age 35, Brown complexion, 4'11-1/2" high, born free [Register of Free Negroes 1820-65, no. 41] and registered in Botetourt County on 13 June 1823: 35 years of age; Brown colour; born free as per Certificate from Court Powhatan County [Free Negroes &c Registered in the Clerk's Office of Botetourt County, no. 38]. Her son Thomas Going was bound by the Powhatan County court to Moses Going on 21 April 1819 [Going, Thomas (M): Indenture of Apprenticeship, 1819, African American Narrative Digital Collection, LVA].

iv. Betty², daughter of Betty Fendley, bound as an apprentice seamstress to Benjamin Boatright by the Powhatan County court on 16 March 1803 [Orders 1802-4, 231].

v. ?Polly, bound by the Powhatan County court to Valentine Ball on 18 January 1804 [Orders 1802-4, 404].

 

8.    Judy Findley, born about 1767, was about seven years old on 23 April 1774 when Mitchel Clay sold her and her mother Rachel to John Draper. She and her children Lockey and Rhoda were allowed to sue John Draper, Sr., in forma pauperis in Wythe County on 11 August 1813 [Kegley, Free People of Colour, 11]. She was the mother of

i. Locky, mother of Lucinda who was born after the institution of the suit in 1813 but before it was settled on 9 August 1820.

ii. Rhoda.

iii. Sam.

iv. Abram.

v. Charlotte, daughter of Juda, born after the institution of the suit but before it was settled in Wythe County on 9 August 1820 [Kegley, Free People of Colour, 12].

vi. Milly, allowed by the Wythe County court on 11 August 1813 to sue Alley Draper in forma pauperis for her freedom and for the freedom of her child Harvey [Kegley, Free People of Colour, 11, 12].

vii. Anna, allowed by the Wythe County court on 11 August 1813 to sue Alley Draper in forma pauperis for her freedom and for the freedom of her child Calvin. She and her children Malinda, Eliza, Randall and John registered as free persons in Wythe County on 13 March 1822 [Kegley, Free People of Colour, 11-3].

 

Endnotes:

1.    John Cameron, security for Peter Findley's Patrick County marriage, appeared in Patrick County court on 27 December 1804 and emancipated his slave Caesar who was to be called Caesar Fendly [Orders 1800-10, n.p.].

 

FINNIE FAMILY

1.    Margaret Finnie, born say 1730, was living in Westmoreland County, Virginia, on 29 January 1750/1 when the court agreed to William Fitzhugh's motion that she be taken into custody by the sheriff because she was "Dealing with peoples Slaves & other ill Compy. in the Dead time of Night." The court ordered that her "Mulatto" son John be bound out as an apprentice by the churchwardens of Cople Parish [Orders 1750-2, 26-26a]. Her children were

i. John, born say 1750.

ii. ?Daniel, born say 1752, head of an Accomack County household of 7 "other free" in 1800 [Virginia Genealogist 1:107].

iii. ?Abraham¹, born say 1755, head of an Accomack County household of 8 "other free" in 1810 [VA:94], perhaps the father of Abraham² Finnie, head of an Accomack County household of 5 "other free" in 1810 [VA:23].

iv. ?Phillip, head of an Accomack County household of 6 "other free" in 1810 [VA:23].

 

 

North Carolina

1.    Christian Finny, born say 1718, was the white servant of George Cummins on 7 December 1736 when the Carteret County court bound her "Mallatto Bastard Child" until the age of thirty-one. She may have been the common-law wife of a slave because she was charged with having another "Melato" born 10 July 1739 and another on 20 December 1743. When she applied to the court for her freedom on 9 June 1744, the court ruled that she serve for another five months to pay for the cost of the court suit against her. When she again applied for her freedom six months later, the court ruled that on checking the record she serve another year since she had a "Mullatto Child in the time of her servitude" [Minutes 1723-47, fol.33c, fol.58, 59b-c, 62d, 151-2]. She was apparently the mother of

i. John, born 18 August 1745, 16 years old on 3 September 1751 when he asked the Carteret County court to bind him to George McKean, Esq., to read, write and cypher [Minutes 1746-64, 185].

 

FLETCHER FAMILY

1.    Polly Fletcher, born say 1745, was an Irish servant who was indentured to Matthew Whiting, Esq., of Prince William County, Virginia. Whiting's executor, E. Brooke, Sr., certified in the Court of the District of Columbia in Alexandria that Polly was the mother of Betsy, Mary, and Alice Fletcher, "Mulatto" women [Arlington County Register of Free Negroes, 1797-1861, nos. 57, 59, 61, 62, pp. 51-3]. Her children were

2     i. ?Ann, born say 1764.

ii. Betsy, born about 1775, registered in Alexandria on 2 May 1820: a forty-five-year-old bright Mulatto woman born on the Prince William County estate of Matthew Whiting.

iii. ?Nelly, born about 1776, registered in Fauquier County on 25 September 1826: age 50, 5'3-1/2", Bright Mulatto, born free [Register of Free Negroes, 1817-65, no. 84].

iv. Mary, born about 1780, registered in Alexandria on 8 December 1820: a forty-year-old bright Mulatto woman born on the Prince William County estate of Matthew Whiting.

v. Alice, born about 1795, registered in Alexandria on 2 May 1820: a twenty-five-year-old bright Mulatto woman born on the Prince William County estate of Matthew Whiting.

vi. ?Peter, head of an Accomack County household of 7 "other free" in 1810 [VA:94].

vii. ?John, "F. Negroe" head of a Fauquier County household of 7 "other free" in 1810 [VA:398].

viii. ?Cloe, head of a Petersburg household of 2 "other free" in 1810 [VA:125b].

 

2.    Ann Fletcher, born say 1764, was head of a St. Mary's County, Maryland household of 3 "other free" in 1790. She may have been the mother of

i. Jane, born about 1784, a thirty-seven-year-old "stout negro woman" who obtained a certificate of freedom in Alexandria, Virginia, on 6 August 1821 and registered in Washington, D.C., on 3 November 1834. Sarah Harper swore that Jane was born free in St. Mary's County and was bound to Sarah's mother Catherine Cheveller to serve until she came of age. Harper testified that she and Jane "grew up and were girls together" and that Jane's parents were free as were her several brothers and sisters [Provine, District of Columbia Free Negro Registers, 254].

 

FLOOD FAMILY

Members of the Flood family born before 1750 were

1    i. Peter, born say 1720.

2    ii. Mary¹ born say 1725.

iii. Charles, born say 1727, sued for debt by William Howse, assignee of Joseph Prince, in Surry County, Virginia court on 17 April 1753. Nathaniel Johnson was Charles's witness [Orders 1751-3, 339, 475]. On 25 November 1755 the Albemarle Parish vestry, of Surry and Sussex counties, ordered the churchwardens to pay him 5 shillings for clearing the well at St. Paul's Church [Albemarle Parish Vestry Book, http://familysearch.org/search/catalog/376761, film 30162].

3    iv. Absalom, born say 1727.

4    v. William¹, born say 1730.

5    vi. Ann, born say 1732.

6    vi. Pat, born say 1738.

 

1.    Peter Flood, born say 1720, was sued in Surry County, Virginia court on 17 April 1752 for a £1.5 debt by Thomas Eldridge, and on 18 December 1753 Edward Peters sued him in a case which was eventually dismissed on 17 November 1756 [Orders 1751-3, 301, 352; 1753-7, 9, 227, 329, 449]. Sussex County was formed from Surry County in 1754, and on 11 May 1756 merchant David Hunter sued him in Sussex County court for debt. The court submitted the case to arbitration, and on 19 August 1757 John Irby found a balance of 50 shillings in the accounts in favor of Hunter. Nathaniel Johnson sued him for debt in July 1760, and on 20 February 1761 the court ordered the churchwardens of Albemarle Parish to bind out his son Jesse Flood and Lucy Elliot, the daughter of Ann Flood. On 20 February 1761 he sued Pettway Johnson for trespass, assault and battery as father and next friend to John Flood (probably in order to release him from his apprenticeship), but the suit was dismissed the following month because he failed to provide security. He sued his son John in Sussex County court on 17 December 1761, but the court abated the suit because Peter was not an inhabitant of the county and had not produced security [Orders 1754-6, 334, 396, 427; 1757-61, 71, 352, 386, 389, 415; 1761-4, 54]. He was the father of

7    i. John, born say 1740.

8    ii. Ann, born say 1742.

iii. Jesse, born say 1750.

 

2.    Mary¹ Flood, born say 1725, was living in Henrico County on 3 September 1764 when the court ordered the churchwardens of Henrico Parish to bind out her "Mulatto" children: Fanny, Lucy, Dick, and Charles [Orders 1763-67, 328]. Her children were

9    i. ?Mary², born say 1750.

ii. Fanny, born say 1752

10   iii. Lucy, born say 1754.

iv. Dick, born say 1758.

v. Charles, born say 1760, "Free Negro" head of an Isle of Wight County household of 1 "other free" in 1810 [VA:37].

 

3.    Absalom Flood, born say 1727, was taxed with his unnamed wife in the 1757 and 1758 tax summary for Bertie County, North Carolina [CR 10.702.1, box 1]. He was probably living in the part of Bertie County which became Hertford County. Few Hertford County records have survived, but he is listed in the Sheriff's tax receipt book in 1768 and 1770, taxable on 2 tithes [Fouts, Tax Receipt Book, 8], taxable on a horse in 1779 and 1 poll in 1784 [GA 30.1, 64.1]. His children may have been

i. Jesse, born say 1748, taxable in Hertford County on 2 tithes in 1770 [Fouts, Tax Receipt Book, 42], head of a Halifax County household of 6 "other free" in 1800 [NC:308] and 6 in 1810 [NC:19]. He may have been the Jesse Flood whose final pay of £41 for serving in the North Carolina Continental Line was paid to J. Marshall for C. Dixon [Clark, The State Records of North Carolina, XVII:212].

ii. Ann/ Nanny, born say 1750, taxable on 1 tithe in Hertford County in 1768 [Fouts, Tax Receipt Book, 48].

iii. Josiah, born say 1760, head of a Hertford County household of 11 "other free" in 1800. He was a labourer in a "List of Free Negroes and Mulattoes" on Western Branch in Norfolk in 1801, head of a household with W. Turner and Willoughby Weaver [PPTL, 1791-1812, frame 383].

iv. Benjamin, born say 1762, living in Halifax County on 4 August 1789 when he deposed that he had served as an 18 months soldier in the North Carolina Continental Line and assigned all that was due to him for the service to John Eaton [NCGSJ IX:153]. He purchased 40 acres in Halifax County on the north side of Beech Swamp on 4 January 1792 [DB 17:503]. He married Lackey Underdue, 1790 Halifax County bond [CR 047.928.2]. He sold 640 acres in Davidson County, Tennessee, on the south side of the Cumberland River, a grant for his services in the Revolution, by Halifax County deed on 31 August 1801 [DB 18:806 & Franklin County DB 6:89]. He was head of a Halifax County household of 7 "other free" in 1800 [NC:308], 6 in 1810 [NC:19], and 7 "free colored" in 1820 [NC:148]. Lackey Underdue was probably the daughter of Dempsy Underdew/ Underdue who purchased 85 acres in Halifax County joining Hunter on 15 September 1783 [DB 15:101]. He was counted as white in 1790, head of a Halifax County household of 1 male over 16, 2 under 16, and 4 females [NC:63]. He was a private in the Continental Line who assigned his right to 640 acres in Tennessee to Nicholas Long in Halifax County on 25 July 1795 [DB 17:810]. His widow may have been Polly Underdew, head of a Halifax County household of 5 "other free" in 1800 [NC:346], perhaps the Mary Underwood who was head of a Halifax County household of 4 "other free" in 1810 [NC:52]. They were probably related to Underdue Austin, head of a Halifax County household of 6 "other free" in 1810 [NC:3].

v. William², born say 1775, head of a Hertford County household of 3 "other free" in 1800, 2 in Halifax County in 1810 [NC:19] and 7 "free colored" in Halifax County in 1830.

vi. John², born before 1776, head of a Hertford County household of 4 "other free" in 1810 [NC:99] and 10 "free colored" in 1820 [NC:182]. John, Demsey, Jesse, and Samuel Flood were among "Sundry persons of Colour of Hertford County" who petitioned the General Assembly in 1822 to repeal the act which declared slaves to be competent witnesses against free African Americans [NCGSJ XI:252].

vii. James, born before 1776, head of a Hertford County household of 6 "free colored" in 1830.

viii. Lovet, born before 1776, head of a Halifax County household of 8 "free colored" in 1820 [NC:148] and 6 in 1830. He married Polly Amis, 2 March 1822 Halifax County bond.

ix. Demsey, born 1776-94, head of a Hertford County household of 4 "free colored" in 1820 [NC:190]. He married Kitty Morgan, 30 December 1819 Halifax County bond, Hansel Dempsy bondsman.

 

4.    William¹ Flood, born say 1730, was taxable in his own household in the district below Deep Creek in Amelia County in 1747 [Tithables, 1736-77, LVA; http://familysearch.org/search/catalog/670006, film 1902616, image 163]. He purchased 154 acres in Amelia County on the head branch of Deep Creek from Edmund Booker for ,80 on 6 October 1775 and sold this land to James Farley for ,100 on 22 December 1777 [DB 13:242; 14:254]. Farley called him a "Free Negro" living on land in Amelia County near Rowling's Church when he placed an advertisement in the 31 October 1777 issue of the Virginia Gazette cautioning the subscribers not to purchase William's land since Farley had already paid part of the purchase price [Dixon's edition, p. 2, col. 2]. On 5 June 1778 he was called William Flood of Amelia County when he purchased 200 acres in Charlotte County on the Little Roanoke River for ,200 [DB 4:41]. He married Molly Harris Brogdon, 12 November 1785 Mecklenburg County bond, William Brogdon consenting. On 28 February 1799 he (making his mark W) and his wife Molly sold 26 acres on the Little Roanoke River in Charlotte County where they were then living for ,19.10 [DB 8:192]. He was taxable in Charlotte County from 1782 to 1805: taxable on a slave named Dick, 4 horses and 12 cattle in 1782, taxable on a horse and 6 cattle in 1785, taxable on 2 free males and a slave in 1789, taxable on a slave in 1794, 2 slaves in 1795, 2 horses in 1796 and 1800, called a "f. Mulattoe" in 1801, a shoemaker counted in a list of "free Negroes & Mulatters" from 1802 to 1805 with his wife Molly and children Betsey, Polly, Patsey, William and John. He apparently died about 1806 when Molly was taxable on a horse and listed with 2 male and 2 female children in her household. She was listed as a weaver with 2 males and 3 females in her household in 1811 and 1812, 2 males and 2 females in 1813 [PPTL 1782-1813, frames 10, 15, 52, 128, 191, 217, 242, 265, 290, 316, 340, 399, 434, 466, 503, 542, 580, 606, 648, 673, 682, 709, 717, 751, 806, 814, 886]. She was a "Free Negro" head of a Charlotte County household of 9 "other free" [VA:1010]. About 1810 his sons William and John sued their mother to divide the estate as specified in their father's 23 May 1806 will which was proved 3 December 1806 (mistakenly written as 1805). The will divided his personal estate between his daughters Polly and Patsey Coleman, divided his land among his wife and two sons, and left his daughter Elizabeth Gallimore the property she then had. The court apportioned 65 acres to his wife Mary Flood, and 63 acres each to William and John who was then an infant [WB 3:1; LVA Chancery file 1810-019]. His children were

i. Betsey, "dau of William Flood who is surety," married Joshua Gallimore, 29 February 1803 Charlotte County bond.

ii. Polly, perhaps the Mary Flood who married Matthew Howell, 9 October 1823 Charlotte County bond.

iii. Patsey, married George Gallimore, 9 May 1813 Charlotte County bond, John Flood surety.

iv. William³, born in October 1788, registered in Charlotte County on 28 December 1812: a Mulato Man five feet nine inches high 24 years old last October, son of William Flood born free in the County of Charlotte, now residing in the County and has lived in the same from his birth, a ditcher by profession [Register of Free Negroes, 1794-1865, no. 19]. He married Susannah Cousins, 30 September 1813 Charlotte County bond, John Flood surety. He died before 21 February 1828 when his only child Jefferson Flood sued William's widow Susan (who had married Grey Byrd) for his part of his father's land. The suit was discontinued in July 1832 by the death of Jefferson [LVA, Chancery file 1832-006].

v. John³, born say 1792, a "fm" miller in Charlotte County in 1809, and a "fm" taxable in 1813 [PPTL 1782-1813, frames 743, 873]. He married Jinsey Sumpter, "Mulatos," 10 January 1814 Charlotte County bond, Edmund Byrd surety.

 

5.    Ann Flood, born say 1732, brought suit in Surry County, Virginia, on 17 October 1758 through her assignee Nathaniel Johnson against Frederick Walden and David Deboricks (Debrix), but the case was dismissed [Orders 1757-63, 131]. She was living in Sussex County on 20 February 1761 when the court ordered the churchwardens to bind out her daughter Lucy Elliott [Orders 1756-71, 386]. She may have been identical to Nanny Flood who was taxable on 1 tithe in Hertford County, North Carolina, in 1768 [Fouts, Tax Receipt Book, 48]. She was the mother of

i. Lucy Elliott, born say 1754.

ii. ?Burwell Flood, born about 1757, enlisted in the Revolution in Isle of Wight County on 20 August 1776 and was listed in the 11^th and 15^th Virginia Regiment (with Daniel Goff) [NARA, M246, Roll 110, frame 493 of 768; https://www.fold3.com/image/9952883]. He reenlisted in Williamsburg while residing in Mecklenburg County in January 1780 after serving 3 years with the 15^th Virginia Regiment and was sized in 1781: age 24, 5'6^1/2" high, yellow complexion, a cooper, born in Sussex County [The Chesterfield Supplement or Size Roll of Troops at Chesterfield Court House, LVA accession no. 23816, by http://revwarapps.org/b81.pdf (p.9)]. He was taxable in Dinwiddie County in 1784 [PPTL, 1784, p. 11] and a "free" taxable from 1795 to 1797 in the part of Petersburg that was in Dinwiddie County [PPTL, 1787-99, frames 769, 781, 798]. He registered in Petersburg on 19 August 1794: a brown Mulatto man, five feet seven and a half inches high, thirty eight years old, born free & raised in Mecklenburg County [Register of Free Negroes 1794-1819, no. 49].

iii. ?Alexander¹ Flood, born say 1759, enlisted for 3 years in the 2^nd North Carolina Regiment on 4 July 1777, mustered in January 1778 [Clark, The State Records of North Carolina, XVI:1005] and was listed in the muster of Major Hardy Murfree's Company in the 2^nd North Carolina Battalion at White Plains on 9 September 1778 [NARA, M246, roll 79, frame 115 of 323].

 

6.    Pat Flood, born say 1738, was living in Raleigh Parish, Amelia County, on 26 November 1767 when the court ordered the churchwardens to bind out her children: Tom, Frederick, Stephen, and Sawney, and was called a "free Mulatto" on 26 October 1769 when the court ordered the churchwardens of Raleigh Parish to bind out her unnamed children [Orders 1766-9, 116; 1768-9, 265]. She was the mother of

i. ?John¹, born say 1757, apprenticed to (his uncle?) William Flood on 26 May 1774 when he complained about his master to the Amelia County court. The case was dismissed on 23 July 1778 [Orders 1772-8, 286; 1776-80, 168]. He was taxable in his own household in Nottoway Parish, Amelia County, in the list of Edmund Booker from 1778 to 1781 [Tithables, 1778-82; http://familysearch.org/search/catalog/670006, film 1902617, images 376, 414], head of an Amelia County household of 3 free persons in the 1782 census [VA:13], and taxable on 2 horses and 4 cattle in 1783 [PPTL 1782-1813]. He was taxable in Charlotte County on his own tithe and 3 horses in 1787, levy free from 1790 to 1804 when he was called a "fm" [PPTL 1782-1813, frames 94, 177, 205, 229, 253, 302, 383, 399, 448, 466, 517, 551, 606].

ii. Thomas, born about 1757, registered in Petersburg on 25 August 1794: a dark brown Mulatto man, five feet eight inches high, thirty seven years old, born free & raised in Amelia County [Register of Free Negroes 1794-1819, no. 87].

iii. Frederick.

iv. Stephen.

v. Alexander², born about 1765, a "free Mullatto" bound by the Amelia County court to David Sudberry on 24 July 1773 [Orders 1772-8]. He was taxable in Charlotte County from 1789 to 1799, called Sawney Flood in 1793 [PPTL 1782-1813, frames 159, 205, 179, 253, 277, 302, 328, 383, 448]. He married Levina Lawrence, 4 April 1792 Charlotte County bond, Woody Laurence surety. On 3 October 1791 he purchased 20 acres in Charlotte County on Wallace's Creek from Little Joe Morton for £15, purchased 110 acres in Charlotte County from William Harris for £20 on 2 December 1793, and on 7 April 1794 sold (signing) the land on Wallace's Creek for £19. He and his wife Levinia sold the 110 acre tract to Berry Jackson on 4 November 1799 [DB 6:152; 7:21, 42, 212, 223]. He registered in Charlotte County on 7 October 1806: a dark Mulato man five feet eight inches high about forty one years of age. Born a free man in the County of Amelia. His wife Levina registered on 26 November 1806 with their children Coleman and Charity [Register of Free Negroes, 1794-1865, nos. 9-11]. He registered again in Pittsylvania County using the Charlotte County registration papers which stated that he was born in Amelia County and his wife was born in Brunswick County [Griffith, Pittsylvania County Register, 3-4]. He was a "free Negro" taxable in Pittsylvania County from 1809 to 1816, listed with his unnamed wife in 1813 and his unnamed son in 1815 [PPTL 1797-1812, frames 639, 684, 760, 781; 1813-23, frames 36, 59, 136, 171].

vi. ?Betty, a "free Mulatto," bound by the Amelia County court to George Booker on 23 September 1773 [Orders 1772-8, 202].

vii. Edward, son of Pat Flood, bound by the Amelia County court to Richard Booker, carpenter, on 23 May 1782, Orders 1780-2, 131].

 

6.    Mary² Flood, born say 1750, was living in Chesterfield County on 2 July 1784 when the court ordered the churchwardens of Dale Parish to bind her daughter Nancy Flood to Abner Jackson [Orders 1774-84, 555]. She was the mother of

i. ?Sarah, purchased a lot in the Pocahantas section of Petersburg, part of what was John Bolling's Warehouse for $400 jointly with William Ash on 1 June 1818 [DB 5:297].

ii. Betsy, daughter of Mary Flood, bound apprentice to Edward Eanes by order of the Chesterfield County court on 2 July 1784 [Orders 1774-84, 555].

iii. Polly Banks, daughter of Mary Flood, bound apprentice to Edward Eanes by order of the Chesterfield County court on 2 July 1784 [Orders 1774-84, 555]. She registered in Petersburg on 19 May 1831: aged about 52 years, 5 feet 4^1/2 inches high, dark brown complexion, born free as appears by a certificate from Dinwiddie County Court [Register of Free Negroes, 1819-33, no. 1665].

 

7.    John¹ Flood, born say 1740, sued Pettway Johnson for trespass, assault and battery in Sussex County court on 20 February 1761, probably to be free from his apprenticeship [Orders 1757-61, 389]. He and his wife Selah baptized their daughter Hannah in Albemarle Parish, Sussex and Surry counties, on 13 December 1761. Samuel and Sarah Blizzard and Anne Kennedy (Cannady) were the godparents. And Selah was the godmother for the baptism of Samuel and Sarah Blizzard's daughter Lucy in Albemarle Parish on 16 May 1762 [Register of Albemarle Parish, http://familysearch.org/search/catalog/376749, film 30161, images 64, 85]. He was the father of

i. Hannah, born 13 December 1761.

ii. ?Michael, born about 1766, a poor boy, no age or parent named, ordered bound out as an apprentice in Surry County on 25 January 1774 [Orders 17, 414]. He enlisted in the Revolution for two years in July 1779 in Petersburg while residing in Sussex County and was sized in 1781: age 15, 5' high, yellow complexion, a planter, born in Sussex County, served Colonel Buford for 1 year [The Chesterfield Supplement or Size Roll of Troops at Chesterfield Court House, LVA accession no. 23816, by http://revwarapps.org/b81.pdf (p.9)].

 

9.    Lucy Flood, born say 1754, may have been identical to Lucretia Flood whose daughter Anne Flood was bound to Benjamin Pennington, S^r, in Mecklenburg County, Virginia, on 12 April 1779 [Orders 1773-9, 459]. She was the mother of

10    i. ?Jenny, born about 1770.

ii. Anne/ Nancy, born about 1774, registered in Petersburg on 15 August 1800: a brown Mulatto woman, five feet and one half inches high, twenty six years old, thick bushy hair, born free in the County of Mecklenburg as appears by the affidavit of Thomas Drumwright [Register of Free Negroes 1794-1819, no. 172].

iii. Polly, born about 1792, 9-year-old "free Mulatto" daughter of Lucy Flood, bound to Abby Cook in Petersburg on 6 April 1801 [Hustings Court Minute Book 1800-4, 42].

 

10.    Jenny Flood, born about 1770, registered in Petersburg on 19 August 1794: Jenny Floyd, a brown Mulatto woman, slender made, five feet four inches high, twenty four years old, born free & raised in Mecklenburg County. She registered again on 9 July 1805 as Jenny Flood [Register of Free Negroes 1794-1819, nos. 50, 305]. She may have been the mother of

i. Mark, born about 1792, bound by the Mecklenburg County court on 13 June 1796 to William Pulliam [Orders 1795-8, 94]. He received a certificate in Mecklenburg County, Virginia, on 10 December 1817: a man of Colour, twenty five years of age, five feet five inches high, yellow complexion, Slender made, his front under teeth placed in two rows, was born free [Register of Free Negroes, 1809-1841, p. 9].

ii. Matthew, born say 1794, bound by the Mecklenburg County court on 13 June 1796 to William Pulliam [Orders 1795-8, 94]. He and Mark Flood were listed as "free Negroes and Mulattoes" in Mecklenburg County from 1813 to 1817 [PPTL, 1806-28, frames, 307, 419, 576].

 

Endnote:

1.     Lucretia Flood may have been related to Ann Flood whose son Amos was bound out in Mecklenburg County to John George Pennington on 14 May 1765 [Orders 1765-8, 124].

 

FLORA FAMILY

1.    Mary Floro, born say 1700, was the servant of Lewis Delony on 18 January 1718/9 when the York County court ordered that she serve him an additional year for having a bastard child [OW 15, pt. 2, 536]. She was probably the mother of

i. Peter Flora, called "Peater Flura, ye Spanard," head of a Norfolk County household in the Southern Branch District near Batcheldor's Mill in 1753 and 1754 and taxable in Western Branch District in Alice Forrester's household in 1767 and 1768. He was taxable in his own household in 1769 and 1770 [Wingo, Norfolk County Tithables, 1751-1765, 55, 89; 1766-1780, 14, 71, 87, 105]. The Norfolk County court declared him to be levy free on 21 June 1771 [Orders 1771-3, 6].

2    ii. Mary Flora, born say 1730.

 

2.    Mary Flora, born say 1730, was the mother of a "free Negro" son bound apprentice to Joshua Gammon in Norfolk County in April 1763 [Orders 1763-5, 15]. Mary's child was

3    i. William¹, born about 1755.

 

3.    William¹ Flora, born about 1755, was bound to Joshua Gammon in Norfolk County in April 1763 [Orders 1763-5, 15]. He was taxable in Norfolk County in 1771 in the Edmond's Bridge District in John Fentress's household and in William Bressie's household in 1773 [Wingo, Norfolk County Tithables, 1766-1780, 128]. He was taxable in Portsmouth and Elizabeth River parishes, Norfolk County, from 1782 to 1817: taxable on a slave and a horse in 1787; taxable on 6 horses from 1795 to 1799; taxable on 2 free males; a slave under 16, 5 horses and 4 carriage wheels in 1800; counted in a list of "free Negroes" as a peddler living in Portsmouth with Gracy Flora in 1801; taxable on 3 riding chairs and 6 horses in 1802, 8 horses from 1804 to 1806; a stage wagon, 6 chairs and 6 horses in 1807 [PPTL, 1782-91, frames 392, 485, 567, 613, 643, 682; 1791-1812, frames 22, 82, 138, 172, 248, 354, 383, 463, 560, 646, 689, 742; 1813-24, frames 101, 251]. He was listed in the payroll of Captain William Grimes in the 15^th Virginia Regiment under Lieutenant Colonel James Innes from 1776 to 1779 [NARA, M881, https://www.fold3.com/image/22938237]. He received bounty land based on his application from Norfolk County on 16 July 1806 which stated that William Floray, a man of colour, served in the 16^th Virginia Regiment until the close of the war and was held in high esteem as a soldier [Revolutionary War Bounty Warrants, Floray, William, Digital Collections, LVA]. It was said that he fought in the Battle at Great Bridge, Norfolk County, in the Revolution, prying loose the last board in the bridge to prevent the British from attacking his retreating comrades [WPA, The Negro in Virginia, 23]. On 21 May 1798 he sued James and William North for £24 rent and sued William Roe for $21 on 22 March 1803 [Orders 1799-1801, 15a; 1803-4, 247b]. He made a deed of emancipation to his daughter Grace on 1 April 1799 which he acknowledged in court on 21 October 1799 [DB 38:33; Orders 1799-1801, 15a, 39b]. He was living in the town of Portsmouth on 5 November 1818 when he made his Norfolk County will which was proved 18 January 1819. He left a bed, furniture, and a mahogany table to his daughter Grace Hanties and ordered that all his perishable estate and "old negro woman" Milley be sold to pay his debts and funeral expenses. He gave his two dwelling houses to his grandson William Flora. They were to be repaired and painted and the lot to be put in good order by his executor and friend William Wilson, Esquire, of Portsmouth who was also to be guardian of his grandson William Flora and see that he was sent to school [WB 5:26-7]. He was the father of

4    i. Grace, born say 1781.

 

4.    Grace Flora, born say 1781, daughter of William Flora, sued William Truss for trespass, assault and battery in Norfolk County court on 21 April 1799 and was awarded £11 damages when the case came to trial on 18 March 1800. On 17 June 1800 she made a complaint against Pluto, the slave of Doctor Silson, and he was required to post security for his good behavior [Orders 1799-1801, 20a, 55b, 94b, 129a]. She may have been the mother of

i. William², born about 1804, registered in Norfolk County on 18 August 1829: William Flora, age 25, 5'6-1/2" high, a mulatto, Born free [Register of Free Negroes, 1809-1852, no. 542], apparently the grandson William Flora named in William¹ Flora's will.

ii. Kinner, born about 1805, a "free Negro" ordered by the Norfolk County court to be hired out by the sheriff to pay his taxes for the years 1823 and 1824 [Minutes 1822-4, 153-4]. He registered in Norfolk County on 15 December 1828: Kenner Flora, age 23, 5'2-1/2" high, bright mulatto, Born free [Register of Free Negroes, 1809-1852, no. 488], apparently identical to Kinner Flourey whose register as a free Negro in Princess Anne County on 3 October 1831 was blank [Register of Free Negroes, 1830-1862, no. 281], a "F.B." taxable in Pungo District of Princess Anne County in 1821, called Florry(?) Shoecraft alias Florry Kinner (perhaps the son of Kinner Shoecraft?) [PPTL, 1790-1822, frame 684]. He was head of a Norfolk County household of 7 "free colored" in 1830.

iii. Andrew Flory, born 1795-1806, head of a Norfolk County household of 5 "free colored" in 1830. He made a deed of trust to Wright Perkins for 7 acres of land that was proved in Norfolk County court on 18 January 1830 [Minutes 21:246]. John Price posted security of $200 in Norfolk County court on 16 July 1832 for Andrew Flurry to keep the peace towards William Cooper [Minutes 23:95]. And on 19 August 1833 the court certified, "upon satisfactory evidence of white persons, that (Andrew's wife?) Priscilla Flury was of Indian descent and not a free negro or Mulatto" [Minutes 24:43-4].

 

FLOWERS FAMILY

Members of the Flowers family were

1    i. Mary, born about 1732.

2    ii. Sarah, born say 1745.

 

1.    Mary Flowers, born about 1732, "a free mulatto," registered the birth of her daughter Nancy in Bruton Parish in James City and York counties on 27 July 1766. On 16 May 1785 the York County court charged her with failing to list her taxable property [Orders 1784-7, 150]. She registered in York County on 25 September 1800: 5 feet 5 inches high aged 68 years, almost black with a large flat nose...born of free parents in the Parish of Bruton and County of York [Guardians' Accounts, 1780-1823, following the index, No. 11]. She was the mother of

i. Nancy, born 27 July 1766 [Bruton Parish Register, 30].

 

2.    Sarah Flowers, born say 1745, was a "Mulatto" woman living in Sussex County, Virginia, on 19 June 1777 when the court ordered the churchwardens of Albemarle Parish to bind out her children Ben, Lucy, and Cealy Flowers to Isaac Robertson [Orders 1777-82, 17]. She was the mother of

3     i. Benjamin¹, born say 1768.

ii. Lucy, born say 1771.

iii. Cealy¹, born say 1773, married Joseph Lewis, 3 November 1797 Sussex County bond. Joseph was a "FN" taxable in Sussex County in 1807 [PPTL 1782-1812, frame 705]. He registered in Sussex County on 25 July 1818: dark complexion, 5 feet 8-1/2 inches high, age 45, free born [Register of Free Negroes, 1800-50, no. 333]

iv. ?Isham, born say 1776, a "FN" taxable in Sussex County from 1797 to 1813 [PPTL 1782-1814, frames 444, 598, 677, 701, 749, 782, 815, 836]. He was a planter in the "List of Free Negroes & Mulattoes" for Sussex County from 1803 to 1812: listed with Polly Flowers on Benjamin Batt's land in 1805, with Beck and Moll Flowers in 1806, with Beck Flowers and a child named Celia Flowers on William Harper's land in 1807 [List of Free Negroes & Mulattoes, 1801-1812, frames 13, 26, 32, 33, 47, 49, 55, LVA microfilm no. 221]. He was head of a Sussex County household of 10 "other free" in 1810.

 

3.    Benjamin¹ Flowers, born say 1768, married Anne Owen, 5 August 1790 Sussex County bond. Anne was probably related to James and Nathan Owen who were "FN" taxables in Sussex County in 1806 and 1807 [PPTL 1782-1812, frames 683, 707]. Benjamin was taxable in Sussex County from 1789 to 1813: taxable on 2 tithes and a horse in 1803, called a "FN" starting in 1806, taxable on 2 tithes in 1807 and 1809, 3 tithes in 1811, 4 tithes and 2 horses in 1812 [PPTL 1782-1814, frames 251, 286, 344, 407, 444, 458, 500, 550, 598, 515, 611, 647, 677, 701, 749, 782, 815, 836]. He was listed with Ann and their children John, Berry, Benjamin, Sally, Betsy, Celia, Nancy, Billy and Tom in the "List of Free Negroes & Mulattoes" for Sussex County from 1801 to 1812 [List of Free Negroes & Mulattoes, 1801-1812, frames 1, 8, 18, 27, 32, 34, 47, 49, 55, LVA microfilm no. 221]. He was head of a Sussex County household of 9 "other free" in 1810 and 7 "free colored" in Dinwiddie County in 1830. He and Ann were the parents of

i. Sally, born about 1790, registered in Sussex County on 21 April 1817: light complexion, 5 feet 4 inches high, age 27, free born [Register of Free Negroes, 1800-50, no. 302].

ii. John, born about 1791, registered in Sussex County on 9 September 1814: light complexion, 5 feet 6-3/4 inches high, age 23, free born [Register of Free Negroes, 1800-50, no. 242].

iii. Betsy, born about 1792, registered in Sussex County on 21 April 1817: light complexion, 5 feet 2 inches high, age 25, free born [Register of Free Negroes, 1800-50, no. 301].

iv. Ben², born about 1793, registered in Sussex County on 9 September 1814: bright complexion, 5 feet 8 inches high, age 21, free born [Register of Free Negroes, 1800-50, no. 246].

v. Celia², born about 1796, registered in Sussex County on 21 April 1817: light complexion, 5 feet 2 inches high, age 21, free born [Register of Free Negroes, 1800-50, no. 303].

vi. Berry.

vii. Thomas³.

 

Other Flowers family members were

i. John, head of a Sampson County, North Carolina household of 1 "other free" in 1790 [NC:52], perhaps the father of Thomas Flowers, head of a New Hanover County household of 3 "free colored" in 1820 [NC:222].

ii. Isham¹, born say 1770, a "free" (Negro) taxable in Dinwiddie County in 1799 and 1800 [PPTL 1799, B, p. 5; 1800l, B, p. 5].

iii. Thomas, born before 1776, head of a Cumberland County, North Carolina household of 2 "free colored" in 1820 [NC:191].

 

FORTUNE FAMILY

1.    Fortune Magee, born say 1687, was ordered by the Somerset County court on 15 June 1705 to serve Mrs. Mary Day until the age of thirty-one because she was the daughter of Maudlin Magee, a white woman who had a child by Peter Douty's slave Sambo Gam(e) [Judicial Record 1702-5, 251]. Her descendants were called by the surnames Magee, Game and Fortune [See Free African Americans of Maryland and Delaware, 138-42 by this author or http://www.freeafricanamericans.com/maryland.htm. See also the Magee family of Virginia and note that Richard Magee registered in Fredericksburg in 1810 as son of Mary Fortune]. Fortune Magee was probably the mother of

i. Betty, born say 1712, taxable in Nanticoke Hundred, Somerset County, in 1757 with (daughter?) Fortune Fortune [List of Tithables].

2    ii. Sarah, born say 1715.

 

2.    Sarah Fortune, born say 1715, was a "Mullatto" living "at Widow Ann Fooks" on 11 March 1734/5 when the Charles County, Maryland court presented her for having an illegitimate child [Court Record 1734-9, 1]. The Fooks family was from Somerset County [1783 Worcester County Tax List, MSA 1161-11-5, p. 4]. Sarah was the mother of James Fortune, "a Mulatto of Sarah Fortune," who bound himself as an apprentice to James Laws until the age of twenty-one in Somerset County in March 1761 to learn the trade of light cooper [Judicial Records 1760-3, 63b]. She was the mother of

i. James, born say 1745, bound himself as an apprentice until the age of twenty-one in Somerset County in March 1761.

ii. ?Charles¹, head of a Frederick County, Maryland household of 2 "other free" and a slave in 1790 [MD:64].

iii. ?Shadrack, born about 1758, enlisted in the Revolution in Accomack County in April 1782 for 18 months as a substitute and was sized: age 24, 5'2-1/2" high, black complexion, a gardner, born in Accomack County [The Chesterfield Supplement or Size Roll of Troops at Chesterfield Court House, LVA accession no. 23816, by http://revwarapps.org/b81.pdf (p. 65)].

iv. ?Major, head of an Accomack County household of 5 "other free" in 1810 [VA:95]. He was taxable in Accomack County in 1798, called a "B.M." (Black Man) in 1807. His daughter Jane was listed as a "free Negro" in Accomack County in 1813 [PPTL 1782-1814, frames 377, 677, 855].

 

Members of the Fortune family in Virginia and North Carolina were

1    i. Humphrey, born say 1745.

2    ii. William, born say 1747.

iii. Samuel, born about 1749, enlisted in the Revolution from Powhatan County for 18 months on 29 August 1781 and was sized the same day: age 32, 5'4-1/4" high, black complexion, a planter, born in Caroline County [The Chesterfield Supplement or Size Roll of Troops at Chesterfield Court House, LVA accession no. 23816, by http://revwarapps.org/b81.pdf (p. 65)].  He was listed in the muster of the 5^th Virginia Regiment in September 1782, "died 4 August 1782 Great S. Hospital" [NARA, M246, Roll 113, frame 664 of 752; https://www.fold3.com/image/23301380].

3    iv. James², born say 1750.

4    v. Armistead, born say 1754.

5    vi. Dinah, born say 1758.

6    vii. Lewis, born about 1764.

7    viii. Israel, born say 1768.

viii. Patience, born say 1771, a free "Negroe" woman who sued Archibald Hopkins in Rockingham County, Virginia court for her freedom on 24 May 1796. The court awarded her 1 penny damages since she ought to have been discharged from service in 1789. On 23 July 1798 the court ordered her to appear to show cause why her children Sarah and David should not be taken away from her and returned to her late master Archibald Hopkins, Sr., (on his motion) as slaves until the ages of eighteen and twenty-one since they were born before she became free [Judgments & Orders 1795-8, 175, 286, 578]. She had a daughter Hannah whose daughter Patsy Belcher (about 20 years of age) received a certificate of freedom in Rockingham County on 11 February 1832 which certified that all three women were free [Belcher, Patsey (F, 20): Free Negro Affidavit, 1832, African American Narrative Digital Collection, LVA].

ix. Jenny, born say 1782, mother of Henry Fortune who registered in Caroline County on 10 February 1823: about twenty one or two years of age, dark complexion, five feet eight inches high...son of Jenny Fortune a free woman [Fortune, Henry (M, 21): Free Negro Register, 1823, African American Narrative Digital Collection, LVA].

 

1.    Humphrey Fortune, born say 1745, was paid £4 by the Essex County estate of Sarah Brooks in 1769 [DB 12:520] and was a "Mulatto" head of an Essex County, Virginia household of 8 persons in 1783 [VA:52]. He was presented by the grand jury in Essex County on 17 May 1784 and 16 May 1785 for failing to list his tithables, and on 21 August 1786 the court ordered his list to be added to the list of William Waring, Gentleman. He and Andrew Kee were sued for debt in Essex County on 20 December 1785 [Orders 1784-7, 9, 174, 185]. He was taxable in St. Ann's Parish, Essex County, from 1783 to 1816: taxable on a tithe, 3 horses and 5 cattle in 1783; taxable on a slave over the age of 16 in 1787 and 1788; taxable on 2 free tithes and a horse in 1794, 1796, 1798-1800, 1809 and 1810; taxable on a male and female "Free Negro & Mulatto" above the age of sixteen in 1813 [PPTL, 1782-1819, frames 42, 64, 99, 156, 171, 185, 199, 213, 225, 237, 249, 275, 310, 371, 396, 428, 460, 625]. He made a 29 January 1820 Essex County will, offered for proof by Thornton Chandler but opposed by John Bird (Byrd) and Daniel Johnson, and proved on 20 March 1820. He left all his estate to his wife Jarusy during her lifetime or widowhood. He left to son John Fortune that part of a tract of land whereon his son Thomas Fortune was then living on the south side of the branch in B.H. Munday's line, and gave the remaining part of the land to son Thomas Fortune and daughter Caty Chandler. He divided the remainder of his estate between his daughters Polly and Anny Fortune and left a shilling to daughters Sally Bird and Patsy Johnson. He also asked his sons to take care of their unnamed mother [WB 19:92]. He was the father of

i. John, born say 1778, taxable in St. Ann's Parish, Essex County, from 1804 to 1814 when he was listed as a "free Negro & Mulato" [PPTL, 1782-1819, frames 371, 384, 413, 460, 538]. He was widowed when he married Jane Stiff in Essex County on 23 June 1817. On 4 April 1822 he sold land devised to him by the will of his father Humphrey Fortune for $100 [DB 40:364].

ii. Anna, born about 1785, listed as a "free Negro" in St. Ann's Parish, Essex County, in 1813 [PPTL, 1782-1819, frame 510]. She registered in Essex County on 4 August 1829: sister of Thomas Fortune, born free, bright Mulattoe, 44 years of age, 5 feet 6 inches [Register of Free Negroes 1810-43, p. 65, no.114].

8    iii. Polly, born about 1786.

iv. Patsy, born about 1789, married Daniel Johnson, 20 February 1810 Essex County marriage.

v. Thomas, born about 1792, taxable in St. Ann's Parish, Essex County, from 1811 to 1816: listed as a "free Negro" from 1813 to 1815 [PPTL, 1782-1819, frames 538, 625]. He married Judith Kay (Kee), daughter of Killis Kay, 23 December 1813 Essex County bond. He registered in Essex County on 4 August 1829: born free by certificate of Richard Rowzee, very bright Mulattoe almost white, 37 years of age, 5 feet 9-3/4 inches. His wife Judith registered the same day: wife of Thomas Fortune who was Judith Johnson, born free by certificate of Richard Gouldman, tawny, 30 years of age, 5 feet 6 inches [Register of Free Negroes 1810-43, p. 64, nos.147-8].

vi. Catherine, born about 1795, married Thornton Chandler, 22 April 1811 Essex County bond. She registered in Essex County on 15 August 1829: wife of Thornton Chandler who was Catherine Fortune, born free by statement of Col. Richard Rowzee, bright Mulatto, about 34 years of age, 5 feet 5 inches [Register 1810-43, p. 94, no. 192].

vii. Sally, wife of John Bird.

 

2.    William Fortune, born say 1747, was a "Mulatto" head of an Essex County, Virginia household of 8 persons in 1783 [VA:52]. He was presented by the grand jury in Essex County on 17 May 1784 for failing to list his tithables. His suit against Taylor Noell for debt was dismissed by the court on 21 August 1786 [Orders 1784-7, 9, 222]. He was taxable on a horse in St. Ann's Parish, Essex County, from 1783 to 1785 [PPTL, 1782-1819, frames 42, 99, 145], taxable in St. Paul's Parish, Hanover County, in 1787 and 1790 [PPTL, 1782-91, pp. 179, 249] and head of a Martin County, North Carolina household of 1 "other free" in 1790 [NC:68]. He was taxable in Hanover County again in 1809 [PPTL, 1804-23] and taxable in Caroline County from 1811 to 1813: taxable on 2 tithes in 1811 and 1812, taxable on 4 men and women over the age of 16 in the "List of Free Negroes & Mulattoes" in 1813 [PPTL 1800-11; 1812-20]. He may have been the father of

i. Hannah, head of a Martin County, North Carolina household of 2 "other free" in 1790 [NC:68] and 2 in Henrico County, Virginia, in 1810 [VA:980].

ii. Mary, born say 1773, married Charles Durham, 10 March 1794 Warren County bond, Randolph Row surety.

iii. Jesse, born say 1785, head of a Martin County, North Carolina household of 3 "other free" in 1810 [NC:444], and a "Free Negro" taxable on a slave, a horse, and 2 cattle in Hanover County in 1815 [PPTL, 1782-1803; 1804-23].

 

3.    James² Fortune, born say 1750, was a "free Negro" or "Mulatto" taxable in St. Paul's Parish, Hanover County from 1782 to 1814: taxable on 3 horses and 6 cattle in 1782; taxable on his own tithe and a free male aged 16-21 in 1785; taxable on 2 free males from 1792 to 1798; his own tithe in 1799; taxable on 2 free males from 1800 to 1810; paid for a merchant's license in 1805 and 1806 [PPTL, 1782-91, pp. 15, 35, 70, 114, 178, 209, 219, 249, 262; 1792-1803, pp. 12, 44, 65, 95, 108, 130, 149, 189, 210, 226, 249; 1804-18]. And he was taxable in Hanover County on 291 acres from 1782 to 1801 [Land Tax List, 1782-1801]. He was head of a Hanover County household of 3 "other free" in 1810 [VA:845]. He may have been the father of

i. Curtis, born say 1784, a "Free Negro" taxable in Hanover County in 1803 and from 1811 to 1814 [PPTL, 1792-1803, p. 249; 1804-23].

ii. Milley, head of a Hanover County household of 2 "other free" in 1810 [VA:901].

iii. James³, Jr., born say 1789, a "Free Negro" taxable in Hanover County from 1805 to 1807 [PPTL, 1804-23] and a "free Negro" taxable in the upper district of Henrico County from 1807 to 1814: his tax charged to John Harvie's estate in 1807 [PPTL 1782-1814, frames 533, 661, 758, 823].

iv. William, taxable in Hanover County in 1809, listed as a free Negro or Mulatto in 1813 [PPTL 1804-23].

v. Purmelia, listed as a free Negro or Mulatto in St. Paul's Parish, Hanover County, in 1813 [PPTL 1804-23].

vi. Theresia, listed as a free Negro or Mulatto in St. Paul's Parish, Hanover County, in 1813 [PPTL 1804-23].

 

4.    Armistead Fortune, born say 1754, was taxable in Caroline County from 1783 to 1814: taxable on 2 horses and 3 cattle in 1783, 2 tithes in 1791, counted in the "list of Free Negroes & Mulattoes" starting in 1813 when he was taxable on 3 persons over 16 including females; taxable on 2 tithes in 1814, perhaps the father of Armistead Fortune, Jr., who was a "free Mulatto" taxable from 1819 to 1824 [PPTL 1783-99; 1800-11; 1812-20]. In November 1785 the administrators of John Robinson's estate won a suit against him in Caroline County court for a debt of 1,000 pounds of tobacco, and on 13 November 1787 Robert Beverly won a suit against him for ejectment from 100 acres of land [Orders 1785-7, part 1, 178; 1787-9, part 2, 287]. He registered in Caroline County on 28 June 1805 and recorded the papers in Fredericksburg: Caroline County. June 28^th 1805. Armistead Fortune who is a free born person and the husband of Nelly Fourtune this day produced a certificate stating that Mary Ann Fortune is the child of said Armistead Fortune and Nelly Fortune his wife who were free born. Said Mary Ann Fortune is of dark complexion, about four feet high and of bulkey frame is thirty one years of age [Fredericksburg City Certificates and Registry of Free Negroes, 1790-1862, 96]. Armistead and Nelly were the parents of

9    i. Mary Ann, born about 1774.

ii. ?Armistead², Jr.

iii. ?Jane, in the list of Free Negroes & Mulattoes" for Caroline County in 1813 when she was taxable on a horse [PPTL 1812-20].

iv. ?Betty, in the list of Free Negroes & Mulattoes" for Caroline County in 1813 [PPTL 1812-20].

v. ?George, in the list of Free Negroes & Mulattoes" for Caroline County in 1815 [PPTL 1812-20].

vi. ?Lucy, born about 1802, a "Mulatto" woman counted in the 1850 census for Caroline County.

 

5.    Dinah Fortune, born say 1758, was serving in the household of Major Bickerton of Hanover County about 1774 when her son Solomon was born. She was the mother of

i. Solomon, born say 1774, registered in Fredericksburg on 3 November 1795: Solomon Fortune is a free born Citizen of the State of Virginia, and that he served me faithfully until the age of twenty one years, 3 November 1795, J. Stevenson, Fredericksburg. I certify that the Bearer Solomon is the son of a Free born woman known by the name of Dinah Fortune, who at his birth was in the service of Major Bickerton of Hanover County. 21^st August 1801. J. Stevenson [Fredericksburg City Certificates and Registry of Free Negroes, 1790-1862, 15, 45].

ii. ?Charles², taxable in St. Martin's Parish, Hanover County on a free tithe, a slave 12-16 and a horse in 1805 [PPTL 1782-1815].

 

6.     Lewis Fortune, born about 1764, enlisted in the Revolution on 20 September 1780 for 1-1/2 years: age 16, 5'7" high, a planter, born in Caroline County, residing in Essex County, black complexion [Register & description of Noncommissioned officers & Privates, LVA accession no. 24296, by http://revwarapps.org/b69.pdf (p. 67)]. He received £30 final pay as a soldier in the infantry on 18 November 1785 [NARA, M881, Roll 1092, frame 356 of 2281; https://www.fold3.com/image/286702962]. He was taxable in St. Paul's Parish, Hanover County, on a horse in 1786 (no race indicated) [PPTL, 1782-1803, p. 145], taxable in the upper district of Henrico County in the same household as William Maxfield in 1787 [PPTL 1782-1814, frame 128] and a "M^o" or "free Black" taxable in Powhatan County from 1792 to 1813: taxable on a slave and 2 horses in 1809 [PPTL, 1787-1825, frames 76, 92, 105, 118, 132, 162, 184, 206, 239, 256, 294, 341, 362, 438], except for 1795 and 1797 when he was a "free" taxable in Richmond City [PPTL 1787-99]. In 1801 he and his wife Rose were living in Powhatan County on Buckingham Road above Hughes Woodson's where he did cropping, sold oysters, and traded about [List Mulattoes and Free Negroes in Powhatan County in the year 1801, African American Narrative Digital Collection, LVA]. He was a "free Negroe" summoned to the Powhatan County court for committing a breach of the peace against his wife Rose, "a free Mulatto," but discharged on 21 March 1804 when no evidence appeared against him [Orders 1802-4, 452]. Rose may have been identical to Rose Morris who was a midwife living on the estate of Joseph Mosby in Powhatan County with Lewis Fortune and Samuel Morris } planters and 2 children [A List of Free Negroes and Mulattoes in Powhatan County, 1812, African American Narrative Digital Collection, LVA]. In the list for 1813 both Lewis Fortune and Rose Morris were living near McRae's Store, and in the list for 1818 Samuel Fortune was listed with (wife?) Polly Fortune at David Howard's [List of Free Negroes and Mulattoes within the county of Powhatan, 1813, 1818, African American Narrative Digital Collection, LVA]. Lewis and Rose were probably the parents of

i. Lewis², Jr., a "m^o" Powhatan County taxable in 1803 [PPTL 1782-1817, frame 257].

ii. Samuel, born say 1792, a "FB" taxable in Powhatan County in 1817 [PPTL 1782-1817, frame 533].

 

7.    Israel Fortune, born say 1768, was taxable on a horse in King William County from 1789 to 1794 [PPTL 1782-1832]. He may have been the father of

i. Absalom, born say 1799, a free male Negro taxable in King William County from 1816 to 1820, in 1838 and 1842 [PPTL 1782-1832; 1833-51], head of a King William County household of 6 "free colored" in 1840.

ii. Alfred, born say 1801, a free male taxable in King William County from 1819 to 1820, in 1834, 1840, and 1842 [PPTL 1782-1832; 1833-51], head of a King William County household of 5 "free colored" in 1830.

iii. Matilda, born about 1802, head of a King William County household of 3 "free colored" in 1840, a "Mulatto" woman counted in the 1850 census for King William County.

iv. Henry, born say 1803, a free male Negro taxable in King William County from 1819 to 1820 [PPTL 1782-1832; 1833-51].

 

8.    Polly Fortune, born about 1786, registered in Essex County on 10 August 1829: born free by cert. of Richard Rowzee, dark Mulattoe, 43 years of age, 4 feet 5-1/8 inches [Register of Free Negroes 1810-43, p. 71, no. 161]. She was the mother of

i. Susan, born about 1803, registered in Essex County on 10 August 1829: daughter of Polly Fortune, born free by cert. of Richard Rowzee, bright Mulattoe, 26 years of age, 5 feet 4-5/8 inches [Register of Free Negroes 1810-43, p. 71, no.162].

 

9.    Mary Ann Fortune, born about 1774, was living in Fredericksburg when she obtained certificates of freedom for her children:

i. Nancy, born about 1789, registered in Fredericksburg on 19 April 1806: a Mulatto...born free aged about seventeen years [Fredericksburg City Certificates and Registry of Free Negroes, 1790-1862, 97].

ii. Richard Magee, registered in Fredericksburg on 16 August 1810: Mary Fortune made oath that Richard Magee a man of colour is free born & her son [Fredericksburg City Certificates and Registry of Free Negroes, 1790-1862, 145].

 

FOX FAMILY

Members of the Fox family of Virginia were

i. Judith, born say 1753, mother of Rhoda Martin who married Edward Fuzmore, 22 September 1794 Goochland County bond. She may also have been the mother of James Fox, a "Mulatto" farmer living at Samuel Martin's in Goochland County in 1814 [PPTL, 1810-32, frame 192].

ii. James, born say 1760, taxable in New Kent County from 1791 to 1815: taxable on 2 tithables and 2 horses in 1799, 1800, 1802, 1804 and 1805; listed as a "M"(ulatto) in 1804, 1807 and 1809; a "Mul." taxable on his wife, son and daughter in 1813; charged with his son William's tithe in 1814. He may have been the father of Joseph Fox, a "F.N." New Kent County taxable in 1806 and 1807 [PPTL 1782-1800, frames 164, 184, 207; 1791-1828, frames 267, 295, 306, 319, 330, 343, 369, 394, 406, 419, 431, 442, 464, 474, 491, 503]. He was head of a New Kent County household of 12 "other free" in 1810 [VA:752].

iii. James, a "Mulatto" living in Loudoun County on 12 June 1780 when the court ordered the churchwardens of Cameron parish to bind him to James Oram [Orders 1776-83, 247]. He was a "free negro" head of a Fairfax County household of 6 "other free" in 1810 [VA:255].

iv. Toby, head of a Stafford County household of 8 "other free" in 1810 [VA:127].

 

FRANCIS FAMILY

Mary Ann Elizabeth Francis, born about 1858, daughter of Henry Miles Francis (1835-) and LucyAnn Charity, granddaughter of Henry Charity (1792-) and Matilda Banks of Surry County, Virginia. The photo belongs to William Elijah Elliot.

 

 

FRANCIS FAMILY

Members of the Francis family were

1    i. Hannah¹, born say 1664.

ii. John¹, born say 1677, married Mary Savoy, 19 December 1698 Elizabeth City County marriage license [DW 1688-1702, 218 (restored page 133)].

 

1.    Hannah¹ Francis, born say 1664, petitioned the Elizabeth City County, Virginia court to be levy free (not have to pay the discriminatory tax on free African American women). Her petition was granted on 20 May 1724 (as was the petition of Mary Pickett and Elizabeth George [DWO 1724-30, 15]. Her brother Francis Savoy left her and her two sisters 50 acres on the Poquosin River bounded by the land of Thomas Wythe and John George by his Elizabeth City County estate. Hannah exchanged her third part of the land on 7 March 1740/1 for 16 acres adjoining the land of William Mallory on the south side of the King's gaol and £6.10 and 20 hogsheads of cider [DW 1737-56, 101]. Hannah was probably the ancestor of

2    i. John², born say 1728.

3    ii. Abraham¹, born say 1740.

4    iii. Thomas¹, born say 1745.

5    iv. William¹, born about 1757.

v. Elizabeth, born about 1793, registered in York County on 18 November 1833: a bright mulatto about 40 years of age, 5 feet 3 inches high, long straight hair [Free Negro Register, no.354].

 

2.    John² Francis, born say 1728, acknowledged a debt to John Holt of £4.8 in York County on 17 July 1749. He was indicted by the York County court on 19 November 1750 for not listing his wife as a tithable for which he was fined 1,000 pounds of tobacco [Judgments & Orders 1746-52, 226, 364, 384, 393]. He and his wife Susanna registered the birth of their daughter Elizabeth in Charles Parish, York County, in 1750. Susanna died soon after on 24 January 1750/1. On 15 June 1752 the court fined him 1,000 pounds of tobacco for not listing himself as a tithable in Charles Parish, and on 17 September 1753 the court ordered that he and his wife be added to the list of tithables in Mr. Moore's Precinct (the upper precinct of Charles Parish) [Judgment & Orders 1752-4, 59, 303]. By 22 May 1756 he had married Sarah when their son Thomas died [Bell, Charles Parish Registers, 216]. On 19 September 1763 the court ordered that he and his "Mulatto" wife be added to the list of tithables for the upper precinct of Charles Parish. He died before May 1765 when three white men were acquitted of his murder in York County court. His estate was ordered to be appraised on 15 July 1765. His wife Sarah was the administratrix of the estate [Judgments & Orders 1763-5, 83, 87, 372, 439, 450]. John was the father of

6    i. Elizabeth¹, born 15 September 1750.

ii. Thomas², died 22 May 1756.

iii. ?Mary², born say 1762, married Abraham Cuttillo, 10 November 1787 York County bond, Robert Gillett bondsman. In July 1791 they sold 16 acres in Elizabeth City County that Mary had inherited from her ancestor Hannah Francis [DW 34:118].

 

3.    Abraham¹ Francis, born say 1740, was presented by the York County court on 20 May 1765 for not attending Charles Parish Church [Judgments & Orders 1763-5, 374, 448]. He and his wife Mary baptized several of their children in Charles Parish, York County. He was taxable in York County from 1784 to 1790: taxable on a horse and 14 cattle in 1784 [PPTL 1782-1825, frames 89, 161] and a "Mulatto" taxable in Warwick County from 1789 to 1802: listed with (wife) Mary Francis in a "List of Free Negroes and Mulattoes" living on John Kerby's estate in 1802 [PPTL 1782-1820, frames 249, 252, 254, 256, 261, 265, 269, 277, 280, 284, 289, 298], taxable again in York County from 1804 to 1816 [PPTL 1782-1825, 296, 316, 327, 339, 364, 375, 388, 422] and head of a York County household of 6 "other free" in 1810 [VA:871a]. On 16 October 1815 he posted $500 security for Mary Cuttillo's administration of the estate of her deceased husband Abraham Cuttillo and $200 security for Mary's guardianship of her daughter Martha Cuttillo [Orders 1815-20, 55]. His children were

i. Elizabeth², born 26 May 1761, baptized 7 June.

7    ii. ?Mary³, born say 1763.

iii. John³, born 20 February 1766, died November 1782.

8    iv. Abraham², born 30 May 1769.

9    v. ?Thomas, born say 1775.

vi. Wilson, born 1 December 1779, son of Abraham Francis and Evly Mundel, baptized 16 April 1779 [Bell, Charles Parish Registers, 91, 216]. He was a "FN" taxable in York County from 1812 to 1813 [PPTL 1782-1850, frames 375, 388].

 

4.    Thomas¹ Francis, born say 1745, was presented by the York County court on 20 October 1766 for not listing himself as a tithable [Orders 1765-8, 161]. He and his wife Mary registered the birth and baptism of their child Betty in Charles Parish, York County, in 1767 [Bell, Charles Parish Registers, 91]. He was taxable in York County in 1790 and exempt from personal tax in 1791 when he was taxable on 2 horses [PPTL 1782-1825, frames 160-1]. His child was

i. Betty³, born September 1767, perhaps the Betsey Francis who was listed with Nancy Francis in the household of Paul Banks, a water man on Mulberry Island in 1802 [PPTL 1782-1850, frame 298].

 

5.    William¹ Francis, born about 1757, was paid by Anthony Robinson's York County estate for currying leather in November 1779 [WI 22:483]. He was taxable on 6 cattle in York County in 1784, taxable on a horse in 1791, 1792, and 1795 [PPTL 1782-1841, frames 89, 97, 112, 140], taxable on a horse in Warwick County from 1794 to 1797 [PPTL 1782-1820, frames 261, 265, 269, 271], taxable in York County from 1799 to 1812 [PPTL, 1782-1841, frames 245, 255, 286, 296, 306, 316, 327, 339, 353, 364, 375] and head of a York County household of 4 "other free" in 1810 [VA:872a]. He registered in York County on 18 June 1810: a Mul^o man ab^t 53 yrs. of age 5 feet 10 Inches high...Born of free parents [Free Negro Register 1798-1831, no. 40]. He was deceased on 15 May 1812 when Abraham Francis purchased 10 acres on the main York road adjoining lands belonging to his estate in Yorkhampton Parish, York County [DB 8:168]. He was the father of

10    i. John, born say 1780.

ii. Drury, born say 1790, taxable in Isle of Wight County from 1809 to 1811 [PPTL, 1782-1810, frame 813; 1811-33, frame 27]. He married Peggy Clark, spinster of Cheesecake Parish, on 24 December 1812 in York County, Samuel Clark surety. He was a "FN" taxable in York County from 1812 to 1820 [PPTL 1782-1825, frames 375, 388, 405, 422, 468, 481] and head of a York County household of 7 "free colored" in 1820 with a woman over the age of 45. On 6 April 1813 he and his wife Peggy sold 5 acres in Yorkhampton Parish, York County, which was part of the estate of his father William Francis for $8 [DB 8:232].

iii. Cole, born about 1790, a "Fn" taxable in Isle of Wight County in 1809 [PPTL, 1782-1810, frame 813] and a "FN" taxable in York County from 1815 to 1820 [PPTL 1782-1850, frames 422, 468, 481]. On 14 March 1814 he and his wife Rebecca of James City County, John Francis of Isle of Wight County, and Rebecca and Mary Francis of York County sold 15 acres on the main road leading from Williamsburg to Yorktown which was the balance of the estate of their father William Francis for $30 [DB 8:311]. Cole paid the estate of William Chapman $6 for the rent of a tenement in York County on 15 September 1823 [Guardian Accounts Book, 1780-1823, 405-6]. He was head of a York County household of 5 "free colored" in 1820, 5 in 1840 and a 60-year-old Black laborer counted in the 1850 census for York County in the household of 26-year-old Black oysterman Drewry Francis, Peggy Williams (40) and Elizabeth Banks (35).

iv. Sarah, wife of George Pool. On 6 April 1813 they sold 5 acres of land they inherited from the estate of her father William Francis for $12 [DB 8:231].

v. Wilson, a "FN" taxable in Isle of Wight County in 1809 [PPTL, 1782-1810, frame 813], taxable in York County from 1812 to 1813 [PPTL 1782-1850, frames 375, 388]. On 6 April 1814 he sold 5 acres of land in York County from the estate of his father William Francis for $5 [DB 8:267].

vi. Rebecca, sold land she received from the estate of her father on 14 March 1814 [DB 8:311].

vii. Mary, sold land she received from the estate of her father on 14 March 1814 [DB 8:311].

 

6.    Elizabeth¹ Francis, born 15 September 1750, was the daughter of John and Susanna Francis of Charles Parish in York County. She registered the birth of her daughter Sukey Francis in Charles Parish [Bell, Charles Parish, 91]. She was the mother of

i. Sukey, daughter of Betty Francis, born Feb _, baptized 10 April 1768.

ii. ?Rebecca, born about 1772, registered in York County on 16 December 1822: a bright Mulatto about 50 years of age 5 feet 2-1/2 Inches high...born free [Free Negro Register 1798-1831, no.150].

 

7.    Mary³ Francis, born say 1763, was the mother of several children baptized in Charles Parish, York County, no father named [Bell, Charles Parish Registers, 91]. They were

i. Sarah, born 28 October 1780, baptized 25 February 1781, listed in the household of farmer James Cuttiler on Mulberry Island in Warwick County in 1802 [PPTL 1782-1850, frame 298].

ii. Mary⁴, born 20 January, baptized 23 March 1783, perhaps the Mary Francis who was counted in the list of free Negroes & Mulattoes over the age of 16 in York County in 1813 [PPTL 1782-1825, frame 388].

iii. Molly, born 15 November, baptized 30 April 1786, probably the Polly Francis who registered in York County on 21 November 1831: a bright mulatto about 40 years of age, five feet two inches high...flat face, long straight hair which she wears plaited [Free Negroes Register 1831-50, no.334].

 

8.    Abraham² Francis, born 30 May 1769, was baptized 25 June in Charles Parish, York County [Bell, Charles Parish Registers, 91, 216]. He was a "M"(ulatto) taxable in Warwick County from 1791 to 1817 (called Abraham Francis, Jr.), a shoemaker living on Mulberry Island with (his wife) Nancy Francis in a "List of Free Negroes and Mulattoes" in 1802 [PPTL 1782-1820, frames 252, 254, 256, 261, 269, 271, 277, 279, 284, 289, 298, 367]. He was head of a Warwick County household of 10 "other free" in 1810 [VA:678]. He purchased 10 acres on the main York road adjoining lands belonging to the estate of William Francis, deceased, in Yorkhampton Parish, York County, for £10 on 15 May 1812 and sold it for the same price on 20 July the same year [DB 8:168, 203]. He was living in Warwick County on 25 January 1816 when he consented to the York County marriage of his minor son John. His Warwick County estate was taxable on 3 horses in 1818, and (his widow) Ann Francis was taxable on a horse in 1819 and listed with 2 "Free Negroes or Mulatoes" and a horse in 1820 [PPTL 1782-1850, frames 375, 382, 391]. His children were

11    i. ?Thomas, born about 1797.

ii. John⁴, born say 1798, married Elizabeth Ketiller (Cuttillo), 25 January 1816 York County bond. He was a Mul^o taxable in Warwick County in 1816, 1819 and 1820 [PPTL 1782-1850, frames 358, 382, 391] and head of a Warwick County household of 4 "free colored" in 1820.

 

9.    Thomas Francis, born say 1775, was a "Mulatto" taxable in Warwick County from 1792 to 1803: a shoemaker living with Prisciller Francis on John Kerby's estate in a "List of Free Negroes & Mulattoes" in 1802 [PPTL 1782-1820, frames 254, 256, 261, 265, 269, 277, 289, 298, 299]. He was head of a Warwick County household of 5 "free colored" in 1820. He may have been the father of

i. William, born say 1798, married Martha Catiller (Cuttillo) in York County on 29 January 1816 with the consent of Thomas Francis for William who was under age. He was taxable on a horse and a slave over 12 in Warwick County in 1818, taxable on a horse in 1819, and taxable on a horse and 3 "Free Negroes and Mulattoes" in 1820 [PPTL 1782-1820, frames 353, 364, 375].

12   ii. Benjamin, born about 1804.

13   iii. Henry, born say 1805.

iv. Priscilla, born about 1810, daughter of Thomas Francis, married Fielding Banks on 26 January 1828 in Surry County, Virginia. She registered in Surry County on 22 July 1850: aged about 40 years and upwards of light Complexion, born free by the certificate of Martha W. Davis, 5'2-3/4" high [Hudgins, Surry County, Virginia, Register of Free Negroes, 203].

v, Elias, born about 1812, married Parthenia Banks, daughter of Benjamin Banks, 7 April 1830 Surry County, Virginia bond. He was a "Mulatto" laborer counted in the 1850 census for Surry County with wife Parthenia and children Nancy (15), Georgianna (13), Drucilla (12) Lucinda (17), Ruffin Banks (50) and Hannay Banks (40).

 

10.    John Francis, born say 1780, was in the list of free Negroes and Mulattoes in Warwick County on Mulberry Island in 1802 with inferred wife Polly Francis [PPTL 1782-1850, frame 298]. He was taxable in Isle of Wight County from 1804 to 1815 [PPTL, 1782-1810, frames 640, 736, 755, 813; 1811-33, frames 27, 50, 110, 140, 234] and was living in Isle of Wight County on 14 March 1814 when he, Cole Francis, and Rebecca and Mary Francis of York County sold 15 acres on the main road leading from Williamsburg to Yorktown which was the balance of the estate of their father William Francis [DB 8:311]. He was taxable in York County in 1819 and 1820 [PPTL 1782-1825, frames 468, 481], head of a York County household of 8 "free colored" in 1820, with a woman over the age of 45, and 5 "free colored" in 1840. He paid the estate of William Chapman $15 for the rent of a tenement in York County on 15 September 1823 [Guardian Accounts Book, 1780-1823, 405-6]. He may have been the father of

i. ?James, born about 1802 in Warwick County, counted in the 1850 census for York County with wife Martha (35), William (20), Thomas (20), Martha (17), Robert (10), Ann (8), Selia (2) and Susan Francis (7/12). His wife and children were all born in York County except William who was born in Warwick County. He was head of a York County household of 7 free colored in 1830. His daughter Martha, born about 1833, daughter of James and Patsey Francis, married Abraham Canada, born 1836 in James City County, son of Jonathan and Betsy Canada, on 11 March 1856 in York County.

 

11.    Thomas Francis, born about 1797, was taxable in Warwick County from 1818 to 1820 [PPTL 1782-1820, frames 375, 382] and head of an Elizabeth City County household of 7 "free colored" (adjoining John Curtillo and James Hopson) in 1830. He was a "Mulatto" shoemaker counted in the 1850 census for Back River, Elizabeth City County, with $500 in real estate and wife Patsy Francis (52), Eliza (22), James (18), Martha (16), Becky (14), Sally (12) and Sylla Francis (10). (His widow) Martha was a "Black" head of a Back River household with $1,500 real estate, Eliza (32), James (28), Martha (25), Rebecca (23), Sarah A. (18), and Sylla Francis (15) in 1860. According to an Elizabeth City County chancery suit, Thomas, a "free person of color," purchased 83 acres in Elizabeth City County from John Gauntlet in February 1846 and died in 1851 before completing the last payment of $50 out of the $171 purchase price for the land. His descendants brought suit in 1870 to get a fair division of the land among his heirs [http://www.virginiamemory.com/collections/chancery, Chancery file 1870-021, Eliza Francis, etc., vs. Joseph Ham]. Thomas and Martha were the parents of

i. Eliza, born about 1828.

ii. William, born about 1830, a baker with $500 real estate, counted in the 1860 census for Back River District in the household adjoining Martha Francis with inferred wife Martha (28) and children James T. (8), William A. (6), Eliza (4) and Martha Francis (1).

iii. Mary, born about 1831, married Cary Nettles who was a "Mulatto" head of a James River District, Elizabeth City County household in 1850 with $400 real estate: Mary (age 29) and children Augustine (10) Maria (8), Thaddeus (6), Hezekiah (3) and Frances Nettles (1/2).

iv. James, born about 1832.

v. Thomas, born about 1834, a farmer with $500 real estate, counted in the 1860 census for Back River District in the household adjoining William Francis with inferred wife Priscilla and two children.

vi. Martha, born about 1834.

vii. Rebecca, born about 1836, married Solomon Banks (a 21-year-old oysterman in the Elizabeth City County household of Cary Hopson in 1860) and was a widow in 1870.

viii. Sally, born about 1838, married William Poole.

ix. Priscilla, born about 1840, married a member of the Hopson family and was the mother of Stephen and Priscilla Hopson who were orphans in 1870.

 

12.    Benjamin Francis, born about 1804, was over the age of 21 on 28 December 1825 according to the oath of Henry Francis who posted bond with Sampson Banks for Benjamin's Surry County marriage to Elizabeth Taylor, daughter of Aaron Taylor. They were the parents of

i. Robert, born about 1828, registered in Surry County on 25 March 1850: brown complexion, age 22, 5'7-3/4" high [Hudgins, Register of Free Negroes, 192].

 

13.    Henry Francis, born say 1805, married Polly Taylor, 15 March 1822 Surry County bond, John Williams surety. However the register of their son Richard gives her maiden name as Charity, and Polly Francis registered in Surry County on 25 November 1822: daughter of Else Charity, aged 20 years, 5'3" high, bright complexion, has long hair [Hudgins, Surry County, Virginia, Register of Free Negroes, 76]. Henry was head of a Surry County household of 8 free colored in 1830 and 1840, a "Mulatto" farmer counted in the 1850 Surry County census with inferred wife Anna and children Julia and Miles as well as 12-year-old Lucretia Banks and 76-year-old "Black" woman Sally Wilson. Henry was the father of

i. Thomas, born about 1824, registered in Surry County on 24 March 1845: son of Henry and Polly Francis...mulattoe Complexion, aged 21, 5'6-1/4" high [Hudgins, Surry County, Virginia, Register of Free Negroes, 165].

ii. Elias, born about 1825, registered in Surry County on 26 October 1846: aged 21 years, son of Henry and Polly Francis, by certificate of Willis Thompson, light Complexion, thin stature, large light blue eyes, 5'6-3/4" high [Hudgins, Surry County, Virginia, Register of Free Negroes, 172].

iii. Richard, born about 1827, registered in Surry County on 25 December 1848: son of Henry Francis of yellow Complexion aged about 21 years, has bushy hair, 5'7-1/2" high, called son of Henry Francis and Polly Charity when he registered on 25 June 1849 [Hudgins, Surry County, Virginia, Register of Free Negroes, 185, 188].

iv. Julia, born about 1829, registered in Surry County on 25 December 1848: a yellow girl born of free parents by certificate of Willis Thompson, aged 19 years, long hair, 5'4-1/4" high [Hudgins, Surry County, Virginia, Register of Free Negroes, 185].

v. Miles, born about 1835, married Lucy Ann Charity in Surry County on 19 November 1856.

 

They were probably the ancestors of

14   i. Hannah² Francis, born say 1740.

15   ii. Burrell, born say 1773.

iii. Levy, born say 1775, head of a Halifax County, North Carolina household of 11 "free colored" in 1820 [NC:148].

 

14.    Hannah² Francis, born say 1740, was the mother of an illegitimate child by Philip Chavis who was bound out by the Johnston County, North Carolina court. She may have been the Hannah Chavis whose son Charles was bound out in Orange County, North Carolina, in May 1763. Her children were

i. Philip, born about 1758, ordered by the January Johnston County court bound as an apprentice to William Calvet in January 1762 [Haun, Johnston County Court Minutes, I:86, 89].

ii. Charles, born about October 1760, son of Hannah Chavis ordered bound an apprentice shoemaker to William Mebane by the May 1763 Orange County court.

 

15.    Burrell Francis, born say 1773, was head of a Halifax County, North Carolina household of 7 "other free in 1810 [NC:20], 9 "free colored in 1820 [NC:147], and 3 "free colored" in 1830. There is no record of his children, but they may have been those members of the Francis family counted in the census for Halifax County:

i. Burck, born say 1795, head of a Halifax County household of 7 "free colored" in 1820 [NC:148] and 8 in 1830.

ii. Willis, born say 1800, married Temperance Price, 29 December 1821 Halifax County bond, Edmund Francis bondsman, and was head of a Halifax County household of 7 "free colored" in 1830.

iii. Daniel, born say 1802, head of a Halifax County household of 5 "free colored" in 1830.

iv. John⁵, born say 1805, head of a Halifax County household of 5 "other free" in 1830.

v. Beb, born say 1807, married Nancy Jones, 27 May 1828 Halifax County bond, James Brewer bondsman, and was head of a Halifax County household of 4 "free colored" in 1830. He was fined $1 for a petty offence in the 20 May 1834 Halifax County court. On 25 February 1842 the court included him among several: persons of color of good character allowed to use their guns...And on 17 August 1846 he renewed his permit: allowed to carry shot gun they having produced a certificate of good character signed by 5 or more of their respective neighbors of good character:...Beverly Francis, Willis Francis [Minutes 1732-46].

 

Members of the Francis family on the Eastern Shore of Virginia were

i. John, born say 1750, married Ibby Shepherd, widow, 28 December 1792 Northampton County bond, Abraham Lang security. He registered as a "free Negro" in Northampton County on 12 June 1794 [Orders 1789-95, 358] and was taxable on a horse in Northampton County in 1794 [PPTL 1782-1823, frame 173].

ii. William, born say 1770, married Polly Jacob, 30 December 1791 Northampton County bond,Abraham Lang security.

iii. Thomas, born say 1775, married Tabby Press, 26 December 1796 Northampton County bond, Edmund Press security.

iv. Betty, born say 1783, "free negro," married Thomas Stephens, 13 July 1804 Accomack County bond, Babel Major, "free negro," surety.

v. Thomas, born 24 March 1796, registered in Accomack County on 29 September 1807: Yellow Colour, 5 feet 1-3/4 Inches...Born free [Register of Free Negroes 1785-1863, no.82].

 

Other members of a Francis family were

i. Tom, born say 1745, a "Mulatto fellow" indentured as a tailor to James Jaudun of Georgetown, South Carolina, when he ran away according to an ad placed by Jaudun in the 12 September 1769 issue of the South Carolina Gazette and Country Journal [http://accessible.com].

ii. George, born about 1753, a South Carolina resident who enlisted in the Revolution for the duration of the war in Virginia about 1781: age 28, 5'4" high, black complexion, born in South Carolina [The Chesterfield Supplement or Size Roll of Troops at Chesterfield Court House, LVA accession no. 23816, by http://revwarapps.org/b81.pdf (p. 65)].

iii. Jacob, born about 1769, a "coloured man," testified in New York City in support of the pension application of Edward Coleman that he was a servant in the French Army under command of Rochambeau as a boy of twelve and remembered seeing Edward Coleman in the South Carolina Line [NARA, R.2160, M804, https://www.fold3.com/image/1/12714044].

iv. John, born say 1760, head of a Beaufort District, South Carolina household of 5 "other free" in 1790.

 

FRANKLIN FAMILY

1.    Martha Franklin, born say 1738, may have been a member of the James family of North Carolina before marrying someone named Franklin. She was living in Northampton County, North Carolina, and married to Micajah Walden on 18 December 1802 when she was the heir of Charles and Ambrose Franklin who received 228 acre-land warrants for their service in the Revolution. According to the testimony of Micajah Walden, administrator of their Northampton County estate, their heirs were granted land warrants for 228 acres as well as another 412 acres to be released when there was additional proof of their death. The additional land was released on 13 December 1805 when Micajah Walden presented the testimony of Samuel Parker, Henry Parker, and Captain James Bradley of the North Carolina Regiment of Halifax [NCGSJ III]. On 4 December 1806 Martha assigned her right to the warrants for 412 acres of land to Darrell Young [North Carolina and Tennessee, Revolutionary War Land Warrants, 1783-1843, Roll 11: William White Warrants, (1800-1811), no. 128, Ancestry.com]. Martha's 18 August 1807 Northampton County will, proved in March 1808, gave a horse, cow and furniture to her son Noah Franklin and after his death to her two cousins Martha and Margaret James [WB 2:597]. Her children born before her marriage to Micajah Walden were

2     i. Elizabeth, born say 1754.

ii. Charles, born say 1756, served in the Revolution and died before 18 December 1802 when his 228-acre land warrant was issued to his heirs [North Carolina and Tennessee, Revolutionary War Land Warrants, 1783-1843; Ancestry.com]. Micajah Walden was administrator of his December 1802 Northampton County estate [North Carolina, Wills and Probate Records, 1665-1998; Ancestry.com database on-line].

iii. Ambrose¹, born say 1758, served in the Revolution and died before 18 December 1802 when his 228-acre land warrant was issued to his heirs. Micajah Walden was administrator of his December 1802 Northampton County estate [North Carolina, Wills and Probate Records, 1665-1998; Ancestry.com database on-line].

3    iv. Noah, born say 1760.

 

2.    Elizabeth Franklin, born say 1754, was the mother of Delilah Franklin, a nine-year-old "Mullato" girl ordered bound to Drury Jackson in Warren County, North Carolina, on 15 November 1780 [Minutes 1780-3, 50]. Her child was

i. Delilah, born 22 February 1771, but called a twelve-year-old "base born mulatto" when she was bound by the Warren County court to John Mayfield on 2 March 1792 [WB 6:79].

 

3.    Noah Franklin, born say 1760, another son of Martha Walden, was not counted in the census, so he may have been living with Micajah and Martha Walden. He was a buyer at the Northampton County, North Carolina estate sale of Solomon Pace on 20 December 1798 [Gammon, Record of Estates, Northampton County, 101]. He was identified as Martha's son in Micajah Walden's 6 November 1806 Northampton County will and Martha's 18 August 1807 will, proved March 1808. He received $50 from his foster father and a horse, cow and furniture from his mother [WB 2:575, 597]. His children were not identified but may have been

i. Archibald, born about 1783, 2-year-old son of Elisa Franklin bound out in Granville County on 8 February 1785 [Apprentice Bonds, http://familysearch.org/search/catalog/766317, film 7640987, images 1184, 1273], an orphan (no race indicated) bound apprentice in Granville County to Richard Inse and then bound instead to John Owen in November 1794 [Minutes 1792-5, 205-6], head of a Halifax County household of 3 "other free" in 1810 [NC:19], perhaps the Archer Franklin, born 1776-94, who was head of a Northampton County household of 11 "free colored" in 1830. He married Celia Evans, 15 January 1820 Halifax County bond, Randolph Morgan surety.

ii. Silva, born 10 October 1785, daughter of Bett Franklin, bound out in Granville Count on 5 February 1787.

iii. Zebulon, born 1776-94, head of a Northampton County household of 9 "free colored" in 1830.

iv. Ezekiel, born about 1792, apprenticed as a carpenter to Isaac Ross of Franklin County, North Carolina, in 1804 [NCGSJ XI:12] and was head of a Northampton County household of 9 "free colored" in 1820 [NC:230].

v. Ambrose², born about 1790, a boy of color bound out in Granville County in February 1803 [Apprentice Bonds, http://familysearch.org/search/catalog/766317, film 7640987, image 1736], married Hicksey Jones, 3 October 1814 Wake County bond, (her father?) Francis Jones surety. Francis Jones was head of a Wake County household of 5 "other free" in 1790 [NC:103]. Ambrose was a "Negro" head of a Guilford County household of 7 "free colored" in 1830 and was a "Mulatto" living in household #110, New Garden Township, Wayne County, Indiana, in 1850.

 

FRAZIER FAMILY

1.    Caty Frazier, born say 1757, was head of a King George County household of 4 "other free" in 1810 [VA:199]. She may have been the mother of

i. James Fraser, born about 1777, registered in King George County on 6 June 1802: a black man, aged about twenty five years, about five feet five inches high, rather stout made about the body and shoulders, who has been deprived of the left leg and greater part of the thigh by amputation...was born in this county of a free negro woman...served Thomas Jordan formerly of this county...the term of twenty one years, for which he was bound by his said mother [Register of Free Persons, no.37].

 

FREEMAN FAMILY

1.    Abraham¹ Freeman, born say 1721, was the servant of Thomas Jerrell of Southampton County on 9 April 1752 when he petitioned the court to sue for his freedom in forma pauperis. His lawyer Richard Baker, Gent., sued Jarrell for trespass, assault and battery and false imprisonment, but the case was dismissed on 11 June that year when he and Jarrell reached agreement. He sued Arthur Washington in court on 10 July 1755. Richard Vick sued Abraham on 14 August the same year, but he was found not guilty. He was paid by the county for maintaining Flower's Bridge each year from 1759 to 1762. On 10 July 1761 the court excused his wife from paying taxes for the year 1761. On 20 November 1769 he was paid by the county for guarding a prisoner named Richard Harris alias Chapman for six days, and on 10 January 1771 he was paid for guarding a slave named Will for seven days. James Vaughan sued him for £2.10 in May 1770. He was added to Nicholas Maget's list of tithables on 12 September 1771. He died before 9 July 1784 when a suit for debt brought against him in Southampton County court abated by his death. The suit, brought by the administrator of Burwell Barnes, deceased, continued against his co-defendant David Demery [Orders 1749-54, 216-7, 235, 238; 1754-9, 105, 125, 221; 1759-63, 11, 123, 171, 253; 1768-72, 220, 341, 442; 1778-84, 439; Judgment Papers 1769-71, frames 442-5]. He was probably the ancestor of

2    i. Nathaniel, born about 1747.

3    ii. Jacob¹, born say 1768.

iii. Benjamin, born say 1777, a "f. Negro." taxable in Nottoway Parish, Southampton County in 1794 and 1795 [PPTL 1792-1806, frames 104, 128].

iv. James, born say 1778, a "f.N." taxable in Nottoway Parish, Southampton County in 1794, listed in the St. Luke's Parish household of John Simmons in 1796 [PPTL 1792-1806, frames 104, 202].

 

2.    Nathaniel Freeman, born about 1747, registered in Southampton County on 30 January 1807: age 60, yellow (Colour), 5 feet 7-1/4 inches, free born [Register of Free Negroes 1794-1832, no. 405]. He was taxable in Southampton County from 1782 to 1807: taxable on a horse in 1782, 1792 and 1794, called a "Mulatto" in 1802 and thereafter, charged with Jacob Freeman, Jr.'s tithe in 1805, taxable on 2 persons in 1807 [PPTL 1782-92, frames 507, 546, 622, 660, 760, 874; 1792-1806, frames 80, 189, 317, 553, 806, 841; 1807-21, frame 50]. He was in the list of free Negroes and Mulattos for St. Luke's Parish in 1801: a farmer on John Miles's land with (wife?) Salah Freeman [A List of free negroes & mulattoes in the County of Southampton & Parish of St Lukes, 1801, African American Narrative Digital Collection, LVA]. He may have been the father of

i. Jacob², born about 1787, registered in Southampton County on 31 July 1810: age 23, Mulatto, 5 feet 8-1/2 inches, free born [Register of Free Negroes 1794-1832, no. 763].

ii. Thomas, born about 1794, married Phereby Artis, 8 March 1812 Southampton County bond, Mathew Artis surety. He registered in Southampton County on 20 December 1815: age 21, light Complected, 5 feet 9-1/4 inches, free born [Register of Free Negroes 1794-1832, no. 990] and was listed in Southampton County with his wife Tempty on Thomas Newsum's land in 1812 [PPTL 1807-21, frame 290].

 

3.    Jacob¹ Freeman, born say 1768, married Sally Artis, 4 February 1789 Southampton County bond, Nathaniel Freeman surety. Sarah was the mother of Benjamin Artis who was ordered bound apprentice in Southampton County on 13 June 1793 [Minutes 1793-9, 20]. Jacob was taxable in Southampton County from 1787 to 1814: called a "M"(ulatto) in 1802 and thereafter, taxable on 2 free male tithables in 1806 and 1807, listed without a wife in 1813 and 1814 [PPTL 1782-92, frames 267, 379, 622, 691, 760, 874; 1792-1807, frames 80, 161, 553, 806, 841; 1807-21, frames 50, 168, 317, 417]. He may have been the father of

i. Abraham³, born about 1787, registered in Southampton County on 30 July 1810: age 23, Blk, 5 feet 11 inches, born free [Register of Free Negroes 1794-1832, no. 754]. He was listed in Southampton County with his wife Elitha on Ann Hunt's land in 1812, listed with his wife Delilah on Mac Bryant's land in 1813 and 1814 [PPTL 1807-21, frames 290, 317, 417].

 

Other members of the Freeman family in Virginia were

4    i. Hannah, born say 1738.

5    i. Margaret, born say 1740.

6    ii. Ann, born say 1744.

7    iii. Stephen, born say 1745.

iv. Richard, born say 1746, taxable in Gloucester County in 1770 [Tax List 1770-1, 51] and 1784, listed as a "Mulatto" in 1803 [PPTL, 1782-99; 1800-20].

8    v. James, born say 1748.

9    vi. Thomas, born say 1750.

vii. John, born say 1760, enlisted in the 15^th Virginia Regiment in December 1776 for 3 years, served as a waiter to Captain Samuel Hogg, and died as a prisoner of war on Haddril's Point according to a certificate from Captain Hogg on 8 June 1787. His heirs Squire Osborne, "a free person of Colour," Molly Holt, Rhody Arnold and Betty Sampson applied for his bounty land [Revolutionary War Bounty Warrants, Freeman, John, Digital Collections, LVA].

viii. Robert, born say 1763, taxable in Gloucester County from 1784 to 1811, called a "Mulatto" after 1800 [PPTL, 1782-99; 1800-20]. He was head of a Gloucester County household of 3 "other free" and a white woman in 1810 [VA:403b].

 

4.    Hannah Freeman, born say 1738, was the free "Mulatto" mother of Anthony and Sarah Freeman who the Amelia County court ordered bound out by the churchwardens of Nottoway Parish on 26 July 1761 [Orders 6:144]. She was the mother of

i. ?Charles, born about 1759, a "Mulatto Boy" living in Nottoway Parish, Amelia County, on 28 June 1759 when the court ordered the churchwardens to bind him as an apprentice to John Howsing [Orders 1757-60, 224]. He enlisted in the Revolution for 18 months from Amelia County on 11 September 1780: age 21, 5'6" high, planter, black complexion, born in Amelia County [Register & description of Noncommissioned officers & Privates, LVA accession no. 24296, by http://revwarapps.org/b69.pdf (p42)].

ii. ?Matthew, born say 1759, a Free Mulatto" boy living in Nottoway Parish, Amelia County, on 28 February 1760 when the court ordered the churchwardens to bind him as an apprentice to John Howsing [Orders 1757-60, 271].

iii. Anthony, born about 1761, enlisted in the Revolution from Amelia County on 11 September 1780: age 19, 5'3-1/4" high, a planter, born in Amelia County, black complexion [Register & description of Noncommissioned officers & Privates, LVA accession no. 24296, by http://revwarapps.org/b69.pdf (p. 42)].

iv. Sarah, "free Mulatto" mother of Betty and Peggy Freeman of Nottoway Parish who were bound out by the Amelia County court on 23 May 1782 [Orders 1780-2, 133].

 

5.    Margaret Freeman, born say 1740, was a "Free Negro" living in Nottoway Parish, Amelia County, on 22 May 1766 when the grand jury presented her for not listing herself as a tithable. On 29 May 1767 the court ordered the churchwardens of Nottoway Parish to bind out her "free Negro" children Isham and David to John Marshall and on 27 July 1768 bound them to James Hanks [Orders 1765-7, 90, 101; 1766-9, 174]. She was the mother of

i. Isham, born say 1763, taxable in Amelia County in the same list as Evin and William Freeman in 1788 [PPTL, 1782-1813, B list].

ii. David, born say 1765, bound to John Marshall in Amelia County on 29 May 1767 [Orders 1766-9, 58], a "M^o" taxable in Powhatan County in 1790 [PPTL, p. 6].

 

6.    Ann Freeman, born say 1744, "a free mulatta," was the mother of Joseph Freeman who was baptized in Bruton Parish in James City and York counties. Her son was

i. Joseph, baptized 4 July 1762 [Bruton Parish Register, 20].

 

7.   Stephen Freeman, born say 1745, and his brother John Freeman were in Captain James Gray's Company of the 15^th Virginia Regiment in April 1778, and he was a wagoner in the muster of Major Stephenson's Company of the 5^th and 11^th Virginia Regiment commanded by Colonel Russell from June 1779 to November 1779. Stephen received £103 for his services prior to January 1782 according to an auditor's certificate, and died in 1788 according to testimony of Rhoda Arnold and Molly Holt on 3 October 1844. Jane Collins, "a free woman of Colour," testified in New Kent County on 14 May 1840 that Molly Holt, Rhody Arnold, Billy Sampson and Squire Osborn, "free persons of Colour," were the only heirs of Stephen Freeman, John Freeman and Robert Mush who were soldiers in the Continental Line [NARA, M246, Roll 113, frame 372 of 752; Roll 102, frames 668, 677, 683 of 774]. On 26 February 1846 it was proved to the satisfaction of the King William County court that his heirs Billy Sampson and Squire Osbourn were dead, that Squire died without heirs and Billy Sampson's heirs were Thomas and Delphia Sampson. On 10 March 1846 Rhoda Arnold, Molly Holt, Thomas Sampson and Delphia Sampson were heirs at law of Stephen Freeman in King William County when they gave power of attorney to receive bounty land for his service [NARA, B.LWt. 2393-100, M804, roll 1024, frame 312 of 952; https://www.fold3.com/image/20171576]. Stephen may have married a Pamunkey Indian since Molly Holt, Rhody Arnold and Billy Sampson lived in King William County on or near the Pamunkey Indian Reservation. He may have been the father of

i. Polly Holt, born about 1770, about about 68 years old on 10 April 1838 when she testified for the pension application of Jane Collins, widow of John Collins, that she was well acquainted with them since she was a small girl [NARA, W.6736, M804, roll 613, frame 703 of 761; also https://www.fold3.com/image/12861980].

ii. the wife of William Sampson.

iii. the wife of Squire Osborn, a "F.N." tithable in New Kent County from 1799 to 1815: taxable on 2 slaves over 16 and a horse in 1799, a slave 12-16 in 1801, listed with his unnamed wife in 1813 [PPTL, 1791-1828, frames 332, 345, 359, 433, 444, 455, 466, 477, 488, 494, 500, 503, 516]. He was head of a New Kent County household of 9 "free colored" in 1820: a male and female age 26-45, 2 females over 45 and 4 female slaves.

iv. Rhoda Arnold, born say 1785, probably the wife of Joseph Arnold, a "Mulatto" taxable in King William County, Virginia, in 1813 [PPTL 1794-1811].

 

8.    James Freeman, born say 1748, was taxable in Gloucester County in 1770 [Tax List 1770-1, 51] and head of a Petsworth Parish, Gloucester County household of 7 free persons in 1784 [VA:69]. He was head of a Gloucester County household of 6 "other free" in 1810 [VA:403b], counted with his unnamed wife and daughters Betsey and Lucy in a list of "Mulattoes and Free Negroes" in Gloucester County in 1813 [PPTL, 1800-20] and taxable on 34 acres in Gloucester County from 1787 to 1813, called a "Mulatta" from 1805 to 1813, listed with the notation "Mul^o decd." in 1814 [Land Tax List 1782-1820]. He was the father of

i. Betsey, over the age of 16 in 1813 when she was counted in a list of "Mulattoes and Free Negroes" in Gloucester County.

ii. Lucy, over the age of 16 in 1813.

iii. ?Jasper, born say 1774, taxable in Gloucester County from 1796 to 1800 [PPTL, 1782-99; 1800-20], taxable on 7-1/2 acres in Gloucester County from 1795 to 1814 and another plot of 6 acres in 1813 and 1814. His widow Rachel held a life estate on this land from 1815 to 1819 [Land Tax List 1782-1820].

iv. ?John, born say 1775, taxable in Gloucester County from 1796 to 1819, head of a Gloucester County household of 3 "other free" and a white woman in 1810 [VA:403b]. He was a bricklayer, taxable on 30 acres in Gloucester County from 1806 to 1819: called a "Mulatto" from 1814 to 1819. In 1820 his widow Frances Freeman was taxable on the land with the notation "Transferred to her by John Freeman, decd., mulattoe, see his will recorded in Gloucester Court office" [Land Tax List 1782-1820].

 

9.    Thomas Freeman, born say 1750, was taxable in Gloucester County in 1769 and 1770, called Thomas Freeman, Jr. [Tax List 1770-1, 206]. He was head of an Abingdon Parish, Gloucester County household of 4 free persons in 1784 [VA:68] and taxable on 25 acres in Gloucester County from 1791 to 1805. From 1806 to 1812 the land was taxable with the notation "deceased Mul^o." In 1813 Thomas and William Freeman were taxable on 12-1/2 acres of this land and Mary Freeman was taxable on the other 12-1/2 acres [Land Tax List 1782-1820]. Mary was called the widow of Thomas Freeman when she was counted in a Gloucester County list of "Mulattoes and Free Negroes" in 1813 [PPTL, 1800-20]. He was apparently the father of

i. Thomas, taxable in Gloucester County in 1812, called Thomas, Jr. [PPTL, 1800-20], jointly taxed with William Freeman on 12-1/2 acres in 1813.

ii. William.

 

North Carolina

1.    Abraham² Freeman, born say 1730, was a "free Negro" taxable in Bladen County with (his wife?) Sue and (daughter?) Rachel in 1763: called "Abrm. Sue Rachal free Negroes." He was a "Negro" man taxable in Bladen County from 1768 to 1779: called Abraham Freeman from 1768 to 1770 and called "free Abe" in 1771, taxable on 3 males and 1 female in 1774, taxable on 3 males in 1775, and taxable on 300 acres, 5 horses and 15 head of cattle in 1779 [Byrd, Bladen County Tax Lists, I:12, 40, 51, 53, 124; II:36, 141]. His wife may have been Susanna Freeman who was taxable with him in Bladen County from 1763 to 1771: called Susannah Freeman in 1770 when she was listed with (their daughter?) Rachel Freeman [Byrd, Bladen County Tax Lists, I:12, 40, 51]. He and Abigail Chavis were named as executors of the 21 May 1793 Bladen County will of James Moore [WB 1:546]. He entered two tracts of 100 acres each in Bladen County lying between the fork of Friar and Slapass Swamps on 28 October 1765, 200 acres on Falling Creek on the lower side of Hitchcocks Creek on 22 January 1773, and another 200 acres on the east side of Buckhead Swamp on 3 May 1779 which he was granted on 10 October 1787 [Grants 17:197; 18:179; 22:164, 66:264; S.S. 1686, 1791, 2984, 3786; http://archives.ncdcr.gov/doc/search-doc]. He sold 600 acres in Bladen County on Platt Swamp on 20 July 1799 [DB 1:261]. He was taxable on 100 acres, 3 horses and 14 head of cattle in Brunswick County in 1782 [GA 46.1] and head of a Brunswick County household of 10 "other free" in 1800 [NC:13] and 5 "other free" in Bladen County in 1810 (called Abraham Freeman, Senr.) [NC:196]. He may have been the father of

i. Rachel, born say 1748, taxable in Bladen County with Abraham and Susanna from 1763 to 1771.

2    ii. Samuel, born say 1751.

3    iii. Roger, born say 1753.

iv. William, born say 1754, a "Black" taxable in Bladen County, called "free Will" in 1771 and called William Freeman when he was a "Mixt Blood" taxable on 1 male and 1 female in 1774. He was taxable on 2 males in 1775, and taxable on 100 acres, 2 horses, and 3 head of cattle in 1779 [Byrd, Bladen County Tax Lists, I:53, 124; II:36, 141]. He enlisted as a substitute from Bladen County in Lieutenant Wilkinson's Company of the 10^th North Carolina Regiment of Colonel Abraham Sheppard on 19 February 1782 [NARA, M246, roll 79, frame 165 of 323; http://ancestry.com]. He was taxable in Bladen County on 100 acres and 1 black poll in Captain Dupree's District in 1784 [GA 64.1] and head of a New Hanover County household of 2 "other free" in 1790 [NC:194].

 

2.    Samuel Freeman, born say 1751, was a "Negro" man taxable in Bladen County in 1768 and 1770, taxable in the household of Isaac Hays in 1771 and 1772, listed with the "Mixt Blood" taxables in one list for 1774 and called a "free Negro" taxable in John Smith's list for 1774 when he was taxable on 1 male and 1 female, and taxable on a horse in 1779 [Byrd, Bladen County Tax Lists, I:12, 40, 51, 76, 91, 124, 125; II:141]. He was taxable on £10 property valuation in Brunswick County in 1784 [GA 64.1]. He was head of an Onslow County household of 8 "other free" in 1790 [NC:197], 14 in Brunswick County in 1800 [NC:13], and 9 in Bladen County in 1810 [NC:196]. He entered 100 acres in Bladen County on 28 November 1810 [S.S. 0507, Samuel Freeman; http://archives.ncdcr.gov/doc/search-doc]. There is no record of his children, but they may have been

i. James, head of a Brunswick County household of 5 "other free" in 1800 [NC:13] and as J. Freeman, head of a Brunswick County household of 4 in 1810 [NC:234].

ii. B., head of a Brunswick County household of 2 "other free" in 1810 [NC:234].

iii. Isaac, born before 1776, entered 100 acres in Brunswick County on Bear Pen Branch on 17 January 1799 [Pruitt, Land Entries: Brunswick County, 52] and was head of a Columbus County household of 8 "free colored" in 1820 [NC:55].

 

3.    Roger Freeman, born say 1753, was a "Negro" man taxable in Bladen County in 1768 and 1770, taxable on 50 acres, a horse and 3 head of cattle in 1779, and taxable on 150 acres and 1 black poll in Captain Dupree's District of Bladen County in 1784. He was head of a Bladen County household of 2 Blacks from 12 to 50 years old and 6 Blacks over 50 or under 12 years in 1786 [Byrd, Bladen County Tax Lists, I:12, 40, 51; II:169; 1784 Bladen County Tax List, 13]. He enlisted as a substitute from Bladen County in Lieutenant Wilkinson's Company of the 10^th North Carolina Regiment of Colonel Abraham Sheppard on 19 February 1782 [NARA, M246, roll 79, frame 165 of 323; http://ancestry.com]. He entered 50 acres in Bladen County on the West side of Friar Swamp on 3 May 1779 and was granted this land and another 50 acres on Friar Swamp on 7 November 1784 [Grants 69:18, 30; S.S. 3938; http://archives.ncdcr.gov/doc/search-doc]. He was head of an Onslow County household of 7 "other free" in 1790 [NC:197] and 8 in 1800 [NC:14]. (His widow?) Elizabeth Freeman was head of a Brunswick County household of 7 "other free" in 1810 [NC:228]. He may have been the father of

i. Abraham², Jr., head of a Bladen County household of 5 "other free" in 1810 [NC:196].

 

Members of the Freeman family in Rowan County, North Carolina, were

1     i. Isaac, born say 1740.

ii. Ruth, born say 1762, mother of a molatto" child who was taken from Samuel Cooper by the Rowan County court on 5 February 1784 and returned to his mother because he was born free and not subject to be dealt with as a poor orphan [Minutes 1753-95, II:377 (original p. 140)].

 

1.    Isaac Freeman, born say 1740, married Agnes Faggott, 19 January 1762 Rowan County bond. He was called a "free Negro" on 9 August 1786 when administration on his Rowan County estate was granted to his widow Agnes Freeman on £100 bond [Minutes 1753-1795, II:416]. His children Leonard, John, and William petitioned for division of his land on Swans Creek [C.R. 085.508.58; Ancestry.com. North Carolina, Wills and Probate Records, 1665-1998 (database online): Freeman, Isaac, 1800; also cited by Mosher, Merrill Hill, John Freeman of Norfolk County, Va., 171-2]. His children were

i. John.

ii. William.

iii. Leonard, married Love Birth, 17 August 1808 Rowan County bond.

iv. Mary.

 

FROST FAMILY

Members of the Frost family in South Carolina were

i. John, head of a Bartholomew's Parish, Charleston District household of 6 "other free" in 1790 and 4 in Colleton County in 1800 [SC:178]. He was a "free" taxable on himself, his wife, and daughter ("Free Negroes & Mulattoes") in St. Bartholomew's Parish, Charleston District in 1798.

ii. Cyrus, head of a Charleston District household of 3 "other free" in 1790 and a "Free" taxable on himself and his wife in St. Bartholomew's Parish, Charleston District in 1798 [S.C. Archives microfilm AD 942, frame 248].

iii. Benjamin, head of a Richland District household of 6 "other free" in 1810 [SC:178].

iv. William, head of a Richland District household of 5 "other free" in 1810 [SC:177a] and 2 "free colored" in Washington County, Tennessee, in 1830.

v. Lydia, a slaveowner from Charleston whose son Florian H. Frost was elected to the state house of representatives in 1870 [Koger, Black Slaveowners, 198].

 

FRY FAMILY

1.    Jane Fry, born say 1690, was living in Washington Parish, Westmoreland County, on 9 February 1713/4 when she bound her one-year-old "mulatto" son William Fry to Jonas Williams [DW 1716-20, 66]. She was the "Mulatto" servant of William Bridges on 26 June 1723 when she was summoned before the Westmoreland County court to answer the presentment of the grand jury. On 28 February 1723/4 she was ordered to serve her master an additional year and a half for having an illegitimate child [Orders 1721-31, 41-2, 45a]. Jane was the mother of

i. ?John, born say 1711, petitioned the Westmoreland County court against William Bridges for his freedom and freedom dues on 28 July 1732. The suit was agreed by both parties [Orders 1731-9, 35]. He sued Thomas Finch in Westmoreland County court on 28 May 1751 [Orders 1750-2, 56a].

ii. William, born 31 March 1713.

iii. ?Joanna, born say 1721, a servant to the Westmoreland County estate of Daniel McCarty, deceased, in February 1744/5 when she and Ketany Fry sued for their freedom. The court ordered that they be freed and paid their freedom dues [Orders 1743-7, 57, 64a].

iv. ?Ketany, born say 1723, a servant to the Westmoreland County estate of Daniel McCarty, deceased. The court ordered that she be freed and paid her freedom dues in February 1744/5 [Orders 1743-7, 57, 64a].

v. ?George, born say 1725, called a "Free Mulatto" when he came into Westmoreland County court on 29 January 1750/1 and agreed to serve Lawrence Butler for four years in exchange for payment of 2,000 pounds of tobacco [Orders 1750-2, 26]. He may have been the George Fry who was head of a Fredericksburg household of 5 "other free" and 7 whites in 1810 [VA:113a].

 

Other descendants were

i. Alice, a "Mulatto" child ordered bound to Sarah Martin by the churchwardens of Washington Parish, Westmoreland County, on 27 November 1751 [Orders 1750-2, 86a].

ii. Andrew, a "Mulatto" head of an Essex County, Virginia household of 6 persons in 1783 [VA:52].

iii. Nathan, born about 1755, a man of color born free in Westmoreland County who appeared in Richmond City on 3 October 1823 and swore that he had resided in the county of Henrico ever since he was discharged from service in the Revolution. He stated that he enlisted in the Minute Service with Daniel Duval of Henrico County in 1775, went to Savannah, Georgia, and served under Captain Mosby in Colonel Elbert's Regiment against the Creek Indians as a drummer until he was taken as a waiter to Major Duval, then batman to Baron Steuben, and was discharged in Richmond in the year 1781 or 1782 [NARA, S.39545, M804, https://www.fold3.com/image/1/22758110]. He was a "F.N." taxable in the upper district of Henrico County from 1790 to 1813: charged with Jeffry Golding's tithe in 1806, listed with his unnamed wife in 1813. Perhaps his son was Jeffry Fry who was listed there as a "free Negro" in 1814 [PPTL 1782-1814, frames 376, 402, 444, 486, 532, 593, 636, 661, 757, 823; Land Tax Lists 1799-1816]. Nathan, Will Anthony and Angelica Barnett were in the Henrico County jail on 7 February 1791 for a breach of the peace and were ordered to remain there until they gave security of £40 each for their good behavior for a year. William Anthony was a Negro slave emancipated by William Duval by deed proved in Henrico County court on 8 August 1789. On 10 October 1798 Nathan posted bond of £10 for his good behavior for twelve months on the complaint of Patty Cole for a breach of the peace [Orders 1789-91, 67, 428; 1798-9, 256]. He was head of a Henrico County household of 3 "other free" and a white woman aged 26-45 in 1810 [VA:978].

iv. Thomas, head of a Spotsylvania County household of 5 "other free" in 1810 [VA:107a].

 

FULLAM FAMILY

1.    Mary Fullam, born say 1700, was the white servant of Henry Ashton of Cople Parish, Westmoreland County, on 27 July 1720 when the county court convicted her of having a "Mulatto" child and ordered that she be sold for five years at the completion of her indenture. On 25 March 1724 the court ordered her arrested to answer the churchwardens, and she was still Henry Ashton's servant on 30 July 1729 when the churchwardens of Cople Parish informed the court that she had had another "Mulatto" child [Orders 1705-21, 392a; 1721-31, 61, 72a]. She was the mother of

i. Alexander¹, born 23 January 1723, the "mulatto bastard son of Mary Fulliam, late servant of Henry Ashton, Gent.," bound by the churchwardens of Cople Parish to Henry Ashton until the age of thirty-one on 25 August 1731 [Deeds & Wills 1723-32, 479].

2    ii. ?Martha, born say 1729.

 

2.    Martha Fullam, born say 1729, was the mother of two "Mulatto" children bound apprentice in Prince William County. They were

i. Alexander², born 3 March 1748, bound to Richard Blackburn until the age of 31 on 22 January 1751.

ii. Baker, born 3 March 1748, bound to Richard Blackburn on 22 January 1751 [Historic Dumphries, Va., Dettington Parish Vestry Book 1748-85, 5, 106]. He ran away from Thomas Blackburn of Prince William County near Dumfries in September 1775 according to an ad Blackburn placed in the 1 December 1775 issue of the Virginia Gazette: a 31 years servant, a likely well set fellow, about 27 years old, 5 feet 7 or 8 inches high, is of a light colour, with hazle eyes, and wears his hair, which is short, and of a dark brown colour [Purdie edition, p. 3, col. 2].

 

FULLER FAMILY

1.    Shadrack Fuller, born say 1710, was a "Mullatto Boy" bound by the Princess Anne County court to John Bryan on 7 December 1715 until the age of thirty-one to learn the trade of weaver [Minutes 1709-17, 198]. He and his wife Johanna lived on the land of John Ackiss, justice of the peace for Princess Anne County, according to an affidavit Ackiss gave to their son Meshack on 8 April 1794: this is to certify that Messheck Fuller was born on my Plantation and lived there until he was twenty years of age and I knew his Father Shadrick Fullar Fifty Years past and his mother Johana the said Shadrick's wife and they were Allways lookt on as Free persons and lived on my Land untill they died [Fuller, Mosscheck (M, 28): Free Negro Affidavit, n.d., African American Narrative Digital Collection, LVA]. Shadrack and Johanna were the parents of

i. ?Alexander, a "Molatto" carpenter who had an account with Nash & McNair in Onslow County, North Carolina, from 9 September 1763 to 31 December 1765 [Miscellaneous records of slaves and freemen (Onslow County, N.C.), http://familysearch.org/search/catalog, film no. 8151887, frames 833-4 of 1306].

ii. ?Abby Fullard, born 11 October 1739, ordered bound out with William and Jane Fullard, "Mulattos," by the Prince Anne County court to James Moore on 16 October 1753. On 21 June 1756 the court ordered Moore to provide land and security not to remove or sell Joanah and Abby Fullard ("two free Mulattos bound to him by this Court") out of the county [Minutes 1753-62, 62, 242].

iii. Jane Fullard, born in May 1742, twelve years old when she was bound to James Moore.

2    iv. William¹, born in February 1743.

3    v. Mary, born say 1748.

4    vi. Robert, born say 1750.

5    vii. Lavinah Fullard, born say 1751.

viii. Sall Fullard, a "Mullatto" bound by the Princess Anne County court on 21 July 1756 to Mary Walke, daughter of Major Thomas Walke [Minutes 1753-62, 242].

ix. Plymouth, born say 1764, a "Mulatto" ordered bound to Charles Williamson by the Princess Anne County court on 19 February 1765 [Orders 1762-9, 157], perhaps identical to Plumb Fuller, "Free Black" head of a Princess Anne County household of 3 "other free" in 1810 [VA:453].

x. Meshack, born about 1766, taxable in Norfolk County in 1794 and a "free Negro" taxable in St. Brides Parish from 1803 to 1811 [PPTL, 1791-1812, frames 103, 456, 548, 609, 674]. He registered in Princess Anne County on 26 August 1801: a free fellow, free born, served his time with my father until he was twenty one years old, is about thirty five or six years of age. Thos. Ackiss [Fuller, Meshack (M, 35): Free Negro Affidavit, 1801, African American Narrative Digital Collection, LVA].

 

2.    William¹ Fuller, born in February 1743, was an eleven-year-old "Mullatto" when he (called William Fullard) was bound to James Moore by the Princess Anne County court on 16 October 1753 [Minutes 1753-62, 62]. He (called William Fuller) was taxable in 1767 and 1768 on the north side of Tanners Creek in Norfolk County with his wife Sarah Anderson [Wingo, Norfolk County Tithables, 1766-80, 49, 73]. Sarah was head of a Princess Anne County household of 7 "Blacks" in 1783 [VA:61]. She presented a letter from Charles Williamson attesting to her family's freedom: on 29 October 1794: Sall Fuller is a Free Born ___ has a Number Children Amey, Nancy, Mary, Hannah, Frankey, Fanny, Elizabeth, Margaret, Peter, John and also Tom, son to Hannah [Fuller, Sally: Free Negro Affidavit, 1794, African American Narrative Digital Collection, LVA]. She was deceased by 27 July 1801 when Margaret Calvert and Ann Williamson deposed that Peggy, Fanny, Betsy, Peter & John Fuller were the children of Sarah Fuller, dec^d who was free born and lived for many years on Charles Williamson's land [Fuller, Peggy: Free Negro Affidavit, African American Narrative Digital Collection, LVA]. William and Sarah were the parents of

i. Amey.

ii. Nancy, born say 1766, married Samuel Anderson, 26 December 1792 Princess Anne County bond, Charles Whitehurst surety, 27 December marriage.

6    iii. Fanny, born say 1768.

iv. Hannah, born say 1770, married Meshack Africa, 4 April 1789 Princess Anne County bond, Beriah Butt surety, 19 April marriage.

v. Peter, born say 1772, a "free negro" living in Norfolk County on 21 May 1774 when the court ordered the churchwardens of Elizabeth River Parish to bind him to John Guy [Orders 1773-5, 54]. He was a "Free Mulatto" bound by the Princess Anne County court to William Nimmo, Gent., to be a planter on 11 September 1778. He and William Fuller, "two free Negroes," were charged in Princess Anne County court with felony on 10 April 1788, but they were discharged because there was no evidence against them [Minutes 1773-82, 310; Minutes 1788-90, 29].

vi. Frankey, born about 1775, registered in Princess Anne County on 29 November 1794: a dark Mulatto Woman about five feet high about nineteen years old Born free in the said county [Fuller, Frankey (F, 19): Free Negro Certificate, 1794, African American Narrative Digital Collection, LVA].

vii. Mary²/ Molly, born about 1776, "Free Black" head of a Princess Anne County household of 3 "other free" in 1810 [VA:452]. Molly registered in Princess Anne County on 3 October 1836: age 60, 5'5", Mulatto woman, born free in Princess Anne County [Register of Free Negroes, 1830-62, no. 391].

viii. Betty, born about 1784, registered in Princess Anne County on 3 October 1831: 5'1", age 47, a black negro woman, born free [Register of Free Negroes, 1830-62, no. 239]. She may have been the Betsy Fuller who was a "free Negro" huckstress of Norfolk County who owned her husband before the Civil War [Lower Norfolk County Virginia Antiquary, IV:177].

ix. Margaret.

x. John.

 

3.    Mary Fuller, born say 1748, complained to the Princess Anne County court on 8 November 1771 on behalf of her son William Bullard that his master William Barker was mistreating him [Minutes 1770-3, 210]. She may have been identical to Molly Fuller, "Free Black" head of a Princess Anne County household of 3 "other free" in 1810 [VA:452]. She was the mother of

i. William Bullard, a "free Negro" bound by the Princess Anne County court to William Barker on 4 April 1771 [Minutes 1770-3, 99].

 

4.    Robert Fuller, born say 1750, was living in Northampton County, North Carolina, between 1772 and 1784 when money was received from him by the estate of Benjamin Roberts [Gammon, Records of Estates, Northampton County, I:46]. He purchased 100 acres on Middle Branch in Northampton County adjoining John and David Futrell on 15 January 1789 [DB 9:88] and was head of a Northampton County household of 4 "other free" in 1790 [NC:74] and 3 in 1800 [NC:443]. His 10 July 1803 will, proved in September 1803, left his land to his wife Mary during her lifetime and then to his daughter Cidney [WB 2:248]. Mary was head of a Northampton County household of 3 "other free" and a slave in 1810 [NC:722]. Their daughter was

i. Cidney.

 

5.    Lavinah Fullard, born say 1751, was a "Mullatto" bound by the Princess Anne County court on 21 July 1756 to Mrs. Mary Walke. On 18 July 1758 the court bound her to Miss Mary Anne Walke and stated that she should teach her to read and sew [Minutes 1753-62, 242, 323]. She registered the births of her children in Princess Anne County in 1798: Elizabeth, Lavinah, and Abba as well as her granddaughter Molly, born 22 September 1798 [Princess Anne County Loose Papers, LVA, cited by Southside Virginian VII, no. 2 (1989): 54]. She was the mother of

i. Sally, born about 1772, registered in Princess Anne County on 5 September 1831: 5'3-1/2", age 59, a bright Mulatto woman, born free (daughter of Lavina Fuller). Her daughter Betsey Fuller registered on 7 October 1831: (daughter of Sally), 5'4-1/2", 36, a negro woman of light complexion [Register of Free Negroes, 1830-62, no. 205].

ii. Elizabeth, born 7 June 1785.

iii. Levina, born 5 May 1787.

iv. Abba, born 2 October 1789.

 

6.    Fanny Fuller, born say 1768, registered the births of her children Polly, Anthony, Moses, and Caesar Fuller in Princess Anne County [Princess Anne County Loose Papers, Box A 37, LVA, cited by Creecy, Virginia Antiquary, 152]. She purchased 32 acres in Norfolk County adjoining Thomas Jefferson and Joshua Nichols from William and Elizabeth Williams on 26 November 1808 for £33 [DB 44:190]. She was head of a Norfolk County household of 9 "other free" and a slave in 1810 [VA:800], a "free Negro" listed in St. Brides Parish in 1813 [PPTL, 1813-24, frame 11]. Her land in Elbow District of Princess Anne County was processioned on 8 November 1824 [Processioners Returns 1796-1858, 83-4]. She was the mother of

i. Polly, born 2 October 1787, registered in Princess Anne County on 5 September 1831: 5'1/2", age 43, black woman, born free (daughter of Fanny Fuller) [Register of Free Negroes, 1830-62, no. 207].

ii. Moses, born 2 October 1787.

iii. Anthony², born 13 November 1794.

iv. Caesar.

 

Other Fuller descendants were

i. Lydia, sued Richard White for trespass, assault and battery in Princess Anne County on 8 June 1791. The jury found in her favor on 2 August 1791 [Minutes 1790-2, 113, 147].

ii. Edom, head of a Currituck County, North Carolina household of 1 "other free" in 1790 [NC:21].

iii. Anthony¹, born say 1771, bound by the Princess Anne County court to Nicholas Griffin on 1 August 1771 to learn the trade of millwright [Minutes 1770-3, 162]. He and Thomas Fuller, infant "Free Negroes," were bound to Thomas Walker to be planters on 10 February 1780 [Minutes 1773-82, 460].

iv. Thomas, born about 1771, an infant "Free Negro" bound by the Princess Anne County court on 10 February 1780 to Thomas Walker to be a planter [Minutes 1782-4, 2]. He won a suit in Princess Anne County court against John Francis for a debt of £2.16 on 16 May 1789 [Minutes 1788-90, 204, 231]. He was a "Free Black" head of a Princess Anne County household of 3 "other free" and 2 slaves in 1810 [VA:453]. His land in Princess Anne County was processioned on 10 February 1829 [Processioners Returns 1796-1858, 151]. He registered in Princess Anne County on 3 October 1831: 6'1/4", age 60, negro man of light complexion, born free [Register of Free Negroes, 1830-62, no. 260].

v. Diana, born about 1781, head of a Norfolk County household of 2 "other free" in 1810 [VA:802]. She registered in Norfolk County on 19 August 1811: 5 feet 5 In., 30 years of age light Complexion, Born free [Register of Free Negros & Mulattos, #57].

vi. Africa, born about 1789, a "Free Black" head of a Princess Anne County household of 8 "other free" in 1810 [VA:453], married (second?) Nancy Davis, "persons of colour," 6 January 1821 Norfolk County bond, Robert Armistead surety. He registered in Princess Anne County on 6 September 1831: 5'7", age 42, a Dark mulatto man, born free [Register of Free Negroes, 1830-62, no. 230].

vii. William², an infant "free Negro" bound by the Princess Anne County court to Malbone Shelton to be a shipwright on 11 March 1779 [Minutes 1773-82, 369]. He married Nancy Moss, "free persons of colour born free," 27 June 1818 Norfolk County bond, Henry Oatest surety. He may have been the William Fuller, born before 1776, who was head of a Halifax County, North Carolina household of 10 "free colored" in 1820 [NC:148].

viii. Keziah, born about 1787, registered in Princess Anne County on 5 September 1831: 5'5", aged 44, Dark Complexion, born free [Register of Free Negroes, 1830-62, no. 200].

ix. Judy, a "free negro" ordered bound out by the churchwardens of Elizabeth River Parish, Norfolk County, to Malbone Sheldon on 16 October 1783 [Orders 1782-3, n.p.].

x. Edward, in a list of "Free Negroes & Mulatoes" above the age of 16 in Norfolk City in 1813 [PPTL 1804-14, frames 281, 330].

xi. Catherine, born about 1797, a 60-year-old resident of Norfolk County on 28 August 1857 when she applied for the Revolutionary War pension of her husband Charles Cuffee [W-9402].

 

FUZMORE FAMILY

The Fuzmore family were slaves freed after 1782. They are included here because they had relationships with families that were free during the colonial period. Members of the Fuzmore family were

1    i. Isaac¹, born say 1760.

2    ii. Edward, born say 1765.

iii. Benjamin, taxable in Goochland County from 1783: a "free Negro" in 1783 to 1794, taxable on a horse and 6 cattle in 1787 [PPTL, 1782-1809, frames 35, 70, 87, 151, 177, 237, 280, 296, 340, 359].

iv. Toby, taxable in the upper district of Goochland County from 1783 to 1786, a "free Negro" taxable on a "Negro" tithe in 1783 [PPTL, 1782-1809, frames 36, 70, 123], died before 22 April 1794 [Orders 1791-4, 503].

 

1.   Isaac¹ Fuzmore, born say 1760, was taxable in the upper district of Goochland County from 1783 to 1791: a "free Negro" taxable on a "Negro" tithe, 2 horses and 2 cattle in 1783 [PPTL, 1782-1809, frames 36, 87, 131, 151, 219, 280]. He was called Isaac Fuzzamore of Goochland County on 10 May 1790 when he purchased 88^1/2 acres on Zackey Creek in Louisa County from Thomas and Mary Diggs [DB F:574]. He was taxable in Louisa County from 1793 to 1805: listed with 2 tithables in 1803 and 1805 [PPTL, 1782-1814]. He was head of a Louisa County household of 11 "other free" in 1800 [Louisa County Historical Society (June 1972)] and was a farmer living near Foster's Creek in Louisa County about 1802-1803 when he, his wife Patty, and their children were counted in the list of free Negroes in the district of Peter Crawford [Abercrombie, Free Blacks of Louisa County, 19]. He was taxable on 2 free male tithes and a horse in Fluvanna County in 1806 and 1807 [PPTL 1782-1826, frames 365, 385] and taxable in the upper district of Goochland County from 1809 to 1815: a "Freed Negroe" planter on Dabney Wade's land in 1809, living on Francis Cousins's land in 1812, listed with wife Amey and (daughters) Nancy, Betty and Fanny Fuzmore on John Hicks's land in 1813, over the age of 45 in 1815 [PPTL, 1782-1809, frames 866; 1810-32, frames 21, 73, 98, 160, 192, 260]. He was head of a Goochland County household of 1 "other free" in 1810 [VA:692]. He had married the mother of Amey Bennett before 1 January 1814 when he gave his consent for her Goochland County marriage to James Scott. Isaac and Patty's children were

i. Martha, born say 1780.

ii. Agnes, born say 1782.

iii. Lucy, born about 1784, registered in Louisa County on 29 July 1817: a free woman of colour, born in sd. county, 5'1" high, dark complexion about 33 years. Her daughter Betsey registered on 28 February 1839: (daughter of Lucy Fuzemore) who was free born, black complexion, about 25 years of age [Abercrombie, Free Blacks of Louisa County, 24, 56].

iv. Tabitha, born about 1786, registered in Goochland County on 13 May 1813: a free woman of colour aged about twenty seven years, dark complexion, short black hair [Free Negro Register, p. 60, no.119].

v.Isaac², Jr., born say 1787, taxable in the upper district of Goochland County from 1809 to 1814: a "Freed Negroe" planter at Thomas Herndon's in 1809, a waterman at Isaac Fuzmore's in 1814 [PPTL, 1782-1809, frame 866; 1810-32, frames 7, 192].

vi. Nancy.

vii. Betty.

viii. Judith.

ix. Fanny.

x. Sarah.

 

2.    Edward Fuzmore, born say 1765, was taxable on a horse in the upper district of Goochland County from 1790 to 1814: a "free negroe" farmer living near Thomas F. Bates in 1804, a "Freed negroe" farmer on Robert Pleasants's land in 1805, taxable on Billy Martin's tithe in 1806 and 1807, charged with George Fuzmore's tithe in 1811 and 1812, living near Licking Hole Church in 1812, listed with wife Roda and (children?) George and Judy Fuzmore in 1813 [PPTL, 1782-1809, frames 237, 296, 359, 465, 527, 617, 688, 740, 823; 1810-32, frames 7, 98, 160]. On 22 April 1794 the Goochland County court ordered that he take possession of his deceased brother Toby's estate after paying his debts [Orders 1791-4, 503]. He married Rhoda Martin, "of age daughter of Judith Fox," 22 September 1794 Goochland County bond. Edward was surety for the 16 April 1801 Goochland County marriage of Frank Cousins and Chloe Cousins, the 29 July 1801 marriage of Thomas Lynch and Sally Banks, and the 3 January 1810 marriage of James Shelton and Charity Coons. He was head of a Goochland County household of 12 "other free" in 1810 [VA:691]. He was probably the father of

i. George, taxable in the upper district of Goochland County from 1811 to 1814, a "freed negro" sawyer at Edward Fuzmore's in 1814 [PPTL, 1810-32, frame 192].

ii. Judy, born say 1797, over the age of 16 in 1813 when she was listed in Edward Fuzmore's household.

 

Another member of the family was

i. Harriet Dickinson, born about 1805, registered in Louisa County on 1 October 1832: wife of Garland Dickinson who was Harriet Fuzzamore a free woman of colour, about 5'2" high, light complexion, hair inclined to be straight...about 27 years old [Abercrombie, Free Blacks of Louisa County, 42].

 

GALLIMORE FAMILY

1.    Elizabeth¹ Gallimore, born say 1720, was living in Amelia County in September 1746 when her son William (no race indicated) was ordered bound apprentice. She was summoned before the Amelia County court to answer the complaint of the churchwardens in June 1750, but she did not appear, the sheriff reporting that she was no longer an inhabitant. On 25 May 1759 she was presented by the Amelia County court for "unlawfully Cohabiting with a Negro Slave belonging to Henry Jones and having Several Mulatto Children" [Orders 1746-51, 21, 250; 1757-60, 218]. (Her children?) George, Mary, Edward and Elizabeth Gallimore were listed as tithables in Henry Jones's household in the lower district of Raleigh Parish in Amelia County: George and Betty in 1767; George, Edward and Elizabeth in 1769; and Mary Gallimore in his Nottoway Parish quarter in 1768 and 1770 [Tithables, 1736-1777, LVA; http://familysearch.org/search/catalog, film 9856499, images 647, 682, 713, 736]. Her children were

i. William¹, born say 1737, apparently a white man, taxable in Charlotte County in John Fuqua's household in 1782, taxable on a horse and 3 cattle in 1785, levy free from 1788 to 1796 when he was taxable on 2 horses [PPTL 1782-1813, frames 6, 59, 95, 129, 161, 191, 217, 265, 290, 316, 341]. He made a 7 September 1797 Charlotte County will, proved 5 February 1798, by which he left his wife Ann the use of his land and plantation, named oldest daughters Lucy and Sally Haley and youngest daughter Polly Smith. He also mentioned but did not name his eldest brother's son [WB 2:128].

ii. Mary born say 1746, perhaps identical to Polly Gallimore, a "free Mulatto" weaver listed with 3 females in her Charlotte County household in 1812 and 1813 [PPTL 1782-1813, frames 846, 886].

2    iii. ?Elizabeth², born say 1748.

3    iv. George¹, born about 1751.

v. ?Joan, born say 1753, a "Free Mulatto," ordered bound to Henry Jones of Raleigh Parish, Amelia County, on 28 June 1759 [Orders 1757-60, 229], probably identical to "Jane" who was listed with Mary Gallimore in Henry Jones's Nottoway Parish household in 1769 and 1770.

vi. ?David, born say 1761, a "Free Mulatto," ordered bound apprentice in Nottoway Parish, Amelia County, on 27 June 1771. He was a "Mulatto" taxable in Charlotte County from 1809 to 1811 [PPTL 1782-1813, frames 757, 790, 823].

vii. ?Anna, born say 1763, a "Free Mulatto," ordered bound apprentice in Nottoway Parish, Amelia County, on 27 June 1771.

vii. ?John, born say 1765, a "Free Mulatto," ordered bound apprentice in Nottoway Parish, Amelia County, on 27 June 1771 [Orders 1769-72, n.p].

 

2.    Elizabeth² Gallimore, born say 1748, a "Free Mulatto," was bound to Henry Jones of Raleigh Parish, Amelia County, on 28 June 1759 [Orders 1757-60, 218]. She was taxable with George Gallimore in Jones's Amelia County household in 1767. She was the mother of

i. Ritta, born say 1770, "daughter of Elizabeth Gallimore," ordered bound to Zachariah Vaughan of Raleigh Parish, Amelia County, on 25 July 1771 [Orders 1769-72, n.p.].

ii. ?James¹, head of a Chester County, South Carolina household of 1 "other free" in 1800 [SC:94].

 

3.    George¹ Gallimore, born say 1751, was bound out in Raleigh Parish, Amelia County, in August 1751 [Orders 1746-51], taxable with Betty Gallimore in the Amelia County household of Henry Jones in 1767 and taxable in Charlotte County from 1797 to 1799: taxable on 2 free males and 3 horses in 1797 and 1798, and 3 free males and 2 horses in 1799, levy free in 1807 and 1811 when he was taxable on a horse [PPTL 1782-1813, frames 368, 400, 435, 724]. He was married to Susannah when their "Mulatto" daughter Elizabeth married in Charlotte County in 1800. He registered in Charlotte County on 7 January 1812: a bright Mulatto Man five feet five and half inches high about 54 or 55 years old, son of Betty Gallimore born free in the County of Amelia and now residing in the County of Charlotte & has been so for some time, a shoe maker by trade [Register of Free Negroes, 1794-1865, no. 17]. He was the father of

i. ?Joshua, born about 1779, married Betsey Flood, "dau. of William Flood who is surety," 29 February 1803 Charlotte County bond. Joshua, a "free Mulatto" planter, was taxable in Charlotte County from 1802 to 1811: taxable on a horse in 1807, listed with 4 males and 2 females in his household in 1811, 3 males and 2 females in 1812 and 1813 [PPTL 1782-1813, frames 542, 580, 673, 710, 743, 775, 807, 846, 886]. He was a "free Negro" head of a Charlotte County household in 1810 [VA:50] and a 70-year-old "Black" man counted in the 1850 census with Betsy Gallimore (age 67) [VA:12b]. Joshua registered in Charlotte County on 7 November 1831: a free man of colour of yellow complexion about fifty two years of age was born free, six feet two inches high [Register of Free Negroes, 1794-1865, no. 124].

ii. Elizabeth, "Mulatto" daughter of George and Susannah Gallimore, married Wood Lawrence, 3 October 1800 Charlotte County bond, James Harris surety.

iii. ?George², born about 1786, called George Gallimore, Jr., when he was a "Mulatto" taxable in Charlotte County in 1809 [PPTL 1782-1813, frames 757, 790]. He was a "free Negro" head of a Charlotte County household of 3 "other free" in 1810 [VA:50]. He married Patsey Flood, daughter of William Flood, 9 May 1813 Charlotte County bond, John Flood surety, 10 May marriage. George registered in Charlotte County on 7 November 1831: a free man of colour of yellow complexion, about forty five years of age, was born free, six feet high [Register of Free Negroes, 1794-1865, no. 125].

iv. ?William², a "Mulatto" taxable in Charlotte County in from 1809 to 1811 [PPTL 1782-1813, frames 757, 790, 823], a "free Negro" head of a Charlotte County household of 1 "other free" in 1810 [VA:50].

v. James², born in June 1792, taxable in Charlotte County in 1811 [PPTL 1782-1813, frame 823], registered in Charlotte County on 7 January 1812: a bright Mulatto Man five feet nine inches high twenty years old next June son of George Gallimore born free in the County of Prince Edward now residing in the County of Charlotte and has been so for some time [Register of Free Negroes, 1794-1865, no. 18].

 

GAINES FAMILY

1.    Mary Gaines, born say 1733, was living in Wicomoco Parish on 9 April 1751 when she was convicted by the Northumberland County court of having a "Mullatto" child. The court ordered the churchwardens to sell her for five years [Orders 1749-53, 157-8]. She may have been the ancestor of

i. Henry, a "f. negro" taxable in St. Martin's Parish, Hanover County, in 1806 and 1807, living on John Crenshaw's land in 1813 [PPTL, 1782-1815], head of a Hanover County household of 10 "other free" in 1810 [VA:856].

ii. Martin, in a list of "free Negroes" in Fauquier County in 1814 [PPTL, 1809-19, frame 405].

 

GARDEN FAMILY

The Garden family of South Carolina may have been identical to the Gordon family. Members of the Garden/ Gordon family of South Carolina were

i. William¹ Gordon, born say 1744, head of a Beaufort District, South Carolina household of 7 "other free" and a slave in 1790 and 6 "other free" in 1800 [SC:104].

ii. William² Gordon, head of a Newberry District, South Carolina household of 3 "other free" in 1800 [SC:77].

iii. Melia Gordon, head of a Beaufort County household of 3 "other free" in 1800 [SC:104].

iv. Penelope Gordon, born say 1746, "free" head of a St. Philip's & Michael's Parish, Charleston, South Carolina household of 7 "other free" in 1790.

1    v. Flora Garden, born say 1753.

vi. James Gordon, head of a Camden District, Lancaster County, South Carolina household of 1 "other free" in 1790, perhaps the James Gordon who married Teresa Roberts, "col'd persons," on 2 February 1814 in St. Philip's Parish, Charleston, South Carolina.

 

1.    Flora Garden, born say 1753, was called a "free Mustee" when she married Robert Baldwin, "a free Blackman" and house carpenter, in Charleston, South Carolina, on 5 September 1801 [Hunting For Bears, comp., South Carolina Marriage Index, 1641-1965]. Before her marriage to Baldwin, she had

i. John, born about 1772, married Elizabeth Susan Gardner who inherited nine slaves by the 1788 will of her grandfather William Raper. John applied for membership in the Brown Fellowship Society of Charleston in 1795 [Koger, Black Slaveowners, 16, 17, 141-2]. He was head of a "free colored" St. Paul's Parish, Charleston District household with 26 slaves in 1820.

ii. ?Martha, married Robert Wells, "colored persons," in St. Philip's and Michael's Parish, Charleston on 12 October 1815.

 

GARDNER FAMILY

Members of the Gardner family of South Carolina were

1     i. George, born say 1750.

ii. John, born say 1752, head of a Georgetown District household of 4 "other free" and 40 slaves in 1810 [SC:219].

 

1.    George Gardner, born say 1750, married Ruth Raper. He was head of a St. Philip's and Michael's Parish, Charleston, South Carolina household of 4 "other free" and 9 slaves in 1790. The slaves were the property of his daughter Elizabeth Susan who received them by the 1788 will of her grandfather William Raper. George died in 1797. His children were

i. Elizabeth Susan, still a minor in 1788 when her grandfather left her nine slaves. She married John Garden, a "free mestizo" [Koger, Black Slaveowners, 16, 17, 141-2].

ii. Rachel.

 

GARNER FAMILY

Members of the Garner family were

1    i. Ann, born say 1733.

2    ii. Sarah, born say 1735.

iii. Mary Gardner, born say 1750, a "Mulatto" woman held as a servant by John Richmond in Louisa County on 11 February 1771 when the court ordered that she be set at liberty, "the said Richmond failing to appear when called and it appearing she is no servant" [Order 1762-72, 438]. She may have been the Mary Gardner whose "Mulattoe" son David was bound out by the overseers of the poor in Surry County on 27 May 1806 [Indentures/apprenticeships, 1800-1809, http://familysearch.org/search/catalog/1908511, film 4131819, image 18 of 29].

 

1.    Ann Gardner/ Garner, born say 1733, was the servant of Isaac Mason of Southampton County on 11 October 1753 when the court ordered the churchwardens of Nottoway Parish to bind out her unnamed "Mulatto" child. On 11 April 1754 the court ordered Mason to deliver a "Mulatto" child in his possession to Henry Blunt and bound the child to Blunt. The churchwardens sued Ann for debt (probably for bastardy) on 12 August 1756. On 8 December 1757 the court charged her with being a person of lewd life and conversation and ordered her to post a total of £60 bond for her good behavior and ordered her "mulatto" daughter Peggy bound out. On 13 April 1759 the court fined her £15 for bastardy--indicating that she was a white woman or descendant of one [Orders 1749-54, 420, 478; 1754-9, 291, 296, 402, 430]. Her children were

i. Margaret¹/ Peggy, born say 1754.

ii. William¹, born say 1756, a "Mullatto" son of Ann Garner, ordered bound by the Southampton County court on 10 May 1759 [Orders 1754-59, 498].

iii. Priss, born say 1758, a "Mullato" child of Ann Gardner ordered bound out in Southampton County on 12 July 1759. On 13 April 1775 the court ordered the churchwardens of Nottoway Parish to bind her to John Scott, noting that she had formerly been bound to John Bradley until the age of thirty-one but that Bradley had not been able to perform the covenants of the indenture [Orders 1754-9, 516; 1772-7, 405].

3    iv. ?Burwell Gardner, born about 1767.

v. ?Sylvia Gardner, born about 1778, registered in Southampton County on 8 November 1808: age 30, Mulatto, born free. She was about 40 when she registered again on 10 February 1819 [Register of Free Negroes 1794-1832, nos. 433, 1170]. She was head of a Southampton County household of 6 "other free" in 1810 [VA:56].

vi. ?Pherebe Gardner, born about 1781, registered in Southampton County on 8 November 1808: age 27, Mulatto, 5 feet 2-1/2 inches high, free born and registered again on 18 May 1815 [Register of Free Negroes 1794-1832, nos. 434, 953].

vii. ?Smith, born 1776-1794, head of a Caswell County, North Carolina household of 8 "free colored" in 1820 [NC:86].

 

2.    Sarah Garner, born say 1735, was living in Isle of Wight County on 1 May 1760 when she was presented for having a "Molatto" child. She pled not guilty, but the court ordered her sold for five years. On 4 December 1760 the court ordered the churchwardens of Newport Parish to bind out her "__l_tt_" children Fanny, Betty and Abell, and on 5 July 1765 the court ordered the churchwardens to bind out her "Bastard" children John Randolph Garner and Sarah Garner [Orders 1759-63, 145, 186, 191, 195; 1764-8, 204]. She was the mother of

i. Urina, born say 1754, "Molatto" daughter of ___ Garner living in Isle of Wight County on 5 June 1760 when the court ordered the churchwardens of Newport Parish to bind her out [Orders 1759-63, 152].

ii. Fanny, born say 1756, ordered bound apprentice on 4 December 1760.

iii. Betty, born say 1758, ordered bound apprentice on 4 December 1760.

iv. Abel, born say 1759, ordered bound apprentice on 4 December 1760.

v. ?Dennis, born about 1754, enlisted in the Revolution in Isle of Wight County on 20 December 1776 for 3 years and was listed as having deserted in July 1777 [NARA, M246, roll 113, frame 189; https://www.fold3.com/image/9639784; M246, Roll 110, frame 285 of 768; https://www.fold3.com/image/9952883]. He enlisted again for 18 months on 28 September 1780: age 26, 5'6-1/4" high, a farmer, born in Isle of Wight County, yellow complexion [Register & description of Noncommissioned officers & Privates, LVA accession no. 24296, by http://revwarapps.org/b69.pdf (p. 72)].

vi. Randall/ Randolph, born say 1762, "Bastard" child of Sarah bound out on 5 July 1765, a "poor Mulatto" ordered bound out in Isle of Wight County on 5 August 1773. He was ordered bound out to someone else on 7 May 1778 when he complained that John Murphey was misusing him [Orders 1764-8, 204; 1772-80, 164, 421]. He was head of a Hertford County household of 3 "other free" in Captain Lewis's District in 1800, 6 in 1810 [NC:725], and 9 "free colored" in Northampton County in 1820 [NC:230].

vii. ?Drucilla, born say 1764, bound apprentice in Isle of Wight County in 1765.

viii. ?Miles, born say 1767, a "poor Mulatto" ordered bound out in Isle of Wight County on 5 August 1773 [Orders 1772-80, 164].

 

1.    Burwell Gardner, born about 1767, married Sally Williams, 16 February 1793 Southampton County bond, Thomas Combs surety. He was taxable in Nottoway Parish, Southampton County, from 1792 to 1818: called a a "Mulatto" in 1792, 1795, and 1797, a "free Negro" in 1796, 1801 and 1802, taxable on 2 free males and 2 horses in 1811, listed with (wife) Sally in 1813, listed with his unnamed son in 1818 [PPTL 1792-1806, frames 10, 31, 105, 129, 221, 245, 294, 414, 483, 659; 1807-21, frames 17, 99, 137, 220, 641]. He registered in Southampton County on 29 July 1815: age 48, Mulatto, 5 feet 7 1/4 inches, free born [Register of Free Negroes 1794-1832, nos. 422, 969]. He was head of a Southampton County household of 10 "other free" in 1810 [VA:60]. He made a 5 December 1821 Southampton County will, proved 16 December 1821, by which he left his household goods, crops and pigs to his wife Sally, gave his shoemaking tools to James Garner, and named Joshua and John Garner as his executors [WB 9:124]. He may have been the father of

i. Joshua, born say 1794, a "FN" or "Mulatto" taxable on a horse in Nottoway Parish from 1812 to 1818, taxable on 2 horses in 1814 [PPTL 1807-21, frames 256, 339, 385, 641]. He was a 40-year-old shoemaker who emigrated to Liberia from Southampton County aboard the ship James Perkins on 9 December 1831 with Matilda (age 27) and five children [https://www.fold3.com/image/46670319].

ii. James.

iii. John, born about 1797, a 33-year-old shoemaker from Southampton County who emigrated to Liberia in 1830 aboard the vessel Volador on 2 December 1830 with Catherine (26), Anthony (11), Jesse (9) and Alfred Gardner (7) [https://www.fold3.com/image/46670305].

 

GARNES FAMILY

1.    Elizabeth¹ Garns, born say 1720, and Lucy, Janey, David, Martha, and Lydia Garns complained to the Surry County, Virginia court in August 1751 that Sarah Edwards, John Powell, and Lucas Powell were holding them in servitude. Sarah Edwards refused to allow them to appear in court, so on 19 December 1752 the court ordered her committed to the custody of the sheriff until she posted bond of £300 that she would produce them. On 17 January 1753 the court ruled that they were free. Martha was called "Daughter of Elizabeth Gerns" when she was bound apprentice by the same session of the court [Orders 1749-51, 278, 299; 1751-3, 118, 170, 296-7, 312-3, 318]. On 23 January 1753 the Brunswick County, Virginia court ordered the churchwardens of St. Andrew's Parish to bind out her "natural" children Lucy, David, Lydia, and Jane to Lucas Powell [Orders 1751-3, 366]. She was the mother of

2    i. Judith, born say 1737.

3    i. Lucy¹, born say 1740.

4    ii. Martha, born say 1742.

5    iii. Janey/ Jenny, born about 1747.

iv. David¹, born say 1748.

6    v. Lydia¹, born say 1749.

 

2.    Judith Garnes, born say 1737, was the mother of an illlegitimate child Jeremiah Garnes who was bound apprentice in Granville County to Willliam Bowder on 8 November 1763. She was the mother of

i. Jeremiah, born about 1753, 10 years old when he was bound out [http://familysearch.org/search/catalog/766317, film 7640987, image 935].

 

3.    Lucy¹ Garnes, born say 1740, was living in Lunenburg County, Virginia, on 13 December 1764 when the court ordered the churchwardens of Cumberland Parish to bind out her children: Jeffrey, Thomas, Edward, and Elizabeth Garnes to William Cocke. She was sued by William Cocke in Lunenburg County court on 13 April 1765 [Orders 1764-5, fol.200; 1765-66, 59]. Jeffry was six years old and Thomas was four years on 8 May 1765 when they were bound to William Cocke in Granville County, North Carolina (no parent named) [N.C. Archives Indentures, CR 044.101.2]. The Mecklenburg County, Virginia court bound out her son Gaby Garnes on 14 July 1766 and her son William on 10 August 1767 to John Lynch. On 8 November 1773 the court ordered her children David and Elijah bound out to the Rev. Mr. John Cameron, and on 14 April 1777 the court ordered the churchwardens to bind her children Gaby and William Garnes to William Bridgewater with the consent of their master John Lynch. On 8 June 1778 Lucy complained to the court that Bridgewater had disposed of Billy and Gaby, but the court dismissed the complaint after a hearing on 15 September 1778. On 12 February 1781 the court ordered the churchwardens to bind out her children Isaac and Lucy. On 9 September 1782 she complained to the court on behalf of her daughter Nancy Garnes against her master James Hughes, and the court cancelled the indentures and instead bound Nancy to William Randolph, Gentleman [Orders 1765-8, 173, 380; 1773-9, 127, 251, 413, 437; 1779-84, 89, 208]. She was granted administration of the Granville County, North Carolina estates of her deceased sons Thomas and Jesse Garnes in August 1791 [Minutes 1789-91]. She was head of a Mecklenburg County, Virginia household of 4 "free colored" in 1820 [VA:153b]. Her children were

i. Jeffrey, born about 1759, a six-year-old bound by the Lunenburg County court to William Cocke to be a planter on 8 May 1765. In the 1778 militia returns for Captain Richard Taylor's Company of Granville County, North Carolina, he was listed as "a black man," twenty years old, (serving) in place of William Edwards Cock [N.C. Archives Troop Returns, box 4, folder 40]. He enlisted in Ely's Company of the 7^th North Carolina Regiment in November 1777 and died on 22 January 1778 [Clark, The State Records of North Carolina, XVI:1066].

ii. Thomas, born about 1761, a four-year-old bound to William Cocke on 8 May 1765 to be a planter. On 16 June 1783 he received £9 at Hillsborough for military service [N.C. Revolutionary Pay Vouchers, 1779-1782, http://familysearch.org/search/collection/1498361], and died before August court 1791 when his mother Lucy was granted administration on his Granville County estate [Minutes 1789-91].

iii. Edward, born say 1762.

iv. Elizabeth², born say 1764.

v. Gabriel¹/ Gaby, born say 1765, enlisted in Dixon's Company of the 10^th North Carolina Regiment on 25 May 1781 and was omitted in 1781 [Clark, The State Records of North Carolina, XVI:1069]. A warrant for 640 acres was issued to the trustees of the University of North Carolina on 17 February 1824 for Gabriel's service in the Revolution [North Carolina and Tennessee, Revolutionary War Land Warrants, 1783-1843, Roll 15: William Hill Warrants, 1811-1837 (Nos. 1132-4409, 1144 (http://ancestry.com)].

7    vi. Nancy, born say 1765.

vii. William¹, born say 1766, ordered bound to John Lynch on 10 August 1767 [Orders 1765-8, 380].

viii. Moses¹, born say 1768, child of Lucy Garnes, ordered bound apprentice to Samuel Wooton in Mecklenburg County on 12 October 1772 [Orders 1771-3, 337].

ix. David, born say 1770, bound to the Rev. John Cameron in Mecklenburg County on 8 November 1773.

8    x. Elijah¹, born say 1772.

xi. Isaac¹, born say 1775, son of Lucy Garnes, ordered bound out by the Mecklenburg County court on 12 February 1781 [Orders 1779-84, 89]. He married Fanny Mayhaw (Mayo), 17 February 1797 Warren County, North Carolina bond, Elijah Garnes surety. He was head of a Mecklenburg County household of 5 "free colored" in 1820 [VA:153b].

xii. Lucy, born say 1777, child of Lucy Garnes, ordered bound out in Mecklenburg County on 12 February 1781.

xiii. Margaret², born say 1785, "bastard Child of Lucy Garnes" bound to Samuel Wooton, Sr., in Mecklenburg County on 9 June 1788 [Orders 1787-92, 237]. She married Henry Mayo, 17 October 1809 Warren County bond, Richard Russell surety.

 

4.    Martha Garnes, born say 1742, "Daughter of Elizabeth Gerns," was bound apprentice by the Surry County, Virginia court on 17 January 1753 [Orders 1751-3, 318]. She may have been the mother of

i. Anthony, born about 1761, listed in the 1^st North Carolina Regiment in the roll of Captain Tilman Dixon's Company on 8 September 1778, enlisted for 3 years on 14 January 1777 [NARA M246, Revolutionary War Rolls, 1775-1783, https://www.fold3.com/image/10198780]. He was head of a Hertford County, North Carolina household of 2 "other free" in 1790 (called Anthony Garner) [NC:26]. He applied for a pension at the age of 59 while residing in Wilson County, Tennessee, on 27 October 1820 with his 30-year-old wife and three step children. He stated that he enlisted in the 7^th North Carolina Regiment in 1778 and served until 1782 [M804-1050, frame 940].

9    ii. Lucy², born say 1765.

iii. Daniel, born before 1776, head of a Hertford County household of 2 "other free" in 1800, 3 in 1810 [NC:98], and 12 "free colored" in 1820 [NC:192].

iv. Doll, born before 1776, head of a Hertford County household of 2 "other free" in 1810 [NC:99] and 1 "free colored" over 45 years old in 1820 [NC:190].

 

5.    Jenny Garnes, born about 1747, was was a "free Molatto" spinner living on Michael Smith's land in Surry County, Virginia, in 1803 with Liddy Garns who was also a spinner [A List of Molatto's in Surry County in the Year 1803, http://familysearch.org/search/catalog film no. 4121845, frame 8 of 16]. She registered in Surry County on 25 March 1805: a bright complexion aged about 58 years, 5'2-1/2" high...born of a free woman [Hudgins, Surry County Register of Free Negroes, 25]. Her Children were

i. David², born about 1777, taxable in Surry County from 1792 to 1804: listed as Robert McIntosh's tithable in 1792 [PPTL, 1791-1816, frames 89, 372, 411, 450, 486, 526, 563]. He registered in Surry County on 29 June 1803: son of Jenny Garns a free mulatto woman, of a yellowish complexion, 5'3" high, square and pretty stout made aged about 26 years and by profession a waterman [Hudgins, Surry County Register of Free Negroes, 21].

ii. Drury, born about 1778, registered on 20 September 1797: son of Jenny Guarnes a free mulato woman resident of this county, 19 years old, yellowish complexion, 5'2-1/2 inches tall, square & pretty stout made by profession a waterman [Back of Guardian & Accounts Book 1783-1804, no.21].

iii. Caty, born about 1779, registered in Surry County on 23 July 1808: (daughter of Jenny Garnes a free Mullatto Woman late of Surry county) is of a yellow complexion, 4'11-1/4" high, about 29 years of age [Hudgins, Surry County Register of Free Negroes, 37].

iv. ?Lydia², born about 1782, listed as a "free Negro & Mulatto" in Surry County in 1813 [PPTL, 1791-1816, frame 738]. She registered in Surry County on 22 November 1847: dark complexion; born of free parents; about 65 years of age, 4 feet 11-1/2 inches tall [Register of Free Negroes, p. 8, no.945].

v. ?Patsey, born 30 September 1784, registered in Surry County on 31 December 1804: a free woman of this county is of a bright complexion aged 20 years the 30^th day of September 1804, she is 5'4-3/4" high, has a small nose, was born of a free woman of this county [Hudgins, Surry County Register of Free Negroes, 24].

 

6.    Lydia¹ Guarnes, born say 1749, was freed from the service of Sarah Edwards in Surry County, Virginia, on 17 January 1753. On 23 January 1782 the court bound out her "Molatto" children Betty, James, David and Lucy [Orders 1751-3, 312-3; 1775-85, 135]. She was the mother of

10    i. Elizabeth³, born say 1766.

ii. James, born about 1771, twelve-year-old Mulatto child of Lydia Guarnes, bound by churchwardens of Southwark Parish in Surry County, Virginia, on 3 February 1783 to Thomas Bland, bricklayer [Indentures/apprenticeships, 1706-1794, http://familysearch.org/search/catalog, film no. 4131818, image 10 of 25], head of a Lenoir County, North Carolina household of 3 "free colored" in 1820.

iii. David³, born about 1773, nine-year-old Mulatto child of Lydia Guarnes, bound by churchwardens of Southwark Parish in Surry County, Virginia, in 1782 to Robert Macintosh [Indentures/apprenticeships, 1706-1794, http://familysearch.org/search/catalog, film no. 4131818, image 6 of 25].

iv. Cate, born about 1777, five-year-old Mulatto daughter of Lydia Guarnes, bound by churchwardens of Southwark Parish in Surry County, Virginia, in 1782 to Robert Macintosh [Indentures/apprenticeships, 1706-1794, http://familysearch.org/search/catalog, film no. 4131818, image 4 of 25], a 78-year-old "Black" woman living with 65-year-old Lucy Garnes in the 1850 Mecklenburg County census [VA:65b].

v. Lucy³, an "other free" woman living alone in Lenoir County in 1810 [NC:293].

 

7.    Nancy Garnes, born say 1765, "a bastard Child of Lucy Garns," was bound apprentice to John Lynch in Mecklenburg County, Virginia, on 10 September 1770 (no race mentioned), probably identical to Nan Garnes, child of Lucy Garnes who was ordered bound apprentice to Samuel Wooton on 12 October 1772, called "Nanney Garnes, Bastard of Lucy Garnes," on 8 March 1773 when she was released from John Lynch and bound to James Hughes. She was removed from James Hughes's service and bound to William Randolph on 9 September 1782 [Orders 1768-71, 465; 1771-73, 337, 479; 1779-84, 208]. She was the mother of

i. William², born June 1785, son of Nancy Garner, bound as a shop joiner to Henry Townes in Granville County on 7 August 1787 [N.C. Apprentice Bonds, http://familysearch.org/search/catalog/766317, film 7640987, image 1149], ordered bound apprentice by the Mecklenburg County court on 9 June 1788 (no parent named), child of Nancy Garnes bound to Francis Moody by order of the court on 10 September 1792. On 11 January 1802 he was charged in Mecklenburg County court with stealing articles from Benjamin Heulin but was found not guilty. On 13 October 1806 he was charged with breaking and entering the house of James Johnson, tavern keeper, and stealing about $30 worth of goods. A witness named Henry Wilson testified that he had seen Lewis Cousins return some of the goods to Johnson and that Cousins had said the property had been left with him by William. He was sent for trial at the district court in Brunswick County [Orders 1787-92, 240; 1792-5, 60; 1801-3, 137; 1805-6, 334]. He may have been the Billy Garns who was head of a Henrico County household of 4 "other free" in 1810 [VA:996].

11   ii. Lucy³, born about 1785.

iii. David², born say 1787, ordered bound apprentice by the Mecklenburg County court on 9 June 1788, bound to Richard Thompson on 10 July 1797 and bound to Francis Lett, hatter, on 9 July 1804. He and Henry Mason were licensed by the Mecklenburg County court as hawkers and peddlers from 16 June 1806 to 16 June 1807 [Orders 1787-92, 240; 1795-8, 289; 1803-5, 190; 1805-6, 294].

iv. Lewis, born say 1789, child of Nancy Garnes, bound to Edward Holloway by order of the court on 10 September 1792 [Orders 1792-5, 60, 226].

v. Letty, born say 1792, child of Nancy Garnes, bound to Edward Holloway by order of the court on 10 February 1794 [Orders 1792-5, 226].

vi. Gabriel², born about 1794, illegitimate son of Nancy Garnes, bound to Isaac Watson, carpenter, on 8 August 1808 and bound instead to Lewis Smith, blacksmith, on 14 November 1808 [Orders 1807-9, 437, 486]. He registered in Mecklenburg County on 21 November 1831: Dark Complexion, 5 feet 3-1/2 inches high, about 37 years of age...born free in this County [Register of Free Negroes, 1809-1841, p. 98].

vii. ?Moses², born say 1795, a "Mullatto" bound by the Mecklenburg County court as an apprentice to Jacob Garrot, millwright, on 13 June 1806 [Orders 1805-6, 63].

viii. ?Sally, born say 1800, a "Mullatto" bound by the Mecklenburg County court as an apprentice to Jacob Garrot and his wife on 13 June 1806 [Orders 1805-6, 63].

 

8.    Elijah¹ Garnes, born say 1772, was ordered bound apprentice to the Reverend John Cameron in Mecklenburg County on 8 November 1773. He married Rhoda Mayhoe/Mayo, 5 February 1797 Warren County, North Carolina bond, Charles Durham surety. He was in Mecklenburg County on 14 August 1797 when his suit against Adam Loving and Major Butler for trespass, assault and battery was submitted to arbitration [Orders 1795-8, 297]. He was head of a Mecklenburg County household of 5 "free colored" in 1820 [VA:165a]. He may have been the father of

i. John, married Peggy Brannum (Brandon), 8 September 1823 Warren County bond, Benjamin Durom (Durham) surety.

ii. David⁵, born about 1800, registered in Mecklenburg County in August court 1824: about 24 years of age about five feet Eight 1/2 inches high...of black complexion [Free Person of Color, no.13].

iii. Elijah², Jr., head of a Mecklenburg County household of 1 "free colored" in 1820 [VA:150a].

 

9.    Lucy² Garnes, born say 1764, "a Free Mullatto Woman," moved from Hertford to Bertie County by 29 December 1783 when James Jones of Hertford agreed to transfer the indentures of her children Sarah and Benjamin to James Fleetwood of Bertie County [CR 10.101.7 by NCGSJ XIV:159]. Her children were

i. Sarah, born say 1780, bound to James Jones of Hertford and then bound to James Fleetwood of Bertie on 29 December 1783.

ii. Benjamin, born say 1782, bound to James Jones of Hertford and then bound to James Fleetwood of Bertie on 29 December 1783.

 

10.    Elizabeth³ Garnes, born say 1766, was living in Surry County, Virginia, on 5 January 1804 when her son Henry Garns registered as a "free Negro." She was the mother of

i. Henry, born about 1784, registered in Surry County on 5 January 1804: a negro man of dark complexion who is 5'5-1/4", is the son of Betty Garns a free woman of this county [Hudgins, Surry County Register of Free Negroes, 22]. He was listed as Robert Watkins's Surry County tithable in 1801, listed with Samuel Butler in 1802 [PPTL, 1791-1816, frames 466, 473].

 

11.    Lucy³ Garnes, born about 1785, child of Nancy Garnes, was bound to Edward Holloway by order of the Mecklenburg County, Virginia court on 10 September 1792 [Orders 1792-5, 60, 226]. She was head of a Mecklenburg County household of 4 "free colored" females in 1820 [VA:155a] and was 65 years old when she was counted in the 1850 Mecklenburg County census [VA:133b]. She was the mother of

i. Isaac², born about 1793, "son of Lucy Garnes," bound apprentice to Richard Brown, carpenter, on 14 May 1805 and bound instead to Jacob Garrot, millwright, the following day [Orders 1803-5, 376, 389]. He registered in Mecklenburg County in July 1820: a man of dark complexion, five feet Seven and one fourth Inches high, twenty Seven Years old [Free Person of Color, no.7].

 

GEORGE FAMILY

1.    Peter¹ George, "Negro," born say 1630, was imported as a slave by Nathaniel Littleton in 1640. He, "the Negro carpenter," and his daughter Jane were mentioned without surnames in the 1656 Northampton County, Virginia will of Littleton's wife Anne who left them to her son Edward [DW&c 7:folio 22]. Edward Littleton mentioned Peter, his wife Joan, and their daughters Jane and Susan with their surnames in his 1663 will to his wife Frances who later married Francis Pigot [DW 1657-66, 174-5]. Peter was taxable in 1664 in Frances Littleton's household in Northampton County:

Mr. Littletons Family

Wm Clements

peter George Negro

Paull Carter & wife

Ould Jack Negro 5 [Orders 1657-64, fol.198].

He and his wife "Jone" were taxable in Captain Francis Pigott's household with Thomas Carter "Negro" in 1667, 1668, 1671, and 1675. Joan probably died about 1677 since she was not listed with him in Pigot's household that year [Orders 1664-74 fol. 42, p.55, fol.114; 1674-79, 75, 191]. About 1676 he received his freedom from Pigot on the promise to pay 10,000 pounds of tobacco. He completed the last payment on 10 August 1682 [DW&c 1680-92, 53, first cited by Deal, Race and Class, 444]. He must have been a free man when he was a witness to the will of King Tony, "Negro," proved 28 February 1677/8 [Orders 1674-79, 247]. He rented land on the estate of Southy Littleton for 2,400 pounds of tobacco for the years 1679 to 1685 (near Emmanuel Driggers) [OW 1683-9, 150-151]. In March 1687/8 he was duped into thinking that "free Negroes should be slaves againe" by one of his white neighbors, Robert Candlin. He left all his household goods and livestock with Candlin and fled to Somerset County, Maryland, with his neighbor Sarah Driggers and several other unidentified free African Americans. He was called Peter George of Wiccocomoco Hundred Negro" on 23 April 1688 when he posted £5 surety, and he and (his wife?) Mary George were witnesses in a Somerset County court case for "Sarah Driggers Negro woman wife of Thomas Driggers Negro" [Archives of Maryland 91:47]. Perhaps his wife Mary was Mary Rodriggus whose Northampton County tax was paid by the parish in 1674 [DW 1664-74, 273]. Peter George and Sarah Driggers had returned to Northampton County by 29 May 1691 when they successfully sued Candlin's widow for the recovery of Peter's livestock. On 19 September 1698 Peter was charged with being in possession of a silver spoon stolen from Henry Harmonson's house. He testified that he had bought the spoon from King Tom Indian who stated that he had gotten it from Living Denwood of Somerset County. The court found King Tom guilty and ordered that he receive twenty lashes [OW 1689-98, 106, 115-116, 510]. Peter's children were

i. Jane, born say 1653.

ii. Susan, born say 1655.

2    iii. Anthony¹, born about 1660.

iv. Peter², born about 1666, a 39-year-old man listed in the 20 August 1705 inventory of Ralph Pigot's estate on Hog Island [DW 1692-1707, 417].

3     v. Peter³, born say 1678.

vi. ?Samuel, born say 1680, a "Negro" who, in company with John and Johnson Driggers on 8 November 1702, was convicted of killing a hog belonging to Samuel French and then "in an insolent manner" abusing several white persons. On 28 January 1703/4 the court ordered Sarah Drighouse, alias Landman, to pay him for appearing as her witness in the suit of Colonel John Custis [OW&c 1698-1710, 106, 182].

 

2.    Anthony¹ George, born about 1660, remained a slave and was forty-five years old when he was listed in the inventory of Ralph Pigot's Northampton County estate in 1705 [DW 1692-1707, 417]. He married Frances Harman in 1693 when she recorded her livestock mark in Northampton County court [DW 1651-4, 26]. He, or perhaps a son by the same name, was taxable in Ralph Pigot's household in 1720 [Bell, Northampton County Tithables, 1]. Since his wife was free, so were their children. They may have been

i. William¹, born say 1688, perhaps the illegitimate child born to Frances Harman before May 1688 [OW 1683-89, 202]. He was tithable in his own household in 1720, tithable with his brother Anthony in 1721, a "negro" tithable by himself in 1723, with his wife Elizabeth in Anthony's household in 1724, and in his own household with Elizabeth from 1725 to 1731 [Bell, Northampton County Tithables, 1, 18, 36, 53, 76, 101, 119, 147, 168, 222]. He was sued by William Mills on 11 March 1730/1 in Northampton County court but did not appear when the case came to trial on 11 May 1731 [Orders 1729-32, 77, 85].

4     ii. Anthony², born say 1690.

iii. Joannah, born say 1695, tithable in Anthony George's household from 1724 to 1726.

 

3.    Peter³ George, born say 1678, was called Peter George "free Negro" when he was sued by Thomas Harmonson, Sr., in Northampton County on 28 November 1700 for 700 pounds of tobacco [OW&c 1698-1710, 53]. On 2 March 1705/6 he and his wife Mary bound their one-year-old "free mallato or negro child" Amarrica to George and Susannah Corbin until the age of twenty-one [OW 1698-1710, 448-9]. Perhaps Mary was identical to Mary Carter who was presented for bastard bearing on 30 May 1699 (for a child she had by Daniel Benthall's slave Daniel) and in 1703 [OW&c 1698-1710, 8, 18, 165]. Peter and Mary's child was

5    i. America, born about January 1704/5.

 

4.    Anthony² George, born say 1690, may have been the unnamed illegitimate child born to Frances Harman before May 1690 [DW 1689-98, 35, 58]. He was tithable in Ralph Pigot's Northampton County household in 1720, in the household of (his brother?) William George from 1721 to 1723, head of a household with William, Joannah, Ann, and Elizabeth George in 1724, with Joannah and Ann George in 1725 and 1726, not counted in 1727, and head of a household with (his wife?) Ann from 1728 to 1731 [Bell, Northampton County Tithables, 1, 18, 36, 53, 76, 101, 119, 147, 168, 222]. Ann purchased 300 acres in Craven County, North Carolina, on the south side of the Neuse River at the head of Long Creek for £10 on 4 July 1752 and made a deed of gift of 150 acres of this land to (her son?) Elijah George in 1757 [DB 7:203; 9:425]. Nanney George was head of a Craven County household of 1 "Black female" in 1769 [SS 837]. Anthony and Ann's children may have been

i. David, born say 1718, purchased 90 acres on the south side of the Trent River in Craven County from Edward Williams for £70 on 12 May 1749 [DB 7:14].

ii. Peter⁴, born say 1720, purchased 100 acres on the south side of the Neuse River and east side of Long Creek in Craven County from Benjamin Cummings for £13.6 on 7 September 1751 [DB 7:12] and was listed among 5 "free Negroes," including John Carter, Abel Carter, James Black, and Jacob Copes, in the 11 April 1753 muster of Abner Neale's Craven County Foot Company between the head of Slocumb's Creek and the head of Turnagain Bay and Neale's list for the district from Slocumb's Creek to the mouth of the Neuse River on 4 October 1755 [T.R., box 1, folder 31; box 2, folder 3]. In 1757 he witnessed the Craven County deed of land from Ann George to Elijah George [DB 9:425]. His Craven County will, proved in 1763, named his brother William and sisters Susanny and Deborah [DB 8:220].

iii. Elijah¹, born say 1722, received 150 acres on the Neuse River by deed of gift from Ann George in 1757. He probably died before 20 September 1765 when his brother William sold this land [DB 9:425; 17:290].

iv. Susan, born say 1725, named in the 1760 will of her brother Peter and taxable in her own Craven County household in 1769 [SS 837].

v. Deborah, born say 1728, named in the 1760 will of her brother Peter George. She may have married George Godett.

6    vi. William², born say 1730.

 

5.    America George, born about January 1705/6, was one year and two months old when she was bound out by her parents Peter and Mary George in Northampton County, Virginia. On 7 November 1727 she was presented by the churchwardens of Accomack County for having a bastard child [Orders 1724-31, 88a]. She was apparently identical to "America the wife of Samson," the slave of John Custis. Their children Sabra (age 12), Joshua (age 5 years and 6 months), and George (age 3 years the 1st day of January next) were bound to Ralph Corbin on 1 December 1742 [Orders 1737-44, 439]. She was the mother of

7    i. Sabra, born about 1730.

8    ii. Joshua¹, born June 1737.

iii. George¹, born 1 January 1740, called four-year-old son of Americus George when he was bound to Covington Corbin to be a cooper on 30 December 1747 [Orders 1744-53, 242].

iv. Bridget, born say 1745, bound to Samuel Feddiman of Accomack County on 31 March 1747

 

6.    William² George, born say 1730, was named in the 1760 Craven County will of his brother Peter George. As "William George Free Negroe" he sold (mortgaged) 100 acres of Peter's land on the south side of the Neuse River in Craven County on 20 September 1765 for £12.2, and on the same day sold (mortgaged) 150 acres for £20.5 which his brother Elijah received by deed of gift from Ann George to Parmenas Horton & Company [DB 14:286, 290]. He was tithable in Craven County in 1769 [SS 837] and taxable in the District of Captain Adam Tooley & Captain John Carney on an assessment of £196 in 1779 [GA. 30.1, frame 11 of 16]. He repurchased his 150 acres on the south side of the Neuse River at the head of Long Creek for £20.5 and 100 acres for £12.2 from John and Bartholomew Howard & Company of Clubfoot Creek on 6 March 1779 [DB 23:286, 302]. He sold 100 acres on the south side of the Neuse River in Craven County to Mingo Stringer in 1782, and Mingo made a quit claim deed to return the property to him on 2 October 1784 for £5 because he had not served in the Revolution for him as promised [DB 24:284; 26:5]. His father-in-law James Green of Jones County made a deed of gift to him for 200 acres in Craven County on the first westernmost prong in the branch by James Green's on 3 October 1791, he sold (signing) 400 acres on the south side of the Neuse River and northeast side of Long Creek to Benney Vail for $350 on 15 March 1801, and he paid Joshua Scott and Richard Williams 250 Spanish milled dollars for 164 acres on the south side of the Neuse River and west side of Clubfoot Creek on 15 October 1801 [DB 30:45, 36:15, 96]. He was head of a Craven County household of 10 "other free" in 1790 [NC:130] and 4 "othfer free" in Wake County in 1800 [NC:764]. He married Keziah Robeson, 2 April 1802 Craven County bond. His son Peter was granted administration on his Craven County estate in December 1802 after his widow Keziah relinquished her right. Philip Neal and John Godett were his securities. Buyers at the sale of his estate included William, Peter, Elijah, Mary, and Keziah George; Samuel, Abraham and Susannah Moore; John Godett, Richard Lewis, Benjamin Richards and Isaac Dove [North Carolina, Wills and Probate Records, 1665-1998, Craven, George, William; ancestry.com]. His children were

i. ?Kezia, born say 1775, married Jesse Moore, 16 April 1792 Craven County bond, Joseph Dring bondsman.

ii. ?Hannah, married Joseph Dring, 18 December 1794 Craven County bond, William George bondsman.

9    iii. Peter⁵, born say 1774.

iv. ?Betsy, married Theophilus Carter, 16 November 1804 Craven County bond, George Carter bondsman.

 

Other members of the family in North Carolina were

i. John, born say 1769, a "negro fellow" wanted on 5 April 1794 for breaking jail in New Bern District where he was indicted for burglary [Fouts, NC Gazette of New Bern, II:39]. 9, no.430]. He may have been the Jonathan George who married Pheraby Locus 27 January 1802 Orange County bond, Lawrence Pettiford bondsman, and second Anna Manuel, 23 August 1815 Wake County bond, Jesse Manuel bondsman.

ii. Ned, head of a Pasquotank County household of 5 "other free" in 1810 [NC:900].

iii. John, born about 1800, married Esther Howard, 19 July 1822 Craven County bond, Silas Richards surety. He purchased 27 acres in Craven County on the south side of the Neuse River and west side of Clubfoot Creek, "being the land formerly owned by William George," for $27 from Charity Dove, Perry Johnston, Hannah Johnston, Jeremiah Johnston and Mary his wife and Edward George in 1829, and John sold this land for $30 by deed proved by Peter George in August 1836 [DB 52:179-80]. He was counted as a "Black" farmer at the head of Bogue Sound in Carteret County with presumed wife Esther (age 49) and Henry Black (age 32) in 1850.

iv. Theophilus, born about 1804, a farmer counted in the 1850 Craven County census with $35 in real estate and (second wife?) Sarah (age 24), Merindo (18), Abijah, Deborah, Betsy, James and Martha George.

v. Peter, born about 1799, a turpentine  maker counted alone in the 1850 census for Craven County with $70 in real estate, a fisherman in 1860.

vi. Elijah³, born about 1815, a boatman counted in the 1850 Craven County census with $70 in real estate with wife Sarah and children Theophilus (13), Matthew (7), and Nancy George (1).

vii. Theophilus, Sr., born about 1827, and his wife Lucinda, Margaret Williams, Emiline Parsons, Francis Carter, and John Chadwick and his wife Ann, "heirs of Elizabeth George," sold about 25 acres of land which they inherited from their late mother on the west side of Clubfoots Creek to Pins Copes for $51.25 on 14 February 1877 [DB 79:40].

viii. Theophilus, Jr., sold 26 acres on the west side of Clubfoots Creek adjoining Jesse P. Godett's for $80 on 8 December 1876 which was land that descended to him from his father Theophilus George [DB 78:75].

 

7.    Sabra George, born about 1730, was presented by the churchwardens of Accomack Parish on 27 January 1746/7 for having a bastard child. She could not pay her fine of 50 shillings, so the court ordered that she receive 25 lashes well laid on and remain in jail until her court costs were paid. Her master Covington Corbin agreed to pay her fine and to take care of her child in exchange for her serving him additional time. The court bound her daughter Betty George to Corbin and ordered her to serve him another year for the trouble of his house in her "lying in a child" and for all other charges according to the law at the time. She may have been the mother of "Frank and Americus, two Mulatto boys" bound to Henry Gascoigne on 28 November 1750 [Orders 1744-53, 182, 455]. She was the mother of

i. Betty, bound to Covington Corbin on 27 January 1746/7.

ii. Frank, born say 1748.

iii. Americus, born say 1750, perhaps identical to George America who was head of a Worcester County household of 6 "other free" in 1790 [MD:124].

iv. ?Amey, bound to Howell Glading on 27 June 1758 [Orders 1753-63, 247].

v. ?Jeremiah, bound out on 30 December 1760 [Orders 1753-63, 375].

vi. ?Sarah, bound to Ezekiel Delatatius on 23 February 1762 [Orders 1753-63, 442].

10   vii. ?Pleasant, born say 1760.

viii. ?Naomi, bound to William Broadwater on 23 Febuary 1762 [Orders 1753-63, 510].

ix. ?Zachariah, bound to Elijah Milburn on 27 August 1769 [Orders 1768-70, 219], a "Mulatto" bound by the churchwardens of Accomack Parish to John Matthews, Jr., on 22 February 1774 to be a shoemaker [Orders 1774-7, 43]. He was head of an Accomack Parish, Accomack County household of 8 "other free" in 1800 [Virginia Genealogist 1:107].

x. ?George², bound to William Tunnell by the churchwardens of Accomack Parish on 1 November 1769 [Orders 1768-70, 259], apparently identical to George George a free Negro boy bound apprentice by the churchwardens of St. George's Parish to Thomas Teackle to be a farmer on 25 April 1775 [Orders 1774-7, 342].

 

9.    Peter⁵ George, born say 1774, married Hannah Carter, 9 April 1795 Carteret County bond, George Carter bondsman. He was taxable on 64 acres in Craven County in 1815 [T&C, Box 3, frame 33 of 48] and head of a Craven County household of 6 "free colored" in 1820 [NC:65]. On 4 November 1821 he and Hannah sold land in Craven County which Hannah inherited from her father George Carter. He purchased land from the Martin family in 1825 [DB 43:82; 45:428]. He died in Craven County before August term 1824 when Peter George, William Carter and his wife Nancy, Jacob Dove and his wife Charity, Sukey George sometimes called Sukey Richards, Martin George, and Polly, deceased wife of Peter Gaudett and mother of Sukey Gaudett and Bill Gaudett (infants) petitioned the court to partition their land on Clubfoot Creek adjoining land of the heirs of John Godett which they held in common as heirs of Peter George, Sr. The commissioners who partitioned the land were paid on 9 August 1828 by Peter George, Elijah George's heirs, William George's heirs, Martin George, and Caesar Richards and his wife [North Carolina, Wills and Probate Records, 1665-1998, Craven, George, Peter; ancestry.com]. Peter was the father of

i. Peter, born 1796-1806, married Hepsa Neil, "colurd people," 27 September 1822 Craven County bond, William Howard surety, and was head of a Craven County household of 5 "free colored" in 1830. He married Willy Cully, 27 September 1831 Craven County bond, William Martin bondsman. Willey Cully was a 26-45-year-old woman who was head of a Craven County household of 5 "free colored" in 1820. Peter granted Peter Godett a mortgage for Godett's land adjoining Isaac Perkins on Cahooque Creek and 6 head of cattle for $50 on 12 June 1819 (acreage not stated), and Peter George signed a release for this land and cattle on 18 July 1832. And he purchased 50 acres on the south side of the Neuse River on a creek that fed into Adams Creek from Wiley Nelson in 1824 and sold this land to Hardy L. Jones on 28 March 1836 [DB 41:245; 44:159; 49:279; 53:247]. He died before November 1844 when his widow Pervilla petitioned the court for a years support from his estate [North Carolina, Wills and Probate Records, 1665-1998, Craven, George, Peter; ancestry.com]. Pervilla purchased 101 acres on the east side of Clubfoot Creek from Hardy L. Jones for $45 on 17 December 1844 [DB 58:255] and was called Peter George's widow, Previlly George, a "colored woman," when she made a 17 June 1844 Craven County will, proved in February 1847, by which she named her son James Cully as executor and left her land to her grandchild James Williams, grandchild Benjamin H. Cully, and her granddaughter Mary Jane Gaudett's children, and left the remainder of her estate to her grandchild Hepsey Cully [WB D:132-3].

ii. Elijah², married Nancy Carter, 24 September 1803 Craven County bond, Samuel Moore bondsman. He was taxable on 100 acres in Craven County in 1815 [T&C, Box 3, frame 33 of 48]. He died before 8 March 1819 when Nancy married William Carter. Nancy Carter was called Elijah George's heir when she was apportioned 27 acres by the partition of the land of Peter George's heirs.

iii. Polly, married Peter Godett, 10 January 1805 Craven County bond, Peter George bondsman.

11   iv. William, born say 1780.

v. Martin, born about 1800, sold 20 acres of land, being his share of the land left to him by his father William George, to Peter George, Sr., for $12 on 2 May 1825 [DB 45:428] and was a laborer counted in the 1850 census for Craven County with (wife?) Tabitha and children.

vi. Sukey, married Caesar Richards, 2 April 1818 Craven County bond.

 

10.    Joshua¹ George, born about 1737, was bound as an apprentice shoemaker to Ralph Corbin in Accomack County on 1 December 1742 and bound as a cooper to Samuel Feddiman on 31 March 1747 [Orders 1737-44, 439; 1744-53, 182]. On 1 March 1770 he won a suit in court against the executors of Alexander Jeffery for £3.14, and on 22 February 1774 Robert Martin sued him in court for a debt of £4.17 due by account [Orders 1768-70, 396; 1774-7, 100]. He was taxable in Accomack County from 1783 to 1812: taxable in 1789 on 2 free males and a slave over the age of 16 who may have been his wife [PPTL, 1782-1814, frames 48, 314, 414, 678, 807]. He was head of an Accomack Parish household of 5 "other free" in 1800 [Virginia Genealogist 1:108] and 7 in 1810 [VA:26]. He was the father of

i. Parker, taxable in Accomack County from 1799 to 1813: called a "Blackman" in 1799, with the notation "by Forman" in 1800, "of Joshua" in 1810 [PPTL, 1782-1814, frames 415, 446, 546, 677, 743, 855] and head of an Accomack Parish household of 3 "other free" in 1800 [Virginia Genealogist 1:107] and 7 in 1810 [VA:97].

ii. ?Jacob, head of an Accomack Parish household of 1 "other free" and a white woman (Sally Jarvis) in 1800 [Virginia Genealogist 1:108], taxable in Accomack County in 1802, called a "B.M." in 1807 [PPTL, 1782-1814, frames 512, 678].

iii. ?Joshua, Jr., taxable in Accomack County from 1807 to 1812 [PPTL, 1782-1814, frames 678, 807].

 

11.    William George, born say 1780, married Charity Carter, 16 February 1804 Craven County bond, and died before 3 June 1815 when Charity married Jacob Dove, 3 June 1815 Craven County bond, George Carter surety. She was called William George's heir when she was apportioned 27 acres by the partition of the land of Peter George's heirs. Charity, Perry and Hannah Johnston, Jeremiah and his wife Mary Johnston and Edward George sold this land in 1829, "being the land formerly owned by William George" to John George for $29 [DB 52:179-80]. William was the father of

i. Charity, born about 1800, a "Black" woman counted with Jacob Dove and their children in the 1850 census for Craven County with $200 in real estate.

ii. Hannah, married Perry Johnston, 12 June 1820 Craven County bond, Peter George surety. Perry was head of a Craven County household of 4 "free colored" in 1830.

iii. Mary, married Jeremiah Johnston who was head of a Craven County household of 3 "free colored" in 1830.

iv. Edward.

 

Other members of the family were

i. Scotch and Bess George, "2 F.N. Black" taxables in Perquimans County, North Carolina, in 1771. In 1772 Scotch George was head of a Hertford District, Perquimans County household of 4 taxables, including himself, Bess, Dinea, and Juda George [CR 077.701.1].

ii. Jemima/Jesemine, head of an Accomack Parish household of 5 "other free" in 1800 [Virginia Genealogist 1:107] and 5 in 1810 [VA:97].

iii. Esther, registered in Accomack County about 1832: born about 1780, a Black, 5'6-1/2" high, born free in Accomack County [Register of Free Negroes, 1785-1863, no. 554].

iv. Sarah, registered in Accomack County: born about 1789, a light Black, 5'6" high, born free in Accomack County [Register of Free Negroes, 1785-1863, no. 392] and was head of an Accomack County household of 4 "other free" in 1810 [VA:19].

 

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