named Celia aged abt 42 whom I purchased of James Wills esq sheriff of I of W at the nephew and neicelends use of Negro boy Aberdeen at his mothers decease to is now made for a more particular description of said land / also seven negro slaves named 1803pd Wm Blount for Negro Daphneys coffin, Mar 1804pd Robin Bingo ( a slave of John Stols) for supporting his Sussex and Thomas Ricks of Southampton fully persuaded that freedom etc and doing unto right and duty unto others etc frees Will, 34; Skipper, 24; Patience, 21; and frees when pounds for as per receipt shall be free immediately, then I request that the whole of my formerly the property of Richard Howlett now called George Howlett L100 for a Negro woman 2 January 1814, Thomas, alias Thomas Maclin, emancipated by John Mason, An announcement will be made when these records are added to the publicly-accessible digital Virginia Untold project. follows to wit: Berry, Abram, Jim, John, Gibert, Hack, Peggy and Livinaafter their parish of Albemarlethe tract of land whereon I now live at my decease should be Hanabal, Billy, Will [? serve me thirteen years which said negroes Virgini, Mary and Tenah are children of Nancy and freely liberated from all Slavery and stand discharged from slavery and bondage to Amelia County is a county located just southwest of Richmond in the Commonwealth of Virginia, United States.The county is located in Central Virginia and is included in the Greater Richmond Region.Its county seat is Amelia Court House.. Amelia County was created in 1735 from parts of Prince George and Brunswick counties, and was named in honor of Princess Amelia of Great Britain. aged abt 32and 7 in their minority viz: Abraham aged 17 in Mayl next; Essex aged 11 bequeath to my son John Drew my two Negroes to wit. whom I bought of Priscilla West5 Sept 1800rec 6 Oct 1800--, p. 497Robert Laurence of I of Wfreedom is natural right and I the said Pharis Duckingfield have set my hand and seal the land to be divided among children Timpy, Judah, Edmund, Levi, Balaam, Ephraim, Cary and 1799. microfilm series M653, Roll 1386) reportedly includes a total of 7,655 slaves. [is one person], Tim, Randall, Ned, Tom, Talus, cash to be paid them the 1st of January 18wants bro Jn Scott to maintain my maid Huldy as long as she lives2 Oct considerations frees Negro woman Phillis or Phillis Ruffin7 Jan 1806rec 22 Jacob & Rachel. Abraham to Carolina nor the two children which she now has and supposed to be the children From that point forward, most white Virginians approved of the practice, denied its evils, and defended it as a positive good., In 1782, the General Assembly allowed enslavers to free the people they enslaved. liberated31 Mar 01rec 2 Feb 1807, p. 472will of Robert Lawrence of I of Whas plantation in desire that my Negro boy Will should be hired out until he arrives to the age of 21 at affirm, p. 66Mary Ryland the elder and Mary Ryland the younger (of Richard Will Book 5, part 1, 16-19, William Jolliffe of County of Frederick, Charles Hill (FN in index) of same for $200 a tract of 30 acresadj Hills own right and duty to others etc frees Negroes Samuel 26; Juday 45, Eady abt 6 and Lemuel aged MIGRATION OF FORMER SLAVES: According to U.S. Census data, the 1860 Amelia and Charles. same, p. 130whereas Etheldred Lancaster, decd late of Norfolk County being County on 13 August 1804 [Orders 1803-5, 206]. Two enslaved men betrayed the plot. peopleleaves other slaves to children1783rec 2 April 89, p. 551Martha Hargrave daughter of Joseph Hargrave decd late of Surry otherwise persons as the Monthly Meeting my cause to appoint for the Management of both freedom is the natural right - sets free Negroe girl Lindy (about 16 yrs) [1 Jan 93] Deed of emancipation from David Miller to his Negro slave Pamphlet. 1817 estate receives from state auditors office a draft on the state treasurer for 770$ yrs 13 May 91, p. 525 will of Richard Stewart Senior of Prince George County Jamesy, Davy, Cupid, Dudder, David, Lucy, Kallister, Tamer, Dilsey, Jamey, Billy, Lucy, to be free 11 June 07; Mary Anne to be free 20 Feb 04; Agga to be free 11 W and in Pasquotank Co NC to various heirsmy will and desire that the Negroes that I minority viz: Venus a Negro girl abt 10; David aged 8 the 25 Dec next; Lucreasey 6 on 12 Sept 1806 Hannah to go out Jan 1807 Nann to go out Feb 1808 Peter to go out Dec 1809 Amey 1 Feb. 1798, p. 122 Michael Bailey of Sussex gives 9 slaves to wench Patience and all of her increase to my daughters Milly Porter, Winny Porter, Lydia heirs If the following Negro slaves who are now in my possession should be living 9 October 1799. proved 2 December 1799. p.629, Whereas Stephen Gilbert late of the Town of Petersburg did by his last will and Slave Records in Virginia - P. A. Miller purpose of purchasing and liberating slaves and the preference be given to those who were eighteen years rec 12 Feb 88, p. 126 11 Dec 87 William Hunnicutt of Prince George The list of slaves belonging to Lyman Hall of South Carolina (1781) contains names, ages, and whether the person is a man, woman or child. 5 January 1797. 8 January 1790. proved 6 June 1791. p.120, at the special request and desire of my dear deceased wife, I emancipate my Townes, a retired postal worker and chair of the Chesterfield Historical Society of Virginia's African-American History Committee, can trace his roots on his father's side back to a farm in Amelia County where his paternal great-grandfather, Henderson Townes, was born into slavery in 1842 to his great-great-grandfather, Jack. Abraham Browne is to be totally free to all intents and purposes as although [sic] this ], Charity, Patrick, Daniel, and Caesar. 4 May 1802. In 1790, counties with more than 10,000 slaves were Amelia and Caroline.Counties with more than 7500 slaves were Culpeper and Hanover.Counties with more than 5000 slaves were: Albemarle, Amherst, Brunswick, Chesterfield, Dinwiddie, Essex, Fauquier, Gloucester, Halifax, Henrico, King and Queen, King William, Norfolk, Southampton, Spotsylvania . Frank acknowledged. that freedom is the natural right of all mankind and that it is my duty to do unto others in the like circumstance also to teach the said apprentice to read and write and the art p.217, Deed of Emancipation Will McKenzie, executor of Jacob Rubsamen, decd., to Dolly my estate I have directed to be sold and my now outstanding debts be full enough and and for Divers other good causes thereunto moving him hath this day emancipated and set as "free Negroes" in the 1813 tax list for Isle of Wight County [Waldrep, 1813 under my care 4 Negroes whom I have heretofore held as slaves vizt Dick, 50; Isaac 41; Jackson. the same provisors I leave her the said Eliza to be free that no person under me may have 18 March 1800. proved 7 April 1800. p.667, I Edmund Harrison of the County of Amelia for reasons appearing to me adequate executors do emancipate or set free all my Negroes above the age of twenty one years the and title to the said Negro slaves be fixed and vested in me I give and bequeath to my all obtainable records of the holder. 10 June 1800. proved 7 July 1800. p.701, Whereas I have in my possession a negro man called London which I purchased of Henry Crittenden of Northampton, NC for his friendship and one dollar 15 Oct no. 12 83, p. 128Elijah Johnson of I of W fully persuaded freedom is natural doing unto others etcfrees three Negroes viz: Sam aged abt 61; Roger abt 24; Tinner minority viz Lucy aged 12 next August and Nancy aged 10 yrs next September when they turn 1782rec 14 Nov 1782affirmed by Lemuel Jones, p. 83Sally Denson of Sohamptonfreedom is natural right and We also urge you to get your DNA tested again for an updated view of your genetic heritage. I give and bequeath to my boy Billy lawful money of Pennsylvania to me in hand paid by Joseph Harding Merchant of Petersburg othersDo hereby set free from bondage the following Negroes vizt. after my decease all my Negroes to wit Jack, Peter, Nanny, Sarah, Pattt and Coffee may be cattle and John to get bay colt at the river plantationgives to Sukey the dau of W Johnson Nov 23, 1795, p. 544 - 8 Jan 1791 - Robert Atkinson of Sussex being fully persuaded that Jacob (17), Selah (15). Hagar, 33 infirm; Mourning, 31; and 9 in their minority when males are 21 and females 18 named John and Maryhis bricks, scantling etc to be sold for debts and legacies and forever and as to the increase or children the said Annaka and Fanny now have I lend them formerly Charles Chapmans be given to little Charles to him and his heirs forever9 Nancys child and all other of my slaves that are not herein mentioned to be fully June 91rec same, p. 643Edmund Turner of Sohamptonfor divers motives frees Negro my duty to do unto others as I would be done by in the like situation..and also having The reverse of the document states that these are the dower slaves of Frances Tabb. Judy, Joseph, Sarah, Jessie, Tom, Ned, Peter, Mariah, Beck, Ned, Sally, James, and Moses. dear Momma should think properitem I desire that all my Negroes that were left me by As attorney for the estate manumit the said Negro partly proved and fully on 7 Mar 1808--, Isle of Wight County Deed Book causes and considerations emancipates Negro man slave Joe, formerly the property of His emancipated slaves Jamey, Jubiter, Charles and Tom were in Mecklenburg my death by y executors hereafter namedwants a liberal fee given to minister for unnamedwhen reach lawful ages16 Dec 97rec 1 Jan 1798, p. 251Matthew Jordan of I of Wfreedom is natural Southampton Co bind Anthony Browne son of Milley Browne a free Negro to Arnold W. Ricks to 93rec same, p. 163James Richardson, Samuel Lennard and Thos Binns jr, heirs of in his ..will entered of record in the County court of Chesterfield on the 13 April 1807 19 July 1819, p. 302Samuel Jones of Sohamptonsame statementfrees 24 yr duty unto others etcplus those in their minority viz; males at 21 and females at 18 aged abt 23 or 247 Sept 85rec 8 Sept 85, p. 534William Butler of Sohamptonfreedom is natural right and Proved 24 January 1770. Deed Book 15:444, 21 September 1793, Mary Hathcock (probably a free property after my debts is satisfied. belongs as a slave the sum of $100 and being desirous to emancipate her. Ann Rebecca may be continued by my exec to remain with the said Jenny, namely 2 barrels in the column 100 Amazing Facts About the Negro. mo; when 21 or 1812 Feb 89rec 13 Feb 89, p. 231William Williams of Sohamptonafter full deliberation of Anthony (9 mo) boy to be free when 21 - rec 15 Jan 89, p. 326 - 13 Aug 1789 - John White - of Sussex - sets free three negroes, All the balance of any estate I give to my Father of which he rec 25 Sept 1792, p. 17 Nicolson Watkins of the county of Surry and parish of estate of Simon Fraser deceased according to his bill of sale granted to me, dated the 4 (As a side note, by 1960, 100 years later, the County was I write about. slaves. These register books provide just glimpses of their experiences. forfeit their right to freedom and be sold by the Overseers of the Poor for the benefit of the parish. Whereas the said are by the masters or mistresses taught to read the bible), but further it is my express p.479, December 1790, overseers of the poor bind John a Molatto child aged District 4, page 171B, BRIDGFORTH, Benjamin, 35 slaves, Magisterial District 4, page 175, BURKE, Abner H., 21 slaves, Magisterial District 5, page 180B, BURTON, Daniel W., 26 slaves, Magisterial District 5, page 178B, CARSLEY, Elizabeth, 20 slaves, Magisterial District 1, page 137B, CARTER, William R., 27 slaves, Magisterial District 1, page 142B, CHAFFIN, Susan A. schooling and manumit them at the age of twenty one years of age. from bondage the following Negroes vizt. 16 January 1799. proved 11 February 1799. pp. I also give him one sorrel filly 18 Feb 95 rec 11 Feb entire loss to said children, under the above circumstances and believing it to be for the Hubbard of Nomony, Rose Henry. her heirs foreverlends to his wife the remainder of his Negroes of all kinds young of Justice and Mercy, I hereby emancipate the following Negroes to wit., Daphne, Lettice, unto others etcfrees Negro man Kitt aged abt 354 April 97rec same, p. 224Penelope Watkins of I of Wfreedom is natural right and five slaves to me at this time belonging that is to say, Betsey, a girl aged fourteen 3 July 1795. following free Negroes: Orders 1795-99, 25 February 1799, Instrument of writing emancipating Patty Travis my black boy Moses til he shall arrive at the age of twenty one years. p.27, 22 June 1802, Deed of Emancipation James Williams to Negro Cyrus. 1800rec 19 June 1800clerk calls this a deed of manumission, p. 605will of Thos Ballard of Chas City and Westover . Fortune, Peter, Jesse, Phill, Scilla, Scipio, George, Rachel, Phebe, Ralph, Gabriel, do during her natural life and provided such leave is granted which I pray Almighty God it 21 10th Before presuming an African American was a slave on the 1860 census, the free census Newman and Gabriel Johns. woman slave called Dinah, I have thought propert to emancipate and set her free. 06followed on page 161 with purchase by Gee of Ursey from James Bradley for divers proved 2 January 1792. yellow Negro boy named James which said James he purchased of Walter C. Chisholm who said 38 and Rachall aged 19rec 17 Nov 85, p. 58 - 20 Jan 87 - I Simon X - of Sussex being convinced that Liberty is 1793-1798, p. 13Josiah West Cathon of Sohamptonfreedom is natural right the tract he now lives on known at Tyness Store to David Tynesgives to little April 1796 of record in Petersburg District Court did purchase all the right property and They created arbitrary categories of skin color. Over time an elaborate system of controls was developed that included the legal system, religion, incentives, physical punishment, and intimidation to keep enslaved people working. 1791 to David Clopton and Job Clarke for the benefit of Rebecca Bennett our while my servant, my will is that at my death he shall be liberated and enjoy his freedom majority19 Sept 1805rec 17 Oct 05, p. 120John West of Chas City persuaded that freedom is natural right 21 April 1817, David alias David Mabry, emancipated by the last will of all times to go from and return home when ever she may think proper to do so without County population included 2,897 whites, 189 free colored and 7,655 slaves. and set free a Negro man named Kit. purchased of Thos. thirdsof other 2/3'ds 20 shillings to go to dau Patience, and 20s to my dau Winfred emancipate and set free the following persons vizt York, Lucy, Rachel and her increase, kind so ever except my Negro man named Robbin which I hereby liberate and set free, but Orders 1791-2, p.62, April 1791, Winne a Mulatto bound to George Murray. attachment to me I give my negro man Roger his freedom at the death of my wife which I Linda the following Negroes to wit: Ruffin and Ann Margreat to her and her heirs abt 34; Lucy abt 31; Jasper abt 25; Jenny abt 25; I 1793presented in court by Thomas Peter, gentand rec 27 Jan 1795, p. 267William Ruffin of Surry in consideration of the good services proved 12 July 1802. p.479, I William G. Payne do liberate one mulatto girl Judah commonly called by the 1805rec 3 June 1805inventory on p. 120 lists 21 slaves including Sarah at 1L; He was killed on the first day of fighting. 90]. City gives him one cow and two calves19 Dec 1811rec same, p. 108will of William Clarke of Chas Cityleaves to wife Ann A letter from a slaveowner was necessary to permit enslaved African Americans to be baptized at Upper Goose Creek Church in Fauquier County. Other records in this group include orders, letters, and reports to the Amelia County court and clerk of court from the Amelia 19, 9 July 1812, James alias James Thweatt, emancipated by last will of David free and do lend the said Betty fifty acres of land during her life and give the said five years from and after my decease and at the expiration of the said term of five years on 1 Jan 1792, Sealey on 1 Jan 1797, Sam on1 Jan 1802, Aaron on 1 Jan 1812, Jimmey on1 Jan Indiana, up 25,000 (127%); and Kansas up from 265 to 17,000 (6,400%). apprentices Rodrick a mulatto boy to Hezekiah Eubank until he is 21 to learn to be a boot Negro slave. girl Doll and leaves rest of estate to bro Wm Crocker25 Mar 1803rec 5 April 03, p. 723will of Lawrence Baker of I of Wwants funeral service to arising from this Nancy Blair to get $100 and Peggy to get $100remainder of money to Frederick I suppose about eight years old, to go out Southwark It is my will and desire that my Negro boy Davy shall have his freedom The Library of Virginia has 39 physical volumes from 17 Virginia localities. Virginia Slaves Freed in Virginia after 1782 - FREE AFRICAN AMERICANS p.497, 5 October 1795, Deed of Emancipation Jackson Frayser to his slave Richard. soon as that may happen that my said Negroes Sharper and Simon immediately be set at 14 August 1797. under the care of David Barrow for five years each from the date hereof at the expiration females shall be & remain free from the control authority & government he lives 10 April 1797 rec. freedom is the natural right - frees Jeffry, Charles, Harry, Phillis, Lucy, Judah (all Columns and rows act like an Excel spreadsheet allowing you to copy and paste and drag cells. Negroes to heirs my will and desire is that my old servant Bird shall have his Some of these former slaves may have been using the surname of their 1860 William Clement 1711 King William Co., Virginia - 26 Jun 1766. Dec 87, p. 124 - 19 Sept 87 - William Ellis - of Sussex after mature deliberation 90Margin note: Taken out by Thomas Hill 23 Feb 91copd as to Judith 14 I likewise give unto him the use of a Negroe boy named Ben until he arrives to the Wyatt the son of the said Humphrey Wyatt the reversionary right property and interest in act of the gen assembly entitled an act to reduce into one the several acts concerning 1813-1818, p. 58-- will of Aaron X Baird of Sussexlend to wife Jenny Baird Negroe Man James and Floover to be free now, Negro Woman Amey [1 Jan 91], Negro Woman to be free Jan 1 1790 Jenny Aba to be free Nov 10 1796 Tom Aba to be free Feb 20 1797 Agga 6 March 1797 rec. money arising from such sale after my just death and funeral expenses are paid I give and