Deed Book F

P. 280

His footnote on p. 42 says Isham was "a blacksmith, who agreed to serve James Hoggatt of Adams County for three years (1 February 1807-1 February 1810) before completion of emancipation. In 1810 Isham adopted Caller as his surname.

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.

Camel/Campbell

Manumission of Campbell Punch by Albert King et al, 1835

Adams County Chancery Court

Deed Book W

Pgs. 250-1

Alford notes that Punch was born in Africa and marks of each side of his face, 48

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

P. Campbell1 male +100; 1 female 55-100 (2 slavesmale –10 and male 36-55) (1840 Adams Co. census)

Punch Campbell60 bm, “FN,” Africa w/ Betty, 25bf (1850 Adams Co. census)

Phebe Campbell, Police Board Records, June 1832

Adams County Chancery Court

Police Board Records

P. 24

June Term 1832

Thursday morning, June 7^th 1832

Phebe Campbell a free woman of colour about forty years old satisfied the court of her good character and honest deportment.

It is therefore ordered by the court that the said Phebe Campbell be licensed to remain in this state agreeably to the act of assembly entitled an act to amend an act to reduce into one the several acts concerning slaves free negroes and mulattoes passed 20^th December 1832 [sicsupposed to be 1831].

Carey

Milford Carey3 males –14, 1 male 26-44, 3 females-14, 1 female 26-44 (1 slave) (1820 Natchez Census)

Carey1 male –10; 3 males 10-24; 1 male 24-36; 1 female –10; 1 female 10-24; 1 female 24-36 (1830 Adams Co. census)

Martha M. Carey1 male –10; 1 female 10-24; 1 female 36-55 (1830 Natchez Census)

William Carey2 males 10-24; 1 male 24-36; 1 male 55-100; 1 female 10-24; 1 female 24-36 (1840 Adams Co. census)

M.A. Carey40 mf, “Free Negro,” MS, w/ Jane Clayton, 2 mf; A. Cary, 25 mf; F. Cary, 20 mm; Lei? Cary, 18 mf (1850 Natchez census)

Milford Carey to James Rowan, 1827

Adams County Chancery Court

Deed Book P

Pgs. 626-7

Milford Carey

To Bill of Sale Know all men by these presents that I Milford Carey of the County of

Jas J Rowan Adams and State of Mississippi for and in consideration of the sum of Four hundred and Eighty six dollars the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged have bargained sold and confirmed and by these presents do bargain sell and deliver and confirm unto James J Rowan and company of the City of Natchez and State aforesaid the following named property to wit: Two drays and Harness complete one other dray and harness seven horses three cows and calves thirty five head of hogs Four head of horned cattle branded MC and marked by three slits in each ear three Beds and furniture appertaining thereto Ten chairs Three tables one plough two spades one shovel and mattock Three axes also all my right title and interest in and to the house wherein I now live together with the kitchen and other buildings and conveniences Also all interest which I have in and to the Lot of ground whereon the said house now stands situated near the place called and known as the Whitehouse Tavern together with all the appurtenances thereto belonging or in any wise appertaining also all my claim to stock from ?? and property of every description whatever. To Have and to hold all and singular the above mentioned goods and chattels…[not transcribing all…]

[Recorded 10^th day of October 1827 by Woodson Wren]

Sally Carey Police Board Records, 1832

Adams County Chancery Court

Police Board Records

P. [unrecorded]

March Term 1832

Sally Carey, a free negro woman about twenty nine years old--five feet six inches high light complexion having having [sic] satisfied the court of his good character and honest deportment

It is therefore ordered by the Court that said Sally Carey 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 entitled an act to reduce into one the several acts concerning slaves free negroes and mulattoes passed 20^th December AD 1831.

Claiborne Cary, Police Board Records, September 1841

Adams County Chancery Court

Police Board Records

P. 318

September Special Term 1841

Claiborne Cary a Free man of colour aged about [blank] years, [blank] feet [blank] inches in heighth, having satisfied the Board that she [?? Man or woman??] was of good character and honest deportment.

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

Milford Carey & Sarah Cary to Georgeana Coleman, 1840

Adams County Chancery Court

Deed Book CC

P. 170

The State of Mississippi

Adams County S.S.? Know all men by these presents, that we Milford Cary, and Sarah Cary (free people of Colour) of the State and County aforesaid, for and in consideration of the sum of One Hundred and ninety dollars, Lawfull money of the United States, to us in hand paid by Georgeana Coleman (formerly Georgeana Cary, a free woman of Colour) of said State and County, at or before the sealing & delivery of these Presents the receipt whereof we do hereby acknowledge, Have granted, bargained & sold, by these presents do grant, bargain and, unto the said Georgeana Coleman (formerly Georgeana Cary) her Executors, Administrators and assigns, all the goods, household stuff implements & furniture & all the goods and chattles whatsoever, hereinafter particularly mentioned that is to say One Bureau $10 one Looking Glass $5 one dozen of chairs $6 two Bedsteds & Beding $20 one sofa $2 two tables $8 one Wash Stand $3. Kitchen furniture $5 one clothes Press $12; one four Wheel Buggy, $50 one Horse Cart $25, one fine Chicken Coop $13 one meat Safe $10 two dozen Plates and Dishes $2 Knives & forks & c. $1 one small Trundle bed $5 Day furniture $10 To Have and to Hold, all and singular

[Not all transcribed but witnessed on the 27^th of Feb. 1840 and recorded 10^th June. 1840]

GeorgianaAccording to Hogan/Davis in Johnson Diary, p. 70: she was the probable daughter of Milford and Sally Cary (1 of 6 kids). She was known as Georgiana Coleman in 1840. Georgeana, Milford, and Sally unable to write names, (Adams County Deed Records, K, 162, BB, 218-9, CC, 170; Adams Police Board Minutes, 1832-45, March 1832).

“Poor Milford Cary Died this morning about 3 Oclock and [was] Burried this Evening a[t] 4 or 5 Oclock Poor Man, He sufferd so Long with illness &c. Has been a meare Child for the Last year Having Lost the use of his Hands [and] arms for more than year,” (Johnson Diary, 27 April, 1842)

“Charles wrode my Mare Out to see How Sally Cary was and found her Crying and Hallowing, Falling down &c, on the road SideShe was on Her way to town She said to see Stewart, the Sexton, &c” (Johnson Diary, 12 May 1842)

“Mrs Cary Sent in to Day a Small Box of Hicory nuts and a Box of Crabb apples to be Sent to New Orleans, the crabb apples to Mrs Miller and the H. Nuts to Wellington [West],” (Johnson Diary, 9 Nov., 1836).

“Mrs Cary Sent a part of the applesShe Sent I think a bout 1 Peck and a Box of Hicory Nuts which was Sent altogether in the Bag,” (Johnson Diary, 12 Nov., 1836).

Jan. 4, 1844 (Johnson Diary)Mr George [blank] belonging to Col Bingaman, gets married to Sally Cary, widow of Milford Cary [Footnote, p. 471: “This apparently was an instance of a slave marrying a free woman of color. Both Milford and Sally Cary were illiterate free Negroes, but in 1838, Sally was able to pay $620 for a plot of land near Natchez on the Woodville Road. Moreover the term, “Mr.” was a very unusual one for Johnson to apply to a slave and may indicate that George was a highly respected servant. None of three free Negroes reported as attached to his household in the census of 1840 by Adam L. Bingaman were of the proper age and sex to have been “Mr. George.”]

Carter

A. (Armsted?) Carter2 males –10; 1 male 24-36; 1 female –10; 1 female 24-36; 1 female 36-55 (1840 Natchez census)

Armsted Carter47 mm, “FN,” drayman, VA, w/ Jeannette, 40 bf; Matilda Dixon, 18 mf, MS; Schelly Carter16mm; Y., 14mm; Henny, 65 mf, Va (1850 Natchez census)

Armstrong Carter56 mm, drayman, VA, w/William Shelby, 26 mm, barber, MS; ??, 2 mm; Geo. W. Ellison?, 23 mm, steward; Matilda Dickson, 28 mf, VA; Jeannette Carter, 40 mf, MS; Edward, 9 mm; William 3 mm; George 1 mm; Jennett, 6 mf (1860 Natchez census)

[Biographical note from Johnson Diary, p. 167, footnote 7: “Armstead was a free Negro. He doubtless was the Armstead Carter who had been freed by Cyrus Marsh of Natchez in June, 1834. As late as 1850 his name appeared on the U.S. census rolls as a free Negro drayman, born in Virginia and aged forty-seven, with a total of six free persons of color in his family].

Land Record183480 acres property

Armstead Carter Police Board Records, September 1841

Adams County Chancery Court

Police Board Records

P. 320

Special September Term 1841

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

The applications of Robert D.A. Smith

Priscilla Harriet Stern

Joe Cornish Armstead Carter

Nathl. Stearns Easter Stearns

Andrew Leiper Albert Tolbot?

Winney, Washington Stearns

Abagail Charlotte

Mar. 6, 1837 (Johnson Diary)Lawyer Baker has old Armstead [a free black named Armstead Carter] in Jail And gave him to day One Hundred & Fifty Lashes. He seys that he stoled four Hundred Dollars from him.

Feb. 6, 1843 (Johnson Diary)Armsted Carter was sold today at the Court House for five years and was bought by Homes & Son for twenty five DollarsNothing new today Buisness good

State v. Carter, Armstead, 1852

Historic Natchez Foundation

Box 9

File 14

[Not transcribing all the forms associated with this case but it is noteworthy that many enslaved and white men testified in this case]

The State of Mississippi

Adams County

Personally before me Samuel B Neuman Sheriff of the County And State aforesaid appeared Armstead Carter and acknowledged himself indebted to the State of Mississippi in the sum of three Hundred Dollars and Cyrus Marsh

And acknowledged themselves indebted to the State of Mississippi in the sum of Three Hundred Dollars each to be Served upon their Goods and chattels Lands and Tenements and to the use of the said State to be rendered but to be ? on Condition that the aforesaid

Do make this personal appearance at the next Term of the Circuit Court of the County of Adams State aforesaid to be holden at the Court House thereof on the First Monday in May AD 1851

Then and there to answer to charge preferred against him by the Grand Jurors of the County and State aforesaid for securing stolen property

And not depart without leave of said Court or until discharged by the cause of ?

Taken before me and acknowledged this 29th day of April AD One Thousand Eight-Hundred and Fifty-One

L.B Neuman Shff

J M BTrumble?

[Not transcribing all of this form but Carter was accused on the first day of December 1850 of taking] one gold watch chain of the value of twenty five Dollars of the goods and chattels of one Thomas Custer, by a certain ill disposed person to the Jurors aforesaid unknown, then lately before stolen, taken and carried away, of the said ill disposed person unlawfully and unjustly did receive And have he the said Armstead Carter then and there well knowing, the said goods and chattels to be feloniously, stolen taken and carried awayagainst the peace and dignity of the State of Mississippi

Unless it is moved that the article was the property of Thomas Custer, and was stolen from himand that it was afterwards received by the defendant with a knowledge that it was stolen, they [illegible] find for the defendant

It is necessary, before the jury can find against the defendant, that the jury shall believe from the evidence before them; and only from that evidence that the defendant received the chain knowing it to be stolen

Unless it be moved to the satisfaction of the Jury, that the alleged stolen property was delivered to the defn’t, with a knowledge on his part, that the same was stolenthe Jury will find for the defendant

In a case where the offence involves the question of and the [illegible] honesty & the doubtfull [sic] former good character of the defendant for honesty, is to be considered by the Juryand may be allowed weight with the Jury in favour of the defendant

The Jury are to be controlled in their verdict ^ solely by the evidence in the case--& the same from the court

[HNF note: Accused of stealing a chain. Acquitted because he was of "good character" and lack of sufficient evidence. See case for list of slaves who are summoned as witnesses.]

Cartwright

Maria Winston56 mf, dressmaker, MD w/Sarah, 26 mf, dressmaker, MS; Eliza 26 mf, dressmaker, MS; Laura Cartwright, 22 mf, dressmaker, LA (1860 Natchez census)

Cefas/Cessen--

Amelia Cefas48 mf, “FN,” SC w/S.E.,26mf; L.J. 24 mf; L.M. 20 mf; Jasper, 23 mm; John, 17mm; Jason, 15mm; L., 28mm; M. 24mm (1850 Natchez census)

Cassandra Cessen37 mf, washerwoman, SC w/Francis, 23 mf, dressmaker; Caroline, 3 mf; Jasper, 27 mm, carpenter, MS; Joseph, 29 mm, carpenter (1860 Natchez census)

Elizabeth Cessen38 mf, dressmaker, SC w/Julia, 36 mf, dressmaker, SC (1860 Natchez census)

Celeste

Angelica and others, free papers, 1823

Adams County Chancery Court

Deed Book N

Pgs. 265-6

Angelica and others, free papers

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

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

Charlotte

Charlotte and children, emancipation by Rodolphus W. Pratt, 1832

Adams County Chancery Court

Deed Book W

P. 202

Terry Alford notes Charlotte is 37, Harriet 8, Sally 4, and Charlotte is 2.

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

Friday, February 15, 1833;
Issue 7

Sheriff’s Sales

State of Mississippi

Charlotte

By virtue of the power vested in me by law, I shall expose at public sale to the highest bidder for ready money at the Court house of Adams county on the third Monday of February next within the time prescribed by law, a certain Negro Woman named CHARLOTTE committed to the jail of said county for not having complied with the law concerning slaves, free negroes and molattoes passed 20^th Dec. 1831 and to be sold for the term of five years.

H. Gridley, Shff.

5-tds

Natchez, Feb 1, 1833

Charlotte, Police Board Records, September 1841

Adams County Chancery Court

Police Board Records

P. 320

Special September Term 1841

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

The applications of Robert D.A. Smith

Priscilla Harriet Stern

Joe Cornish Armstead Carter

Nathl. Stearns Easter Stearns

Andrew Leiper Albert Tolbot?

Winney, Washington Stearns

Abagail Charlotte

Chaviries/Chavois

[Not sure, but COULD be Elias Chaviriesages match up]

Natchez Gazette, Wed. May 18, 1825; Issue 21; Col C

Jail of Adams County

Was committed to the jail of Adams county on the 22d instant by Henry Tooley, Esq. as a runaway, a negro man who says his name is Elias; he is five feet seven inches high, says that he is about thirty-four years of age; he has lost two of his upper front teeth, has a scar over his right eye, and several scars round his neck, has on a red flannel shirt, and blue domestic pantaloons. The owner of said negro, if any, is desired to come forward, prove his property and take im [sic] out of jail

R.H. May, Jailer

Natchez, Feb. 26, 1825

State v. Chavois, Elias, HNF, 1825

Historic Natchez Foundation

Box 32

File 19

The State of Mississippi Circuit Court of Said County

County of Adams Sct May Term 1824

The Grand Jurors of Adams County on their oath present that Elias Chavoice ^ a free person 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. Does not appear to have been prosecuted since he could not be found]

Elias Chaviries, Police Board Records, 1832

Adams County Chancery Court

Police Board Records

P. 20

Special March Term 1832

Elias Chaviries a free negro man of light complexion about forty two years old [blank] high satisfied the court of his good character and honest deportment.

It is therefore ordered by the Court that said Elias Chaviries be licensed to remain in this state agreeable to the act of assembly entitled an act to amend an act entitled an act to reduce into one the several acts concerning slaves free negroes and mulattoes passed 20^th December AD 1831.

Chisley

Edward or Ned Chisley's free papers, 1826

Adams County Chancery Court

Deed Book P

Pgs. 220-1

Edward or Ned Chisley's free papers

Maryland, Kent County &c.

Pursuant to an act of the general assembly of the State of Maryland passed at November session eighteen hundred and five I hereby certify to all persons whom it doth or may concern that by a deed of manumission legally executed and acknowledged by a certain William Meeks late of Kent County aforesaid on the fourteenth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighteen and duly recorded among the records of the county aforesaid on the said day and year aforesaid it appears that a certain Negro Edward otherwise called Ned Chisley the bearer thereof was manumitted and set free from the date thereofI further certify that the said negro Edward otherwise called Ned Chisley has this day proven by testimony satisfactory to see that he is the identical person who was manumitted or freed aforesaid and that he was raised in the county aforesaid and brought up to farming and carpenters work He the said negro is five feet nine inches in height supposed to be thirty seven years of age of a light complexion and has three small scars on his forehead

In testimony whereof [Not all details transcribed but he did go to VA for a short time in 1819]

[Recorded by Woodson Wren 24^th day of July 1826]

Christian

Manumission of Jesse Christian by L. Dupuy, 1837

Adams County Chancery Court

Deed Book Y

P. 356

Alford notes that Christian was purchased from Israel Coleman on 2 May 1835. Christian paid Dupuy $400, 49.

Clarinda

Susannah Scott to Monday, 1807

Adams County Chancery Court

Deed Book D

Page 294

Know all men by these presents, that I Susannah Scott of the City of Natchez in the County of Adams & Mississippi Territory, widow and Relich of John Scott, deceased, for, and in consideration of the sum of Two hundred Dollars to me in hand paid by my Negro Man Slave named Monday, for the faithful services he the said Monday hath done me, and for various other good causes and considerations me??? [unreadable] unto moving; Have manumitted, liberated, and forever set free Clarinda a Negro Girl about four years old daughter of my Negro Woman slave named Phillis? And the said Negro Man Monday. To have, hold, and enjoy her emancipation, liberation and freedom unto her the said Clarinda and the produce of her Body for ever; and will warrant and defend the same to the said Clarinda and her children against the claim or demand of me, my Heirs, Executors, Administrators & Assigns and all and every Person or Persons whomsoever lawfully claiming or to claim by these presents. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my Hand and affixed my Seal at Natchez aforesaid the twenty seventh day of February in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seven anos?

Signed, sealed & delivered

In presence of us

John Henderson…Amasa Haguedo Susannah Scott Seal

Cochran to Galban, sale of Clarinda, 1808

Adams County Chancery Court

Deed Book E

Pgs. 12-13

Cochran to Galben Received 24^th June 1808

Know all Men By these presents, that I William Cochran of Adams County and Mississippi Territory for and in Consideration of the Sum of five hundred Dollars of Good and lawfull money of the United States to me in hand paid by Joseph Galben the receipt whereof I do herby acknowledge

p. 13

and do feel myself therewith fully satisfied have Granted, bargained, Sold and by these presents do Grant bargain Sell and deliver unto the said Joseph Galben his Executors Administrators and assigns a negro woman named Clarinda about thirty five Years of age & formerly belonged to the estate of Joseph Bunard Deceased, for and during her life to have and to hold the said negro woman as Slave unto the said Joseph Galben his Executors, Administrators and assigns to the Only proper use and behalf of the Said Joseph Galben his Executors, Administrators and Assigns forever. And I the said William Cochran for myself my Executors and Administrators and assigns do warrant the said bargaind negro woman a slave unto the said Joseph Galben his Executors, Administrators and assigns and against all person or persons I will warrant and forever defend by these presents. In witness where of I have hereunto set my hand and affix my Seal this 13^th day of June 1808

Signed, Sealed and delivered in Wm Cochran

Presence of

The claim above was made before Signing on which is named delivered

Joshua Vail

Isaiah Packard

James Shirley

Pesonally came before me John Henderson one of the Justices of the Peace for the County of Adams and James Shirley and made Oath On the holy Evangelists of Almighty God that William Cochran did in his presence and in presence of the Other Subscribing Witnesses acknowledge his Seal and Signature to the above Instrument and deliver the same as his act and DeedNathcez 21^st June 1808

John Henderson J.P.

Galban to Clarinda, manumission, 1808

Adams County Chancery Court

Deed Book E

pgs. 13-4

Recd 24 June 1808

Know all men by these presents that I Josephy Galbens of the County of Adams in the Mississippi Territory in Consideration of the faithfull Service of my negro woman Slave named Clarenda have this day emancipated, manumitted and forever set free the Said Negro Woman Clarenda about thirty five years old, and her offspringhereby forever quitting all rights and title for me and

p. 14

My heirs, Executors, Adminstrators and assigns to the Said Clarenda and her offspring and hereby warranting and forever defending the full and compleat manumission and freedom of the said Clarenda and her offspring against the claim of any person or Persons whomsoever by these Presents In witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and affixed my Seal at Natchez the 24^th day of June in the Year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and Eight

Signed, Sealed, and delivered in Joseph Galban (his mark)

Presence of A Terrell

Am? Ague

More details about him going before the Notary Public [not transcribing]

Adams County Chancery Court

Deed Book E

p. 39

Joseph Galban Recorded this 24^th November 1808

To?

Clarenda

Forasmuch as the within named Joseph Galban at the time of executing this emancipation was acquainted with the conditions prescribed by the Statute of this Territory for liberating slaves and he was not being able nor inclined to give the security in such case? Required. Doth hereby renounce, revoke and make null to all intents and purposes the within manumission. In witness whereof he hath hereunto set his hand and seal the 24^th day of November A.D. 1808.

His

Joseph Galban

Mark

[More, not transcribed]

Galban to Clarenda, manumission, 1808, final

Adams County Chancery Court

Deed Book E

p. 62

Joseph Galban

To?

Clarenda Know all men by these presents, that I Joseph Galven of the County of Adams in the Mississippi Territory, in consideration of the faithful services of my negro woman Slave named Clarenda, have this day emancipated, manumitted, and forever set free, the said Negro Woman Clarenda about thirty five years old, and her offspring, hereby for ever quitting all right and titles, for me and my heirs, Executors Administrators and assigns, to the said Clarenda and her offspring, and hereby warranting and for ever defending the full and complete manumission and freedom of the said Clarenda and her offspring, against the claim of any person or persons whosoever by these presents. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal, at Natchez the sixth day of December in the year of our Lord, one Thousand eight hundred and eight. his

Signed, Sealed and delivered Joseph Galban

In presence of Amasa Hague mark

Alexander Henderson

[Notarized by John Henderson, Notary PublicMore details, didn’t transcribe]

Clark

Jacob Clark2 fpc (Census of 1816, Adams County)

Clayton

M.A. Cary40 mf, “Free Negro,” MS, w/ Jane Clayton, 2 mf; A. Cary, 25 mf; F. Cary, 20 mm; C. Cary, 18 mf (1850 Natchez census)

Cochran

Hester Cummins, 40mf, “FN,” MS, w/Susan Cochran, 15mf, LA; Catherine Watson, 11 mf; Annett Fagkin, 17mf (1850 Natchez census)

Coleman

Burwell Coleman, emancipation by George Hoyle, 1833

Adams County Chancery Court

Deed Book W

P. 549

Terry Alford notes that "Coleman was Property N. 422 of the Virginia Corporation of Lynchburg, Virginia, and was freed through the Clerk's Office of the Hasting's Court of that city" 47.

Collins

Charles Harris50 bm, drayman, MD w/Rosett, 17 bf, MS; Edward, 33 bm, drayman, MD; Rosilla, 40 bf, VA; Susan Collins, 14 bf, MS.

Comish/Cornish

Joseph Cornish62 mm, “FN,” drayman, MD (1850 Natchez census)

Joe Cornish, Police Board Records, September 1841

Adams County Chancery Court

Police Board Records

P. 320

Special September Term 1841

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

The applications of Robert D.A. Smith

Priscilla Harriet Stern

Joe Cornish Armstead Carter

Nathl. Stearns Easter Stearns

Andrew Leiper Albert Tolbot?

Winney, Washington Stearns

Abagail Charlotte

Joe Cormish, Police Board Records, February 1843

Adams County Chancery Court

Police Board Records

P. 374

February Term 1843

Joe Cormish, a free man of Color, of yellow complexion, aged about fifty five years, and five feet ten inches in height, having Satisfied the Board that he was of good character, and honest deportment, it was thereupon ordered by the Board that he be licensed to remain in the State according to the act of the Legislature in this behalf.

Cook

Thomas Cook, Emancipation papers, 1822

Adams County Chancery Court

Deed Book M

P. 221

Thomas Cook’s papers of Emancipation

This indenture witnesseth that Joseph Yourt and Jacob Groninger, overseers of the poor of the Township of Union, in the county of Scioto and State of Ohio by virtue of a law of the Commonwealth, in such cases made and provided, have plased, and by these presents do place, and bind out as a servant a poor child named Thomas, born a slave and having no parents or Guardian in this commonwealth hath put and placed, and by these presents, and with the consent and approbation of Thomas Waller, a Justice of the peace in and for said Township, doth put and place the said Thomas, as a Servant to William Lucassen? of the township, county and state aforesaid, to dwell with and serve the said William Lucassen? From the day of the date hereof, until the twenty second day of November in the year of our lord, one thousand, eight hundred and nineteen, at which time the said Thomas, if living, will be twenty one years of age, during all of which time or term, the said Thomas, his Master will and faithfully shall serve, his secrets keep, and his lawfull commands, every where, at all, times, rightly obey, he shall do no damage to his master, nor willfully suffer any to be done by others, and if any to his knowledge, are intended he shall give his master timely notice thereof He shall not waste the goods of his said master, nor lend them unlawfully to any from the service of his said master. He shall not absent himself, but in all things and at all times he shall carry and behave himself as a good and faithful servant, ought, during the whole time or term aforesaid, and the said William Lucassen on his part, doth hereby covenant and agree to teach and instruct, the said servant, or to endeavor to have him instructed, in the common calling, or art of Husbandry, by the best way or manner he can, and also to teach, or to endeavor to have him taught and instructed to read the English Tongue if he the said servant, be capable to learn, and shall well and faithfully find and provide for the said Servant, good and sufficient, meat, Drink, clothing, lodging and other necessaries fit and convenient for such servant, during the term aforesaid, and at the expiration thereof, shall give unto the said servant, one suit of waring apparel.

In Testimoney whereof we have hereunto interchangably set our hands and seals, this ninth day of November, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight Hundred and five

Signed, sealed and delivered

In presence of Joseph Yourt Seal

Robert Lucas Jacob Groninger Seal

David Murphey William Lucassen Seal

State of Ohio, Scioto County, February 12^th 1820

To all whom these presents shall come This is to certify that Thomas Cook a Black boy twenty one years of age, five feet, seven inches high, dark complection, tolerable well made, was bound to my father, under the laws of the State, and served until he was Twenty one years of age, which entitles him to his freedom and as the said boy is about to start a trip to New Orleans in a Boat, this is therefore to request people to let him pass and so long as he behaves well

John Lucas

I certify that the above Documents now received into my office to be recorded on the 11^th May 1822

Woodson Wren Clk

Cooper, Aaron

Cooper, Aaron (fmc) v. Briscoe, Parmenas, 1811

Historic Natchez Foundation

Box 43

File 22

Mississippi Territory of the United States

To the Sheriff of Adams County Greeting

We Command you to summon Nehemiah Tilton & Samuel Montgomery & Walter Irvin personally to appear before the justices of our County Court for Adams County at the Court house thereof, on the Monday the 7^th day of the present July term of said Court then and there to testify and the truth to speak in a Cause depending and to be tried in our Said Court between Aaron Cooper plff & Parmenas Briscoe Defendant on behalf of the said plff and this He shall in no wise omit under the penalty prescribed by Lawand have then there this writ

Witness Sam Brooks Esquire presiding Justice of the said Court, this second Monday in July 1813JA Girault? Clk

Issued the 12^th day of July 1813

Adams County Mississippi Territory

September the 15^th 1811

Dear Sir I take the liberty to write to you on a subject that concerns me and is not indifferent to every good man. Without further preface I will inform you that I have purchased a Negroe [sic] man from a certain Robert Martin of North Carolina. and [sic] have since been informed that the Negroe [sic] is a free man known in your Country by the name of Aaron Cooper and that his fathers name was Richard Cooper and that this Aaron was free born he says that he was brought up a Miller and that you were acquainted with him and his family. Now sir if you know anything of his situation as a free man please to inform me of that immediately, as Martin will not leave this place for some months and by that means I can have Justice done to myself. as [sic] well as the Negroe. Aaron is between 35 and 40 years of age has lost one of his upper face teeth and is a stout strong fellow. Please write on the subject. Yours to Command

Timothy Hanson Parmenas Briscoe

Kent Cty Delaware Adams Cty M.T.

Sir Natchez M.T. Jany. 7^th 1812

A letter was handed me yesterday, by Parmenus Briscoe, signed Jon.(d) Hunn relative to Aaron Cooper. In this letter Sir you have certainly treated me with the greatest injustice.In your feat to Serve Aaron, you appear to have forgot that “Mercy of Justice” towards me you so emphatically ^ use in that letter.You say “It seems R. Martin was one of the Kidnappers.” Now Sir can lay your hand on your heart, and say this is your belief.I presume you cannot, you certainly could not be so little acqua[i]nted with a circumstance, that seems to ‘ave happened in your neighborhood.No Sir, I would spurn shuch [sic] an action as much as Jonathan Hunn or any man on earth.Why did you not con[cut off] with the honest feelings you so warmly express to either [cut off] Mr. Hill or myself in Maryland, you might have seen Aaron, may have taken him home on a proof of what you now state, and a promise to prosecute the villians [sic] who sold him to us.Towards that end I wd. have rendered you every assistance in my power, I could have produced the Bill of Sale with witnesses who were present when I bought him, I would have lent every aid either in money or attendance, had you not rather persecute the scoundrels in your own Country who under [portion illegible]

garb of Gentlemen Impose on Strangers , than the Strangers themselvesOr do you think every person who buys Slaves the monsters mentioned in your letter, all kidnappers all rouges [sic].I assure you Sir yours has been the first foul pen or breath that ever dared associate my name with those Characters.---Why did you not write to some of your friends in No Carolina as to my character before you thus aspersed it, our family is will [sic] known and I dare say Jona Hunn himself could not point out a blot save them holding Slaves.You might certainly have acted a thousand other ways in this business, with more Justice and more to the futherance [sic] of your object.

I will now, which was the object of this letter, state to you the fact of that unfortunate transaction.I went to Maryland with near 10,000 Dollars to purchase Slaves, I advertised in differat [sic] Parts of the eastern Shore to that purpose.. I wanted none but fair Titles and was willing to give a fair price A M. Thomson, near Sadlers X roads I understood had some for sale, I went there and from the advise of some ^ new acquaintanc [sic] there I remained in the neighborhood some time, at lenth [sic] a M. Wright, with another man, his name I did not hear called at the head of Chester where I then boarded, and asked if I was buying Slaves, saying he had a fellow that belonged to him, then run away, but he thought could be taken soon, as he heard he was harboured.I [illegible] saw or heard of Wright before and fully believed he lived

in the neighborhood, In 2 or 3 days, afterwards he call’d again with blacker man and on understanding I was at Wm. Dircous, he with his brother as I understood him to be, and 2 other men, one of whom lives in that County and is of good credit and considerable property.and had me waked up I think about 4 Oclock A.M. observing as an excuse for coming so later or rather early, that was afraid the fellow might give him the slip agan.I wd. do nothing ‘till Mo [cut offmorn?] ing, then he stated, Aaron was older than I wanted and priced too high 300 Dollars he sayed was the least he wd. take I qustioned [sic] Aaron particularly, they, it seems, had previously learnt him his lesson.he appeared willing, nay [? As it is cut off] anxious for me to buy him. he [sic] observed that his master was very hard, that I wd. buy him and use him well he wd. never runaway It was entirely from his own persuations [sic] I bought him and Sent him to New Market. I did not know at all about his pretensions to freedom, Aaron himself does not pretend to blame me in the transaction, Wm who Aaron has made a full statement to, does not blame me but you you it seems deal your abuse with a libral [sic] hand You say “I think Fitton will not let Martin excape [sic]” thank fortune I am too well known here to think about an excape, had Fitton the rancorous heart you appear to have, he did not dare insinuate as much. Nor wd. Jonathan Hunn did not at great distance separate a [cut off]

I have only to conclude, with a prayer that are by the last lines are cut off

State one thing, that Parminus Briscoe wrote you a lie, if as it appears from your letter, he had bought Aaron, I only hired Aaron to him, I never intended selling him, and Briscoes [sic] object you will find is only to get Aaron work for Nothing during the litigation, How much better the business could ave [sic] been done had you applyed [sic] to me in a friendly way in Maryland

Robert Martin

Between Aron [sic] Cooper Plaintiff and Parmenas Briscoe Defendant, Decemr 3^rd. 1812. At the Execution of a commission for Examination of witnesses in this Cause, this letter or paper writing was produced, and shewn and endorsed by Jonathan Hunn, and by him deposed unto at the time of his Examination to the Sixth Interrogatory on the plaintiffs part, before me.

John Lowbel?

To the Honorable the Judges of the County Court for the County of AdamsThe petition of Aaron Cooper a free black man, Humbly ShewethThat your petitioner was born in Kent County in the State of Deleware, about thirty five or forty years ago, as near as he can ascertain of free parents, who had been liberated by their master Thomas Hanson of the County and State aforesaid Sometime before the birth of your petitioner. That his parents whose names are Richard & Nanny lived and Supported themselves as free persons ever thereafter, and were so known and treated throughout the whole countyThat your petitioner from the time of his birth untill [sic] he was kidnapped, was always held, esteemed and treated as a free person in his native state.

Afterwards it is Commanded that the Sheriff of Adams County in the Territory aforesaid do Summon fifty one good and Lawful men of this County, according to the directions of the Act of the General assembly of the Territory aforesaid in Such Care made and provided to be and appear before the Judges of the Territory aforesaid at a Superior Court to beholden on the Second Monday in April in the year one thousand eight hundred and fourteen by whom & so forth and who neither and so forth to recognize & So forth because as will & so forth the same day is given to the parties aforesaid there and so forth at which day before the Judges aforesaid at the Superior Court then & there held Came as well the said Aaron Cooper by his attorney aforesaid as the Said Parmenas Briscoe by his attorney aforesaid and the Jurors of the Jury of which mention is made being called certain of them came Towit Jame Green Philip Hoggatt, Alexander Owens, William Clark William Richards, John Parker, James Surgett, John Brabston, Lewis Bingaman Isaac Overaker, William Cochran, and John Vardeman, who being empannelled tried & sworn to speak the truth concerning the matter within contained upon their oath do say that the Said Aaron Cooper is a freeman and not a Slave as the Said Aaron in his petition hath alledged, and they assess his damage by reason thereof _____ Dollars __________ Cents for his Costs and Charges by him about his Suit in that behalf expended, Therefore it is considered by the Court that the Said Aaron Cooper do recover against the Said Parmenas Briscoe his damages aforesaid by the Jury in form aforesaid ^in form assessed to _______ Dollars & ________ Cents at his request for his costs and charges aforesaid, in that behalf by him about his Suit in that behalf expended & the Said Parmenas Briscoe in mercy & so forth

Mississippi

Territory In the County Court of Adams County

Aaron Cooper

Vs. On Petition for Freedom

Parmenas Briscoe

Interrogatories to be administered to Charles Hilliard, Daniel Mifflin, Jonathan Hunt, Thomas Jenkins, Nicholas Ridgely, Henry M. Ridgely, Thomas Hanson Robert Register and Thomas Parker and John Denning.

of the State of Delaware the answers to which are to be read in evidence in the trial of the above cause on the part and in behalf of the plaintiff.

Inter 1. Do you know the parties plaintiff and defendant in the above cause?

Inter 2. If you know the plaintiff say how long you have known him, where he resided at the time, and what was his condition, that of a Slave or a free man?

Inter 3. Has or has not the plaintiff a wife and Several Children in Kent County in the State of Delaware all of whom are esteemed and known to be free persons, and have they not ever been so esteemed, and has not the plaintiff for many years been regularly assessed as a person liable to pay taxes in said County? set forth particularly every material fact.

Inter 4. Do you know the father and mother of said plaintiff, if so how long have you known them what are their names, where did they live at the time and in what condition that of Slaves or free persons. State particularly.

Inter 5. Do you know whether the plaintiff has any particular natural or artificial mark by which he can be identified, if so describe the same and also hisperson and age to the best of your recolection [sic] and beleif [sic]?---

Inter. 6. Have you any knowledge of the plaintiff having been kidnapped from his Family sometime in the fall or winter of 1810 by several persons and carried into the State of Maryland and from there Transported by a certain Robert Martin to the Mississippi Territory if so say how you became possessed of that knowledge by whom he was so kidnapped and transported and all the circumstances attending the Same, set forth particularly.

Inter. 7. Do you know or have you heard of the said Plaintiff having been sold to the Defendant if so, by whom?

Inter 8. Do you know anything farther material that will lend to the benefit of the plaintiff? If so set forth the same particularly and at large.

W.B. Shields

Atty for petitioner

It is agreed by consent of parties by their attornies [sic] in this case that a Commission issue to any Justice of the Peace in the State of Delaware, ten days after the date hereof to take the depositions of the Witnesses within named & to the foregoing interrogatoriesand as it is alledged [sic]by the plaintiffs Counsel, that there are Several material witnesses for the plaintiff whose names he does not know residing in Kent County, said State, it is further agreed by the defendant by his Counsel, that Henry M. Ridgely of said County or the agent or friend of the Plaintiff may insert the names of such material witnesses in the same Commission whose answers to the forgoing interrogatories shall in like manner be read in evidence in the trial of said Cooper on the part of the Plaintiff, Sept. 1^st 1812.

Cowles Mead for Deft.

WB Shelds for Plff

The foregoing is a true Copy of the Interrogatories and agreement filed in the Clerks Office of Adams County, Mississippi TerritoryCertified under my hand and official Seal this third day of October eighteen hundred and twelve~L? Girault C. A.C.C.

Depositions of Witnesses produced, sworn -------------affirmed and examined on the first Day of December in the year of our Lord One Thousand eight hundred and twelve at the House of John Lowber Esquire situate in Dover, in Kent County, State of Delaware on the Behalf of the Plaintiff Aaron Cooper by Virtue of a Commission issued from the Mississippi Territory of the United States, to any Justice of the Peace in the State of Delaware directed, for the Examination of Witnesses in a Suit there depending in the County Court for Adams County wherein Aaron Cooper a Man of Colour is Plaintiff and Parmenas Briscoe is Defendant, taken before John Lowber Esquire one of the Justices of the Peace of the State of Delaware in and for the County of Kent.

Timothy Hanson of Little Creek Hundred in the County of Kent, in the State of Delaware, Gentleman, aged forty three years and upwards, being produced and affirmed, being conscienciously [sic] scrupulous of taking an Oath, and being examined on the Behalf of the Plaintiff deposeth as follows

Imprimis. To the first Interrogatory this Deponent saith that [couple of words covered] Aaron Cooper the Plaintiff, but that he does not [couple of words covered] Parmenus Briscoe, the Defendant.

Item. To the second Interrogatory this Deponent saith, that he hath known the said Aaron Cooper upwards of thirty years; Aaron Cooper, when this Deponent first knew him, this Deponent saith, resided in Kent County near Dover with Thomas Hanson the Great-Uncle of this Deponent, Thomas Hanson afsd. Died and Aaron Cooper then fell into the Hands of Samuel Howell who married the Daughter of Thomas Hanson afsd; that after the said Aaron fell into the Hands of Samuel Howell the said Aaron was just Apprentice to a Man of the Name of Burns first, and then [illegible nameStellass?] as this Deponent believes, to learn the milling business; that Aaron Cooper afsd. Served his Time out, and after He arrived of Age lived and acted as a Freeman that said Burns and [illegible nameStellass?] lived in New Castle County, where said Aaron served them; That this Deponent believes the said Aaron was born the Slave of the aforesaid Thomas Hanson; that perhaps ten or fifteen years after the said Aaron was born, He the said Aaron and all the Slaves of Thomas Hansen was manumitted; that the said Plaintiff Aaron Cooper, after He served his Apprenticeship lived occasionally in Kent and NewCastle Counties in the State of Delaware, and sometimes, in the City of Philadelphia, as a Freeman, as so such, He always, after his Apprenticeship acted, and was reputed.

Item To the third Interrogatory this deponent saith, that the said Aaron Cooper married a Coloured Woman in the City of Philadelphia, as this Deponent always understood; that he the said Aaron brought his said Wife into Kent County where he had several Children by her, but whether they were born in Kent or New Castle County this Deponent does not know; that said Aaron and his Wife and Children were reputed free; that His Children are placed with different persons, some in Kent and some in New Castle, all as free persons, and that said Aaron his Wife and Children are esteemed and known by many

persons to be free; that this Deponent does not know whether said Aaron has been assessed for the payment of Taxes, but presumes he was, like all other Freemen

Item To the fourth Interrogatory this Deponent saith, that He knows the Father and Mother of said Plaintiff Aaron Cooper; that his Father is named Richard Cooper, and he lives in Little Creek Hundred in Kent County near Dover, on Land which formerly belonged to Thomas Hanson now deceased who was formerly his Master; that the Mother of said Aaron is dead, her Name was Nanny; that this Deponent knew said Richard and Nanny from his earliest Recollection, and He now knows said Richard who is above eighty years old, as it is believed, that said Richard and Nanny were formerly the Slaves of said Thomas Hanson, and that ^ they were manumitted with all the other slaves of said Thomas Hanson; and said Aaron and Nanny ever since were reputed as persons, and said Richard now is reputed.

Item To the fifth Interrogatory this Deponent saith, that the said Aaron Cooper the Plaintiff is a black man with short woolly Hair, near or quite six feet high, and is more intelligent than is common for black men to be; that he has lost one of his fore teeth, that He is about the Age of this Deponent, or a little older. that this Deponent supposes him to be about forty five years old; that he can read and write, and this Deponent thinks He understands figures.

Item To the Sixth Interrogatory this Deponent saith, that sometime about the fifth Day of Fifth Month in the Year Eighteen Hundred and eleven this Deponent was called on by John Denning and Robert Register, who informed this Deponent that five armed Men broke into the House of said Aaron and bound him and carried him off; this was in the Night;--said Aaron then lived in the upper part of this County not far from Robert Registers; that One Wright, one of the Men who carried said Aaron off, had sold him Aaron to one Robert Martin a Negro Trader; that John Denning, Robert Register and this Deponent and this Deponent and some others went immediately in pursuit of said Aaron and those who had carried him off; that said Aaron was conveyed across the County to New Market in Dorchester County Maryland where the Negro Traders had a Vessel which they were loading with NegroesThat this Deponent and his Companions heard of him Aaron frequently on the Road, and had him particularly described to them by different persons. That this Deponent, and his Companions, having heard of Aaron as aforesaid went to Cambridge in Dorchester County, and got a Writ called Homine Replegiando; that the Sheriff refused to execute the Writ; or to suffer his [couple of words covered] under Sheriff to do it, under Pretences [sic]; that this

deponent and his Companions went to Centre Ville in Queen Ann’s County, Maryland, and got a writ against Robert Martin, but before the Writ could he served the Vessel sailed for Norfolk in Virginia as it was said; that in pursuing Aaron this Deponent and his Companions went to several places in Maryland, and often heard of him and of them carrying him, that this Deponent doth not know the Rout taken by them who carried said Aaron, but hath understood Aaron was taken into the Mississippi Territory.

Item To the seventh Interrogatory this Deponent saith, that He this Defendant knew not what had become of said Plaintiff Aaron after He had been taken from Dorchester County in Maryland and Norfolk in Virginia, until He this Deponent received Letters with the signature of Parmenas Briscoe, the Defendant in this Suit as this Deponent supposes; that this Deponent was informed by those Letters that said Parmenas Briscoe had bought said Aaron Cooper of Robert Martin, which said Letters this Deponent hath endorsed with the Name of this Deponent, and is annexed to the Commission

Item To the eighth Interrogatory this Deponent saith He knows Nothing further

Affirmed to and subscribed

this 1^st December 1812 before

John Lowber (seal) Timy Hanson

John Denning of Symyrna, in Kent County, State of Delaware Carriage Maker, aged thirty two Years and [illegible], being produced and affirmed, being conscienciously [sic] scrupulous of taking an Oath, and being examined on the Behalf of the Plaintiff deposeth as follows.

Imprimis. To the first Interrogatory this Deponent saith, that he knows neither the Plaintiff or Defendant in this Cause.

Item. To the second Interrogatory, this Deponent saith, that He knows nothing, except that He has been told the Plaintiff Aaron Cooper resided in Duck Creek Hundred in the Year Eighteen hundred and eleven near Robert Register on Land of Benjamin Chiffens, before said Aaron was carried off.

Item. To the third Interrogatory this Deponent saith that He knows nothing of his own Knowledge; that He has been informed said Aaron passed as a Freeman, & had several Children, and that he and they have esteemed to be free.

Item. To the fourth Interrogatory this Deponent saith, that He knows the Father of Aaron Cooper according to Reputation; That the said Father is named Richard Cooper, lives in Little Creek Hundred, and is a Member of the Society called Quakers, and is deemed a freeman.

Item. To the fifth Interrogatory this Deponent saith, he knows Nothing of his own Knowledge.

Item. To the sixth Interrogatory this Deponent saith, that sometime in the 4^th or 5^th Month in the Year eighteen hundred and eleven ^ He this Deponent was called on by Richard Harrington and many more who were in pursuit of Aaron Cooper the Plaintiff; that this Deponent was informed more practically ^ by Benjamin Chiffins that said Aaron had been kidnapped by Perry Wright and others that then this Deponent and Timothy Hanson, Robert Register and others went to Dixon’s Tavern in Maryland, when this Deponent heard that Robert Martin had been left there the Day before with a black Man answering the Description of Aaron Cooper; that then this Deponent and his Companions went to Choptank in Maryland, and there heard of said Aaron, and from thence to Easton, and then to one Caldwell in Talbot County Maryland, where this Deponent continued, and his Companions went to Cambridge in Dorchester County; that they returned and informed this Deponent the Sheriff refused to go after Aaron; that then this Deponent and his companions went to Centre Ville, and got a Writ from Judge Earl to take Robert Martin; and that then this Deponent and others went to New-Market in Dorchester County where this Deponent had been informed Robert Martin had ^ black People confined in a Vessel and that there, at New Market, this Deponent was informed the Vessel had sailed; that then this Deponent and others went to Oxford in Talbot County to head the Vessel, but there this Deponent was informed She had gone out. This Deponent further saith that he returned Home, and some few days after He this Deponent saw Perry Wright, and asked him to inform him who took Aaron Cooper; after some Hesitation the said Perry Wright informed this Deponent, that He Wright had a Claim against Aaron Cooper, that he Wright had paid Money for said Aaron; that he Wright, and others, but he did not name the others, went to Aaron’s Home, tyed [sic] him, took him off, and sold him the said Aaron, to Robert Martin in Maryland.

Item. To the seventh Interrogatory this Deponent saith that He this Deponent has been informed said Aaron had been sold by Robert Martin to Briscoe, that this Deponent derived that Information from a Letter he saw signed with the Name of Briscoe, but the Christian Name he does not remember directed to Henry M. Ridgely

Item. To the eight Interrogatory this Deponent saith that he knows Nothing except as stated in Answer to the foregoing Interrogatories, but thinks proper to state and say that Dixon’s Tavern New Market, Dorchester County, Easton, Talbot County, Caldwells, Centre Ville, before mentioned, are all in Maryland.

Affirmed and subscribed to

this 1^st. Day of December 1812 John Denning

Before Me,

John Lowber (Seal)

Robert Register of Little Creek Hundred in the County of Kent, in the State of Delaware, Miller, aged thirty Years and upwards, being produced affirmed (he being conscienciously [sic] scrupilous [sic] of taking Oath) and being examined on the Behalf of the Plaintiff, deposeth as follows.

Imprimir. To the first Interrogatory this Deponent saith that knows Aaron Cooper the Plaintiff, but that He does not know Parmenas Briscoe the Defendant.

Item. To the second Interrogatory this Deponent saith, He knew Aaron Cooper the Plaintiff from August eighteen hundred and ten until the following May when Aaron was taken off; that during that Time the said Aaron resided in Duck Creek Hundred in Kent County, on Land of Benjamin Chiffins about a mile and a half or two miles from this Deponent; that this Deponent had employed said Aaron in banking [unusual but it appears to be so]; that said Aaron was considered as a Freeman; that this Deponent employed him as such, and paid him for his work as such, and had furnished him with corn meal or flour as a freeman.

Item. To the third Interrogatory this Deponent saith, that Aaron Cooper aforesaid had, when he was taken off, a Wife and Children in Kent County, that this Deponent never ^ heard anything but that they were free; that after said Aaron was taken off, his wife, who is called Hetty Cooper, applied to this Deponent to take her Children; that she brought two of them to this Deponent, and for a little while this Deponent had three of them; that two of the said Children, both Girls, one named Elizabeth the other Abigail, now live with this Deponent, that another of the Children named Susan, this Deponent placed with John Bellach, at Naaman’s Creek New Castle County; that this

Deponent has no Knowledge of any Assessment of said Aaron Cooper.

Item. To the fourth Interrogatory this deponent saith, that He knows the reputed Father of Aaron Cooper, and has known him eighteen Months or two Years; that his Name is Richard Cooper; that he is very old and very black, and is a Member of the Society of People called Quakers, that He resides in Kent County, in the Hundred of Little Creek or Jones’s; that this Deponent hath since he knew said Richard, always understood he was free; that this Deponent never knew the Mother of said Aaron Cooper

Item. To the fifth Interrogatory this Deponent saith, that He thinks the said Aaron had lost one or two of his fore teeth; that he supposes him to be five feet, ten Inches or six feet high, rather a stout Man, and rather blacker than common; that as well as this Deponent recollects the said Aaron has a very large beard; that this Deponent understood said Aaron could read and write, and that the wife of said Aaron carried to this Deponent a Book in which the Ages of the Children were set down, and that She, the wife, told this Deponent, the Writing was done by said Aaron; that this Deponent supposes the said Aaron to be forty five Years of Age or upwards.

Item. To the sixth Interrogatory this Deponent saith, that in the fore part of May eighteen hundred eleven, Benjamin Chiffins came to this Deponent and informed this Deponent that Aaron Cooper the Plaintiff had been taken off in the Night by Perry Wright, Levi Golt and two or three others; that the next Morning Timothy Hanson, Ezekiel Hunn and others came to this Deponent; and this Deponent, Timothy Hanson, ^ Ezekiel Hunn John Denning, Richard Harrington, Daniel Smith and Benjamin Chiffins set off of after Aaron; some returned Home, but this Deponent and some others went on from Smyrna in Kent County, State of Delaware to the Head of Chester and Dixon’s Tavern in Maryland; that at Dixon’s Tavern this Deponent heard that Robert Martin had taken a Man answering the Description of Aaron Cooper; and that some of Dixon’s Family heard the Man say his Name was Aaron Cooper, and that He was a Freeman; that then this Deponent and his Companions went to Choptank Bridge, and frequently heard of a Man answering the Description of Aaron Cooper; that there this Deponent understood they, the Negro Traders, had taken Negroes to New Market in Dorchester County Maryland where they had a Vessel loading with Negroes; that then this Deponent and others went to Easton and Jabez Caldwells

in Talbot County Maryland; that this Deponent and John Denning remained at Caldwells, and Timothy Hanson and others went to Cambridge to get a Writ to stop Aaron, but not being able as they said to get the Sheriff to serve it, they returned to Caldwells; then this Deponent and John Denning went to Centre Ville and got a Writ to stop Martin; that this Deponent and Denning went to New Market but the Vessel was gone, & then to Oxford to stop the Vessel, but She had gone by; then this Deponent returned home

Item. To the seventh Interrogatory this Deponent saith, that He saw a Letter signed by one Briscoe addressed to Henry M. Ridgely or to Jonathan Hunn, stating that He Briscoe had purchased a Negro Man from Robert Martin, who called himself Aaron Cooper, and said He was from this part of the County and was free, and that this Deponent hath no other Knowledge of such sale.

Item. To the eight Interrogatory this Deponent saith that He knows nothing further.

Affirmed to and subscribed this Robert Regester 1^st. December 1812 before

John Lowber

The farther Execution of the said Commission hereunto annexed was adjourned to the third Day Day [sic] of this Month December in the year eighteen hundred and twelve, then to be proceeded in at the House of the said John Lowber situate [sic] in Dover aforesaid

Thomas Parker of Murderkill Hundred in the County of Kent, State of Delaware, Farmer, aged sixty seven Years and upwards, being produced, sworn and examined at the House of John Lowber, Esquire in Dover aforesaid the third Day of December aforesaid, on the Behalf of the Plaintiff deposeth as follows;

Inprimis, To the first Interrogatory this Deponent saith, that He knows Aaron Cooper the Plaintiff, but that He does not know Parmenas Briscoe the Defendant.

Item. To the second Interrogatory this Deponent saith, that He hath known the said Aaron Cooper ever since He the said Aaron Cooper was born; that the said Aaron Cooper was born in the Family of Thomas Hanson who then lived within about two and an half miles from Dover; that this Deponent had at the Time of said Aaron’s birth, and ever since, until last March under Thomas Hanson, and the Descendants of Thomas Hanson, as a

Tenant; that said Aaron was born on New Years Day, at Night, about forty Years, or maybe forty one Years ago; that said Aaron lived with Thomas Hanson till he Aaron was a good smart Boy; that then the said Thomas Hanson bound him to a Miller somewhere toward Brandywine, that said Aaron staid [sic] with ^ the Miller till he Aaron was of Age and one year longer; that this Deponent well remembers there was a dispute about Aarons Age between said Aaron and the Miller; that Samuel Howel, after the death of said Thomas Hanson, the said Samuel Howel married the Daughter and only Child of said Thomas Hanson, and He Samuel Howel called in this Deponent, after Aaron came of Age to prove said Aarons Age, that this Deponent did prove his Age in Dover, and Aaron recovered of the Miller Wages for the Year he Aaron served the said Miller, after he Aaron arrived at Age, as Samuel Howel aforesaid, told this Deponent; that Aaron Coopers Father and Mother, both lived as free persons, and this Deponent supposes Aaron was born free; that this Deponent knows that Nanny the Mother of said Aaron before and after said Aaron’s Birth occasionally worked for Mary Hanson the Wife of said Thomas Hanson, and She the said Mary paid said Nanny for her Work; that this Deponent hath often heard the said Thomas Hanson say he had set free all his Negroes, and told this Deponent to pay them, if he this Deponent hired any of them, to pay them like other free hired people; that said Aaron after he left the Miller returned into Kent County, and worked about, as any other Freeman and passed as a Freeman, and was treated by all People as a Freeman; that said Aaron would often go out of the County, and up the Country, as it was said, and after a while would return, always at his will and Pleasure.

Item. To the third Interrogatory this Deponent saith, that Aaron Cooper the Plaintiff had a Wife and Children in Kent County, that they all wife and Children, and Aaron himself, were esteemed to be free; that this Deponent knew his said Wife by Sight, but knew little about his Children, or how many he had; that this Deponent does not know any thing about said Aaron being assessed.

Item. To the fourth Interrogatory this Deponent saith, that He now knows the Father of Aaron Cooper, whose Name is Richard Cooper; that this Deponent knew said Richard, and Nanny, the Mother of said Aaron upwards of forty Years ago; that the said Richard and Nanny lived at the White Oak Swamp in Kent County a few miles from Dover, when this Deponent first knew them on Land of said Thomas Hanson, which Land still belongs to the Family, and said Richard still lives there; that said Richard and Nanny, ever since this Deponent knew them, lived as free persons, and were so esteemed; that said Nanny is now dead, and has been dead several years

Item. To the fifth Interrogatory this Deponent saith; that He recollects no particular Marks of said Aaron, this Deponent never having had much to so with him, after Aaron went to the Miller, nor before; that this Deponent says the said Aaron is about five feet ten or eleven Inches high, as well as he recollects and that his Age is about forty or forty one Years.

Item. To the sixth Interrogatory this Deponent saith he knows nothing.

Item. To the seventh Interrogatory this Deponent saith he knows Nothing.

Item. To the eighth Interrogatory this Deponent saith he knows Nothing, other than as stated in his Answer to preceeding [sic] Interrogatories.

Sworn to, and signed by the his

Said Thomas Parker, the third Thomas X Parker

Day of December 1812, before Mark

John Lowber

Jonathan Hunn of Murderkill Hundred, residing at Camden, in Kent County, State of Delaware; Gentleman, aged forty seven Years and upwards being produced and affirmed (He being conscienciously [sic] scrupulous of taking an Oath) and being examined at the House of John Lowber Esquire in Dover aforesaid the third Day of December aforesaid, on the behalf of the Plaintiff, deposeth as follows-

Inprimis. To the first Interrogatory this Deponent saith, He does know Aaron Cooper the Plaintiff, and that he does not know Parmenas Briscoe the Defendant.

Item. To the second Interrogatory this Deponent saith, that He this Deponent knew said Aaron when he was a Boy and lived with Thomas Hanson, about thirty or thirty five Years ago; that said Aaron then lived with Thomas Hanson within about half a Mile of Camden that said Aaron was born a Slave of Thomas Hanson and was manumitted by said Thomas Hanson with all his other Negroes.

Item. To the third Interrogatory this Deponent saith, He knows Nothing other than from Report.

Item. To the fourth Interrogatory this Deponent saith, that he knows the Father of Aaron Cooper; that He has known him more that thirty Years, that his Name is Richard Cooper, and is a Member of the Society of People called Quakers, that said Richard this Deponent supposes is between seventy and eighty Years old; that said Richard lived ever since this Deponent had any distinct knowledge of him, and now lives on the White Oak swamp near

Dover, and that the said Richard always lived as a freeman; that this Deponent never knew the Mother of said Aaron.

Item. To the fifth Interrogatory this Deponent says he cannot particularly answer; that for a dozen or fifteen years last past he has seldom seen said Aaron.

Item. To the sixth Interrogatory this Deponent says he knows Nothing except from Report, and by a Letter signed with the Name Robert Martin, which Letter this Deponent got from the Post office at Camden in Kent County the second Day of the sixth Month of this present Year, the Outside Cover of which bears the Post Mark New York, and is endorsed, both on the cover and Letter by this Deponent refers for his Knowledge of said Aaron being Kidnapped.

Item. To the seventh Interrogatory this Deponent saith that he knows Nothing, except from the Letter referred to in Answer to the sixth Interrogatory, and by a Letter signed with the Name Parmenas Briscoe, which Letter this Deponent got from the Post Office at Camden in Kent County, is dated Adams County Mississippi Territory, September 6^th. 1811 and bears the Post Mark Wash M T. Sep. 10 and is endorsed with the Name of this Deponent by this Deponent, to which Letter this Deponent refers for his Knowledge in Answer to this Interrogatory.

Item. To the eighth Interrogatory this Deponent saith that He knows the Nehemiah Tilton, who lives in Washington, as this Deponent supposes, Mississippi Territory, formerly resided in Kent county in this State, near Dover; that the said Nehemiah Tilton married into the Hanson Family, and this Deponent believes He Nehemiah Tilton well knows Richard Cooper the Father of said Aaron, and that he probably knows that said Aaron, and can identify him from his Knowledge of said Richard, Aaron’s Father.

Affirmed to and subscribed this 3^rd. December 1812 before Jon Hunn

John Lowber

Charles Hilly and Daniel Mifflin, Thomas Jenkins, Nicholas Ridgley, and Henry M. Ridgely, were no brought before me for Examination

John Lowber

[HNF note: Petition of free person of color seeking his freedom. Gives details from his birth in Delaware and how he was brought to Natchez as a slave. Includes interrogatories and considerable documentation in response. This is the Aaron Cooper (plaintiff ) 1811 HNF case. Proved his freedom].

Cotton

Jeremiah Corey's Will, 1851

Adams County Chancery Court

Will Book 2

P. 397

Codicil

Whereas I Jeremiah H. Cory of the County of Adams and State of Mississippi have made and duly executed my last will and Testament in writing bearing date as above now I do hereby declare this present writing to be as a Codicil to my said last Will and Testament, and direct the same to be Taken as a part thereof

To witthat at any Time the negro man Sam or “Sam Cotton” shall pay to my Executrix or Executors the amount due me Then the said Sam, his wife and children Elisha and Sidney shall be free, and after said amount due shall be paid I have no further claim on said negroes, and my said Executrix and Executors Shall give them a certificate to that effect.

[Not all transcribed, just details concerning African Americans]

Covey

Adams County Chancery Court, 1841

Police Board of Minutes, 1832-45

Nov., 1841“Adeline Covey a free mulatto girl aged about sixteen years and four feet eleven inches in height, having satisfied the Board that she was of good character and honest deportment; it was thereupon ordered by the Board that she be and she is hereby licensed to remain in this state pursuant to the Statute in this behalf.

Cowley

John Cowley1 male 14-25 (1820 Natchez Census)

Cummins

Hester Cummins1 female 36-55 (2 female slaves24-36 and 36-55) (1840 Natchez census)

Hester Cummins40 mf, “FN,” MS, w/Susan Cochran, 15mf, LA; Catherine Watson, 11 mf; Annett Fagkin, 17mf (1850 Natchez census)

Hester Cummins, Police Board Records, September 1832

Adams County Chancery Court

Police Board Records

P. 28

September Term 1832

Friday morning, September 7^th 1832

Hester Cummins, a free woman of colour of light complexion, five feet six inches high about thirty six or thirty seven years old, satisfied the court of her good character and honest deportment. It is therefore ordered by the court that the said Hester Cummins be licensed to remain in this state agreeably to the act of Assembly entitled an act to amend an act to reduce into one the several acts concerning slaves free negroes and mulattoes passed 20^th December 1831.

“Hester Comings Bought her sister Hanah and her child for $1000” (Johnson Diary, 5 Jan., 1835).

“Hester Commings sat up Together with Mrs Battles with the child,” (Johnson Diary, 28 Jan., 1836)

“Last night Hester told Mrs B and myself that ___widow was in the Family way by her Overseer,___, who was married one of the Miss ___ ___She stated that Mrs___ was a going to Kentucky before Long To have the Child I presume. She said that one of Mrs___ girls told her [mother] how Bad it Looked because her Overseer was a married man –She answerdWhat if he was! She did not care for he was only married to a Negro,” (Johnson Diary, 29 Jan., 1836)

“Hester Commings Came to me to try and Borrow $4 or $500 tp finish paying for her sister to Mrs Postlethwait,” (Johnson Diary, 19 Apr., 1836)

“Mother and Mrs Mitchell Came up from New Orleans about 3 Oclock in the morningMr Miller sent me a Letter to day with two hundred and fifty Dollars for Hester [Cummins?] and wanted me to take a mortgage on Hesters old woman to Secure the $250I Saw Hester and Gave Her the moneyShe took One Hundred and fifty dollars of the money and told me that she did not want any moorethat She Had made the arrangement [to] do with Less money and that I must send the One Hundred Dollars Back to Mr Miller &c,” (Johnson Diary, 23 March 1841).

“McCary and Hester Commings has Came to night to set up with Him [son Richard during his severe illness],” (6 Dec., 1841, Johnson Diary).

Dec. 2, 1848 (Johnson Diary)Hester Cummings was to the shop to see me to day and wanted me to pay her tax for her She left enough to pay her tax except $2.10 which sum I am to loan her

Dec. 6, 1848 (Johnson Diary)Hester Cummings gave me sixty dollars to keep for hershe owes me $2.10 that I loaned her to pay her taxes

Mar. 12, 1849 (Johnson Diary)I paid Hester Cummings to day fifty dollars This was money that she gave me to take care of for her My wife also gave me ten dollars to day which Hester Commings left with her for to be given to me

Feb. 6, 1850 (Johnson Diary)Hester Comings told me to take out 7.371/2 that she owes me & then I did so. She seys now I owe her $12.62 ½

June 11, 1850 (Johnson Diary)It was today that I paid Mr Newman Hester Cummings tax which was four dollars and fifty cents

[Excerpt from Martha Jane Brazy’s An American Planter: Stephen Duncan of Antebellum Natchez and New York (Baton Rouge: LSU Press, 2006), p. 124]: “In December 1858, he purchased a lot in Natchez, known as the Bluffs, from Hester Cummings, a free black woman. Cummings resided in Natchez and was a good friend of free black barber and businessman William Johnson. She bought the freedom of her sister and niece, and she owned several slaves. In July 1858, she bought a parcel of land for $700. Five months later, she sold the same parcel to Duncan, along with ten slaves, for $3,000. Duncan probably knew Cummings through Johnson, who held money for her, loaned her small sums, and made tax payments on her behalf. Five years later, Duncan gave the land to Nanette, also a free black woman, for the sum of one dollar. The relationship between Duncan and Nanette is not clear, but a woman of the same name was listed among the ten slaves Cummings originally sold Duncan. How Nanette gained her freedom remains unknown; Duncan might have manumitted her, or she might have purchased her freedom outright. In any event, the fact that he sold her the land for only a dollar suggests that he felt some extensive obligation to her.”

Issac N. King & Wife to Hester Cummings, 1858

Adams County Chancery Court

Deed Book MM

Pgs. 54-5

Land conveyance of property on the bluff next to Joseph Ferguson’s lot for $700 to Hester from Isaac King & his wife on July 12, 1858

Hester Cummings to Stephen Duncan, 1859

Adams County Chancery Court

Deed Book MM

P. 141

Hester Cummings to Stephen Duncan

This indenture made & entered into on this thirteenth day of December in the year eighteen hundred and fifty eight, by a certain Hester Cummings, a free woman of color, residing in the City of Natchez, in the State of Mississippi, party of the one part, ?? Stephen Duncan, a resident of Adams County, in the State of Mississippi, party of the other part, Witnesseth, [hard to read, skipping a bit..] for & in consideration of the price & sum of three thousand Dollars, ?? in hand paid by the said Stephen Duncan…certain piece of land [the one that she had purchased from Isaac & Pamela King in 1858] And also the following named slaves for life: towit, Nanette, a griffe woman, aged about 24 years: Mary Lawson, a black, woman, aged about 35 years, & her children Frances, yellow, girl, aged about 16 years: Angelina, yellow, girl, aged about 12 years: Jimmie & Emma, twins, griffe, aged about 9 years: Hester, a griffe, girl, aged about 7 years: Sarah, a griffe, girl, aged about 4 years: Eliza, a griffe, girl, aged about 2 years & Ambrose, a griffe, boy, aged about 4 weeks. Together with their future natural increase, To have & to hold the above described property, consisting of the land & slaves as hereinbefore mentioned, unto the said Stephen Duncan, his heirs & assigns, with full warranty against the claims of any & all persons whomsoever, …

[Recorded same date]

Curtis

James McCary to Francis Curtis, Will, 1813

Adams County Chancery Court

Will Book 1

Feb. 16, 1813

p. 88

James McCary’s Willproven 5^th April 1813, written 16 Feb, 1813“I give and devise unto Francis Curtis a free woman of colour of the City of Natchez, my lot of land conveyed to me by Deed of Robt Williams

Francis Curtis to Richard Terrace, 1814

Adams County Chancery Court

Deed Book H

P. 75

[Not transcribed but conveyance of land left to her from James McCary’s 1812 will to Terrace in 1814 for $200].

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

Friday, May 17, 1833;
Issue 20

Runaways in Adams County Jail:

Was committed to the jail of Adams county as a runaway on the 8^th of February 1833, by William B. Melvin, Esq. a mulatto boy calling himself HARTWELL CURTIS; and says he is free, said negro is about 21 years of age, and about five feet eight inches high, spare made, he had when committed a very severe wound on one of his legs, appeared to have been occasioned by snagging or burised, as much so that he was not in his right mind when apprehended, he was very badly clad in some old rags of linen.

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

W.W. Calmes, Jailer

March 1, 1833

Cynthia--

Cynthia, bill of sale and emancipation, 1802

Adams County Chancery Court

Deed Book C

Pgs. 229-30

Know all men by these presents that I William Brooks Sheriff of Adams County for and in consideration of the sum of two hundred and forty three dollars in hand in my said capacity will and truly paid before the delivery hereof by James Dunwoody of Natchez the Receipt of whereof I in my said capacity do hereby acknowledge have bargained and sold and by these presents in my capacity do bargain and sell unto the said James Dunwoody his heirs and assigns a certain negro wench named Cinthia taken by virtue? Of an execution to ?? at the Suit of Major Miller? Fulton and 6 degrees [what??] and Sold for the ? of the same to have and to hold the said negro Wench Cynthia unto him the said James Dunweedy his heirs and assigns & c. I the said William Brooks in my said capacity will warrant and Defend the Said Negro Wench unto him the said James Dunwoody his heirs and assigns against all person or persons claiming by from or under me in witness whereof I have in my capacity aforesaid hereunto set my hand and seal the twenty fifth day of Sept. 1802

p. 230

Signed sealed and Delivered For and in consideration of the within mentioned sum of two

In presence of us hundred and forty three Dollars to me in hand paid by the said negro Synthia

Chas? Hobbs the fact whereof I hereby acknowledge and for the friendship I have towards

James May the wench believing her to be a free woman give and bequeath unto the said Synthia her

Right of freedom and I hereby relinquish all my right and title of claim to the said negro and also the claim of any other person claiming by through or under me in Testimony of which I hereunto set my hand and affix my seal this 25^th day of Sept. 1802

D

Daly

Catharine Daly Police Board Records, 1832

Adams County Chancery Court

Police Board Records

P. [not recorded]

March Term 1832

Catharine Daly, a free negro woman of a dark mulatto complexion about nineteen years old five feet four inches high having satisfied the court of her good character and honest deportment

It is therefore ordered by the Court that said Catharine Daly be and she is hereby licensed and authorized to remain in this state agreeable to the act of assembly entitled an act to amend an act entitled an act to reduce into one the several acts concerning slaves free negroes and mulattoes passed 20^th December AD 1831.

Darks

Joseph Darks?1 fpc (1816 Adams County Census)

David

David, Free Papers, 1800

Adams County Chancery Court

Deed Book B

P. 70

This is to certify that the bearer David a Negro man about forty five years of age was late from the Eastern Shore of Maryland from Sommerset County & that he is to all intents & purposes a free man & came from Maryland to accompany his Wife & Children who were purchased of ? Henry Haggaman of the said County of Sommerset. Given under my hand the 7^th day of June

Witness Benja. Drew

June 9^th 1800 I am hereby certified the above is the handwriting of Benja. Drew of Southampton [unclear] County Virginia I do hereby certify that I am acquainted John Wright

[page is ripped off at the bottom and irregular] –a Justice of the Peace for the County of…the Certificate given within is in his handwriting…this 10^th day of June 1800

Davis

Deliah Davis40 bf, MS (1860 Natchez census)

Edy Davis, Police Board Records, 1832

Adams County Chancery Court

Police Board Records

P. 20

Special March Term 1832

Edy Davis a free yellow woman about thirty eight years old five feet two or three inches high satisfied the court of her good character and honest deportment.

It is therefore ordered by the Court that said Edy Davis be licensed to remain in this state agreeable to the act of assembly entitled an act to amend an act entitled an act to reduce into one the several acts concerning slaves free negroes and mulattoes passed 20^th December AD 1831.

Debby

Debby et al v. Campbell, Anthony., 1821

Historic Natchez Foundation

Box 6

File 102

To the Honorable the Judge of the Second Judicial District, of the State of Mississippi, presiding in the Superior Court of the County of Adams, the Petition of Debby, a free woman of Color, and her children, Basly [sic], Charles, Joseph, Polly, and Hetty, infants and the age of twenty one years-

respectfully represents that she & they her said children are free persons, and are now claimed, & held in bondage as slaves for life by Anthony Campbell of Said county of Adams, whom your Petitioners prays may be made ^ a defendant to this their suit, and that he may be required & adjudged by the Said Superior Court to pay to your petitioners damages for their Services, work & labor and injuries done their persons.

Your Petitioner Debby has not been in the possession of said Anthony for some few weeks last past, nor is she now in his possessionbut that her said children are in his possession

Your Petitioner therefore prays the writ of Habeas corpus to bring their bodies, or such of them as are in his possession

of said

of said Anthony, before your honor, & that recognizances may be taken of your petitioner according to lawthat said Anthony may be cited to appear & answer this petition; that the freedom of your Petitioners may be established, and that they may have such other & further relief in the premises as to your honor shall seen meet, & as in duty bound they will ever pray &c

Turner & Metcalfe Atty for Petitioners

July 2d. 1821

Let a writ of Habeas Corpus, & Citation issue according to the prayer of the foregoing Petition_______the Habeas corpus to be returnable at the Chambers of the Honble. P. Ellis in Natchez, forthwith

Louis Winston [illegible word]

2^nd Jud District

To the Clk. of the

Superior Court of

Adams County

And the Defendant Anthony Campbell comes and in Answer to said Petition that the said Plaintiffs are not free but are held as slaves for life and of this the said Defendant puts himself upon the County Thornberry & Whiting

And the Petitioners for Defendant

do the like

Turner & Metcalfe

Atto Petitioners

Debby & others,

free persons of color

vs. Petition.

A. Campbell

Filed 5 July 1821

Habs Corpus issued same day

also citation

Judgt? by default 30^th Jan. 1822

filed 9 June 1823

[illegible signature?]

Dismissed June

Term 1824

Cost named.

Verdict for Deft May 7 1823

& Appeal to Superior Court

T. & M. atty Plt.

State of Mississippi

Adams County

In pursuance of the annexed Commission, to me directed from the Honorable Superior Court of said County I have caused to come before me James Grafton, a Witness in behalf of the Plaintiffs in a certain suit wherein Debby & others are Plaintiffs and Anthony Campbell is Defendant

James Grafton being Sworn says, that he is well acquainted with the parties to this Suit, and says that the deponents Brother Daniel Grafton deceased purchased the time the Pltff Debby had then to Serve, in the year 1805. When the said Debby had fourteen years to serve and no longer, and also states that the said Debby, since that time has had five children vizBasil aged about 15 years, Charles aged about 13 years, & Hetty about 9 years, the names of the others the deponent does not now recollect, but believes them to be the petitioners in this SuitWitness further says that the defendant Campbell married the Widow of the Said Danl Grfton about the year 1816 he thinks in the month of July of the sameDeponent says that he saw the Bill of Sale given to his Brother Daniel for the said Servant Debby, and is positive therein she was indented to serve but fourteen years, and that she was to be free and that it was on these terms his said Brother Dan.l Grafton purchased the plaintiff the Witness further says, that Danl Grafton

never claim’d Debby as a Slave for life, but for the Term of fourteen years only agreeable to the Bill of SaleDeponent knows that the Defendant Campbell, holds in his possession the said Debby and her children and has held them & ccc. Their Servies since the year 1816Deponent says that the said Debby is the same Servant mentioned in the Inventory of Dan.l Graftons Estate as having three years to Serve and valued at one hundred & fifty Dollars

Sworn & subscribed before

me this 19^th day of July 1821 J Grafton

L Baynton JP.

Cross examined by Ant.y Campbell

Question 1^st Had Debby only five Children

Answ. Deponent knows but of the three named but he believes the other two to be they the three eldest as before named & he is positive [illegible]

Ques.n 2.d How do you know she had any children, were you present at the birth of any of her Children

Answer He knows Debby had the three Children as far as he can, without having been an Eye witness to her Delivery, Witness saw her in the family way and saw her suckle the said Children

Ques.n 3 How near were you to being an Eye Witness on each of those delicate occasions, state if you please the different times & places particularly

Answ.r Witness cannot say at what particular times the Children were born, further that than that the two first two were born on the

Deponents plantation and the 3.d on the plantation on which Defendant now resides Deponent was on the plantation at the births of the Said Children but cannot say how near he was

Question 4^th Had you or had you not a plantation of your own, at the time alluded to in the preceding Questions and did you reside on it

Answ.r Yes

5^th Did you see the bill of Sale to Dan.l Grafton received with Debby & to your recollection of its Contents

Answ.r I did not see the bill of Sale delivered to my Brother for Debby, but saw it afterwards in D.l Graftons possession & saw the contents of said Bill of Sale

6^th What was the date of it & where was it made, who made it and was it witnessed or attested by any person, and if it was witnessed or attested, State who by

Answ.r The date as near as I can Recollect was some time in the Summer of 1805does not recollect where it was made, but as well as he can remember it was in Kent County Marylandcannot now say who made it, or whether it was attested or witnessed

7^th Did you or did you not know of any other instrument of writing beside the Bill of Sale accompanying the transfer of Debby

4 Answ.r to 7^th not any that Witness recollects

Question 8^th you say you have seen the Bill of Sale given with Debby to D.l Grafton State at what time did or what occasion you saw it

Answ.r Witness saw the Bill of Sale at the appraisement

9^th Were you one of the appraisers, and if you were, did all the others appraising see it at the same time

Answ.r No. I was not one of the appraisers but the appraisers saw it at the same time

Question 10 Do you know who sold Debby to D.l Grafton

Answer Witness does not Remember the Name

11^th Do you know whether Debby was born of Bond or free Parents

Answer No

12. About the time you mention did not D.l Grafton purchase a number of Slaves, in some distant Country believed to be the State of Maryland

Answ.r He purchased he thinks about that time 5 or 6 & believes in the State of Maryland, but is not certain

13^th Did you see the Bill or Bills of Sale of all the Negroes, D.l Grafton purchased at that time

Answ.r He might have Seen them but does not Recollect

Quest.n 14^th Do you or do you not what proper name this Debby attended to when she was sold to D.l Grafton

Answ.r All the Name he ever heard her call’d by was Debby

Question 15^th Having seen the Bill of Sale, please to state how her name was spell’d in that instrument

Answer He cannot say as he does not Remember, he cannot say how her Name was spell’d She was call’d Debby

16^th Do you know the hand writing of this person who sold Debby

Answ.r I do not

Answers to ^ & number Questions put by Mr. Campbell and answered by Witness He does not know the day the Service of Debby commenced, but it was somewhere in the year 1805, witness thinks he would know the bill of Sale if he was to see it, but it is 5 years since he saw it & cannot sayDeponent has known Debby since the year 1805 and has known the Defendant 10 or 12 years, Deponent has resided on Red River 4 yearsHe was born & raised in this StateIn the Month of February last past he removed his residence to this StateDeponent has often heard Debby say that she would be free at a certain period, but does not know that he ever heard her demand her freedom of Mr. CampbellDebby’s time of Servitude had not expired when deponent left this State to reside on Red RiverHe is not able to say whether Debby was pregnant or not When she was purchased by D. Grafton, but she had a child 3 or 4 mos. after she came to this CountryDebby was brought to this Country in the fall of 1805 Witness does not recollect the midwife

Who she was in the accouchiment [sic] of Debby or whether there was one or not- her eldest child was a boy named Basil

Question How do you believe the other persons named to be the Petitioners in this Suit

Answ. From Report

Question Who were the authors of this Report and who Stated it to you

Answ. Witness heard it from a number of persons & among them from the Girl herselfbut does not recollect who the last were, but it was a current report

Question Do you or do you not know whether this Debby mentioned by you was sold to Dan.l Grafton or indented to him as a Servant, and whether the instrument of writing you allude to was a Bill of Sale or an Indenture

Answr Indenture

The instrument for writing ?? what it would as he cannot say what it would be call’d specifyed the time the time she was to serve

Question What was the cause of producing this Bill of Sale in particular at the time of the appraisement of the Estate of D.l Grafton, and who produced it

Answr The administrator of the said Estate D.d Fleming, in order that she might not be appraised higher than value of her time to serve would authorize

Question Was it stated in this instrument of writing you allude to where this Debby, as you call her was to be manumitted, in this or any other country

Asnwr He does not whether it was to be in this Country or any other but it specified she was to be free at a certain period

Question Where were you when Dan.l Grafton purchased this Woman you call Debby

Answr I was at home in this State

Question Did you know from any Source that this Debby was purchased in Pennsylvania

Answr No

Question Is it mentioned in the Bill of Sale you allude to where she was purchased

Answr He cannot say, he does not know positively where it was, he is not certain that it was stated in the bill of Sale where she was purchased

Question Did or did not this Debby claim her freedom in the life time of D.l Grafton

Answr No he never heard Debby claim of D.l Grafton in his life time

Question Had Dan.l Grafton lived until the period had arrived at which you say she was to have had her freedom, do you know whether he would have manumitted her in this or some other Country or whether he would have manumitted her at all

Answr He has heard Dan.l Grafton frequently say that as soon as the time expired of her servitude she should be free he should have no further Controul [sic] over her

Question Do you know any substantial Reason why this Debby was sold, as you say to D.l Grafton for a number of years, instead of being sold for life as negroes generally are sold

Answr None except that it was frequently the case in Mary land [sic] as he has heard D.l Grafton say to sell Negroes for a certain Number of years

Quest.n Did D.l Grafton in his lifetime communicate all his future intentions relative to his negroes to you

Answr No. except as regarded the Wench Debby

Question If Debby had any children, as you State she had, did D.l Grafton in his life time State to you any thing of his future intentions as to these Children. If he did state what they were as so communicated to you

Answr No, he did not

July 19^th. Farther examination of the Witness adjourn’d to Wednesday the 5^th day Ausgust

Wednesday Aug.t 5^th

Question 1^st. Who were the appraisers of the Estate of Dan.l Grafton and were you present at the valuation of each Article Stated in the appraisement

Answer The appraisers were Arch.d Terrel, Sam.l Marshall & I believe Sam.l Postlethwaite but the latter did not attend, I was in and about the House at the time of the appraisementI was not present at the Valuation of each Article

2d Had this Woman you call Debby any children that were drowned, and if she had what was the age and name of the child or children so drowned

Answ.r I cannot say how

Answ.r I believe she had a child drowned but of what age I do not know, and I do not now recollect the Name

Question 3d How often have you been on the plantation accompanied by the defendant in this Suit, since the commencement of the year 1816

Answ.r 3d I cannot say how often since 1819? [smudged] I have been on the plantation on which the defendant resides

Quest.n 4^th What means do you possess, or what means have you possessed, within the four years last passed, of ascertaining how the defendant in this Case has received the Services of the Plaintiffs in this case

Answr I have no other means of knowing but that the defendant is the administrator to the Estate & has the plantation in his possession of course he [illegible] their Services

Quest.n 5^th Do you know that the Plaintiffs in this Case have always been on the plantation you allude to in the preceding answers

Answ.r I do not they might have run away for aught I know

Quest.n 6^th Do you or do you not know, whether the defendant has or has not forcibly detained them on this plantation

Answ.r Not that I know of

Ques.n 7^th Do you or do you not know, whether the Woman you call Debby was a runaway the last Spring & Summer from the Estate of D.l Grafton dec.d on the pine Ridge

Answ.r I know she was off the plantation last Spring at the time She commenced this Suit, or before it

Quest.n. 8^th Do you know where she was during the time she was a runaway

Answ.r She was at my house a month I cannot say exactly the time

Quest.n 9.^th During the time Debby as you call her was at your house as a runaway was there not there also, her husband called Frank or Jackson a slave belonging to the Estate of D. Grafton

Answ.r I never saw him & I do not ^know that Frank was there

Question 10^th Do you know how Debby, as you call her came to make application to W. Turner to aid in obtaining her freedom

Answ.r Debby came to me to know whether I could aid her to obtain her freedom I told & had nothing to do with it, to go to W. Turner & he would tell her how to act

Quest.n 11^th Did you write any letter or letters to W Turner on the Subject, and if you did state the Contents of this Correspondence

Answ.r I did not write any letter or letters at this time She first went to W. Turner, but on her return from W. Turner she delivered me a Note from him, I do not recollect but of one letter written by Squire Turner for me in it was stated what I knew concerning her Claim to freedom

Quest.n 12^th Did you or did not you write to Lou.s? Sessions and Arch.d Terrill or written either of them on this Subject, and if you did write any such letter or letters state the contents and who was the bearer of them

Answ.r I did not

Quest.n 13^th Did you cause such letters to be written or do you know such letters being written

Answ.r I do not

Quest.n 14^th Do you know anything of any contract between W. Turner and this Woman you call Debby, and if you do state the same fully

Answ.r I do not

Examination adjourned 3. Oclock

Examin.n Continued

Question 15^th Do you know the year in which Debby’s Child (as you call her) that you say was drown’d was bornor do you know the year it was drown’d in

Answ.r I do not

Question 17^th [sic16^th] How old do you know Debby as you call her to be at this time

Answ.r That I dont know

Quest.n 17^th Did you send for Squire Turner for the purpose of writing to Edm.d. Turner the attorney in behalf of Debby, or did Debby go to the Squire spontaneously of herself namely for that purpose

Answ.r I sent for Squire Turner to know what I had best do, in regard to the girls situation, Squire Turner told me I had better write to Mr. E. Turner & state the Plaintiffs claim & that he would inform what I had best dothere was then a letter written to Edw.d Turner for me by Rob.t? Turner, and in which was stated all I knew respecting her claim to freedom

Quest.n 18^th How came you to detain her so long at your house and at your work

Answ.r I did not detain her at all, she staid there, I suppose she preferred staying there at the time, she was suing for her freedom

Question 19. Was she at your house a single moment after Mr.s Turner & Metcalfe brought Suit in her behalf against the defendant

Answ.r She was not that I saw, if she was, its more than I know

Quest.n 20^th Do you know any matter or thing, directly or indirectly of Debby as you call her previous to having seen her as another black person at work, on the land of Dan.l Grafton

Answ.r I know nothing except as regarded her claim to freedom

Question 21 Do you know whether Debbys Child that you say was drowned was Male or female

Answ.r I believe it was a Male Child

Sworn & subscribed J Grafton

Before Me this Aug. 5

1821

J Baynton L

[Note on the left side of the document: Opened in open Court 27^th May 1822]

Know all men by these presents that we Anthony Campbell and Charles B Green & Joshua Child & John Lombard of the County of Adams & State of Mississippi are held and firmly bound unto George Poindexter Governor of the State of Mississippi and his Successor in office in the penal sum of one thousand eight hundred Dollars for which payment well and truly to be made we bind ourselves our heirs executors administrators and assigns jointly firmly by these presentssealed with our seals and dated this 7^th day of July 1821

The condition of the above obligation is such that whereas Debby, Basly, Charles, Joseph Polly & Hetty persons of color have filed their petition in the Superior Court of said County against the said Anthony Campbell for their freedomNow if the said Anthony Campbell shall have the said Debby & others forthcoming, and subject to the order of the said Court, and that he will abide by the Judgment the said Court may render on the premises, then the above obligation to be void, else to remain in full force and virtue

Sealed & acknowledged A. Campbell (seal)

In the presence of Ch. B. Green (seal)

Powhatan Ellis J Child (seal)

Judge of the fourth Jno Lombard (seal)

Judicial District

[Not transcribing it all but this is dated May Term 1823 and it says: An aapeal granted to the Supreme Court in the case of Debby & others vs Anthony Campbell]

9 June 1823

State of Mississippi

Supreme Court June Term 1824

Debby & al.

Vs Ordered by the Court that in

Anthony Campbell Consequence of no appeal Board, that the cause be remanded to the Circuit Court of Adams County

I Certify the above to be a true extract from the minutes of said Court

Given under my hand and Seal of

Said Court this 26^th July 1824

Howell? Moss

Clerk

Atto whiting

Pltff

The 6^th Item in the Inventory and appraisement of the estate of Daniel Grafton dec.d is as follows

“Debby 3 years to serve__________________________150 Dolls”

The Inventory is dated 15^th February 1816

Woodson Wren Clk

Rec.d 30 July 1819

Adams Clerk Court blk fees--$1.50

Paid

Debby & children

Anthony Campbell

State of Mississippi

Adams County On the 25^th day of June 1816 the undersigned intermarried with the Widow of Daniel Grafton deceased, late of Said County, and then found a woman of Color commonly called Debby on the estate of the said deceased and with other persons of color claimed held and used as a slave by the representatives of said deceased, she has since been claimed, held and used as a slave, and is at this time claimed, held and used as a slave part of the personal property of the said deceased, according to the laws and usages of said State. Of her children, by name or number, I know nothing of myself except one called Monroe, born in 1817 and died and buried sometime in 1818. July 2. 1819

Campbell

Harry Cay? Pltff Atty

State of Mississippi Circuit Court

Adams County May Term 1823

Debby & others

Vs A Jury being called came

Anthony Campbell

James Chambers Sylvester B Derby

Travis Grant? Ira Reynolds

L. P. Gustine H.F. Walworth

C.J. Bell John S. White

George Smith Thompson Gardner

John Bailey Nathan H Luse

Who on their oath say we of the Jury find that the plaintiffs are Slaves, and not free persons in manner & form as in their petition they have alledged

I certify the above to be a true extract from the minutes of said Court

Mr. H Milford? Clk

Debby & others

vs Circuit Court

A. Campbell May Term 1823

Be it remembered that in the trial of this cause the counsel of the petitioners produced and read in evidence to the Jury the deposition of James Grafton (as follows (here insert it) and reading said deposition, introduced Archibald Terrill as witness who being sworn said that he was one of the appraisers of the estate of Daniel Grafton dec.dthat he was present at the time of said appraisement when the admr. of said D. Grafton directed the appraisers to appraise the plaintiff Debby as an indented servant who had to serve only about the time of three years and produced some writing to that effect. The plff Debby was appraised accordingly but the admr. Saying that he did not know how it was with the three children when Debby then had, directed them to be appraised as slaves which was done accordingly

Some other evidence was introduced on the part of the deft. Being merely corroborative of the evidence given on the part of the petitioners as to the children of Debby and thereupon the case was put to the jury when the counsel for the deft. moved the court to instruct the jury that the testimony of James Grafton as to the admissions and declentions [sic] of Danl. Grafton dec.d and of the admr. were not sufficient to establish the Petitioners right to freedom, but that the burden of proof to establish that right being on the plaintiffs they ought to have shewn that they were entitled to freedom according to the law of the place from whence they came or to the law of this state: to which opinion of the Court the plffs by their counsel except [sic] and pray that their exception may be seized, sealed enrolled and made a part of the record; which is done accordingly

Rich Stockton

Judge D D &?

Debby et al

Anthony Campbell Petition

It is the opinion of the court that the declarations of Grafton are not sufficient to show the plffs title to freedom without testimony to show that they were entitled to freedom either by the laws of the state from which they came or by the laws of this state

And that the burthens of proof as to their title to freedom both in the state from whence they came and in the state of Mississippi was on the Plff

[HNF: Plaintiff Debby suing for freedom for herself and her five children. Testimony of James Grafton claims she was initially an indentured servant for 14 years-not a slave. Verdict for defendant. Appealed to State Supreme Court.]

De la Croux

de la Croux, Feliciana (fmc) v. Reinhart, Matthias, 1822

Historic Natchez Foundation

Box 13

File 77

Feliciana or Jim Petition for freedom

Matthias Reinhart

Received from Wm B Griffith the security of said plff on his bondthe sum of forty dollars in cash & {illegible two words] on Rob.t Field Esq payble [sic] 15 Jany next for eighty dollars which when paid will be in full for the hire of said negro & all damages which I may be entitled to or might claim for the detention and loss of the said boys time & all other damages for or by reason of said Suit.

Natchez 5 June 1822

his

Attory Matthias M Reinhart

Wm. Yates Mark

To the Honorable the Superior Court of Adams County.

Your petitioner Feliciana de la Croux respectfully shews that he is a freeman unjustly detained in slavery by one [blank space] Reinhart. That he was a freeman in the Havana from whence he was sailed to St. Augustine in Florida with the troops of the King of SpainThat having put in to Savannah in distress he deserted with other soldiers & was taken up and sold as a slaveWherefore he prays that he may be decreed his freedom and such other and further relief as may be equitable and just.

Wm B Griffith

Plf Atty.

And the Said Mathias Reinhart by Reed & Davis his Counsel Comes and says the Said Petitioner is not a freeman but legally held as a slave of this deponent and has been for many years held and treated as a Slave and was sold to and purchased by this defendant as such wherefore he prays Judgment of the Court here that the Said Petitioner may be restored to him and just remuneration for the loss of his services and also his costs most [illegible] by Sustained.

Reed & Davis

Adams Sup Court

Of Nov 1820

Feliciana a

free man of color

vs Pet for freedom

Reinhart

Filed 28^th May 1820

Nonsuit May 1822

[HNF note: Freeman from Havana sailing to Florida with troops of King of Spain-deserted. Non-suit May 1822. Plaintiff Feliciana de la Croux (HNF court case)]

Dent

Will of Allen Davis, 1861

Adams County Chancery Court

Show the following:

Adjust appearance:

Notes

Deed Book F

P. 280

His footnote on p. 42 says Isham was "a blacksmith, who agreed to serve James Hoggatt of Adams County for three years (1 February 1807-1 February 1810) before completion of emancipation. In 1810 Isham adopted Caller as his surname.

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.

Camel/Campbell

Cochran

Hester Cummins, 40mf, “FN,” MS, w/Susan Cochran, 15mf, LA; Catherine Watson, 11 mf; Annett Fagkin, 17mf (1850 Natchez census)

Cooper, Aaron

Cotton

Covey

Cummins

Hester Cummins1 female 36-55 (2 female slaves24-36 and 36-55) (1840 Natchez census)

Hester Cummins40 mf, “FN,” MS, w/Susan Cochran, 15mf, LA; Catherine Watson, 11 mf; Annett Fagkin, 17mf (1850 Natchez census)

D

Darks

David

Davis

Will of Allen Davis, 1861

Adams County Chancery Court

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