Deed Book I
P. 353
[Alford’s footnote says the Meachams were from Hardin County, Kentucky].
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.
B
Banks
Robert Smith43mm, “FN,”hackman, MD, w/Ann, 38mf, TN; R. 13mm, blacksmith, LA; Cora, 16mf; Henry, 14mm; Lucy, 11mf, MS; Robert, 5mm; John, 3mm; S.E. 1mf; Linda Banks, 100mf, MD (1850 Census)
Barbara
Barbara's manumission papers, 1823
Adams County Chancery Court
Deed Book N
P. 328
Barbara’s Paper of Manumission
State of Louisiana, Parish of East Baton Rouge
Be it Known, that this day, before me Charles Tessier, Parish Judge and exofficio notary Public, in and for the Parish aforesaid, personally came and appeared Telemachus Rogers, of this Parish, who declares that, from motives of gratitude, and virtue of the authorization of the Judge, dated Decr. 19th 1823, and annexed to these presents, he has released from slavery, Manumitted and set free, and by these presents, does release from slavery, Manumit and set free his negro Wench, named Barbara, of thirty five years of age or thereabout which he owns by virtue of a private bill of sale, from Thomas D ? agent for Stephen DuncanIn consequence of which, the said Telemachus Rogers, has divested himself of all the right of Property, which he had on the said negro woman, Barbara, who is henceforth free, manumitted, and discharged of all manner of Servitude, and entitled to enjoy? All the prerogatives and priviledges attached to free people of Colour.
[Not transcribing all details, but recorded in Natchez on 30th Jan. 1824 by Woodson Wren]
Barland
Elizabeth Barland (household listed as all white4 white males under 21, 1 white female over 21, 2 under 21, 15 slaves) (Census of 1816, Adams County)
William Barland (living with 2 white males over 21 and one white female under 21, 2 slaves) (Census of 1816, Adams County)
Elizabeth Barland5 fpc (19 slaves) (Census of 1818, Adams County)
1 in W Barland’s household (1 white, 9 slaves) (Census of 1818, Adams County)
A. Barland1 fpc (Andrew?) (Census of 1818, Adams County)
Easter Barland1 male –10; 1 female –10; 1 female 10-24; 1 female 36-55 (1840 Natchez censushead)
Joseph Barland30 Mm, baker, MS w/Medora, 27 mf; William, 7 mm; Isabell, 5 mf; Thomas, 5 mm; John A, 3 mm (1860 Natchez census)
Thomas BarlandWith white family44 mm, laborer, $17,000 R.E, $12,000 P.E., MS, William, 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)
David Barland1 male –10, 1 male 10-24; 1 male 36-55; 1 female –10; 1 female 10-24; 1 female 36-55 (1840 Adams Co. census)
Isabella Barland52mf, “FN,” MS [all following 3 households have a collective $2000RE:] w/Susannah, 24mf; Rosanna, 17mf; Alexander, 14mm; Thomas, 33mm; William, 22mm (Mary and Betsy Fitzgeraldother households w/n collection) (1850 Adams County Census)
William Barland46mm, farmer; Betsey, 66fm, keeping house; Sarah E., 32fm, seamstress; Thomas, 12mm, laborer; Walton, 10mm, none; Mary, 6fm; Edgar M. Atchinson, 1mb (1870 Adams County census)
Adams County Chancery Court
Spanish Record Books, 1790
Book B
P. 446
Be it known to all to whom these presents shall come that I, James Eilardo really and effectively sell to William Barland, a Mulatto woman named Elizabeth, aged twenty-five years, native of America, with her four children, one aged five years named Andrew, another aged two named Peggy, another of the same age named Vechy, and another aged one year named James; which said five slaves I sell for the sum of seven hundred dollars specie, in hand paid. For which said consideration I do hereby resign all right, title, possession, and claim in and to the said slaves all of which I transfer and convey to the said Purchaser and his assigns, take as his own, hold and enjoyed, sold, exchanged, or otherwise alienated at his pleasure, in virtue of these presents granted in his favor in token of real delivery, without other proof of purchase and possession being required, from which he is hereby released, binding myself to maintain the validity of this present sale in full form and right, in favor of the Purchaser aforesaid, when need may be, and granting authority to the Justices of his Majesty to compel me to the performance of the Same as if Judgment had already been given therein, renouncing all laws, rights, and privileges in my favor Whatsoever. And I the said William Barland being present, do hereby accept this Instrument in my favor, receiving the said Mulatto Woman as purchased, in the form and for the price therein mentioned, wherewith I am fully satisfied and content, hereby renouncing the laws respecting delivery, things not seen nor received, fraud, or other exceptions in the case whatsoever, granting formal right? For the same. Done and executed, in testimony thereof of the Post of Natchez, this seventeenth day of the month of May, in the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety. I Don Carlos De Grand Pre, Lieutenant Colonel of the Royal ? and civil and military Commandant of the said Post and District, in the absence of the Governor, acting as Notary Public, there being none in the said District, certify that the Parties have acknowledged and signed the foregoing, with Antonio Soler and Juan Conreras….signatures..
Marriage license of Margaret Barland to William Henderson, 1808
Adams County Marriage Records
Book [did not record which it was]
P. 68
Mississippi Territory of the United States. Adams County Ss. These are to License and permit you to join in the holy state of Matrimony William Henderson and Margaret Barland and for so doing this ^ shall be your Sufficient Warrant. Given under my hand this 21st day of March 1808 [then the clerk began duplicating the previous sentence and crossed it out]
Jn.o Girault R.O.C.
To Territorial Judges, Ministers of the Gospel legally authorised to celebrate the rites of Matrimony, or any Justice of the Peace. Personally appeared William Barland, Father to the above named Margaret, who gave his consent to the solemnization of the above Marriage21st March 1808
Jn.o Girault Register. O.C.
I do hereby Certify that by virtue of a Licence, Issued by the Registers of the Orphans Court of Adams County dated the 21st of March 1808, I did on the 24th of the same Month, join in the Holy State of Matrimony William Henderson & Margaret Barland
25 March 1808 Geo. Fitzgerald J.P.
Marriage license of Elisabeth Barland to Asa German, 1809
Adams County Marriage Records
Book [did not record which it was]
Pgs. 97-8
97
Mississippi Territory of the United States,
Adams County, Ss. These are to licence and permit you to join together in the holy state of Matrimony Asa German and Elis.th Barland and for so doing this Shall be your sufficient Warrant. Given under my hand this 7th day of January 1809. J. Girault, R.O.C.
To Territorial Judges, Ministers of the Gospel legally authorised to Celebrate the rights of
98
Matrimony or any Justice of the Peace.
Mississippi Territory I certify that pursuant Adams County Ss.I licence from the register of the Orphans Court dated 7th January 1809 I joined together Asa German and Elizabeth Barland in the holy state of Matrimony on the 17th of January 1809. Test. Jonas Davis Peace.
Personally appeared W.m Barland father of the above named Elisabeth Barland and gave his consent to her marriage with Asa German.
9th January 1809 J. Girault R.O.C.
Marriage license of Betsey Barland to Martin Thomas, 1809
Adams County Marriage Records
Book [did not record which it was]
P. 94
Mississippi Territory of the United States, Adams County, Ss. These are to licence and permit you to join together in the holy state of Matrimony Martin Thomas and Betsey Barland and for so doing this shall be your sufficient Warrant. J. Girault R.O.C.
Given under my hand this 16th Feb.y 1809. +
To Territorial Judges, Ministers of the Gospel legally authorised to celebrate the rites of matrimony, or any Justice of the Peace.
William Barland Will, 1811
Adams County Chancery Court
Willbook 1
Pgs. 132-8
“Whereas on the seventh day of April, in the year of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred and eighty nine, in presence of David Munro James Stodart, William Bannan and John Short, I did purchase my friend and companion Elizabeth Barland and three infant Children called Andrew Barland Elizabeth Barland Junr and Margarett Barland (our natural begotten children) of James Eiler then of the City of Natchez of whom the said James Eiler then put me in possession and furnished me with a legal bill of sale drawn by the said John Short and witnessed by the above named persons And whereas I did on the same day and date in the same year in conformity with Spanish Laws and usages set her free manumit, and forever exempt from Slavery my said friend and Companion Elizabeth Barland and our three natural born children Andrew Barland, Elizabeth Barland Junr and Margarett Barland and the said Bill of sale and the said instrument of Manumission having been destroyed by fire when my house was burned on or about the Twenty seventh day of December one thousand seven hundred and ninety seven, I did confirm the freedom or manumission of my said friend and companion Elizabeth Barland and our natural begotten children Alexander Elizabeth and Margarett as aforesaid by an instrument in my proper handwriting, bearing date, on the said sixth day of June as may be seen by reference to folio four, of a small manuscript book covered with canvas in which are entered the births of all my natural born children by my said friend and companion Elizabeth Barland, And whereas on the twenty third day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred, I did make and publish a will and testament in which I did also recognize and confirm the said freedom and manumission of my said friend and companion Elizabeth Barland and our natural begotten children as may be seen by reference to the said will and Testament. Now Therefore in consequence of her attachment and fidelity to me as a friend and companion and her industry and affection to her and my children as a mother. I do in the most solemn, unequivocal and ample manner, confirm unto her and her children Andrew Elizabeth and Margaret their full and entire freedom and exemption from Slavery from and after the said seventh day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred eighty nine…”
[He then goes on to provide for all twelve of his and Elizabeth’s children, Andrew, Elizabeth, Margrett, James, William, Adam, Agnes, David, George, Alexander, Susana, and John. For the first nine (who are all of age), he leaves each of them real estate with]
“indisputable titles to the amount of Two thousand dollars which at this time I consider each of their Just proportion of my real estate therefore in order to secure to my friend and companion Elizabeth Barland a home and a comfortable living during her natural life, and in order that my children not yet of age, maybe raised clothed schooled and brought up in the principles of virtue and morality: and to this end that all my children may have a full and fair proportion share and share alike of my estate in the end without favor or partiality…” He divides up all of his estate and plantation among all 13 (he sends $1000 to his brother in Scotland).
[Then, he ends by saying]:
“My reason for making the above will and Testament is that strong natural affection I entertain for my children and the respect and esteem I have for their mother my friend and companion on account of her good conduct generally and her fidelity and attachment to me and as I was the agent through God of bringing them into existence so I thought it my duty to my Country and to my God and myself to raise them industriously and virtuously and in the end to have them as indipendant and as comfortable as the produce of my labor would permit and farther if misfortune or distress had overtaken me in old age I Should have to look to them and them only for support and comfort in such a situation.”
William Barland to Andrew Barland and others, 1815
Adams County Chancery Court
Deed Book H
Pgs. 369-70
William Barland
To Received 2nd June 1815
Andrew Barland and others
Know all men by these presents that whereas by an Act of the General Assembly of the Mississippi Territory entitled an Act to Authorise William Barland to manumit certain persons of colour passed the 24th day of December in the year our Lord 1814 I the said Willaim Barland was authorised and empowered to manumit the following persons of colour towit a female named and commonly called Elizabeth and her twelve children towit Andrew Barland Elizabeth alias Elizabeth Germain Margaret Barland alias Margaret Henderson James Barland William Barland Junior Adam Barland David Barland George Barland Alexander Barland John Barland Agness alias Anna Barland and Susanna Barland and the Issue and decendants of all or any of the said Females and whereas the said William Barland has complyed with the provisions of said act by giving bond and security approved of by the Governor of said Territory Now know ye that I the said William Barland in pursuance of the power and authority in me vested by said Act and also for divers good and valuable considerations to me moveing Have manumitted and hereby manumit and set from slavery the before named female named and commonly called Elizabeth and her said Twelve
p. 370
children and the acknowledged children of the said William Barland towit Andrew Barland Elizabeth alias Elizabeth Germain Margaret Barland alias Margaret Henderson James Barland William Barland Junior Adam Barland David Barland George Barland Alexander Barland John Barland Agness alias Anna Barland and Susanna Barland and Robert Mary and William Germain sons and daughters of the said Elizabeth Barland alias Elizabeth Germain and Elizabeth and Letty Henderson Daughters of the said Margarett Barland Alias Margarett Henderson And do hereby give grant and release unto them and each and every of them all my right title and claim of issued to these persons labour and services and of in and to the estates and property which they may hereafter acquire or obtain In witness whereof I the said William Barland hath set my hand and seal this [blank] day of [blank] in the year 1815 Wm Barland Seal
Signed and delivered in
The presence of J H Rutherford
Eli Montgomery
[a few more details but didn't transcribe]
William Barland to Elizabeth Barland, 1816
Adams County Chancery Court
Deed Book I
Pgs. 102-103
William Barland
To
Elizabeth Barland Received to be recorded 10th July 1816
This indenture made this seventeenth day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eleven between William Barland of Adams county in the Mississippi Territory of the one part and Elizabeth Barland of the said County and Territory of the other part. Witnesseth that the said William Barland for & in consideration of the sum of one dollar lawful money of the United States to him in hand paid the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged
p. 103
hat granted bargained sold conveyed & confirmed and by these Do grant bargain Sell Convey and confirm unto the said Elizabeth Barland and her heirs and assigns forever all that messuage? Tract or parcel of land situate lying and being in the city of Natchez being lots number three & four of Square 8 twenty nine on the general plat of plan of said City of Natchez together with all the rights privileges and appertenanets thereunto belonging or in any wise appertaining. To Have & to hold the above described lots of land number three and number four of square number twenty nine with every part & parcel therof together with all the rights…[some text not transcribed. No more important details other than the 29th day of February 18?]
Petition of Andrew Barland to the Mississippi General Assembly, ca. 1824
Legislative Petitions
RG 47
Boxes 16-7
Mississippi Department of Archives and History
Certificate, P.B. Harrison, et al., ca 1824.
PAR #11082401.
Jefferson County, Mississippi, ca. 1824
The petition of Andrew Barland of Jefferson County To the Honorable the Senate and House of Representatives of the State of Mississippi; Your petitioner Humbly Sheweth That he is the offspring of a white man by a mulatto woman- That he was born in Adams County and is now about thirty nine years of age, that his father gave him a decent education and property enough to be independent, that he intermarried with a respectable white family, by which said wife he has two children, that he has resided about sixteen years in the County of Jefferson and is well known to the most respectable Citizens of said County, that he has almost in every case & by every means, been treated and received as well as tho he had been a white ?man and of fair character; that he has been summoned as a juror very often and served as Grand & Petit Juror and often given testimony in open court as a Legal witness- that his vote at elections has often been taken & for many years your petitioner has enjoyed all the privileges of a free white Citizen, but a controversy with a bad man of the name of Joseph Hawk caused an exception to be taken to your petitioners testimony on account of his blood, but with pride your petitioner can state, that altho his oath was refused the jury who tried the cause gave a verdict in favor of the word of your petitioner altho opposed by the oath of his adversary, a white man- Your petitioner further sheweth to your Honorable bodies that his education, his habits, his principles and his society are all identified with your views, that he holds slaves and can Know no other interest than that which is common to the white population, that his sisters have all married white men of fair and respectable standing and have always recd. the same respect shewn to white women of the same station in society- Your petitioner prays your Honorable. bodies, to extend to your petitioner such privileges as his Count[r]y men may think him worthy to possess, and them and ? to their recommendation your petitioner most confidently refers your Hon. bodies & your petitioner will ever pray.
[signed] Andrew Barland
We whose names are hereto subscribed have know[n] Andrew Barland for many years, some have known him from his childhood others as long as they have lived in the County, and view him as a most excellent man honest, moral, industrious and worthy the granting of privileges of a free man, and recommend him for that purpose, but should the
[signed]
P. B. Harrison
R. Dunbar Jun.
Tho. Hinds
Philip Dixon
B. M. Bullen
K.H. Holmes
Jas. G. Wood
Wm M. Green
James Dunbar
Jacob Stampley-Senior
Filmer W. Green
Abner Pipes
Wm Harper
No act was passed.
Petition of Esther Barland to the Mississippi State Legislature, circa 1830
Race, Slavery and Free Blacks: Petitions to Southern Legislatures and County Courts microfilm collection (published online)
Series I: Legislative Petitions
PAR # 11083008
Thirty-three citizens of Natchez ask that Esther Barland, a free woman of color, be permitted to remain in Mississippi. She should not be subject to the penalties of the 1822 act concerning "Slaves, free Negroes, and mulattoes," they contend, because of her industry. The governor's proclamation demanding rigid enforcement of the 80th and 81st sections of the 1822 act caused her much anxiety.
Petition granted circa 07 December 1830
10 of the listed petioners [all white]:
CARSON, James
HUGHES, I. J.
MITCHELL, P. L.
MONTGOMERY, Eli
NANNUSON, William
NEWMAN, J.
PHILLIPS, John P.
PUKITE, H. K.
ROWAN, L. G.
SMITH, John
Legislative Papers, Petitions and Memorials 1830; Record Group 47; Volume 19
Resolution for the Benefit of Ester Barland, 7 December 1830 (in 2 pages)
Easter Barland Police Board Records, 1832
Adams County Chancery Court
Police Board Records
P. 13
March Term 1832
Easter Barland or Easter Harris a free woman of light complexion about thirty years old 5 feet 2 inches high satisfied the court of her good character and honest deportment.
It is therefore ordered by the Court that said Easter Barland or Easter Harris be licensed to remain in this state agreeable to the act of assembly entitled an act to amend an act entitled an act to reduce into one the several acts concerning slaves free negroes and mulattoes passed 20th December AD 1831.
Elisabeth Barland, Police Board Records, February 1843
Adams County Chancery Court
Police Board Records
P. 377
February Term 1843
It being shown to the satisfaction of Board that Elisabeth Barland has erroneously paid the sum of seven dollars as a tax upon two hundred acres of land, it was thereupon ordered that the same be remitted and that a warrant issue in favor of said Elisabeth for said seven dollars.
Footnote: “Elizabeth Barland and her children inherited William Barland’s property and were sometimes listed in census and tax rolls as white, sometimes as free Negroes. In 1839 and 1840, John Barland was listed on the tax rolls as white and in 1843 and 1849 as a free man of color. In 1844 he married ‘Mary E. Fitzgerald’…For John Barland’s signed acknowledgment that he was one of ‘the issue of the said William Barland and Lisey his Wife who was a coloured Woman,” se Petition of Children of William Barland, c. 1830, Petitions and Memorials, Series I, No. 97,” (Johnson Diary, 334).
Footnote (this is regarding Johnson Diary June 8, 1841 entry regarding John Barland being accused of murdering Fitzjeral and how “he will get clear of it”: “John Barland was a free Negro, an acknowledged son of William Barland, Adams County white planter who held three land grants from the Spanish government, and his slave Elizabeth. She and their twelve children (including John) were freed by William Barland in 1815 after he had petitioned the Territorial assembly for authority to emancipate them and his petition had been granted. Elizabeth Barland and her children inherited William Barland’s property and were sometimes listed in census and tax records as white, sometimes as free Negroes. In 1839 and 1840, John Barland was listed on the tax rolls as white and in 1843 and 1849 as a free man of color. In 1844 he married “Mary E. Fitzgerrald”
Jan. 17, 1845 (Johnson Diary)I received a letter this morning from Mr David Barland requesting me to loan him four hundred dollars until he makes another crop
[Footnote: Johnson Diary, 514: David Barland was one of the most successful of the 12 free Negro children of Adams County white planter William Barland and ‘Lisey his wife who was a coloured woman’…Although he was occasionally listed in tax rolls as white, the U.S. Census of 1840 designated him as the head of a free Negro family of six and the owner of 18 slaves]
Barlow
John Barlow--22mm, “FN,” MS, w/Fanny Tolivar 60mf, VA; Malinda Gray, ?mf; Madora Barlow, 17 mm; L.L. Barlow, ?mm, MS; Eli Gray, 6mm; Mary Gray, 1 mf (1850 Natchez census)
Barshaw
Nancy Barshaw (illegible)1 male –10; 2 females –10; 3 females 10-24; 1 female 36-55 (2 male slaves 10-24) (1840 Natchez census).
Bartlett
Clarissa Bartlet, Emanicipation by James Gregory, 1831
Adams County Chancery Court
Deed Book W
P. 26
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.
L. Stearns29 mf, “FN,” MS, w/Anna Bartlett, 11mf, LA; A., 13 mf; George, 9mm; William Smith, 17 mm, servant, MS; M. 15 mm, servant; Milly Sterns, 53bf, “FN,” VA; Matt Sterns, 39mm, fn Barber, MS (1850 Natchez census)
Barton
Jonathon Barton1 male 24-36; 1 female 55-100 (1840 Adams Co. census)
Bass
Joseph Bass2 fpc (Census of 1818, Adams County)
Rebecca v. Jones, Historic Natchez Foundation, 1829
Adams County, Mississippi
Records of the Circuit Court
Habeas Corpus files
Box 2
To the Honorable Edward Turner Judge of the Second Judicial District and one of the Judges of the Supreme Court of the State of Mississippi
The petition of Rebecca a person of colour and infant under the age of twenty one by her next friend William Finnell, represents to your honor that she was born free both her parents being so, and that she has continued so ever sinceThat she is at this time kept illegally by one Mrs. Jones in the County of Adams and State aforesaid, who has no legal right or contract whatsoever over your petitioner
Your petitioner therefore prays that she may be brought by the writ of Habeas Corpus directed to said Mrs. Jones before your honor and be discharged from illegal custody of said Mrs. Jones and that her freedom may be established and that a trial of her freedom had according to the act of assembly in such case made and providedand such other relief as may be just and legal in the premisesand your petitioner will ever pray & co.
B.M. Covington
Atty for petitioner
Adams County &c:
B.M. Covington maketh oath that the parts set forth in the within petition are just & true, according to his knowledge, information & belief
Sworn & subscribed B.M. Covington
the 3rd March 1829
before E. Turner Judge & co.
Let awrit of Habeas issue returnable forthwith, before me, at the court house of Adams County, according to the prayer of the foregoing petition
To the clerk of the Circuit Court E. Turner, Judge
of Adams County 2nd Judl. District,
March 3, 1829
[Pages 3-6 are standard forms for this type of petition, not transcribed]
Agreeable to the petition order, I now have the body of Rebecca Bass before the Honl. Court detained in my custodyby the bequest of her father Jos. Bassabout four months since the said girl has always been considered free and only detained for her support.
30 March 1829 her
Eliza X James
mark
Battles
West & Battles10 fpc (1816 Adams County Census)
Harriet Battles1 female 10-24; 1 female 24-36 (1 female slave 55-100) (1830 Natchez census)
Harriet Battles, Manumission, 1822
Adams County Chancery Court
Deed Book O
Pgs. 36-7
Gab. Tichenor to Harriet Emancipation
[Blurry…skipping first two paragraphs]
Notice
Gabriel Tichenor at present of the parish of Concordia having intention to emancipate his female slave named Harriett a Mulatress aged Thirty years with ….[difficult to read]
1822
[Much more, but difficult to read]
Gabriel Tichenor to Harriet Battles, lot of land, 1829
Adams County Chancery Court
Deed Book R, part 2
Pgs. 489-90
[Not transcribing but noting key details: Bought in May (no date) 1829 for $2. On First Fourth Street and State opposite to the Public House called the Traveller’s House? Neighbors: Peter M. Lapice, Gabriel Tichenor, William B. Griffith, Judge Surget? Recorded 8/25/29]
Ann Battles Police Board Records, 1832
Adams County Chancery Court
Police Board Records
P. 10
March Term 1832
Ann Battles, a free mulatto Girl about sixteen years old & about five feet seven inches high having satisfied the court of her good character and honest deportment.
It is therefore ordered by the Court that said Ann Battles be licensed to remain in this state agreeable to the act of assembly entitled an act to amend an act entitled an act to reduce into one the several acts concerning slaves free negroes and mulattoes passed 20th December AD 1831.
Harriet Battles Police Board Records, 1832
Adams County Chancery Court
Police Board Records
P. 10
March Term 1832
Harriet Battles, a free mulatto woman about thirty five years old five feet six inches high having satisfied the court of her good character and honest deportment.
It is therefore ordered by the Court that said Harriet Battles be licensed to remain in this state agreeable to the act of assembly entitled an act to amend an act entitled an act to reduce into one the several acts concerning slaves free negroes and mulattoes passed 20th December AD 1831.
Oct. 27, 1835Mrs Battles left for New Orleans on the Bunker Hill
[Footnote, Johnson Diary, 70: Harriet Battles, mother-in-law of the diarist, had been freed by Gabriel Tichenor of Natchez in 1822. In 1832 she had been described as “a free mulatto woman about thirty five years old five feet six inches high” She died in 1874 in Natchez. Harriet Battles was the daughter of the free woman of color Jane (commonly called Jenny) Bush, who had been freed in Concordia Parish, LA, about 1819 and lived in Natchez thereafter until 1840.
Feb. 28, 1838 (Johnson Diary) Taxes Taxes I gave in my Tax List To day and it reads as follows My two Lots value $10,000 My Three Slaves 2,000--$12,000 Mother, three women and two children Slaves $1,650 Mrs Battles House & Lot 4,500 and Slave women 4,750
June 6, 1838 (Johnson Diary)Mrs Battle moves Down to Her House
Jan. 26, 1839 (Johnson Diary)City TaxI gave in Mothers 4 Slaves a[t] $1000 and Mrs Battles Property at $3000
Jan. 27, 1840 (Johnson Diary)City Tax Assessment. I gave in my Property as Follows
Number of LotsOne value 7000.00
Number of Slaves Fivevalue 2200.00
$9200.00
Mrs Battles--
Number of Lots 1 1500.00
Number of Slavestwo 550.00
$2050.00
Mrs Amy Johnson
Number of SlavesFour 1000.00
$1000.00
Jan. 29, 1842 (Johnson Diary)Miss Catherine Evans is not hardley Expected to Live the night outShe is very Sik They Sent the Carriage for Mrs Battles to night and she went out Amediately to see Her and when she got Out she found her speechless and dyeing and the poor Lady Died at 11 Oclock to night. Good many of her friends was present at her death.
Mar. 13, 1849 (Johnson Diary)City tax city assessment
Houses & lots 2 2800
Watches 1 50
Piano 1 40
Slaves 6 1800
Mrs B[attles] in State Street 1700
Harriet Battles’s Will, 1866
Adams County Chancery Court
Willbook 4
P. 63
(3 February, 1866)I give, devise, and bequeath, all my Estate, real and personal, wheresoever situate, and all my monies, credits and Effects, to my beloved daughter Anna Johnson for and during her life and upon her death, then to my granddaughters, (being her five daughters) Namely, Anna, Catherine, Eugenia, Alice and Josephine Johnson, share and share alike, but if any of said daughters should die before or after their mother and before coming of age, without leaving children, then and in all such cases, the surviving sisters and their children (if any living at the time) shall take and hold the portion of such deceased sister or sisters, as here bequeathed.”
[She made her mark, not signature].
Bayard, Matilda
Bayard, Matilda (black) v. Stutson, Sullivan, 1839
Historic Natchez Foundation
Box 67
File 73
To the Honorable Covington Rawlings Esqr Judge of the Criminal Court for the state of Mississippi, Presiding in Adams County
Your petitioner Matilda Bayard states that she is a free woman of colour, born and reared as such in the city of Philadelphia state of Pennsylvania that she is unjustly and without law imprisoned by one Sullivan B. Stutson who holds her in confinement in the jail of Adams County in the city of Natchez She therefore prays your Honor to grant to her the status writ of Habeas Corpus directed &c, returnable &c and that she be returned to her liberty and be allowed to return to her home & friends in the State of Pennsylvania & she will ever pray &c
Matilda Bayard
State Mississippi
Adams County
Personally before me the [illegible] Justice of the Peace for & in Adams County appear.d Matilda Bayard & made oath that She is a free woman of colourand the Statement in the foregoing Petition are true
Sworn To & [illegible couple of words] This day the 25th Feby 1839
J Robtaillle her
Matilda x Bayard
Mark
Let a writ of Habeus [sic] Corpus issue as prayed for returnable on Tomorrow the 26th [illegible] at 4. Oclock. P.M. at the court house of Adams county
To the Clerk
Of the Criminal
Court of Adams C Rawlings
County-- Judge of
Criminal
Court
Criminal Court
Matilda Bayard
vs Petition
Sullivan B. Stutson
Dismissed
Witness
Capt Van Dyke Ship Chester
State of Mississippi
Adams County.
The State of MississippiTo the Sherriff of Adams County Greeting. You are hereby commanded to have the body of Matilda Bayard detained under your custody as it is said under a safe and secure conduct. together with the day and cause of her being taken and detained by whatsoever name she shall be called in the same. before the Honorable Covington Rawlings of the Criminal Court of the State of Mississippi at 4 Oclk PM on the 26th day of February ad 1839. To do and receive all and singular those things which the said Judge shall then and there consider concerning her in this behalf and have then and there this writ
Witness the Honorable Covington
Rawlings Judge of the Criminal
Court of the State of Mississippi
Issued February 25 1839 Thomas Arra? Clk
In the Criminal Court
In vacation
S B Stutson
vs Habeas Corpus
Matilda Bayard
By virtue of the within
writ to me directed I
have in Court the body of
within named negro woman
said negro
woman was placed in my custody
for safe keeping^ by request of Captain
Vandyke until his vessel was ready to
sail, he having stated
that said negro Woman
shipped on his Vessel
25 Feby 1839 M Izod Shff
[Note: Did not transcribe all of it but this is the note by HNF: Woman claims to be a free person of color and from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Asks for a writ of habeas corpus. Dismissed. Only witness is a steam ship captain. His ship's name appears to be the "Chester."]
Bazare
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. (1860 Natchez census)
Belile
Abner Green's Will, 1816
Adams County Chancery Court
Will Book 1
Pgs. 150-1
…to reward that fidelity and honesty, which I have found in so great a degree, in my Negro fellow Belile, whom I have owned twenty five years. I do will and decree that he, Belile, and his wife Bess be free, and that my Executors take said steps, as the laws require to make them to and that they pay to have this honest African, seven hundred dollars in Cash, three Cows and Calves, three herding cows? [something else illegible] one yoke of oxen, one hundred pounds of Bacon and fifty ?? [maybe pounds?]
p. 151
sugar and coffee, which I give him forever, and that my Executors lay out for him, on some part of my land, given to my beloved wife during her natural life twenty Acres of ground which shall be his during his natural life
[Not all transcribed, but these are the relevant points regarding free blacks]
Bell
Peter1 male 26-44 (1820 Natchez Census)
State v. Read, Peter and Bell, Peter, 1821
Historic Natchez Foundation
Box 7
File 110
The State of Mississippi
Adams County
Apprehend and bring before the undersigned Justice of the peace, Peter Read a free man of color to be proceeded against for an affray and breach of the peace with Peter Bell a free man of color in my view on this day Monday the 29th April 1821.
Given under my hand & seal
To any lawful officer
To execute &c.
H. Tooley (seal)
The defendant was apprehended & brought before me and committed to prison for further proceedings on tomorrow
29 April 1821
May 1. 1821. The defendant came before me and entered into recognizance to appear at our next Superior court to answer & c.
H. Tooley
[Identical one as above but for Peter Bell]
The State We the Jury find
vs indt affray the persons guilty
Peter Read and in manner & form
Peter Bell charged in the ind
ictmentand
Pros fine the prisoners
Henry Tooley in the Sum of 18$
Witness each with costs of
Henry Tooley Suit.
H. Tooley Sworn and
Suit
H Moss D.C.
True Bill
Samuel Clement
Foreman
Execution issued
The State of Mississippi
County of Adams
Superior Court
May Term, one thousand eight hundred and twenty one.
The Grand Jurors of the State of Mississippi ^ in and for the County of Adams upon their oath present: that Peter Read, a free man of color and Peter Bell a free man of color on the twenty ninth day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty one, with force and arms, in the City of Natchez, in the County aforesaid, did make an affray, to the great terror of the good citizens of the state aforesaid then and there being, to the evil example of all others in like case offending and against the peace & dignity of the State of Mississippi.
Tho. B. Read
Atty. Genl.
State v. Bell, Peter, 1825
Historic Natchez Foundation
Box 32
File 12
The State of Mississippi Circuit Court of Said
County of Adams Sct County May Term 1824
The Grand Jurors of Adams County on their oath present that Peter Bell ^ a free man of colour late of said County laborer being an evil disposed dissolute and disorderly person on the first day of May in the year of our Lord 1824 and on divers days ^ and times both before and since at Natchez in the County aforesaid did keep an irregular and disorderly house of evil fame, whereat persons of both sexes did meet and convene, for the purpose of drinking, gambling, rioting, hallowing, and peace breaking to the great disturbance and annoyance of the good people of the said State, then and there being and passing to the evil example of all others, and against the peace and dignity of the said State of Mississippi
A Campbell foreman
The bench warrant was issued May Term 1825
Found Not Guilty
Ben
Black Ben (fmc) v. Brooks, William et al, 1814
Historic Natchez Foundation
Box 25
File 61
[Case not transcribed but photo’ed and in HNF Day 1 folder. HNF Note: Plaintiff, fpc aka "Black Ben,", seeks payment for $328 for 8224 pounds of cotton. Robert Steele, a defense witness, cannot testify as he is on expedition with the Mississippi Dragoons against the Creek Indians. Judgment for $900.59.]
Bennett
Rosa, friend of Anna Johnson, according to Meacham Gould in Chained to the Rock, 77. In an entry dated “January the 3 1865 Tuesday…So we was just about preparing to make it [egg nog] when Rosa Bennett came running in and asked for anna. I believe I was seated at the piano when she came in. I asked her what she wants with her, but she gave me no answer, but continued on to the other rooms where Anna was seated talking to Ma. My curiosity was aroused and I a rose and followed her in to the room to ascertain her mission. She Kept on untill she came to Anna’s chair when she threw her self into Annas lap [telling] Anna, Leila wants to know if you would have any objections to her bringing Mr Edward here. He has been teasing her to bring him and she has sent me to let you know. Anna mad[e] some slight objections to which Rosa paid no heed, but made herself quite easy. It was rather an announcement than anything else.”
Bess
Manumission of Bess by Miguel Solibellas, 1801
Adams County Chancery Court
Deed Book B
P. 344
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.
Manumission of Bess (and Belile)
Abner Green's Will, 1816
Adams County Chancery Court
Will Book 1
Pgs. 150-1
…to reward that fidelity and honesty, which I have found in so great a degree, in my Negro fellow Belile, whom I have owned twenty five years. I do will and decree that he, Belile, and his wife Bess be free, and that my Executors take said steps, as the laws require to make them to and that they pay to have this honest African, seven hundred dollars in Cash, three Cows and Calves, three herding cows? [something else illegible] one yoke of oxen, one hundred pounds of Bacon and fifty ?? [maybe pounds?]
p. 151
sugar and coffee, which I give him forever, and that my Executors lay out for him, on some part of my land, given to my beloved wife during her natural life twenty Acres of ground which shall be his during his natural life
[Not all transcribed, but these are the relevant points regarding free blacks]
Betsey
Abram Ellis's Will, 1816
Adams County Chancery Court
Will Book 1
Pgs. 156-7
For the faithful attention to me of a mulatto woman named Louisa, I give and bequeath to Benjamin Farrar the said Louisa & her daughter Betsey upon the ?? conditions, that he will use undue diligence and means in his power, to liberate and set free the said Louisa and her daughter Betsey, and for the purpose of effecting the same, I desire and direct all reasonable charges to be paid out of my Estate, and I ?? direct my Executors [illegible due to tape on document] to pay
p. 157
to said Louisa the sum of thirty dollars yearly and every year during her life.
[Not all transcribed, but these are the relevant points regarding free blacks]
Petition of Benjamin Farar [white man] to the Mississippi State Legislature, 1819
Race, Slavery and Free Blacks: Petitions to Southern Legislatures and County Courts microfilm collection, Series I: Legislative Petitions
PAR # 11081902
Benjamin Farar asks to emancipate Louisa and her daughter, Betsey, as requested by Abraham Ellis in his will. "He is aware that it has been deemed inexpedient by some of our best legislators to extend too freely to this unfortunate race of beings the discretionary aid of the Legislature," Farar explained, "at the same time it has almost always been done in cases like the present, when the applicants had performed essential & faithful services to their master, and had uniformly borne an excellent character."
Legislative Papers, Petitions and Memorials, 1819; Record Group 47
Copy of Will of Abram Ellis, January 1817 (in 4 pages)
Timothy Gifford's Will, 1825
Adams County Chancery Court
Will Book 1
P. 342
To wit: I do bequeath to my faithful slave, Betsey her freedom as a reward for faithfully serving me & I do hereby release her forever from slavery & do enjoin upon my executors to secure to her liberty.
[Not all transcribed, just the part relevant to free blacks]
Petition of Nicholas P. Carr [white man] to the Mississippi State Legislature, ca. 1817-1839, in RSFB, Series I: Legislative Petitions, PAR # 11000019
Abstract:
Nicholas P. Carr asks the legislature to emancipate the slave named Betsey, who was freed in the will of deceased Adams County resident Timothy Gifford. The testator was much attached to Betsey because of "her fidelity & attention to him." The petitioner, who is the executor of Gifford's will and his sole "legatee," is in full agreement with the testator's wishes.
Result:
No recorded result
Betty
Betty and Jude’s freedom papers, 1789
Adams County Chancery Court
Spanish Court Records
Book F
P. 142
21st March 1789
To His Excellency Governor Miro. The petition of Betty and Jude humbly sheweth. That your petitioners were the daughters of a free woman in Carolina, and were bound as apprentices by a Court of Judicature, until they should arrive to the age of twenty one; that they were brought to the Natchez as such, where they were taken by Captain Willing’s party and were sold here as slaves. Your petitioners having served the whole time mentioned in their indentures, and several years more, hope that your Excellency through, your great love of justice and humanity, will liberate your distressed petitioners together with some allowance for the time they have been wrongfully constrained to serve. And your petitioners as in duty bound shall ever pray.= New Orleans 21st March 1789.=Betty.=Jude.= Your Petitioners’ Witnesses are Colonel Hutchins and Lady.
James Fordhaus Will, 1813
Adams County Chancery Court
Will Book 1
P. 98
[Gave all property to his son] except my house servant Betty which for her faithful performance and attention to me during my late illness, I wish her to be set free immediately after my decease and to have and hold her freedom during her life.
[Not all transcribed, but these are the relevant points regarding free blacks]
Billy
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 slaves, 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]
Bingaman
Adam L. Bingaman to Mary Ellen, 1842
Adams County Chancery Court
Deed Book DD
Pgs. 465-6
Know all men By these presents, that I Adam L. Bingaman of the County of Adams and State of Mississippi, for and in consideration of the Sum of Two Hundred Dollars to me in hand paid by Ellen (A Negro Woman Sometimes called Mary Ellen and formerly my Slave) the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, have bargained, sold and delivered, and by these presents do bargain, Sell, and deliver to the said negor woman Ellen, her two children Charlotte a light mulatto aged about four years, and Catherine of the Same Color and aged about two years, To Have and To Hold, unto the said Negro woman Ellen her heirs and assigns the said Negro Children, to her own proper use and benefit forever. And I the said Adam L. Bingaman, my heirs, Executors, or administrators, the said bargained promises, unto the said Negro Woman Ellen her heirs and assigns from and against all person or persons whomsoever shall and warrant and defend by these presents.
In Witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and seal this Twelfth day of December A.D. 1842 A.L. Bingaman
[a few more closing details]
Adam Lewis Bingaman Will
Adams County Chancery Court
Will Book 4
P. 576
[14 Sep., 1869In a previous will dated 1865, he left all to his children, James and Elenora Bingaman]:
“But since my last Will my son Jas. A. Bingaman having died, I now give and bequeath to my daughter Elenora Lucille Bingaman all the property, Movable and immovable,, rights, credits, and effects, wheresoever situated which I may be entitled to at my decease and institute her my universal heir and legatee.”
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.]
Bird
John Bird's freedom papers, 1824
Adams County Chancery Court
Deed Book N
P. 404
John Bird's freedom papers
Russellville Kentucky Decr 6 1819
To all whom these presents shall come Know ye that we whose names are heretofore annexed are well acquainted with John Bird a free man of color and believe him to be an honest industrious man and recommend him as such.
Given under our hands the date above
Spencer Curd_William W. Whitaker_Geo W Whitaker_Richard ?_[others]
State of Kentucky
Logan County I Spencer Curd Clerk of the County Court of this County do hereby certify that Spencer Curd, William W Whitaker, etc…[7 men total] whose names are signed to the within certificate of recommendation were at the time of signing the same and still are persons residing in the County of Logan and that they are persons of respectability
In testimony of which I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County this 7th day of December 1819and in the 28th of the Commonwealth
Spencer Curd
I certify that the foregoing instrument of writing was recd into my office to be recorded on the 13th day of April 1824
Woodson Wren Clk
Mercer Bird's freedom papers, 1824
Adams County Chancery Court
Deed Book N
P. 404
Mercer Bird's freedom papers
Lawrence County Alabama
To all whom it may concern February 23rd 1824
Know ye that we the undersigned citizens of Laurence County Alabama are and have been for sometime past personally acquainted with Mercer Bird a free man of color and believe him to be an honest and industrious person and recommend him as such Given under our hands the date above written
Tho M Farley=William Fares_ JD Harris=J.J. Bell=J.H. Groome R Kelley=
State of Alabama [more details not transcribed]
I certify that the foregoing instrument of writing was recd into my office to be recorded on the 13th day of April 1824
Woodson Wren Clk
“In the first such case to reach the Mississippi High Court of Errors and Appeals, the charge against Mercer Byrd, a free black, was dismissed in a celebrated trial for killing a white man. (Later he was reindicted, convicted, and hanged)” p. 395, Bertram Wyatt-Brown, Southern Honor---then he gives the citation State v. Byrd, 1 How. ( .) 163 (1834) at 181-2.
Lavinia Bird
Article in The Natchez Courier, Saturday, August 01, 1840, Issue 222, col A
STATE OF MISSISSIPPI
Vs.
Livinia Bird, free person of color.
BY virture of the powers vested in me by law, I shall expose at public sale to the highest bidder for ready money at the door of the Court-house of Adams county, on Tuesday, the 4th day of August, 1840, within the time prescribed by law, a certain negro woman calling her name Lavinia Bird, who has been committed to jail for not complying with the law respecting the residence of free persons of color. Said negro is to be sold for the term of five years, MARK IZOD, Sheriff.
Natchez, July 20, 1840.
Black/Merly
State v. Mitchum, Arthur, 1819
Historic Natchez Foundation
Box 1
File 99
State
vs
Arthur Mitchum
Amy Johnson- free woman of Color saw Arthur- strike- Jane Mearly- 3 times & kick her in to the face?
Joe Braxton?saw Arthurgo into Amys Housewith a stickfound Jane lying downand ??Arthur strikethey closed? 3 times to fight I parted them
Jane Merly (alias Delia Black)Arthur brought a stick to beat meJoe took it from himhe struck me 3-4 timeschok’d [choked] me & kicked me
ArthurLec?--$100-100
Amy50$
Jane50
Joe50
Blake
Hannah Blake--1 female 36-55 (3 slaves1 male 10-24; 1 female –10; 1 female 24-36) (1840 Natchez census)
Bledsoe
H.L. Buckner to Sally, a FWC, 1832
Deed Book T
P. 356
H.L. Buckner to Sally, a Free Woman of Color
Know all men by these presents that I Richmond Bledsoe of the City of Natchez and State of Mississippi by my agent and attorney in fact A.J? Buckner duly authorized and empowered in this behalf have manumitted emancipated and set free and by &c these presents manumit emancipate and set free a female negress slave of about fifty years of age named Sally. And I do hereby declare that the said Sally is released from all obligation of servitude to me my heirs or assigns and that she is free and no longer subject to bondage or servitude to me or any other person or persons whatever.
In witness whereof I have hereto set my hand & seal by and through H.S. Buckner my agent and Attorney in fact aforesaid at New Albany in the State of Indiana this 28th day of March 1832
Redmond Bledsoe
By H L Buckner his agent & attorney in fact aforesaid ___________________
[Recorded in Adams County 17th May 1832. More details…not all transcribed]
Sally Bledsoe, Colored Woman, to Corbin Patrick, 1840
Adams County Chancery Court
Deed Book [not recorded]
Pgs. 54-5
Sally Bledsoe, Colored Woman, to Corbin Patrick
To all to Whom these presents may ComeKnow Ye that I Sally Bledsoe, (a free woman of Color) of the City of Natchez in the State of Mississippi, being prompted by motives? Of humanity as well as by the industry, sobriety, and good moral deportment of my male Slave, Corbin Patrick, of about forty years of age, and of rather light complexion, has determined to emancipate, and set free the said slaveand for this purpose have nominated, constituted, and appointed Joseph H. Street my true and lawful attorney in fact; and by these presents, do nominate, constitute, and appoint him the said Joseph H. Street with full power and authority to take charge of said Male Slave Corbin Patrick, to transport or cause to be transported, to Cincinnati in the State of Ohio, or to the any other State where he can by the Law of Such State be legally emancipated, and there to make, execute, and acknowledge any Deed, Instrument of writing or other document on which by the Laws of the State, or Territory where the said Male Slave Corbin Patrick may be carried, for the purposes aforesaid, may be required. And I do hereby give full power and authority to Joseph H. Street, my said attorney in fact by the means aforesaid, or in any other manner to emancipate, set free & forever discharge and absolve from servitude and involuntary labour the said male slave Corbin Patrick. And I do further vest full power and authority in said Joseph H. Street my attorney aforesaid, to appoint another attorney with full power to carry into effect the object aforesaid. And I hereby recognize and acknowledge all acts done by my said attorney and such Substituted Attorney in and by virtue of these presents, as if I were personall present, and performing the same.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto Set my hand and seal at the City of Natchez, in the State of Mississippi, this ____ day of June Anno Domini One Thousand Eight Hundred and Forty
her
Sally Bledsoe
Mark
[There is more…records of the act being recorded in Cincinatti the following year (1841), etc.]
Boase (Booth)
Betsy Booth, emancipation by William L. Chew, 1832
Adams County Chancery Court
Deed Book W
P. 245
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.
Gorolo? Boase1 male 24-36; 1 female 10-24; 1 female 36-55 (1840 Washington census)
Nelly Boes45 bf, “FN,” VA, w/Power? Boes, 63bm, $250RE, MD; Elizabeth, 5bf; Mary, 18 bf; Francis, 24 bf (1850 Adams Co. census)
July, 1844“Power Booth, a free man of black complexion and Betsy or Elizabeth his wife of light complexion, and their daughter Frances of light complexion, all free persons now and for a long time past residence of this County, this day produced satisfactory proof of their good moral character and that it is the desire of a majority of the citizens of this county that they shall continue to reside therein, it is thereupon ordered that they be licensed to remain in said County, provided that they continue to exercise their usual
calling” (Police Board of Minutes, 1832-45).
Bofley
Cassandra Earhart (Bofley) (listed as white), 75 f, MD (1850 Census for Natchez)
Jacob Earheart to Cassandra Bofley, 1803
Adams County Chancery Court
Deed Book C
Page 344
Jacob Earheart
To
Casandra Bosley
Dec. 18th 1804
Know all men by these presents that I Jacob Earheart of the Mississippi territory and county of Adams do hereby liberate emancipate and set free from slavery a certain woman named Cassandra whom I purchased of Colonel Anthony Hutchins last year she being at that time a slave and so is now my lawful property I hereby declare her emancipated and liberated from slavery together with her offspring which she now at this time has or may have during her life and I further direct and request while she remains in a single state of life she shall pass by the name of Cassandra Bofley the above instrument of writing I hereby acknowledge to be my just deed signed and sealed this eleventh day of August 1803 in presence of
Samuel McDowell
Andrew White
Samuel Reed
before John Henderson Jacob Earheart seal
[The following from Joyce Broussard, “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]:
Highlights: Kidnapped when she was 15 “light-skinned mulatto girl” by an Indian slave John Smith. Her owner, James Bosley, sold her to Anthony Hutchins who then sold her to Jacob Earhart who manumitted her in 1803. His wife, Elizabeth, later left him and moved to N.O. by 1808. In 1809 he was listed with his wife Cassandra selling a house and lot in town. They had four kids who all ended up marrying whites and being listed as white in all records. But she had one daughter, Julia Ann Hutchins (probably Anthony Hutchins’ daughter). Jacob died in 1824 and Cassandra continued to live in a little house she purchased at auction in 1835.
Bowling
Bowling, a free man of colour, Police Board Records, 1832
Adams County Chancery Court
Police Board Records
P. 17
Special March Term 1832
Bowling, a free man of colour a mulatto of small size about five feet five inches high aged about twenty three years of age satisfied the court of his good character and honest deportment.
It is therefore ordered by the Court that said Bowling be licensed to remain in this state agreeable to the act of assembly entitled an act to amend an act entitled an act to reduce into one the several acts concerning slaves free negroes and mulattoes passed 20th December AD 1831.
Bowson
Mary Bowson1 male 24-36; 1 female 24-36; 1 female 36-55 (1840 Natchez census) Then, see Madison West 1850 for her residence, 45 bf.
Bowzer
Elizabeth Bowzer, Police Board Records, February 1842
Adams County Chancery Court
Police Board Records
P. 331
February Term 1842
Elizabeth Bowzer, a free woman of Colour, aged about 23 years, of dark Mulatto Complexion and about Five feet four and a half inches, having Satisfied the Board that She was of good character, and honest deportment. It was thereupon Ordered by the Board, that she be licensed to remain in this State pursuant to the Statute in this behalf
Bozack (Holden, Cotton)
Eliza--1 wm 15-20; 1 female 36-55 (3 slaves1 male –10; 1 female –10; 1 female 36-55) (1840 Natchez census)
44mf, “FN,” D.C.(1850 Natchez census)
The State vs Holdon, John & Carter, Eliza
Adams Circuit Court
Box 3, Drawer 182
New Box 15-24
1832
Adams Circuit Court
May Term 1832
The State of Mississippi
Bench Warrant
John Holden & Eliza Bosack aslias Eliza Cotton
Executed 18th day
January 1832
Bail ?
James M. Mert
H. Fridley
$4.50 Shff
R.M. Gaines
Atty Genl
[Warrant commanding sheriff to pick them up and bring them before the judges] “to answer to an indictment found against them by the Grand Jurors of said County for knowingly and willfully living together in a state of fornication from the first day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & thirty one and continually from that day until the 21st day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty one, contrary to the statute in such case made and providedAnd that they and each of them find sufficient securities to continue from day to day and not depart said Court without leave thereof” [dated 2nd Jan. 1832]
[There is basically a duplicate of the above but with Eliza Bozack and Samuel Lusy? Who acknowledged themselves in debt to the State. Further, though, it stipulates that she has to answer to an indictment for fornication. Dated 18th Jan. 1832]
The State of Mississippi
Adams County
Personally appeared before the undersigned Sheriff of said County John Holden and James M Steel who severally acknowledged themselves indebted to the state of Mississippi each in the sum of Five hundred dollars to be levied and made of their respective goods and chattels lands and tenements to the ave of the said State, but to be void on condition that the above bound John Holden shall personally be and appear before the Judges of the State aforesaid at a circuit court to be holden in and for the county of Adams at the court house thereof on the third Monday in May next, then and there to answer to an indictment found against him and one Eliza Bosack alias Eliza Cotton by the Grand Jurors of the county aforesaid for knowingly and willfully living together in a state of fornication, contrary to the statute in such case made and provided, and not to depart said court without leave thereof. Or discharged by due course of Law
Taken and acknowledged
before me this 16th day of
Janry AD 1832
- Ridley? John Holden
Shff James ?
The State of Mississippi: Adams County Circuit Court of Said County, November Term Anno Domini Eighteen Hundred and thirty one
The Grand Jurors of the State of Mississippi, ?? and Sworn in and for the County of Adams, in the name and by the authority of the State of Mississippi, or this city present, that John Holden laborer late of the County of Adams aforesaid, and Elisa Bosack, alias Elisa Cotton a free mulatto woman late of said County of Adams, being disorderly, evil disposed, irreligious, and immoral persons and disregarding and condemning the holy estate of matrimony, the precepts of the Gospel, and the good economy of said State, with force and arms at the County aforesaid, on the first day of January in the year of our Lord Eighteen Hundred and thirty one and continually from that day until the twenty first day of November in the Year of our Lord Eighteen Hundred and thirty one, did knowingly and willfully live together in the State of fornication to the evil example of all others in like cases offending, in contempt of morality contrary to the form of the Statute in such cases made and provided and against the peace and dignity of the State of Mississippi.
And the grand jurors aforesaid or their oath aforesaid do further present that the Said John Holden labourer late of the County of Adams aforesaid, and the Said Elisa Bosack, alias Elisa Cotton, a free mulatto woman late of the Said County being evil disposed, disorderly irreligious and immoral persons, and disregarding the precepts of the Gospel, and the good economy of said State, with force and arms, at the County aforesaid, on the first day of January anno Domini Eighteen Hundred Thirty one, and continually from that day until the twenty first day of November Anno Domini Eighteen Hundred and thirty one, did knowingly and willfully live together in a state of fornication, by having during the time aforesaid carnal knowledge of each other, the said John Holden then and there being an unmarried man, and the said Elisa Bosack alias Elisa Cotton, then and there being an unmarried woman, to the evil example of all others in like cases of offending in contempt of morality, contrary to the form of the Statute in such cases made and provided and against the peace and dignity of the State of Mississippi
R.M. Gaines Atty Genl
Witnesses for the state [with all their subpoenas, certificates, etc.]
Emanuel Ruits
Fred K. Taylor
W.R. Stith
Henry Crooks
December Term 1833
Nolle Prosequi [legalese: basically, the case was not tried any further, prosecutor or plaintiff decided they will not go further]
Eliza Bozack, 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.
Eliza Bozack, Police Board Records, June 1832
Adams County Chancery Court
Police Board Records
Pgs. 22-3
June Term 1832
Wednesday morning, June 6th 1832
Eliza Bozack, alias Eliza Cotton a free mullatto woman thirty years old about five feet six inches high satisfied the court of her good character and honest deportment.
It is therefore ordered by the court that the said Eliza
p. 23
Cotton be licensed to remain in this state agreeably to the act of assembly entitled an act to amend an act to reduce into one the several acts concerning slaves free negroes and mulattoes passed 20th December 1831.
William Cotton's Will, 1843
Adams County Chancery Court
Will Book 2
P. 269
Item 3d It is my will and I hereby direct my Executors to emancipate without delay my mulatto woman Susan and my servant man Juba, also my mulatto girl child named Merial the daughter of Eliza in consideration of the faithful services they have rendered. And I desire my Executors at the cost of my Estate to Take all legal and needful measures to carry this object into full and complete effect.
[Not all transcribed, just details concerning African Americans]
Eliza Bozack alias Cotton, Police Board Records, September 1841
Adams County Chancery Court
Police Board Records
P. 323
Special September Term 1841
In the matter of the Order made by this Board for revoking the license of Eliza Bozack alias Cotton, for remaining in this State, the Counsel for Said Eliza filed exceptions to said order which were thereupon signed by the President of the Board and admitted as a part of the record in this case.
And thereupon the Petition of the said Eliza Bozack, alias Eliza Cotton praying therein an appeal from the Order of this Court, to the Circuit Court, of this County, It was ordered by the Board that an appeal be granted as prayed for on the petitioners giving Bond with Alexander Montgomery as Security therein the penalty of Two Hundred Dollars, Conditioned to pay the costs and condemnation of the Court of the Circuit Court above
Eliza Bozack alias Eliza Cotton, Police Board Records, September 1841
Adams County Chancery Court
Police Board Records
P. 321
Special September Term 1841
It is ordered by the Board, that the license granted to Eliza Bozack alias Eliza Cotton for remaining in this State, by the County Court at the June Term 1832, thereof, be and the same is hereby revoked
Eliza Bosack to Davis & Cox, 1842
Adams County Chancery Court
Deed Book DD
Pgs. 465-466
Eliza Bosack to Davis & Cox
“This indenture made and entered into by and between Elisa Bosack (sometimes called and known as Elisa Cotton and Elisa Holden) of the first part and G. Malin Davis and Seth C. Cox partners in profession under the name and style of David and Cox, of the second part, witnessethThat the said party of the first part for and in consideration of the sum of ten dollars, to her in hand paid by the said parties of the second part, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, and of the debt to be secured hereinafter mentioned hath given, granted, etc…All that certain lot on parcel of land situated in that part of the city of Natchez and now in the occupation of the said party of the first part, called and known as Williamsburg [same area as Kitty McCarey’s], being in Lot No two (2) and Square No. Five (5) and running westwardly along the southern boundary of the Washington Road fifty feet, thence at right angles one hundred and fifty feet, thence parallel with or to the said Washington Road fifty feet, thence one hundred and fifty feet to the place of beginning forming a parallelogram of fifty feet by one hundred and fifty feet. To have and to hold, the said lot….[They made a deal so that she is paid some now and some latershe got two promissory notes for $50 each). Dated 11/9/1842.
[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 says, “A grand jury indictment against Eliza Cotton on August 1, 1841, in Adams County Circuit Court charged Cotton (aka Eliza Holden or Eliza Bossack) with keeping a disorderly house where, day and night, ‘evil’ men and women engaged in ‘tippling’ and general misbehavior, including nudity, to ‘the great damage and common nuisance of all the good citizens of the state.’ Two months later she was indicted for selling spirituous liquors ‘to diverse Negroes,’ probably including slaves. Eliza posted over fifteen hundred dollars bail while the case proceeded for almost six months. The next year she was arrested again on identical charges.’She cites State v. Eliza Cotton alias Eliza Holden, alias Eliza Bossack, August 1, 1841; October 10, 1841; March 9, 1842, Adams County Courthouse, Natchez, Mississippi.
Oct. 5, 1843 (Johnson Diary)Nothing new to day more than the yellow fever is Said to be very bad at this time at Rodney. Great many are Said to be Sick at this time, A.G. Carpenter and Dr Benbrook started up to R. Last night for the relief of the sick and Lizor Cotton and Nancy Kyle Left to day to go to Rodney to wait on the sick
Bradford
Robert Bradford, Police Board Records, 1832
Adams County Chancery Court
Police Board Records
P. 19
Special March Term 1832
Robert Bradford a free negro man of yellow complexion about 5 feet 8 inches high [blank] years old satisfied the court of his good character and honest deportment.
It is therefore ordered by the Court that said Robert Bradford be licensed
p. 20
to remain in this state agreeable to the act of assembly entitled an act to amend an act entitled an act to reduce into one the several acts concerning slaves free negroes and mulattoes passed 20th December AD 1831.
Braxton
State v. Mitchum, Arthur, 1819
Historic Natchez Foundation
Box 1
File 99
State
vs
Arthur Mitchum
Amy Johnson- free woman of Color saw Arthur- strike- Jane Mearly- 3 times & kick her in to the face?
Joe Braxtonsaw Arthurgo into Amys Housewith a stickfound Jane lying downand ??Arthur strikethey closed? 3 times to fight I parted them
Jane Merly (alias Delia Black)Arthur brought a stick to beat meJoe took it from himhe struck me 3-4 timeschok’d [choked] me & kicked me
ArthurLec?--$100-100
Amy50$
Jane50
Joe50
Breaksday
State v. Kennedy, Jesse, 1819
Historic Natchez Foundation
Box 1
File 65
State
Vs Asst &
Jesse Kennedy Battery
Testes
Paton [sic: Peyton] Stearnes
Horace Huntingdon
Levi Weeks
Kathcart?
Bench warrant issued
True Bill
[Illegible name]
Bench Warrt issued
Nov 1818
[Then, on the side after all the court fees]: We of the jury find the defendant guilty and assess the damages at one cent
[Standardized court form]:
State of Mississippi, Superior Court of the Term of
County of Adams A.D. one thousand eight hundred and
The Jurors of the State of Mississippi, in and for the County of Adams in the State aforesaid, upon their oaths, Present that Jesse Kennedy late of the County aforesaid on the fifteenth day of November in the Year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighteen with force and arms, at the County aforesaid, in and upon one Joseph Breaksday free negro in the peace of God, and of the State aforesaid, then and there being, and assault did make, and him the said Joseph Breaksday [seems someone filled in the wrong name?] then and there did beat, wound, and ill treat, so that his life was greatly despaired of, and other wrongs to the said Joseph Breaksdaythen and there did to the great damage of the said Joseph Breaksdayand against the peace and dignity of the State aforesaid.
Wm B Griffith Actg? Atty Genl?
Briton
John? Breton6 fpc (Census of 1816, Adams County)
Charles Briton8 fpc (Census of 1818, Adams County)
Brooks
Hannah Brooks, Manumission by John Forsyth, 1821
Adams County Chancery Court
Deed Book O
P. 238
In footnote Alford says "’Of advanced age. Forsyth paid $600 of a promised $700.00 by Brooks, promised "to assist her by all lawful means (the expence excepted) to get a Law passed by the Legislature of Mississippi to emancipate’ her,” p. 44.
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.
Petition of John Forsyth to the Mississippi State Legislature, 04 June 1822
, in RSFB, Series I: Legislative Petitions, PAR # 11082201
John Forsyth asks to emancipate Hannah, described as "of yellow Complexion, Aged about forty years," and previously owned by Edward Brooks. She was "Verry faithfull, honest, and dilegent," a nurse who tended to family and friends during the "malignant fevers" in 1817 and 1819. She also saved her former master's property when his house was going up in flames. Forsyth seeks permission for her to remain in the state and notes that he has
posted a bond guaranteeing that she will "never become a public charge."
Other 10 petitioners [all white males]:
BRADLEY, Robert
BUTLER, Samuel W.
CARSON, John
FORSYTH, John
GUSTINE, Sam
IRWIN, Walter
MILLER, Christopher
MUNCE, Thomas
WHITNEY, Morris
WREN, Woodson
Legislative Papers, Petitions and Memorials 1822; Record Group 47; Volume 17
Brown
Abby Brown47 bf, “FN,” “unknown” birthplace (1850 Natchez census)
Manah Brown, Police Board Records, February 1843
Adams County Chancery Court
Police Board Records
P. 377
February Term 1843
Manah Brown a free woman of color of black complexion aged about thirty nine years, and five feet one & ½ inches in height, having satisfied the Board that she was of good character and honest deportment, she was thereupon licensed to remain in this State according to the act of the Legislature in this behalf
Maria Brown, Police Board Records, May 1844
Adams County Chancery Court
Police Board Records
P. 441
May Term 1844
Maria Brown, a free mulatto woman of dark complexion aged about 30 years, now and for some time past a resident of the City of Natchez 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 said City that she shall continue to reside therein, whereupon, it was ordered that the said Maria Brown be licensed to reside in said city, provided she continue to exercise the trade or calling in which she has heretofore been engaged
Charles Brown Emancipation, 1819
Adams County Chancery Court
Deed Book K
Pgs. 336-8
Charles Brown Emancipation (Barber)
To the Honorable Edward Braughton Judge of the Parish of Concordia in the State of Louisiana. Your Petitioner C. Pettibone begs leave to represent that Charles Brown the proper slave of your said Petitioner is now thirty years of age or more that the said Charles during the four years immediately preceding the date hereof, and for a long time before has observed and led an honest conduct, without having run away and without having committed any robbery, or been guilty of any criminal misdemeanor, but on the contrary, has always conducted like an honest faithful and obedient servant and slave; and moreover as the said Charles has raised some money and will give security to pay the balance demanded for his liberation, Your petitioner prays that he may be emancipated according to the provisions of the Statute of said State.
Parish of Concordia July 5th 1819
[Effected by 9th Sep. 1819]
Brustie--
Nov. 24, 1843 (Johnson Diary)Nothing new to day only I herd Brustee had been treating his wife very badly and that she was very anxious to go home to her people
Nov. 25, 1843 (Johnson Diary)Mrs G Brustee was at my house this morning and wanted me to go get her passage on the Princess to New OrleansI saw her afwards and told her she had better remain at my house, that I would see Mr Brustee and things would turn out rightshe thankd me and we parted and I did not see her nor him more during the day [Footnote: Gabriel Brustie, free man of color, was listed on the 1843 tax rolls, Adams county. Gabriel Brustie was godfather at the baptism of three of Johnson’s children in New Orleans, and Marie M. Brustie was godmother in one instance, p. 462].
Aug. 19, 1847 (Johnson Diary)Good many ladies at our house last night, old Mrs. Brustee, old Miss F. and young Miss F., Mrs Amie & two daughters, Mis Henrietta, some other Miss of Jerman extraction, Mr Brustee and all our own children They kept up the sport until 11 Oclock
Sep. 1, 1847 (Johnson Diary)Mr Brustee and Miss Henrieta Camp took dinner with us and we took a walk at night to the Bluff, then up to Mrs B House
Sep. 6, 1847 (Johnson Diary)Miss Henrietta Camp and Mr Brustee left to night after 11 Oclock for New Orleans
Oct. 27, 1849 (Johnson Diary)Mrs Fanny Brustee and Anna and her little girl, I forget her name, went down this evening on the S.B. Magnolia
Dec. 29, 1850 (Johnson Diary)Miss F Brustee came around this evening and so did Mary Morris & McCary
Burgis
John Burges2 fpc (Census of 1816, Adams County)
John Burgis2 fpc (Census of 1818, Adams County)
Burlin
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
Burns
Rachel Burns38 mf, “FN,” VA, w/William, 22mm, MS; Randolph, 20mm; Ferdinand, 19mm; H.L., 16mm; Sarah, 13 mf; Cora? 9mf (1850 Natchez census)
William Burns26 mm, blacksmith, MS w/Rachael, 50?, mf, washerwoman; Randolph, 24 mm, carpenter; Rosana, 23 mf, seamstress (1860 Natchez census)
Feb. 19,1847 (Johnson Diary)First time, Mr. Rose gave a ball last night at his residence, and it was a Darkey ball so I am told, and the following persons were present, to wit, Wm Nicks, Andrew Lieper, his brother, Jeff Hoggatt & Wm, Mr. Hoggatt, Frank & Claiborne, Wm Burns, Randolph burns [footnote: “William Nix, Andrew Lieper, and his brother, Frank Burns, Claiborne Burns, and Randolph Burns were free Negroes. The Burns family, headed by mulatto Rachel Burns, had been freed by William Burns of Jackson and Natchez, MS, in 1840. See Adams County Deed Records, II, …The two Hoggatts and Frank and Claiborne Burns were apprentices in Johnson’s barbershop at the time, p. 557].
May 22, 1848 (Johnson Diary)Frank (Burns) by some calculation or other seys that his time of apprenticeship is up with me yesterday and that he is now 18 years of ageI received a note from his mother (Rachel Burns) on the subject. I saw his mother. She told me that any arrangement I could make with Frank she would be satisfied with. Accordingly, I saw Frank and he agreed to take $100 for the next year or for this year and I promised to find his shoes also
Burrell/Burwell
Lewis Burwell2 fpc (Census of 1816, Adams County)
Lewis Burrell1 fpc (Census of 1818, Adams County)
Lewis Burrell1 male 26-44, 1 female 45+ (1820 Natchez Census)
State v. Burwell, Lewis 1818
Historic Natchez Foundation
Box 40
File 81
State of Mississippi
Adams County
The Grand Jury in and for the county & state aforesaid on their oaths present Louis Burrell a free negro living in what is commonly called the half way house for keeping a disorderly house and further represents the house to be a public nuisance
John M Nusett?? Forman [sic]
State v. Burrell, Lewis, 1819
Historic Natchez Foundation
Box 1
File 27
State of Mississippi
Adams County
Daniel D. Elliott came before me Henry Tooley one of the Justices of the Peace for said county and complained on Oath that at about three o’clock this morning a certain Lewis Burrell a free man of colour forcibly broke into his yard, and committed an affray and riot in his kitchen by fighting, beating and wounding his servant man Harry, and disturbing the peace of his family contrary to the Peace and dignity of the State-
You are therefore commanded to apprehend & bring the said Lewis Burrell as aforesaid before me to be proceeded against according to Law.
Givin [sic] under my hand & seal this 19th. Decem. 1819
H. TOOLEY M.
Summons Elliotts Guy witness for the State
To William T. Walker Constable H. TOOLEY M.
To execute & return -
State
Lewis Bunell Affray & Riot. Examination
The defendant [sic] was Brought before me and from the evidence of Daniel D. Elliott the prosecutor it appears that the Defendant [sic] at about 3 o’clock this morning broke open his gate forcibly entered his yard and kitchen, made assault upon his negro man Harry, committed an affray & riots [on] sundry negroes to the great terror of his family-
Defendent [sic] required to give bail for his appearance before the Superior Court on tomorrow to await his trial in the Sum of two hundred dollars which he being unable to do, was committed to prison-.
Given under my hand & seal this 19. Decem. 1819.
H. TOOLEY M.
Memorandum. Lewis Burrell the above defendent [sic] gave Charles Brittain for bail in the above sum & was according [sic] released from prison-
H. TOOLEY M.
State v. Burrell, Lewis, 1821
Historic Natchez Foundation
Box 12
File 32
The State of Mississippi
Adams County
Whereas the undersigned Justice of the peace is duly informed that a certain free negro named Lewis Burrell has emigrated to and become a resident of this State contrary to the Statute in that case made and provided
You are therefore commanded to summon the said Lewis Burrell to appear before me to be proceeded against according to law.
Given under my hand to whit this 21 Novemr. 1820
To any lawful officer H. Tooley Mr. (Seal)
to execute & return
The State
vs Misdem
Lewis Burrell
The defendant came before me and was required by me to depart out of the State within thirty days as the law directs.
November 22. 1820
H. TOOLEY Mr.
January 9, 1821
The defendent [sic] not having departed out of the State as required on November 22. 1820, was on this day required to find good and sufficient security in the sum of $500 to keep the peace and be of good behavior &c and to leave the State within thirty daysand having failed to do so was committed to jail.
H. TOOLEY Mr.
Memorandum. The above defendent [sic] was released from imprisonment by Judge J.G. Clark on January 27. 1821 by habeas corpus.
January 30. 1821 Lewis Burrell the written named defendent [sic] not having departed out of the State and given bond as the law directsa warrant was issued to apprehend him to be proceeded against him for his default.
H. TOOLEY Mr.
The State of Mississippi
Adams County
Whereas Lewis Burrell a free negro was convicted before the undersigned Justice of the peaceof emigrating to and becoming a resident of the said State contrary to the form of the Statute in that case made and provided and on the 22 day of 1820 was warned and required to depart out of the Stateand on the 9th of this present month was required to give bond in the sum of five hundred dollars to keep the peace and be of good behaviour, and to depart all and every of which requisitions the said Lewis has neglected us required to perform.
You are therefore commanded to apprehend the said Lewis Burrell and bring him before me to be proceeded against as the law directs.
Given under my hand & seal this 30th. January 1821
H. TOOLEY Mr. [seal]
For Josiah Shaw to
Execute & return
Or any lawful officer of the
County
The State
vs
Lewis Burrell The defendent [sic] brought before me and not having departed out of the State as required on the 9th January last nor given bond and security in the Sum of $500. As required by lawwas ^ for this default committed to jail as the act directs. 9th February 1821
Execution of sale issued same
day. H. TOOLEY Mr.
The defendent [sic] by his attorney W. B. Griffith came before me and demanded an appeal to the County Court aforesaid.
H. TOOLEY
The State of Mississippi
Adams County
Whereas Lewis Burrell a free negro has emigrated to and become a resident of this State contrary to that Act in that case made and provided, and was warned by the undersigned Justice of the peace to leave the State within thirty days from the 22nd. day of November last, which said requisition the said Lewis refused and neglected to comply withand whereas on the 9th said of January last, the said Lewis was required by the undersigned Justice of the peace “to find good and sufficient security in the sum of five hundred dollars conditioned that said offender will keep the peace and be of good behaviour while he remains within the State; and that he will leave within the limits of the same.” Which that said Lewis neglected and refused to comply with, within the space of twenty days as required by law
You are therefore hereby commanded to give twenty days notice thereof, and then proceed to sell Lewis to the highest bidder for the term of twelve months, and the proceeds of such sale you are to return to the undersigned Justice together with this Writ.
Given under my hand & seal this 9th. February 1821
To Richard Hollery Constable H TOOLEY Mr. [seal]
to execute.
To the Honorable Louis Winston presiding Judge of the second Judicial district the petition of Lewis Burrell respectfully represents
That by virtue of Certain proceedings had against him the Said Lewis as a free Man of Color he is now confined in the jail of Adams County, and by the direction of Justice Tooley is advertised for sale on the first day of March 1821--& as manifest error hath intervened in the record and proceedings aforesaid, Your petitioner prays a certiorari and supercedeas to stay all further and other proceedings untill [sic] the matter shall have been heard in the Superior Court and as in duty bound H.C.
Wm B Griffith
Plffs Atty.
Let writs of Certiorari and Supercedeas issue agreably [sic] to the prayer of the petitioner upon his entering into security to be approved of by the Clerk
To the Clerk of Adams
County
Louis Winston Judge of 2nd. Judicial District. State of Miss
[HNF note: Burrell, a free person of color, is charged with illegally immigrating to and becoming a resident of the state. Burrell is commanded to leave the state]. Uncertain if this happened.
Bush
Jane/Jenny (sister of Harriet Battles, mother of Julia, aunt to Ann Battles Johnson)
Julia (cousin to Ann)
Ann purchased Julia and her two daughters, Laura, 12, and Margaret, an infant, for $1600 on June 1, 1840 and then freed them (Chained to the Rock, 22)
Butcher
Len Butcher1 male 55-100; 1 female 36-55 (1840 Adams Co. census)
March Term 1832
“Elizabeth Butcher, a free mulatto woman thirty seven or eight years of age five feet two or three inches high, long straight black hair heavy set having satisfied the court of her good character and honest deportment.
It is therefore ordered by the court that said Elizabeth Butcher be and she is hereby authorized and licensed to remain in this state agreeable to the act of assembly entitled an act to amend an act intitled an act to reduce into one the several acts concerning slave, free Negroes and mulattoes passed 20th Dec. 1831.” (p. 7)
Len Butcher Police Board Records, 1832
Adams County Chancery Court
Police Board Records
P. 13
March Term 1832
Len Butcher a free mulatto man about 49? years old five feet ten inches high satisfied the court of his good character and honest deportment.
It is therefore ordered by the Court that said Len Butcher be licensed to remain in this state agreeable to the act of assembly entitled an act to amend an act entitled an act to reduce into one the several acts concerning slaves free negroes and mulattoes passed 20th December AD 1831.
Robert W. Wood (Admins.) of John Irby vs. Elizabeth Butcher, 1841
Mississippi High Court of Error and appeals
Case #679
“Proceedings had in the Probate Court of Adams County, in the matter of the will of John Irby Deceased, and of the Administration of the Estate of said Deceased.
Be it Remembered that on the Fourth Monday of August Eighteen Hundred and thirty six, the following instrument of writing was brought into Court, proven by the subscribing witnesses thereto, admitted to Probate and ordered to be Recorded as the Last Will and Testament of John Irby DeceasedTo Wit;--
In the Name of God Amen!
Be it known that I John Irby being in bad health but sound in mind and not wishing [to] intestate, do make this last wish and will as follows, to wit
That whereas Elizabeth Bucher a free woman of cullour who hass been my constan nurse and housekeeper for this last seventeen years.I therefore give my land and howses (commonly known by the name of the White House Tavern) Together with all Housewhole and kitchenfurniture. Also my two negroes, Alexander & Creasy, also my two Horses and Buggy. And in fact every thing that was mine I give to her and her ayrs for ever and as I am now in debt, I do not wish her to be held to security now to be put to any trouble further than to prove this will, all my money in Bank and in the House is also hers
Now there is an Old Gambling Det hang over mewhich was wone of me by James Turner Esq. In the year 1808 when I was rather in liquer and as I never intended to pay in my life time. I do not wish it paid after death
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name and affixed my seale this 28th April in the Year of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Thirty four. John Irby
Codicil
Having sold the foregoing named slave Alexander and having purchased the slave Eliza and her three children to witNancy, David, and George, since the publication of the aforesaid will, I hereby bequeath to the said Elizabeth Bucher the said slave Eliza and her three childrenNancy, David and George in addition to the bequest aforesaid made in my will written by my selfthis done and published as a codicil to my Last will and Testament, this eleventh day of August, A.D. 1836John Irby
And afterwards, to wit, on the 24th day of September 1838, a citation issued from the Clerks Office of the Court aforesaid, to the said Elizabeth Butcher which said citation and sheriffs return thereon reads in the words and figures following. To wit
The State of Mississippi
To the Sheriff of Adams County, Greeting;
You are hereby commanded to cite Elizabeth Butcher Sole Legatee of John Irby Deceased, to appear before the Probate Court of Adams County. At the Court House there of, forthwith, then and there to show cause if any she can, why administration should not be had upon the Estate, of said deceased. And further to do and to suffer such things as shall be considered of and ordered by the said Court in the premisesAnd have then there this writ--…Issued the 24th day of September, 1838.
And afterwards to wit
At a term of the Court aforesaid, held as aforesaid, on the fourth Monday in March 1839. One Robert Wood brought into Court, and filed his Petition for Lot and Order of the Court thereon, reads in the words and figures following, to wit
The State of Mississippi
Adams County
The Petition of Robert W. Wood would beg leave respectively to represent unto your Honor, that some time during the year 1836, John Irby late of said county, died leaving a Last Will and Testament, wherein he devised all of his estate real and personal to Elizabeth ButcherThat the personal Estate of said Testator, consists of five Negro slaves, and some trifling articles of Householdand kitchen furniture, and worth an amount not exceeding $5000
That the said Testator had no debt as your petitioner verily believed, except a debt due to the Estate of George Redman deceased, of which said testator was the administrator which will fully appear by reference to the Records of this Honorable Court; and also a Gambling Debt, which said Testator in said will directs not to be paid.
That in order to a settlement and acquittance of the Balance due the Estate of said Redman Administrator is necessaryThat the devise, in said Last Will in Testament mentioned, is desirous that your Petitioner should be appointed administrator, ban testamento annexo upon said estate
Wherefore your Petitioner prays your Honor to grant him admininstration as aforesaid upon his entering into bond for such an amount. And with such security as your honor may deem just and requisite in the premises
And your Petitioner as in duty boundwill ever prayRo. W. Wood…24 March 1839
Probate Court Adams County
May Term 1839
Upon Petition it is ordered by the Court, that Letters of Administration be granted to Robert W. Wood upon the Estate of John Irby Deceased cum. Testamento annexo upon his entering into Bond in the penal sum of eight thousand Dollars with James R. Kane and Mark Izod as his securities
And it is further ordered by the Court that Noah Barlow, Levin M. Patterson and Samuel T. McAlister be and thery are hereby appointed appraisers of the Personal estate of John Irby deceased
And afterwards to wit on the thirtieth day of March A.D. 1839, during the term of the Court aforesaid, said Robert W. Wood and his said securities brought and filed in our said Court his Bond as Administrator and aforesaid, which is approved of by the Court, and reads and figures following to wit
State of Mississippi
Adams County
Know all men by these presents, that we Robert W. Wood, James R. Cane, and Mark Izod are held and firmly bound unto Douglas C. DunlapEsquire Judge of Probate of Said County in the sum of Eight Thousand Dollars, to be paid to the Said Judge of Probate or his successors in office on their certain attorney on assigns, to which payments well and truly to be made, we bind ourselves, and every of us, our and every of our heirs, executors, and administrators, for the whole, and in the whole jointly and severally, firmly by these presents
Sealed with our seals, and dated this twentieth day of March anno Domini one Thousand Eight Hundred and Thirty Nine.
The condition of this obligation is such that if the said Robert W. Wood, Administrator Cum Testamento Annexo of John Irby Deceased, do make a true and perfect iinventory of all and singular, the goods, chattels, rights and credits, of the Said Deceased, which have or shall come into the hands, possession, or knowledge of him the said Robert W. Wood, or into the hands or possession of any other person or persons, for him and the same so made, do exhibit to the Probate Court of said County at such time as he shall be thereto required by the said Court, and the same goods, chattels, rights, and credits, do well and truly administer, according to Law and make a just and true account of his actings and doings, when thereunto required by the said Court, and further do well and truly pay and deliver all the Legacies contained and specified in the said will as far as the Said Goods, Chattels, Rightsand credits will extend according to the value thereof, and as the Law shall change ??, then this obligation to be void, or else to remain in full force and virtue
R.W. Wood
James R. Kane
Mark Izod
And thereupon Letters of Administrators were granted the said Robert W. Wood, the following words
State of Mississippi
Adams County By the Probate Court of Said County
Whereas, John Irby, made his last will and Testament and as a Probate Court held in the aforesaid County, on the fourth Monday in August A.D. 1836, the said will was proven and admitted of Record in this Court, whereupon was appointed Robert W. Wood Administrator for the execution thereof, and the said Robert W. Wood having complained (complied) with the provisions of the Statute in such casemade and provided
Therefore to the intent that the said Will, may be well and truly performed, we do givegrant and commit unto the said Executor the administration of the Goods and chattels, rights and credits whatsoever belonging to, or concerning said Testators Estate, with full power to dispose of allSingular the said Goods and Chattels, rights and credits according to the tenor of the said will, and the true intent and meaning of the said Testator, within the time prescribed by Law, and to render a true account of his administration whenever there unto legally required
Witness douglas C. Dunlap Esquire
Judge of Probate of Said County, this thirtieth day of March, in the Year One Thousand Eight Hundred and Thirty nine
And afterwards, to wit on the 28th day of April A.D. 1840Elizabeth Butcher by her attorney Michael Barnett Esq filed her Petition in this Court, in the words and figures following to wit
State of Mississippi
Adams County To the Hon. C.L. Dubuisson Judge of Said Court
The petition of Elizabeth Butcher swereth that John Irby late of Adams County died in August 1836, having first made his will leaving all of his property to Petitioner, whom he appointed Executrix and exonerated her from giving Security
That in August 1836, said will was duly proved and RecordedThat the only claims against the Estate of Deceased was the sum of $588.88 due from Testator as Administrator of the Estate of George W. Redmond Deceasedof which petitioner has paid $173.73 ½.
That in September term 1838 of thisHonorable Court a citation issued at the instance of Thomas Arnat EsqAttorney for one of the heirs of said Redman for Petitioner (returnable forthwith) to show cause why administration should not be had upon the Estate of said DeceasedThat this Honorable Court was thereupon attended by Petitioner and honorable William Tannerson EsqAnd upon a hearing the said Citation was dismissedThat in March term 1839, upon the Petition of Robert W. Wood this Honorable Court was pleased to appoint him Administrator with the will annexed, of said John Irby’s Estate.
That Petitioner was not cited to show cause against the said Court of Letters, of Administration, nor was she in any wise consulted thereupon and Petitioner has never renounced her right to receive Letters Testamentary, on the Estate of John Irby Deceased
That in a very short time after receiving Letters of Administration, said Wood Seized, and took possession of 5 negro slaves, part of said Irby’s Estateof petitioner and held them in his possession until Petitioner was coerced to give Bond and Security $2000 for the forth-coming of said Slavesthat said bond is still in full force
That in April Term 1839, said Wood Petitioned Court, and obtained an Order to sell the Real Estate, consisting of White House Tavern &c in preference to personal EstateThat in June Term 1839, upon petition of Wood, this Honorable Court gave him permission to sell Slaves, upon complying with the Law
That in the Special Term of the Circuit Court of Adams County, in February Last 1840. Wood confessed a Judgment against the Estate of said Irby in favor of Judge of Probate, to the use of the heirs of Redmondfor $820.88, when in fact a much less sum is due from the said Estate
That on the 24th of March 1840, a writ of Tien Facias in the said action was levied upon four of the said Negro Slaves by the said Wood, and on the first Monday in April the said Slaves were brought up for Sale at the Door of the Court House, but upon a Bond being given, to try the right of property, the Slaves were not sold, but returned to Said Wood, who very shortly afterwards took possession of the remaining slave, and has since advertized the five slaves for sale on the – day of May next
Your Petitioner therefore humbly prays, that the Letters of Administration So as aforesaid granted to Robert W. Wood may be revoked
That Petitioner may receive Letters Testamentary upon the Estate of John Irby Deceased, that all proceedings of the said administration may be stayed until the further order of this Honorable Court, and that a citation issue to Said R.W. Wood to answer this Petition
And your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray &c
Elizabeth Butcher (her mark)
And afterwards to wit, on the 24th day of May A.D. 1840 a citation issued on said Petition, which reads in the words and figures following to wit
The State of Mississippi
Adams County
The State of Mississippi to the
Sheriff of Adams County
Greeting
You are hereby commanded to cite Robert W. Wood Administrator of the Estate of John IrbyDeceased to be and appear before the Probate Court of Adams County at the Court House thereof, on the fourth Monday in June next, then and there to Show cause if any he can why his Letters of Administration should not be revoked, according to the Petition of Elizabeth ButcherAnd further to do and suffer such things as shall be considered and ordered by the Court aforesaid in the premises;
And have then there this writ
WitnessThe Honorable C.L. Dubuisson Judge of said Probate Court, to the Court House of Said County the Fourth Monday in MayEighteen Hundred and Forty
And afterwards to wit on the 22nd day of June A.D. 1840, the said Administrator Robert W. Wood filed his answer to the Petition of Elizabeth Butcher by her Attorny as before mentioned, in the words and figures following
To wit
State of Mississippi
Adams County In the Probate Court June Term 1840
In the matters of the Petition of Elizabeth Butcher vs Robert W. Wood, Administrator with the will annexed of John Irby Deceased
And the said defendant Administrator &c answering says, that as regards that portion of the said Complaints to petition wherein she alleged that the sum of Five Hundred and Eighty Eight Dollars and Eight cents, was due on the last Settlement of said Estate, he cannot gainsay the sameand further answering respondent says, that as regards the said payment of the sum of one Hundred and Thirty Three Dollars Seventy Three one half cents, by the said Complainant since the said Settlement to any of the heirs of said deceased said amount is wholly untrue and false
That as regards the amount and allegation in said petition, that the said Elizabeth Irby {mistake of Court} was cited to appear and show cause why Letters of Administration should not be granted to other than the said Legatee he said respondent cannot gainsay the same but abets that two citations were issued to the said Elizabeth duly served on her citing her to appear and take out Letters of Administration on said Estate, which the said Elizabeth refused to doYour respondents admits that at the March Term of the Probate Court of the aforesaid County, A.D. 1839, there was Letters granted to him, Letters of Administration with the will annexed and that agreeable to Said Grant, and the Order of the said Probate Court, he took out Letters of Administration with the will annexed, after having complied with the requisitions of the Law, in such case made and provided
And respondent further answers and says that as regards the amount of the said complainant, that he the said respondent confessed Judgment on the aforesaid claim for the sum of Eight Hundred and Twenty Dollars Eighty Eight cents at the February Special Term 1840, the same is absolutely untrue and false as said Judgment was rendered on the verdict of a jury as appears, from the Records of said Circuit Court have to this Court shown which verdict was rendered on proof adduced in Open Court. And respondent further answering says that the said Elizabeth Butcher is a woman of color and as such is incapable of accepting or holding the office of Administratrix on Said Estate, under the Law of the Country
Having answered, Defendant begs leave to be discharged
Robt. W. Wood
Admn.
…22nd day of June 1840
And thereupon the said Complainant brought into the said Court, and filed her replication by her Attorney Michael Barnett Esq in the words and figures following to wit
June Term 1840
And the said Elizabeth Butcher saving and reserving to herself all exception to the insufficiency of said answer by M. Barnett her attorney for replication to the said answer, of the Said Robert W. Woodsays that she has paid the sum of One Hundred and Thirty Three 75/100 Dollars on account of the Said Claim against the Estate of John Irby Deceased as alleged in her said Petition, she further says, that no such citations as alledged in the Said answer were at anytime served, on her to appear and take out letters of Administration upon the Said Estate of John Irby
She further says that said Wood did confess a Judgment against the eEstate of Said John Irby as stated in her petition
She further says that she admits that she is a free woman of color but denied that she is thereby rendered incapable of accepting or holding the Office of Executrix upon the Estate of John Irby Deceasedas prayed in and by her said Petition, all which repliant will be ready to prove as this Honorable Court shall direct
M. Barnett
Atty for Petitioner
23 June 1840
And afterwards to witat the June Term A.D. 1840 of the Court aforesaid held and aforesaid on the 26th day of June A.D. 1840came the partiesaforesaid, and this cause coming on for hearing upon the petition, answer replication; and testimony submitted by the plaintiff & defendant and the same having been argued, and submitted by counsel;--
It appearing to the satisfaction of the Court from the Records thereof, that the said John Irby Deceased died, leaving a Last Will and Testament, which was duly probated at the August Term 1836 thereof from which said will it appears that the Plaintiff Elizabeth Butcher is the sole Legatee of Said Testation; That no direct nomination of Executors, was made by said Testator in said Last will and Testament; that the said Legatee was in default of said Nomination Entitled to Letters Testamentary of said Last Will and Testament; and it appearing to the Satisfaction of the Court that the said Legatee has never under the Statute renounced her right of Letters, Testamentary as aforesaid, no such renunciation appearing upon the Records of this Court, that the Defendant Robert W. Wood, did on the 29th day of March1839Petition this Court representing to the same a necessity of Administration upon the Estate of Said Testator in order to discharge a certain debt against said Estate, due the Estate of George Redman Deceased. And also representing to the Court, that it was the desire of Said Legatee that he the said Petitioner should be appointed administrator with the will annexed of said Estate, and also that on the said Thirtieth day of the same month letters as aforesaid, were granted to said Defendant Robert W. Wod, upon the Estate of Said Testator; and it also appearing from the Records of the Circuit Court of this County produced that upon the same day of the Grant of Said Administration a suit was issued in the Circuit Court of this County by the heirs of George Redman Deceased; that said suit was afterwards directed from its proper course on the docket and prosecuted to judgment upon a virtual confession of Judgment by said administrator; That from the absence of a proper defence of the interests of the testators Estate by the said Administrator in Said Suit, the said Estate was materially prejudiced in permitting a Judgment upon an account which is shown to this Court from the Records thereof. To have been an Erroneous Account Exceeding in Amount the true account for which Testator was liable, and that the conduct of the Administrator in this Transaction was reprehensible and sufficient to work a revocation of his Letters; and further the Court being Satisfied from the Testimony Submitted, and the Records of this Court, that the Said Legatee Elizabeth Butcher received no citation or notice of any kind whatsoever of the filing of said Petition by Said Wood, but that the same was granted without giving the said Legatee a hearing thereuponand it being considered by the Court that the right of said Elizabeth to Letters Testamentary of Said Last Will and Testament has not been Superseded by the Grant of Administration to the Said Defendant Wood
It is therefore Ordered, Adjudged, and decreed by the Court here, that the Said Letters of Administration be and the same are hereby revoked; and that Letters Testamentary of the Last Will and Testament of Said John Irby Deceased be granted to Said Petitioner upon her executing such bond as may from her be required hereafter in the premisesby the Court and upon taking the Oath prescribed by Lawand thereupon the Said Defendant prays an appeal from the Judgment from the Judgment [court transcription mistake?] of this Court to the High Court of Errors and Appeals of this State which is granted him upon his entering into bond in the sum of One Hundred and fifty Dollars, with Samuel Wood and Valentine Boyer and his Security
And thereupon said Robert W. Wood respondent as aforesaid, filed in Said Court, his Bond which is approved by Siad Court and reads in the words and figures following to wit
The State of Mississippi
Adams County
Know all men by these presents, that we Robert W. Wood, Samuel Wood, and Valentine Boyer of Said County and State, are held and firmly bound unto Elizabeth Butcher, in the sum of One Hundred and Fifty Dollars, for which sum well and truly to be paid to the said Elizabeth Butcher, her heirs, executors, or Administrators, Jointly and severally firmly by these presents signed, by us, and sealed with our seals, this Twenty Seventh day of June Eighteen Hundred and Forty
The Condition of the above obligation is such, that whereas at a Term of the Probate Court of Said County held at the Court House of Said County on the Fourth Monday in June Eighteen Hundred and Forty a decree was made by Said Court in a certain cause wherein the Elizabeth Butcher was complainant and the said Robert W. Wood as Administrator of the Estate, of John Irby Deceased was Defendantby which the said Defendant Robert W. Wood considered himself aggrieved, from which the said Robert W. Wood appealed to the High Court of Errors and Appeals of Said State
Now if the Said Robert W. Wood shall prosecute the said appeal to effect, and perform the sentence judgment in Decree which the Said High Court of Errors and Appeals shall make therein, in case the cause be decided against him, then the above obligation to be void, otherwise to remain in full force and virtue
Signed Sealed and Delivered in presence of ??/
R.W. Wood
S. Wood
Valentine Boyer
Afterwards to wit, on the [blank] day of [blank] Eighteen Hundred and Forty, the following certificate of the Clerk of the High Court of Errors and Appeals of this State was received and filed in our Said CourtTo Wit
The State of Mississippi
High Court of Errors and Appeals
July Term 1840
10 December
Robert W. Wood Administrator of the Estate of John Irby Deceased
Vs
Elizabeth Butcher appellee
On motion to dismiss this cause for want of prosecution, ordered by the Court, that said Motion be sustained and this case dismissed
Whereupon it is considered by the Court that the appellee do have and recover from the said appellant principal and Samuel Wood and Valentine Boyer securities in the appeal Bond, her costs by her about her suit, in this behalf, expended to be taxed by the Clerk of this Court
I Robert A. Patrick Clerk of the Court above Stated, do hereby certify the above to be a true Copy from the Order of the Court as the Same is entered on the Minutes thereof
Given under my hand and the seal of the Court this 21st day of Dec. 1840
R.A. Patrick Clk
Butler
Sally Butler2 females-14, 1 female 26-44 (1820 Natchez Census)
James McCary's Executors Manumission of Sally, 1814
Adams County Chancery Court
Deed Book K
P. 2-3
James McCary's Executors, Manumission of Sally a negro girl
Know all men by these presents that I Walter Irvine of the City of Natchez in the County of Adams and Mississippi Territory executor of the last will and Testament of James McCary late of the said City deceased, have made ordained constituted and appointed, and by these presents do make ordain constitute and appoint my trusty friend Isaac Moore of Red Stone in the State of Pennsylvania my true and lawful attorney for me and in my place and stead as executor aforesaid to take into his custody charge and keeping, a certain negro girl named Sally whose name is contained and set forth in the said Will of the said decedant, and my said attorney is hereby authorised and empowered to conduct and convey the said Negro girl Sally to the State of Pennsylvania and there to pursue and use all the necessary means for the manumission and emancipation of the said Sally, and to procure the same according to the rules and formalities of the laws of the said State in such case made and provided and in pursuance of the provisions true intent and meaning of the said last Will and testament of the said James McCary, reference being thereunto had will more fully appear. Giving and granting unto my said attorney by then presents my full and whole power and authority in and about the premises, to have use and take all lawful ways and means in my name for the purposes aforesaid: And generally all and every other act or acts and things in the law whatsoever needful and necessary to be done in and about the premises for me and in my name as executor aforesaid to do execute and perform as fully and amply to all intents and purposes as I myself might or could do if personally present. Hereby ratifying and confirming all, and what soever my said Attorney shall lawfully do in and about the premises by virtue hereof. In witness I have hereunto set my hand and seal this tenth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fourteen. Walter Irvine
Sealed signed and acknowledged in presence of Gustine? Ja? Kerchival
[more details but goes on to record in the County of Alleghany on 3rd December 1814]
George McCracken Will, Freedom of Sally, 1819
Adams County Chancery Court
Will Book 1
Pgs. 178-9
…I do also give and bequeath unto my negro girl Sally aged about seven years, her freedom and emancipation during her natural life from the date hereof.
And as the laws of this State provide that no man shall free or emancipate his own slave, I therefore in order most effectually to secure the aforementioned Sally her freedom and emancipation, do request my executors, hereinafter named, to have her the said Sally sent as soon as may be convenient, either to the State of Ohio, or Pennsylvania, and to have her the said Sally freed or emancipated, according to the laws of that State to which she the said Sally may be sent. And as the best and most speedy means will be had recourse to by my executors toward the liberating of the said Sally, I do give and bequeath unto my hereinafter named executors, all right title and interest of the said Sally from and after my decease
p. 179
until her freedom shall be obtained.
And it is further understood to be my request that the care of bringing up the said Sally may devolve upon or to Sally Butler a free woman of colour during the necessary time, or the time that executors shall deem her the said Sally Butler by her management of the said Sally to be proper person for said Management or care. I also give and bequeath unto the aforenamed Sally Butler a free woman of colour all my household furniture of what kind and nature soever. All of which I will and order to be given to her the said Sally Butler as quick as conveniently can be done after my decease. And lastly, as to all the rest residue & remainder of my estate, goods and chattels of what kind and nature soever, I give and bequeath the same to my aforenamed little negro girl Sally, which I will and order to be paid to her when she shall arrive at the age of eighteen or to her natural heirs in the event of her death; making this further provision, that is to say, that in the event of the death of Sally my aforenamed girl, previous to her coming to the age eighteen years, and dying without issue then and in that case I give and bequeath the whole of what would have been the property or due my negro girl Sally unto the said Sally Butler, which I will and order to be paid to her the said Sally Butler immediately upon the decease of my said Sally; and I hereby appoint Walter Irvine and Thomas Munce executors of this my last will and testament hereby revoking all former wills by me made. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this Fourteenth day of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and nineteen.
George McCracken (seal)
Frank Butler, emanicipation by William L. Chew, 1831
Adams County Chancery Court
Deed Book V
Pgs. 335-7
Terry Alford has a footnote saying that Chew was “an officer in the Mississippi Colonization Society,” 46
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.
Frank Butler's Will, 1837
Adams County Chancery Court
Will Book 2
Pgs. 148-9
Frank Butler (Will)
I Frank Butler of the City of Natchez, State of Mississippi, free Man of Colour being in feeble health of Body but sound in mind do make and publish this my last Will and testament hereby revoking and making void all former Wills by me at any times heretofore made
And first I direct that my body be decently interred and the dispenses of my Funeral be paid out of the first monies that Comes into the hands of my Executor from any portion of my personal estate
I also by these presents will and bequeath unto my colored daughter M and her freedom for Ever having purchased her for life from Mr George Carradine as my papers in the hands of my Execution will show And do hereby direct that she shall be free for life
Also it is my Will and bequest that all my property of whatsoever kind it may be included my three Horses shall be and is hereby given unto my said daughter M and for herr use and benefit and I do hereby make Ordain and appoint Harry L. Marshall my Executor of this my last Will and Testament
By Witness whereof I Frank Butler the Testator, have to this my last Will let my hand and seal this twentieth day (20th) of March in the year of Our Lord One Thousand Eight hundred and thirty seven (1837)
his
Signed sealed and delivered Frank x Butler
In presence of us who have Mark
Subscribed in presence of each
Other Henry Carson
Joseph Newman
[Then recorded June Term 1837 Additional details not transcribed]
Butler-Green:
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 slaves, 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]
Petition of James Railey to the Mississippi State Legislature, January 5, 1833, in RSFB, Series I: Legislative Petitions, PAR # 11083302
Abstract:
As executor of the late Mary H. Green's estate, James Railey asks to emancipate an elderly woman named Aggy, or Aggy Butler Green, on account of her "meritorious conduct and faithful services." As executor and trustee of the late James Green's estate, Railey seeks to "liberate and set free a negro man slave" named Grainger, or Grainger Butler Green, for his "faithful services and meritorious conduct." The will of Mary H. Green, a related document, reveals that James Green was Mary Green's son.
Result: No recorded result
Petition of Adams County Residents to the Mississippi State Legislature, December 1832, in RSFB, Series I: Legislative Petitions, PAR # 11083201
Abstract:
Adams County residents seek the emancipation of Grainger Butler Green, a man of integrity, upright conduct, and high principles, "an exception to any Negro they [the petitioners] are acquainted with." He was freed in the will of his master, the late James Green, and he would never abuse his freedom.
10 petitioners [all white males]:
CLAIBORNE, F. L.
CONNER, Henry
GAINES, R. M.
HUSTINGTON, Henry W.
HUTCHINS, John
MCALISTER, G.
POTTS, Thomas L.
RAILEY, J.
THROCKMASTER, R. L.
TURNER, E.
C
Caesar--
Caesar, certification of freedom, 1812
Adams County Chancery Court
Deed Book G
P. 238
State of Maryland Calvert County
Margaret Kindell
To Received to be recorded the 1st of July 1812.--
Caesar Negro Caesar aged about thirty years five feet two and three quarter inches high of a yellowish complexion having produced to me satisfactory evidence of his being the identical person named in a certain manumission made and executed by a certain Margaret Kindell of the County and State aforesaid on the 9th of January 1795 and duly recorded amongst the Land Record Books for Calvert County and that he was born & raised in said County, I do therefore hereby certifify that the said negro Cesar is a free man and that he came by his freedom by virtue of said manumission. In testimony whereof I have hereto subscribed my name and office the Public Seal of my office this 14th January 1812
William S Morsell CS
Terry Alford has a footnote calling this his "second freedom" as he was held as a slave by William Morsell" who was "persuaded" by Caesar that he was manumitted in 1795 by Margaret Kimball in Calvert County, Kentucky [How did he get Kentucky from this? He lists the same deed book and page, though]. A records check there resulted in Caesar's second freedom."
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.
[Different Caesar] Caesar's recording of emancipation papers, 1822
Adams County Chancery Court
Deed Book M
P. 221
To all christian people to whom these presents shall come Greeting know ye that I Joseph Waters Pigman of Allegany County State of Maryland for valuable considerations we hereunto moveing have set free and manumitted negro Caesar which said Caesar at the time of the sealing and delivery of these presents is of healthy constitution and sound in mind and in body capable of labour to procure sufficient food and raiment with other requisites necessary for support of life and not exceeding twenty one years of age. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this sixteen day of November in the year 1795
Signed sealed and delivered Joseph W. Pigman Seal
In the presence of
Gen Albrowne
Joseph Cresap
State of Maryland
Allegany County to wit on the sixteenth day of November 1795 Joseph Waters Pigmum came before us the subscribers Two of the Justices of the Peace for the County aforesaid and acknowledged the within instrument of writing to be his act and deed and for the true intent with meaning thereof and declared the said Negro Caesar to be free and by the within instrument discharges
p. 222
Caesars papers of Emancipation
him from further servitude. Acknowledged before Aqn Browne
Joseph Cresap
Dated The 20th day of November 1795 to be recorded and same was recorded in Liber(?) B. folio 92 & 93 one of the land Records of Allegany County and examined per John Lynn D.C.
Mississippi Territory
Wilkerson [it is difficult to seein crease] County SS. Registers Office of said County the within Deed of manumission and probate thereof was received & recorded in Book C. folio 166 & 167 of Deeds this 5th day of July 1815
Wm E Parker R.J.C
I certify that the foregoing Deed of manumition [sic] was rec.d into my office to be recorded on the 30th day of August 1822
Woodson Wren, clk
Caldwell
Petition of Ann Caldwell to the Mississippi State Legislature, ca. 1859
Race, Slavery and Free Blacks: Petitions to Southern Legislatures and County Courts
Series I: Legislative Petitions, PAR #11085923
Ann Caldwell, a free woman of color, asks for a special act allowing her to remain in the state. She is willing to give bond "for her behavior & that she will not be chargeable to the State or any County in which she may be permitted to reside." Caldwell informs the court that she was previously the slave of one Hugh Camron, who bequeathed her to his daughter, Margaret Camron Donan of Natchez. While Margaret Donan was confined for years with pulmonary consumption, Caldwell served her as a faithful nurse and was rewarded with her freedom.
Caller