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| The following counties may not be all inclusive of Wills and Deeds. Researchers should check with the County Courthouse to review the documents on file there. |
| Sussex County Deed Book F 1779-1786 LVA reel #3 p. 136 4 July 82 James X Watkins of Sussex being fully persuaded that freedom is the natural right of all mankind and that it is my duty to do unto others as I would desire to be done to in the like situation emancipates Negro man Kinchen aged abt 26 yrs old rec 17 Oct 82 p.137 15 Aug 82 Jesse Hargrave of Sussex being fully persuaded that freedom is the natural right of all mankind and that it is my duty to do unto others etc emancipates Simon aged abt 25; Tom aged abt 24; Rose aged abt 24 also frees Stuart aged abt 6 on 1 Jan 1797; Ellick aged abt 3 on 1 Jan 1801, and Jeremiah aged abt 1 on 1 Jan 03 but believing it right to reserve the prerogative of acting as guardian over them until males are 21 and females 18--rec 17 Oct 82 p. 138 16 Oct 82 Hannah X White of Sussex emancipates Negro man James abt 24 yrs old persuaded that freedom etc and doing unto others etc rec 17 Oct 82 p. 138 13 Aug 82 John White, Mary Cornwell and Jacob Cornwell of Sussex and Thomas Ricks of Southampton fully persuaded that freedom etc and doing unto others etc emancipate five Negroes viz Janey aged abt 60; Dick abt 55; Sarah abt 50; Judy abt 35 and Tom abt 21; and 3 Negroes in their minority viz Ned abt 16 on 31 Dec 87; Sellah abt 7 on 31 Dec 93; and Janey aged abt 1 on 31 Dec 99 rec 17 Oct 82 p. 147 13 Nov 82 Edwin Ellis of Sussex fully persuaded that freedom etc and doing unto others etc emancipates Negro girl Chloe aged abt 15 yrs old when 18 on 31 Dec 1784 rec 21 Nov 82 p. 147 4 Aug 82 Nathaniel Briggs and Lydia Briggs of Sussex persuaded that freedom etc and doing unto others etc emancipates one Negro man named Jack abt 43 and another Negro man named Robbin abt 42 rec 21 Nov 82 p. 148 7 Aug 82 William Hamlin of Sussex persuaded that freedom etc and doing unto others etc emancipates two Negroes viz Amey aged 32 and Charles aged 27 and Drury aged 6 mos when 21 on 1 Mar 03 rec 21 Nov 82 p. 149 6 July 82 Edward Stabler and Wyke Hunnicutt as appointees of the Monthly Meeting of Quakers at Black Water in Surry County acc to will of Gloster Hunnicutt late of Sussex in his will wanted freed on 1 Jan 82 the following slaves viz Tom, Joe, Charles, Ben Jenny and her child Charlott frees them rec 21 Nov 82 p. 150 4 Aug 82 Robert Hicks and Margaret Hicks of Sussex fully persuaded that freedom etc and doing unto others etc emancipates a Negro man slave named Henry abt 26 rec 21 Nov 82 p. 151 4 Aug 82 Nathaniel Briggs of Sussex fully persuaded that freedom etc and doing unto others etc emancipates seven Negroes viz Sharper aged abt 65; Sue aged abt 61; Nann aged abt 61; Priss aged abt 46; Jenny aged abt 36; Ruth aged abt 20 and Lucy aged abt 19; and 8 Negroes in their minority, viz; Suckey abt 12 to be free on 31 Dec 88; Hannah aged abt 9 on 31 Dec 91; Fed aged abt 9 on 31 Dec 94; Dinah aged abt 8 on 31 Dec 92; Bolling aged abt 5 on 31 Dec 98; Mealy aged abt 4 on 31 Dec 96; Jesse aged abt 3 on 31 Dec 00; and Jacob aged abt one year on 31 Dec 02 rec 21 Nov 82 p. 152 19 Dec 82--John Marriott of Sussex noting the manumission law passed in last session of assembly frees James aged 40; Aggy aged 40; Farriby aged 30; Molly aged 18; Shelly aged 7; Hannah aged 5; Abraham aged 3 and Jenny aged 2 reserves to himself and heirs the care and direction of those underage until males are 21 and females are 18 rec 19 Dec 82 marginal note says "__? as to Shelly Nov 26, 95" p. 165 3 July 82 Thomas Pretlow of Sussex-persuaded that freedom is natural right etc and doing unto others etc emancipates two Negroes viz Jack aged abt 35 and Susan abt 33 yrs old and 3 Negroes now in their minority viz Betty or Bethy aged abt 12 on 31 Dec 88; Moses aged abt 10 on 31 Dec 93; and Milly aged abt 3 on 31 Dec 97 rec 20 Mar 83 and p. 166--since Jesse Henley and Anne his wife had a part of the within named Negroes relinquish any claims and ratify manumission 12 Feb 83 rec with above p. 172 18 Sept 82 William Nicholson of Sussex after full and deliberate consideration and agreeable to the Bill of Rights am fully persuaded that freedom is the natural right of all mankind and that no Law Morral or Devine hath given me a just right or property in the persons or person of any of my fellow creatures and desirous to fullfill the injunction of our lord and saviour Jesus Christ by doing to all others as I would be done by ...emancipates Negro woman Lucy aged abt 32; Roger aged abt 15 in May 88; John aged abt 11 in Mar 92; Rachel aged abt 9 in Oct 94; Fathea aged abt 6 in Mar 97; Jude abt 4 yrs in Aug 99; and Amy aged abt 2 in Jan 02 reserves guardianship etc of minors rec 17 April 83 p. 177 3 July 82 John Cornwall of Sussex fully persuaded that freedom is natural right etc and doing unto others etc emancipates Negro man named Cuffey abt 28 yrs old rec 15 May 83 p. 182 deed for Ellis s Preaching House from Wm Ellis to Wm Nicholson, Caleb Ellis, Emanuel James, Stephen Andrews, David Rogers, Stephen Pepper, Isaac Ellis, Benj Ellis and Wm Ellis jr permit Jn Wesley to preach etc p. 220 17 Feb 84--William Nicholson and Mary Nicholson of Sussex bill of rights, doing unto others etc frees from bondage the following Negroes; Fanny abt 30 yrs of age; Milley abt 28; Peter abt 12 on 10 Jan 93; Jane abt 9 on 10 Feb 96; Anthony abt 7 on 26 May 98; Ephraim abt 4 on 20 Nov 01; Milley jr abt 9 months on 2 July 04 reserving guardianship etc rec 19 Feb 84 p. 286 20 May 84 Margaret Heath of Sussex frees my servants Patt aged 41; Toby aged 10; Richmond aged 8; Peter 6; Bobb 2, Moses aged 2 months; Sarah abt 40, Hannah 12 yrs rec 20 May 84 marginal note =cop d as to Richmond 17 Nov 87; Peter 11 Jan 00; Toby 10 Nov 00; Bob 7th May 03; Moses 26 May 05 p. 292 15 July 84 Stith Parham of Sussex persuaded that freedom is natural right etc and doing unto others etc frees 4 Negroes viz Simon aged 34; Cesar 22 yrs; Nanny 40; Tabb 37; and 6 in their minority viz: Fanny aged 16 on 3 Sept 85; Fanny 15 in Oct 86; Nathan 11 in Aug 94; Nanny 8 in Mar 94; Matt 5 in Nov 99; and Fredrick 2 in Sept 03 reserving guardianship etc rec 15 July 84 p. 343 nd 1784 Drury Lane of Sussex fully persuaded that freedom is natural right and doing unto others etc freed Negro woman Cate aged abt 42 rec 16 Dec 84 p. 397 6 Mar 85 Howel Chappell of Sussex -bill of rights, freedom natural right etc and doing unto others frees Negroes Patt, Charles, Hanniball, Abram, Christopher, Sall, Tabb, Harbert, Peter, Liddey, Roger guardianship for Christopher until 31 Dec 85; Sall 12 Dec 85; Roger 4 Aug 91; Tabb 24 Jan 90; Harbert 30 April 97; Peter 5 June 00; Liddy 4 Aug 00 rec 21 April 85 marginal note= delv d Roger a copy 30 May 92; Abram a copy 13 Jan 94 p. 404 18 May 85 Erasmus Gill of Dinwiddie County fully persuaded freedom is natural right etc frees servant girl Sally abt 18 and her child Charlotte abt 2 months old rec 16 June 85 p. 434 20 July 85 Benjamin Evans of Sussex fully persuaded that freedom is natural right etc and doing unto others frees 4 Negroes viz: Patt aged 44 yrs; Tom aged 24; Isaac aged 22; Edee aged 15 rec 21 July 85 p. 468 nd Aug 85 Lettice Hargrave of Sussex fully persuaded that freedom is natural right and doing unto others etc frees two Negroes viz: Roger aged 38 and Rachall aged 19 rec 17 Nov 85 End of Book Sussex County Deed Book G 1786-1792 LVA Reel #3 p. 58 - 20 Jan 87 - I Simon X - of Sussex being convinced that Liberty is the undoubted Right of all Mankind and having in my possession one Negroe Woman named Hannah (no age given) which I bought of Mr. Timothy Rives of Prince George County whom I have ever since held in slavery - emancipate her agreeable to act of assembly - rec 17 May 87 p. 123 - 14 Dec 87 - Thomas Wren - of Sussex being fully persuaded that freedom is the natural right of all men agreeable to the Declaration of the Bill of Rights - sets free Ned, Sambo, Aggy, Dicy, Isabel, Andrew, Lucy, Ginney (no ages given) - rec 20 Dec 87 p. 124 - 19 Sept 87 - William Ellis - of Sussex after mature deliberation and agreeable to our Bill of Rights am persuaded that no law, moral, or divine gives me a right to the life and property of my fellow creatures and to fulfill the injunction of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, by doing to all men as I would be done unto - sets free the following Negroes to wit Thomas (26 yrs), Sarah (23 yrs), Fanny (20 yrs) [10 Aug 88], Jane (16 yrs) [1 Jan 92], Philip (14 yrs) [3 Jan 94], Randolph (6 yrs) [11 March 02], Allen (4 yrs) [14 Feb 04], Alexander (2 yrs 3 mo) [22 May 06], Charlotte (2 yrs 1 mo) [14 Nov 06], Edmund (1 yr 10 mo) [17 Feb 07], Anacha (6 mo) [28 June 08] - request and desire to have the care and instruction of them till they arrive at full age - rec 19 Dec 87 p. 125 - 14 Dec 87 - Henry Moss - of Sussex after full and deliberate consideration and agreeable to our Bill of Rights am fully persuaded that freedom is the natural right of all man kind and that no law, moral, or decree hath given me a just right or property in the person of any of my fellow creatures and desireous to fulfill the injunction of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ by doing to all others as etc - sets free from bondage the following Negroes vizt. Peter [1 Jan 88], Ephraim [1 Jan 97], Phill [Jan 98], Becky [1 Jan 88], Dilcy [1 Jan 93], Edmund [1 Jan 07], and Salley [1 Jan 12]- desire to have their care and guardianship and instruction till they arrive at full - rec 20 Dec 87 p. 133 - 17 Jan 1788 - James Turner - after full and deliberate consideration and agreeable to our Bill of Rights am persuaded that Freedom is the natural right do hereby set free from bondage the following Negroes vizt. Lewis (25 yrs), Peter (23 yrs), Fanney (17 yrs 25 Dec past) [25 Dec 88], Sissoms (17 yrs 10 June past) [10 June 91], Ephraim (15 yrs 20 July past) [20 July 93], Sall (12 yrs 20 Dec past) [20 Dec 93], Jordan (born 1 May past) [1 May 08] - desire to have guardianship and instruction of said children till they arrive at full age - red 17 Jan 88 p. 139 - 14 Dec 1787 - Charles Hamlin - of Sussex County being fully persuaded that freedom is the natural right of all mankind and that it is my duty to do unto others having under my care 3 Negroes - emancipates Solomon (24 yrs), Isaac (23 yrs), Usse (23 yrs) - and also having 3 Negroes in their minority - Silvy (14 yrs) [1 Dec 91], Howel (8 yrs) [1 Dec 00], Patience (2 yrs) [1 Dec 03] - believe in the right to reserve the prerogative of acting as guardian - rec 14 Jan 88 p. 140 - 14 Dec 1787 - John Hamlin - of Sussex County being fully persuaded that freedom is the natural right my duty to do unto others having under my care one Negro slave- frees Lettice (31 yrs) - having also five Negroes now in their minority - frees Charlotte (11 yrs) [1 Dec 94], Winny (7 yrs) [1 Dec 98], Charles (5 yrs) [1 Dec 03], John (3 yrs) [1 Dec 05], Silas (3 yrs) [1 Dec 05] - rec 17 Jan 88 p. 168 - 9 April 1788 - Jesse Hargrave - of Sussex County being fully persuaded that freedom is the natural right do unto others having under my care one Negro, sets free - Lydda (13 yrs) [1 Jan 93] - rec 17 April 88 p. 169 - 2 Feb 1787 - William Hamlin - of Sussex County being fully persuaded that freedom is the natural right do unto others having under my care three Negroes - frees Isbel (about 34 yrs), James (33 yrs), Fan (about 20 yrs) - having also two Negroes now in their minority - frees Randall (14 yrs) [1 Jan 95], Cellar (12 yrs) [1 Jan 94] - rec 17 April 88 p. 197 - 18 Feb 1788 - Stephen Pepper - of Sussex County after full and deliberate consideration and agreeable to our bill of rights am fully persuaded that freedom is the natural right - sets free Negroe girl Lindy (about 16 yrs) [1 Jan 93] - rec 19 June 88 p. 198 - 18 June 1788 - Richard Jones - of Sussex being fully persuaded that freedom is the natural right frees Hall (no age) - rec 19 June 88 p. 199 - 27 May 1788 - Henry Porch - of Sussex County being fully persuaded that freedom is the natural right - freed Phoebe (no age) - rec 19 June 88 p. 215 - 9 Sept 1788 - Thomas Williamson - of Sussex County after full and deliberate consideration and agreeable to our Bill of Rights freedom is the natural right sets free the following Negroes vizt. Nathan [1 Jan 89], Harris [1 Jan 93], Anaca [1 Jan 89], Tabby [1 Jan 96], Charles [1 Jan 08] - rec 18 Sept 88 p. 216 - 9 Sept 1788 - John Carter - of Sussex after full and deliberate consideration Bill of Rights freedom is the natural right - sets free the following Negroes vizt. Patt [1 Jan 89], Amey [1 Jan 93], Bob [Jan 1 96], Anthony [Jan 1 00], Mot [1 Jan 02], Sam [Jan 1 10], Eldridge [1 Jan 11] - rec 18 Sept 88 p. 231 - 18 Oct 1788 - Markes Stokes, Drury Stokes, Hamlin Stokes Freeman - know ye that we do manumit and set free Will and Sam, two old and faithful slaves formerly the property of Cescilla Stokes, as for their faithful and long service to the said Cescilla she by her last will and testament, though not proved in court we as legatees under the said will do by these presents agree to liberate and set free and do hereby declare that they, the said Will and Sam, are hereby liberated, manumitted, and by us set free to all intents and purposes whatsoever - rec 20 Nov 88 p. 241 - 25 June 1788 - Sarah Hamlin of Sussex manumits and delivers up all my rights and interests to the four following Negroes, which was left to me by the will of my deceased husband, vizt. Ned (57 yrs), Aggee (49 Yrs), Dick (48 yrs), Bell (55 yrs) - sets free at 21 yrs old Joe (16 yrs) -[Jesse Hargrave, William Hamlin, Charles Hamlin and John Hamlin as heirs and legatees of Stephen Hamlin dec d relinquish their right etc to above named slaves 14 Dec 88]-- rec 18 Dec 88 p. 252 - 14 Jan 1789 - Benjamin Weathers - of Sussex after full consideration and agreeable to our Bill of Rights freedom is the natural right - sets free the following Negroe vizt. Jack (no age) - rec 15 Jan 89 p. 260 - 10 Nov 1788 - William Wynne - of Sussex being fully persuaded that freedom is the natural right - sets free Billy Scott (about 37 yrs), Judah Scott (about 21 yrs), Jemima Scott (about 19 yrs), James Scott (about 16 yrs) [3 July 93], Nathan Scott (about 5 yrs) [1 Jan 04], John Scott (about 2 mo) [14 Sept 09] - rec 5 Feb 89 p. 262 - 15 Jan 1789 - Edward Wootten - of Sussex being fully convinced that freedom is the natural right of man - sets free and emancipates the following Negroes: Peter (about 35 yrs), Easter (about 35 yrs), these two to be freed on 25 Dec next and not before-- and those in their minority: Jane on1 Jan 91, Charles in Jan 94, Jack in Jan 96, Maclin in Jan 00, James in Jan 03, Rachel in Jan 04, Dyson in Jan 05, Sam in Jan 07, Anthony in Jan 09 - rec 5 Feb 89 marginal note: Dec 30 1789 copied as to Peter and Easter 9 Jan 94 copied as to Peter 17 April 94 cop d for Charles cop d for Jack Nov 14, 96 cop d for Maclin 20 March 00-- p. 275 - 12 Dec 1788 - James Briggs - of Sussex being fully persuaded that freedom is the natural right . Having under my care two Negroes - frees Nan (19 yrs), Anthony (9 mo) boy to be free when 21 - rec 15 Jan 89 p. 326 - 13 Aug 1789 - John White - of Sussex - sets free three negroes, Bob (23 yrs), Roger (17 yrs), Lewis (15 yrs on 3 June last) -Roger and Lewis to be free at 21-- rec 3 Sept 89 p. 336 - 15 Dec 88 - Michael Bailey - of Sussex being convinced that freedom is the natural right - frees Jeffry, Charles, Harry, Phillis, Lucy, Judah (all over 21 and under 45), Charles son of Phillis [1 Jan 91], Ben and Sam twins of Phillis [1 Jan 94], Dinah daughter of Phillis [1 Jan 95], Pollenia daughter of Phillis [1 Jan 00], Moses son of Phillis [1 Jan 00], Miles son of Phillis [1 Jan 03], Martin son of Phillis [1 Jan 05], Gilley daughter of Lucy [1 Jan 96], Lewis son of Lucy [1 Jan 98], Tom son of Lucy [1 Jan 00], Anaka daughter of Lucy [1 Jan 01], Arko and Ned twins of Lucy [1 Jan 06], Tiller Daughter of Lucy [1 Jan 07}, Anthony son of Juday [1 Jan 05], Amey daughter of Judah [1 Jan 08] - rec 3 Sept 89 p. 398 - 4 Feb 1790 - Michael Malone - of Sussex think it wrong and oppressive to hold Negroes in bondage do therefore hereby mannumitt and set absolute free the Negroes hereafter mentioned that are in bondage to me in the following manner viz. Negroe Man James and Floover to be free now, Negro Woman Amey [1 Jan 91], Negro Woman Jinny [1 Jan 94], Negro Girl Judith [1 Jan 98], Negroe Boy Cuby [1 Jan 99], Negroe Girl little Amy [1 Jan 03], Negroe Girl Patty [1 Jan 08], Negroe Girl Joan [1 Jan 08] - and hereby bind myself and my heirs, executors, and administrators and every one of us in the penal sum of noe hundred pounds current money is each and every one of the said Negroes to be recovered by them or either of them from such of us as may attempt to deprive them or either of them of there liberty and freedom - rec 4 Feb 1790 p. 426 - 6 March 1790 - Thomas Hill - to all to whom these presents shall come, Know ye that I Thomas Hill of Sussex County, being new in the possession of sundry Negroes of the following names being fully convinced that freedom is the natural right I do by these presents set free and emancipate the following Negroes, namely Ned, Gaby, Sye, Judith, Amey, Rachel, Pegg, Succa, Pallace, Billy, Amey, Harry, Sall, Nelson, Patrick, Hannah, Rose, Augustine, Abram, Fed, and James (no ages) - rec 1 April 90 Margin note: Taken out by Thomas Hill 23 Feb 91 cop d as to Judith 14 April 98-- p. 462 - 2 Sept 1790 - William Baird - of Sussex by authority of act of assembly emancipates and sets free the following slaves at the following periods vizt. Aron, Dinah, Rebeka [these three goes out this year], Henry goes out in December 1794, George goes out December 1800, Dulcey goes out in December 1805, Jeremiah goes out December 1808, David goes out just two years after Jeremiah and I do hereby according to the above declaration set them and all that may be born in my house hereafter from any of them the above named at the certain periods those that may be born at the age the age the law allows free from me - rec 2 Sept 90 Margin note: cop d for Henry 25 Dec 94-- p. 484 - 10 Aug 1790 - Thomas Hill - of Sussex being now in possession of sundry Negroes of the following names which I have heretofore held as slaves and being now fully convinced that freedom is the natural right of all mankind, I do by these present emancipate and set free the following Negroes, namely Rebecca, Catharine, Peter, Feggin, Lucy, Peter, Martha, Charles, Linny, Anthony, Augustine, Selah, Dansy, Ann, Dorotha, Ziltha, Jane, and Ann (no ages) some are in their nonage so freed according to provisions of act of assembly- rec 2 Sept 90 Margin note: Taken out by Thomas Hill-- cop d for Doratha and Ziltha nd-- p. 508 - 6 Jan 1791 - Wilkins Harper - of Sussex being fully persuaded of the impropriety and sinfulness of Negro Slavery and having in my possession sundry Negroes which I have heretofore held as slaves, sets free in the following manner to wit - Jinny on 1 Jan 1792, Sealey on 1 Jan 1797, Sam on1 Jan 1802, Aaron on 1 Jan 1812, Jimmey on1 Jan 1814-- rec 6 Jan 91 Margin note: sent to Wilkins Harper by hands of Tapley Young, Ben W Johnson Nov 23, 1795 p. 544 - 8 Jan 1791 - Robert Atkinson of Sussex being fully persuaded that freedom is the natural right frees a Negro woman called Tiller aged 19 yrs - rec 3 Feb 91 p. 545 - 18 Sept 90 - Susannah Baird - after full and deliberate consideration and agreeable to our Bill of Rights am fully persuaded that freedom is the natural right and doing unto others etc hereby set free from bondage my Negro man Cubit no age-- rec 3 Feb 91 p. 565 - 3 March 1791 - Thomas Hill - of Sussex being now in the possession of one Negroe of the following name which I have heretofore held as a slave and being fully convinced that freedom is the natural right - sets free Jeff - and whereas the above named Niger is aove the age of forty five years I do by these presents emancipate and set free the said Niger that is over the age of forty five years and to enjoy his liberty and freedom - rec 2 March 91 margin note: original delivered Tho Hill p. 617 - 11 Feb 1791 - Mourning Briggs - of Sussex being fully persuaded that freedom is the natural right - sets free Negro man Luke (22 yrs) - rec 2 June 91 Sussex County Deed Book H 1792-1796 LVA Reel #4 p. 47b 3 April 93--William Nicholson of Sussex after mature deliberation frees Negro man known by the name of Edward Ricks no age given rec 4 April 93 p.127 6 June 92 Elizabeth X Gibbons of Sussex being convinced that liberty is the birth right of mankind in general & every individual in particular frees Jack abt 48, Lucy 46 and Cato 3, reserving guardianship over Cato until 21 rec 5 Dec 93 p. 375 nd-Richard Ivey of Sussex knowing freedom is a natural right and "to fulfill the Golden rule" frees Old Hannah, Nell, Davey, Murrreah, John, Myma and James the gift of H. Ivey deceased, except Ned who I bought of Teddy Jarratt these I manumit from 1 Jan 96 though I retain the right of commanding till the four last arrive at the age of thirty which shall be as follows: Murreah on 30 Mar 96; John July 07; Myma Jan 1 1817 and James July 1821, and if the women have any increase they to stand on the same fotting [sic], the three first are over 45 yrs old but are fully able to get their own living rec 1 Oct 95 margin = original delivered to Robert Hines 1 July 01 p. 414 2 Dec 95 Elizabeth Hargrave of Sussex having in possession one Negro woman named Lucy aged 37 and being willing that she may enjoy the rights and liberties of mankind, frees her rec 7 Jan 96 End of Book Sussex County Deed Book I 1796-1802 LVA Reel #4 book has no index p. 32 16 Sept 96 William Hargrave of Sussex believing freedom is natural right and doing unto others etc frees Negro Rachel abt 28 yrs old rec 2 Feb 97 p. 50 15 Oct 96 Ann X Williamson, John and Richard Williamson and Benjamin Adams of Sussex being convinced that liberty is the birth right of man kind in general and every individual in particular free George a Negro man no age noted--rec 2 Feb 97 p. 86 8 Feb 97 Benjamin Dunn whereas he has a Negro slave by the name of Harris in his possession and for divers reasons me thereto moving and for further consideration of the sum of thirty pounds paid or secured to be paid by the said Harris do emancipate and set free the said slave from bondage rec 6 July 97 copy delv d Harris in margin p. 104 6 July 97 Stith Parham of Sussex persuaded that freedom is natural right etc frees Negro man slave Nick no age given--rec 6 July 97 p. 241 5 Dec 98 Stith Parham of Sussex convinced that freedom is natural right of all men frees Negroes Joseph and Peter -no ages given to enjoy freedom as fully as the laws of this Commonwealth will admit of rec 7 Dec 98 End of Book and reel Sussex County Deed Book J 1802-1806 LVA Reel # 5 index on page 530 but filmed at beginning of book p. 7 4 Feb 02--James X Moore of Sussex for divers good causes frees certain man slave named Tom rec 1 April 02 p. 164-- 2 Feb 03 Margaret X Heath of Sussex frees my slaves reserving guardianship to those in their nonage viz: Sam, Lewis, Amy, Stephen in April 1810, Betsy in Feb 1813, Patsy [and?], Bonner on 18 Dec 1817 and Polly on 25 Nov 1820 [could be Patsy Bonner] rec 5 May 03 p. 487 2 April 06 Samuel Cornwell fully persuaded that freedom is the natural right and doing unto others etc frees one Negro by name of Jacob Homes aged abt 50 yrs rec 3 April 06 End of Book Sussex County Deed Book K 1806-1810 LVA Reel # 5 no deeds of emancipation listed in index Sussex County Deed Book L 1810-1815 LVA Reel # 6 p. 236 4 Feb 1813 Nathaniel Holt as exec of John Holt, dec d instructed in JH s will of 19 May 1810 probated 4 Oct 1810 to secure act of assembly to free Jacob NH petitioned assembly in Dec 1811 and law passed 13 Feb 1812 so this frees Jacob rec 4 Feb 1813 p. 413 28 Jan 1815 Joseph Council of Sussex frees Negro woman Jenny rec 2 Feb 1815 End of Book Sussex County Deed Book M 1815-1820 LVA Reel #6 p. 307 4 Dec 1817 Joseph Hill of Sussex after full and deliberate consideration and agreeable to our bill of rights am fully persuaded that freedom is the natural right of all mankind and that no law human or divine hath given me a just right or property in any of my fellow creatures and desirous to fulfill the injunction of our lord and saviour Jesus Christ by doing to all men as I would be done by frees Harrey aged 25 yr old, likewise one woman named Charlotte 19 yrs old...and their heirs forever and two boys in their minority ie Moses 17 when he is 21 and Elias one yr old when he is 21 rec 2 April 1818 p. 307 15 Jan 1818 Robert Anderson of Sussex same basic statement as ante, frees one slave named Juday, 20 yrs old more or less rec 2 April 1818 p. 322 3 Mar 1818 John Winfield of Sussex for divers good causes frees Negro man Dick rec 7 May 1818 End of Book and end of Deed Book abstracts The first man manumitted, Kinchen, is probably identical to Kinchen Hancock, a "free Negro" taxable in Sussex County in 1784 [PPTL 1782-1812, frame 113]. Anthony or Ted Jones registered in Sussex County on 6 August 1816: dark, 5'4-1/2" freed by M. Bailey, 3 September 1789. Ditto for Miles (no last name): dark, 5'6" [DB G:336]. Luke freed by Mourning Briggs on 11 February 1791 at the age of 22, was probably identical to Luke Briggs, a F.N. taxable in 1804 [PPTL 1782-1812, frame 622]. ABSTRACTS OF MANUMISSIONS IN SUSSEX COUNTY WILL BOOKS Sussex County Will Book C 1772-1785 LVA Reel # 13 p. 427 Glaister Hunnicutt of Sussex my will and desire is that the following Negroes should be manumitted on or before the first day of the first month next 1782 viz: Tom, Joe, Charles, Ben, Jenny and her child Charlott I give the above named Negroes to the Monthly Meeting of which I am a member to be manumitted by such members of the said meeting as the meeting shall direct has sons Pleasants and Glaister wife 13 April 1781 rec 18 Oct 1781- WB D pp108-114 est appraisal no slaves included in value of 1469.18.4 ret 16 Jan 83 Sussex County Will Book D 1782-1789 LVA Reel # 14 p. 4 Lewis Dunn of Sussex and Albemarle Parish I give and bequeath Pegey a Molator girl her Freedom. I also give and bequeath and order and ordain that the above sd Pegey Girl shall have a maintenance in my estate as long as she liveth gives rest of estate to Benjamin son of Paty or Martha Gillaim when come of age 20 Aug 177 [9?] rec 21 Feb 1782-pp. 183-184 inv of est returned 21 Aug 1783 includes 20 slaves but Pegey not listed p 330 inv of est another? 17 slaves no Pegey-- p. 412 Peter Randolph of Albemarle Parish, Sussex gives to son James Randolph two Negroes namely Ellick and Cyrus but that the said Cyrus is to be set free after my said son James comes of age leaves other slaves to children and wife without provision for manumission 2 May 86 rec 20 July 86 p. 478 John Freeman of Sussex County to son Charles Freeman lend him the use of my Negroe girl Dinah untill she arrives to the age of 21 (she was born the 19 Oct 79) then my will is that she should enjoy and have her perfect freedom during her life. I likewise give unto him the use of a Negroe boy named Ben until he arrives to the age of 21 yrs and then my will is that the said Ben have his perfect freedom during his life. The above said Negroe Ben was born in the year 1786 on the last day of May....provides for son Josiah Freeman and desires that executors may raise the sum of ten pounds from the labour of my Negroe woman named Dize for my son Josiah and then my will is that she with all her increase from this time may have and enjoy their perfect freedom during their life only my will is that if the said Negroe Woman Dize should have a child or children in the above said time of her servitude of raising the above mentioned sum of ten pounds that the child or children if any should belong to my son Josiah untill they arrive to the age of 21 yrs, then to be free during their life 27 Dec 87 rec 17 Jan 1788- p. 536 Rachel X Alsobrook of Sussex having in my possession two Negroes to wit Richard and Margarit it is my desire that the said Negroes be entirely free and that no person shall lay any claim right or title to them by or under me to them leaves other small legacies to people not id d as family 16 Aug 1788 rec 20 Nov 88- p. 537 Burrel Green of Albemarle Parish, Sussex leaves slaves to variety of heirs and asks that distribution not done through sales My will and desire is that my Negro man Joe may be free to act and do for himself and that when he gets unable to support himself my executors should find him a sufficient support out of my estate 29 Nov 88 rec 18 Dec 88 p. 545-Cecelia Stokes of Albemarle Parish, Sussex My will and desire is that my two Negroes Will and Sam may be free to act and do for themselves as other free people leaves other slaves to children 1783 rec 2 April 89 p. 551 Martha Hargrave daughter of Joseph Hargrave decd late of Surry County It is my will and desire that all my Negroes to wit Jacob, Will, Pegg, Cintha and China shall be free as soon as they shall respectively arrive the males to the age of 21 and the females to the age of 18 yrs and untill they arrive to such ages it is my will that they shall be placed with or bound to such persons as will treat them well, and I give and bequeath to each of them the sum of three pounds to be expended in giving them suitable education leaves other items to nieces, nephews, etc 24 March 89 rec 2 July 89 marginal notes= cop d as to Jacob, 25 Jan 1794, same for Pegg 17 Nov 1802 Sussex County Will Book E 1790-1796 LVA Film # 14 p. 75 James Eppes of Sussex It is my will and desire that all my Negroes be hired out until all my just debts are paid namely Will, Burwell, Jane, Lucy then after that it is my will and desire that they be set at Liberty as free Citizens with such goods and chattels as they shall then possess has wife, 3 sons and 2 daus 11 Aug 89 rec 3 Feb 1791 p. 144 Goodwyn Hunt of Sussex after execs satisfy debts I desire that my Negroes Anthony and Tom, both carpenters by trade be finally and entirely set at liberty from me and my heirs forever. It is my desire that Pegg a Negro girl about 12 yrs of age should remain under the direction of my exec till she arrives at the age of 21 and then it is my further desire that she should have her liberty in full as the others, she and her heirs forever. I desire that the tools which Tom and Anthony labour with should be their undoubted property after my debts is satisfied. Leaves rest of estate to 1 1exec who is bro Thomas Hunt 20 July 1792 rec 6 Sept 92 p. 178 Rebecca X Jones leaves riding chair to her honored father I desire the Negroes now belonging to me may have their freedom and perfect liberty, when they shall arrive at full age which will happen: Charlotte to be free 29 May 1802; Elmyra? to be free 11 June 07; Mary Anne to be free 20 Feb 04; Agga to be free 11 April 09 and puts them under guardianship of her father Peter Jones for care and instruction until of age he is exec, too 14 Jan 92 p. 323 Elizabeth Kerr of Sussex gives 6 slaves to nieces and nephew In consideration of the services and good behaviour of my Negro man Dedan while my servant, my will is that at my death he shall be liberated and enjoy his freedom during his life 24 Nov 89 rec 6 Mar 95 p. 359 William X Woodland of Albemarle Parish, Sussex My will and desire is that my two Negroes Rogger and Beck may be free to act and do for themselves as other free people, and if they should need support my executors may support them out of my personal estate leaves 25 or so slaves to heirs 15 Jan 94 rec 6 Aug 95-p. 396 26 slaves listed in inventory but no Rogger or Beck Sussex County Will Book F 1796-1806 LVA Reel #15 p. 1 Elizabeth X Gilliam of Sussex County my will and desire is that my Negro boy Jeremiah aged about nineteen be bound to a blacksmith trade for four years, and that my Negro girl Patty aged about eighteen be in the service and under the care of David Barrow for five years each from the date hereof at the expiration of which term, I do from an inward conviction of the inequity of hereditary slavery hereby manumit and free them according to the law of this state gives her interest in slave Jack to her sister Lucy Gilliam My will and desire is that all the residue of my estate of what kind or quality soever be sold and after paying just debts and financial expenses the money arising therefrom one half I give and bequeath to my sister Sarah Barrow and the other half I give and bequeath with the interest arising thereon to be equally divided between the above mentioned Negroes Jeremiah and Patty to be by them possessed at the end of their years of service 22 Sept. 1796 rec. 1 Dec. 1796 inventory p. 16 no slaves included p. 31 Lucy Adkins of Sussex leaves negro slaves David and black Hannah to her brother William Harrison whereas there is a suit in the high court of Chancery at present depending between myself and Thomas Adkins of the County of Sussex respecting the right and title of certain Negro slaves namely Anaka and Fanny and their increase. Now in case the said suit shall terminate in my favor and the right and title to the said Negro slaves be fixed and vested in me I give and bequeath to my brother William Harrison the said Negro slaves Annaka and Fanny to him and his heirs forever and as to the increase or children the said Annaka and Fanny now have I lend them all to my brother William Harrison in the following conditions, vizt. All of them that may be twenty years of age or upwards at the time of my decease I lend to him for the term of five years from and after my decease and at the expiration of the said term of five years I leave them and their increase to be emancipated forever and those of the said children of Annaka and Fanny that may be under the age of twenty years at the time of my decease I lend to my said brother till they each arrive to the age of twenty five years and as they arrive to the age of twenty five years I leave them to be emancipated forever, all which said Negroes I lend to him and his heirs on the before mentioned terms. I lend to my brother William Harrison the following Negro slaves, namely Sarah, Frank, Milley, Mike, Joe, Pat, Beck, Jenny, Fanny, Patience, Jemima, George, Washington, and Burrell, all of them that may be twenty years of age or upwards at the time of my decease for the term of five years from and after my decease and at the expiration of the said term of five years I leave them and their increase to be emancipated forever and those of the said negro slaves that may be under the age of twenty years at the time of my decease I lend to my said brother till they arrive to the age of twenty five years and then they and their increase to be emancipated forever, all which said Negro slaves I lend to my said brother and his heirs on the above mentioned terms. 26 Sept 1795 rec. 6 July 1797. inventory p. 50 lists 40 slaves p. 34 Anderson X Parham of Sussex gives 16 slaves to heirs it is my will and desire that my Negro man Harbell that I have not devised yet that he shall be free from bondage at my death and shall act as a free man as long as he lives 10 April 1797 rec. 6 July 1797 p. 79 Charles Portlock of Sussex It is my will and desire that my four slaves to wit, Dillea, London, Dennis, and Sam shall have their full and perfect freedom and that the said Sam shall be supported out of my estate 1 Nov. 1797 rec. 7 Dec. 1797 p. 91 Mic[h]ael X Malone of Albemarle Parish in Sussex County I give and bequeath to my son John Pettway Malone one Negro boy James until he, the said James, come to the age of twenty one years at which time I hereby set the said James free to act and do for himself as other free people I give and bequeath to my four daughters, Polley, Frances, Rebeckah, and Patsy three Negroes name of Joan, Patt, and Suky Ward until they arrive to the age of twenty one years at which time I have set the two first free by deed and when the last, namely Suky Ward comes to the age of twenty one years I hereby set her free to act do for herself as the free people 6 March 1797 rec. 1 Feb. 1798 p. 122 Michael Bailey of Sussex gives 9 slaves to heirs having in my possession two Negro men Charles and Isham, it is my will and desire that Charles shall enjoy his freedom and that he have ten pounds cash given him a year as long as he is keep in bondage by me that is from the date of this will till it takes effect and gives him his freedom. It is my will that Isham shall be obliged to keep the mill and do coopers work as long as my son James keeps the mill in his possession and repair but shall pay him ten dollars a year for ten years for his services, and then shall maintain him if unable to labour or my son may emancipate him after my death if he thinks proper. And having in my possession several Negroes that I have heretofore emancipated in their nonage it is my will and desire that they remain and work on the plantation for the joint benefit of my last mentioned four children until they shall respectively arrive of age 10 May 1798 rec. 4 Oct. 1798 p. 132 Charles Holdsworth lends one slave to pay off debt, then gives him to son my will and desire is that at my death my Negro wench Mary may be free and should she through age or infirmity be rendered unable to maintain herself that all my children may join to relieve her. gives 7 slaves to heirs, rest divided between children 26 May 1796 rec. 3 Jan. 1799 p. 153 Caleb Ellis of Sussex It is my will and desire that my three Negro men Joe, Jacob, Lewis be hired out two years after my decease at the discretion of my executors and that the money arising from the hire go to my son Bolin Ellis and be applied by him to the discharge of the seventy eight pounds mentioned above and if there be any surplus after the raising of seventy eight pounds arising from their hire it is my will and desire that such surplus be equally divided between the said Negroes, Joe, Jacob, and Lewis...If son Bolin refuses to pay 78L to my son Iras then land to be divided and three men freed the Christmas after my death....After the expiration of the time above mentioned for the above Negroes to be hired out it is my will and desire that they be free and at perfect liberty from my heirs, executors, etc.in as full an ample a manner as if they had been born free. If my decease should be at any period after the 10th day of March in any year of our Lord it is my desire that all the Negroes and the rest of my property be kept together till the crop is finished and a division of my estate takes place as shall hereafter be directed and that the above mentioned Joe, Jacob, and Lewis have all the time after my decease counted in the two years they are to serve, that they may be allowed out of my estate for their labour from the time of my death till the end of the year whatever three indifferent persons shall adjust their services to be worth and that the same go to my son Bolen Ellis to enable him to comply with the above condition of his holding the land herein mentioned. It is my will and desire that all the rest of my negroes except Ben that shall have arrived at the age of twenty five years shall be free at my death and provided it happen in any year previous to the 10th of March otherwise that they be free at the end of the year of my decease. It is my will that all my Negroes that shall be under the age of twenty five years at the time of my decease shall be free as soon as they shall respectively arrive at the age of twenty five years, and also that all the children that may be born of any of them before their freedom shall be free from my heirs as soon as they shall be twenty one years old. It is my will and desire that all my Negroes under the age of twenty five years be equally divided among my six children, Ira Ellis, Micajah Ellis, Wyatt Ellis, Bolin Ellis, Patty Ellis, and Anna Cheatham provided they return to my estate the Negroes they now have or may hereafter have in their possession as lent from me. But if any of my children shall claim and hold in slavery any Negro or Negroes that I may have lent them, in that case I desire they shall have no other part of my estate whatsoever and further, it is my will and desire that none of my Negroes that shall be under the age of twenty five years be removed or sold out of the state of Virginia unless the person so removing, or selling them first give a bond with a sufficient penalty to my executors or the court of Sussex County to see them forthcoming at the time of their freedom herein mentioned and in case of failing to give such bond herein required and then removing them they shall forfeit the services of the Negro or Negroes and the rest of my children shall be entitled thereto. As two of my Negroes, Ralph and Beck are growing old and as they will enjoy their liberty at so late a period in life it is possible they may become chargeable to my estate. I therefore authorize and require my executors to take bond of each legatee to my estate bonding them each to pay one sixth part of such expenses should any arise previous to their paying, to them their several proportions of my estate. 4 Jan 99 rec 5 Sept 1799 p. 242 Elizabeth X Woodland of Albemarle Parish in Sussex County being fully persuaded that freedom is the natural right of all men and agreeable to the declaration of the bill of rights upon which I conceive our present happy condition is established and having under my care six Negroes vizt. Joe, Jinnie, Jerry, Rane, Nancy, and Ellick, it is my will and desire that after my death the said Negroes and their increase from this date should be free to act and do for themselves as other free people and whereas by an agreement entered into the 19th day of October 1795 my sister Sarah Woodland and myself did agree to give up to Mary Mabry then Mary Woodland the use of four Negroes vizt. Ben, Nell, Simon and Pegge which were given to us by our dead father William Woodland during her life, it is my will and desire that at the death of the said Mary Mabry the said Negroes and their increase from the date should be free to act and do for themselves as other free people July 1796 rec. 2 April 1801 p. 263 Lucey Gilliam of Parish of Albemarle, County of Sussex my will is that my man Joel shall advance or cause to be advanced by hire the sum of fifty pounds after that I do manumit or free the said Joel. My will is that my woman Dinah shall be hired so long as to raise the sum of ten pounds after that I do manumit or free the said Dinah. My will is that my woman Edy should be hired out three years after then she the said Edy shall be free, and as the said Edy is pregnant my will is that the child she may bring shall be free. Whereas my man Jack is under incumberance so my sister Edna claims one third part of the said Jack, my will is that the said Negro be hired out so long as to pay my sister one third part of his value and after then the said Jack shall be free and remainder of my estate I leave to be sold 21 Aug. 1801 rec. 5 Nov 1801 inventory p. 268 p. 282 Levi X Gilliam, Sr of Albemarle Parish in Sussex County My will and desire is that all the rest and residue of my estate of what kind so ever except my Negro man named Robbin which I hereby liberate and set free, but desire him may live with my daughter Lucy Wilborne during his life, may be sold and the money arising from such sale after my just death and funeral expenses are paid I give and bequeath to my two daughters 27 Aug. 1801 rec. 4 Feb. 1802 p. 392 Margaret X Heath of Sussex County Moreover I leave to him the said Augustin Heath my black girl Rebeccah till she shall arrive at the age of eighteen years and then for her to go out free. Also I leave him my black boy Stephen till he shall arrive at the age of twenty five years, and then for him to go out free. Also I leave him my black girl Betsey till she shall arrive at the age of twenty one years, then for her to go out free. Also I leave him my Negro man Lewis till he shall work out his purchase money and then for him to go out free. I leave my daughter, Margaret Travis my black boy Moses til he shall arrive at the age of twenty one years. I give and bequeath to my son William Heath Hannah s son Billy to him till he arrives at the age of twenty one years and then for him to go out free. Also leave him my black girl Patsey Bonner till she arrives at the age of eighteen years then for her to go out free I give and bequeath to my daughter Jane Ellis Bob to her till he arrives to the age of twenty one years. It is my will and desire that my two Negroes Sam and Amey go out absolutely free, without any manner of reserve whatsoever. 22 April 1802 rec 1 Mar 1804 p. 395 Jane X Mason of Sussex gives 10 slaves to heirs If the following Negro slaves who are now in my possession should be living at the time of my decease namely Old Peter and Phoebe his wife and Old Hannah I give and bequeath to each and all of them their freedom from and after my decease during their natural lives. I also give and bequeath to the said Old Peter and Phoebe his wife two cows and calves, one sow and pigs, my old mare, twelve barrels of corn and four hogs towards a support for them and twenty shillings each a year during their natural lives to be paid to them by my executor out of the residue and remainder of my estate as will be hereafter mentioned. I also give and bequeath to the said Old Hannah three barrels of corn and two hogs towards a support for her and twenty shillings a year during her natural life to be paid by my executor out of the residue and remainder of my estate as will be hereafter mentioned 4 Nov. 1803 rec. 2 March 1802 (a 4 is drawn in lightly with a completely different type of pen with a question mark) p. 529 Stith Parham of Sussex County My will and desire is that my three young Negroes vizt. Ben, Burwell, and Jimmy have their freedom when they arrive at the age of twenty five years. Gives the claim he has to slaves of the estate of Collier Hill to Edmund Jones and Hill Jones and leaves 50$ to trustees of Jones s Meeting house toward repairing the same 15 Jan 1806 rec. 6 Feb. 1806 End of Book Sussex County Will Book G 1806-1812 LVA Reel # 15 p. 121 will of John X Owen of Sussex my will and desire is that if any of my just debts remain unpaid at the death of my wife Elizabeth that my Negro man Jacob may remain in slavery so long as may be necessary to raise money for their discharge and then to enjoy his freedom in as full a manner as possible 19 Jan 1802 rec 4 Feb 1808 p. 296 will of John Holt of Sussex give slaves to relatives and wife my will and desire is that at my Negro man Jacob has been a good and dutiful Slave to me and the law of our state does not allow of the freedom of Negroes, it is my desire that my executor or administrator may petition the assembly of our state to pass a law for the liberation of said Jacob and if my exors or adminrs should fail to get a law pased to that effect then my will is that my father Nathaniel Holt should own and hold the said Jacob as his property 19 May 1810 rec 11 Oct 1810- Sussex County Will Book H 1813-1818 LVA Reel # 16 p. 58-- will of Aaron X Baird of Sussex lend to wife Jenny Baird sometimes called Jenny Eppes all my estate during her natural life. After the death of my wife I wish my estate to be sold on a credit of twelve months by some persons to be appointed by order of court and the money arising to be equally divided between my children viz: Aaron the property of Wm Womack, Isaac, David, Eliza and Anna the property of Edward Marks and Usley the property of Joshua Young all of Prince [sic] County and Berekley property of William Whitfield of Sussex County and among such of my said children as may at the time of death of my wife be living. App ts wife as exec 13 May 1809 rec 2 Sept 1813 p.124 will of William Gilliam of Sussex has land in Surry and lots in Blandford ie Petersburg it is my will and desire that my negro Girl Decca be comfortably supported in my Estate for the term of fifteen years from the time of my decease and she, the said Decca, to have ten dollars a year to be paid to her yearly out of my estate by my execs 7 Nov 1814 rec 1 Dec 1814 p. 386 Amos Adams of Albemarle Parish, Sussex among other things given or lent to wife Sarah Adams are man Surry and girl Angelina as well as a Negro woman named Bersheba and her child called Ramy...those last two Negroes "intiled" to their freedom when they arrive to the age 21 years 5 June 1817 rec 7 Aug 1817 p. 398 will of Benjamin X Chavers heirs are sister Lucretia Canady, niece Martha Chavers, nephew Sam Chavers, brother in law John Canaday 27 June 1817 rec 4 Sept 1817 p. 441 will of Drewry Betts of Sussex after just debts paid estate to wife Martha exec is John W. Watkins who is empowered to sell land but not slaves..."none of my slaves to be sold by any means....it is my will and desire believing freedom to be the natural right of all mankind that after the death of my wife all my slaves namely Peter, Will, Nicholas, Judah, Tempy, Silky and such others as may be found on my estate be emancipated and all their increase as they arrive to the age of 21 yrs, also after the death of my wife it is my will and desire that all that then remains of my estate of all kinds and qualities be sold and after paying the aforementioned legacy the balance be divided among my slaves in the following manner viz: three fifths to be equally divided among the survivors of the before mentioned persons to wit Peter, Will, Nicholas, Judy, Tempy, and Silky, the other two fifths to be equally divided among the rest of my slaves that may at that time be found in my estate 4 Jan 1816 rec 2 April 1818 p. 449 will of Thomas Moore a free black man of Sussex County and parish of Albemarle the tract of land whereon I now live at my decease should be rented out and the profits arising therefrom be applied and given to my beloved wife Hannah who is in possession of Elizabeth Clanton-yearly during her natural life it is my will and desire that Eliza a free black woman who now lives with me should have a part out of the said land for her a home during her natural life and that John Spain, James Moore and Henry M. Magee do lay off the said part it is my will and desire that at the death of my wife Hannah and the woman Eliza that all the tract of land whereon I now live should belong to Eliza youngest daughter of Middy to her and her heirs forever after the death of Hannah and Eliza gives youngest cow and calf to James Moore gives use of other cow and calf to wife Hannah and then to Eliza child Middy any other left after debts etc to wife Hannah 12 Oct 1817 rec 2 April 1818 p. 494 will of Thomas Jones of Sussex, mulatto son Peter Jones gets 100 acres where TJ lives plus other items grand son John Jones gets $20 grand dau Loiza Jones gets $20 all rest to wife [unnamed]17 Nov 1817 rec 2 July 1818 p. 534 will of Lewis X Turner (a free Black man) of Sussex It is my wish and desire that the woman Aggai which I purchased of Henry Chappell and which I have had for my beloved wife for many years should be free and clear from the controul of any person as a slave, but having understood that the Laws of this State will not admit of Slaves being emancipated and to remain therein for a longer time than twelve months after such emancipation without the consent of the Legislature thereof I do therefore hereby direct my executor herein after named to petition the honorable Legislature of this state for leave for my said wife Aggai...to remain in this state as other free persons of colour do during her natural life and provided such leave is granted which I pray Almighty God it may be I do hereby emancipate the said Aggai my wife as aforesaid forever and do lend to her during her natural or widowhood the land and plantation whereon I now live with all the improvements thereon also that tract or parcel of Land which I purchased of Littelberry Turner also all rents or profits that arises from that tract or parcel of Land which I purchased from Reubin Watkins except that part whereof which I have agreed to sell to Harrison Judkins a free Negro and also tat part whereof which I shall hereafter dispose of also all my stock of horses, hogs, sheep and cows except one my work steers, fowl of every description etc ..also the services of the boy James Wright a free Negro boy untill he arrives to lawful age which said boy..I had of his parents.....if legislature refuses then lend her ie Aggai to nephew Wylie Turner, free Negro and requests he treats her well and to use the property on her behalf there is a bargain existing between Harrison Judkins, free Negro, and myself that I was to let him have 16 acres of the tract which I purchased of Reubin Mackins at 4$ per acre which is in his possession and surveyed but I have not made him a title to it nor has he paid any thing for it Harrison can withdraw from the offer but if not and pays for it the exec to make him a title for it-leaves 15 acres of land bought from Reubin Watkins adj the land selling to Judkins leaves to bro Scisny? Turner one cow to sister Salley James the privilege of living on rest of land bought from Reuben Watkins and on which she now lives for 12$ annual rent which sum is to be used for the benefit of his wife with provisions if rent not paid and if one should die before the other etc gives 7$ each to nieces Delitha James, Mishael James and Delia James proceeds of eventual sale of land to be divided among children Timpy, Judah, Edmund, Levi, Balaam, Ephraim, Cary and grandchild Lewis exec to make title to John Norlton? free Negro which I sold him some years past the exec not pay my children their legacies all at once but I wish him to pay them a few dollars at a time and as they are all slaves he is not to wait until they are 21 yrs old to pay them but may pay them occasionally as they appear to want it and may arrive at years of discretion and I direct that he collect the money for them and not to pay them in bonds or accompts-[5 June 1818?] codicil nominates and ordains Joseph Jonas and Wm Dobie as execs 11 June 1818 rec 5 Nov 1818 End of abstract 1826/02/26 Hugh IVEY freed his 27 slaves with a Deed of Emancipation "I, Hugh IVEY, of the County of Sussex & State of Virginia after full & mature deliberation & fully persuaded that freedom is the birthright of all mankind & that no law human or divine can give or hath given to me a just & equitable right to the labor or service of any human being without making to him or her a reasonable or stipulated compensation therefore & wishing to fulfil in this case at least the golden rule to do unto others as I would they should do unto me & having in my care & under my authority the following slaves to wit: Harry, Jinny, Fanny, Lex, Nelly, Creacy, Lucy, Nancy, Dalilah, Martha, Hannah, Lilly, John, James, Nancy, Joel, Matthew, Catherine,Franky, Matilda, Nelly, Hosea, John, Daniel, Jame, Martha, Virginia. Now know all men by these presents that I, Hugh IVEY, do by these presents relinquish renounce & forever quit claim to the services & labor of the aforesaid slaves & the increase of the females for myself & my heirs & I do for myself & my heirs forever by these presents declare, order & direct that the aforesaid slaves & the increase of the females shall be & remain free from the control authority & government of myself & all persons whatsoever claiming right or title to them by, from or under me, so far as the said slaves can be free & act for themselves under the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed my seal his 2nd day of February, 1826. Signed, sealed & acknowledged in presence of Hugh IVEY (seal). At a Court held for VA,Sussex-Co the 2nd day of February 1826. This Deed of Emancipation was acknowledged by Hugh IVEY, a party thereto to be his act & deed & ordered to be recorded. Teste: L. LANIER, Clerk [VA,Sussex-Co Deed Book O p416]. (Hugh IVEY's mulatto daughter married a REDMAN from the family I write about. Hugh IVEY & his former slaves migrated from Virginia as a group to the more socially tolerant climate of Ohio. 1827-1849 OH,Ross-Co marriages include 11 persons named IVEY - all of whom had names which appear in the Deed of Emancipation. All of them are listed as black or mulatto & born in VA in the 1850 census.3 additional IVEYs, 2 mulattos & 1 black, are listed in the 1850 OH,Ross-Co census, all born in VA & all named in the Deed of Emancipation). |
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