Will book 3

Pgs. 188-90

7 Oct. 1861 [left her slaves to her “beloved friend Mrs. Mary David, wife of Louis David]…I also give and bequeath to said Mary David all my household furniture and clothes, and also the sum of two thousand dollars in money.” [She left the rest to her “beloved sister Delphine Gireaudeau of N.O.”].

Gloster

George Cochran Will, 1803

Adams County Chancery Court

Will Book 1

Pgs. 11, 13

Eighth. The manumission of the negro boy Gloster. I wish to take place at the age of twenty five years computng his present at Sixteen a compliance with which I enjoin upon my executors; and it is my further wish and desire, that before he arrives at the age of twenty-five years aforesaid, he be taught to read and write and at the time of his manumission that the sum of one hundred and fifty dollars be laid out in the purchase of land for his use inalienably to descend to such of his children as may be bourne free, or that may have obtained their freedom before his death; but in failure of this contingency and that none of his children should be in the enjoyment of freedom at his decease, then the same to invest in the first corporate body or the corporation of the first Town, legally incorporated within the present county of Claiborne the annual profits to be applied to the relief of the aged and infirm amongst the free people of colour within the said County, this boy’s mother Patience it is my desire she be manumitted within six months after my decease, if then in the possession of my said Brother or his heirs with permission to reside in the family, if she may so desire and in case of inability, either from age or infirmity to provide for her support I enjoin upon my said brother that a reasonable provision be made therefore

Gordon

Antony75 mm, drayman, VA

Grammar

Patience Grammar, Police Board Records, June 1832

Adams County Chancery Court

Police Board Records

P. 25

June Term 1832

Thursday morning, June 7^th 1832

Patience Grammar a free woman of colour of black complexion about fifty years of age, five feet five or six inches high, satisfied the court of her good character and honest deportment.

It is therefore ordered by the court that the said Patience Grammar 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 20^th December 1831.

Grand

Moses Grand, Police Board Records, 1832

Adams County Chancery Court

Police Board Records

P. 18

Special March Term 1832

Moses Grand a free man of Colour five feet seven inches high lame in one of his knees about forty years old and of light complexion satisfied the court of his good character and honest deportment.

It is therefore ordered by the Court that said Moses Grand 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 20^th December AD 1831.

Grandison

John Grandison, emancipation by heirs of Robert Andrews, 1834

Adams County Chancery Court

Deed Book V

P. 257

Terry Alford notes that John was ca. 40 and that the Andrews were of Plaquemines Parish, LA, 47.

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.

Granger

Thomas--1 male 14-25, 2 males 45+, 1 female 45+.(1820 Adams Co. Census)

Grant

Georgeana Evans and others to emancipate Minty and Andrew Grant, 1831

Adams County Chancery Court

Deed Book BB

P. 508

Georgeana Evans and others to Wm L Smyth

Know all men by these presents that we Georgeana Evans, Eliza Evans and Catherine Evans of the County of Adams State of Mississippi, being the owner of two certain negro Slaves, one a woman of light complexion about 35 years of age and her son Andrew of light Complexion about one year of age, which said negroes are sometimes called Minty Grant and Andrew Grant, are desirous to Emancipate the said Slaves & set them free from slavery and in order to effect this purpose We hereby nominate constitute and appoint William L. Smyth [blank] of Cincinnati in the State of Ohio our true and lawful attorney for us & Every of us to Execute all Bonds & do every act necessary or requiste to the Emancipation of the Said negroes Minty & Andrew, and to appear for us and in our names before any Court in the State of Ohio there to do Perform such act or acts as may be necessary to confirm the Emancipation from slavery of the said negroes and we hereby ratify what ever our said attorney may do in the premises---Witness our hands and seals this first day of July A.D. 1831

Georgeana Evans

Eliza Evans

Katharine Evans

[More details not transcribed]

Graves

Jane Graves48 bf, “FN,” “unknown” birthplace (1850 Natchez census)

Gray

Joseph Barlow23mm, “FN,” MS, w/Fanny Tolivar 60mf, VA; Malinda Gray, [there is just a – so maybe she too is 60 like Fanny?] mf; Madora Barlow, 17 mm; L.L. Barlow, (looks like a single digit but very smudged/illegible) mm, MS; Eli Gray, 6mm; Mary Gray, 1 mf (1850 Natchez Census)

Green

Natchez Courier and Adams, Jefferson and Franklin Advertiser (Natchez, Mississippi)

Friday, May 17, 1833
Issue 20

Runaways in Adams County Jail:

Committed to the jail of Adams county, as a runaway on the 7^th day of May, 1833, by Wm. B. Melvin, Esq. a negro boy calling himself JO GREEN, who says he is free; he is 5 feet 5 1-2 inches high, of very dark complexion, and says he is 23 years of age; Said negro has a very large mouth, and large white eyes; had on cottonade pantaloons, check shirt, good black fur hat with crape around it; said negro was brought here on the Steam Boat Philadelphia; on her way to Louisville.

The owner of the above described negro if any, is requested to comply with the law and take him out of jail.

W.W. Calmes, Jailer

19-tf

Natchez, May 10, 1833

Griffin

Charles Griffin's free papers and his son’s James, 1831

Adams County Chancery Court

Deed Book BB

Pgs. 290-1

Charles Griffin's free papers

Commonwealth of Kentucky Gallatin County to Wit

I Percival Butler Clerk of the Court of the County aps? Whereby certify that at a court held for said County at the Court house thereof on Monday the 13^th of December 1813, an Instrument of Writing under the hands and seals of Nelly Lowe and James R. Love Emancipating Charles Griffin a negro man Slave, aged twenty seven years and acknowledging the receipt of four hundred and fifty dollars as a full consideration therefor and containing a general Warantee of the freedom of the said Charles Griffin was presented in to Court Court [sic] and Proved by the Oath of Joseph Hardy and Mary Hardy Subscribing witnesses thereto and ordered to be present and Certified And it was further ordered that the Clerk of Said Court Shall give to the Said Charles Griffin a certificate of his freedom in the manner prescribed by law, which is hereby done accordingly.

In testimony wherof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County this 11^th day of August 1814

P. Butler

[More details, not transcribed]

State of Indiana

Jefferson County Before me William G. Wharton? A Justice of the peace in and for the Said County of Jefferson Personally came John Pugh, an Joshua Eblin, both of lawful age, respectable citizens of the town of Madison County and state aforesaid who being by me duly sworn deposith and saith that they are well acquainted with James A. Griffin a boy of Couler about sixteen years of age and that they also acquainted with the his father Charles Griffin formerly, together with said boy above named, have resided herein? Said town, of Madison, for the last fifteen years Said Pugh? Saith? Of his own Knowledge ten years and that said Charles Griffin and family always passed for free persons, that he believes him the said Charles to be free from a letter of Amancipation Certified by Percival Butler Clerk of the Court of the Coutny of Gallaton Commonwealth of Kentucky dated 11^th of August 1814 in his said Charles possessions?

Sworn and Subscribed to before me this 7^th ? 1830?

…..

Before Mr. Wharton a justice of the peace in and for said County Personally ?? Stafford of lawfull age and made oath that he was acquainted with Charles Griffin before he was set free, that he has also known him and lived near him ever since that time Said Charles was freed by James R. Love & Nelly Love as will appear by reference to a certificate of his freedom dated 11^th August 1814 and signed by Percival Butler Clerk of the Court of the County of Gallatin and that said Charles has had since he became free a son by his present Wife who also is free and was at the time his son was born Said boy is called James A. Griffin and was born free and has always lived under the Controle of his said father.

Sworn to Before me this 7^th day of Decr. 1830

[More details not transcribed]

Griffith

Jack Griffith [Appears to be the woman’s name]1 female 36-55 (1840 Natchez census)

Grimes

Grimes, Coleman & London v. Foster, Thomas, 1808

Historic Natchez Foundation

Box 32

File 29

Mississippi Territory, April Term 1808

To the Honorable, the Circuit Court of Adams County the petition of Coleman and London otherwise called Coleman Grymes and London Grymes free mulatto boys, humbly sheweth That they were born in the County of Westmorland and State of Virginia, of a free Mulatto woman by the name of Lucy Grymes, that they resided in the said County of Westmorland with their mother until some time in the year of 1804, when they were inticed [sic] away from their mother by the importunities of one Peter Vaunost [sp?]that they were brought to the Mississippi Territory and sold to one Thomas Foster, of the County of Adams and within the Jurisdiction of this Honorable CourtWhere and by whom they are now kept in slavery

Your petitioners therefore pray your honor to take their case into consideration, under the statute of the Mississippi Territory in that case made and provided And your petitioners as in duly bound will ever pray &c &c &c

J M W? Bramham

Cowles Mead

Counsel for Petitioners

Coleman & London

And the Said Thomas Foster by WB Shields his attorney comes and defends the wrong and injury when &c, and saith that the matters and things in the plaintiffs petition set forth are false and not true and that the said plaintiffs are slaves the property of the said Thomas and not free persons as they in their petition have alleged and of this he puts himself upon the county &c.

WB Shields for Deft

There are copies of interrogatories for witnesses to be asked questions but not their replies

Unclear outcome

Gustino

Caroline Lawson, 30 mf, dressmaker, MS w/ Mary E., 5 mf; Ann, 9 mf; Frank 2 mm; Horatio?, 7 mm; Francis Gustino, 31 mf, washerwomanLouis, 10 mm; Lili, 7 mf; Rosalie Bazare, 42 mf, washerwomanArdale, 23 fm seamstress; David, 21 mm carpenter; Robert 18 mm; Charles, 16 mm blacksmith; Sarah, 14 mf; John 12 mm; Mary 10 mf; James 9 mm; Margaret, 6 mf; Martha, 3 mf.

H

Hackett

Manuel Hacket, Police Board Records, 1832

Adams County Chancery Court

Police Board Records

P. 19

Special March Term 1832

Manuel Hacket a free man of Colour of black complexion about thirty eight years old five feet seven inches high satisfied the court of his good character and honest deportment.

It is therefore ordered by the Court that said Manuel Hacket 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 20^th December AD 1831.

Jesse Hackett, Police Board Records, November 1843

Adams County Chancery Court

Police Board Records

P. 419

November Term 1843

Jesse Hackett, a free man of Color, having produced to the Board satisfactory proof of his good moral character, and that it is the desire of the majority of the Citizens of Natchez that he reside in said City, it is thereupon ordered by the Board that said Jesse Hackett be licensed to reside in said City, under the provisions of an act of the Legislature entitled “an act for the relief of Henry Lee and others, and for other purposes” approved July 25, 1843

Hamm

Hamm, John v. Green, Charles B., 1819

Historic Natchez Foundation

Box 43

File 76

JG Clarke

To the Houble [sic] Powhatan Ellis one of the Judges of the Supreme Court of the State of Mississippi.

The petition of John otherways [sic] called John Hamm a free man of Colour, humbly sheweth that he is illegally detained in slavery by one James H Steele of this City. that he is about to file a petition for his freedom but is apprehensive that he will be taken out of the state if security is not acquired of said Steele for his production at Court Your petitioner therefore prays that a writ of Habeas Corpus may issue commanding said Steele to produce your petitioner before your honour tomorrow morning at 10 oclock at your honours [sic] chambers in order that your honour [sic] may do what to Justice appertains and your petitioner will ever pray &c

Wm B Griffith Atty

for Pet

Let a writ of Habeas Corpus issue

as prayed for in the above petition.

returnable? before then at the City Hall

at 10 oclock tomorrow

J ? Clarke

Dover July 22^nd 1818

On the Recommendation of Judge Fisher, before whome [sic] the enclosed depositions were taken, I take the liberty to enclose them to you as the friend of humanity. he says it is better to do so than to direct them to the poor boy who is friendless and in a state of slavery. John Ham was my apprentice; and hearing that he was near-Natchez and in a state of slavery, I feel myself bound to afford all the aid in my power to Release him from the unrighteous bonds which the inequity of his fellow men have forced him to wear. I beg you to Excuse me, for the liberty I take, and believe me to be

your obedient Every

humb. servant

William Sutton

Hon

William B Shields

Natchez

State of Mississippi

P.S. If convenient I should be glad to know what Effect the enclosed depositions may have in Restoring John Ham to his liberty.

W.S.

Know all men by these presents that we Charles B Greene & Grastus French of the County of Adams in the State of Mississippi are held and firmly bound unto the Governor of the State aforesaid for the time being and his successors in office in the penal sum of two thousand Dollars, to which payment well and truly to be made, we bind ourselves, our Heirs Executors & administrators, jointly & severally firmly by these presents. Sealed with our seals & dated this [blank] day of AD. Eighteen hundred and nineteen.

The condition of the above obligation is such that whereas the said Charles B Greene has in his possession one John Hamm, a mulatto who claims his freedom has filed a petition to the Superior Court of said county for that purpose now if this said mulatto John Hamm shall be forthcoming at the next and subsequent terms of said court if necessary & subject to the order of said court, and if the said Charles B Greene shall abide the Judgment of the said court in this matter then the above obligation to be null and void otherways [sic] to be and remain in full force and virtue.

Signed sealed & delivered Ch. B. Greene (seal)

In presence of G. French (seal)

State of Mississippi Superior Court of

Adams County November Term 1818

John Hamm Interrogatories to be admin-

vs istered to William Sutton

Charles B Green and Ann Jackson of

Kent County State of Maryland on behalf of the Plaintiff

Interrogatories to be administered to both witnesses

1. Do you Know the parties to this suit or either of them.

2. Was or was not John Hamm the Plaintiff the son of a white woman. If yea state who said white woman was, & by whom she had said child.

3d. Was or was not said Hamm ever thought by the neighborhood to be a slave for life or was he ever claimed as such by any one.

4^th What was the appearance of said boy, also state any particular marks by which he

he may be identified?

To Ann Jackson above

If so state the same fully & at large under this general interrogatory.

To Wm Sutton alone

6^th Was or was not said mulatto boy bound to you as an indented servant and by whom, and for how long a period

7^th How long did said boy Continue with you, and what was his age when he left you?

8^th In what way did you lose said boy?

9^th Did you or did you not discover the name of the person who took him off. If yea state it?

10^th Do you know any thing more material for the plaintiff in this Cause, if so state the same fully under this general interrogatory?

I certify the foregoing to be a Wm B Griffith

true copy from original Interrogy. Wm B Griffith Plff s Atty.

Cross Interrogatories

State of Mississippi Chas. B Green or Petition

Adams County adfm? Of

John Hamm Freedom

Interrogatories on the part of the Defendant to be put to Wm Sutton and Ann Jackson witnesses to be examined on the part of the petitioner in this case

Int 1^st If said Petitioner was born of a white woman, how do you Know that circumstance, were you or either of you present at his birth?

2. Can you on the oaths you have taken say that the said John Hamm the Petitioner in this case, and now held by the Defendant as a slave is the same John Hamm concerning whose birth and freedom you have been interrogated?

3 Did you or either of you ever see said John Hamm in the possession of the Deft in this case? and were either of you ever in this State?

4 Was not said John Hamm sold out of Jail, in the State of Maryland or Delaware.

Chas B Green in sue. [illegible]

I certify the foregoing to be a true copy from original Interrogatories filed in my office.

Wm B Griffith

Superior Court of Adams

County of the term of May

AD. Eighteen hundred &

nineteen

State of Mississippi

Adams County

To the Honorable the Superior Court of the County aforesaid, the petition of John Hamm a free man of colour.

Humbly represents that your petitioner was forn in the county of Kent in the State of Maryland, that his mother was a white woman by the name of Elizabeth McGuire, his father being a slave the property of Col Samuel Wright of Centreville in the same state. His mother dying shortly after his birth he was bound to apprentice to one William Sutton untill [sic] he should arrive at the age of twenty one yearsand continued with said Sutton untill [sic] the month of August AD eighteen hundred and sixteen, where he obtained the permission of his master to go to a camp meeting held in Kent County, where he was kidnapped & forcebly [sic] brought away. He was brought down the river to Natchez where he was transferred from one to another untill [sic] he came into the possession of James H Steele of the City of Natchez, in whose possession he now remainshaving been sold to him as a slave for life. Your petitioner

is confident that he need not appeal to the sensibility of this honorable Court. He trusts that he will be able to prove to its satisfaction every fact which has been stated, and that your honor will grant him that relief to which he may appear to be entitled and your petitioner will ever pray & c.

Wm B Griffith

Atty for Pet.

Superior Court of

John Hamm Adams County State

Vs of Mississippi

Charles B Green Interrogatories to be

Administered to James

Fogwell, John Nickerson

James P Leary Saml Keene

William Curry Noah

Merchant Edward Coppage William Moss Col. Thomas Wright, Samuel Wright William Sutton & Ann Jackson material witnesses on behalf of the Plaintiff in the above suit.

Interrogatories to be put to each of the above named witnesses

1. Do you know the parties to this suit or either of them?

2. Were you or were you not acquainted with a yellow boy called John Ham and do you or do you not know where he was born and who were his parents?

3. Was or was not a white woman called Betsy McGuire an Englishwoman living on the Estate of Col Saml Wright deceased, reputed to be the Mother of said John--?

4. Was or was not said John Ham ever claimed as a slave by Coll Samuel Wright in his life time or by any one since his death, or was he always reputed to be free and did he or not continue so until he left the State of Maryland?

5^th. Was or was not said Ham bound as an apprentice to William Sutton and how long did he remain with said Sutton?

6^th. Was or was not said Ham forcibly taken away or kidnapped from a camp meeting

held in the Forest of Kent County Md somewhere about the year 1816? and were you or not a Juror on the trial of Negro Phil a cousin of John Ham for a participation in the crime of kidnapping him--?

7^th Was or was not said John Hamm a very bright mulatto with bushy hair thick but not as wooly as common with mulattoes. & was there or was there not any thing remarkable in the number size or appearance of his teeth the shape of his mouthor do you or not recollect any scars or other marks by which he might be recognized--?

8^th Do you or do you not recollect any peculiarity in his feet? Was or was not one of them flat and the other hollow on the sole?

9^th How old was said boy when taken from the State of Maryland?

To William Sutton alone

10^th In what year was said Hamm bound apprentice to youbefore whom & by whom How long did he stay with you and in what way did you miss him?

11^th What particular marks do recollect on his person by which he might be recognized?

12^th Did you or did you not consider him entirely in the light of an indented servant and not as a slave? and did you or not ever give a bill of sale of him to any person whatever?

To Ann Jackson alone

13^th Were you or were you not acquainted with Betsy McGuire above mentioned?

14^th Were you or were you not knowing to the circumstance of her being brought to bed of a mulatto child the plaintiff above mentionedand was not said Betsy McGuire a white woman at that time living on the plantation of Col. Saml Wright decd?

15^th What particular marks or scars, or peculiarities in the person or character of said John Hamm do you recollect by which he might be recognized?

To each of the witnesses

16^th Do you know anything more material for the plaintiff? If so state the same fully and as large under this general interrogatory

Wm B Griffith

Plffs Atty.

Charles B Green Esq

Sir

Please take notice that the above interrogatories are filed in the Clks office of the Cy of Adams & that on the 20^th [illegible] a commission will issue to take the testimony of the witnesses above named

Wm B Griffith

Plffs Atty

Recd a copy of the abovethis ______day of September

1820.

Natchez Jany 29^th 1819

Dr Sir

Some time since I was applied to by Judge Shields of this place to obtain if possible the freedom of one John Ham a mulatto boy who had been an indented servant of yours & was kidnapped about two years since. I immediately instituted an inquiry & about a week since succeeded in finding out the boy who had been sold as a slave for life to a Mr James H Steele of this place. I have commenced a suit for his freedom; to obtain which it is necessary to execute the enclosed commission. The affidavits taken by Judge Fisher would not be received in evidence. I have no doubt that upon this subject you feel all the interest which your letter to Judge Shields evinces

It will be necessary that the depositions should be taken before some justice of the peace or notary publick [sic]--& signed by him as such viz. “AB. Justice of the Peace” or “CD Notary Publick [sic]” and a certificate of the Governor or Secretary of State under the Great Seal that “AB” is a justice of

the Peace or “CD” a notary Publick [sic] duly commissioned

The expense of taking the depositions will I suppose be but triflingat any rate I have no doubt you will cheerfully submit to any expense which will probably be the means of rescuing a fellow being from an unjust & cruel state of slavery. I would wish the depositions taken immediately & forwarded by mail directed to the “Superior Court of Adams County Mississippi” under cover to me at this place.

My friend Mr James Chambers of this place mentions that his brother Zekiel Chambers Esq. of Kent County will cheerfully aid you with his advice & assistance in this business. I request therefore that you will apply to himfor the purpose of seeing that every thing is done in due form of Law. You will be good enough to be full & explicit in your answers, and state everything which you think will be material. You will find some one or other of the questions put, will admit of almost any information which you wish to convey. Our Court comes on in May & it is important that I should have the depositions returned before that time.

I remain dr Sir

Yr Obt Servt

W B Griffith

Mr Wm Sutton

Chester Town 3d. Aug.t 1820

Dr_ Sir

Yours of the 10^th June last was recd. a few days ago and I made ^ it my especial care at once to enquire for the person named in it. Not being able to trace the history of the parties from any one with whom I had conversed I forwarded circular to a number of persons near the division line between this State and DelawareI have this day recd. an answer from Col.o Wright in which he states that John Ham was the reported son of Betsy McGuire by a slave of Col.o Saml. Wright decd. A conviction of him that he knew John some years ago and that he was on the petit Jury which tried a negro named Phil and a cousin of John’s for participating in the crime of kidnapping hima circumstance which had utterly escaped my recollection although I represented the attorney General and was pub? [short for public?] counsel in the cause which from my notes I find was a long and warmly contested one. A very large number of Witnesses appear from my notes to have been examined most of them black people and the freedom of John does not appear to have been in the least degree controverted although his mother was said in the testimony to have been a white woman her name was not (as I find) mentioned nor does this branch of the Subject appear to have been further tracedI am not apprized whether your practices agree with ones in this particular. Without? a com

Mission authorizing the Commission to take Testimony upon accompanying interrogatoriesthe names of the Witnesses are not inserted in the Commission unless of choice, so that it leaves the parties at large to produce whom they please before the Commissionr [sic].

If your practice warrants the proceeding I would recommend that a commission be directed to this State say to either one or two of the following persons Thomas Worrell (a Judge) Joseph Wicker 4^th. Kinsey Harrison or Philemon B Hopper (all lawyers) of whom the two first reside in the County Kentand the last two in Queen-Anns, which was the birth place ^ (I believe) of John and where his coz: was tried for his offence

To avoid the danger of you not being able to procure such a general commission I loose no time in finding you the names of the white persons who were witnesses in the former cause and all of whom are probably in large measure acquainted with John’s history with a view that you may forward a Commn. To take the testimonyThis Commission ought also to be directed as above. We have the good fortune to have no bank and no employment for a notary public. Those persons are James Fogwell---John NickersonJames P LearySamuel KeeneWm CurryNoah MerchantEdward CoppageWm Moss

I have not yet been

able to hear of either of your Witnesses Sutton & JacksonSeveral of my letters ought to bring me answers in a day or two and if I can find them will proceed to take their testimony

On reflection I have thought it might be Satisfactory to enclose Col.o Wrights letter and will add his name and Colo Saml. Wright’s (who is a son of Colo. S. Wright decd.) to the list of Witnesses to be called? if a general commission can not be hadAny service in my power may be commanded.

Yrs. E ? Chambers

W.B. Griffith Esq.

Natchez

Chester Town 2d Octo. 1820

D Sir

After repeated experiments I was able on the day before yesterday to cause the Testimony of William Sutton and Ann Jackson to be takenHaving as I before wrote you no notary public in this place I have been obliged to have their depositions made before a Justice of the PeaceIn the Course of a day or two I hope to be in Annapolis and if the Governor happens to be at the Seat of Government will cause the attestation to be made as your letter appears to shew will be necessaryfor you have not stated any form of authentication

The deposition will be found entirely satisfactory and fully sufficient to affect Hamm’s liberation I have no doubt

This is to enable you to use any practicable exertion to postpone the Trial if the Commission should not reach you as soon as you wish

Yrs E ? Chambers

W. B. Griffith Esq.

Natchez

C.B. Green Superior Court Adams

Adg County State of Missi.

John Hamm

Cross Interrogatory to be administered to James Foquill John Nickerson James P. Leary Saml. Keene William Curry Noah Copage William Moss Thomas Wright Lawe Wright William Sutton and Ann Jackson to be read as evidence for defendants in the above cause.

Not transcribing any further but there are a list of interrogations the defense team put together to be answered by the listed individuals.

Reeds Rech?

Augt. 2^nd 1820

Dr Sir.

Your letter of the 27^th ? [last?] I have received and happen to reply to it and am sorry my limited information so circumscribed meas to render what I may say of little or no Avail

Of William Sutton & Ann Jackson I know Nothing, not even where they may be found,

John Ham or Hamm I knew, he, as well as I recollect, was sometime called John Ham John Hamet and John Ben Hamet or probably John Ham Hamethe has been absent I presume about Four Years, and must be not far short of twenty three or four years oldI was a juror on the trial of Negro Phil his cousin who was charged in part with the

Offence, and think it was October Term 1817 your own information here will correct me if in Error

John Ham bright mulatto, his Hair if I mistake not not so much of the woolly order as Mullattoes [sic] generallyand a mouth remarkably full of TeethI do not recollect to have seen him for the last ^ twelve or fifteen years about that time he lived at the Green Lotand I think [illegible] at a Quaker [illegible] of mine abt a mile distant from the Lot with an old yellowish Woman named Sarahthe Widow of his Father

Old Ham the Father was the Slave of the Late Colo Saml Wright and generally lived in the Forest near what was, and is called the Red Housereddish complexion, very much freckled, and the most Savage Looking Fellow I ever saw

but had I believe as well as his wife (both old Family Servants) the entire confidence of his Master in this Family lived Betsy McGuire when she became the Mother of Johnafter the old man’s Death and also Betsy’s, John continued with the old woman Sarah Ham’s widow when I knew him

I have been this particular from a wish I have for his Deliveranceand may only have an Influence in this wayhis own History of himself altho [sic] in some Respects variant from mine of him might I think go to his ? [illegible beginning of word but ends in lification]

Yrs Respectfully

J Roman Wright

To the Honorable the Judges of the Superior Court of Adams County in the State of Mississippi

The undersigned beg leave to certify and return that in perseverance of the authority rested in him in and by the annexed Commission be read on the Nineteenth day of September in [the year one?missing fragment of page] thousand eight hundred and twenty [caused the?] therein named William Sutton and Ann Jackson to be brought before him and did diligently examine them on their oath and that their several answers and depositions are hereunder writtenall which is Submitted

James Harris

The Answer of William Sutton aged about fifty one years to the estimation is filed in the case of John Hamm against Charles B Green

To the first interrogatory on the part of the plaintiff this deponent saith that he does know John Hamm but does not know Charles B Green

To the second interrogatory on the part of the plaintiff he answerth that John Hamm was the Son of a white woman named Betsy McGuire and a half white mulatto man usually called Hamm who was heretofore a slave of Colo Samuel Wright but who was free at the time of the birth of the said John Hamm the plaintiff

To the third interrogatory the deponent an[swereth?]

that as far as [top line is largely unreadable] and John Hamm was himself not claimed in the neighborhood to be a slave for life or thought so to be

To the fourth interrogatory he answereth that John Hamm left the Service of this deponent in August eighteen hundred and sixteen [illegible section on a crease] That at that time he was not quite twenty years of age, was tolerably heavy bodied but not of stout limbs was a bright mulatto with a bushy head of hair inclining to be woollyhis nose spread at the root of was his upper lip and tapering somewhat sharp to the top and somewhat inclined to turn up at the end of it, one or perhaps two of his teeth unifying on the side of his mouth, this deponent believes on the right side, his position in standing generally was a stoop? With his knees near perpendicular over his legsone of his feet was more flat that the other-he had a scar on his arm from a [illegible], this deponent believes it was on the right arm about the size of a twenty five cent piece, and another tear on his back below the [illegible] a bad bite? which he had had The deponent has also heard? ?? although he does not recollect to have Seen it Much The Said John Hamm had a tear on one of his Toes from a cut with an axe

To the fifth interrogatory on the part of the plaintiff the deponent Saith that the said John Hamm was bound as an apprentice to this deponent on the twenty first day of Febr Eighteen hundred and Seven to the end of ten years seven months and ?? days ?? following when the said John Hamm would

be twenty one years oldThat he was bound to this deponent [illegible] own free will and consent and with the approbation of a justice of the peace

To the Seventh [not sure what happened to the sixth] interrogatory on the part of the plaintiff this deponent answers that the Said John Hamm continued with this deponent from the time of his indentures until the month of August Eighteen and Sixteen--.

To the eighth interrogatory he answers that the Said John Hamm with the consent of this deponent went to a camp meeting about five miles distant from his house and that this deponent has never heard of him except that he was then kidnapped and Sold to Some southern person until he heard he was in Mississippi and in the possession of Mr. Charles B Green

To the ninth interrogatory he answers that he [illegible] personal knowledge but has understood and believes that it was Peregrine Peters, John Leventon, William Campbell and Philip Councy? ? a negro and a relation of John Hamm

To the last interrogatory he answereth that he hath notany other knowledge material for the plaintiff

To the first interrogatory on the part of the Defendant he saith that he lived a near neighbor to Betsy McGuire in Kent County the State of Delaware and knew her to be in a state of pregnancy and in a short time after it was soon apparent?? In the neighborhood that she had a mulatto child, that in about a fort night after the birth of Child the Said Betsy McGuire died and the child was taken to the Said negro man named Hamm the reputed Father and that this deponent then saw the child and has constantly known him from that time until he left this deponent as above stated and that the said child was John Ben Hamett and by that name was bound to this deponent but was afterwards universally called John Hamm.

deponent was not present at the birth of the Said John Hamm

To the Second he says he cannotThat he never heard of any other John Hamm except the one he has deposed about, but not having Seen the boy now in the possession of the defendant he cannot say

To the third he answers that he never did See John Hamm in the defendants possession nor was he ever in the State of Mississippi

To the fourth interrogatory he answers that he has no knowledge that the Said John Hamm ever was in Jail for one moment in Maryland or in Delaware

William Sutton

Subscribed and sworn to

Before James Harris

The Answer of Ann Jackson aged about thirty four years to the interrogatories in the cause defending between John Hamm plaintiff and Charles B Green defendant

To the first interrogatory on the part of the plaintiff she answers that she does not know Charles B Green but is acquainted with John Hamm.

To the Second Interrogatory on the part of the plaintiff she first [illegible couple of words] Said John Hamm is the Son of a white woman named Betsy McGuire who was Said to be an English woman and who lived for some time and died in Kent County Delaware in the neighborhood of this deponent, and that the Father of the Said John Hamm was a mulatto man formally the slave of Colo. Saml. Wright who was called Hamm but deponent believes was named John Hamm.

To the third interrogatory she saith that she never knew that the Said John Hamm was claimed or thought to be a slave for life in the neighborhood

To the fourth interrogatory on the part of the plaintiff she Saith that she has not Seen John Hamm Since August? Eighteen hundred and Sixteen, at which plaintiff was about twenty years old, he was then rather a stout bodied man of bright mulatto complexion, and when kept clean and out of the Sun was very bright, has nose [this next line is very hard to read!] flat at the root?? and sloping ?? toward the Top with the point a little turned uphis teeth condition of them missing at one side of his mouthwhen standing his posture was not erect but stoopingThe deponent does not recollect to have Seen any flesh marks about him

To the fifth interrogatory on the part of the plaintiff she saith that she knows of nothing which she supposes would be material for the plaintiff

To the first interrogatory on the part of the Defendant she Saith that she was not present at the birth of Said John Hamm, that she knew Betsy McGuire while she was pregnant and that in a short time after she last saw her it was currently and generally said in the neighborhood that the Said Betsy McGuire was delivered of a mulatto child by the Said negro man Hamm and in a few days after the Said childs birth the Said Betsy McGuire died. This deponent saw the Said child when it was but a few days old, it was taken to the House of Hamm its reputed Father where it continued to live until it was bound to William Sutton. This deponent has always Since resided in the neighborhood and has been constantly in the habit of Seeing the Said child who was the Same John Hamm above mentioned.

To the Second interrogatory on the part of the Defendant she saith she cannot, although she has never heard of any other by the Same name

To the third interrogatory she Saith that she never did See John Hamm in the Dendeants possession nor was she ever in Mississippi

To the last interrogatory on the part of the Defendant she answers that she never heard that John Hamm was in Jail in Maryland or in Delaware

her

Subscribed and sworn to Ann X Jackson

Before James Harris mark

The State of Maryland, to witI Samuel Sprigg, Governor of the said State of Maryland do hereby certify, that James Harris, Gentleman before whom the aforegoing interrogatories were sworn to was at the time of tasking the same a Justice of the peace for Kent County in the said State, duly appointed commissioned and authorized and that to all acts by him done in that capacity & all faith and credit are and ought to be given as well in Court of Justices as thereout. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the great Seal of the State of Maryland to be affixed this ninth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty.

By the Governor Samuel Sprigg

Ninian Pinkney

Clerk of the Council

[Standard Indenture contract from Deleware]

THIS INDENTURE Witnesseth, That John Ben Hammett mulatto son of Elisabeth Mcguire of Murderkill hundred, Kent county, in the state of Delaware, by and with his own free will and consent, and by with my approbation Matthew Coxe one of the Justices of the peace for said County hath and by these presents doth, put and bind himself an apprentice to William Sutton of the __________________ county, aforesaid to learn his art, trade, and mystery, and after the manner of an apprentice him the said William Sutton well and faithrully to serve from the day of the date hereof, to the full end and term of ten years seven months and eleven days next ensuing the date hereof___________________________________________________

during all which time the said apprentice his said Master___________ well and faithfully shall serve his secrets keep, his lawful commands obey; hurt to his said Master he _______ shall not do nor wilfully [sic] suffer to be done by others, without giving him notice thereof; the goods of his said Master___________ he shall not embezzle, or them lend to any; at any unlawful games, he shall not play; taverns, tippling houses, or houses of bad fame, he shall not frequent; fornication he shall not commit, or matrimony contract, in the term aforesaid; from the service of his said Master shall not any time absent himself, without his consent; but, in all things, behave and demean himself as a good and faithful apprentice ought to do, during the term aforesaid.

And the said Master __________________________________ hereby oblige himself to teach, or cause said apprentice to be taught, the art and mystery of farming in its several branches which he now follow to the best of his skill, knowledge and ability And said Master further engageth to find said Apprentice sufficient Meant, drink, lodging, washing and apparel fitting for such apprentice during said term and to give said apprentice fifteen months schooling within the term aforesaid, and also at the end of said Term to furnish and provide said apprentice with two good suits of appearel [sic] one Thereof to be new

In witness whereof, the parties to these presents have hereunto interchangeably set their hands and affixed their seals, the twenty first day of february in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and seven his

John Ben Hammett (Seal)

Signed, Sealed and Delivered mark

In the presence of William Sutton (Seal)

Thomas Latchem

Daniel Coxe

Delaware district Jct;

Personally came before me John Fisher District Judge of the United States in and for the District aforesaid William Sutton aged about forty-nine years, who being duly sworn doth depose and say, That he was well acquainted with a very bright mulatto lad late of Kent County and district aforesaid who went by the name of John Hamm; that said lad when about ten years old was bound as an apprentice to this deponent before Matthew Coxe Esquire one of the Justices of the peace for Kent County [illegibledocument extremely frayed] with the consent of two free black people who had the care of [illegibledocument extremely frayed] The said John Hamm should arrive at the age of twenty one years; that the aforesaid John Hamm was, to the best of the belief and opinion of this deponent, as well as the general expectations of the neigbourhood [sic] where said John was born, the son of an English white woman of the name of Elizabeth McGuire, by a black man of the name of Hamm, formerly the property of Col Samuel White Wright of Centreville in the State of Maryland; that the aforesaid John Hamm was kidnapped during his app^renticeship to this deponent, and about the 10^th day of August 1816, at or near a Camp-meeting held in the forest of Kent County in the State of Maryland, to which

place

place he obtained the permission of this deponent to go; that this deponent has lately been informed, that the aforesaid John Hamm was sold into slavery and is now, or lately was, employed on a plantation near Natchez, in the State of Mississippi--.

And this deponent further saith, that the description of the person of the said John Hamm was, at the time of his being kidnapped as follows, biz, about five feet six inches high, his complexion that of a very bright mulatto, coarse features with flattish nose rising and sharpening at the end, a tooth missing on the right side of his upper jaw, bushy, coarse hairHis right foot, perhaps, or at least one of them, remarkably flat on the bottom [illegible couple of wordsdocument crease] hollow?That said John Hamm when taken away was about nineteen years and ten months old and was instructed in laboring on a farm and knew little else; that said John Hamm had a scar on one of his arms occasioned by a burn and another on his back occasioned by a bile [boil] and stands bending much forward at his knees; and further this deponent saith not

Taken, sworn & subscribed at Dawn William Sutton

in the district aforesaid on the

22^nd day of July 1818, before me

John Fisher District Judge for the

U.S. for the Delaware District

Ann Jackson widow aged about thirty years being sworn doth depose as follows, That she well knew John Hamm the apprentice of William Sutton of Kent County and district aforesaid, farmer; that said John was at the time deponent last saw him a very bright mulatto and somewhere about twenty years of age; that this deponent well knew the mother of said John, and in her life time; that she survived the birth of said ^ John but about a week, when he was taken home by two black people who afterwards, when he was a stout boy, bound him an apprentice to William Sutton aforesdthat the mother of said John was a white free woman and said to be from England and had been housekeeper of Col. Samuel Wright on one of his farms in Kent County State of Delaware; that this deponent has understood, that said John Hamm was kidnapped some time this August come two Years, from a Methodist Camp-meeting held in the State of Maryland, whether the aforesaid John had permission to go, from Mr. Sutton, his master; and this deponent further saith, that she has known the aforesaid mulatto boy since he was a week ^ old to the time of his being taken away, and so far as she has noticed him, the description of his person given in the deposition of Wm Sutton, which has been read to her, is just and true, further than which she

Knows

knows nothing unless it may be material to state that the said John Hamm was remarkable for negligence and uncleanliness as to his person; and further this deponent saith not.

Her

Ann x Jackson

Taken, sworn and subscribed mark

At Dover, in the district afores.d

The 22.d July 1818 before

John Fisher District Judge

Of the U.S. for the Delaware district.

Case abated.

Hannah

Manumission of Hannah by Jane Bernard, 1800

Adams County Chancery Court

Deed Book B

P. 55

(Another Hannah) James Nicholson Will, 1801

Adams County Chancery Court

Will Book 1

P. 23

In the name of God Amen, I James Nicholson of the township of Homochito, being of sound mind, memory & ? understand, do make this last will and testament in in [sic] manner and form following: It is my desire that all my just debts be paid either by the sale of a part of my estate, or from the proceeds of the Labour of my slaves in the cultivation of my crops as to my Executors may seem most advantageous or convenient: also it is my will that my faithful old slave named Hannah, and my mulato slave commonly called Old Harry shall both become free immediately after my decease, granting hereby proven unto my Executors or any of them to execute such instruments for the emancipation of such slaves as may be necessary with the following proviso, that the said slaves shall never be left destitute so as to become a burthen upon the public, but in their old age or otherwise helpless situation, shall be entitled to a comfortable subsistence from the possessors of my Estate. Also I give and bequeath to the said Hannah four cows and calves for her use forever, I also give to her during her material life the use of three acres of cultivable land, with liberty to cut such timber without abuse as may be necessary for her use and comfort said three acress to be assigned in such situation as my Executors shall judge proper. [The remainder of will gives property to his family except for the following:]

(Another Hannah)

Hannah, a free mulatto, Police Board Records, 1832

Adams County Chancery Court

Police Board Records

P. 17

Special March Term 1832

Hannah, a free mulatto about five feet four and a half inches high aged about twenty two years satisfied the court of her good character and honest deportment.

It is therefore ordered by the Court that said Hannah 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 20^th December AD 1831.

Hannibal

"AN ACT For the Relief of William Hayden and others.

Sec. 1. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives, of the state of Mississippi, in General Assembly convened, That from and after the passage of this act, it shall, and may be lawful for William Hayden, James Miller, and Hannibal, free men of color, to reside within the limits of the state, any law to the contrary, notwithstanding: Provided, that the said William Hayden, James Miller, and Hannibal, do each and severally enter into bond, with good and sufficient securities, in the sum of five hundred dollars each, payable to the Governor, and his successors in office, conditioned for their good behavior and that they will not become a public charge.

Sec. 2. And be it further enacted that it shall be the duty of the Judge of Probate of the Countie's in which the said individuals may reside, to take and receive the bond, provided for in the first section of this Act, and file the same in the Clerk's Office of the Court over which he presides.

Sec. 3. And be it further enacted, that Peter Sewall, a free man of color, shall have leave to reside within the limits of this State, upon his entering into bond with good and sufficient security, in the sum of eight hundred dollars, payable to the Judge of Probate of the county of Wilkison, and his successors in office; conditioned for his good behavior, and that he will not become a public charge.

Ch. B. Green,

Speaker of the House of Representatives.

A. M. Scott, L't. Governor,

and speaker of the Senate.

Approved Feb. 14, 1828.

Gerard C. Brandon."

Harculass

Indenture of boy, Harculass To William L. Walker, 1823

Adams County Chancery Court

Deed Book N

P. 21

Trustees of Poor to William L. Walker (Indenture)

This Indenture made the fourth day of March in the Year of our Lord one Thousand eight hundred and twenty three Witnesseth that Harculass, a boy of Colour aged about Seven years, by and with the consent of the Trustees of the Poor, hath put, and by these presents doth voluntary put himself an Apprentice to William L. Walker of the City of Natchez State of Mississippi with him to serve in the manner of an Apprentice from the day of the date of these presents, until the said Harculass arrive at the full age of Twenty one years, during which Term the said Apprentice [serve] him said master faithfully shall serve in all business, according to his power, wit and ability, honestly, orderly, and obediently in all things demean himself towards him, said Master during said Term. And William T. Walker, the said Master, doth for himself heirs, executor and administrators, covenant and grant to and with the said Apprentice, that the said Master, the said Apprentice in the Art and Mystery of a Waiter [That’s as close as I can make it out] or Hosler, shall and will teach and instruct, or cause to be taught and instructed, in the best manner that he can. Also, during all the said Term, shal and will provide and allow unto the said Apprentice competent and sufficient Meat, drink, washing, lodging and wearing Apparel, and shall teach or cause to be taught said Apprentice to Read, Wright and Sypher as far? As the Rule of Threeand all other things necessary and fit for Apprentice: And at the end of said Term, shall and will make provide, allow and deliver unto the said Apprentice one complete Soote of good New clothing and two changes of linning.

In witness whereof, the parties have hereunto interchangeably set their hands, and affixed their seals, the day and year first above written

Foster J.P.A.C (Seal)

Sealed and delivered in presence Wm L. Walker (seal)

Of O.H.K. Norman Ana her

Mark (Seal)

I certify that the within Indenture was recd. Into my office, to be recorded on the 10^th day of March 1823

Woodson Wren, Clk

Harding

Edmund Harding, emancipation by Robert McCullough, 1831

Adams County Chancery Court

Deed Book T

P. 88

Terry Alford has a footnote noting that Harding was bound to McCullough by Giles Harding with the condition that he be set free, 46.

Harris

Charles Harris--50 bm, drayman, MD w/Rosett, 17 bf, MS; Edward, 33 bm, drayman, MD; Rosilla, 40 bf, VA; Susan Collins, 14 bf, MS (1860 Natchez census)

Manumission of Mary and David Harris by Easter Harris, 1835

Adams County Chancery Court

Deed Book W

P. 249

Alford notes that Easter was a free woman of color and that Mary is her daughter and David is her infant son (1 ½), 48.

Natchez Courier and Adams, Jefferson and Franklin Advertiser (Natchez, Mississippi)

Friday, May 17, 1833
Issue 20

Runaways in Adams County Jail:

Committed, to the jail of Adams county, as a runaway on the 4^th day of May, 1833, by Wm. B. Melvin, Esq. a negro man calling himself WILLIAM HARRIS, and says he is a free man; born free in Jackson County Tennessee; he is 5 feet 6 1-2 inches high, of yellowish complexion, about 30 years of age; he has a very heavy beard, and wears large whiskers; said negro was taken off a boat on its way from New Orleans to Louisville.

The owner if any, of the above described negro if any, is requested to comply with the law and take him out of jail.

W.W. Calmes, Jailer

19-tf

Natchez, May 10,

Mary Harris, Police Board Records, September 1841

Adams County Chancery Court

Police Board Records

P. 320

Special September Term 1841

Mary Harris a free woman of Colour of bright Mulatto complexion about Twenty four years of age, and five feet 2/3 of an inch 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

Harry

James Nicholson Will, 1801

Adams County Chancery Court

Will Book 1

P. 23

In the name of God Amen, I James Nicholson of the township of Homochito, being of sound mind, memory & ? understand, do make this last will and testament in in [sic] manner and form following: It is my desire that all my just debts be paid either by the sale of a part of my estate, or from the proceeds of the Labour of my slaves in the cultivation of my crops as to my Executors may seem most advantageous or convenient: also it is my will that my faithful old slave named Hannah, and my mulato slave commonly called Old Harry shall both become free immediately after my decease, granting hereby proven unto my Executors or any of them to execute such instruments for the emancipation of such slaves as may be necessary with the following proviso, that the said slaves shall never be left destitute so as to become a burthen upon the public, but in their old age or otherwise helpless situation, shall be entitled to a comfortable subsistence from the possessors of my Estate. Also I give and bequeath to the said Hannah four cows and calves for her use forever, I also give to her during her material life the use of three acres of cultivable land, with liberty to cut such timber without abuse as may be necessary for her use and comfort said three acress to be assigned in such situation as my Executors shall judge proper. [The remainder of will gives property to his family except for the following:]

Hart

Soloman Hart's Free Papers, 1829

Adams County Chancery Court

Deed Book R Part 1

P. 316

Soloman Hart's Free Papers

Be it remembered that on the 21^st day of September AD 1822 the the [sic] following certificate was presented for record which is in the following words to wit. The State of Ohio Hamilton County is before me John Mahard a Justice of the peace in and for the said County personally appeared Peter Dohman of lawful age who being duly Sworn according to Law, deposeth and saith that he had been acquainted with Gracy Hart, a coloured woman and her children To Wit Harry Charles Betsey Millinda Christopher Ephraim Solomon and Bazziel for about thirteen years his first acquaintance with them was at Stubenville and the last at Cincinnati and that they are all free persons and further this deponent saith not

Sworn and subscribed before me at Cincinnatti this 16^th day of September 1822.

John Mahard Justice of the Peace

The State of Ohio

Hamilton County

[More details, not all transcribed]

Hastings

Jimmy Hastings1 fpc (Census of 1816, Adams County)

Hawkins

Samuel Hawkinsmale 24-36 (1830 Natchez Census)

Nelly Piper50bf, “FN,” MD w/ Peter Hawkins, 55bm, Tenn. (1850 Natchez Census)

Hayden/Hardin/

William Hardin1 male10-24; 1 male 36-55 (1830 Natchez Census)

William Hardin1 male 10-24; 1 female10-24 (1840 Natchez census)

William Hayden's Free papers, 1826

Adams County Chancery Court

Deed Book O

p. 460

William Hayden's Free papers

This Indenture of emancipation made this second day of October eighteen hundred and twenty four Witnesseth that I Thomas Phillips of the Town of Pary and State of Kentucky do hereby emancipate Set free and forever discharge from the servitude of myself my heirs executors & administrators and assigns a certain negro man Slave by the name of William Hayden a barber about thirty five years of age five feet ten or eleven inches high and dark complexion

Witness my hand and Seal this day and date above written

Thomas Phillips seal

Attest.? Henry Bridges

[didn’t transcribe this line]

Bourbon County Court October Term 1824

This deed of Manumition from Thomas Phillips to William Hayden was this day proven in open court by the oath of Thomas C Owings and Nicolas C Marsh. Subscribing witnesses therto to be the act and deed of said Phillips & ordered to be recorded

Att.

Tho. P Smith C.B.C.

State of Kentucky

I, Thomas P. Smith Clerk of the County Court of Bourbon in the State aforesaid do certify that the foregoing deed of manumision from Thomas Phillips to Wm Hayden is truly copied from the records in my Office

Given under my hand and Seal of said County this fifth day of October eighteen hundred and twenty four & in the 33d year of the Commonwealth

Tho. P. Smith CBC

By A Chs Dickerson J.C.

I certify that the within deed of emancipation was recd unto my office to be recorded in the 16^th Jany 1826

Woodson Wren Clk

By J Greene JC

Petition of William Hayden to the Mississippi State Legislature, ca. 1829

Race and Petitions Project

Series I: Legislative Petitions, PAR #11082904

Natchez barber William Hayden, a man of color, says that the Mississippi Act passed in 1822 concerning slaves and free people of color might well "produce absolute ruin to his prospects." He states that he has a good business, a good reputation, and owned property. In constant danger "of being driven from his home," he asks for "a special act exempting him from that part of the said act which requires his removal from the state."

Legislative Papers, Petitions and Memorials 1817-1839, undated; Record Group 47; Box 17; Volume 16

Edmund Hardin Police Board Records, 1832

Adams County Chancery Court

Police Board Records

P. 16

March Term 1832

Edmund Hardin a free mulatto man twenty two years old five feet 7 ½ inches high a Brick layer by trade satisfied the court of his good character and honest deportment.

It is therefore ordered by the Court that said Edmund Hardin 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 20^th December AD 1831

Eliza Haden Police Board Records, 1832

Adams County Chancery Court

Police Board Records

P. 12

March Term 1832

Eliza Haden a free woman of mulatto complexion about twenty one years of age five feet seven and a quarter inches high satisfied the court of her good character and honest deportment.

It is therefore ordered by the Court that said Eliza Haden 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 20^th December AD 1831.

William Haden Police Board Records, 1832

Adams County Chancery Court

Police Board Records

P. 11

March Term 1832

William Haden a free black man about thirty five years of age five feet eight or nine inches high satisfied the court of his good character and honest deportment. It is therefore ordered by

the Court that said William Haden 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 20^th December AD 1831.

Jan. 30, 1836 (Johnson Diary)I got a note from Young Bill Haden for $10, which sum I Loaned him, by the hand of the Black man that came for it [footnote: “Young Bill Haden” (or Haden’s Boy”) was the son of a Negro barber named William Haden, who had been freed in Kentucky in 1824. The elder Haden had come to Natchez in the same year, and had been granted permission to remain in the state by a special act of the legislature in 1828 and by the Adams County Police Board in 1832. Johnson Diary, p. 98].

Feb. 2, 1836 (Johnson Diary)I had to whip Little Bill & John for fighting in the shop…I received a Letter from the Capt and he wanted to know if he could hyre young Bill Haden-he offered to give $20 per month to have him work with him

From William Hayden’s narrative [some of the following is directly quoted, some are notes]:

[Remarkable document in that he maintains that he had foresight and envisioned his future freedom through the endowment of God]. “Yeseven the year in which I as to become a free man, was made manifest to me, whilst toiling in servitude and abject misery for the malignant gratification of my fellow manand it was this knowledge which supported me throughout nearly forty years of unjustifiable bondage” (8)

Trajectory of freedom: nine owners, hired out many times, promised freedom by at least four different owners and many people told him he should, by all rights, by freed

These feelings all aided him in the fight for freedomthat he was unjustly held in a state of servitude and fueled him in seeking it

He was born 1785 in Bell-plains, Stafford County, Virginia

Separated from mother at 5 years old to be a nurse til 7

Sent to mistress’s brother after he ran away to his mother

Sold to someone in Kentucky as mistress’s servant and promised freedom “as soon as Miss Polly arrived at marriageable age” “This raised my spirits to a high degree, and I became still more attentive to my duties, determining to deserve, if it were really in my power, my freedom from bondage..Naught but the thought of being a FREE MAN filled my mind from morning until night” (14)

Learned rope-making and hired out to a series of people and during these times, fished and sold them to the market, learned to read and write by children of one of the men he was hired out to and then later in a workshop

Also served as a teacher to enslaved childrenafter being invited to different enslaved people’s owners’ households to teach, “when their masters became acquainted with me, they appeared surprised that a slave negro, should be so superior in learning to the free negroes, and declared that a person of my information should be immediately set free” (19)

Driving desire to see mother and to have her emancipated

In 1810, he was purchased by Governor Garrard and transferred him to Mr. Hawkins with the understanding “that at the expiration of five years I was to be set free, and furnished as a freedom gift with a horse, saddle and bridle, and a suit of clothes, worth at least $100 to carry me home to Virginia” (41) This, apparently, was in writing.

But Hawkins went bankrupt and had to transfer him to his brother who in turn tried to sell him to someone else, but was unable to.

In 1817, he made a deal with a slave-trader, Thomas Phillips “with the understanding that if he could induce me to sell myself to him, he would let him have me for $650. Mr. H. was aware, that if this arrangement could be made, that I would be removed to a strange place, where none knew me and that probably I would (51) soon forget the promises made of setting me free” (52).

First arrived in Natchez in 1812When Phillips was questioned by local prospective buyers if Hayden was really enslaved and he asked them why they asked, they replied that “he appears too independent to serveyou must put another brow upon him, before you will be able to sell him in this market. He’s entirely too free with the tongue” (80).

Hayden, after learning from what had happened with Mr. Hawkins, wanted papers drawn up from Phillips expressing that he would indeed pay him the $300 that he had earned ($200 which he gave him at that point and $100 which Phillips owed him).

After returning North, he was compelled by Phillips to throw away the papers and told they were returning Southhe affirmed he had, but instead sewed them as well as a letter from his friend, Mr. Brent, to Mr. Postlewaite of Natchez giving permission to draw money with the note, into the lining of his coat.

Tried to sell him to Mr. Mawell fraudulentlyHayden confronted Phillips and at that point, “expressly gave him to understand that I recognized myself as a free man, and that I would act in the capacity of a slave to no one” (96-97) and “claimed the privileges of a freeman, and refused to do all acts of servitude which I had hitherto done” (97).

Others in Natchez tried to buy him, including Major Miner (Minor)“but when I related to him my determination; and the understanding which existed between Phillips and myself, together with the means I had of freeing myself, they withdrew their desire, and refused to stand between me and my heart longing ends. Mr. Miner also informed me, that as soon as I had freed myself, if I would come to Natchez and become a citizen of the place, I might depend upon any assistance which lay in his power to render me. To this I consented” (97).

When told that he had been purchased from Phillips by Kit Keyser, he told Keyser “ ‘Purchased me!’ said I, ‘You, sir cannot purchase me; I am a free man, and no power on Earth can compel me to play the part of the Slave any longer. And from my master too;--Sir, who is my master? Have you a Bill of Sale signed by the God of the Universe? If not, you have Bill of Sale from the hands of my master. He alone I acknowledge as suchand He alone will I obey as such!’” (103).

Jailed for six weeks and then freed after the intervention of some friends.

Bill of Relief, from the Legislature of Mississippi:

"AN ACT For the Relief of William Hayden and others.

Sec. 1. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives, of the state of Mississippi, in General Assembly convened, That from and after the passage of this act, it shall, and may be lawful for William Hayden, James Miller, and Hannibal, free men of color, to reside within the limits of the state, any law to the contrary, notwithstanding: Provided, that the said William Hayden, James Miller, and Hannibal, do each and severally enter into bond, with good and sufficient securities, in the sum of five hundred dollars each, payable to the Governor, and his successors in office, conditioned for their good behavior and that they will not become a public charge.

Ch. B. Green,

Speaker of the House of Representatives.

A. M. Scott, L't. Governor,

and speaker of the Senate.

Approved Feb. 14, 1828.

Gerard C. Brandon."

Hazzard/Hazzerd

[See belowLeiperfor more on Charlotte and Bill Hassett/Hazzard/Hazzerd: Leiper, Rosa (alias Rhoda) et al v. Huston, Felix, HNF, 1832]

Bill Hazard Police Board Records, 1832

Adams County Chancery Court

Police Board Records

P. 16

March Term 1832

Ordered by the Court that the application of Bill Hazzard a free man of Colour, for license to remain in this state and? Continued till the 19^th ?? if no Court then till the next June Term of this court

Charlotte Hazzard, Police Board Records, 1832

Adams County Chancery Court

Police Board Records

P. 18

Special March Term 1832

Charlotte Hazzard wife of Bill Hazzard a free woman of Colour about thirty years old about five feet two or three inches high and of a yellow complexion satisfied the court of her good character and honest deportment.

It is therefore ordered by the Court that she Charlotte 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 20^th December AD 1831.

Heankley

Jonathon Heankley1 male 100 +; 1 female 10-24; 1 female 36-55 (#s not matching up, slaves?) (1840 Natchez census)

John Heankley Police Board Records, 1832

Adams County Chancery Court

Police Board Records

P. 6

March Term 1832

John Heankley, a free negro man of dark complexion about six feet high forty five years of age and blind in his left eye having satisfied the court of his good character and honest deportment

It is therefore ordered by the Court that said Nathan Johnson (?) be and he is hereby authorized and 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 20^th December AD 1831.

Henngueta

Angelica and others, free papers, 1823

Adams County Chancery Court

Deed Book N

Pgs. 265-6

Angelica and others, free papers

In the City of New Orleans, on the thirteenth of March A.D. ? before me the Clerk and witness, appeared the Senor Licentiste Don ? GevanaAssessor General of the Intendency, Alcado of the first ward? Of this city and its jurisdiction and testamentary Executor of Wills. Donna Margarita Gengen Bauvais, Widow of Don Thomas Bentley according to the tenor of the writing and will that is before me, of the date November fourth of the year past A.D. ? at which time said Senor E Don Thomas Bently, did, and ?? in virtue of the definitive act of the Senor Baron de Carondelet, Knight of the Order of St. John, Yula? Marshal of the Royal ? Govornor and Commandant General and Vice Patron Royal of these provinces of Luisiana and West Florida, by the advice and consent of the Senor, Doctor, Don, Nicholas Maria Vidal, Lieutenant Governor Auditor of War and Assessor General of this Government on the eleventh of the present Month, it is declared that the Senor Ortogante shall execute the Testamentary articles, ??of the wills of the said of the said Donna Margarita Gengen, and it being and of them one of the clauses of the wills that there should be granted to her slaves Celeste, Henngueta, Miguel & Juan Bautista, Mulatto brothers & sisters, as also to the negress named Angelica, using those powers which the laws grant her, in virtue of that which the Testatrine has of giving, she grants by the presents & representing their persons, that she frees and liberates from all subjection, Bondage and Servitude the said slaves, Celeste, Henngueta, Miguel Juan Bautista, and Agngelica that they may hold it, and be no longer subject to her. By which means, she deprives of and separates from, and divests of and ? from said succession, the right of property, possession, use, Dominion and authority, that she had to said slaves, and all she held in them, She yields to them, renounces and transport So that as free persons, they may devise contract, purchase, vend, appear in Judgment, grant writing and wills, and do all of the Judicial and extra=Judicial acts that may do and do these persons who are exercising their freedom; and declared that neither the heirs of said Succession nor their Successors shall reclaim them in any manner whatsoever, Since they would do it by the mere act, they cannot possible be heard or listened to? & it must inevitably be seen that she has approved it and complied with all the necessary requisites, adding to it, strength strength [sic] & contract to contract, to the fulfillment of which said succession, is obliged in every form (or items) of law

[More details not transcribed but archived in N.O. in 1797 and recorded in Natchez 8^th December 1823 by Woodson Wren & Robert Piggot]

Higdon

E. Newman to Negro Limerick, Manumission

Adams County Chancery Court

Deed Book M

P. 348

“Know all men by these presents that I Ezekiel Newman of Adams County and State of Mississippi have this day emancipated and do by these presents emancipate forever a black man slave named Limerick for the valuable consideration of 600 dollars to me in hand paid by the said Limerick the receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge and do forever warrant the freedom of the aforesaid Limerick free from the claim of myself, my heirs, executors, administrators and assigns, and from all and every person or persons claiming or to claim in the law, in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 28^th day of March 1822.

E. Newman to Negro Limerick, Sale of Sukey and Orville

Adams County Chancery Court

Deed Book R

P. 157

Ezekiel Newman to Limerick Higdon

“Know all men by these presents that I Ezekiel Newman of Adams County and State of Mississippi have this day bargained and sold and delivered and do by these presents bargain sell and deliver unto Limerick Higdon (a free man of color) one negro woman slave, named Sukey together with her youngest son, named Orville Winans, the aforesaid woman and child being wife and son of the said Limerick Higdon, for the valuable consideration of 550 dollars, the receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge and do forever warrant the freedom of the aforesaid Limerick free from the claim of myself, my heirs, executors, administrators and assigns, and from all and every person or persons claiming or to claim in the law, in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 29^th day of December 1827.

Limerick Higdon, Manumission of Suckey and Orville

Adams County Chancery Court

Deed Book R

P. 158

Limerick Higdon to Suckey and Orville Winans

“Know all men by these presents that I, Limerick Higdon, a free man of color of the County of Adams and State of Mississippi, do by these presents and of my free will and accord manumit and set free and discharge from servitude a certain negro woman named Suckey and her son named Orville Winans, being my lawful wife and child and purchased by me from Ez. Newman of said County and held by me in virtue of a bill of sale dated the 29^th December 1827 and duly recorded in the clerks office of said county. 21 December 1829.

Thomas Hurst & Wife to Limerick Higdon, a FMC, 1827

Adams County Chancery Court

Deed Book R, part 1

Pgs. 123-4

[Not transcribing but noting key details: Property bought by Higdon on 12/17/28 for $500, 100 acresneighbors Alexander Montgomery, William Brooks, Peter Windsor?, and Samuel Montgomery, originally owned by Benjamin Newman and then sold to Thomas Hurst in 1811. Recorded 2/7/29]

Hockett

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 (1850 Natchez Census).

Hoggatt

Anthony Hoggatt29 mm, carpenter w/John, 27 mm; Elliot, 4 mm; Louisa, 2 mf; Deebry Adams, 18 mf, seamstress; Emiline, 16 mf, seamstress (1860 Natchez census)

Wilford Hoggatt Will, 1840

Adams County Chancery Court

Will Book 2

Pgs. 229-30

28 Aug., 1840Whare as on the twenty fourth day of December eightteen hundred and twenty four in the State of Louisiana and parish of St helena a certain Negro wooman by the name of Feby, paid to me in hand for her own freedom five hundred and fifty dollars and since my removal into the State of Mississippi has had born from her boddy, the following named children(viz) Jeffrey, William, Antony, Gim, Abb, Emiline, and Eliza, being in number five boys and two girls, -my wish is that the wman Feby and her seven children have ther freedom, and I do hereby free them from myself, and deed them free from myself, and deed them free from all claims of all persons whatever, my wish is and I do hereby give to the wooman Febe, six hundred dollars for services rendered for Sixteen years at fifty dollars per year, I further give and devis to a molatto girl Mary aged four years or there abouts her freedom and do hereby deed to her, her freedom free from me and all others, I give and bequeath to the eight children…all of my Estate both real and personal, that is I give to each one of them and equal portion of Land and Slaves Stock and household furniture as they attain to the age of twenty one years, the three girls I wish to get or be given ther portion of my Estate when they arive to the age of sixteen years of age over the boys to receive their portion at the age of twenty one years, I wish when the money is collected that is due me or left after paying off my debts, to be laid out in the purchase of Slaves and placed on the farm for the support of Said eight children untill they becum of age, and the estate to be increased by the remainders of procedes of crops should there be any after furnishing a support, having four thousand Acres of Land in Texas I wish the same to be equally divided amongst the before named eight children.”

May 4, 1841 (Johnson Diary)To Day I went up to McCarys Shop and told Him that I had two Little Boys and was requested by Mr. Hogatt to get situations for them to Learn a trade of some KindHe wanted one of them and I Gave Him Choice of the two, Jefferson and William. He Like the Look of Wm Best tho Wm told Him that He wanted to Live with me so Mc then said He would take the otherAccordingly I sent jeff up to Him this Evening.

May 12, 1841 (Johnson Diary)This morning Shortly After Breakfast time The Boy William ran off and Took with Him Jeff, His Brother, that I had put with McCary. They both went Out Home. They are Boys that were put up with me by Mr. N. Hogatt. William was the Cause in TotoFrom what I have seen of Him I am inclined to think that He is a Boy of no kind of Energy.

June 6, 1841 (Johnson Diary)Pheebe, the mother of William & Jeff, Children of Mr Wilford Hogatt, Came in together with Emeline & Misouri and Little January Hogatthey remained untill after Dinner and then Left Leaving Misouri and January to stay in townThe Boy is to stay with the girl as Company for Her, for a few days Tis a good Idea. But from the appearance of the Little Girl I am inclined to think she is stuborn an of Strong passions and not Easily managedI am pretty shure that is the Case with her

Jan. 5, 1842 (Johnson Diary)I Took Emeline and Mosuri up to Miss Dowells to day for to Stay if they would suite, I Left them with her and Told them it would be well to stay thare untill Mr Hoggatt Came in Himself from the Country

Jan. 19, 1842 (Johnson Diary)Emeline and Mosouri went out home to day Just before the Rain and they were Caught in it no Doubt. They Came away from Miss Dwells night before LastThey were thare to Learn to sew but the old Lady was too Foul mouthed Intirely. It would not do [Footnote: Emiline and Missouri were slaves under the control of planter Nathaniel Hoggatt, Jr.: Miss Dowell was the only woman in Natchez advertising as the owner for a store. Her advertisement offered her customers “Tuscan Braid,” straw bonnets, shoes for children and ladies, and carpeting. Natchez Courier, December 28, 1841, Johnson diary, 368].

Manumission of Anthony Hoggatt and others, by Nathaniel Hoggatt, Jr., 1855

Adams County Chancery Court

Deed Book LL

P. 208

Alford notes that Anthony is 24, Absaloem, 21, William, 26, James, 22, Emily, 16, are freed with him, as are Nelly, 21, William, 2, and Octavy, 4 most (Nelly, the mother of William and Octavy who are described as 7/8 white) 50.

Nelly and children, manumission from Nathanial Hoggatt, 1855

Adams County Chancery Court

Deed Book NN

Pgs. 164-5

Nelly and children Deed of Manumission

Know all men by these presents that Nathaniel Hoggatt of the County of of [sic] Adams and State of Mississippi by his attorney in fact Fleming W Harris duly appointed by warrant of attorney in writing by said Nathaniel Hoggatt Jr. bearing date the 6^th day of July A.D. 1855. In consideration of the sum of three Dollars to him in hand paid, and for divers other good and sufficient causes him thereunto moving to hereby emancipate, manumit, set free and forever discharge from all claim of servitude or slavery to him his heirs or assigns, or to any other person or persons whomsoever the parties hereinafter mentioned and named as follows. To wit: Nelly, a mulatto woman twenty one years of age, also her male child aged two years, named William very bright mulatto seven eights white, also her female child named Octavy, seven eights white four months old.

[More details not transcribed, received into office 3/27/61 and recorded 3/28/61]

Holland

Francis Holland, affidavit of freedom, 1805

Adams County Chancery Court

Deed Book D

Pgs. 37-8

Hezekiah Beadley Hezekiah Beadley of Lexington in the State of Kentucky

Affidavet of Francis Holland maketh Oath that he has Known Francis Holland a Mulatto

Recd 14^th March 1805 man aged about thirty one years born in Prince William County in the State of Virginia from the Earliest Infancy of the Said Francis that the Said Francis was Born of a free White Woman of the name of Mary Holland and that [illegible] been taken and reputed and is to the [illegible] Husband a free Person City of Natchez [illegible]Wife Acknowledge

p. 38

before me the under signed Mayor of the City aforesaid the 14^th Day of March 1805

Sam Brooks Mayor

Emancipation of E. Holland, 1819

Adams County Chancery Court

Deed Book L

P. 186

E. Holland’s Freedom

State of Illinois

Randolph County

I William C. Greenup Clerk of the Circuit Court of Randolph County aforesaid do hereby certify that on this day Edom Holland a negro man about 51 years of age about 5 feet ten Inches in height, has a scar over his right eye and another on the back of his head, slim make, produced to me at my office a certificate signed by William Stone Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions of Hickman CountyState of Tennessee, stating that the said Edom was emancipated by Robert Dunning Esq. in said Court at the October term 1809. And a certificate of the same being registered in Jackson County in the State of Illinois the 7^th July 1818 whereby it appears that said Edam is a free man and to whom this certificate is granted making the same known to all whom it may concern pursuant to the act passed at the last Session of the General Assembly.

Given under my hand and the seal of the Circuit Court at Kaskaskia, this ninth day of October in the year of our Lord 1819.

Wm C. Greenup

I Certify that the within Certificate was recieved into my office to be recorded on the 10^th day of July 1820

Woodson Wren Clk

By Howell Moss D.C.

Holloway

C. Holloway26 mf, “FN,” MS; V., 7mf; E.B., 4mm; Catherine, 13mf living w/wm A. Middleton, 30 bookmaker, MS (1850 Natchez census)

John Holloway23 mm, “FN,” MS and Harriet Yates, 20 mf (1850 Natchez census)

Peter Holloway70 mm, “FN,” MS, w/Cyrena?, 60mf; Floyd, 28mm; Sarah Ann, 20mf; Patsey, 20mf twins with Vinny; Samuel, 25mm; William, 22mm; Marshall; 16mm; George?, 14mm; lafayette, 11mm; Washington, 8mm; Oleana? 6 1/2mf; Amelia, 12mf; Ellen, 4mf (1850 Natchez census)

Holly

Daniel Holly30 mm, barber, MS, w/Mary, 40 mf; Mary Annable?---?, 8 mf (1860 Natchez census)

Hopkins

Amelia Hopkins1 fpc (Census of 1818, Adams County)

Hoy

Hannah1 female 24-36 (listed as manufacturer/trader) (1840 Natchez census)

Huffman/Matthews

M.J. Matthews (Melvina?)48 wf [passing?], $10,000 R.E., $8,000 P.E., VA (1860 Adams Co. census)

Eliza Perry's Nuncupative Will, 1833

Adams County Chancery Court

Will Book 2

P. 46

Eliza Perry's Nuncupative Will

State of Mississippi Probate Court

Adams County-- Sept. Term 1833

Personally appeared in open Court, Maria Wilson Margaret Clipinger and Nancy Josey who severally being sworn do depose and say that on the fourteenth day of this present month and in the time of the last sickness of Eliza Perry who departed this life on the 16^th day this present month at Natchez where she had resided for ten next preceding the time of her death. The said Eliza Perry now deceased called on each of the above named who were then present to bear testimony that it was her last Will. That Melvina Jane Houghman should take, have and possess by virtue of her will aforesaid, all and singular her personal estate left at her death and then in the City of New Orleans where the said Eliza had lately residedwhich estate and property was mentioned over by her according to the schedule as follows to witOne. Mahogany bedstead six common bedsteadssix Feather beds and bed clothingone mattressTwo. Mahogany Bureaus and one pair Card Tables in the possession of C.C. Hall of New OrleansOne large dining Table, Six Rice bottom chairsone larger reed bottom chair, Twelve Common lower? Chairs, Two SetteesTwo imported CarpetsOne large mantle Glass-Two pair Hand IronsSix Wash Stands and her own likeness all except as aforesaid in the possession Mary Herington--

And the witnesses aforesaid further say and depose that the said Eliza Perry at the time of her death was of sound and disposing mindwas not a married womanand was above the age of Eighteen yearsand all her other property whoever if might be

Sworn and subscribed in

Open Court this 24^th day Margaret Clinger (her mark)

Of Sept. 1833 Maria Wilson (her mark)

C. Rawlings

Judge

Whereupon the said Melvina Jane Houghman prays that the nuncupative will of said Eliza Perry as aforesaid may be established according to the Statute in such case made and provided and that letters testamentary on her estate with the will annexed may be granted to her.

Malvina Jane Houghman

By Wm Vannersaw

Her attorney

John R. Wells to Melvina J. Huffman, 1834

Adams County Chancery Court

Deed Book BB

Pgs. 306-307

“John R. Wells to Melvina Jane Huffman. This indenture made the twenty seventh day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty four between John R. Wells of the city of Natchez of the one part and Melvina Jane Huffman of said city of the other part. Witnesseth that the said John R. Wells for and in consideration of fifteen hundred dollars to him in hand paid by the said Melvina Jane Huffman at or before the sealing and delivery of these presents the ?? whereof is hereby acknowledged and the said Melvina Huffman her heirs executors and administrators forever released and discharged these from by these presents have granted bargained sold conveyed and confirmed [some text not transcribed]…all that lot or parcel of ground with the dwelling house thereupon situated on the Mississippi Bluff near the lighthouse in the city of Natchez originated on the map p?? and o?? by Levin Wails surveyor of said city recorded in the office of the clerk of the county court of the county of Adams by the number 24 bounded on the northeast by lot no 23 on the southwest by lot no 25 on the southeast by the northwest boundary by the common or promenade ground reserved? In the compromise between the corporation of the city of Natchez and Jefferson College having a front of ?? from said common to the bluff being parallel and ?? at 60 degrees west as indicated by the magnetic needle without allowance for variation which is at this time 8 degrees 47 minutes 30” east of north being the same lot and house purchased by the said John R. Wells from Thomas E. Green administrator de bons non?? Of the estate of William Shannon deceased and which is more particularly described in the deed of indenture from the said Thomas Green to the said John R Wells which said deed of indenture is now on record in the clerks office…2/27/1834”

Melvina J. Huffman to Oliver Bemiss, 1841

Adams County Chancery Court

Deed Book CC

Pgs. 568-570

“Melvina J. Hoffman to Oliver Bemiss. This indenture made the twenty ninth day of Aprilin the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and forty one, between Malvina J. Huffman of the county of Adams and state of Mississippi, of the first part, Alfred Bemiss of the town of Hartford and the state of Connecticut of the second part and Oliver L. Bemiss of said county of Adams and said state of Mississippi, of the third part Witnesseth

That the said party of the first part, for and in consideration of the esteem and regard for the said party of the third part, and for in consideration of the sum of five hundred dollars to her in hand paid by the said party of the second part, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, and which said party of the second part is hereby nominated and appointed by these presents, trustee and hereinafter fully described, and also for divers other good causes and considerations, the said party of the first part forming hath given granted aliened, [ETC to the second party] all that certain lot or parcel of ground and land, situated, lying and being upon the Bluff in the city of Natchez, County of Adams and state of Mississippi, designated as a map projected and drafted by Lewis Wailes Surveyor of said city recorded in the office of the clerk of the probate court of said county of Adams as Lot number twenty four [same one sold to her by John R. Wells, I’m not going into the description!] Together with the dwelling house thereon situated on said lot of land, and all singular the appurtenances, herditaments, privileged, and advantages whatsoever unto the above described and hereby granted [some text not transcribed]

Also a certain female slave named Sarah, of a yellow complexion, a slave for life, and aged about twenty years Also all and sundry the household furniture and ornaments of every description now in said dwelling house, occupied by the said party of the first part and situated upon the said lot of land above conveyed and describedconsisting of one mahogany bed stead and bedding thereunto appertaining six cherry bedsteads, and bedding, thereunto belonging, one mahogany clothes press, one mahogany book case, three bureaus, one side board, two card tables, two dining tables, six carpets, two sofas, six wash stands, with washing utensils thereunto belonging, six looking glasses, twelve mattresses, six featherbeds, four setts of silver table and tea spoons, one set silver sugar tongs, and set silver salt spoons, four dozen chairs all the kitchen and cooking utensils of every description now in said dwelling house and its appurtenanceshereby intending to convey, as well the said lot of land, and the dwellings thereon situate and other buildings as all contained therein of every description May 7, 1841.

[Then, the same day, she sold the house and lot to Charles Reynolds for $2,043., Book CC, p. 571].

Melvina J. Huffman to Alfred Bemiss, Trustee, 1842

Adams County Chancery Court

Deed Book DD

Pgs. 467-468

“Melvina J. Huffman to Alfred Bemiss, Trustee

This indenture made the sixteenth day of November, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty two, between Melvina Jane Huffman of the County of Adams and State of Mississippi of the first part, Alfred Bemiss of the town of East Hartford and the state of Connecticut of the second part, and Oliver L. Bemiss of the said County of Adams and said state of Mississippi of the third part. Witnesseth, that the said party of the first part for and in consideration of her esteem and regard for the said party of the third part, and for and in consideration of the sum of five dollars to her in hand paid by the said party of the second part, the receipt where of is hereby acknowledged and which said party of the second part, is hereby nominated and appointed by these presents trustee and hereafter fully described and also for divers other good causes and considerations the said party of the first part proving, hath given, granted, ??, confessed, and confirmed, and by these presents doth give, grant, alien, enfeoff??, and confirm unto the said party of the second part, trustee and hereinafter described and his successors duly appointed, by provision hereafter set forth as trustee aforesaid. The following Negro slaves biz one Negro woman slave named Rachel aged about forty years, of dark complexion-one Negro woman slave named Winney aged bout forty two years, black-one Negro girl slave named Emma Jane aged six years, bright mulatto all slaves for life, to have and to hold the said Rachel, Winney, and Emma Jane, all slaves for life unto the said party of the second part. Trustee as aforesaid and his successors appointed as hereinafter described, Forever. But in trust however and for the following uses and purposes to wit. First that the said Melvina Jane Huffman, the party of the first part shall have and retain during her term of her natural life peaceable and undisturbed possession of the above conveyed and described Negro slaves and retain and enjoy the profits thereof during the said term of her natural life, without let, hindrance or deduction of any kind, growing out of the acts of the other parties to this indenture. Second. That immediately upon the decease of her the said Melvina Jane Huffman the party of the first part, it shall and may be lawful and the said trustee, the party of the second part, or his successors, shall take the necessary legal steps that the said Oliver L. Bemiss or his heirs take possession of said slaves Rachel, Winney, and Emma Jane and that he enjoy the issue and profits thereof foreverThird, that after the decease of the said party of the first part, the said party of the second part trustee as aforesaid on his successors upon the request of the said Oliver L. Bemiss, the said party of the third part, shall make and perfect by proper legal instruments, a complete and perfect title to the above described Negro slaves Rachel, Winney, and Emma Jane to him said Oliver L. Bemiss and his heirs forever and after the decease of the said Oliver L. Bemiss in default of such request, forthwith to make such title to his said Oliver L. Bemiss’s heirs or assigns. FourthIf the said Malvina Jane Huffman shall survive the said Oliver L. Bemiss then and in that case immediately upon her decease it shall be the duty of the said trustee or his successors forthwith to make a perfect a similar title s before described to the said above described and conveyed three Negro slaves Winney, Rachel, and Emma Jane to the legal heirs or assigns of said Oliver BemissIt being [some text not transcribed]…11/16/1842”

Joseph Winscott to Malvina J. Huffman, 1845

Adams County Chancery Court

Deed Book FF

Pgs. 121-123

“Joseph Winscott to Malvina J. Huffman, Deed” 9/27/1845 [He sold her the lot #23 [Fanny Leiper’s), which abutted her lot #24 for $100. The lot he said was]: “being the same lot of land heretofore conveyed by Katherine Minor Executrix and John Minor Executor of the last will and testament of Stephen Minor deceased to Simon Rice by deed bearing date the 28^th day of February A.D. 1829, and since conveyed by Simon Rice to John R. Wells, by deed bearing date the day of A.D. 1833 and since conveyed by John R. Wells to Joseph Winscot, and Nancy Leiper by deed bearing date the 19^th day of April A.D. 1836….10/3/1845”

Malvina J. Huffman to Edward J. Matthews, 1852

Adams County Chancery Court

Deed Book II

Pgs. 251-2

“Malvina J. Huffman to Edward J. Matthews. This indenture made the tenth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty two between Malvina J. Huffman of the city of Natchez County of Adams…and in consideration of three hundred dollars to her in hand paid. This being a part of the same lot conveyed by Joseph Winscott to the said party of the first part by deed dated 9/27/1845…7/23/1852.”

[Note by Ribianszky: Later, when I was trying to trace him, I came across a deed that indicated that Malvina and Edward J. Matthews were husband and wife, II, 647. Don’t have the marriage record from the book of marriages, but I think they got married in 1851].

William H. Simmons and wife with Melvina J. Huffman, agreement, 1852

Adams County Chancery Court

Deed Book II

P. 113

William H. Simmons and wife with Melvina J. Huffman, agreement

This Indenture made and entered into this eighth day of May in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and fifty two, between William Simmons and Mary Simmons his wife of the County of Adams and State of Mississippi of the first part and Melvina J Hoffman of the same County and State of the other part. Witnesseth, that the said parties of the first part for and in consideration of the promises hereinafter mentioned and also for the further consideration of one dollar to them in hand paid by the said party of the second part have put and placed and by these presents do hereby put and bind out their daughter Kate Simmons to the said Malvina J Hoffman, to dwell with and yield obedience to the said Malvina J. Hoffman from the day of the date hereof until the said Kate shall arrive at the age of twenty one years, which will be on the nineteenth day of April in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and Seventy. And the said parties of the first part further covenant, promise, and agree to forego all control over the said Kate, and do hereby delegate all the lawful authority and control that they may possess over the said Kate unto the said party of the second part for and during the time specified in this indenture. And the said Malvina J. Hoffman on her part and for and in consideration of the premises aforesaid agrees to cause the said Kate Simmons to be taught and instructed to read and write and to be instructed in the branches of a good common English education and also to provide her with good clothing necessary and proper for her situation, and to board the said Kate for the time herein specified

[recorded May 8, 1852]

Malvina J. Mathews vs. Edwin J. Mathews, 1860

Adams County Chancery Court

Chancery Court Case No. 108

Box No. 11

The State of Mississippi

Adams County

Know all men by these presents that we Malvina J. Matthews and Stephen Odell and Wm H Horbes are held and firmly bound unto Edwin J Matthews in the Sum of Two thousand dollars to be paid to the said Edwin J. Matthews his heirs executors administrators or assigns, for which payment well and truly to be made we bind ourselves, our and each of our heirs, executors, and administrators firmly by these presents, Sealed with our seals and dated this 7^th day of January AD 1860:

The conditions of this obligation is such that whereas the above bounden Malvina J. Matthews in a certain cause depending in the Chancery Court of said County whereas she is Complainant and the said Edwin J. Matthews is defendant hath sued? out of Court a writ of Injunction restraining him the said Edwin J Matthews against removing, taking possession of or inter??ing with certain property described in said cause, as real property situated on the Bluff in the City of Natchez, negro slaves named Frank, Charlotte, Susan, and Ellen, a debt due by Frederick Thomas of about Sixteen Hundred and fifty dollars, one due by Annason Davis and wife of about Eleven Hundred dollars one due by Stephen Ellis of about two hundred dollars, one due by Charles W. Benbrook of about Seven hundred dollars as well as other effects of her separate property or with the rents hire or profits thereof. Now if the said Malvina J. Matthews shall pay all damages and costs which may be awarded her or which the said Edwin J Matthews may otherwise suffer or sustain by reason of the suing out of said Injunction in case the same shall be dissolved then this obligation shall become void, otherwise to remain in full force and effect

Malvina J. Matthews seal

S. Odell seal

Wm H Forbe

The State of Mississsippi

Adams County In the Chancery Court of said country

7 May Term 1860

To the Honorable Wm? Cassidy

Judge of the Court

Humbly complaining showeth unto your honor your oratrix Malvina J. Matthews the wife of Edwin J. Matthews a citizen of said County & state, complainantin this suit, & who presents the same against her said husband by Joseph C. Russell a resident of this county as her next friend, that on the 23^rd day of November in the year 1832, your oratrix and the said Edwin J. Matthews who then have since recorded in this County were lawfully joined in the holy bonds of matrimony. And that from the date of their said marriage until the recent desertion of the said Edwin of your oratrix hereinafter mentioned, they cohabit together as man and wife; and that your oratrix has at all times considered herself as a dutiful and faithful wife to her said husband.

And your oratrix further shows that until only lately she supposed and ?? believed that the said Edwin J. Matthews was & would continue to be faithful to his marriage vows, and hoped that nothing would occur to disturb or mar the happiness which she fondly & justly promised herself from her union with her said husband. But your oratrix much to her mortification & astonishment has lately been informed, & she states the truth to be that in about three years after the date of said marriage the said Edwin J. Matthew, utterly disregarding his plighted faith, abandoned himself to a carnal intercourse with lewd women, some of whom for a ?? specification in the premises are hereinafter named.

That about the ___ day of _____in the year 1833 the said Edwin J. Matthews committed adultery with one Mary Simmons a lewd woman residing in said county and at ?? times thereafter had a carnal knowledge of the said Mary.

That at ?? (own’s) times after his first unlawful intercourse with the said Mary the said Edwin J. Matthews as your oratrix is now informed had an adulterous intercourse with other lewd & abandoned women living in said county whose names are unknown to your oratrix.

That about three years ago, to wit, on the ____day of ____in the year ______ your oratrix purchased with the income & monies? Of her own separate property a certain negro woman named Sabra of mulatto complexion, & that your oratrix was a short time ago informed that soon after said purchase the said Edwin J. Matthews had a carnal & adulterous intercourse with said Negress which became habitual as is now ?? confirmed by him, that about three months ago he utterly abandoned & deserted your oratrix.

And your oratrix further shows that on the 2^nd day of January 186? The said Edwin J. Matthews having before as aforesaid utterly abandoned & deserted your oratrix, took to his exclusive possession & deprived your oratrix of the possession & services of the said negro woman: & that since then he has at the same time appropriated exclusively to himself the favors of said negress & kept her as a concubine.

And your oratrix further shows that at the time of her said marriage she was the owner & in possession of a valuable real property situated on the bluff in the city of Natchez & a considerable property in slaves: that with income rents & proceeds thinks? She has since ?? purchased the following negro slaves, to wit: Frank, Charlotte, Susan, & Ellen, yet remaining in her possession, and that she is now the owner in her own right of other valuable effects & rights on ?? consisting partly of a debt one by Frederick Thomas ? by mortgage & nom? About to be collected amounting to about the sum of $1650, a debt one by Amasa Davis & wife of about $1100, also ? by mortgage a debt of about $200, one by Stephen Ellis and a debt of about $400, one by Charley Benbrook that at the date of said marriage the said Edwin J. Matthew had no property except a house & lot worth about $300, which he has since sold & that he has at no time since acquired any property ? beyond what he has consumed for his personal ??

And your oratrix further shows that the said Edwin J. Matthews since his said desertion has been without any regular pursuit or employment, & in fact without any fixed place of abode. Your oratrix is informed that he and the said negro woman Sabra have been lately and that they are now lodging together in concubinage at a room attached to a stable? In said city. That having no tie? Or connection in this state there is great danger that said Edwin J. Matthews will remove with said negro out of this state. Your oratrix has endeavored to obtain possession of this negress, but she has been forcibly prevented therefrom by the yet subsisting marital control of her said husband [this sentence is really difficult to read…not sure if this is absolutely right]

And your oratrix further shows that by reason of the very unhappy condition of the relation between her and the said husband this & his ?? of property or any resources of his own, there is great danger of a removal by him from the state, & out of the possession and control of your oratrix, unless he shall be restrained therefrom by the process of this Court.

And your oratrix further shows that the said several acts of adultery committed by the said Edwin J. Matthews and set forth in this bill of complaint were intended by him to be ?? and in no case committed by collusion with your oratrix for the purpose of obtaining divorce: and that your oratrix & the said Edwin J. have not cohabited together since your oratrix has been informed of any of said acts of ifidelity??

Your oratrix in consideration of the premise? Prays that said Edwin J. Matthews may be summoned to answer this bill of complain, and that the said marriage of your oratrix & the said Edwin J. Matthews may be dissolved by the order of this court. And your oratrix further prays that a writ of sequestration may be issued out of and under the seal of this court commanding the sheriff of said County of Adams to seize & take into possession the said negro woman slave Sabra to hold the same until the further order of this court, or until the said Edwin J. Matthews shall enter into bond according to the statutes for such cases. And your oratrix further prays that the said Edwin J. Matthews may until a final hearing of this cause be restrained by writ of injunction from removing, taking possession of, or intermeddling with any of the said separate property of your oratrix or the rents hires or profits thereof, and for such & further relief on the final hearing of this cause as may be deemed most proper

[Info from Broussard, Joyce. “Stepping Lively in Place: The Free Black Women of Antebellum Natchez” in Mississippi Women: Their Histories, Their LivesVolume 2, ed. by Elizabeth Anne Payne, Martha H. Swain, and Marjorie Julian Spruill. Athens: University of Georgia Press, 2010…She maintains that Malvina was arrested 8 times from 1841-1860 on charges ranging from selling liquor without a license to assault and battery to keeping a bawdy house, p. 27].

Hunter

Thomas Barland44 mm, laborer, $17,000 R.E, $12,000 P.E., MS, ??, 35 mf; Mary Gaston, 38 mf; Susannah Barland, 30 mf; Alexander, 21 mm, laborer; Betsy Hunter, 28 mf; Anna J., 6 mf; Thomas Barland, 2 mm; Walter, 1 mm; Nancy, 16 mf (1860 Natchez Census)

Hutchins

[Info from Broussard, Joyce. “Stepping Lively in Place: The Free Black Women of Antebellum Natchez” in Mississippi Women: Their Histories, Their LivesVolume 2, ed. by Elizabeth Anne Payne, Martha H. Swain, and Marjorie Julian Spruill. Athens: University of Georgia Press, 2010, p. 26, she writes that she was the daughter of Cassandra Bossley/Earhart and probably her mother's second owner, Anthony Hutchins. She also writes that she was probably emancipated at the same time as Cassandra in 1803].

I

Isaac

Manumission of Isaac by James Moore, 1801

Adams County Chancery Court

Deed Book I

Pgs. 78-9

Alford, Deed Book I, 78-9. In his footnote, he notes that Moore paid John Sprigg of Ohio County, VA $280 for Isaac's service for 8 years (3/1/1801 to 3/1/1809. Thereafter, to be freed).

J

Jack

Mary H. Green's Will, 1825

Adams County Chancery Court

Will Book 1

Pgs. 337-8

[Widow of Abner Green who freed Belile & Bess]

In consequence of the very faithful Services rendered unto me and to my family, by my three slaves, old Aggy, Billy the Gardener & Butcher, and Jack the Stock driver, it is my Will and desire that they be emancipated and set free immediately

p. 338

after my death, and for this purpose, and for this alone I give and bequeath the said three negro Slaves to my Executors to be herein after named, who are hereby requested and enjoined to cause the same to be done in this State or elsewhere, and the expenses attending the same shall be paid out of my personal Estate…[names her son and sons in law the executors and gives them $2,000 in trust to them for the following:] for the support, comfort and maintenance of the negro slave Old Aggy above mentioned, the sum of one thousand dollars, and for the support comfort and maintenance of the said slave Billy the sum of five hundred dollars, and for the support comfort and maintenance of the said slave Jack the sum of Five hundred dollars the said sums of money so held in trust for the said Negroes to paid to or for them the said Negroes Old Aggy, Billy, and Jack, at such times and in such manner as to them the said Trustees shall seem most advisable for their, the said negroes comfort and happiness, whether they the said salves, shall or shall not, be emancipated, and I do hereby request my said son James Green to permit the said three negroes to reside upon the place where I now live, if they the said negroes, shall desire so to do, living their lives and I confidently believe, that he will consider the said Negroes as a Legacy left to his care by his mother, and treat them with the tenderness and consideration that they deserve

ItemI give and bequeath to my said son James Green the following slaves, vizt Phyllis and Patience, to be and remain to him in fee simple, and it is my desire that he will accept the bequest, with the understanding that the slaves Phyllis and Patience shall remain with their husbands Billy and Jack, the two men slaves, herein before directed to be emancipated, during the lives of the said Billy and Jack, and assist in the support and comfort of their said Husbands

[Not all transcribed, just the part relevant to free blacks]

Jackson

Betsey Jackson, Police Board Records, 1832

Adams County Chancery Court

Police Board Records

Pgs. 17-18

Special March Term 1832

Betsey Jackson a free woman of colour of dark complexion about forty seven years old five feet three inches high satisfied the court of her good character and honest deportment.

It is therefore ordered by the Court that said Betsey Jackson

p. 18

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 20^th December AD 1831.

Polly Jackson, Police Board Records, 1832

Adams County Chancery Court

Police Board Records

P. 18

Special March Term 1832

Polly Jackson a free woman of Colour aged about seventeeen years old and about five feet high of and of a dark complexion satisfied the court of her good character and honest deportment.

It is therefore ordered by the Court that said Polly Jackson 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 20^th December AD 1831.

Rachel Jackson, 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.

Rachel Jackson, Police Board Records, June 1832

Adams County Chancery Court

Police Board Records

P. 24

June Term 1832

Thursday morning, June 7^th 1832

Rachel Jackson a free woman of colour about thirty nine years old five feet seven inches high black complexion, satisfied the court of her good character and honest deportment.

It is therefore ordered by the court that the said Rachel Jackson 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 20^th December 1831.

Tena Jackson, Police Board Records, September 1832

Adams County Chancery Court

Police Board Records

P. 27

September Term 1832

Wednesday morning, September 5^th 1832

Tena Jackson a free woman of colour, eighteen years old, about five feet two inches high of dark complexion, satisfied the court of her good character and honest deportment. It is therefore ordered by the court that the said Tena Jackson 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 20^th December 1831. The above was intended to be ordered at March Term, but was overlooked.

Manumission of Mary Jackson by Henry Hopson 1844

Adams County Chancery Court

Deed Book HH

Pgs. 589-90

Alford notes that Hopson freed her for $1.00 consideration.

James

James, Indenture and emancipation to James Ryan, 1804

Adams County Chancery Court

Deed Book C

Pgs. 483-84

This Indenture Witnesseth that James a Negro Boy about nine years of age for and in Confederation of the monies paid Peter ? his late master for his Emanumission [sp] as also the sum of five shillings to him in hand Paid by James Ryan or also for other good causes by the Said James hath bound and Put himself and by these Presents doth Bind and Put himself Servant to the said James Ryan to Save him his Executors and assigns from the day of the date herefor and during the full term of nineteen years from thence most of during all which time the said Servant his said Master his Executors Assigns faithfully shall serve and all that honestly and obediently in all things as a good and dutiful Servant ought to

p. 484

and the Said James Ryan his Executors and Assigns during the term Shall find and Provide for the Said James Sufficient meat Bunk? Clothing washing and lodging and for the ? Performance here of both the said Parties bind themselves firmly unto each other by these Presents in Witness whereof they have here unto interchangeably set their hands and seals dated the Seventeenth Day of August Annogue?? Domini 1795 his

Sealed and delivered in the Presence of us James

Tho. H. Pelliman mark

Mathew Brown bound before me

M. Hillages one of the Aldermen of Philadelphia 5^th March 1797 Recd. Of John B Bond one hundred and fifty Dollars forming Right Title and Interest in the Certain Named Negro James which I have disposed of the above Sum

James Ryan

For Value Received I assign the Within Named boy to M. Gay? Ryan’s or his assigns Philadelphia 21^st April 1798

B Bond

1799 October 20^th M James Ryan appeared before me and acknowledged the above assignement by him to John B Bond

M Hillegas JB Bond

I assign the Indented Boy named Jim? To M John Bick? His Heirs & c for Value Received Nov 1798 Gay Bryan

I assign the above Indented Boy named Jim to Mary Brandon her heirs and assigns for Value Received

Philadelphia July 22 1803 John Bick

I assign the above Indented Boy named James a term? To ?? Linton or assigns for Value Receivd 20^th April 1804

Mary Brandon

Jane or Jenny

John Taylor Manumission of Jane, 1815

Adams County Chancery Court

Deed Book K

P. 306

John Taylor Manumission of Jane, a woman of Colour

Know all men by these presents that I John Taylor at present of the Parish of Corcordia & State of Louisiana by virtue of the proceedings had and done before the Parish court of the Parish aforesaid, do in consideration thereof manumit and set free and release from the bondage of Slavery a certain female slave named Jane or Jenny, about thirty years of age, hereby empowering the said Jane or Jenny henceforward to act for herself [at all costs?] in as full free and ample manner as if she had been born free & I the said John Taylor do hereby covenant and oblige myself to nourish and maintain said Emancipated slave when said slave shall be in want owing to old age, sickness or any other proven infirmity. In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and set my seal the nineteenth day of September anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and fifteen.

John Taylor seal

[More details, but curiously, not the public posting notice]

Jeannette (no last name)

The Natchez Court Records, 1767-1805, Abstracts of Early Records

The May Wilson McBee Collection

Volume 2

Ann Arbor: Edwards Brothers, Inc., 1953

“Enfranchisement. Be it known, etc. that I, Jeannette, a free woman of colour, residing at present in the Dist. of Natchez, having purchased from Don Charles de Grandpre, then Commandant of the Post of Pointe Coupee, a mulatto boy named “Narcisse,” my natural son, now aged 8 years, for which I paid him in cash as will more fully appear in the bill of sale, executed at Pointe Coupee afsd. on 7 June 1781, with the intent to enfranchise and set free from all service whatever the said boy. In virtue of my right and privilege, I do hereby renounce all title to sd mulatto boy, my natural son named “Narcisse,” and by these presents do enfranchise him from all slavery and subjection whatsoever from henceforward and forever, etc., for surety of which I bind all my estate and means…the sd Jeannette, a free woman of colour being well known to me Commandant [Charles de Grandpre] aforesaid and the sd Jeannette declaring that she cannot write…” (p. 11)

Jefferson

Jefferson, Manumission by Anthony Thornton, 1821

Adams County Chancery Court

Deed Book M

P. 373

In footnote Alford says Thornton “is of Hardin County, Kentucky,” p. 44.

Jane Jefferson37 mf, “FN,” MD, w/Margaret, 20mf, MS; Martha, 17mf; Augustus, 16mm; Albert, 9mm; Mary, 14mf; Floyd, 6mm; Medora, 8mf; John, 4mm; Laura, 3mf; M.?, 1mm (1850 Adams Co. census)

Thomas Jefferson2 males –10; 1 male 36-55; 3 females –10; 1 female 24-36 (manufacturer/trader) (1840 Washington census)

Thomas Jefferson Police Board Records, 1832

Adams County Chancery Court

Police Board Records

P. 13

March Term 1832

Thomas Jefferson a free mulatto man about 28 years old five feet five or six inches high a Black Smith by trade satisfied the court of his good character and honest deportment.

It is therefore ordered by the Court that said Thomas Jefferson 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 20^th December AD 1831.

Jenny

Jenny's free papers, 1826

Adams County Chancery Court

Deed Book P

Pgs. 173-4

Jenny's free papers

To the honorable Edward Broughton Esq. Judge of the Parish of Concordia in the State of LouisianaThe petition of James Dunlap of the parish and State aforesaid respectfully represents That in consideration of the services of his female slave Jenny and the further consideration of three hundred dollars paid and to be paid by said Jenny and her children he the said James Dunlap is desirous of emancipating and manumitting her the said Jenny, and the said James declares said slave Jenny to be thirty years of age and upwards…[standard LA doc…honest, non-criminal, etc. 4^th day of May 1821, noted that she is a black woman]

[Recorded by Woodson Wren 29^th day of May 1826]

Jerry

Will of Benajah Osmun, 1815

Adams County Will Records

Vol. 1

p. 123

[Not transcribing all, only portion relating to Jerry]

Item for the faithful services of my boy Jerry I hereby manumit and set him the said Jerry free from Slavery from and after my decease and I do enjoin it on my Executors to do all within their power to secure to the said Jerry his freedom by procuring an act of the General Assembly for that purpose or taking such other Lawful means as may be necessary for that purpose.

Petition of Jerry [a black male slave] to the Mississippi State Legislature, 1817-1839, undated

Race, Slavery and Free Blacks: Petitions to Southern Legislatures and County Courts microfilm collection Series I: Legislative Petitions, PAR # 11000004

"Jerry a Man of Colour" was born a slave and asks for his freedom as stipulated in the will of Colonel Benajah Osmun. Jerry quotes the following clause from the will: "Item for the faithful services of my boy Jerry, I hereby manumit and set him the said Jerry free from slavery, from and after my decease."

Result: reported favorably

Clement, Samuel (Jerry, fmc) v. Chambers, John,1827

Historic Natchez Foundation

Box 44

File 85

To the Honorable Edward Turner presiding Judge of the Circuit Court of Adams County Mississippi

Your petitioner Jerry respectfully represents that he is a free colored person now in the service of James Chambers Esq of said countyThat said Chambers brought him from Maryland as an indented servant and that the time of his Indenture is fully expiredThat he has faithfully served out his time and is now entitled to be discharged as a freemanHe farther states that he has lately been seized and levied upon by the Sheriff as a slave the property of said Chambers and advertised for saleand that he is fearful that if sold he may be carried off beyond the jurisdiction of this court. He therefore prays that your honor will cause bond & security to be given according to law for his appearanceand likewise a supersedeas directed to the Sheriff of Adams County aforesaid commanding him to desist from other or

farther proceedings towards selling or disposing of him under said levyAnd your petitioner will pray &c

Griffith & Quitman

Plt’s Counsel

Oct 9^th 1827

The State of Mississippi

Franklin County fs:

James Chambers maketh oath that the facts set forth in the foregoing petition are just & true as therein stated, to the best of his knowledge, & as he verily believes

Sworn & subscribed, James Chambers

Oct. 13 1827 before

E. Turner, Judge

2^.dJudicial District

Let a supercedeas issue according to the prayer of the foregoing petition, returnable to the next term of the Circuit Court of Adams County, on the petitioner entering into bond, in the sum of seven hundred dollars with James Chambers his security-- Oct. 13: 1827

To the Clerk of the Circuit court of Adams County-- E. Turner Judge 2.d

Jud.l District

Jerry, a person of Colour

vs Petition for freedom

James Chambers

1827 October 15^th

Petition pled, Bond executed

& supersedea issued same day

Dismissed at Pltfs Costs Nov. 2 1827

Bill of Costs made out

Execution out

[HNF note: Claims to signed on as a indentured servant from Maryland. Says time has expired and desires to be set free. Has been seized as property and fears will be removed beyond Court's reach. Sale cancelled. Case appears to be dismissed at plaintive cost. Habeas corpus Samuel Clement is also given as plaintiff name]

Joe

Manumission of Joe by Hiram Barber, 1835

Adams County Chancery Court

Deed Book W

P. 249

Alford notes that Joe was 48 and paid Barber $550 for his freedom, 48.

John

Elizabeth Smith's Will, 1839

Adams County Chancery Court

Will Book 2

P. 186

8^thI give and bequeath my Negro man John, and my riding horse Fox to my brother Israel P Smith, and it is my wish, if John should be temperate, and otherwise conduct himself well, that he should have his freedom after the death of my Brother Israel

[Not all transcribed, just details concerning African Americans]

John, Police Board Records, May 1844

Adams County Chancery Court

Police Board Records

P. 448

May Term 1844

John [Blank], a free mulatto boy aged about 17 years, now and for some time past a resident of the County, this day produced to this board satisfactory proof of his good moral character, and that it is the desire of the majority of the citizens of said County that he shall continue to reside in said County; Whereupon, it was ordered that the said John be licensed to reside in this County, provided he continue to exercise the trade or calling in which he has heretofore been engaged.

Johnson

Amy Johnston4 fpc (1 slave) (Census of 1816, Adams County)

Amy Johnson3 fpc (Census of 1818, Adams County)

Index of families

Show the following:

Adjust appearance:

Notes

Will book 3

Pgs. 188-90

Gloster

Gordon

Antony75 mm, drayman, VA

Grammar

Granger

Thomas--1 male 14-25, 2 males 45+, 1 female 45+.(1820 Adams Co. Census)

H

Hayden/Hardin/

Hazzard/Hazzerd

Heankley

Henngueta

Higdon

Adams County Chancery Court

Adams County Chancery Court

Holland

Holloway

Holly

Hopkins

Hoy

Hannah1 female 24-36 (listed as manufacturer/trader) (1840 Natchez census)

Huffman/Matthews

I

J

Jefferson

Johnson

Annotate