TANN FAMILY

1.    John¹ Kecatan, born about 1636, had been the slave of the Hoe family of Charles City County, Virginia, for about twenty-nine years on 14 October 1665 when he appealed to the Governor and Council of Virginia for his freedom. He was called "John a Negro" when he presented a note written on 26 November 1653 by his master, Rice Hoe, Sr., deceased, that he should be free after serving eleven years, "provided that he the sd Negro doth carefully and honestly performe his labour." Hoe's son, Rice Hoe, Jr., refused to release him, claiming that he had not lived up to the agreement. The General Court ruled that he should be free but referred the case back to the local court to determine if John had kept his half of the agreement. Hoe testified before the Charles City County court that his servant had been "refractory and disobedient" and presented the deposition of a former servant, Margaret Barker, who swore that

the sd Hoe had never a serv't maid but the sd Jack the Negro lay with her or got her w'th child.

But five other neighbors deposed that

John Kecatan Mr Howes Negro have done Mr Hoe true and good service,

and the court ordered him set free in February 1665/6 [DWO 1655-65, 601, 604, 605, 617, 618]. He was probably the "Jack negro" who was taxable on two persons in Surry County in 1670 [Magazine of Virginia Genealogy, vol.22, no.1, 23]. He was apparently the father of

2        i. John², born about 1670.

 

2.    John² Kiketan/ Kicotan, born about 1670, was a seven-year-old "Mollato boy" bound until the age of twenty-four on 3 November 1677 when Stephen Lewis sold the remainder of his indenture to Wiliam Edwards by Surry County deed for 2,500 pounds of tobacco [DW 2:157]. He was called a "Molatto boy Named Jno. Kikeson(?)" when he was named in a 7 May 1678 Surry County court suit between William Edwards and Stephen Luies [Haun, Surry County Court Records, III:381]. John Kickotan was taxable in William Edwards' household from 1687 to 1694. He was head of his own household in 1695 and 1696 and lived adjacent to the Cornish family in Lawnes Creek Parish on Hog Island from 1697 to 1702. John Blackshire was taxable in his household in 1700 [Magazine of Virginia Genealogy, vol.23, no.2, 63; no.3, 56, 60, 65; no.4, 68, 71 vol.24, no.1, 69, 74, 76; no.2, 73, 77, 81; no.3, 71, 75]. He married Margaret Sweat before September 1697 when they were ordered by the Surry County court to present an account of the estate of Cornish Sweat, orphan of her first husband Robert Sweat. Anthony Cornish was Margaret's security. John Kecotan and Evan Humphreys were witnesses in the May 1705 Surry County court case between Roger Case and John Sugar [Haun, Surry County Court Records, V:168; VI:57]. In 1717 he sued Roger Delk for assault and battery in Surry County court [Orders 1713-18, 128]. He was paid 7 shillings by the Surry County estate of Edward Portice on 17 December 1723 [DW 1715-30, 496]. His children were most likely

i. William¹ Kicatan, paid 1 shilling by the Surry County estate of John Ogburn on 25 May 1721 [DW 1715-30, 378].

3        i. Anthony¹ Tann, born say 1697.

 

3.    Anthony¹ Tann, born say 1697, was one of the residents of Brunswick County, Virginia, who were paid for a wolf's scalp on 2 December 1737. He was involved in a Brunswick County court case for debt on 3 May 1739 and 4 September 1740, and on 3 September 1741 he was one of the taxables who were ordered to keep the road from Flat Creek to the Meherrin River in repair [Orders 1732-41, 182, 243, 348]. His son Benjamin Tann was called an "orphan" on 20 February 1744 when the Surry County, Virginia court ordered the churchwardens of Albemarle Parish to bind him out [Orders 1744-9, 11, 22]. Anthony was married to the unnamed daughter of John Jeffries, Sr., of Albemarle Parish whose 3 November 1746 Surry County will, recorded on 16 June 1752, mentioned his grandson Benjamin Tann [DW 1738-54, 798]. He may have been identical to the Anthony Tann who was granted 550 acres of land on Jeffreys Creek and the Pee Dee River for himself, his wife, and nine children on 6 June 1749 [Holcomb, Petitions for Land from the South Carolina Council Journals, I:266]. He recorded a plat for this land in Craven County, South Carolina, on 7 June 1749 [Plats 5:306]. Anthony's children were

4        i. ?Thomas¹, born say 1721.

ii. ?Joseph, born say 1726, living in Southampton County on 9 November 1752 when the court dismissed Matthew Revel's suit against him [Orders 1749-54, 286]. His heirs received 640 acres for his services in the North Carolina Continental Line [Clark, State Records of North Carolina, XVI:1173].

5        iii. ?John³, born say 1730.

iv. William², born say 1732, named in a memorial of 13 November 1771 as having title to 550 acres on Jeffrey's Creek in Craven County (apparently the land which belonged to Anthony Tann in 1749) [S.C. Archives series S2111001, vol. 10:238].

6        v. ?Anthony², born say 1734.

7        vi. Benjamin¹, born about 1735.

 

4.    Thomas¹ Tann, born say 1721, was paid 7 shillings by the Isle of Wight County estate of Joseph Bridger on 25 September 1742 [Guardian Accounts 1741-66, 3]. He purchased 100 acres adjoining Allen and Newitt Edwards in Surry County on 14 September 1745 and sold 20 acres of it on 18 March 1748 [DB 1741-6, 341; 1746-9, 388]. On 21 November 1758 he and thirteen other "Mulatto" residents of Surry County were presented by the court for failing to pay tax on their wives [Orders 1744-64, 135]. He and his wife Sarah Tan were "free mulattos" who recorded the birth of their son Thomas in Bruton Parish, James City County, in 1766 [Bruton Parish Register, 28]. He was listed as deceased in 1 July 1777 muster of Captain Thomas Edmunds' Company in the 15th Virginia battalion [M246, Revolutionary War Rolls, 1775-1783, www.footnote.com/image/963978 viewed on 2 January 2008]. He left no will, but his oldest son was probably Jacob Tann who sold part of Thomas's land in 1777. His children were

8        i. Jacob¹, born say 1755, died circa 1780.

ii. Thomas², born in 1766 [Bruton Parish Register, 28].

 

5.    John³ Tann, born say 1730, sued Chambers Humphries in Surry County court for a debt of 2 pounds, 12 shillings on 26 February 1754 [DB 1753-7, 114, 191]. He and his wife Susannah "of Southampton County" sold 400 acres in Brunswick County, Virginia, on both sides of Little Creek which he had purchased by deed recorded in the General Court on 11 October 1757 [DB 8:220-1]. Sue was paid 12 shillings by the Isle of Wight County estate of Martha Fiveash, orphan of Peter Fiveash, for seven yards of Virginia cloth before 7 August 1766 [Guardian Accounts 1741-66, 356]. John and Susannah Tan, "Both free Mulattas Now Living in Southampton County," had their son John baptized in Bruton Parish, James City County on 30 May 1768 [Bruton Parish Register, 32]. He purchased 65 acres near Beetree Branch adjoining Edwards and Thomas Pritlow in Nottoway Parish, Southampton County, on 9 March 1771 and sold this land on 13 October 1789 [DB 4:341; 7:332]. He was taxable in Southampton County from 1782 to 1792: taxable on a horse and 5 cattle in 1782, on 2 tithes, a horse, and 4 cattle in 1787, 2 tithes in 1789, called John, Sr., in 1791 and 1792, listed next to John, Jr. [Personal Property Tax List 1782-92, frames 503, 526, 542, 576, 598, 625, 696, 745, 857; 1792-1806, frame 18]. He and his wife Susannah gave their consent for their daughter Elizabeth to marry by 27 December 1786 Southampton County bond. He was exempted from further payment of taxes by the Southampton County court on 13 June 1793 [Minutes 1793-9, 18]. Nelson Peirce, orphan of Peter Peirce, chose him as his guardian in Isle of Wight County court on 4 January 1796 [Orders 1795-7, 269]. John's children were

i. ?Susannah, married Matthew Williams, both of Isle of Wight County, 22 December 1783 Southampton County bond.

ii. John⁴, Jr., born 26 October 1767, baptized 30 May 1768 [Bruton Parish Register, 32], taxable in Southampton County from 1791 to 1800 [Personal Property Tax List 1792-1806, frames 18, 251, 301, 358, 459]. He registered in Southampton County on 6 January 1795: aged 26, 5 feet 6-3/4 inches, Free born and on 28 June 1797: aged 31, Mulatto, 5 feet 7 inches, Free born [Register of Free Negroes 1794-1832, nos. 96, 115]. He was a "F.N." taxable in Isle of Wight County in 1802 and 1803 [Personal Property Tax List 1782-1810, frames 587, 607].

iii. ?Isham, presented by the Southampton County court on 9 November 1786 for living in fornication with Sarah Crocker (a white woman) [Orders 1784-9, 217, 270].

iv. Elizabeth, "daughter of John and Susannah Tan," married John Cannady, 27 December 1786 Southampton County bond, John Tann surety, Thomas Tann witness. The bond said her name was Susannah, but the Minister's return said Elizabeth.

v. ?Thomas³, born about 1770, registered in Southampton County on 28 September 1794: a free mulatto abt 24 years of age 5 feet 7-1/2 inches high born of free parents in Southampton [Register of Free Negroes 1794-1832, no. 91].

vi. Sarah, born about 1778, twenty-five years old when she married Lewis Bazden, 27 October 1803 Southampton County bond, Mat Williams surety, 28 October marriage. Sally registered in Surry County on 15 February 1812: Sally Bazden late Sally Tann a daughter of John and Susanna Tann decd. free mulattoes of Southampton county, of a bright complexion, aged about thirty four years of age ... is 4'11-1/4" high [Hudgins, Surry County Register of Free Negroes, 47]..

vii. ?Ann, mother of a poor child named Betsy Thomas living in the upper district of Nottoway Parish when the Southampton County court ordered the overseers of the poor to bind her out [Minutes 1799-1803, 104].

 

6.    Anthony² Tann, born say 1734, was a "Free Mulattoe" taxable in Colleton, St. Bartholomew's Parish, South Carolina, in 1786 [S.C. Tax Returns 1783-1800, frame 138]. He purchased land by lease and release recorded in South Carolina between 1800 & 1801 [Lucas, Index to Deeds of South Carolina, D-7:277]. He was counted as white in 1800: head of a St. James Goose Creek household of one male aged 45 or older, one female 26-45 years, and one male and two females 10-16 years old [SC:66]. He and his wife Margaret sold 100 acres in St. James Goose Creek Parish, Charleston District, on 21 October 1801 [Register of Mesne Conveyance Book, Charleston, E7:450]. He was listed in the 1807 census for Knox County, Indiana [IN:50]. He was living on the east bank of the Wabash in July 1808 when he was visited by Shaker missionaries. He and his family were members of the Shaker Village in West Union, Knox County, by May 1810. According to Shaker records, he was a "coloured man" man who died on 17 June 1811. His wife Peggy, a "real white woman," was "near fifty" when she died on 28 December 1814 [MacLean, Shakers of Ohio, 279-80, 286, 312]. His 17 June 1811 Knox County, Indiana will was proved in July 1811. He left his wife Margaret all his estate which was to be equally divided among his unnamed children at her death [Original Knox County will, box 3; recorded p.35]. His children were

9        i. ?Jacob², born say 1760.

ii. ?Barney, census entry blank in St. Bartholomew Parish, South Carolina in 1790.

iii. ?George, counted in the 1820 Knox County, Indiana census: entry blank with one "free colored" female 14-25 [IN:90].

iv. William, born September 1794, left the Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, Kentucky, on 10 October 1828 [Shaker Village Roll Book, p.208].

v. Polly, born on the Santee River in South Carolina on 13 March 1797, died 1 April 1883 according to the records of Shaker Village, Pleasant Hill, Kentucky [Roll Book, p.65]. She was counted in the Mercer County, Kentucky census in Shaker Village in 1850: born in South Carolina about 1799 [MERC:281].

vi. Charlotte, born 1 August 1799 in Charleston, South Carolina, joined the Shaker Village in West Union, Knox County, Indiana, in May 1810, moved to the Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill on 30 March 1827 (after the Shaker Village at West Union closed), and died 15 March 1875 according to the records of Shaker Village in Pleasant Hill, Kentucky [Record Book C, p.77, Harrodsburg, Kentucky, Historical Society; Pleasant Hill Roll Book, p.62]. She was counted in the Mercer County, Kentucky census in 1850: born in South Carolina about 1802 [MERC:280].

 

7.    Benjamin¹ Tann, born say 1735, orphan of Anthony Tann, was ordered bound out by the churchwardens of Albemarle Parish in Surry County on 19 December 1744. In 1754 he was an insolvent Sussex County taxpayer [Southside Virginian 6:48]. He moved to Northampton County, North Carolina, where he was listed among the "Black" members of the undated colonial muster roll of Captain James Fason [N.C. Archives Mil. T.R. 1-3]. He was occupying land adjacent to James Morgan when Morgan made his 24 November 1774 Nash County will [WB 1:19]. He was taxed in Nash County on 260 acres, a mule, and 5 cattle in 1782. He received 9 pounds payment on certificate number 1859 from the North Carolina Army Accounts on 10 June 1783 and a further 14 pounds, 18 shillings on undated certificate no. 238 [N.C. Archives T&C, Rev. War Accounts, Vol I:45 folio 2; XI:48, folio 2]. On 15 October 1787 he purchased 200 acres on the south side of the Tar River on Cooper's Creek in Nash County [DB 4:42]. He was head of a Nash County household of 5 "other free" in 1790 [NC:71] and 8 in 1800 [NC:122]. He sold 10 acres of his land to his neighbor and executor of his will, Jesse Booth, on 10 February 1804 [DB 7:215]. His 11 September 1806 Nash County will, proved November 1806, mentioned his wife Priscilla and two of his children, Benjamin Tann and Amy Locus [WB 4:42]. Priscilla was probably identical to Priscilla Booth whose illegitimate children Jesse and Sylvia Booth were indentured by the Nash County court in April 1778 [Bradley, Nash County Court Minutes I:5]. On 28 September 1807 there was a judgment levied on Benjamin's land for a $35 note in favor of John Lewis [Estates Records 1770-1909, 1807]. The account of sale of his estate on 5 June 1813 mentioned $129.94 divided among six unnamed heirs [DB 9:265]. His children were

i. ?Ephraim, private in Baker's Company, enlisted on 20 July 1778 for nine months. His heirs received 640 acres for his services in the North Carolina Continental Line [Clark, State Records of North Carolina, XVI:1173; T&C Rev. War Army Accts. Vol III:73, folio 3 & VII:108, folio 3].

ii. ?James, a soldier who died in the service in Philadelphia during the Revolutionary War. He enlisted on 20 July 1778 and was omitted in 1779 [Clark, State Records of North Carolina, XVI:1173]. Jesse Boothe, executor of Benjamin Tann's Nash County will, deposed on 20 June 1821 that James' rightful heir was Hannah Tann, daughter of his brother Jesse Tann [S.S. 460.1]. She received a land warrant for 640 acres for her uncle's service [S.S. 460.1, 460.2, 460.3, 460.12].

ii. ?Jesse, died before 20 June 1821, father of Hannah Tann.

10      iv. ?Drury, born about 1760.

11      v. Benjamin², born say 1765.

vi. Amy Locus.

vii. Pheraby, living in Franklin County on 28 January 1822 when she sold land in Nash County adjoining Jesse Booth to Hardemon Taborn [DB 10:391].

 

8.    Jacob¹ Tann, born say 1755, was listed as a buyer in the 21 December 1775 account of the sale of the Halifax County, North Carolina estate of James Barnes [Gammon, Record of Estates II:25]. He sold 30 acres adjoining Ethelred Edwards and William Allen in Surry County, Virginia, on 19 July 1777 [DB 1769-78, 531]. His 1 December 1780 Surry County will was recorded 26 June 1780. He mentioned his unnamed wife, and underage children. He divided his land between his sons Thomas and Jacob [Wills 1778-83, 187]. His wife was Jemima Tann who was taxable on property tax for this land from 1787 until 1795 when Thomas reached maturity. The transfer of the land from Jemima to Thomas Tann was recorded in the Surry County Property Tax Alterations for that year. On 3 December 1801 Jemima was described as "a white woman late of this county" in her son's registration paper as a "free Negro." When her son Thomas married on 27 March 1804, he was called "alias Thomas Price," so perhaps this was her maiden name. Jacob and Jemima's children were

i. Thomas⁴, born say 1774, taxable in Surry County from 1791 to 1812 [Personal Property Tax List, 1791-1816, frames 46, 224, 274, 305, 546, 577, 617, 658, 696, 715]. He was taxable on his father's 70 acres in Surry County in 1795 [Land Tax List 1782-1820]. He brought suit against his brother Jacob, still "an infant," in Surry County court on 28 February 1795, perhaps over payment of the taxes. The suit was continued until 28 May 1799 [DB 1795-1803, 309, 337, 367]. He sold the 35 acre portion of his inheritance in Surry County on 22 June 1795 [DB 1792-9, 272]. He married Selah Cofer, 27 March 1804 Surry County bond and marriage. He was head of a Surry County household of 2 "other free" in 1810 [VA:617].

ii. Martha, born say 1778, chose Jeremiah Banks as her guardian on 28 February 1795 to represent her interests in her father's will. She registered as a "free Negro" in Surry County on 18 June 1810: a mulattoe woman born of free parents late of the county of Surry deceased, of a bright complexion, aged about 26 years, has long straight hair ... 5'1-1/4" high [Surry County Register, p.41]. She registered in Petersburg on 18 October 1810: a light coloured Mulatto woman, five feet one inches high, twenty six years old, long straight hair, born free in Surry p. certificate [Register of Free Negroes 1794-1819].

iii. Jacob³, born about 1777, taxable in Surry County from 1797 to 1810, his tax charged to John Banks in 1797 [Personal Property Tax List, 1791-1816, frames 284, 504, 546, 639, 658, 676] and taxable in Surry County on his 35 acres inheritance in 1798, sold his land on 27 June 1803 [Land Tax List 1782-1820; DB 1800-4, 387]..

iv. William², born September 1780, not mentioned in his father's will, registered as a "free Negro" in Surry County on 3 December 1801: a Mulatto man and son of Jemima Tan a white woman late of this county - he is of a bright complexion, has straight & black hair, pretty stout and straight made, aged 21 last September [Back of Guardian Accounts, 1783-1804, no.136].

 

9.    Jacob² Tann, born say 1760, was head of a Charleston District, Bartholomew Parish, South Carolina household of 5 "other free" in 1790 [SC:36]. His children may have been

i. Sarah, born say 1785, married Peter Graves 15 September 1801 in South Carolina [Bryan Journal].

ii. William, fled from South Carolina to Georgia about 1835 after Simon Verdier posted his bond on charges he had killed a "Negro" on John's Island in Colleton District. Upon the court's determination of his race as "colored," Verdier captured him, and he was tried and executed [S.C. Archives series S165015, item 5164].

iii. Jacob⁴, living in St. Bartholomew's Parish, South Carolina, in 1840 [COLL:268].

iv. Jonathan C., living in Spartanburg, South Carolina, in 1840 [SPAR:268].

 

10.    Drury Tann, born about 1760, enlisted for fourteen months as a private in Hadley's Company of the 2nd Regiment of the North Carolina Continental Line on 1 August 1782 according to the muster of 1 September 1782 [M256, Revolutionary War Rolls, 1775-1783, www.footnote.com/image/10200698 viewed on 2 January 2008; Clark, State Records of North Carolina, XVI:1175]. He was head of a Northampton County, North Carolina household of 3 "Black" persons 12-50 years old and 2 "Black" persons less than 12 or over 50 years old in Dupree's District for the 1786 state census. He was head of household of 4 "other free" in Northampton County in 1790 [NC:74], 3 in Hertford County in 1800 [NC:722], and 2 "free colored" in Southampton County, Virginia, in 1820: a man and woman over 45 years of age. He was taxable in Southampton County as a "free Negro" laborer in 1813 and 1814, living on Arthur Carr's land in 1820. In 1830 he was listed as a "F.N." on Samuel Williams' land [PPTL 1807-21, frames 326, 426]. He was probably the "free colored" man over 55 years of age counted in Hamilton Tann's household in the 1830 Southampton County census. He made an application for a Revolutionary War pension in Southampton County court on 7 March 1834 in which he told about his early years in North Carolina:

he was stolen from his parents when a small boy by persons unknown to him, who were carrying him to sell him into Slavery, and had gotten with him and other stolen property as far as the Mountains on their way, that his parents made complaint to a Mr. Tanner Alford who was Then a magistrate in the county of Wake State of North Carolina to get me back from Those who had stolen me and he did pursue the Rogues & overtook Them at the mountains and took me from Them.

He may have been the son of Benjamin¹ Tann since Benjamin was listed in the 1782 Nash County Tax list as a neighbor of Tanner Alford. Drury did not name his children, but they may have been

i. Nancy, born before 1776, head of a Hertford County household of 4 "free colored" in 1820 [NC:198] and 3 in 1830.

ii. Jincy, born 1776-94, head of a Northampton County household of 3 "free colored" in 1820 [NC:262], married James Boon, 5 June 1826 Northampton County bond.

iii. Britton, born about 1800, head of a Northampton County household of 3 "free colored" in 1820 [NC:264], taxable on one poll in District 10 of Northampton County in 1823 and District 6 in 1824. He married Mitetto Jones, 24 March 1828 Halifax County bond, and was head of a Halifax County household of 2 "free colored" in 1830.

iv. Randall/Randolph Tann, born about 1807, married Betsy Banks, 5 July 1816 Northampton County bond, John Predens bondsman. He was taxable on one poll in District 9 of Northampton County in 1825.

v. Anney, married Acre Johnson, 27 February 1826 Northampton County bond.

12      vi. Patsey, born say 1793.

13      vii. Cherry, born about 1796.

viii. Exum, born 1794-1806, head of a Northampton County household of 1 "free colored" in 1830.

ix. William³, born about 1800, indentured to John Priden to be a shoemaker in Northampton County in 1812.

x. Hamilton, born about 1803, taxed in 1819 as a "free Mulatto" over sixteen years old in Southampton County, Virginia. He married Jane Gardner in Southampton County on 28 December 1824, and he was taxed on a horse in Southampton County in 1826. He was counted as white in 1830 with 2 "free colored" in his household, probably Drury Tann and his wife. On 21 November 1831 he (called "fn.") and his wife Jincy Tan sold 160 acres adjoining Seacock Swamp in Southampton County for $150 [DB 22:107].

 

11.    Benjamin² Tann, born about 1765, was head of a Nash County household of 4 "other free" in 1800 [NC:122]. He received land by his father's 10 February 1804 Nash County will. On 14 August 1809 the Nash County court bound John and Susanna Locus to him as apprentices [Rackley, Nash County North Carolina Court Minutes VI:71]. Perhaps his children were

i. Benjamin³, born about 1795, "Negro," purchased land in Cincinnati District, Indiana, on 21 April 1837 [Land Entries, Vol I, SE 1/4 - SE 1/4 - SE 1]. He was head of a Randolph County, Indiana household of 3 "free colored" in 1840 [Census p.108]. He was counted in the 1870 census for Porter Township, Cassapolis, Michigan: a seventy-five year-old born in North Carolina living with seventy-five-year-old Mary Tan who was born in Virginia [household no.221].

ii. Leroy, purchased one acre on the north side of Tar River and Fox Swamp in Franklin County on 15 March 1824 and sold this land to Elizabeth Tan on 3 January 1831 [DB, p.319]. He married Margaret Pettiford, 15 March 1831 Franklin County bond.

iii. Amy, purchased 3 acres on Driving Branch joining John Predens in Northampton County on 5 January 1818 [DB 20:164].

 

12.    Patsey Tann, born say 1793, was the mother of Newsom Tann who was ordered bound an apprentice carpenter to Nathaniel Ingram by the Northampton County court on 5 June 1822 [Minutes 1821-25, 104]. Patsy married Winborne Manly, 27 February 1826 Northampton County bond. Her children were

14       i. Newsom, born about 1810.

ii. ?Cordy, born about 1813, may have been Newsom's brother since he was living near him in Ohio. He was head of a Jefferson Township, Logan County, Ohio household of 4 "free colored" in 1840 [Census p.77]. In 1850, still in Jefferson Township, he was counted as a "Mulatto" with Eliza Tan, born 1820 in North Carolina, with five children born in Ohio, the oldest born in 1838 [Census p.288].

 

13.    Cherry Tann, born about 1796, was head of a Northampton County household of 4 "free colored" in 1820 [NC:264] and was living in household no. 1038 in Northampton County in 1850. On 6 December 1853 when she was about fifty-seven years old, she married Everett Banks, Northampton County bond. Her children may have been

i. Madison, born about 1812, paid $2.60 as a witness in the State against Anthony Deberry on 8 June 1824 in Northampton County court. James Daughtrey received the money for him [Minutes 1821-25, 288]. The December 1826 court presented him for being without a guardian. He was bound an apprentice to William R. Taylor on 6 December 1826, no parent named, and was bound to Alfred Aldridge to be a farmer a year later on 4 December 1827 [CR 71.101]. His poll tax was charged to Herod Faison in District 6 in 1835, to Drewry Bass in District 3 in 1838, and to Diley Kee in District 3 in 1843. In 1837 he had a child by Tissie, a slave of the Kee family. Their son James Tann Kee named his father and mother in his marriage license when he married for the second time in Northampton County on 5 March 1894. Madison married Elizabeth Sweat, 11 September 1838 Northampton County bond. He was head of a Northampton County household of 4 "free colored" in 1840 and was counted in the Northampton County census for 1850, 1860, and 1880 with nine children. His oldest Louisa married Hardy Artis.

ii. Joseph, born about 1831, living in Cherry's household in 1850.

iii. Benjamin, born about 1838, living in Cherry's household in 1850.

iv. Winnifred, born about 1837, living near Cherry in household no. 1040 in 1850.

 

14.    Newsom Tann, born about 1810, was bound to Nathaniel Ingram "to read and write" on 6 June 1822 in Northampton County, North Carolina [CR 71.101.1]. In 1840 he was living in Monroe Township, Logan County, Ohio: head of a household of 4 "free colored" [Census, p.19]. By 1850 he had moved to Cass County, Michigan, where he was listed as a "Mulatto" farmer, married with a $400 estate, unable to read or write. Catherine, born about 1815 in North Carolina, living in his household, was probably his wife [Census, p.576]. By 1870 he was married to Rachel, born about 1830 in Indiana [Census p.21]. He had real estate in Cass County worth $3,000 in 1860 [household no.750]. His 28 March 1873 Cassapolis, Michigan will, recorded 26 September 1879, lent his farm in Calvin Township to his wife Rachel, and at her death to Levi Hathcock. He mentioned his daughter Margaret Roberts. His daughter was

i. Margaret, born about 1836 in Ohio, living with her parents in Cass County, Michigan, in 1850. She married first, Andrew Shavers in Cass County on 31 December 1854, recorded 18 January 1855; and second, Exum A. Roberts (born about 1826) on 23 September 1855 at Allen Hill's house, Jefferson Township, Cass County.

 

Other members of the family wer

i. John⁴, born say 1760, listed in the payrolls of Captain Uriah Goodwyn's company of the 3rd South Carolina Regiment from March 1779 to March 1780 [M246, Revolutionary War Rolls, 1775-1783, www.footnote.com/image/967385, /967940, /967941 viewed on 2 January 2008].

ii. Elizabeth, born say 1770, said to be a "colored woman with thick skin and long hair" originally from North Carolina who claimed to be an Egyptian. She married a white man named Miller in South Carolina and had a daughter named Nancy who married a member of the Patrick family--described as a "colored man." Nancy's grandson refused to pay the discriminatory South Carolina capitation tax in a case heard in the Court of Appeals in May 1843. The case referred to an earlier case June 1836 in which Isaac Winningham and his wife Rachel were judged to be exempt from tax as descendants of Egyptians [Johnson v. Basquere, 28 S.C.L. (1 Speers) 329 (Ct. App. 1843)]. John and Lewis Winningham were heads of Colleton District households in 1810, Lewis with a white woman in his household [SC:592].

iii. Lydia, born say 1795, married (second) a white man named John Erick Miller and had two children, one named Sally and an unnamed sister, described as a "quadroon" who married a member of the Patrick family. Sally Miller married a white man named Benjamin Johnson and had sons Thomas, Henry and John Johnson who won their case against the tax collector of St. Paul's Parish and the sheriff of Colleton District in the South Carolina Court of Appeals [Johnson v. Boon, 28 S.C.L. (1 Speers) 268 (Ct. App. 1843)].

 

TATE FAMILY

1.    James¹ Tate, born say 1660, "a Negro slave to Mr. Patrick Spence," was married to Hester Tate, an English woman servant of James Westcomb. Their son James was bound an apprentice to James Westcomb in Westmoreland County, Virginia, in 1691, and that same year three more of their children were bound apprentices. Her children were probably the "two mulatto servants" who belonged to the orphans of Patrick Spence, Jr., in December 1703 [Orders 1690-98, 40-41; 1698-1705, 210a]. James and Hester's children were

i. James², born say 1685, bound to James Westcomb in 1691. On 30 August 1716 John Chilton sued Joseph Moxley, claiming that he was detaining James who he claimed as his servant. The court ruled that James was a free person [Orders 1705-21, 261a].

ii. Jane¹, born say 1687, bound apprentice to Patrick Spence in 1691.

iii. Elizabeth, born say 1688, bound to Patrick Spence in 1691. She was presented by the churchwardens of Cople Parish, Westmoreland County, in September 1714 for having a "Mulatto" bastard child. On 27 April 1715 her attorney George Eskridge argued that she was not within the purview of the law against having illegitimate children because she was a "Mulatto." He posted bond to appeal the case to the general court. On 30 August 1716 the court ordered that John Chilton, Gentleman, pay her 1,160 pounds of tobacco for attending court for nine days in the suit which he brought against Joseph Moxley for detaining his servant James Tate [Orders 1705-21, 261a, 293].

iv. William¹, born say 1690, bound to Patrick Spence in 1691.

 

Their descendants were

2        i. William², born say 1726.

3        ii. Joyce, born say 1730.

4        iii. Penelope, born say 1732.

5        iv. Winnie, born say 1750.

6        v. Nancy, born say 1758.

vi. Jesse¹, born say 1758, a seaman in the Revolution aboard the Dragon from 1777 to 1779 [Jackson, Virginia Negro Soldiers, 44] and head of a Richmond County household of 8 "other free" in 1810 [VA:395].

7        vii. William³, born say 1766.

viii. James⁴, married Charity Grimes, 22 August 1804 Westmoreland County bond, Nathaniel Brewer security. James Teet, Jr., was head of a Westmoreland County household of 3 "other free" in 1810 [VA:787].

ix. Fanny, born say 1775, a "free Negro" farmer living with children George, Elliner, James, and Jenney Tate, on William Edward's land in Westmoreland County in 1801 [Virginia Genealogist 31:45].

8        x. Peggy, born say 1780.

xi. Peter, born say 1780, a "Molatto" farmer living with (his wife?) Phillis Tate in Westmoreland County on William Hutt's land in 1801 [Virginia Genealogist 31:45]. Phillis Tate was in a "List of Free Negroes and Mulattoes over the age of 16" in Northumberland County in 1813 [PPTL, frame 22].

xii. Jane², head of a Stafford County household of 3 "other free" in 1810 [VA:128].

 

2.    William² Tate, born say 1726, was a "Mullatto" boy who still had 17 years to serve when he was listed in the inventory of the Westmoreland County estate of Captain Patrick Spence taken on 10 April 1740 [Estate Settlements, Records, Inventories 1723-46, 230]. He was taxable in the upper district of Westmoreland County 1783 to 1791: taxable on William Tate, Jr.'s tithe in 1787 and 1789 [PPTL, 1782-1815, frames 263, 311, 335, 343, 343, 355]. Perhaps his widow was Judy Tate who was taxable on 2 horses in the upper district of Westmoreland County from 1792 to 1797 [PPTL, 1782-1815, frames 395, 419, 444, 469]. She was listed as a farmer in Westmoreland County in 1801 with children: Elfried, Molley and Yewell Tate and Mimea Locus. She married Dick Young, 3 June 1805 Westmoreland County bond, John Watts and Jesse Tate security. William may have been the father of

i. William⁴, born say 1771, taxable in the upper district of Westmoreland County from 1787 to 1798, called William, Jr., in 1790 and 1791 [PPTL, 1782-1815, frames 395, 419, 469, 485], listed as a "free Mulatto" in 1801 when his place of abode was Louisa County [Virginia Genealogist 31:42].

ii. Elfried.

iii. Molley.

iv. Yewell.

 

3.    Joice Teet (Joyce Tate), born say 1730, was an "Old woman" in 1801 when she was a "free Molatto" living on William Fitzhugh's land in Westmoreland County, listed next to James Teet [Virginia Genealogist 31:42]. She may have been the mother of

i. James³, born say 1765, taxable on a tithe and 5 cattle in Westmoreland County in 1787 [PPTL, 1782-1815, frames ]. He was a "Molatto" farmer living with (his wife?) Sarah Teet and children: Lovell, Betsey, Mauening, Sary, Laurence, and Lucey Teet on Henry Lee's land in Westmoreland County in 1801. Perhaps John and Ann Locus, two children living in their household, were his wife's relatives [Virginia Genealogist 31:42].

ii. Samuel, born about 1779, married Hannah Lucas, 30 December 1809 Westmoreland County bond, Lawrence Ashton security. Samuel Teet was head of a Westmoreland County household of 4 "other free" in 1810 [VA:788]. He registered in Westmoreland County in May 1843: light complexion, 5 feet 6-1/2 inches high, about 64 years of age, Born free [Register of Free Negroes, 1828-1849, no.349].

iii. Joseph, born say 1781, a "free Molatto" farmer living with Felicia Tate and children Sophia and Delphia on William Fitzhugh's land in Westmoreland County in 1801 [Virginia Genealogist 31:47]. He was head of a Westmoreland County 8 "other free" in 1810 [VA:787]. Felicia registered in Westmoreland County in May 1833: a mulatto woman, 5 feet 4-1/2 inches high, 50 years of age, born free [Register of Free Negroes, 1828-1849, no.180].

iv. Ann, listed with children Nacy and Willis(?) Tate in Westmoreland County on William Fitzhugh's land in 1801 [Virginia Genealogist 31:47], head of a Westmoreland County household of 4 "other free" in 1810 [VA:787]. Perhaps Willis(?) was the William Tate who married _ Pumroy, 1805 Westmoreland County bond. William Teet was head of a Westmoreland County household of 4 "other free" in 1810 [VA:787].

 

4.    Penelope Tate, born say 1732, brought complaint to the Westmoreland County court against (her master) James Clayton on 29 January 1756. The suit was dismissed in February 1757 [Orders 1755-8, 34, 123a]. She was living in Richmond County on 6 April 1767 when the court ordered the churchwardens of Lunenburg Parish to bind her son Charles to William Dekins. On 5 June 1786 the parish of Lunenburg allotted 280 pounds of tobacco to (her son?) Matthew Tait for her support [Orders 1765-9, 237; 1784-6, 335]. She was the mother of

i. ?Matthew, born say 1760, allowed 280 pounds of tobacco for the support of (his mother?) Penelope Tait on 5 June 1786. He was a "free Molatto" farmer living with children: John, Lucy, Rodham, Alcey, and Presley Teet on Lusetty Smith's land in Westmoreland County in 1801 [Virginia Genealogist 31:42].

ii. Charles, born say 1765, a "free Molatto" farmer living with (his wife?) Abby Teet and children James, Betsey, John, and Campbell Teet on John Neal's land in Westmoreland County in 1801 [Virginia Genealogist 31:42].

 

5.    Winnie Tate, born say 1750, was living in Westmoreland County on 26 August 1777 when the court ordered that she appear at the next session to show cause why her daughter Judith should not be bound out [Orders 1776-86, 46]. And on 22 February 1785 she was summoned to appear at the next court to show cause why her son Henry should not be bound out. On 26 March 1793 the court ordered her children Jesse and William bound out but rescinded the order the following day [Orders 1776-86, 46, 262; Orders 1790-5, 236, 239, 253]. She was the mother of

i. Judith, born say 1770, married John Evins, 28 April 1795 Westmoreland County bond, Hugh Quinton, security. John and Judy Evins and child Rockey Tate were "free Negro" farmers living on William Fitzhugh's land in Westmoreland County in 1801 [Virginia Genealogist 31:47].

ii. Henry, born say 1780, married John Johnson, 25 December 1809 Westmoreland County bond, Edmond Tate security.

iii. Jesse², born say 1782

iv. William, born say 1784.

 

6.    Peggy Tate, born say 1780, was head of a Westmoreland County household of 4 "other free" in 1810 [VA:787]. She was the mother of

i. Henry, born about 1800, registered in Westmoreland County in September 1821: a Black Boy about 5 feet 6 or 7 inches high about 21 years of age and son of Peggy Teete who was free born [Free Negro Register 1819-1826, p.7].

 

7.    William³ Tate, born say 1766, married Ann West, 28 January 1787 Culpeper County bond. He was taxable in Madison County from 1793 to 1817: taxable on his unnamed son in 1803, taxable on two sons in 1809, a F.N." listed with unnamed wife and son in 1813 [PPTL, 1793-1818]. He was head of a Madison County household of 14 "other free" in 1810 [VA:409]. He was apparently the father of

i. Beverly, born about 1789, taxable in Madison County on John Tate's tithe and 2 horses in 1811 [PPTL, 1793-1818], registered in the Corporation of Staunton, Virginia, on 14 August 1820: a yellow man (now) aged about 31 years, five feet 7-3/4 inches high, who was born free; is registered...upon the certificate of Benjamin Cave, Clerk of Madison County Court dated 10 October 1812 [Register of Free Negroes, no.53].

ii. John, taxable in Madison County in 1811, listed as a "F.N." in 1813 [PPTL, 1793-1818].

iii. Reuben, a "F.N." listed with his unnamed wife in Madison County in 1813 [PPTL, 1793-1818].

iv. Coleman, a "Free Negro" taxable in Madison County in 1815 [PPTL, 1793-1818].

 

8.    Nancy Tate, born say 1758, living in Westmoreland County on 26 March 1793 when the court ordered the overseers of the poor in Cople Parish to bind out her children Edmond and Eliza. The court rescinded its order the following day [Orders 1790-5, 236, 239, 253]. She was a "free Negro" farmer on William Edward's land in Westmoreland County in 1801 with children Edmond, Jesive(?), Lewis, Haney, and Simon Tate [Virginia Genealogist 31:44]. Her children were

i. Jesive(?).

ii. Lewis, born about 1775, perhaps identical to James Lewis alias Tate who registered in Westmoreland County on 16 May 1835: light complexion, about 60 years old, 5 feet 4-1/2 inches, Born free [Register of Free Negroes, 1828-1849, no. 215].

iii. Edmond, born about 1779, married Peggy Aston (Ashton), 12 December 1806 Westmoreland County bond, Joseph Tate security. He registered in Westmoreland County in October 1828: a black man, 5'6" high, about 49 years of age, free born [Register of Free Negroes, 1828-1849, no.24].

iv. Haney, listed in Nancy Tate's Westmoreland County household in 1801, perhaps identical to Haraway Tate (born about 1786) who registered in Westmoreland County in April 1846: a Mulatto woman, 5 feet 2-1/2 inches high, about 60 years of age, Born free [Register of Free Negroes, 1828-1849, no.415].

v. Simon.

 

TAYLOR FAMILY

1.    Susannah Pickett, born say 1718, was called Susannah Pickett alias Taylor when her children: Sarah, Edward, Lydia, and James were bound out by the Surry County, Virginia court in January 1745/6 [Orders 1744-9, 108]. She was the mother of

i. Sarah, born say 1739.

2        ii. Edward, born say 1741.

3        iii. Lydia, born say 1743.

iv. James, born say 1745.

 

2.    Edward Pickett, born say 1741, complained to the Surry County court on 16 January 1754 against his master Joseph Eelbeck. The court noted that Eelbeck had moved to North Carolina and ordered the churchwardens of Southwarke Parish to take him under their care [Orders 1753-7, 43]. He may have been the Edward Taylor whose son Aaron Taylor registered as a "free Negro" in Surry County in 1796. His children were

i. Aaron Taylor, born say 1770, taxable in Surry County from 1786 to 1816: called Aaron Peters in 1789 and 1790; listed in Armstead Peters' household in 1791; called a "M"(ulatto) in 1811; listed with 2 "free Negroes & Mulattoes above the age of 16" in 1813 [Personal Property Tax List, 1782-90, frames 399, 461, 482, 557, 603; 1791-1816, frames 15, 68, 118, 245, 577, 601, 639, 676, 696, 728, 869]. He married Milly Scott, 24 December 1793 Surry County, Virginia bond, Armstead Peters surety, 29 December marriage. On 23 January 1796 he registered as a "free Negro" in Surry County: son of Edward Taylor, resident of this County, a bright mulattoe man aged about 26 years, straight & well made, 6'1/2" high - born of free parents [Back of Guardian Accounts Book 1783-1804, no.18]. He married, second, Elsey Charity, 23 December 1799 Surry County bond and was head of a Surry County household of 9 "other free" in 1810 [VA:617].

ii. ?John Taylor, married Arry Williams, 25 December 1797 Southampton County bond. John apparently died before 19 February 1803 when his widow Aira Taylor married Aaron Byrd, Southampton County bond, Burwell Gardner surety.

 

3.    Lydia Taylor, born say 1750, was a "Mulatto" living in Surry County, Virginia, on 19 June 1753 when the court ordered the churchwardens of Albemarle Parish to bind her out [Orders 1751-3, 443]. She may have been the mother of

i. James, born about 1783, registered in Surry County on 26 August 1805: a negro man aged about 22 years, 5'7-1/4" high, of a complexion more bright than otherwise ... born of a free woman late of this county [Hudgins, Register of Free Negroes, 27]. He registered in Petersburg on 23 July 1806: a dark brown Negro man, five feet seven inches high, twenty three years old, born free & raised in Surry County by Cert [Register of Free Negroes 1794-1819, no. 389]. His Surry County tax was charged to Armstead Peters in 1801 and 1802 [Personal Property Tax List, 1791-1816, frames 459, 496].

 

Other members of the Taylor family in Virginia were

i. John, born say 1740, in jail for eighteen months in Norfolk County and in the public jail in Williamsburg but freed in May 1762 when no one appeared to claim him [McIlwaine, Executive Journals, VI:220]. He may have been the John Taylor who was head of a Norfolk County household of 3 "other free" in 1810 [VA:923].

ii. Prince, born say 1745, head of an Essex County household of 6 "Blacks" in 1783 [VA:52]. He was probably the Peirce Taylor who was head of an Essex County household of 8 "other free" in 1810 [VA:197].

iii. Thomas, head of a Petersburg Town household of 8 "other free" in 1810 [VA:127a].

iv. Dick, head of a Southampton County household of 3 "other free" in 1810 [VA:54].

v. Phil, head of a Southampton County household of 2 "other free" in 1810 [VA:60]. He was living on Ben Jordan's land in Southampton County with his wife Patty and with Bitha & Lisha Artis in 1813 [Waldrep, 1813 Tax List].

vi. Dicey, wife of David Bird of Southampton County in 1813 [Waldrep, 1813 Tax List].

vii. John, head of a Prince George County household of 1 "other free" and 5 slaves in 1810 [VA:541].

viii. Charles, born about 1794, registered in Sussex County on 12 October 1816: light complexion, 5'3-1/2", free born, 22 years old [Register, no.89].

 

Members of the family in North Carolina were

i. Burwell, head of a Nash County household of 6 "other free" in 1790 [NC:71].

ii. Keziah, head of a Halifax County household of 6 "other free" in 1800 [NC:346] and 4 in 1810 [NC:52].

iii. Malachi, head of a Halifax County household of 7 "other free" in 1810 [NC:52].

iv. Margaret, head of a Halifax County household of 2 "other free" in 1810 [NC:52].

v. George, born before 1776, head of a Cumberland County household of 10 "free colored" in 1820 [NC:216].

vi. Harry, born before 1776, head of a Cumberland County household of 4 "free colored" in 1820 [NC:158].

 

TEAGUE FAMILY

1.    John Teage, born say 1700, was called an Indian in Accomack County court on 8 September 1725 when the land he was renting was the subject of a court case between John Goodright and Thomas Thrustout [Orders 1724-31, 37]. His likely descendants were

i. Robert, born say 1750, a "Mulato" taxable on himself and a horse in Northampton County, Virginia, in 1787 [Schreiner-Yantis, 1787 Census, 1260].

ii. Peter, born about 1751, a "Mulatto" bound apprentice in Northampton County in July 1753 [Orders 1751-53, 322].

iii. Mason Teague Toby, born about 1756, "a neg^o Girl aged 2 years," bound apprentice to Thomas Marshall in Northampton County on 12 December 1758 [Minutes 1754-61, 174].

2        iv. Jacob, born say 1760.

v. Abraham, head of a St. George's Parish, Accomack County household in 1800 [Virginia Genealogist 2:163]. He married Martha ___, July 1791 Northampton County bond.

vi. Nelly Tigue, head of an Accomack County household of 7 "other free" in 1810 [VA:65].

 

2.    Jacob Teague, born say 1760, was a resident of Accomack County who served in the Revolution [Jackson, Virginia Negro Soldiers, 44]. He was head of an Accomack County household of 7 "other free" in St. George's Parish in 1800 [Virginia Genealogist 2:164] and 6 "other free" in 1810 [VA:65]. He may have been the father of

i. Liliah, head of a St. George's Parish, Accomack County household of 3 "other free" in 1800 [Virginia Genealogist 2:164].

ii. Rachel, born say 1781, married Daniel Moses, 25 September 1802 Northampton County bond, Levin Morris security.

iii. Armistead, registered in Accomack County: born about 1781, a dark yellow, 5'4-1/4", born free in Accomack County [Register of Free Negroes, 1785-1863, no. 657].

iv. Sacker, registered as a "free Negro" in Accomack County: born July 1785, a light Black, 5 feet 10-1/2 Inches, Born free [Register, no.3].

v. Levin, registered in Accomack County: born about 1797, a light Black, 5' 6-1/2" high, Born free [Register of Free Negroes, 1785-1863, no.267].

 

TEAMER FAMILY

1.    Sarah¹ Teemo, born say 1690, a "malato," bound her son James to William and Elizabeth Brooks in Elizabeth City County court on 15 June 1720 [Orders 1715-21, 189]. She was the mother of

2        i. ?Mary, born say 1710.

ii. James¹, born say 1719.

iii. ?William¹, born say 1721, ordered to pay John Webb 25 pounds of tobacco for appearing as a witness for him against Charles Hopson in Elizabeth City County on 20 July 1743 [Orders 1731-47, 341]. William was taxable in Jeremiah Creech's household in the Western Branch District of Norfolk County in 1761 and taxable in his own Norfolk County household in 1765 [Wingo, Norfolk County Tithables 1751-66, p.134, 171, 191].

3        iv. ?Sarah², born say 1723.

4        v. ?Ann, born say 1727.

 

2.    Mary Temo, born say 1710, was presented by the Elizabeth City County court on 15 December 1731 for having two bastard children (no race indicated) [Orders 1731-47, 15]. She may have been the mother of

i. ?John/Jack, born say 1730, won a suit in Elizabeth City County court on 22 September 1743 against his master William Bayley for not supplying him with sufficient clothing and misusing him [Orders 1731-47, 352]. He was taxable in Norfolk Borough, Norfolk County, in 1767 [Wingo, Norfolk County Tithables 1766-80, 35].

 

3.    Sarah² Teamer, born say 1723, was living in Elizabeth City County on 7 February 1748/9 when her son William (no race indicated) was ordered to be bound out. On 4 February 1755 the court ordered her "Molatto" son Sam bound out [Orders 1747-55, 68, 467]. She was a taxable head of household in Norfolk Borough, Norfolk County, in 1767 [Wingo, Norfolk County Tithables 1766-80, 35]. Her children were

i. ?Edward, born say 1743, no parent or race indicated, ordered bound to George Barbee in Elizabeth City County on 21 September 1743 [Orders 1731-47, 348]. He was taxable in Norfolk Borough, Norfolk County, in 1767 and in Elizabeth River Parish in 1768 [Wingo, Norfolk County Tithables 1766-80, 35, 83].

ii. William², born say 1748, ordered bound out in Elizabeth City County on 7 February 1748/9. He was taxable in Norfolk County in 1770 [Wingo, Norfolk County Tithables 1766-80, 119].

iii. Samuel, born say 1754, ordered bound out in 1755.

iv. ?Jeremiah, born say 1760, "Mulatto" head of a Nansemond County household in 1784 [VA:74]. He was over 45 years of age in 1815 when he and his two unnamed sons (16-45 years of age) were taxable in Nansemond County. He was probably the father of William Teamer (16-45 years of age) who was also taxable in Nansemond County in 1815 [Waldrep, 1813 Tax List].

 

4.    Ann Teamer, born say 1727, no race indicated, was living in Elizabeth City County on 7 February 1748/9 when the court ordered her daughter Bess bound to Ann Hawkins [Orders 1747-55, 69]. On 22 March 1756 her son James was bound to Robert Miller on the condition he give security not to carry him out of the colony [Orders 1755-57, 47]. On 5 October 1756 she complained to the court that her son Thomas had been bound to Charles Neilson but was then in the possession of Archibald White who was not teaching him any trade. On 5 April 1757 the court ordered her children Bess and Thomas bound to Ann Pattison. On 5 April 1757 the court ordered her children Bess and Thomas bound to Ann Pattison, on 3 April 1759 the court ordered her daughter Sarah bound out, and on 25 June 1767 the court ordered the churchwardens to bind out her son Sam [Orders 1755-57, 81, 85, 106; Minutes 1756-60; Court Records 1760-9, 461]. Her children were

i. Bess, born say 1748, ordered bound to Ann Hawkins on 7 February 1748/9 and then to Ann Pattison on 5 April 1757 [Orders 1755-57, 106].

ii. James², born say 1755, "son of Ann Teemer," ordered bound to Robert Miller to learn the trade of "Barber and Perry Wigg Maker" by the Elizabeth City County court on 22 March 1756 [Orders 1755-57, 47].

iii. Thomas, born say 1750, bound to Charles Neilson in Elizabeth City County on 5 April 1757, called "Thomas Teemare a free negro" on 21 May 1772 when the Norfolk County court ordered the churchwardens of Elizabeth River Parish to bind him to Francis Jordan [Orders 1771-3, 68]. He taxable in Francis Jordan's Norfolk County household in 1771 and in his own household in 1772 [Wingo, Norfolk County Tithables 1766-80, 167]. On 19 August 1773 the Norfolk County court ordered Amos Etheridge, George Bowness, and Thomas Temar to audit the estate of Hardress Lamount [Orders 1771-3, 192]. He was a "free Negro" taxable in Isle of Wight County from 1783 to 1803: taxable on slave Nancy and a horse in 1785, taxable on slave Suck and a horse in 1786 [Personal Property Tax List 1782-1810, frames 37, 70, 83, 94, 154, 189, 236, 252, 280, 341, 355, 400, 424, 438, 482, 501, 532, 587, 607]. Perhaps his widow was Sally Teamer who was listed as a "free Negro" in Isle of Wight County with her unnamed daughter in 1813 [Waldrep, 1813 Tax List].

iv. Sarah, ordered bound out on 25 April 1759.

v. Sam, ordered bound out on 25 June 1767.

 

THOMAS FAMILY

1.    Ann Thomas, born say 1720, was the servant of Mrs. Clark Hobson on 14 October 1740 when she admitted in Northumberland County, Virginia court that she had a "mulatto" child. The court ordered that she serve her mistress an additional year after the completion of her indenture and then be sold for five years. She was convicted of having a second "mulatto" child on 13 June 1743 [Orders 1737-43, 169, 345]. She was probably the ancestor of

Milly¹, born say 1743, a servant who was bound until the age of thirty-one years to Joseph Ball. On 14 April 1778 the Northumberland County court denied his petition that she serve him an additional three years for having three children during her time of service [Orders 1773-83, 319]. Perhaps she was identical to Milley, a "Molatto" listed in the Northumberland County estate of William Townsend on 8 April 1771:

Negro man Jack 80 pounds

Mulatto man Rawleigh 30 pounds

Molatto woman Amy 15 pounds

Molatto woman Milley 17 pounds [RB 1770-2, 248].

2        ii. Spencer, born about 1750.

3        iii. James, born say 1760.

iv. John/ Jack, who served in the Revolution from Northampton County, Virginia [Jackson, Virginia Negro Soldiers, 44], perhaps the John Thomas who first married Nancy Credit, 12 July 1805 Northumberland County bond, Raleigh Thomas security; and second, Nancy Sorrell, "daughter of James Sorrell, Sr.," 7 April 1812 Northumberland County bond, James Sorrell, Jr., security.

 

2.    Spencer Thomas, born about 1750, was a soldier in the Revolution from Northumberland County [Jackson, Virginia Negro Soldiers, 44]. He was taxable in Northumberland County from 1787 to 1812: taxable on a slave from 1788 to 1798; listed as a "Blk" taxable from 1806 to 1812; taxable on 2 free males from 1809 to 1811 [PPTL 1782-1812, frames 323, 331, 352, 368, 382, 396, 412, 426, 447, 479, 508, 517, 540, 554, 568, 577, 605, 626, 643, 675]. He was a widower when he married Sukey Sorrell, 11 June 1792 Northumberland County bond, Thomas Pollard security. He married, third, Salley Hogins, widow, 11 October 1817 Northumberland County bond, John Credit security. He registered in the District of Columbia court in Alexandria on 1 April 1803: a yellow man about 53 years of age was free born in the family of the grandfather of the deponent and that he served in Northumberland County until he became thirty-one years of age. William Lewis, Justice of the Peace [Arlington County Register of Free Negroes, 1797-1861, p. 4]. He was a "free mulatto" head of a Northumberland County household of 7 "other free" in 1810 [VA:996]. His children were

i. ?Raleigh, born say 1784, head of a Northumberland County household of 7 "other free" in 1810 [VA:997].

ii. Nancy, born say 1790, "daughter of Spencer Thomas," married John Wood, 13 January 1807 Northumberland County bond, Spencer Thomas security.

iii. ?Sukey, "free mulatto" head of Northumberland County household of 5 "other free" in 1810 [VA:997].

iv. ?Amy, "free mulatto" head of Northumberland County household in 1810 [VA:997]. She was a "free mulatto" whose son Bill Thomas was bound as an apprentice cooper to Bridgar Haynie by the Northumberland County court on 11 September 1809 [Orders 1807-11, 124].

 

3.    James Thomas, born say 1760, enlisted in Norfolk County and served for three years as a seaman in the Revolution. James Barron, Jr., later a commodore in the U.S. Navy, described him as: a fellow of daring and though a man of color was respected by all the officers who served with him. In 1813 Nancy Bell, his sole heir, received two land warrants of 1,333 acres each for his services [Jackson, Virginia Negro Soldiers, 44]. Perhaps his widow was Rosa Thomas, head of a Norfolk County household of 2 "other free" in 1810 [VA:829]. His children were

i. Nancy, married ___ Bell, perhaps the John Bell, born about 1777, who registered in Norfolk County on 20 July 1812: 5 feet 6 inches 35 years of age. light complexion, Born free [Register of Free Negros & Mulattos, no.79].

ii. ?John, head of a Norfolk County household of 2 "other free" in 1810 [VA:922].

 

Elizabeth City, Charles City, Prince George and Dinwiddie counties

1.    Hannah Thomas, born say 1705, was a "free Negro" presented by the court in Elizabeth City County on 16 May 1728 for having a bastard child [DWO 1724-30, 244]. She may have been the ancestor of

i. Philip, a "servant Mulatto" of Thomas Yuille on 1 February 1765 when he was found guilty of petty theft by the Chesterfield County court. He was given twenty-five lashes because he could not pay his fine of ten pounds currency [Orders 1763-7, 626].

ii. John, born say 1740, married Sarah Lawrence, widow of Robin Lawrence, 14 October 1786 Brunswick County, Virginia bond. Sarah was called Sarah Thomas on the 7 March 1796 Charlotte County marriage bond of her daughter Mason Lawrence. The Lawrence family was from Prince George, Dinwiddie, and Brunswick counties.

2        iii. Robert, born about 1749.

3        iv. William, born say 1760.

v. John, a "yellow" complexioned man born in Prince George County who was living in Caroline County when he was listed in a register of soldiers who enlisted in the Revolution [The Chesterfield Supplement cited by NSDAR, African American Patriots, 154].

vi. Abraham Thomas (alias Cumbo), born say 1769, married Mary Brown, "daughter of Abram Brown deceased," by marriage agreement of 13 April 1791 proved in Charles City County court on 15 December 1791 by which he recognized her right to slaves Isaac and Jane, two feather beds, and some stock of cattle and hogs which were in her possession [DB 4:66]. He was taxable in Charles City County as Abraham Cumbo alias Thomas from 1790 to 1799 and called Abraham Thomas in 1800 and thereafter, taxable on two slaves and a horse in 1800 and a "Mulatto" taxable on two slaves in 1813 and 1814 [Personal Property Tax List, 1788-1814]. He (called Abraham Cumbo) was taxable in Charles City County on 30 acres from 1794 to 1801 [Land Tax List, 1782-1830]. He purchased 20 acres in Charles City County on the dividing line between the land of William Brown and John Brown from William Brown for 30 pounds on 17 July 1800 and he and his wife Mary sold 30 acres of land called Currabunga(?) on 21 November 1801. He purchased 41-1/2 acres from William Brown for 65 pounds on 20 February 1806 and he made a deed of trust for 50 acres on 23 April 1811. He purchased 40 acres for $240 in July 1816, and he and his wife Mary sold 40 acres to George Jones for $259 on 6 November 1816. He and his wife Mary made a deed of trust for a tract of 40 acres, a tract of 35-1/3 acres, a mare, seven cattle and two featherbeds on 15 May 1818 to secure a debt he owed Edward B. Colgin [DB 4:520, 600; 5:118, 384, 625; 6:47, 143]. Administration on Mary's estate was granted to Abraham Brown on 17 March 1836 with Morris Harris providing $90 security [Minutes 1830-7, 270].

vii. David, born about 1766, registered in Petersburg on 16 August 1794: a dark Mulatto man near five feet eleven inches high, twenty eight years old, born & raised in Prince George & Dinwiddie County's [Register of Free Negroes 1794-1819, no. 14]

viii. Sarah, born in August 1770, registered in Petersburg on 1 January 1799: a Brown Mulatto woman, twenty eight in August last, five feet two and a half inches high, dark bushy hair, born free in Prince George County & raised in the Town of Petersburg [Register of Free Negroes 1794-1819, no. 143].

ix. Willis, born about 1772, registered in Petersburg on 15 August 1800: a light brown Mulatto man, five feet nine inches high, twenty eight years old, born free & raised in Dinwiddie County [Register of Free Negroes 1794-1819, no. 178].

x. Benjamin, born say 1778, taxable in Charles City County in 1800 [1800 Personal Property Tax List, p.18], a "Mulattoe" taxable in 1813 [Waldrep, 1813 Tax List].

xi. Reuben, head of a Charles City County household of 5 "other free" in 1810 [VA:959].

 

2.    Robert Thomas, born about 1749, registered in Petersburg on 5 May 1795: a brown Mulatto man, six feet one inches high, forty six years old, born free & raised in the County of Prince George [Register of Free Negroes 1794-1819, no. 100]. His widow Hannah Thomas, born about 1760, registered in Petersburg on 18 August 1800: a dark brown Mulatto woman, widow of Robert Thomas, deced., four feet eleven inches high, forty years old, born free [Register of Free Negroes 1794-1819, no. 187]. They were the parents of

i. Susannah, born about 1778, registered in Petersburg on 14 August 1800: a brown Mulatto woman, five feet six inches high, twenty two years old, thick bushy hair, being a daughter of Robert Thomas, born free & raised in the County of Dinwiddie [Register of Free Negroes 1794-1819, no. 164].

ii. ?John, born about 1781, registered in Petersburg on 4 August 1803: a dark mulatto man, five feet five inches high, twenty two years old, born free & raised in the Town of Petersburg [Register of Free Negroes 1794-1819, no. 255].

iii. ?Frederick, born about 1784, registered in Petersburg on 13 January 1809: yellowish brown free Negro man, five feet four inches high, twenty five years old, born free & raised in the Town of Petersburg, a shoe maker [Register of Free Negroes 1794-1819, no. 451].

iv. Nancy, born about 1791, registered in Petersburg on 13 January 1809: a yellowish brown free Negro, daughter of Hannah Thomas, five feet one inches high, eighteen years old, born free & raised in the Town of Petersburg [Register of Free Negroes 1794-1819, no. 452].

 

3.    William Thomas, born say 1760, was a "yellow" complexioned soldier from Charles City County listed in the size roll of troops who enlisted at Chesterfield courthouse [The Chesterfield Supplement; National Archives pension file S38435 cited by NSDAR, African American Patriots, 154]. He was taxable on two horses in Charles City County in 1800 [1800 Personal Property Tax List, p.18]. He made a deed of trust for 140 acres bounded by land of Peter Crews and the road leading to Westover on 29 December 1818 to secure a debt of $150 he owed Samuel Ladd, and he and his wife Lisey made a deed of trust for 50 acres adjoining Peter Crews and the road leading from the Long Bridges to Westover on 15 June 1820 [DB 6:281, 368]. He was called William Thomas, Sr., in his 22 February 1824 Charles City County will, proved 19 August 1824. He gave Hannah Fields her first choice of bed, cow and household items and five barrels of corn, left his granddaughter Elizabeth Thomas a bed and furniture, left his son Claiborn Thomas $6 cash and divided the balance between his daughter Elizabeth Thomas, son Claiborn and granddaughter Elizabeth Thomas. His estate paid Benjamin Harrison $10 for rent. Bolling and Smallwood Bradby purchased items at the sale of the estate [WB 3:28, 99, 158]. He was the father of

4        i. ?William, Jr., born say 1780.

ii. Claiborn.

iii. Elizabeth, born 23 March 1808, married to Littleberry Fields by 16 February 1826 when he received the legacy due her from her father's estate [WB 3:158]. She obtained a certificate of freedom 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].

 

4.    William Thomas, Jr., born say 1780, purchased 50 acres in Charles City County adjoining Abraham Binford's, Benjamin Harrison's and Herren Creek for $200 on 15 June 1820. He and his wife Elizabeth sold this land on 27 November 1820 [DB 6:369, 430]. He made a 22 March 1835 Charles County will (signing), proved 18 June 1835, by which he left $1 to his son Barnett, $10 to his daughter Elizabeth Field, $10 to his son James. He left his land to his wife Elizabeth and after her death left his "mill pond tract" of 50 acres to his son William on condition he pay $40 to his daughter Susannah Miles, and left his daughter Judith 50 acres on the east side of Herring Creek. And he named his wife Elizabeth and son William executors [WB 4:126]. He was the father of

i. Barnett.

ii. Elizabeth Fields.

iii. Susannah Miles.

iv. James.

v. William, born 17 July 1815, obtained a certificate of freedom in Charles City County on 17 September 1835: son of William Thomas, a mulatto man, aged twenty years 17 July last [Minutes 1830-7, 248].

vi. Judith.

 

Other members of the Thomas family in Virginia were

i. Buckner, a man of color from Dinwiddie County who served in the Revolution [NSDAR, African American Patriots, 154].

ii. Milly, born about March 1775, "a mulatto bastard girl," about two and one-half years old when she was bound to Fanny Melton in Dettingen Parish, Prince William County on 2 September 1777 [Historic Dumfries, Records of Dettingen Parish, 119].

iii. Grace, head of a Prince William County household of 4 "other free" in 1810 [VA:499].

iv. Ralph, "Free Negroe" head of a Fauquier County household of 9 "other free" in 1810 [VA:370].

v. Samuel, "Free Negroe" head of a Fauquier County household of 6 "other free" in 1810 [VA:370].

vi. Moses, head of a Botetourt County household of 9 "other free" in 1810 [VA:661].

vii. Susanna Thomas, alias Humbles, born about 1790, married John Redcross, in Amherst County in 1807.

 

North Carolina

1.    James Thomas, born say 1755, was assessed 4 pounds tax in Currituck County in 1779. He was head of a Currituck County household of 8 "other free" and 1 slave in 1790 [NC:21] and 9 "other free" in 1800 [NC:150]. His 27 June 1811 Currituck County will, proved in 1812, named his wife Jane and children: James, Joseph, Aaron, John, Sam, William, and Seney Thomas.

 

2.    Hillery Thomas was head of a Wake County household of 2 "other free" in 1790 [NC:105]. He may have been the father of those counted as "other free" in Franklin County, North Carolina, in 1810:

i. Lettice, head of a household of 5 [NC:826].

ii. Eliza, head of a household of 3 [NC:826].

iii. Basdil, head of a household of 2 [NC:825].

 

THOMPSON FAMILY

1.    Joshua Thompson, born say 1690, and his wife Sarah bound their daughter Martha to John Sorrell until the age of twenty-one. On 25 March 1732 Martha petitioned the Westmoreland County court for freedom from John Footman, Gentleman, who then held the indenture. She testified that she was twenty-one years old on 22 June 1731 and the daughter of Sarah Thompson, a free "Mulatto" who was married to Joshua Thompson by whom she had several children [Orders 1731-9, 15]. Joshua and Sarah were the ancestors of

2        i. Martha, born 22 June 1710.

 

2.    Martha Thompson, born 22 June 1710, was twenty-one years old on 25 March 1732 when she successfully petitioned the Westmoreland County court for her freedom. She may have been the mother of

i. Thomas, born say 1731, a "Free Mulatto" who bound himself as an apprentice carpenter and joiner for six years to John Ariss of Cople Parish by Westmoreland County indenture on 31 January 1748/9 [Records & Inventories 1746-52, 81].

ii. William, born say 1735, a "Mallato boy" listed in the 4 June 1751 Westmoreland County inventory of the estate of Thomas Collensworth.

iii. John, born say 1737, a "Mallato boy" listed in the 4 June 1751 Westmoreland County inventory of the estate of Thomas Collensworth [Records & Inventories 1746-52, 156b].

 

They may have been the ancestors of some of the members of the Thompson family in Virginia and North Carolina:

i. John¹, born say 1730, and his wife Hannah, "Mulatto" taxables in the Fishing Creek District list of Daniel Harris in Granville County, North Carolina, in 1761 [CR 44.701.19].

ii. William¹, born say 1735, taxable with his wife Eliza in John Brickell's Bertie County tax list in 1757 [CR 10.702.1, box 1].

3        iii. Mary, born say 1747.

iv. Nicholas, born about 1747, registered in Petersburg on 20 August 1794: a dark brown Man, five feet two and a half inches high, forty seven years old, born free in Hampshire County [Register of Free Negroes 1794-1819, no. 69].

4        v. Lazarus, born say 1750.

5        vi. John², born say 1750.

6        vii. Amy, born say 1752.

viii. William, born about 1770, registered in Petersburg on 18 August 1794: a light brown Mulatto man five feet three and a half inches high, twenty four years old, born free in Charles City County [Register of Free Negroes 1794-1819, no. 34].

ix. Reuben, born about 1774, registered in Petersburg on 3 July 1799: a light brown, strait well made Mulatto man, five feet ten inches high, long bushy hair, twenty five years old, born free in Charles City on testimony of Travis Harwood [Register of Free Negroes 1794-1819, no. 145]. He was head of a Charles City County household of 7 "other free" in 1810 [VA:943].

x. Joshua, born about 1781, registered in Petersburg on 8 June 1810: a light brown Mulatto man, five feet eight and a half inches high, twenty nine years old, born free in Charles City County [Register of Free Negroes 1794-1819, no. 560]. He was head of a Petersburg household of 5 "other free" in 1810 [VA:119a].

xi. George, head of a Charles City County household of 4 "other free" in 1810 [VA:940].

xii. John, head of a Charles City County household of 3 "other free" in 1810 [VA:958].

 

3.    Mary Thompson, born say 1747, had been a resident of Surry County, Virginia, sometime before 19 August 1822 when her son Samuel registered there as a "free Negro." Mary was the mother of

7        i. Samuel¹, born 12 February 1765.

ii. ?William³, born about 1777, registered as a "free Negro" in Brunswick County on 25 October 1830: a free man of Colour about fifty three years of age, five feet seven inches high... born free as appears from the evidence of Robert Hicks [Wynne, Register of Free Negroes, 108].

 

4.    Lazarus Thompson, born say 1750, was a "Mulatto" taxable in Northampton County, Virginia, from 1787 to 1799 [PPTL, 1782-1823, frames 75, 98, 216, 273]. He was probably related to Kesiah, Tamer, Mary and Betsy Thompson who registered as "free Negroes" in Northampton County on 12 June 1794 [Orders 1789-95, 358]. He may have been the ancestor of

i. Peter, born about 1767, a "Mulatto" taxable in Northampton County from 1788 to 1799 [PPTL, 1782-1823, frames 82, 112, 217, 273], registered in Accomack County: born about 1767, a light black, 5'8" high, born free in Accomack County [Register of Free Negroes, 1785-1863, no. 739].

ii. Rachel, born say 1770, married Isaac Stevens, 22 January 1791 Northampton County bond, Coventon Simkins security.

iii. Isaac, born say 1771, married Leah Stevens, 22 September 1792 Northampton County bond, Jacob Frost security. He was taxable in Northampton County from 1796 to 1800 [PPTL, 1782-1823, frames 217, 294].

iv. Jacob¹, born say 1774, a "Negro" taxable in Northampton County from 1788 to 1799 [PPTL, 1782-1823, frames 89, 273]. He married Sukey Morris, 26 May 1795 Northampton County bond, Thomas Lewis security. He registered as a "free Negro" in Northampton County on 11 June 1794 [Orders 1789-95, 354] and was head of a Northampton County household of 3 "free colored" in 1820 [VA:215].

v. Sarah, born say 1776, registered as a "free Negro" in Northampton County on 12 June 1794 [Orders 1789-95, 358], married Abraham Beckett, 26 October 1797 Northampton County bond, Jacob Thompson security.

vi. Jacob², Jr., taxable in Northampton County from 1798 to 1800 [PPTL, 1782-1823, frames 256, 294], married Tamar Stevens, 26 September 1800 Northampton County bond, Johannes Johnson security.

 

5.    John² Thompson, born say 1750, was a "Free Negro" farmer living with (his wife?) Haney Thompson and children on Henry Lee's land in Westmoreland County in 1801 [Virginia Genealogist 31:45]. He was head of a Westmoreland County household of 13 "other free" in 1810 [VA:788]. Their children living with them in 1801 were

i. James, born say 1773.

ii. Priscilla, born say 1775.

iii. Bennett, born say 1777, married Barbara Bell, 28 December 1807 Westmoreland County bond, William Thornton Peirce security. Bennett was head of a Westmoreland County household of 5 "other free" in 1810 [VA:788]. William T. Peirce and Fanny and Barbara Bell were "Free Molattoes" listed in Samuel Day's Westmoreland County household in 1801 [Virginia Genealogist 31:40].

iv. Nancy, born say 1779.

v. Joseph, born say 1781.

vi. Meriah, born say 1783, married John Smith, 13 February 1804 Westmoreland County bond, William Thompson, Jr., security. John Smith was a "Free Negro" farmer living with Rose Smith in Westmoreland County in 1801 [Virginia Genealogist 31:45].

vii. William⁴.

viii. Gerard, called Jarrat Thompson on 21 May 1822 when he married Betsy McKoy, 21 May 1822 Westmoreland County bond.

 

6.    Amy Thompson, born say 1752, was living in Mecklenburg County, Virginia, on 25 January 1798 when she consented to the marriage of her daughter Suckey Thompson to Boling Chavous (Chavis). She was the mother of

i. Susan, born say 1770, married Boling Chavis, 25 January 1798 Mecklenburg County bond.

ii. John, born say 1775, called "S. Amy" in the 1790 Mecklenburg County tax list [PPTL, p.44].

iii. ?William, born say 1784, married Thrudy Stewart, 1805 Mecklenburg County bond, and second, Mary Hailestock (Ailstock), 19 February 1808 Mecklenburg County bond, Abel Stewart bondsman. He was head of a Mecklenburg County household of 10 "free colored" in 1820.

 

7.    Samuel¹ Thompson, born 12 February 1765, married Edy Debrix, 18 September 1790 Surry County, Virginia bond, Howell Debrix surety. He was taxable in Surry county from 1789 to 1812: taxable on a slave named Daphne in 1790; taxable on 2 tithes in 1812 [PPTL, 1782-90, frames 538, 585; 1791-1816, frames 196, 545, 638]. He was counted in the 1803 census of "Free Negroes and Mulattos" in Surry County with his wife Eady and children: Edwin Thompson (a sailor), Polly, Betsy, Rebekah, Nancy, and Averilla. He was head of a Surry County household of 9 "other free" in 1810 [VA:617]. He registered in Surry County on 19 August 1822: a Mulatto Man, free born, the Son of Mary Thompson formerly of Surry County, who is 5'6-1/4" high, a pretty bright Mulatto...by profession a Black-smith, aged 57 years the 12th Feby last pass'd [Hudgins, Surry County Register of Free Negroes, 75]. His children were

i. Edwin, born about 1791, registered in Surry County on 26 August 1826: a Mulattoe man of a bright complexion, his left Shoulder out of place...aged about 35 years and is 5'6-3/4" high, a black Smith by trade [Hudgins, Register, 82].

ii. Mary Whiten, born about 1794, registered in Surry County on 19 September 1817: a mulattoe woman, the daughter of Samuel and Edith Thompson free persons, of this County aged about 23 years, is 5' high, of bright complexion, has long bushy hair [Hudgins, Register, 67].

iii. Betsey Atkins, born about 1796, registered in Surry County on 19 September 1817: a Mulattoe Woman the daughter of Samuel and Edith Thompson...about 21 years of bright complexion, long bushy hair...is 5'2-1/4" high [Hudgins, Register, 67].

iv. Rebecca, born about 1799, registered in Surry County on 26 August 1822: daughter of Samuel and Edy Thompson...aged 23 years, is 5'2-1/8" high...is a bright Mulattoe [Hudgins, Register, 75].

v. Nancy.

vi. Averilla.

 

Members of the family in North Carolina were

i. Ann, born before 1776, head of a Halifax County household of 5 "free colored" in 1820 [NC:167].

ii. Zac(?), born before 1776, head of a Craven County household of 14 "free colored" in 1820 [NC:67].

iii. Samuel³, head of a Chatham County household of 4 "other free" in 1810 [NC:208].

 

An unrelated member of the family was:

1.    Talbot/Talbert Thompson, born say 1735, entered into an agreement with Benjamin Waller to purchase his freedom after his master Alexander McKensie moved to England. He paid Waller sixty pounds and then petitioned the governor and Council of Virginia for his freedom in November 1761. Eight years later he purchased his wife Jenny from the estate of Robert Tucker of Norfolk County and then successfully petitioned for her freedom [McIlwaine, Executive Journals, VI:200; VI:320]. He was a taxable "free negro" on the east side of the borough of Norfolk in 1767 with his slave Joseph, and in 1774 he was taxable on "negroes" (slaves): Peter, Murray and Joe [Wingo, Norfolk County Tithables 1766-80, 39, 243]. He sued John Mallett in Norfolk County court for a 5 pound debt on 22 December 1769. The court found in his favor and ordered the sheriff to give Mallett 39 lashes if he failed to pay immediately. He was ordered to pay James Cooper for 13 days attendance as a witness for him in his suit against Christopher Bustin which was heard between 1769 and 1773. On 18 August 1774 the court ordered the churchwardens of Elizabeth River Parish to bind Jacob, "a free negro," as an apprentice to him [Orders 1768-71, 145, 147; 1773-5, 9, 60]. He appeared in the City of Norfolk Hustings Court as both plaintiff and defendant between 23 February 1768 and 24 August 1773 [Orders 1761-9, 176b, 252b; 1770-82, 16b-17a, 123a, 199b]. He may have been the father of

i. Samuel, "free negro" head of a Norfolk County household in 1773 [Wingo, Norfolk County Tithables 1766-80, 206].

 

TIMBER(S) FAMILY

1.    Sarah Timber, born say 1736, was the mother of a "mollato" girl named Priscilla whose birth was registered in Overwharton Parish, Stafford County. She was the ancestor

i. Priscilla, born 19 March 1757 [Overwharton Parish Register, 1724-1774, 189]. On 3 July 1805 a Mrs. Mary McCalanahan appeared in Greenville County, South Carolina court and testified that Sarah Timbers and her daughter Priscilla had lived with her in Virginia and that Priscilla was the mother of David, Thomas, Lewis, James, John, Patsy, and Charlotte Burden/ Burdin [DB R:162].

ii. ?Thomas, taxable in Culpeper County from 1792 to 1802 [PPTL 1782-1802, frames 460N, 551, 592, 632, 768, 851], a "F.N." head of a Culpeper County household of 9 "other free" in 1810 [VA:82], and a "Free Negroe" taxable in 1813 [Waldrep, 1813 Tax List], perhaps the husband of Hannah Phillips, alias Timbers, who was found not guilty of felony by the Culpeper County court on 5 January 1803 [Minutes 1802-3, 135].

iii. ?John, "Free Negroe" taxable in Culpeper County in 1813 [Waldrep, 1813 Tax List].

iv. ?Susanna, "Free Negroe" listed in Culpeper County in 1813 [Waldrep, 1813 Tax List].

 

TONEY FAMILY

1.    James Tony, born say 1698, was a "mulatto man Servant" of Thomas Jefferson (grandfather of the president). In February 1719/20 James confessed to the Henrico County court that he had been absent from his master's service for eighteen days without permission, and a year later confessed to another thirteen days absence [Minutes 1719-24, 7, 61]. He may have been the father of

2        i. Elizabeth¹, born say 1716.

3        ii. Mary¹, born say 1732.

iii. ?William¹, born say 1737, a taxable "Mulatto" in Wood Jones' list for Raleigh Parish, Amelia County, in 1753. He appeared in Granville County, North Carolina, on 8 March 1755 and bound himself an apprentice: William Toney late of Colony of Virginia Molatto bound himself apprentice to Wm Eaton & unto Mary his wife 7 years [CR 044.101.2]. A few years later William was taken up as a runaway in Prince Edward County, Virginia, and accused of burning down the county's prison while in jail. He was acquitted of the arson charge, but the court ordered that he be given thirty-nine lashes because he "appeared to be a great Imposture by appearing in womans cloaths and by often changing his name." And the court ordered that he be returned to his master William Eaton in North Carolina [Orders 1754-8, 66, 67].

 

2.    Elizabeth¹ Toney, born say 1716, was summoned before the Prince George County court on 13 March 1738 to answer for her "Misbehavior to the Gentlemen of the Court," and the same court ordered the churchwardens of Martin Brandon Parish to bind out her children Margaret and Elizabeth (no race mentioned). On 9 May 1739 the complaint against her was dismissed [Orders 1737-40, 244, 280]. Her children were

4        i. Margaret¹, born say 1733.

ii. Elizabeth², born say 1738.

5        iii. ?Mary², born about 1745.

 

3.    Mary¹ Toney, born say 1732, was living in Bristol Parish, Virginia, on 22 December 1750 when the birth of her son Charles by Matt Steward (Stewart) was recorded [Chamberlayne, Register of Bristol Parish, 369]. Mary was the mother of

i. Charles², born 22 December 1750.

ii. ?Lucy, born about 1758, registered in Petersburg on 20 August 1794: a dark brown Mulatto woman, five feet two and a half inches high, thirty six years old, born free & raised in County of Prince George [Register of Free Negroes 1794-1819, no. 66].

iii. ?Susannah, born about 1762, registered in Petersburg on 20 August 1794: a dark brown Mulatto woman, much pitted with the small pocks, five feet one and a half inches high, thirty two years old, born free & raised in County of Prince George [Register of Free Negroes 1794-1819, no. 67].

iv. ?Anthony², born say 1767, head of a Bertie County, North Carolina household of 4 "other free" in 1790 [NC:15].

v. ?Peter, head of a Buckingham County, Virginia household of 14 "other free" in 1810 [VA:835].

 

4.    Margaret¹ Toney, born say 1733, was living in Amelia County on 25 March 1756 when the court ordered the churchwardens of Raleigh Parish to bind out her children Charles, Jack, and Margaret Toney to Charles Hamlin. She was called a "poor Mulatto" on 28 January 1768 when the court ordered the churchwardens of Raleigh Parish to bind out her unnamed children to John Hamlin [Orders 1754-8, n.p.; 1767-8, 132; 1766-9, 123, 175]. She was the mother of

i. Charles¹, born say 1749, a "Free Mulatto" added to Wood Jones' list of tithables for Amelia County on 27 November 1766 [Orders 1766-9, 24].

6        ii. John¹, born say 1750.

7        iii. Margaret²/ Peg, born say 1752.

iv. Arthur¹, born about 1764 in Dinwiddie County, Virginia. He lived there until he was ten years old when he moved to Halifax County, North Carolina. He took the place of his brother John Toney in the Revolutionary War in Warren County and marched to Bacon's Bridge in South Carolina where he reenlisted. He was not involved in any battles since he was assigned to the baggage wagon. When he returned in 1782, he moved to Caswell County and made his declaration to obtain a pension in Caswell County court fifty years later on 9 October 1832. He was in Halifax County on 1 April 1847 when he made another declaration for a pension. His widow, formerly Elizabeth Edwell, born about 1780, was living in Caswell County on 10 November 1854 when she appeared before the Hustings Court in Virginia to obtain a survivor's pension. She stated that they were married in December 1799 in Caswell County, and her husband died there in his own house on 19 July 1847 [M805-807, frame 582]. Elizabeth Edwell was the five-year-old daughter of Winnie Edwell (not identified by race) who was bound to John Williams of Caswell County on 20 December 1780. Winnie Edwell was probably the "free Winnie" who was counted as a "Mulatto" in the 1786 State Census for the Caswell District of Caswell County adjacent to "Mulattoes" Arthur Toney, William Hood, and John Wright. Arthur was a Caswell County taxpayer in 1790 [NC:79], an insolvent taxpayer in 1802 [Court Minutes E:38], and head of a Caswell County household of 10 "free colored" in 1820 [NC:90].

 

5.    Mary Toney, born about 1745, registered in Petersburg on 10 July 1805: a yellow brown Mulatto woman, five feet four and a half inches high, about sixty years old, born free in Dinwiddie County [Register of Free Negroes 1794-1819, no. 315]. She may have been the mother of

8        i. John², born say 1763.

ii. Mat/ Matthew¹, born say 1768, taxable in Dinwiddie County in 1800, counted in the "List of Free Negroes" at the end of the tax list from 1801 to 1819 [Personal Property Tax List, 1800-19, (1800 A, p.18)], head of a Dinwiddie County household of 8 "other free" in 1810 [VA:154].

iii. Charles⁴, born about 1775, taxable in Dinwiddie County in 1800, counted as a sawyer or carpenter in the "List of Free Negroes" at the end of the tax list from 1801 to 1817 [Personal Property Tax List, 1800-19, (1800 A, p.18)]. He registered in Petersburg on 16 June 1809: a light brown free Negro, five feet nine inches high, thirty four years old, short bushy hair, a sawyer, born free & raised in Dinwiddie County [Register of Free Negroes 1794-1819, no. 480].

iv. Becky, born about 1783, registered in Petersburg on 10 July 1805: a light Mulatto woman, five feet five and a half inches high, twenty two years old, holes in her ears, born free & raised in the County of Dinwiddie [Register of Free Negroes 1794-1819, no. 316].

v. Kezia, born about 1783, registered in Petersburg on 30 April 1806: a dark brown Mulatto woman, five feet six and a half inches high, twenty three years old January last, spare & straight made, holes in her ears, born free in the County of Dinwiddie [Register of Free Negroes 1794-1819, no. 375].

 

6.    John¹ Toney, born say 1750, was a "Free Mulatto" added to Wood Jones' list of tithables for Amelia County on 27 November 1766 [Orders 1766-9, 24]. He married in May 1777 Martha Carpenter who was born about 1753 according to Winney Holly of Halifax, North Carolina, who testified for Martha's 14 August 1838 application for John's Revolutionary War pension. Winney stated that she attended the same school as John's children. John enlisted in the 10th Regiment of the North Carolina Continental Line. He fought at the battle of Guilford Courthouse and "ran home and was taken and made to serve to the end of the war." He died in November 1823 [M805, reel 807, frame 623]. He was taxable on one free poll in District 6 of Halifax County in 1782 and 1790, and was listed in Halifax County in the 1786 North Carolina state census with 3 free males and 3 free females in his household. He was head of a Halifax County household of 7 "other free" in 1790 [NC:62], 16 in 1800 [NC:344], 11 in 1810 [NC:51], and 11 "free colored" in 1820 [NC:167]. On 28 September 1801 he was living on the land of Archibald Sledge when Sledge sold it [DB 18:817]. His 20 August 1823 Halifax County will was proved in February 1825 [WB 4:1]. His will mentioned his unnamed wife and children:

i. Charles³, born before 1775, head of a Halifax County household of 6 "free colored" in 1820.

ii. Kinchen, born about 1775, head of a Halifax County household of 8 "free colored" in 1820 [NC:167] and 9 in 1830. He was charged in Halifax County court for a variety of petty offenses between 1833 and 1841. He was fined $10 on 20 February 1833, $20 on 19 February 1834, acquitted of a charge on 16 May 1836, placed in the stocks for two hours and fined $25 for "keeping a disorderly house" on 21 November 1837, and fined $10 the same day for assault and battery. On 19 November 1837 he was indicted along with (his wife?) Maria Toney [Minutes 1832-46].

iii. Matthew², born about 1787, head of a Halifax County household of 9 "free colored" in 1820 [NC:167]. He married Celia Evans, 22 December 1808 Warren County bond with Allen Green bondsman. He was living in Wilson County, Tennessee, when he was counted in the 1850 census: a sixty-three-year-old Black laborer, born in North Carolina, living with Catherine, thirty years old, and six children born in Tennessee [Census p.267].

iv. William³, head of a Halifax County household of 4 "free colored" in 1830.

v. Nancy Cart[er], perhaps the wife of Samuel Carter.

vi. a daughter or perhaps two, names obliterated from the will.

vii. Martha, born before 1775, head of a Halifax County household of 3 "free colored" in 1830.

viii. Israel, who had a suit in Halifax County court against William B. Toney (his brother?) on 20 November 1835. The court gave him permission to use his gun in the county on 16 August 1841 and renewed his license on 24 August 1843.

ix. Arthur², born about 1802, registered in Mecklenburg County, Virginia, on 21 July 1828: a man of dark complexion, five feet eleven and three quarter inches high about 26 years of age who it appears was born of a free woman in the County of Halifax and State of North Carolina [Free Person of Color, no.51, p.40]. He was found guilty in the Halifax County court of a minor offence on 20 August 1833. On 18 February 1836 he and John Fulder were charged with larceny, for which he paid $100 bail. And the next day, 19 February 1836, he brought a suit against Thomas Scuggins.

 

7.    Margaret²/ Peg Toney, born say 1752, was the "free Mulatto" wife of an unnamed slave of John Hamilton of Prince George County. He was described in the 28 January 1775 issue of the Virginia Gazette as: a likely Virginia born Negro Fellow, about 25 years of age, of yellowish Complexion, lisps a little, and plays on the Fiddle. He, Peg, and their two-year-old boy were headed towards her relatives in Charles City [Dixon's edition, p. 3, col. 2]. She was the mother of

i. George, born about 1771, registered in Petersburg on 15 November 1796: a dark brown Mulatto man, five feet six and a half inches high with short knotty hair, twenty five years old, son of Peggy Toney a Free woman, & raised in the Town of Petersburg [Register of Free Negroes 1794-1819, no. 116].

 

8.    John² Toney, born say 1763, was head of a household of 3 free males and 2 free females in District 5 of Halifax County, North Carolina, in 1786 for the state census (called John Toney, Jr.) and was head of a Fayetteville, Cumberland County household of 5 "other free" in 1790 [NC:42]. He sold 50 acres by deed proved in the July 1792 session of Richmond County, North Carolina court [Minutes 1779-92, 231]. Perhaps he was the father of

i. Malachi, head of a Cumberland County household of 1 "other free" in 1810 [NC:570] and 5 "free colored" in 1820 [NC:191], married Russia Hammons, 1 February 1810 Cumberland County bond.

 

TOOTLE FAMILY

1.    Dorcas Tootle, nee Letchworth, born say 1738, was the wife of Absalom Tootle when she had a "Molatto Girl" by her father's "Negro fellow" Caesar [Byrd, In Full Force and Virtue, 2]. She was the mother of

2        i. Elizabeth, born about 1758-1763.

 

2.    Elizabeth Tootle, born about 1759, was a "Molatto Girl" who lived with Doctor James Seay in the upper part of Bertie County near Norflet's ferry. Seay died before December court 1772 when the account of his estate was recorded in Bertie County court. In May 1787 her son William was bound by the court to Thomas Rhodes. Sometime before February 1788 she and her children petitioned the Bertie County court for their freedom from Joel Brown [Haun, Bertie County Court Minutes IV:87; VI:691, 750]. One of the deponents at the trial testified that two of her children were with (bound to) Thomas White, one with Thomas Rhodes, and two with Jesse Brown [Byrd, In Full Force and Virtue, 3]. She was head of a Bertie County household of 4 "other free" in 1800 [NC:82]. She was the mother of

i. Eady, born about June 1779, ten years old "last June" in May 1790 when she was bound by the Bertie County court to John Johnston.

ii. ?Celia, head of a Tyrrell County household of 4 "other free" in 1810 [NC:796].

iii. William, born 3 March 1785, bound to Thomas Rhodes by the Bertie County court in May 1787, called Wylie Tootle in May 1790 when the court bound him to John Johnston [Haun, Bertie County Court Minutes V:649; VI:812].

iv. David, born 4 October 1787, bound to John Johnston in May 1790.

v. ?Jonathan, born say 1776-1794, head of a Halifax County, North Carolina household of 5 "free colored" in 1820 [NC:166].

vi. ?Janasal, born 1776-1794, head of an Edgecombe County household of 5 "free colored" in 1820 [NC:125].

vii. ?Thomas, born 1794-1806, head of a Halifax County household of 4 "free colored" in 1820 [NC:166].

 

TOULSON FAMILY

Several members of the Toulson family, born about 1750, were living in Northumberland County in the 1770s. They were

1        i. Patrick, born say 1750.

2        ii. Sarah¹, born say 1752.

 

1.    Patrick Toulson, born say 1750, was head of a Northumberland County household of 8 "blacks" in 1782 [VA:37], no whites and a dwelling in 1784 [VA:75], and a "free Mulatto" head of a Northumberland County household of 5 "other free" in 1810 [VA:997]. He was taxable in Northumberland County from 1784 to 1809: listed with 2 tithes in 1793, 1800 and 1805, a "Blk" taxable from 1806 to 1809 [PPTL 1782-1812, frames 266, 323, 331, 412, 448, 494, 508, 518, 540, 577, 605, 644]. He and his wife Elinder were the parents of

i. Elizabeth, born 31 August 1772, "Daughter of Patrick Toleson," [Fleet, Northumberland County Record of Births, 88]. She registered in Northumberland County on 11 November 1811: black woman, aged about 37 years, Born of free parents in North^d County [Register of Free Negroes, 1803-50, nos. 29, 57], and she was in the list of "free negroes and mulattoes" in Northumberland County in 1813 [PPTL, 1813-49, frame 24].

ii. ?Isaac Tolson, born say 1773, head of Perquimans County, North Carolina household of 3 "other free" in 1800 [NC:647] and 7 in 1810 [NC:970].

iii. Sarah², born 20 November 1775, "Daughter of Patrick & Elinder his wife" [Fleet, Northumberland County Record of Births, 88]. Sally registered in Northumberland County on 1 August 1814: Black woman, about 36 years (of age), 5 feet 4-3/4 inches [Register of Free Negroes, 1803-50, no. 81].

iv. ?William² Tolson, born say 1777, head of a Perquimans County household of one "other free" in 1800 [NC:647], and 2 "other free" and a white woman in 1810 [NC:970].

v. ?Polly, born about 1791, married William Boyd, 13 March 1809 Northumberland County bond, Jerry Toulson security.

vi. ?Jerry, bondsman for the 13 March 1809 Northumberland County marriage of (his sister?) Polly Toulson.

 

2.    Sarah¹ Toulson, born say 1752, was the "free mulatto" mother of Willi