V

Veston

Manumission of Robert Veston by Richard Hennisee, 1835

Adams County Chancery Court

Deed Book W

Pgs. 235-6

Alford notes that Robert is 23-25 years old, 48

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.

Vincy

Simon Vincy, free papers, 1815?

Adams County Chancery Court

Deed Book H

P. 480

State of Virginia

Culpeper County to wit

      The bearer hereof Simon Vincy a free Negro (who was bouned by the overseers of the poor for this County to Wm Barber by Indenture bearing date the 25^th day of July 1789) and is of a dark complexion five feet six and half inches high about forty years of age, and has a scar on his left cheeck occasioned by a burn. This day made application to me Wm Broadeis Jr Clerk of the County court of Culpeper aforesaid to have his freedom registered wherefore and in pursuance of an act of the General Assembly of this commonwealth entitled “An act regulating the police of Towns in this commonwealth and to restrain the practice of negroes going at large” I have registered his freedom and granted him the said Simon Vincy this Copy.

      In testimony whereof I have

      hereunto set my hand and

      affixed the seal of the said

      County this 29^th day of

      October one Thousand eight

      hundred and fourteen

            Wm Broadeis Jr

[More details, but not transcribed. He had his papers recorded in Kanawha County in March of 1815.]

Vousdan

William Vousdan Will, 1803

Adams County Chancery Court

Will Book 1

P. 8

I give to my Beloved wife Elizabeth all my negroes excepting Ben who shall be free at the end of this year and Nory his own Son who shall be free when he arrives at the age of twenty six.

Ben, Emancipation by William Vousdan, 1806

Adams County Chancery Court

Deed Book D

P. 293

Know all Men by these presents that the bearer this Ben a negro man was formerly the property of William Vousdan ? of this Territory deceased that by a clause of the will of the said William the said negro was made free & not to be considered as the property of the Executors of the said estate Agreeable to the said Clause, as executor of the last will of the said William Vousdan & do hereby renounce all claim to the said Negro Ben, & declare it to be the intention of the said will that the said Ben shall be regarded as a free man. In testimony of which I [illegible] hereunto set my hand & seal this first day of September 1803

Recorded the 5^th November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and six

Benj. Seamans

Petition to Emancipate Members of the Vousdan Family, 1816

The Race and Slavery Petitions Project at The University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Online

Petition 11081601

Adams County residents ask the legislature to pass acts of emancipation for the family of Ben Vousdan, who died in 1816 without providing for their freedom. The petitioners note that Ben Vousdan was freed in 1802 by William Vousdan. Ben married a slave named Mary, whom he purchased from Stephen Minor, and the couple had five children: Louisa or Lucy, Rachel, Sandy, Mary Anne, and Benjamin. Ben and his wife lived "as free persons, separate and apart, to themselves," but when Ben died in 1816 his family remained legally in bondage. The petitioners argue that Ben intended to free them and was attempting to have a will drawn up to that effect when he died.

Territorial Legislature, Series 524; Record Group 5; Box 27, Nov. 16, 1816

Sandy Vousden Police Board Records, 1832

Adams County Chancery Court

Police Board Records

P. 10

March Term 1832

Sandy Vousden, a free mulatto boy about nineteen years old five feet seven or eight inches high having satisfied the court of his good character and honest deportment.

It is therefore ordered by the Court that said Sandy Vousden 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.

W

Waller

Maria Waller38 bf, “FN,” LA, w/Percilla, 16mf (1850 Adams Co. census)

Watson

Hester Cummins40mf, “FN,” MS, w/Susan Cochran, 15mf, LA; Catherine Watson, 11 mf; Annett Fagkin, 17mf (1850 Natchez Census).

Weakley, Abigail

Williams, Robert (MS Gov.) v. Brooks, William et al,1811

Historic Natchez Foundation

Box 3

File 69

Adams County      In the Circuit Court of Adams County of the Term of April in [Roman numerals?] DLLL?N11?[trying to write 1811?]

William Brooks late of Said County yeoman was summoned to answer Robert Williams Governor of the Mississippi Territory to the use? of Hugh M Blake and Joel Childress of a plea that he render unto him four hundred and twenty five dollars which to him he owes and unjustly detains &c

And thereupon the said Governor for the use? aforesaid complain that whereas the said William [illegible] that is to say on the twelfth day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and six in his proper person came before the Honorable Thomas Rodney Esquire one of the Superior Judges for the said Territory to wit at the Town of Washington in the County of Adams aforesaid and then and their [sic] before the said Judge did acknowledge himself to owe the Governor of the said Territory the sum of four hundred and twenty five dollars to be charged? of the goods and Chattels bond and Tenaments of him the said William if a certain Abigail Weakley should fail to appear at the then next Circuit Court to be held and for the said County of Adams at the Court [illegible]

on the first Monday in October then-[illegible] ensuing and then and their [sic] Continue and abide the Judgment of Said Court and make good to the said Huge and Joel all such costs and damages as they might incur by reason of a certain suit initiated in the Said Circuit Court by the said Abigail Weakly against the said Huge M Blake and Joel Childress for her freedom in case the said Abigail should eventually fail in substantiating her freedom and that she the said Abigail should not depart without leave of the Court as by the said recognizance filed of record here in the Said Court remaining may now fully appear And whom as the said Abigail afterwards to wit on the eighteenth day of November in the year one thousand eight hundred and sixat the Court aforesaid by Charles B Green ^ Esquire her attorney came and entered a dismission in her said action against the said Huge M Blake and Joel Childress as by the [illegible] thereof in the Said Court [?] will also appear and did then and there fail to establish her freedom And whom? altho the said Hugh and Joel hath incurred very great and many damages and [illegible]

by reason of the said suit to wit to the amount of four hundred and twenty five dollars of which the said William Brooks on this day and year last aforesaid at the County aforesaid then and their [sic] had motion?/motive? [unclear] He the said William Brooks hath not yet satisfied to the said Hugh & Joel the aforesaid sum of money or any part thereof which said Recognizance acknowledged in form aforesaid remains in its full? Strength and effort not [illegible] on [illegible] [illegible] whereby an action hath [illegible] to the Said Governor to the [illegible] of the said Hugh and Joel to demand….[illegible] the said William Brooks the said four hundred and twenty five dollars amending to the form and effort of the said Recognizance Yet the said William Brooks (although often requested) hath not yet paid the four hundred and twenty five dollars or any part thereof to the said Governor but to pay the sum to him hath hitherto ^ altogether [illegible] and still doth [illegible] to the damages of the Said Governor of four hundred Dollars and thereupon he brings suit

F Taylor for Pltff

Mississippi Territory Adams County June 12^th 1806

Abigail Weakley      Pltff Petitions for her Freedom

V

Hugh M. Blake &      & Writs? of L. H. L. P. & Jones

Joel Childers            On the Returns of the Said Writs all the Parties appeared before me the Undersigned ^ one of the Superior Judges for sd Territory at My Chambers in the Town of Washington, and the defendts in this Suit having refused & declined To give the security required by Law in Such Cases The Pltff was admitted to give the security Required by Law on her parts as Follows,

The said Abigail Weakley acknowledges herself to owe the Governor of this Territory the sum of four hundred and twenty five Dollars Lawful Money of the United States and her Securities William Brooks and Joseph Newman, acknowledge Respectively to owe the governor of this Territory each of them the Sum of four hundred and twenty five Dollars, To be devised? Of all and Every of their respective goods and Chattels Land & Tenements If the said Abigail Weakley Fail to appear at the Next Circuit Court to be held in and for the Said County of Adams at the Court House on the First Monday in October Next and then and there Continues and abides the Judgments of said Court and Make good to the said Hugh M. Blakes and Joel Childers all Such Costs and Damages as they May incur by their Suit, in case the said Abigail shall Eventually fail in substantiating her Freedom, and not depart Without leave of the said Court.

Taken and Acknowledged this 12^th day of June 1806. before

      Thomas Rodney

For and in consideration of the Sum of Seven hundred & fifty Dollars to me in hand paid the Receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged have bagaind Sold and delieverd to Hugh M Blake & Joel Childress two Negro Slaves named the one Abigail aged Eighteen years, the other named Moley aged twenty eight years, the latter I do not warrant to be sound the right title and interest to the above described Slaves I do hereby warrant & defend from all persons lawfully claiming In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Seal this 26^th day of May 1806

Sect                                    John Hicks (seal)

George M Deaderick                  [Note on the recording, etc. Hard to read]

Governor for the

Use of Blake and

Childers                  Adams Superior

V                              Court

William Brooks

The deposition of Elizabeth Armstrong to be read in evidence in the above cause, taken by consent, who being sworn on Both deposeth and saith that, sometime in the year 1806 Abigail a mulatto wench was sent to the house of the deponent and remained there between five and six months when she came to the deponent, she was far advanced in pregnancy and soon after was delivered of a child in about one month after she came there, when she came and afterwards she was of little or no service, her situation before lying and after having a child to nurse she was not worth anything that is this deponent for why woman in her situation would not pay hire during the time she was at the deponents, the mulatto was scarce of clothes had no bed, and that she the deponent did furnish them. She further saith that Doctor Lyon said he came to the deponents as the request of W Green to know if the deponent would take said Mulatto and keep her until her owners should pay her for her trouble, as she expected to gain her freedom, in consideration of which she took said Mulattoshe the deponent believes she was about seventeen or eighteen years of age, stout and healthy, she further saith that after she had been delivered up to W Michie by direction of W Green she returned to the deponents and lived there for her victuals until her master came down who took her away the ? day of December 1806 and sold her to Reuben Moorhouse the deponent further saith that she never supposed her service to be worth more than her victuals at anytime as she was with the deponent

                                    Elizabeth Armstrong

April 9^th 1811 Sworn and

Subscribed to before

W Brooks J.P.

[HNF note: Case concerns debt and two slaves, Abagail, 18 years of age; and Moley, 28 years of age. Includes bill of sale for the slaves. Abagail appears to be seeking her freedom].

[unclear outcome]

West

West & Battles10 fpc (1816 Adams County Census)

Madison West1 male –10; 1 male 24-36; 1 female –10; 1 female 24-36 (1840 Natchez census)

Madison West30 mm, “FN,” drayman, MS, w/Betsey, 28mf; Biddy, 5mf; Eugene, 2mm; William, 12mm; Mary Bowson, 45bf (1850 Natchez census)

Matt West45 mm drayman, MS w/Betsy, 35 mf; Inda, 14 mf; Bettie, 12 mf; Catherine, 4 mf; Eugenie, 5 mf; Louisa, 4 mf (1860 Natchez census)

Madison West, Police Board Records, September 1841

Adams County Chancery Court

Police Board Records

P. 318

September Special Term 1841

Madison West a Free Mulatto aged about Twenty Five years, and Six feet two inches in heighth, having satisfied the Board that he was of good character and honest deportment.

It is therefore ordered by the Board that he be licensed to remain in this State pursuant to the Statute in this behalf.

Wellington West, Police Board Records, September 1841

Adams County Chancery Court

Police Board Records

P. 318

September Special Term 1841

Wellington West a Free Negro of light complexion--about Twenty Three years of age, and five feet nine inches in heighth, having satisfied the Board, that he was of good character and honest deportment.

It is therefore ordered by the Board that he be licensed to remain in this State pursuant to the Statute in this behalf.

Aug. 18, 1839 (Johnson Diary)I then took my Little Son Wm and we wrode out beyond the Briars ResidenceWillington and Mrs Battles wrode Out in a Hack to the Miss Eveanss

Aug. 19, 1839 (Johnson Diary)Mr. Thomas Evans wal[k]ed over to Esqr. Robertiles office to Day and made othe to Willingtons [Wellington West] being a free Born Boy &c.

Natchez August 16, 1839

To all who it may Concern. I do hereby Certify the Bearer of a Mulatto Boy named Wellington West is a free Boy Born Free in Natchez in the year One Thousand Eight hundred and Seventeenhis Mother was a woman of Black Complection named Judy Westwas free and Lived in natchez many years before her Death.

William Parker.

I with pleasure concur in the above Certificate.

Noah Barlow

Also do I

J.G. Taylor

State Miss Adams County Personally appeared before me the undersigned Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Thomas L Evans & made Oath that [he] has Known the Bearrer of this instrument of writing & certificat for many years back. Since then I have always Known him to be a free man of Couler and was born here in the City of natchez and Born a free man to the Best of my belief and his name is Wellington West.

August 19, 1839 Thos. L. Evans

White

Rhody White's (FWC) Will, 1833

Adams County Chancery Court

Will Book 2

P. 41

Rhody Whites Last Will of Testament

In the name of God Amen. I Rhody White a free woman of colour of Adams County in the State of Mississippi being sick and weak in body but of sound and disposing mind, memory and understanding considering the certainty of death and the uncertainty of the time thereof, and being anxious to settle my worldly affairs, and thereby be the better prepared to leave this world when it shall please God to call me home, do therefore make and publish this my last will and testament in manner and form following: that is to say First and principally I commit my soul into the hands of Almighty God and my body to the earth to be decently buried at the discretion of my Executor hereinafter named, and after my just debts and funeral charges are paid, I devise and bequeath as follows I give and bequeath unto my daughter Louise and my son Robert, both persons of colour formerly of the Estate of Mrs. Elizabeth Burlin and now slaves to Rev John Gillaspy of Adams County State of Mississippi, all my house furniture and movable property whateverAlso one hundred and fifty dollars to each of them, to be taken out from the proceeds of a certain claim of five hundred dollars I have on the Estate of Benjamin Conner decd who by testament at his death, made and published a legacy to my daughter Lucy Burlin who was set free at the same time by said testament of the sum of Five hundred dollars to be paid out of the proceeds of his Estate; said Lucy Burlin my daughter a woman of colour and free at her death having deceased by accidental death after her protector Mr Benjamin Conner’ death and not having any free relatives but myself, by right of Law I am to inherit whatever Legacy was made to her lawfully authenticated as will appear by testament of said Benjamin Conner deceased as seconds

Item, I give and bequeath to my husband Batiste White a slave to Rev James Berth One hundred dollars to be likewise taken out of the proceeds of my claim on said Estate of Benjamin Conner deceased

Item I give and bequeath unto Rev James Berth to whom I am indebted for his paying of several of my debts and also by gratitude for his cares and benevolent treatment to me during my sickness and helpless state I give and bequeath unto him ? the sum of One hundred dollars to be also taken out of the proceeds of my claim on said Estate of Benjamin Conner deceased as soon as a settlement and liquidation of said estate can be made. And Lastly I do hereby constitute and appoint Mr James Berthe to be sole executor of this my last will and testament, revoking and annulling all former wills by me heretofore made ratifying and confirming this deed none other to be my last will and testament

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set and made my cross and affixed my seal not knowing how to write this Eighteenth day of Aug in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty three Rhody White (her cross)

Signed, sealed, published, and declared by Rody White the above named textarix as that for her last will and testament in the presence of us who at her request in her free will and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as ?? Th Pomet Jonn Williams J Berthe

Whittle

Thomas“On 2 April 1779 indentured himself to John Davis for twelve months for 5 [pounds] and necessary clothing. Thomas Whittle’s name does not appear again in the documents, but his surname was fairly uncommon in the district, and he may have been related to Eliza or Elizabeth Whittle, and/or Maria Whittle, wife of James Moore” (Inglis, G. Douglas. "Searching for Free People of Color in Colonial Natchez.," Southern Quarterly 43, No. 2 (Winter 2006): 103-4).

Wiers

Wiers, Samuel (black) v. Gridley, Horace, 1834

Historic Natchez Foundation

Box 66

File 42

To the Honorable John H Quitman Chancellor of the State of Mississippi

The Petition of Samuel Wiers a free man of Colour most respectfully represents unto your Honor that he is unjustly and illegally deprived of his liberty by Horace Gridley of the City of Natchez and that he is at this time under an unlawful restraint of his liberty by the said Horace Gridley not for any criminal or supposed criminal matter nor in execution by any legal process, but under the following circumstances alone Towit

About four months since your petitioner was committed to the jail of Adams County as a supposed Runaway slave, and for Three months or near that time was employed at work in what is commonly called “the ball and chain gang” upon the streets and highways of the City of Natchez:--In the interim of which time he procured a respectable citizen to write to Galliapolice in Ohio from whence your petitioner came to this place, for some evidences of his freedomyour petitioner states that although there exists no recorded evidences of freedom from the fact that he never was emancipated yet that he was born of free parents in the state of Ohio and was raised near Galliapolice up to the time of his manhoodIn testimony of which the individual who wrote in his behalf as above stated received letters from respectable individuals of Galliapolice describing your petitioners person minutely and giving such strong assurances of his existing freedom that the said Horace Gridley in his official capacity as Jailor immediately and unhesitatingly discharged him from his legal custody as a supposed runaway nor does the said Horace Gridley in anywise pretend that your petitioner is a slave but on the Contrary admits that he is free.

Nevertheless the said Horace Gridley after discharging him as aforesaid informed your petitioner that he would have to remain under his care and superintendence and work for him untill Some Court. To your petitioner not known should sit, at which time your petitioners case and his papers would undergo an examination by the Court before he could be finally discharged.

And that the said Horace Gridley has continued from that time to exercise a rigid ownership over him and had hired him out to work on a contract by the month claiming and receiving to himself the proceeds of your petitioners labour and holding him to strict accountability for his conduct and deportment in the same manner as if your petitioner was in all respects the slave of the said Horace Gridley, and against the voluntary will and consent of your petitioner for about the space of one month since his release as aforesaid

And your petitioner further states that Horace Gridley took from him the sum of Twenty Dollars which he had about him at the time of his commitment which he the said Gridley was not yet returned to himThis however your petitioner is aware is not necessary to be stated in a petition of this nature

Your Petitioner humbly concerning himself to be illegally deprived and restrained of his liberty by the means aforesaid without any just or legal cause and without warrant or excuse, prays your honor to Grant to him the most favoured writ of liberty commonly called the writ of Habeas Corpus to be directed to the said Horace Gridley Commanding him to have your petitioner before your honor at such time as maybe thereby directed. To the end that the cause of your petitioners restraint of liberty, and the lawfull claim of the said Gridley to his services may be inquired into, and that your petitioner may be discharged from all further illegal or improper restraint or confinement by reason of the premises.

                  And your petitioner will ever pray

                  Samuel Weirs

                  By Wm Vannerson

                  His Atty

[HNF note: Plaintiff was arrested as a runaway. Claims free birth in Gallapolice, Ohio; thus no maumission papers. Claims Gridley knows he free, but contracts him out. Receives a hearing, bond paid by attorney. No contradictions to charge, rejailed at his cost].

Wiley

March 21, 1837 (Johnson Diary)Big Madison West & a Black Fellow by the name of Lewis Wyley gave a party at Robt Liepers French was invited and I would not let him Go.

William

Transcription of County Archives of Mississippi, 1800

Vol. 1. The Court of General Quarter Sessions of the Peace

118

William Wells, of lawful age appeareth and saith that sometime in the month of July last Negro William was committed to his care as Gaol Keeper of the prison for the County of Adams by a commitment under the hand & seal of Thomas Wilkins & George Fitzgerald esquires on susupicion of having Run away from his Master, that said negro did immediatly on his commitment declare that he was a free man that he had passed unmolested ever Since the late revolutionary War that nothing has appeared (not withstanding said negro man was regularly advertised) to the contrary

Sworn to in open court this 5^th day of November 1800

            Test Peter Walker Clerk

William, indenture with future promise of freedom, by Thomas Scott, 1806

Adams County Chancery Court

Deed Book D

P. 409

Thomas B. Scott to Samuel Postlethwait

I have left with care of Samuel Postlethwait at the Natchez a negro man named William who on the tenth of May last was twenty five years old, and by his late master’s will is to be free at the age of forty. I hereby authorize said Postlethwait to hire or let out said negro William on monthly wages, to receive and remit the same, to furnish him with good strong working clothes, and in short so to dispose of the time & services of the said William, as may most conduce to my Interest, consistent with humanity.

Natchez 21^st June 1806                              Tho. B. Scott

Williams

Harry Williams1 male 55-100; 1 female 55-100 (manufacturer/trader) (1840 Natchez census)

Williams, Horace v. Moore, Edward, 1828

Historic Natchez Foundation

Box 23

File 60

To the Honourable Edward Turner Presiding Judge of the second judicial district of the state of Mississippi the petition of Horace Williams and Louisa his wife/late Louisa Gibson) free persons of Colour respectfully representsthat the said Horace is the son of Mat Williams (a free person of Colour of the state of Maryland) & of Phillis Williams wife of said Mat Williams who was also a free person of Color of the state of Maryland) that the said Mat & Phyllis the Father & Mother of your petitioner Horace were residents of Baltimore Maryland in which city your petitioner Horace was born and there remained untill [sic] about 16 months agothat petitioner Horace was 24 years of age on the 4^th day of July lastthat your petitioner Horace and Louisa aver that said Louisa was born in Baltimore that the Mother of Louisa was Emily Gibson a free woman of Colour & her Fathers name John Gibson the husband of Emily who was a free man of Colour who was also residents of Baltimorethat your petitioner Horace has been married to Louisa about ^ near 3 Yearsthat about 16 months ago from your petitioner Horace heard in Baltimore that high wages were offered in ^ Rockingham County North Carolina by Oliver Simpson for hired handsthat Simpson made proposals to your petitioners Horace & Louisa to accompany him as hired hands to Rockingham County N. Carolina w/ the price of dollar per day eachthat your petitioners Horace & Louisa hired themselves to said

Simpson at the rate of $1 per day each & accompanied him with six other free persons of Colour hired at the same price to Rockingham county N. Carolina--; that when petitioner & the other hired hands arrived at Rockingham County N.C. said Simpson chained them allthat 3 days after said Simpson’s arrival in Rockingham/N.C. he Marched with your petitioners then & there & to Alabamathat two he sold in Florence Alabama & the other four in some other towns in Alabamathat said Simpson then took ? your petitioners to Forked deer Turnpike & then sold them both to Banks Burrough for $900that your petitioners informed Burroughs after his pen closed then that they were free but he said he did not liken? Itthat Lousa then induced Guilford Mitchell a white man to write to W Vannick a merchant of Baltimore living in Gay Street & Keepin/ his Man in Frederic Urent? dock who wrote back stating that both of your petitioners were free that about a month after the arrival of that letter said Burroughs exchanged Your petitioners with Edward Moore for two other negroes that about 3 weeks since Said Moore brought your petitioners to Natchez & is now endeavoring to sell your petitioners as slaves Your petitioners therefore pray that a writ of Habeas corpus may issue against said Moore to bring up [illegible] of your petitioners that they may be dealt with according to law & that your petitioners may by the judgement of this Honorable court obtain the freedom to which they are entitled.

      D J & RG Mackin

            Attys

For Petitioners

Let writ of Habeas corpus issue according to the prayer of the Petitioners, returnable before the undersigned, furtherwith [sic]

      E Turner Judge 2^nd

            Jud.l District

To the Clerk of the       May 14 1828

Circuit J. of

Adams County

56.

Adams Circuit Court

To May Term 1828

Horace Williams & Louisa

persons of colour

v Petition

Edward Moore

1828 May 14^th Petition

Filed, H-Corpus opened

same day

Dismissed at Attys [illegible]

4. Agreeable to the order of Court I have the two negroes in prison 14^th May 1828

      Shffs. Fees $3.00

[the rest of this photo is a court form listing the details of the legal action, not transcribed]

2. To the Honorable E. Turner

And the said Edward Moore is [illegible] to the commands of said writ has the bodies of Horace Williams and Louisa his wife mentioned in said suit now before your Honor to abide such order as your Honor may make in the premicesMay 14^th 1828.

3. Adams county p?:

On the return of the within suit Edward Moore appeared & claimed the petitioners,as his slaves, but declined giving security of the petitioners being unable to give security, they are hereby commuted to the custody of the sheriff of said county, for safe keeping to abide the Judgement of the court.

Bail required of the defendantE. Moore, in the penal sum of fifteen hundred dollars

      May 14, 1828--      E. Turner Judge &c

[HNF note: Black married couple from Baltimore applies for petition of habeus corpus claiming to be free people of color. Dismissed, possibly, for want of security. Wife, formerly Louisa Gibson. Petition gives their story and defense.]

John Williams Police Board Records, 1832

Adams County Chancery Court

Police Board Records

P. 9

March Term 1832

John Williams, a free negro man of dark complexion about thirty nine years old five feet two or three inches high a scar on his left cheek and one on his upper lip also one scar on his left thigh having satisfied the court of his good character

p. 10

and honest deportment

It is therefore ordered by the Court that said John Williams 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.

John“Between 8 and 9 Oclock to night the fire Broke Out in a House the next door below the Barber shop ocupied by John Williams, BarberHe was taken and his wife and children and put in Jail,” (Johnson, 10 Jan., 1836)

January 12, 1836 (Johnson Diary)"The Commity Examined John Williams & Family, two other Blacks, also the white man that was taken up at Mrs. Cornells, also her Servants. They were all acquited and Discharged. It was thought that the fire was the Effect of Accident.”

Mary Ellen Williams, Police Board Records, May 1844

Adams County Chancery Court

Police Board Records

P. 448

May Term 1844

Mary Ellen Williams, a free woman of dark complexion aged about thirty five years, now and for some time past a resident of the County, this day produced to this board satisfactory proof of her good moral character, and that it is the desire of the majority of the citizens of this County that she and her children shall remain therein: Whereupon, it was ordered that the said Mary Ellen and her children be licensed to reside in this County, provided she continue to exercise the trade or calling in which he shas heretofore been engaged.

Dec. 9,1847 (Johnson Diary)Bill Nix is now in Orleans a waiting on Col. Bingaman, Mary Ellen &c. [Footnote: In 1844 a free woman of color named Mary Ellen Williams and her children were licensed to remain in MS. See Adams County Court and Police Board Minutes, Natchez Free Trader, Nov. 22, 1859. In 1856, Colonel Adam L. Bingaman wrote a letter requesting a close friend to arrange that the MS legislature pass a special law permitting Mary Ellen Williams and her children to remain in the state and hold property there, stating that a similar law in their behalf had already been passed by the LA legislature and listing her four children including Charlotte, aged 18, Eleanora, aged five, 597.]

Peter Williams' free papers, 1831

Adams County Chancery Court

Deed Book BB

P. 506 [difficult to discern]

Peter Williams' free papers, 1831

      District and Port of Newport.

Chris & Ellery, Col. I Christopher Ellery, collector of the district of Newport, do hereby certify that Peter Williams an American Seaman, aged twenty seven years or thereabouts, of the height of five feet and five inches black complexion, black eyes, black woley hair born in Powkeepsie District County, in the State of New York, has this day produced me proof, in the manner directed in the act entitled, “An act for the relief and protection of American Seamen,” and pursuant to said act, I do hereby certify, that the said Peter Williams is a citizen of the United States of America.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this fourteenth day of September, one thousand eight hundred and thirty.

I certify that the foregoing and within Instrument was received into my office to be recorded on the 25^th day of June, AD 1831

Peter Williams, Police Board Records, 1832

Adams County Chancery Court

Police Board Records

P. 20

Special March Term 1832

Peter Williams a free man of Colour dark complexion about twenty seven years old 5 feet 5 inches high satisfied the court of his good character and honest deportment.

It is therefore ordered by the Court that said Peter Williams 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.

Wilson

Oct. 26, 1835 (Johnson Diary)To Day I herd of the seduction [of] Geogeana Cary by [from] the old negro Elick The Charge was made against Emery Willson [Footnote: In the summer of 1835 a Natchez Negro named Emory Wilson had been manumitted in Cincinnati. Adams County Deed Records, W, 222-3. See also Robert Bradley’s petition to legislature to manumit his slave Emory Wilson. Petition dated January 20, 1834. Petitions and Memorials, Series I, No. 95, 70].

Petition of Robert Bradley to the Mississippi State Legislature, January 20, 1834

The Race and Slavery Petitions Project at The University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Online

Series I: Legislative Petitions

PAR # 11083401

Abstract:

Natchez resident Robert Bradley asks for the "privilage of Amansipating" his dutiful slave Emory Wilson, whom he had owned for thirteen or fourteen years. Wilson is about twenty-six years old.

Result:

No recorded result

Oct. 19, 1836 (Johnson Diary)To day Mr Soria Sells at his auction Room a House and Lot that belongs to Emery Wilson. The Lot Lies on the Pine Ridge RoadFronts that street 150 feet and Runs back 150 ft. deepit was foremaly the Property of Mr Bledsoe, It sold for four Thousand Dollars, one third payable in six months, and the Balance in One and two years without interest. It was Bot by a Mr N.L. Carpenter

Dec. 30, 1837 (Johnson Diary)I understand this morning that Emery Wilson ran off Last night and Took with him his Family, he from what I can Lern is considerably in debt, [to] Mr William Stanton.

Winn

George Winn3 fpc (1 white female above 21, 10 slaves) (Census of 1816, Adams County)

George Winn1 fpc (1 white female, 10 slaves) (Census of 1818, Adams County)

Larken? Winn1 fpc (Census of 1818, Adams County)

George Winn1 male 55-100 (slaves3 males –10; 8 males 10-24; 4 females 10-24; 1 female 24-36) (1830 Adams Co. census)

State v. Winn, George, 1822

Historic Natchez Foundation

Box 15

File 16

[Did not transcribe the first few photos as they were standardized forms but the first one stated that on November 12, 1822 George Winn opposed and obstructed being served a state warrant (process). The next one alleged that James Winn assaulted Amey, a free negro, on Nov. 6, 1822]

The State of Mississippi

Adams County

            Horace Gridley one of the Constables of said County, made oath before the undersigned Justices of the peace, that on the 11^th instant month, he had a States warrant to arrest one James Winn for an assault and battery committed on William Caramony, and that a certain George Winn resisted opposed and prevented the execution of said warrant, by advising, procuring, and commanding the escape of the said James Winn knowingly and wilfully [sic]Horace Gridley

Sworn to & subscribed before

me 12 November 1821

H. Tooley J P

To any Constable of said County

You are hereby commanded to arrest the said George Winn and bring him before me to be proceeded against according to law for the said offence

Given under my hand/seal 12 November 1822.

            H. Tooley

The State

vs             Obstruct.n Process            Plea “not guilty.”

George Winn

Horace Gridley being duly sworn says that he had put into his hands/or execution a States warrant against one James Winn for an assault & battery upon William Car Amey a free negro womanthat he went down to the plantation of the defendant where the said James Winn livedIn company with Richard H. May called at the house of defendent [sic]saw the defendent [sic]& James Winncalled James Winn who came up, and witness told hm that free Amey had [illegible] himthe defendant began

to curse and swear.Witness told James that it was a States warrant and must consider himself a prisonerdefendent [sic] said he had this business for him that James was in his employ and could not go, and ordered him to go awayWitness got of [sic] his horse to stop James, and but could not stop himbelieves and is very certain that James Winn escaped and got away in consequence of being ordered off by the defendent [sic]

Richard H. May being duly sworn says that the defendent [sic] said that James Winn could not obey the beck and call of every person that they had something else to doheard defendent [sic] order James Winn to go off

Defendent [sic] agreed to enter into recognizance himself in $500. and good bail in $500to appear at the next Circuit Court to answer &c. and in the mean time to keep the peace and be of good behaviour [sic]27 Novem. 1822

Costs                        H. Tooley

Justice Tooley 2.50

Constable May 1.50

       4.

      25

The State

vs Ind.t [unclear] to obstruct process

George Winn

Lwy.

Horace Gridley

Testes

Horace Gridley

R. H. May

H. Tooley

Sworn & seal?

Wm Griffith

Not guilty

Nov 1822

The State of Mississippi            Circuit court of Adams

County of Adams                  County, November Term

                        in the year of our Lord

one thousand eight hundred and twenty two.

The grand Jurors of the State of Mississippi impanneled [sic] and sworn in, and for the county of Adams, on their oaths present, that, on the [blank] day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight teen hundred and twenty two, at Natchez in the county aforesaid a certain process commonly called a States Warrant was issued under the hand and seal of Henry Tooley Esq then and still being a Justice assigned to keep the Peace on and for the county of Adams aforesaid and having authority to issue said process, by which it was commanded to any constables of said county of Adams, that he should arrest the body of one James Winn and to bring him before the said Justice of the Peace to be apprehended against and according to Law for an alledged [sic] assault upon one Amy a free woman of colour.

And the Jurors aforesaid upon their oaths aforesaid do further present that the said Process was delivered in due form of Law to Horace Gridley Esq on the said day of November in the year

aforesaid at Natchez in the county aforesaid to be executed, according to law he the said Horace Gridley Esq then and there and still being a Constable, in and for the said county of Adams and that the said Horace Gridley Esq constable, as aforesaid, afterwards and before the return of the Process aforesaid to wit, on the eleventh day of November in the year aforesaid, by virtue of the process aforesaid at the county aforesaid did proceed to serve and attempt to execute the said Process and to arrest the said James Winn in the this Process aforesaid above mentioned, according to the command of said Process and in obedience thereby as he was bound to do, upon which one George Winn late of the county aforesaid labored on the said eleventh day of November in the year aforesaid with force and arms at the county aforesaid, did knowingly and willfully obstruct, resist and oppose the said Horace Gridley Esq being constable as aforesaid in serving and attempting to serve and execute the said Process so made as aforesaid by ordering persuading and inducing the said James Winn to run off and secret? Him

self from the said Horace Gridley constable as aforesaid and by profane and contemptuous words expressions and conduct used of and concerning and towards the suit Horace Gridley in being constable as aforesaid and the said Process in his hands to be executed as aforesaid, in contempt of the said State and its Laws, contrary to the form of the Statutes in such case made and provided, and against the Peace and Dignity of the State of Mississippi.

                  Tho B Reed

                  atty gen.l

A true bill

Samuel Clement foreman

George Winn's Will, 1832

Adams County Chancery Court

Will Book 2

Pgs. 4-5

George Winn's Will

I George Winn, of the State of Mississippi and Adams County, being, Sick in body, but of sound disposing mind, and desiring, to prevent as far as in my power lies disputes or contentions about the estate I may leave behind me, do, in the name of God make and constitute my last will and testament in manner following.

Firstly it is my desire that all my just debts be paid and satisfied as soon after my decease as possible.

Secondly, I give and bequeath to my son Winslow my tract of Land on Pearl River, Lawrence County State aforesaid, to him, his heirs and assigns forever.

Thirdly All the residue of my Estate both real and personal of whatever kind, or description, I give and bequeath to my youngest daughter Helen and her heirs and assigns forever, subject nevertheless to the following reservations

1 My children Windsor [this must be Winslow] Polly and Helen I desire to be sent up to the State of Ohio or some one of the adjoining States to be put to school, and taught such learning as shall suit their status in life, and such as their capacities are capable of acquiring, having an Eye to usefulness

2 The expenses of such education, boarding and clothing to be paid out of the income of my Estate

3^rd After my said children have been so educated, they are to be maintained in a suitable and decent manner out of the income of my estate, until they shall severally arrive at lawful age

4 Out of the income of the estate given and bequeath to my daughter Polly, an annuity of five hundred dollars for and during her natural life to be paid to her or her Guardian or representative on the first day of January of every succeeding year, as her portion of my Estate, and to effect with certainty the payment of this annuity the same shall operate and be a claim? Upon the estate so bequeathed to my daughter Helen, both in law and equity for and during the natural life of said daughter PollyFourthly it is my desire that my slaves Murry, David, Henry, and Julius, be employed at and carry on the woodyard? And all the remaining slaves to be employed and occupied in the cotton plantation

Fifthly it is my desire that my dwelling house should be furnished in a decent and convenient manner, and then to be rented out annually to such family or families as shall take care of and preserve the same, as much as possible from injury and decay, at the direction of my Executors

Sixthly I hereby appoint my friend Peter M Lapier executor to my estate, and invest him with power to appoint any other discreet person and confidential person his substitute upon the event of his removing from the state, or be incapable in every other way of performing the duties of Executorship, I also appoint my friend Jno M Whitney executor to my estate and

p. 5

upon the event of his removal from the state or be incapable in any other way of performing the duties of his Executorship I hereby appoint his son [blank] as substitute for his father in executing this will and testament

?? To conclude, I hereby declare, that I recognize no other children legitimate, or illegitimately but Winslow, Polly, and Helen aforesaid, and revoking all others, I declare this to be my last will and testament for the disposal of my Estate aforesaid. ..27^th day of November in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty one             George Winn (seal)

[witnesses: ?? Gilbert, Jason Gill, Sam T McAlister]

January Term 1832 Probated & ordered to be recorded

[In Johnson Diary footnote, “George Winn acknowledged the following children as his legal heirs: Winslow; Polly, or Mary, who married overseer William Mosbey in 1834 or 1835; and Helen, who later married Washington Ford…The U.S. census of 1830 and the tax rolls, 1810-31, consistently listed George Winn as a free man of color, and the state census of 1816 further listed in his family one white female above twenty one years of age, no white males, three people of color, and ten slaves,” 209].

[Another footnote: “The will of free Negro George Winn, father of Winslow Winn, provided that his children be educated in Ohio or an adjoining state. His daughter Helen was in Pennsylvania schools from 1835 to 1840, and apparently her brother, Winslow, was also sent to that state to continue his education. In the 1830’s the estate accounts also show that, when possible, tutors were hired for the children,” 272].

[Another footnote: “The brother-in-law and sister of Winslow Winn (often called “Young Winn” by Johnson) were Washington Ford and his wife, Helen. William Mosbey had married another sister, Mary (also called Polly) Winn. Apparently the transaction mentioned above was a part of the settlement of the estate of free Negro George Winn, father of Mrs. Mosbey and Mrs. Ford. Most of the land mentioned above was eventually purchased from the Mosbeys and Winslow Winn by Johnson in 1845-6, 309-10].

[Footnote: In 1877, William T. Martin, prominent attorney and former Confederate general, testified that Washington Ford had ‘married a mulatto woman and had no social position at all,’ 56]

Feb. 27, 1840 (Johnson Diary)Mosbey, by course [of] law, took the guardianship of his sister in law from Mr. Lapice to day in Probate Courthe will suffer some loss by it yet for I think he has been too smart for once in his life Mr Lapice is a perfect gentleman and has done a good part by them I think [Footnote: Peter M. Lapice was the administrator of the estate of George Winn, free man of color, who had died in 1831. William Mosbey had married one of winn’s daughters, had been appointed guardian of Winn’s son, Winslow, and here had himself appointed guardian of the second daughter. Throughout the 1830s and 1840s the Winn children complained bitterly that they had not been properly treated by Lapice, who on several instances informed the probate court concerning his difficulties administering the estate. Adams County Probate Records, File 65. From Johnson Diary, 278.]

Jan. 5, 1842 (Johnson Diary)I saw Little Winn to day and he Had Mosbeys negro man up with him to Sell him to rais money to pay Mr. Withers…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. 13, 1842 (Johnson Diary)I was up at Mr Soria Auction Room and there they were selling a woman belonging to Mosbey and I at the request of Winn bid her in at 296 Dolls and I told him that if she suited my Family that I would Keep her and if not I would try and sell her for him, The officer Came down and I told him that I would be good for the woman when Ever he should want her and if I Liked her I would Keep Her, &c.

Jan. 14, 1842 (Johnson Diary)I was down at Mr Mosbeys to day and I wanted to inquire of him whether Pegy was Healthy and Sound &c. and found out by Inquiry that He was willing to warrant Her sound and did do so and told me that it was Only on acct of His being so much in debt that he was selling Her. I then agreed to Give him 296 Dollars for Her and sat down and wrote the Bill of Sale which reads $300 and he Signed it.

Jan. 19, 1842 (Johnson Diary)I Stoped at Mr Fords and I asked him if he felt Liking Taking a Hunt for he had told me that he and Mr Gay would take a Hunt on to day. That was my Reason for Calling. He told me that he had seen Mr Lapiece go up on a Steam Boatand that he wanted to see him to get some money from him and that he had to go over the River to see him, I then went of[f] and in an hour or two after, I Saw him and his wife Down at Bailer Winns. Now Why Was this Lye told, How much Better would it have been for him to have said that he did not want to go or did not feel Like going & c. [Footnote: “Mr Ford” was Washington Ford, who had married Helen Winn. “Mr Lapiece” was Peter M. Lapice, executor and administrator of the estate of Helen’s father, George Winn, a free Negro. (Lapice was one of a number of residents of Natchez who owned plantations across the Mississippi River in Concordia Parish, Louisiana.) “Bailer Winn” was Baylor Winn, who later was accused of killing William Johnson in a dispute which centered chiefly on the proper location of a land boundary. Both Ford and Baylor Winn had land and residences on the Mississippi River, south of Natchez. Johnson had had financial transactions with Baylor Winn as early as 1831,” 368].

May 1, 1845 (Johnson Diary) It was to day that I was in conversation with Mr Ford and he then set in to tell me what was his suspitions. He told me too that he strongly believed it. He told me that Mr. Mosbey and a Boy of his was conspiring together to take his life and that he had found a grave yard or that he had found a grave in his field that was dug by Ford’s boy and he supposed that then was done to bury him in The plans are going rabid not [now], I tell you [Footnote: The men referred to were Washington Ford and William Mosbey, who had married daughters of George Winn, free Negro farmer. Both men believed that they had been wronged in the handling of Winn’s estate,” 524]

Sep. 25, 1846 (Johnson Diary)Mr Mosbey and his wife with three children Left This Evening for the uper Country. I hope they may do well

Apr. 9, 1850 (Johnson Diary)…I met Mr Ford and had a long talk with [him], in his lane near the middle or lower end of it. Subjects was as follows….Mosbey plot with his boy John, punishment to John, Js confession, little Winn with treacherous ways

Winn (Baylor)

Balar (Baylor) Winn52 wm(passing), Planter, $20,000, VA; E. Winn, 21 wf, VA; Corin? Winn, 20 wm, VA; Sarah Winn, 18wf, VA (1850 Adams County Census, outlying area)

Baylor Winn61 wm, Farmer, $320 R.E., $1,470 P.E., VA; Elizabeth Winn, 29 wf, TN (1860 Atascosa County, TX census)

“From Johnson Diary Introduction: “William Johnson had long known Baylor Winn, who was about twelve years older than the barber. His account books recorded the purchase of turkeys from Winn as early as 1831, and they had other small financial transactions in later years. They also had casual friendly contacts in other ways... (p. 55) ...All of the George Winn estate was on or near the Mississippi, and parts of it became Johnson’s two farming tracts purchased in 1845 and 1846 from Winslow Winn and Mosbey and his wife. These and subsequent purchases of swampland away from the river made Johnson a neighbor of Baylor Winn. In 1847 and 1848 Johnson began to hear disquieting rumors concerning Baylor Winn. His children were in revolt against his harsh domination, (56)… “‘Now the truth of the Buisness,’ he wrote, ‘is that old man Winn is an overbearring old Colord Gentleman, and it will be found out So before Long if he fools much with me, for I Know him too well.’ He also wrote to William Mosbey, who had departed for Indiana, and the reply he received confirmed his suspicions concerning Winn. Mosbey answered that he suspected the earlier survey had been incorrect, but that he had decided to sell out and leave the state rather than enter into contention with Winn. ‘Every honest man,’ he added, ‘knows B. Winn to be a black-hearted wretch & those in company with him no better,’” (57).

In regard to passing [More from the Johnson Diary]: “The prosecution [in Johnson’s murder trial] was careful in both the preliminary charge and in the grand jury indictment in the succeeding January to designate that the charge was directed against Baylor Winn, free man of color. His preliminary plea was that he was not a mulatto but was of mixed white and Indian blood. Decision on this plea was vital to both prosecution and defense, for unless Winn could be proved to be a free Negro, Mississippi law barred the prosecution’s Negro witnesses from testifying against him.

Winn’s first and second trials, therefor, were not upon the murder charge, but to determine whether he was a mulatto. His attorneys produced two witnesses from Virginia, the state of his birth, who testified that he was of white and Indian blood, one of them stating that ‘the admixture of Indian blood in Winn was from an Indian tribe in Virginia, called Pamunky, or Pamunkies, while the other named the remnant of the tribe as being the Mattaponi, or some similar name.’ The jury had no means of knowing that both the Pamunkey and Mattapony Indians of Virginia had a substantial intermixture of Negro blood, and that back in King William County, Virginia, where the Pamunkeys lived, all persons named Winn had long been registered as free Negroes. The jury was unable to reach a decision, being divided six to six, and a mistrial was ordered. Winn’s counsel thereupon moved for a change of venue. Since public opinion in Nathcez and Adams County was inflamed against the prisoner, the court granted the motion” (60).

“The burden of proof in these two cases was on the state. Although a number of people, including Johnson, thought Winn had Negro blood, he had voted and given court testimony as a white man, he had served as a road overseer, and he had married at least one white woman” (Johnson Diary, 61).

Jan. 19, 1842 (Johnson Diary)I Stoped at Mr Fords and I asked him if he felt Liking Taking a Hunt for he had told me that he and Mr Gay would take a Hunt on to day. That was my Reason for Calling. He told me that he had seen Mr Lapiece go up on a Steam Boatand that he wanted to see him to get some money from him and that he had to go over the River to see him, I then went of[f] and in an hour or two after, I Saw him and his wife Down at Bailer Winns. Now Why Was this Lye told, How much Better would it have been for him to have said that he did not want to go or did not feel Like going & c. [Footnote: “Mr Ford” was Washington Ford, who had married Helen Winn. “Mr Lapiece” was Peter M. Lapice, executor and administrator of the estate of Helen’s father, George Winn, a free Negro. (Lapice was one of a number of residents of Natchez who owned plantations across the Mississippi River in Concordia Parish, Louisiana.) “Bailer Winn” was Baylor Winn, who later was accused of killing William Johnson in a dispute which centered chiefly on the proper location of a land boundary. Both Ford and Baylor Winn had land and residences on the Mississippi River, south of Natchez. Johnson had had financial transactions with Baylor Winn as early as 1831 (368).

September 13, 1844 (Johnson Diary)I then Went to Mr B. Winns Found them all well.

September 15, 1844 (Johnson Diary)Jasper & Calvin Winn Brot up my Cow from the Swamp It was the Cow I got of Mr Gregory.

[Footnote from the Johnson Diary: “Jasper and Calvin Winn were sons of Baylor Winn, who owned land on the Mississippi River, below Natchez. His daughters were Emeline, Sarah, and Mary,” 504]

July 5, 1846 (Johnson Diary)I Saw Mr Gay away up by the paupaw Patch Locked arm with B Winns Eldest Daughter

April 13, 1847 (Johnson Diary)Jasper Winn was up to day from the Swamp, Tate, B. Winn’s wife and Tates wife & c. Very Green Locked arm Came up to see the Show of Animals and they were a Show themselves for SureB. Winn is Just Building his new House

May 12, 1847 (Johnson Diary)B. Winns Daughter Came down to H. Scrabble without Shoes      She had Just Escaped from Irons that her father had chined her in to Keep her from Getting Married to a Mr Burk the wood choper, and the young One tried also to Escape but She did not So Stands the afair

May 14, 1847 (Johnson Diary)Miss Emeline Winn was married to day to Mr Burke, tis Said on the other Side of the River, &c.

May 20, 1847 (Johnson Diary) Burk and his new wife is down at C Wilcotts.

Apr. 13, 1848 (Johnson Diary)Mr Jourdan gets married to Mr Bailor Winns Daughter Mary to night

May 1, 1848 (Johnson Diary)Jasper Winn Has left his Father and came to townHe wants an overseers Birth

Nov. 9, 1848 (Johnson Diary)I wrode Down in the Swamp to day and On my way down I met Mr Winn and he told me about his Son Calvins having Left him the night before or Last night and that if he should meet him he intended to cowhide him and would do it where Ever and when Ever he Could find him.

Nov. 30, 1849 (Johnson Diary)Jasper Winn Came up with fish and has been Drunk all day in Town and was here to night Dancing at M Johnson.

Oct. 2, 1850 (Johnson Diary)It was to Night That Mr Micheal Johnson was telling me about his Coming very near Getting into a Difficulty with two of the Brothers in Law of Jasper Winns wife He said that the one of them said that any man that would take the part of a Colord man Marying a white woman was a Damed Rascal. At that Johnson Call him a Lyar, When The Man Struck him across the arm with a Stick and He then Knockd the man down and if he had have gotten a hold of a stick or Pitcher, he would have Killd him, Thus the thing Ended.

In his will dated July 25, 1859, he left all to his wife and Executrix, Elizabeth Winn, (property, slaves, cattle, furniture, household goods) and specifically stated, “Third it is my will and desire that my children namely Jasper, Calvin, Mary, and Sarah have no part of my property, lands and effects of which I may have at my death” (Atascosa County, Texas Wills)

Winney

Manumission of Winney (girl) by Robert B. Jameson, 1834

Adams County Chancery Court

Deed Book V

Pgs. 108-9

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.

Winney, Police Board Records, September 1841

Adams County Chancery Court

Police Board Records

P. 320

Special September Term 1841

The following applications for license to remain in this State, by free Negroes, and Mulattoes, were Ordered to be rejected To wit

The applications of       Robert D.A. Smith

            Priscilla            Harriet Stern

            Joe Cornish            Armstead Carter

            Nathl. Stearns            Easter Stearns

            Andrew Leiper      Albert Tolbot?

            Winney,            Washington Stearns

            Abagail            Charlotte

Winsborough

S.D. Winsborough1 male 24-36 (1840 Natchez census)

Winston

Rachel Winston50mf, “FN,” N.C.? and William, 24mm, MS (1850 Natchez census)

Rachel Nelson (still same woman, Rachel Winston)60Mf, VA, w/William Winston, 30 mm, carpenter, MS; J.L.? Notere?, 25 mm, barber; Frank, 26 mm, barber; Charles Young, 36 mm, servant (1860 Natchez census)

Maria Nelson56mf, dressmaker, MD w/Sarah, 26 mf, dressmaker, MS; Eliza 26 mf, dressmaker, MS; Laura Cartwright, 22 mf, dressmaker, LA (1860 Natchez census).

Fountain Winston Will, 1834

Adams County Chancery Court

Will Book 2

Pgs. 81-2

20 Sep. 1834“It is my will and desire that My Servant girl Rachael in consideration of her long and faithful Services in particular for diligent care to me during my Several Severe attacks of Sickness thereby greatly Constituting to alleviate My Sufferings and believe prolonged My Life, be emancipated and Set free from Slavery Requesting all ever to treat her as her unremitting attentions to me have deserved and I do particularly enjoin it opon My Exxecutors hereinafter named or Such of them as Shall take upon themselves the Executor of My will that evey necessary Step be taken Speedially as practicable to effectuate her freedom and it is also My will that My Slave Barbara a faithful Servant be in like Manner emancipated and Set Free from Slavery..Believing Bill or William the Son of Rachel Too White to be continued in Slavery that may be better subserve the interest of Society it is my Will and desire that he Shall Remain with his Mother untill he Shall become of a Suitable age to be bound to Some Respectful Mechanicto learn his trade untill he shall arrive at the age of twenty One years of age with an article inserted in the indenture that he Shall Receive the usual education of apprentices and that on his arrival at the age of twenty One years that he also Shall be emancipated and Set free from Slavery on involuntary Servitude. I will and bequeath to the before named girl Rachel all my household and Kitchen furniture together with the Sum of Five hundred dollars for the Support of himself and her Son Bill above named during his Minority.”

June 30, 1836 (Johnson Diary)I gave Rachael Winston my note for One Hundred dollars for value received [footnote: mother of William Winston, one of Johnson’s barbers. Both mother and son were free by 1850, 532].

Feb. 12, 1839 (Johnson Diary)I whiped Winston to Day again on account of his going Home to tell his Mother Lyes, &c.

From the Introduction to the Johnson Diary: “Of all these apprentices, Johnson was more firmly attached by ties of affection, mutual interests, and long business association to William Winston, whom he called “Bill” or “Winston.” When Bill came to work for Johnson in 1836 “to Lern the Barbers trade,” he was about twelve years of age and still a slave. But his master, former Lieutenant Governor Fountain Winston, had made provision in his will for the freeing of Bill’s mother, Rachel, and had added several provisions in behalf of the boy: “Believing Bill or William the son of Rachel too white to be continued in Slavery,” he had directed that he remain with his mother until he was old enough to be bound as an apprentice to “some reputable mechanic.” When he was twenty-one, he was to be freed. Fountain Winston further directed that his furniture should go to Rachel; $500 should be set aside to support Rachel and Bill (during the latter’s minority); and all of his property (amounting to $3,000 plus land in Tennessee), except his library, should be held in trust for the boyprovided only that his habits should be good. Bill Winston worked for Johnson most of the time from 1836 until the master barber’s death in 1851, and thereafter for the Johnson family. By way of postscript, it can be added that Bill and his mother were listed as free Negroes in the United States census of 1850; that a special law authorizing him to remain in Mississippi was passed by the legislature in 1854, a most unusual concession to a free Negro in the 1850s; and that the pastor of the white Presbyterian Church made this entry in his diary on Tuesday, March 17, 1863: “Married at ChapelnightWilliam F. Winston to Anna M. Lieperfree colored personsafter wh. Attend prayer meets of negroes and spoke” (pgs. 28-29).

[Footnote, Johnson Diary: See also Rachel Winston to William Johnson, June 27, 1837 (copy), Johnson Papers, in which she asked the barbershop proprietor to send her “the sum of two Dollars for the making of two shirts for William Winston, being as I am not able to pay for it myself,” 29]

Nathaniel Hoggatt, Jr. to Rachel Nelson, 1858

Adams County Chancery Court

Deed Book MM

P. 76

[Not transcribing, just bare details: Sep. 12, 1857, for $1,000, she paid in installments (and still owed $500), she bought a house and lot along Pine Ridge Road, part of lot purchased by Stephen Odell]

Wisdom

Benjamin Wisdom, Free Papers, 1821

Adams County Chancery Court

Deed Book M      

P. 51

Benjamin Wisdom his free papers

Whereas Benjamin Wisdom my black man, for many years past has been a faithful and obedient slave to me, and I having long since determined to reward him, for his care and fidelity do at this time think proper to carry into effect this my determination. Now know all men by these presents, that I David Williams late of Natchez in the Mississippi Territory now of Gloucester in the County of Essex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts Esquire in consideration of my attachment to the said Benjamin Wisdom and to reward him for his honesty, fidelity and obedience to me have manumitted and forever discharged, and by these presents do for me my heirs, executors and administrators, manumit, release and forever discharged my said servant Benjamin Wisdom from slavery and the said Benjamin Wisdom has full free and perfect liberty, to pass and repass through any part of the United States of America, as the traveling servant of any gentleman without bit of hindrance detention or interruption from any person or persons whatsoever In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this tenth day of August in the year of our Lord one Thousand Eight hundred and twenty

In presence of Lonson Nash                  David Williams

John McLoud, Winthrop Sargent

? Augt 10 1820 personally appeared David Williams and acknowledged the foregoing instrument to be his free ? and deed

[More details, not transcribed, but it was recorded in Massachusetts and then in Natchez on 16^th day of Aug. 1821]

Withers

Sally Withers, Police Board Records, February 1844

Adams County Chancery Court

Police Board Records

P. 422

February Term 1844

Sally Withers, a free woman of colour residing in the City of Natchez this day produced to the Board satisfactory proof of her good moral character and that it is the desire of a majority of the Citizens of said City that the said Sally shall continue to reside therein; and thereupon, it was ordered by the Board that she be licensed to reside in said City, according to an act of the Legislature entitled ‘An act in the relief of Henry Lee and others, and for other purposes’ Approved July 25, 1843

Woodall

Woodall, Johnson v. Sexto, Daniel, HNF, 1826

Historic Natchez Foundation

Box 37

File 36

To the Honb.le Edward Turner presiding Judge of the second Judicial district. The petition of Johnston Woodall a free person of Colour respectfully represents.

That he is the Son of a white woman called Betsey Woodall. That he was born in Lincoln County Kentucky. Held brought up as a free boyThat as the age of eleven he was indentured by order of the County Court of Rockcastle County KY. on the 28^th Feby. 1814 to one John Hannwith whom he lived untill [sic] 1816 or 1817when his time was transferred by said Hann To some other person & after one or two more transfers was sold by one Daniel M Bondurant as a slave to one Daniel Sexton by whom he is now held in slaveryyour petitioner therefore prays that a writ of Habeas Corpus may issue upon said Daniel Sexton to bring up the body of your petitioner that he may be dealt with according to Law--& that your petitioner may by a Judgment of this honorable Court obtain the freedom to which he is entitled

      Griffith & Quitman

            Pet.r Counsel

The body of the within named Johnson Woodall is before me, produced by Daniel Sexon [sic], who claims him as a slave, and enters into bond, according to law, which is herewith filedno securityrequired by petitioner--      Ap.l 24: 1826

                        E. Turner Judge

                        2.d Jud.l Dis.t

Daniel Sexton

ads?

Johnson Woodall      And the said Daniel Sexton comes and defends the wrong and injury when &c and says that the said Johnson Woodall was not born free nor brought up as such but that on the contrary he was a slave ^ for life by birth and has ever continued such and still is a slave and of this the said Daniel puts himself upon the County.

            J. T McMurran?

            Adam J Sprague?

            For Defat.

And the Petitioner does

The like

G & Q

114

Adams Circuit Court

To May term 1826

Recorded in Book

EE. Page 661

Johnson Woodall a person

of colour

vs       Pet.n for freedom

Dan.l Sexton

Bill of Costs made out

Filed 24^th April 1826

Jno. T. Griffith Clk.

[illegible two linescrossed out but the last ends with May 1826]

Plea filed

Verdict for plt. Nov. Term

1826

Execution issued

Griffith & Quitman

This is to certify that the bearer of this, Johnson Woodall, is the person who obtain his freedom papers from the Court of Adams County State of Mississippi in the year eighteen hundred & twenty six      November term

Petit Jury M. July 17 1828

      John Sexton

      George B. Watson

One of the papers [not transcribed] directed that the deposition of John Hamm, a witness for Woodall, be taken.

Johnson Woodall

v            Adams Circuit Court

Daniel Sexton

Deposition of John Hann taken permanent to the annexed commission before Henry Tooley the justice of the peace therein named at the office of said justice in the City of Natchez on this 24^th day of April 1826 to be read on the trial of the above cause.

John Hann being duly sworn says that he is acquainted with the parties in the above cause.

That on the 28^th day of February 1814 the Rockcastle County Court in the State of Kentucky ordered that the above plaintiff then an orphan boy should be bound apprentice to this deponent to learn the trade of a black smith, and until said boy should arrive at the age of twenty one yearsthat on the 20^th day of august ensuing the indenture of said apprentice was duly adjudged and ordered by Horace? P. Buford clerk of said Court and this deponent, to carry into effect said orderthat after having had said apprentice in his service for two or three years this deponent sold the remaining part of his time to one George McWhorter residing in Wayne County Kentucky for one hundred and twenty dollarsthat he saw said boy sometime afterwards in said McWhorter possession, but saw him no more until some two weeks ago in the possession of the above defendantthat in the neighborhood and county where said boy was apprenticed to him, said boy was always reputed and considered as free born, the son of a white woman named Betsy Woodall and was bound to himthat he would not be mistaken in the identity of said boy, that he is sure, and very certain that he is the same Johnson Woodall apprenticed to him as aforesaid                              John Hann

Sworn to & subscribed before me

This 26^th April 1826      

H. Tooley

Johnson Woodall

vs             In Circuit Court of Adams Conty

Benjamin Sexton      Petition for Freedom

      Interrogatories to be admininistered to J. O. Carpenter, Moses Baker, Daniel Ousley and Margaret Woodallwitnesses on the part of the above named Johnston Woodall, residing in Rockcastle County Kentuckyand whose answers these to will be read in evidence on the trial of the above cause.

To all the above named witnesses.

Interoges. 1.      Are you acquainted with the aforesaid Parties to this suit, or either of them?

Inty. 2.d      Are you or are you not intimately acquainted with the said Johnston Woodall, and with the time and place of his birth? If yea, please state your knowledge of those circumstances particularly.

Inty. 3.      Do you or do you not know that the mother of the said Johnston Woodall was a free white woman? and that he was born free and invariably reputed as such? and that he never was considered or reputed a slave in your County and State? & was he or was he not bound out by the county court as such

Inty 4.      Will you please describe him as to his color and appearance at the time you last saw him, and mention when that was.

Inty 5.             Do you know anything further material

or of advantage to the aforesaid Johnston Woodall in this case? If you do, or either of you do, please state the same fully and at large under this general interrogatory.

                  Griffith & Quitman for

                        Petitioner

To the Defendant or his Counsel

                        Gentlemen

                              Please

Take notice that on Friday the 28^th July [illegible] I shall apply to the Clerk of Adams Circuit Court for a commission to issueto take the depositions of ^ the above witnesses to the foregoing interrogatoriesbeing on this day filed with the Clerk. In the meantime you may file crossinterrogatories [sic] if you think proper.

            Respectfully

                  Johnston Woodall

                  Pr? Griffith & Quitman

Received a copy of the above Interrogatories and notice this 17th. July 1826.

                  John T. McMurran

                        For Defdt.

The commission is to be directed to William Smith & John H. Slaughter or either of them Justices of the in and for Rockcastle County State of Kentucky

Cross interrogatories to be administered on the part of the Defendant to the aforesaid witnesses at the same time.

Cross Interrog 1.      Was or was not the Boy with whom you were acquainted in Rockcastle County Kentucky called Wooodall and nothing more?

2.      Do you or either of you know that the above Petitioner Johnston Woodall is the same as the one you knew in Kentucky? Please state what you know of your own knowledge alone.

3.       Have you or either of you any interest in the aforesaid suit now pending in the Circuit Court of Adams County state of Mississippi? Or do you expect to gain or lose anything in the event of it?

4.       Do you know any thing further that may be material to the Defendant in this case? If yea, please state the same fully and at large under this general interrogatory.

                              Jno T. McMurran

                              Defdts Atty.

[HNF note: Plaintiff, man of color, claims to be the son of a white woman in Lincoln County, Kentucky; therefore free and not a slave for life. Petition for freedom granted].

Woodland

Anne Woodland purchase of son Francis, 1817

Adams County Chancery Court

Deed Book I

Pgs. 350-1

Francis Woodland Free Papers      Recd to be recorded August 11^th 1817

Anne Woodland to Francis Woodland      Saint Marys County for This Indenture made Indenture to John Somewell                    the seventeenth day of April one thousand seven Hundred and eighty seven, Between Anne Woodland free Negro of the one part and John Somewell of the same County of the other part Witnesseth that the said Ane Woodland for and consideration of the sum on nine pounds seventeen shillings? And six pence current money to me in hand paid the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged have convenanted bargained and agreed to and with the said John Somewell to ? and indent my son Francis Woodland and by these presents do bind and indenture Francis Woodland to serve him the said John Somewell his heirs executors administrators or assigns in any manner of business or employment which he or they shall ?? proper to employ him in or about as a servant until he shall arrive at the full age of twenty?? [cut off!] one years, he being twelve years of age last February. And the said Anne Woodland ?? covenant agrees to and with the said John Somewell his heirs and assigns ? fully until he shall arrive at the age above specified. In testimony ??

p. 351

[the left edge is cut off so I cannot transcribe it. But there are some details worth mentioning. It is Maryland. Also, they recorded when his indenture was up when he was 21 but then he lost his free papers. So, they recorded his free papers noting that he is a black man about 35 years old tall and thin. Date 1810.]

Thomas Freeman's Will, 1820

Adams County Chancery Court

Will Book 1

Pgs. 237-9

First I give and bequeath unto my favourite and trusty servant Simon one thousand Dollars and his freedom for life. I also give and bequeath unto my servant Maid Polly ?? [illegible amount] dollars and her freedom for life.

p. 238

I also give and bequeath unto my former old trusty Servant Frank or Frances Woodland the sum of five hundred Dollars he is a free man of colour

[Not all transcribed, but these are the relevant points regarding free blacks]

Woods

Peter Woods60 bm, VA (1860 Natchez census)

Sarah Woods50 mf, dressmaker, VA w/ Rachel, 60 mf, dressmaker, VA (1860 Natchez census)

Woolley

C.H. Kyle to Sally Woolley, emancipation, 1824

Adams County Chancery Court

Deed Book P

Pgs. 127-8

C.H. Kyle to Sally Woolley

To the honourable Edward Broughton parish Judge in and for the parish of Concordia and State of Louisiana. The petition of Christopher H. Kyle, at present of the parish and State aforesaid respectfully represents unto your honor, That he is desirous of emancipating in due form of law his female slave named Salley Woolley upwards of thirty years of age. Your petitioner further represents that for the last four years as well as during all her life, the said Salley Woolley has been honest faithful and diligent, without having ranaway, and without having committed any robbery or without having been guilty of any other criminal misdemeanor to the knowledge of your petitioner and that the said Salley is in every respect entitled to the benefits of the act concerning Emancipation passed March 9^th 1807….[posted on door of courthouse for 40 days…more details not transcribed]

Case made and provided

Concordia La September 6^th 1824                        C.H. Kyle

[Recorded by Woodson Wren 17^th day of May 1824]

Wright

From The Mississippi State Gazette

Saturday, March 20, 1819

Issue 20

Col C

Also, committed on the 13^th inst. A Negro Man who calls himself JOHN WRIGHT, and says he is free, but having no papers to that effect he was committed to jail; he is about five feet 6 inches high, very much scared [sic] on his buttock with the whip; very stout and well made, rather of a yellowish complexion, from 35-40 years of age.

Yates

John Hollaway23 mm, “FN,” MS and Harriet Yates, 20 mf (1850 Natchez census)

Julia Yates37bf, DressmakerMS, w/Louisa, 16bf, seamstress; Levi, 14bm; Catherine, 12 bf; Moses 12 bm (1860 Natchez census)

Young

Rachel Nelson60 Mf, VA, w/William Winston, 30 mm, carpenter, MS; J.L.? Notere?, 25 mm, barber; Frank, 26 mm, barber; Charles Young, 36 mm, servant (1860 Natchez Census)

Zero

Betsey Montgomery32mf, “Free Negro,” VA, w/Jane Zero, 25 mf, Louisiana? (1850 Natchez census)

Miscellaneous people, no names listed

May 4, 1850 (Johnson Diary)Dr. Broom sells at auction to day a poor woman and her 3 children that was set free by a Mr-------who was the father of her children. Seventeen hundred dollars was what they sold for. Purchased by Mr Yorke

PARTIAL REFERENCES

Primary Sources

Adams County, Mississippi, Chancery Court Records

Adams County Deed Books, A–MM

Adams County Police Board of Minutes, 1832–54

Adams County Will Books, 1–4

Spanish Record Books A–G

Census

Historical Census Browser. Retrieved [July 10, 2010] from the University of Virginia, Geospatial and Statistical       Data Center: http://fisher.lib.virginia.edu/collections/ stats/histcensus/index.html.

1792 Spanish Census of the Natchez District. Mississippi as a Province, Territory and State, Vol. 1, by J. F. H.       Claiborne, 1880.

US Census schedules for Adams County, MS, and the City of Natchez, 1816, 1818, and 1820–1860.

Historic Natchez Foundation

I am not listing every one of the many chancery, circuit, or superior court case that I used herein, but the details are listed for each at the beginning of the entries.

Legislative Petitions (drawn from the online records of the Race and Slavery Petitions Project, The       University of North Carolina at Greensboro)

Resolution for the Benefit of Ester Barland. Legislative Papers, Petitions and Memorials, Record Group 47,             Volume 19, December 7, 1830.

Petition for Special License by Agnes Earhart. Legislative Papers, Petitions and Memorials, Record Group 47,       Volume 28, 1859.

Emancipation of Hannah by Edward Brooks. Legislative Papers, Petitions and Memorials, Record Group 47,       Volume 17, 1822.

Petition of William Hayden. Legislative Papers, Petitions and Memorials 1817–1839, undated, Record Group       47, Box 17, Volume 16, ca. 1829.

Emancipation of Louisa and her Daughter, Betsey. Legislative Papers, Petitions and Memorials, Record Group       47, 1819.

Emancipation of Sterne Children. Legislative Papers, Petitions and Memorials, Record Group 47, ca. 1819.

Emancipation of Vousdan Family. Territorial Legislature, Series 524, Record Group 5, Box 27, ca. 1816.

Mississippi High Court of Error and Appeals Records

Leiper vs. Huffman. et al., Case 6185, Mississippi High Court of Error and Appeals, 1851.

Robert W. Wood (Admins.) of John Irby vs. Elizabeth Butcher, Case 679, Mississippi High Court of Error and       Appeals, 1841.

Published Primary Records

Fitzpatrick, John. The Merchant of Manchac: The Letterbooks of John Fitzpatrick, 1768–1790. Edited by       Margaret Fisher Dalrymple. Baton Rouge: Louisiana State University Press, 1978.

Gould, Virginia Meacham. Chained to the Rock of Adversity: To Be Free, Black, & Female in the Old South.       Athens: University of Georgia Press, 1998.

Hayden, William. Narrative of William Hayden, Containing a Faithful Account of His Travels for a Number of       Years, Whilst a Slave, in the South, Written by Himself. Cincinnati: William Hayden, 1846.       http://docsouth.unc.edu/neh/hayden/hayden.html.

Johnson, William. William Johnson’s Natchez: The Ante-Bellum Diary of a Free Negro. Edited by William       Ransom Hogan and Edwin Adams Davis. Baton Rouge: Louisiana State University Press, 1951.

Littlefield, Daniel F. The Life of Okah Tubbee. Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press, 1988.

Secondary Sources

Alford, Terry L. Prince among Slaves: The True Story of an African Prince Sold into Slavery in the American       South. 30th anniversary ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2007.

. “Some Manumissions Recorded in the Adams County Deed Books in Chancery Clerk’s Office, Natchez, Mississippi, 1795–1835.” Journal of Mississippi History 33 (February 1971): 39–50.

Brazy, Martha Jane. An American Planter: Stephen Duncan of Antebellum Natchez and New York. Baton       Rouge: LSU Press, 2006.

Broussard, Joyce. “Stepping Lively in Place: The Free Black Women of Antebellum Natchez.” In Mississippi       Women: Their Histories, Their Lives, vol. 2, edited by Elizabeth Anne Payne, Martha H. Swain, and       Marjorie Julian Spruill, 23–38. Athens: University of Georgia Press, 2010.

. Stepping Lively in Place: The Not-Married, Free Women of Civil War–Era Natchez, Mississippi.       Athens: University of Georgia Press, 2016.

Hudson, Angela Pulley. Real Native Genius: How an Ex-slave and a White Mormon Became Famous Indians.       Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press, 2015.

Inglis, G. Douglas. “Searching for Free People of Color in Colonial Natchez.” Southern Quarterly 43, no. 2       (Winter 2006): 97–112.

Sydnor, Charles. “The Free Negro in Mississippi Before the Civil War.” American Historical Review 32 (1927):       769–88.

Welch, Kimberly M. Black Litigants in the Antebellum American South. Chapel Hill: University of North       Carolina Press, 2018.

Wyatt-Brown, Bertram. Southern Honor: Ethics and Behavior in the Old South. 1982. 25th anniversary ed.       New York: Oxford University Press, 2007