Louisa Spillers53bf, “FN,” MS, w/Leopholus??11mm; S. Spillers, 15mm; M., 9mm; M. 6mf; Madora, 13 mf (1850 Natchez census)
Ann Spillers30 bf, “FN,” MS, w/ W.l., 4 mf; Eugene, 3mm; Anna, 3mf; (1850 Natchez census)
In white household w/white male head, wife, and kids, and some other white males (probably boarders)Moses Spillers, 25mm, “FN,” “unknown;” Peter Frazier, 14mm; and Jason Hockett, 20mm.
Ann Spillers Police Board Records, September 1841
Adams County Chancery Court
Police Board Records
P. 318
Special September Term 1841
Ann Spillers a free woman of Colour of Black Complexion, aged about Seventeen years, and about five feet four inches high having Satisfied the Board that she was of good character and honest deportment; it was thereupon ordered by the Board that she be, and she is hereby licensed to remain in this State, pursuant to the Statute in this behalf
Charles Spillers Police Board Records, 1832
Adams County Chancery Court
Police Board Records
P. 15
March Term 1832
Charles Spillers a free man of dark complexion about twenty five years old five feet ten inches high satisfied the court of his good character and honest deportment.
It is therefore ordered by the Court that said Charles Spillers be licensed to remain in this state agreeable to the act of assembly entitled an act to amend an act entitled an act to reduce into one the several acts concerning slaves free negroes and mulattoes passed 20th December AD 1831.
Julia Spillers Police Board Records, 1832
Adams County Chancery Court
Police Board Records
P. 15
March Term 1832
Julia Spillers a free woman of dark complexion about twenty three years old five feet five inches high satisfied the court of her good character and honest deportment.
It is therefore ordered by the Court that said Julia Spillers be licensed to remain in this state agreeable to the act of assembly entitled an act to amend an act entitled an act to reduce into one the several acts concerning slaves free negroes and mulattoes passed 20th December AD 1831.
Kitty Spillers Police Board Records, 1832
Adams County Chancery Court
Police Board Records
Pgs. 14-15
March Term 1832
Kitty Spillers a free woman of dark complexion five feet four or five inches high satisfied the court of her good
15
character and honest deportment.
It is therefore ordered by the Court that said Kitty Spillers be licensed to remain in this state agreeable to the act of assembly entitled an act to amend an act entitled an act to reduce into one the several acts concerning slaves free negroes and mulattoes passed 20th December AD 1831.
Kitty Spillars, Police Board Records, September 1841
Adams County Chancery Court
Police Board Records
P. 318
September Special Term 1841
Kitty Spillars a free person of Colour of black complexion, aged about [blank] years, and [blank] feet [blank] inches high, having satisfied the Board that she was of good character and honest deportment.
It is therefore ordered by the Board that she is hereby licensed to remain in this State pursuant to the Statute made in this behalf.
Louisa Spillers Police Board Records, 1832
Adams County Chancery Court
Police Board Records
P. 15
March Term 1832
Louisa Spillers a free woman of dark complexion about sixteen years of age five feet four inches high satisfied the court of her good character and honest deportment.
It is therefore ordered by the Court that said Louisa Spillers be licensed to remain in this state agreeable to the act of assembly entitled an act to amend an act entitled an act to reduce into one the several acts concerning slaves free negroes and mulattoes passed 20th December AD 1831.
Maria Spillers Police Board Records, September 1841
Adams County Chancery Court
Police Board Records
P. 319
Special September Term 1841
Maria Spillers, a free person of Colour of Black Complexion aged about Eighteen years, and about five feet five and ½ inches high having satisfied the Board that she was of good character and honest deportment; It was thereupon Ordered by the Board that She be, and She is hereby licensed to remain in this State pursuant to the Statute in this behalf
Modlin Spillers Police Board Records, 1832
Adams County Chancery Court
Police Board Records
P. 15
March Term 1832
Modlin Spillers a free man of dark complexion about twenty five years old five feet five inches high satisfied the court of his good character and honest deportment.
It is therefore ordered by the Court that Modlin Spillers be licensed to remain in this state agreeable to the act of assembly entitled an act to amend an act entitled an act to reduce into one the several acts concerning slaves free negroes and mulattoes passed 20th December AD 1831.
Moses Spillers Police Board Records, September 1841
Adams County Chancery Court
Police Board Records
P. 319
Special September Term 1841
Moses Spillers, a free person of Colour of Black Complexion--aged about Twenty years, and about five feet eleven inches high having Satisfied the Board that he was of good character, and honest deportment; It was thereupon Ordered by the Board that he be, and he is hereby licensed to remain in this State pursuant to the Statute in this behalf
William Spillers Police Board Records, 1832
Adams County Chancery Court
Police Board Records
P. 15
March Term 1832
William Spillers a free man of dark complexion about twenty one years old five feet ten inches high satisfied the court of his good character and honest deportment.
It is therefore ordered by the Court that William Spillers be licensed to remain in this state agreeable to the act of assembly entitled an act to amend an act entitled an act to reduce into one the several acts concerning slaves free negroes and mulattoes passed 20th December AD 1831.
Springer
Springer, Mariah v. Hundley, John W., 1822
Historic Natchez Foundation
Box 13
File 70
The State of Mississippi & the sherriff [sic] of said County Adams County Greeting
Whereas Mariah Springer on this day field her petition of complaint against John W Hundley for her freedom. You are therefore commanded to Summon the said John W Hundley that all business being [illegible] aside and all [illegible] ceasing he personally be and appear before the Judges of our next May Term of the Adams Superior ^ court then and there to shew cause why. The matters and things contained within the said Petition, for the freedom of said Mariah Stringer should not be decreed avoiding and then and there to stand to abide and perform such order direction and Duree Herein as to our said court may occur meet
Witness the Honorable Lewis Winston presiding Judge of the second Judicial District for the State of Mississippi the third Monday in November. AD eighteen hundred and twenty one
Issued 24.h Dec 1821 Jno. J. Griffith Clk
May Term 1821
Mariah Springer
Petition for
vs freedom
John W Hundley
Filed 24 Dec 1821
Dismissed May 1822
To the Honorable, the Judges of the Superior Court of Law for the County of Adams State of Mississippi
The petition of Mariah Springer would respectfully sheweth unto your Honors that she was Some Eighteen or Twenty years Since or thereabouts, born free in the Indiana territory now State of Indiana and that by the laws and Constitution of said State of Indiana she is a free person and in no wise Subject to Slavery or involuntary Servitude, and that some years since your petitioner was forced to leave said State, and since she has became beyond its limits, has been unlawfully subjected to Slavery and involuntary servitude, and at length have [sic] been brought to the State of Mississippi City of Natchez by a John W. Hundley and there sold and subjected by said John W. Hundly to Slavery and involuntary Serviudealthough your petitioner declares the truth to be, that she was born free in the State of Indiana and was forced to leave there, and made the Subject of illegal and unconstitutional slavery, and that by the law and Constitution of said State, your petitioner is free and also by the
Laws and Constitution of the State of Mississippi your petitioner is free and in no wise subject to involuntary Servitude or Slavery and is now held in Slavery by the Said John W. Hundley,--all of which matters and things your petitioner is ready to aver maintain and prove as this Honorable court may direct and therefore prays that the said John W. Hundley may be compelled to put in bail according to the provision of the act of assembly in such cases made and provided and that in the event of his failing niglecting [sic] or refusing so to do your petitioner may be permitted to give bail in such sum as your Honor may deem reasonable according to the provisions of said act and further that by the decree and Judgment of this Honorable Court your petitioner may receive her freedom as by the constitution and law of the land, she is entitled to the same and in no wise subject to slavery or involuntary servitude, and she as in duty bound will pray &c
Signed Mariah Springer by her
Attony Sam.l Thornberg Jr
[Case dismissed]
Stearns
Walter Stearns1 male –10; 1 female –10; 1 female 10-24; 1 female 24-36 (1840 Natchez census)
Milly Stearns2 males –10; 2 males 10-24; 2 males 24-36; 1 female 10-24; 1 female 36-55 (1840 Natchez census)
Harriet Stearns3 males –10; 1 female 10-24; 1 female 24-36 (1840 Natchez census)
Harriet Stearns48bf, “FN,” VA, w/Margaret May? 4mf, MS Frank Stearns, 13 mm; Elias?, 16mm (1850 Natchez census)
L. Stearns29mf, “FN,” MS, w/Anna Bartlett, 11mf, LA; A., 13 mf; George, 9mm; William Smith, 17 mm, servant, MS; M. 15 mm, servant; Milly Sterns, 53bf, “FN,” VA; Matt Sterns, 39mm, fn Barber, MS (1850 Natchez census)
Petition of David Lawson to the Mississippi State Legislature, 1819
Race, Slavery and Free Blacks: Petitions to Southern Legislatures and County Courts microfilm collection (published online)
Series I: Legislative Petitions
Record Group 47
PAR # 11081901
David Lawson, as executor of the will of Payton Sterne, seeks to emancipate three children--Washington, Walter, and Adeline--whose mother was "a colored woman called Milly." Lawson had emancipated Milly, and Sterne, who recently died, provided for the freedom of her children in his will. In his will, a related document attached to the petition, Sterne asked of his executors that "the best of care may be taken in educating" the children with the balance of his property after all debts are paid, and "if any remains after their education to divide it equally between" them. Result: referred to committee
Washington, Walton, and Adeline Stearns’ free papers, 1827
Adams County Chancery Court
Deed Book R
P. 127
Peyton Sterne to Washington, Walton, & Adeline Free Papers
Be it remembered that on the twenty second day of June Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and twenty seven, the following documents relating to the emancipation of the persons therein named, were presented for records, which was done accordingly.
In the name of God amen, I Peyton Sterne of the City of Natchez, State of Mississippi, being of sound mind and memory and in good bodily health, do make this my last will & testament.
First that David Lawson and Absolem Sharpe, both of Adams County in the State aforesaid, be and are hereby appointed my executrs.
Secondly, I leave to my said Executors, David Lawson my whole estate to pay my just debts out of the same in the best manner he can and fter the payment of the same to appropriate the balance of what my estate may now be or what may hereafter come to me from my relations (or otherwise after the date of this my will) to the equal benefits of the three coloured children now in my possession, sons & daughter of a certain woman of colour named Milly formerly the property of said Sharpe, but since purchased by the said Lawson and myself namely, two boys named Washington and Walton and one girl named Adaline.
Third that is, my will that my said Executors or either of them may as soon as may be after my death obtain the emancipation of the said three children, and that the best care may be taken in educating them with the balance of my property, and if any remains after their education to divide it equally between the said children, the survivor or survivors of them.
Signed, sealed, published and declared to be my last will and testament this eleventh day of May 1818…
[This action was recorded at the beginning of June, 1827 and David Lawson, his executor then spent some time executing the freedom of the three children and on June 21, 1827, the three were recorded as free in Cincinnati. The Mayor’s signature is recorded Then Milly goes on to free her other children…]
Know all men that I Milly Sterne late of Natchez in the state of Mississippi but now of the city of Cincinnati and state of Ohio in consideration of the maternal love and affection which I bear them and for other good considerations do hereby manumit, emancipate, set free and forever release from slavery the three Negro slaves to wit Nathaniel and his twin sister Ann aged about seven years and their brother named Seton or Easton aged about five years all my children late of Natchez but now of an at Cincinnati in the state of Ohio and purchased by me of David Lawson as appears by his bill of sale bearing date the 31st day of December 1823, hereby giving & granting unto the said Nathaniel, Ann & Seaton full liberty and power to act in all things for themselves, as fully as if they had been born free, hereafter forever. [some text not transcribed] 21st day of June 1827.
[Further, the clerk gave this citation of where this transaction is recorded in Cinci: Book No. 2, p.102, Recorded in Natchez on 6/21/29].
Manumission of Harriett and Henry Sterns, 1832
Adams County Chancery Court
Deed Book U
P. 131
Know all men by these presents that I, Henry T. Miller of the city of Natchez and the state of Mississippi by my attorney in fact John W. Russell now at the town of Jeffersonville & state of Indiana duly constituted and appointed for that purpose do by my said attorney in fact manumit and forever set free a certain mulatto woman named Harriett Sterns and her son Henry Sterns both of whom are now in town of Jeffersonville and state of Indiana aforesaid which said woman is about twenty six years of age and her son a little better than two years old both of whom I the said Henry T. Miller purchased at the city of Natchez aforesaid of a certain Washington Sterns who purchased the same and her son of a certain Archibald Wilson of the said City of Natchez and I the said Henry T. Miller for myself and my heirs do warrant complete freedom to the said Harriett and the said Henry. 29th day of March 1832.
[And both Harriett and Henry appeared before this justice of the peace in Jeffersonville]
[Although not transcribed, the deed between Archibald Wilson to Washington Sterns and then Washington Sterns to Henry Miller are recorded. A.W. to W.S. wherein Washington Sterns bought Harriett and Henry for $500 on 11-21-1831. Then W.S. sold them to Henry Miller for $500 on 3/19/1832]
Cornelia Stearns, Police Board Minutes, February 1842
Adams County Chancery Court
Police Board of Minutes, 1832-45
Cornelia Stearns, a free woman of colour aged about {blank} years, and about [blank] feet [blank] inches in height having satisfied the board that she was of good character and honest deportment, she was thereupon licensed to remain in this State, pursuant to the Statute in this behalf” ().
Some Stearns’ licenses rejected, Police Board Records, September 1841
Adams County Chancery Court
Police Board Records
P. 320
Special September Term 1841
The following applications for license to remain in this State, by free Negroes, and Mulattoes, were Ordered to be rejected To wit
The applications of Robert D.A. Smith
Priscilla Harriet Stern
Joe Cornish Armstead Carter
Nathl. Stearns Easter Stearns
Andrew Leiper Albert Tolbot?
Winney Washington Stearns
Abagail Charlotte
Harriet Sterne, Police Board Records, May 1844
Adams County Chancery Court
Police Board Records
P. 441
May Term 1844
Harriet Sterne, a free mulatto woman of bright yellow complexion, this day produced to the board satisfactory proof of her good moral character, and that it is the desire of a majority of the citizens of Natchez that the said Harriet shall continue to reside in said City together with her family, --thereupon it was ordered that the said Harriet & her family be licensed to remain in said City, provided she continues to exercise the trade or calling in which she has heretofore been engaged
Laura Ann Stearns, Police Board Records, September 1841
Adams County Chancery Court
Police Board Records
P. 321
Special September Term 1841
Laura Ann Stearns, a free woman of Colour of [blank] complexion about [blank] years of age, and [blank] feet and [blank] inches in height having Satisfied the Board that she was of good character and honest deportment; it was thereupon ordered by the Board that she be and she is hereby licensed to remain in this State, pursuant to the Statute in this behalf
Milley Sterne Police Board Records, 1832
Adams County Chancery Court
Police Board Records
P. 14
March Term 1832
Milley Sterne a free woman of dark complexion about forty five years old five feet six or seven inches high satisfied the court of her good character and honest deportment.
It is therefore ordered by the Court that said Milley Sterne be licensed to remain in this state agreeable to the act of assembly entitled an act to amend an act entitled an act to reduce into one the several acts concerning slaves free negroes and mulattoes passed 20th December AD 1831.
Walter Sterne Police Board Records, 1832
Adams County Chancery Court
Police Board Records
P. 10
March Term 1832
Walter Sterne, a free mulatto boy about seventeen years old and five feet two or three inches high having satisfied the court of his good character and honest deportment.
It is therefore ordered by the Court that said Walter Sterne be licensed to remain in this state agreeable to the act of assembly entitled an act to amend an act entitled an act to reduce into one the several acts concerning slaves free negroes and mulattoes passed 20th December AD 1831.
Walter Stearns, Police Board Records, September 1841
Adams County Chancery Court
Police Board Records
P. 320
Special September Term 1841
Walter Stearns of a free Negro of light complexion age [blank] years, and about [blank] feet [blank] inches in height, having Satisfied the Board that he was of good character and honest deportment; It was thereupon Ordered by the Board that he be licensed to remain in this State, pursuant to the Statute in this behalf
Washington Sterne Police Board Records, 1832
Adams County Chancery Court
Police Board Records
P. 10
March Term 1832
Washington Sterne, a free mulatto man about twenty one years old about five feet six inches high and a barber by trade having satisfied the court of his good character and honest deportment.
It is therefore ordered by the Court that said Washington Sterne be licensed to remain in this state agreeable to the act of assembly entitled an act to amend an act entitled an act to reduce into one the several acts concerning slaves free negroes and mulattoes passed 20th December AD 1831.
[Footnote in Johnson Diary: “Washington Sterns (also spelled Sterne and Stearns), free Negro barber, worked intermittently for William Johnson and Robert McCary between 1831 and 1840. In this last year Johnson paid him $25 per month and fed him. Sterns was the oldest and most independent of all Johnson’s barbershop empoloyees; he had written to Johnson in terms of equality as early as 1829 and he had inherited property…As a result of a number of emancipations of members of the family arranged by Washington Sterns and his mother, the Natchez free Negro group bearing their name increased considerably, 286-287.”]
September 2, 1836 (Johnson Diary"Sterns wife Left Him a week or two agoBacked him Out”
March 9, 1837 (Johnson Diary)"Sterns was Siting in my Little Room when a couple of girls came for him to go after old Mrs Williams, the midwife. They Said his wife was in nead of the Midwife.”
July 24, 1840 (Johnson Diary)I had a settlement with Sterns [Washington Sterns, free black barber] to night and told him I could not afford to Keep him any Longer and that his maner of doing business would never do. To be Drunk ½ of his time would never Suit me nor my Customers and I paid him twenty Dollars in good money and then He said that he work for his victuals, that he did not care for the wages.
Steele Will
John Steele's Will, 1818
Adams County Chancery Court
Will Book 1
Pgs. 170-171
Sixthly, I do hereby authorize impower and divest my executors hereinafter named to endeavor under the laws and Constitution of Mississippi to procure the emancipation and freedom of my negro slaves To wit Jerry between forty eight and fifty years
p. 171
and his wife Aggy aged about thirty years and their four children, Virginia thirteen, George Ten, John seven and Milly three or four years of age. Peter upwards of forty five years of age and Delphy his wife aged about thirty one, and their five children, William, twelve, Charlity ten or eleven Julian eight, Violet six and Nancy about two years of age.Milly about thirty four years of age and her five children, Polly fifteen or sixteen, Betsey about fourteen, Mariah between six and seven, Alexander between three and four and Walter about eight months of age. Marcus about thirty years of age and Betty his wife between twenty six and twenty seven, and their four children, Reuben about nine, Nancy about eight Ben about four and Ann about one month oldAlso Jim West about forty Jim Cheatham about thirty and Jack about fifty years of age
[28 people total]
[Not all transcribed, but these are the relevant points regarding free blacks]
Stetson
Manumission of George Stetson by Archibald Terrell, 1812
Adams County Chancery Court
Deed Book G
P. 410
Footnote indicates Walker is from Cincinnati and Stetson was born in Baltimore
Recorded in Alford, Terry L. “Some Manumissions Recorded in the Adams County Deed Books in Chancery Clerk’s Office, Natchez, Mississippi, 1795-1835,” Journal of Mississippi History 33, (Feb. 1971): 39-50.
Stevens
Emily Stevens34mf, LA, w/ Albert, 17 mm, laborer, MS; Mariel, 13 mf; Davy, 11 mm; Alberta, 8 mf (1860 Natchez census)
Stewart
John (a negro) v. Williams, George R., 1821
Historic Natchez Foundation
Box 6
File 101
To the Honorable Louis Winston Presiding Judge of the Second Judicial District of the State of Mississippi.
The petition of John a person of colour respectfully representsthat he is not detained as a slave by George R. Williams. That he was originally brought from the State of Virginia by William Helm to N. York that after having been some time in the State of New York his master William Helm inducted him for a term of years to one Samuel S Haight of the same state and at the same time executed pursuant to the Laws of said State certain instruments in writing by which he was entitled to his freedom at the end of said period
That having served nearly the whole of his time out with said Haight the remainder of the time was transferred by Haight to one Thomas McBurneywith whom he faithfully served out the remainder. That said McBurney well knowing your petitioner was entitled to his freedom by the Laws of New York did forcibly carry your petitioner across the said State to the waters of Alleghany some time on or about the month of [blank space] AD eighteen hundred [blank space] & thence carried your petitioner to Louisville where he sold your petitioner to one William Chambers for a term of years as your petitioner believesfrom Louisville said Chambers brought your petitioner down the river to
Natchez and sold him as a slave for life to the said George R. Williams. But your petitioner avers that he is a freeman and not a slave and that he is illegally detained by the said George R. Williams wherefore he prays the benefit of the Laws in such case made and provided that he may be adjudged his freedom by this honorable Court and such other and farther relief in the premises as to your honor may secure(?) equitable and just.
Wm B Griffith
and the said defendant says that the said John is not a free man but a slave for life, & of this he puts himself upon the country
and Plff. doth the Turner L. Metcalf
like Atty. Deft
Natchez 4th October 1822
To the Clerk of Adams Circuit Court
Sir
You will please dismiss the suit finding in the case of John Stewart a man of color vs. George R Williams for his freedom. His
John X Stewart
Mark
We will be responsible for the costs in the above case
Natchez 4th October 1822 Henry Herroun (seal)
Witness Wm Vanninan? George R Williams (seal)
John (A negro) [illegible] May Term 1823
V Jury cause, towit, Isaac Whitaker, A. Brown, LH Hough, [illegible name]
Geo. R. Williams H T Walmont, Jno F. McNutt, Richd Cecil, D. Reltice?, D. Dunne, R. Bradley, W.B. Judier? And Jas B. Soas? Who say John is a free negro and not a slave, as in his petition he alledged
State of Mississippi
Adams Country
John Col. Man
Vs.
George R. Williams
In perseverance of a Commission to me directed from the Honorable Superior Court of said County, I have caused to come before me Geo. W. Hoyle and [blank space] Witnesses on the part of the plaintiff in a certain Suit wherein John a col.d Man is plaintiff and George R. Williams is defendant
G.W. Hoyle being duly Sworn saith, that he is acquainted with the parties to the Suit Witness knew John plaintiff which he was living in the State of N. York, pltff lived in the County of Steuben Town of Bath with Captain William Helm and was brought originally from Virginia, and after living some time with his said Master he was by him regularly manumitted according to the Laws of the State of N. York, the instruments having been drawn by Sam.l Haight Esq attorney at Law, in consideration of which manumission he the said John was to serve as an indented Servant for the Term of Two Years or there abouts, Deponent was an Overseer for the said Helm, and this Deponent always understood from the said Helm and people generally that the said John was freeafter the papers of Indenture of said John were executed Captain Helm transferred the time of said John to Capt.n Haight
Deponent has repeatedly heard Capt.n Haight say and admit that the pltff John, was entitled to his freedom after the expiration of his Indenture and the Indenture was made about the year 1806 or 7 as deponent recollects
Sworn and subscribed before George W. Hoyle
Me this 15th. May 1821
The further examination of Witnesses in this Suit is adjourned untill [sic] Friday afternoon next at 4 O’clock P.M.
Friday Afternoon 4 P.M.
George H. Rice being sworn saith he has seen John this Plaintiff in this suit, ^ in Natchez and thinks he recollects having seen and known him formerly in New York about the Year 1808 when he was living with Thomas McBernie, the plaintiff John Knew witness as soon as he saw him & call’d Witness by name George H. Rice
Sworn and subscribed before
Me this 18th. May
L. Baynton J.R
[HNF note: Verdict for plaintiff]
John Stewart, Police Board Records, 1832
Adams County Chancery Court
Police Board Records
P. 20
Special March Term 1832
Ordered by the Court that the application of the following named free negroes and mulattoes stand continued till next Term [2 words, illegiblesomeone’s name?] Eliza Bosack, Livinia, John Stewart, Phebe, Charles Matson, Polly Dorsey, Rachel Jackson and Moses Turner.
Stumps
Stumps, Harrison (fboyc) by mother, Phoebe v. Mardis, Abner, 1827
Historic Natchez Foundation
Box 44
File 79
Adams Circuit Court
To May Term 1827
Harrison Stumps (a boy of colour)
vs Habeas Corpus
Abner Mardis
Habeas corpus
dismissedMay
31. 1827 E. Turner
Judge 2d. Jud.l
Dis.t
H. Dangerfield
For Petitioner
[summary of costs, etc. not transcribing]
To the Honorable the Circuit Court of Adams County, at the May Term thereof, the Petition of Harrison Stumps, who offers this Petition by Phebe Smith his Mother and next friend, he being a minor under the age of twenty-one, respectfully sheweth.
That by a verdict of a Term of this Court, at the November Term 1826. Thereof, in a case wherein Phebe aforesaid et al. were complainants vs William D. Boyer defendants, it was found that said Phebe was not a slave, but a free woman. That he is the child of said Phebeand consequently is a freeborn person himselfBut that one Abner Mardis, a Citizen & resident of said County of Adams, without alledging that he’s a slave, holds and duly sets him to his service and claims or pretends to have a right to his services. By which he is totally losed [sic] from exercising the right and privileges of a free born person and compelled
by force from said Mardis to remain in his service and submit to his direction, and dominion Therefore you petitioner by his Mother and next friend aforesaid prays this honorable Court that a habeas corpus and ad subjiciendum issue from this honourable [sic] ^ Court commanding said Abner Mardis to produce him, at the return of said writ of habeas corpus ad subjiciendum, before this ^ court, with the cause for his detentionand that such other and farther order may be made by this honourable Court in the premises as to this court may esteem? Meet and proper
Phebe X her
mark
State of Mississippi
Adams County Personally appeared before the undersigned Justice of the Peace in and for said County, Phebe, whose name is subscribed to the foregoing petition, who being duly sworn, says that the foregoing petition and the matters and things therein contained, are correct and true
Sworn to & subscribed Mark
before me this 29th day Phebe X her
of May 1827
H. Tooley
In obedience to a writ of Habeas Corpus emanating from the honorable court, directed to and commanding me to bring up the body of Harrison a boy of colour, detained in ^ my possession I have brought said boy into court.And beg leave to state the cause why I obtain said boy in my custody.
Some time ago Phebe, at whose instance this merit seems to have been sued out, and the mother of Harrison was held in bondage and slavery by one William D. Boyer of Adams County & State of Mississippiwhilst so held in slavery she applied to and employed Spence M Grayson Esq as an attorney to initiate? Suit in the Adams Circuit Court for her freedom & that of her children. Upon the trial of said suit which was conducted by said Grayson, a verdict was pronounced in favor of the petitioners & their freedom established. In consideration of the professional services of said Grayson, the said Phebe, mother of said Harrison agreed to bind her son Harrison to said Grayson as a servant until arrived to the age of twenty one years.accordingly by the said Phebe on the sixth day of January AD. 1827signed a bond of indenture in perseverance of her said agreementand thereby bound her son Harrison to said Grayson for the term aforesaid. And on the 8th. day of January A.D. 1827by and with the consent of said Phebe, the said Grayson assigned said Indenture & his interest therein to me for the sum of
one hundred dollars. It is therefore under the contract & bond of indenture aforesaid that I hold said Harrison in my possession.and in consideration of the premises pray to be hence dismissed without prejudice
Sworn to and subscribed in open Abner Mardis
Court. 30th May 1827
H.H. Moss D.C
[HNF note: Plaintiff seeks a writ of habeus corpus claiming that he is a free person of color. Defendant claims he gained an indenture of the plaintiff to pay off the legal bill of his mother and siblings who gained their freedom. Dismissed. See 1820s-34-82.]
Susan
William Cotton's Will, 1843
Adams County Chancery Court
Will Book 2
P. 269
Item 3d It is my will and I hereby direct my Executors to emancipate without delay my mulatto woman Susan and my servant man Juba, also my mulatto girl child named Merial the daughter of Eliza in consideration of the faithful services they have rendered. And I desire my Executors at the cost of my Estate to Take all legal and needful measures to carry this object into full and complete effect.
[Not all transcribed, just details concerning African Americans]
Susannah
Manumission of Susannah by Daniel and Jane Clark, 1800
Adams County Chancery Court
Deed Book B
P. 120
[Alford’s footnote indicates that “Her father, Jupiter Dowda, previously emancipated with his wife, son, and daughter, died in Philadelphia and was interred at the potter’s field in that city” (p. 41)].
Recorded in Alford, Terry L. “Some Manumissions Recorded in the Adams County Deed Books in Chancery Clerk’s Office, Natchez, Mississippi, 1795-1835,” Journal of Mississippi History 33, (Feb. 1971): 39-50.
Suzette
Pillis Suzette1 female 26-44 (one slave) (1820 Natchez Census)
T
Taida and kids
In Terry Alford, Deed Book B, p. 120. His footnote says they are mother and children, manumitted in 1800 by Jane Clark
Recorded in Alford, Terry L. “Some Manumissions Recorded in the Adams County Deed Books in Chancery Clerk’s Office, Natchez, Mississippi, 1795-1835,” Journal of Mississippi History 33, (Feb. 1971): 39-50.
Tennet
Tennet, Betsey et al v. Smith, 1823
Historic Natchez Foundation
Box 23
File 56
To the Honorable, the Judge of the Second Judicial District of the State of Mississippi
The petition of Betsy Tennet and her infant Child Henny, and Minta Tennet and her infant sister Tempy Tennet and brother Jury Tennet, respectfully sheweth unto your Honor, that they are all free persons of Color, and that they were born and raised free; that not long since they were taken by one Smith and [blank] Jarvis [blank] from a place Called the American Bottoms twelve miles from the Town, Called Belville in the state of Illinois and forcibly brought to the City of Natchez, where they are now held in slavery by the said Smith & ^ have been offered for sale as slaves for life.
Your petitioner farther represents, that they are now about to be carried to New Orleans to be sold as slaves In as much as your petitioners and every of them are free, and by being able to procure testimony from their place of ^ birth & residence as aforesaid where their Father & Mother now lives, will be able to establish their freedom-
Wherefore they pray the interference of this Honorable Court, that process may issue to compel the said Smith who now has them in possession to appear and answer to this petition for the forthcoming of your petitioners, as the law, and the nature of the Case requires; otherwise your petitioners to be adjudged, and let at liberty
And your petitioners as in duty bound will ever pray & C.
L. Winston
Atty for the petitioners
To the Clerks of Adams
Circuit Court
Let a write of Habeas Corpus issue agreeable to the prayers of the petitioner, returnable upon me at my residence on the 4th. [illegible] at 12 October
Louis Winston Judge
2 April 1823 2nd Jud District
69
Betsy Tennett & others
Vs petition for H Corpus
Smith & others
Filed 3rd April 1823
H Corpus iss.d same day
Dismissed for want of security
for Costs- see order at
Nov. Term 1823
Poor free negroes
Winston
[HNF note: Plaintiffs claim that they are free blacks from Illinois and should not be sent to New Orleans for sale. Dismissed for want of security. Other plaintiffs are Henry, Jerry, Minta, Tempey.]
Thayer
The Natchez, 6-8-1832,\
Documenting Runaway Slaves (DRS) research project at the University of Southern Mississippi
Ten Dollars Reward, For the apprehension of my negro woman VINA, who absconded on the 27th May, and it has been ascertained since, at the instigation of her husband Elias Thayer, a free man of color. She is well known as a pedlar: said woman possesses quite a dark complexion, of the common height, and corpulent; in conversation she is somewhat animated, possessing an impudent and bold appearance. H. RULON. Natchez.
Theresa
Reimand Merritt's Will, 1813
Adams County Chancery Court
Will Book 1
P. 97
I give and bequeath unto Mary Teresa a free black woman, who now is, and for some time has been a resident in my house, and to her heirs forever all my Estate and property of whatsoever kind & wheresoever being and to be found, in consideration of the faithful services rendered to me by the said Mary Teresa. And I do hereby revoke & amend all former Wills and Testaments by me made or executed.
[Not all transcribed, but these are the relevant points regarding free blacks]
Theresa, Maria (fwc) v. Martin, Joseph, 1815
Historic Natchez Foundation
Box 38
File 25
[Standard forms, one of which reads in part]:
You are hereby commanded without delay to take Joseph Martin (otherwise called Joe Martin)
Wheresoever he may be found within your county, and him safely keep, so that you have his body before the Judges of the Territory aforesaid at a SUPERIOR COURT to be holden at the Court-House in and for said County, on the second Monday in October next to answer to Mariah Teresa (a free Woman of Color) in a plea of Detinue for ^ unlawfully detaining a Mulatto boy of the value of Four hundred & fiftyDollars from her hands & possession to her Damage Eight hundred Dollars
[Not all transcribed]
Issued the 26th day of April 1815
[HNF note: Plaintiff, a free woman of color, accused the defendant of unlawfully detaining a mulatto boy of the value of $450].
Maria Theresa to Victor Colombe, 1815
Adams County Chancery Court
Deed Book H
Pgs. 418-19
Received and delivered in the presence of Richd Graham
Maria Theresa Received to be recorded 25th Sep 1815
To
Victor Colombe Know all men by these presents that I Maria Theresa of Adams County Mississippi Territory for consideration of the confidence good will & c which I have and bear towards my Sister Victoire Colombe of the State of Louisiana, Parish of Concordia do give, grant bargain, sell, convey and confirm unto the said Victoire Colombe for the special use and advantage of myself my children or lawful heirs (to wit) Eulalie Marie Terriss now Slaves in New Orleans and my free son Anthony) all my real personal or other property belonging to me in any manner or form thereof (particularly) a certain tract or portion of land or lands conveyed or will’d to me by Raymond Meritt deceased, on the twentieth day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirteen, and conveyed to said Meritt by Deed or Deeds, to wit, one given in the name of John McAllister and Elizabeth his wife bearing date the second day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and nine signed sealed and delivered in the presence of and attested by Luke Hill and Cuthbert Smith also one given in the name of Joseph Bradley and Mary his wife bearing date the twelth day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eleven, signed sealed and delivered in the presence of Robert H. Bell and Philip A Engle both of which Deeds have been regularly recorded and acknowledged in the County of Adams Mississippi Territory; also my man Servant named Solomon.
All of which portions or tracts of land as aforesaid and all other species of property real or personal as aforesaid belonging to me in any manner or form aforesaid I convey and confirm unto the said Victoire Columbe for the purposes, to wit. The said Victoire by these presents is made constituted and appointed my true and lawful trustee or representative as aforesaid, to sell and dispose of the or manage the aforesaid Estate as she may in her econimy and wisdom think right provided however my support & maintainance is to be the first object of the said Victoire, secondly her great object and care is to emancipate my children now slaves in New Orleans as aforesaid, which she is so to do as soon as the proceeds of the aforesaid Estate will permit, and the said Victoire is by me constituted and made the true and lawful guardian of my children now in New Orleans after emancipation as aforesaid until the aforesaid children arrive at the age of 21 years that then and on that event of the expiration of that time the Trustee or her Representative is to make an equal and
p. 419
and [sic] equitable distribution of all Goods and Chattels lands and tenements in any wise belonging or appertaining to the Estate aforesaid among my true & lawful heirs.
In Testimony whereof I have this third day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & fifteen set my hand and seal in the presence of
James DunlopSamuel Thornberry Jr her
JL Vidal Maria x Theresa seal
Mark
[more details not transcribed but final date given was 25th September 1815]
Thompson
A? [illegible first initial] Thompson1 male –10; 1 male 36-55; 1 female 10-24 (female slave 24-36) (1840 Natchez census)
Tibbs/Tibs
George Tibs1 male 36-55; 1 female 24-36 (1830 Adams Co. census)
George Tibbs Police Board Records, 1832
Adams County Chancery Court
Police Board Records
Pgs. 12-13
March Term 1832
George Tibbs a free black man about 45 years old six feet high satisfied the court of his good character and honest deportment.
It is therefore ordered by the Court that said Geoge Tibbs be licensed to remain in this state agreeable to the
13
act of assembly entitled an act to amend an act entitled an act to reduce into one the several acts concerning slaves free negroes and mulattoes passed 20th December AD 1831.
Kitty Tibbs Police Board Records, 1832
Adams County Chancery Court
Police Board Records
P. 13
March Term 1832
Kitty Tibbs a free yellow woman about 32 years old five feet two inches high satisfied the court of her good character and honest deportment.
It is therefore ordered by the Court that said Kitty Tibbs be licensed to remain in this state agreeable to the act of assembly entitled an act to amend an act entitled an act to reduce into one the several acts concerning slaves free negroes and mulattoes passed 20th December AD 1831.
Tolbert
Albert Tolbert73 bm, gardener, Africa w/Lucy, 65 bf, KY (1860 Natchez census)
Albert Tolbot Police Board Records, September 1841
Adams County Chancery Court
Police Board Records
P. 320
Special September Term 1841
The following applications for license to remain in this State, by free Negroes, and Mulattoes, were Ordered to be rejected To wit
The applications of Robert D.A. Smith
Priscilla Harriet Stern
Joe Cornish Armstead Carter
Nathl. Stearns Easter Stearns
Andrew Leiper Albert Tolbot
Winney, Washington Stearns
Abagail Charlotte
Toney
Toney2 fpc (Census of 1816, Adams County)
Toney, emancipation by executors of Anthony Hutchins, 1805
Adams County Chancery Court
Deed Book D
P. 97
Know all men by these presents that we the undersigned administrators and heirs of the late Anthony Hutchins deed for and in consideration of the faithful services of Toney a negro slave late the property of the said Anthony Hutchins decd do by these presents release manumit and set free the said Toney, hereby exonerating [illegible] of rights claims and demand that we or either of us may might or could ?? against the said Toney, or to his ?? In Witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands and seals this Eighteenth day of June Anno Domini 1805
Wm Brooks (SS) Abner Green (Seal)
Bryn McDermott Celest Hutchins
Fred L Claiborne John Hutchins
Edmund Wooldridge
[More, but not transcribing]
Townsend, Thomas or Tom
State v. Townsend, Thomas, 1818
Historic Natchez Foundation
Box 43
File 65
State of Mississippi fs The State of Mississippi
Adams County.
Jno T. Griffith To the Sheriff of Adams County, Greeting,
We command you that you have the body of Thomas or Tom a free man of colour detained in your Custody as it is said under safe and secure conduct, together with the day and cause of his detention before the Honrble. John Taylor Judge of the second Judicial district of the State aforesaid, as his chambers in the city of Natchez, on Monday the 20th day of July inst. and herein of ? not.
Witness the Honble John Taylor Esqr Judge of the Second Judicial district of the State aforesaid the third Monday of May A.D. 1818 and the forty second year of the independence of the United States.
Issued the 18th day of July 1818
State of Mississippi
County of Adams To the Jailor of Sd County you are hereby Required to Receive the body of Thos. Townsend a man of Colour who Calls himself free taken up as a Runaway by John Hannore and him in Safe Custody Keep in your Jail aforesaid untill [sic] Released as the Law directs
Given under my hand and seal at Washington this 25th day of April 1818
Wm Lemon JP
Justices fees $1,00 Paid
Personally appeard before me Saml H Stackhouse of the City of New Orleans Merchant who deposeth & saith that a certain Black man named Thomas or Tom aged about Twenty three years & of a dark Mullatoish [sic] cast now confined in the jail at Washington as a runawayis a free man that the said negro was brought to the City of New Orleans by a certain Cap Nicholls from the city of Norfolk Virga, & the said Nicholls inform’d the deponent thereof & c requested him to protect him in his freedom & that the said negro was confined in the Jail of New Orleans on a previous ocassion [sic] & that this Deponent on application to the mayor of the City obtain’d his releaseNatchez July 15, 1818
Sworn to & Subscribed
This 15th July 1818before Saml H Stackhouse
Me W Marschalk Just Peace
In Adams County, State
Of Mississippi
[HNF note, defendant was discharged]
Trassania
State v. Pomet, Joseph, 1818
Historic Natchez Foundation
Box 40
File 23
State of Mississippi To the Sheriff or any constable of said county
Adams County
Personally appeared before me William Lemon a Justice of the Peace for said county Emmy Trassania, a free woman of colour and made oath in due form in land that on the evening of the 23rd ? in Washington in the county aforesaid, Joseph Pomet did with force and arms violently assault beat and abuse her the said Emmy
These are therefore to command in the name of the State to take the body of him the said Joseph Pomet and bring him before me at my office in Washington or some other justice of the peace so that he may be dealt with as the law directs given under my hand and seal at Washington
This 4th day of July 1818 William Lemon
William H. Smith
Summon David Harper Witnesses Wm Lemon
Baron Harper
July 6 The deft. Joseph Pomet appeared and acknowledged the above charge.
[More on how in August he was going to be called before the Superior Court (not all transcribed)]
State v. Carl, James., 1821
Historic Natchez Foundation
Box 7
File 52
State of Mississippi
Vs Personally Came and appeared before
James Carl the undersigned Justice of the Peace for the County of Adams Amy
Trassania & William H Smith and Severally acknowledged themselves indebted to the Governor of the State of Mississippi and his successors in office: that is to Say the Said Amy Transsania in the Sum of Twenty five dollars & the Said William H Smith the Sum of Twenty five dollars: to be levied upon their Respective goods and Chattels [illegible] and Tenements and to the use of the Said State Rendered; but to be said on Condition that the Said Amy Trassania do make her Several appearances at the Superior Court of Said County to be holden [sic] at the Courthouse Thereof on the Third Monday in noon next. Then and there to presents for an assault and battery Committed upon the Said Amy by James Carl above mentioned and not depart without leave of the Said Court
Taken and acknowledged before me this 22nd day of September
Her
1819 William Lemon JP Amy Trassania (seal)
Mark
William H Smith (seal)
State of Mississippi J.Y. Davis. Abr.m Kelley &
on the Complaint CD Fullerton Sworn
of Amy Trassania J.Y. Davis States that the Deft did
vs kick the Complainant and gave her
James Carl Several Stripes with a Cowhide in
His the Witnesses Home
on the 20th last
Sep.r 20th 1819
Superior Court of
State of Mississippi May term eighteen
Adams County hundred and twenty
The Jurors of the State of Mississippi upon their oaths present that James Carl late of the county aforesaid on the twentieth day of Sept.r AD eighteen hundred and Nineteen with force and arms at the county aforesaid in and upon one Amy Trassania in the peace of God and of the State aforesaid then and there being did make an assault and her the said Amy then and there did beat wound & illtreat and other wrongs to the said Amy then and there did to the great damage of the said Amy and against the peace and dignity of the State aforesaid
Ly.m Harding Atto. Gen.l
Adams Sup Court
To
May Term 1821
State
Vs Subp.s (subpoenas)
James Carl
For J. G. Davis
Ab. Kelly
D. Fullerton
Witnesses not found
J. Gravel?
.D. Sheriff
[Doesn’t seem to be a dispensation in this case]
Trim
William A. Fry to Trim, a man of color, 1829
Adams County Chancery Court
Deed Book R Part 1
P. 172
William A. Fry to Trim, a man of colour
State of Kentucky
Jessamine County, ??
Be it remembered that at at [sic] a Court held for the County aforesaid on Monday? The 18th day of December Eighteen hundred and twenty six, a Deed of Emancipation from William A. Fry of said County to divers ?? to wit Trim aged at that time thirty one years; (and others) was produced in Court & proven according to the Law of this State, and read? By the Court to be recorded, and a certificate of freedom accordingly granted to each slave thereby intended to be emancipated.
In obedience to the order of said Court, I as clerk thereof do certify to all whom it may concern that according to the true intent and meaning of the aforesaid Deed, the aforesaid Trim, as therein named, is entitled to have enjoy his full and entire freedom from the date of said Decd’s authentication aforesaid forever.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of the said County Court at my office in the town of Nicholasville
Turner
Moses Turner, Police Board Records, 1832
Adams County Chancery Court
Police Board Records
P. 20
Special March Term 1832
Ordered by the Court that the application of the following named free negroes and mulattoes stand continued till next Term [2 words, illegiblesomeone’s name?] Eliza Bosack, Livinia, John Stewart, Phebe, Charles Matson, Polly Dorsey, Rachel Jackson and Moses Turner.
Moses Turner, Police Board Records, June 1832
Adams County Chancery Court
Police Board Records
P. 24
June Term 1832
Thursday morning, June 7th 1832
Moses Turner a free man of Colour about thirty five years old five feet eleven inches high of dark complexion satisfied the court of his good character and honest deportment.
It is therefore ordered by the court that the said Moses Turner be licensed to remain in this state agreeably to the act of assembly entitled an act to amend an act to reduce into one the several acts concerning slaves free negroes and mulattoes passed 20th December 1831.