BEVERLY FAMILY

Mixed-race members of the Beverly family, probably born before 1750, were

1     i. Barsheba, born say 1740.

2     ii. Sylvester, born about 1742.

 

1.    Barsheba Beverly, born say 1740, was a "Mulato" taxable in Pittsylvania County in John Wilson's list for 1767 [Taxable Property and Census Lists, 1767-1786, LVA reel 286]. She may have been the mother of

i. Priscilla, taxable in Buckingham County on a horse and 3 cattle from 1782 to 1794: a "Mulatto" taxable from 1783 to 1785, a "Mulatto" taxable on a slave in 1787 and 1788 [PPTL 1782-97]. She was head of a Buckingham County household of 1 "other free" in 1810 [VA:823]. She was taxable on 30 acres in Buckingham County from 1788 to 1814: called a "Mulatto" from 1788 to 1791, living on land on Hatcher's Creek [Land Tax Lists, 1782-95, 1795-1813, 1814-22].

ii. Jean, taxable in Buckingham County on a horse and 3 cattle from 1782 to 1786: a Mulatto taxable from 1783 to 1785 [PPTL 1782-97] and head of a Buckingham County household of 12 "other free" in 1810 [VA:776].

iii. Charles, born say 1760, died before 7 May 1784 when the clerk of Buckingham County court certified that Priscilla and Jane Beverly were his only heirs. The affidavit was filed with the bounty land warrant for his services in the Revolution [Revolutionary War Bounty Warrants, Beverly, Charles, Digital Collections, LVA; NARA, M246, roll 94, frame 43 of 742].

iv. Betty, head of a Buckingham County household of 14 "other free" in 1810 [VA:775a], perhaps the Betty Beverly who sued Thomas Gibson for false imprisonment in Culpeper County on 23 July 1763 [Minutes 1763-4, 404, 423].

v. William, taxable in Buckingham County in 1782, a "Mul^o" taxable in 1789, taxable on a horse from 1797 to 1803, a "Mul^o" taxable in 1798 [PPTL 1782-97; 1798-1803] and head of a Buckingham County household of 15 "other free" in 1810 [VA:775a]. He married Edy Pinn in Amherst County in November 1800 [Sweeny, Marriage Records of Amherst County].

 

2.    Sylvester Beverly, born about 1749, was listed in the payroll of the 1^st Virginia Regiment from November 1777 to December 1779 [NARA, M246, roll 94, frames 43, 59, 91, 113, 121, 725 of 742; http://fold3.com/image/10068722]. He was a Revolutionary War soldier who enlisted in 1776 and served until the end of the War according to his petition to the Legislature from Franklin County, Virginia, on 25 February 1823 at the age of 80 years [LVA, Legislative Petitions Digital Collection (receipt for petition, Beverley, Sylvester); petition cited by Jackson, Virginia Negro Soldiers, 30]. He was on a list of soldiers in the Revolution who had not yet received bounty land by 25 November 1834 [Brumbaugh, Revolutionary War Records, 199]. He was called "Silvanus Beverly (a free Mulatto)" on 5 August 1782 when his payment for providing a camp kettle to the Buckingham County Militia was recorded [Public Service Claims, 1765-1781, p. 4, Buckingham County Court; http://familysearch.org/search/film/008140687, image 414]. He was also called Silvanus Beverly when he was taxable in Buckingham County on a horse and 4 cattle in 1782, a "Mulatto" taxable in 1783 and 1784 [PPTL 1782-97], called Sill Beverly when he was taxable in Franklin County in 1789, 1799, and from 1796 to 1807: taxable on 2 tithes and 2 horses from 1801 to 1804, listed as a "free negro" from 1804 to 1821 [PPTL, 1786-1803; 1804-21, frames 3, 41, 159, 195, 231, 269, 297, 306, 361, 399, 466, 745, 781], and head of a Fluvanna County household of 7 "other free" in 1810 [VA:493]. On 1 September 1794 he purchased 126 acres on Chestnut Creek in Franklin County for ,15 and sold this land for $70 on 11 June 1816 [DB 3:18; 7:453]. He and his wife Nancy registered in Franklin County on 1 May 1809: a Black Man, aged Sixty, of low Stature. Nancy Beverley wife of Silvester Beverley a Black woman aged forty three year of low Stature [Minutes 1806-9, 270, 273]. They were probably the parents of

i. Anna, married Benjamin Chavers, 24 August 1801 Franklin County bond, Silvester Beverly surety.

ii. Herod, married Lucy Freeman, "Negro, freed slave of John Early, dec'd," 23 February 1808 Franklin County bond. He was head of a Fluvanna County household of 3 "other free" in 1810 [VA:480] and taxable in Franklin County from 1809 to 1818 [PPTL 1804-21, frames 159, 195, 231, 269, 306, 361, 369, 399, 466, 534, 622].

iii. Rebecca, married Jesse Shavers, 16 December 1805 Franklin County bond, Harod Beverly surety.

iv. Elizabeth, married George Marrs, 23 February 1808 Franklin County bond, Harod Beverly surety. George may have been the son of Harcles Marrs who was a "free Negro" renting land on the north fork of the Blackwater River from 1801 to 1804 [PPTL, 1786-1803; 1804-21].

v. Polly, married Martin Couzens, 31 March 1814 Franklin County bond, Benjamin Chavis surety.

 

Other members of the Beverly family were

i. Reuben, taxable in Buckingham County in 1787, taxable on a horse in 1791, taxable with George Beverly in 1798 [PPTL 1782-97; 1798-1803].

ii. Elizabeth, born say 1768, married Zachariah Griffin, "both free mulattoes," 18 September 1786 Buckingham County bond [Virginia Genealogical Society Quarterly, 1:13].

iii. Jonathan, a "Mul^o" taxable in Buckingham County in 1798 and from 1804 to 1809: taxable on a horse from 1799 to 1803 [PPTL 1798-1803; 1804-9], head of a Buckingham County household of 3 "other free" in 1810 [VA:820]. He registered in Amherst County in July 1847: aged about 62 years, 5 feet 10 inches high, dark complexion [McLeRoy, Strangers in Their Midst, 72].

iv. Susannah, charged with the Buckingham County tax of William and F. Beverly in 1798 [PPTL 1798-1803].

v. Francis, a "bachelor," married Mary Williams, a "spinster," 29 November 1792 Amherst County bond with the consent of her mother Nancy Williams, Rolley Penn (Pinn) surety. He received a grant for 10 acres in Buckingham County on both sides of Booring Bridge on 1 May 1818 [Grants 67:242].

vi. Charles, taxable in Buckingham County in 1801 [PPTL 1798-1803], head of a Buckingham County household of 12 "other free" in 1810 [VA:775a], perhaps the Charles Beverly who married Mary Johns, 29 March 1827 Amherst County bond, James Johns security.

vii. Major, taxable in Rockbridge County from 1792 to 1819: called a "Free Negroe" or "F. Mulatto" starting in 1801, a farmer on Moore's plantation adjoining Berrhill's with wife Patsy Beverly, daughter Matilda and son Cornelius living near Emma Beverly in 1813; above the age of 45 in 1815 [PPTL 1787-1810, frames 134, 161, 188, 213, 238, 270, 303, 360, 388, 421, 448, 475, 502, 529, 561, 578, 622; 1811-1821, frames 4, 72, 125, 219, 260, 260, 326, 368, 478, 529], head of a Rockbridge County household of 10 "other free" in 1810 [VA:290]. Patsy, born before 1776, was head of a Rockbridge County household of 6 "free colored" in 1830.

viii. Lucy, head of a Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania County household of 2 "other free" and a slave in 1810 [VA:111a].

ix. Samuel, born about 1797, married Rhoda Terry on 12 March 1819 in Amherst County, William Terry witness [Sweeny, Marriage Records of Amherst County]. Samuel and Rhoda registered in Amherst County on 19 December 1850: Samuel Beverly Bright mulatto - Strait hair, somewhat grey - Five feet, Six Inches & Half - Fifty three years old; Rhoda Beverly wife of Saml Beverly - Bright mulatto - Strait hair - Five feet three & half Inches high - Fifty three years of age [McLeRoy, Strangers in their Midst, 73]. William Terry was head of an Amherst County household of 7 "other free" in 1810 [VA:287].

x. James, married Polly Redcross, in Amherst County in 1820.

 

BIBBENS/ BEAVENS FAMILY

1.    Mary Bibens, born say 1700, was presented by the grand jury of Accomack County on 4 November 1718 for having a "Mallatto" bastard child in Accomack Parish [Orders 1717-19, 23, 28]. She was called a white Christian woman on 1 September 1719 when she was ordered to be put in prison for the same offense, but the order was reversed when Captain Edward Scarborough agreed to pay her fine. At first she refused to name the father, then named "one Hille an Indian" on 2 September 1719, and later that same day admitted that the father was "one Negro Slave named Jack belonging to Mr. Edmd. Scarburgh." She was presented again for having a bastard child on 4 October 1721 and on 7 May 1723 when she was called Mary Bivens [Orders 1719-24, 5, 5b, 6, 36, 59]. And on 2 September 1729 she was accused of having two more "Mullato" bastard children. On 8 December 1730 her two-year-old "Mullattoe Boy" Taflett Bibbens was ordered bound to Edmund Scarborough [Orders 1724-31, 168, 201]. She was called Mary Bibbins, otherwise Bevins, in adjoining Northampton County on 12 March 1733/4 when she was presented for having another "Mulatto" bastard child. She was sold for five years [Orders 1732-42, 97, 102]. She died before 8 August 1749 possessed of so small an estate that the Northampton County court ordered the sheriff to dispose of it [Orders 1748-51, 115, 135]. She was the mother of

2     i. Taflett, born about 1728.

3     ii. ?Elizabeth, born say February 1733/4.

 

2.    Taflett Bibbens, born about 1728, was a two-year-old "Mullattoe" boy bound apprentice in Accomack County on 8 December 1730. He was called Taffley Beavans when he was a "Mullatto" taxable in Accomack County from 1783 to 1788: taxable on 2 tithables and 2 horses in 1784, taxable on a free male tithable but free from taxation on his own tithe in 1788 [PPTL, 1782-1814, frames 39, 129, 262]. The Accomack County court exempted him from taxation due to age and infirmity on 29 May 1792 [Orders 1790-6, 379]. Perhaps his widow was Ann Beavans who was a "fn" taxable on 2 free males and 3 horses in Accomack County in 1798 and 1799 [PPTL 1782-1814, frames 356, 394], perhaps identical to Nancy Bibbens, sister of George Beckett, a Revolutionary War veteran from Accomack County. Nancy was head of a St. George Parish, Accomack County household of 4 "other free" in 1800 [Virginia Genealogist, v.2, no.3, 129]. Taffley may have been the father of

i. Solomon Bevans, a "fn" taxable in Accomack County from 1799 to 1810 [PPTL, 1782-1814, frames 395, 592, 723], head of an Accomack County household of 5 "other free" in 1810 [VA:9].

ii. Peter Bevans, head of an Accomack County household of 8 "other free" in 1810 [VA:9]. He registered in Accomack County: born about 1767, a light yellow, 5'4", born free in Accomack County [Register of Free Negroes, 1785-1863, no. 738].

iii. Thomas Bibbins, born about 1770, married Arena Becket, 2 August 1800 Accomack County bond, Peter Bibbins surety. Thomas Bevans was head of an Accomack County household of 5 "other free" in 1810 [VA:10]. Tom Beavan registered in Accomack County: born about 1770, yellow complexioned, 5'6-1/2", born free in Accomack County [Register of Free Negroes, 1785-1863, no. 729]. His wife was called Tinney Beavans when she was counted in his household in 1813 [PPTL, 1782-1814, frame 833].

iv. Lot Bevans, head of a Accomack Parish, Accomack County household of 2 "other free" in 1800 [Virginia Genealogist, v.1, no.3, 103].

v. Catherine Beavans, head of an Accomack County household of 3 "other free" in 1810 [VA:12].

vi. Mary, married Edmund Nutts, 18 June 1800 Northampton County bond, Southy Collins surety, with the consent of Nanny Bibbins.

 

3.    Elizabeth Bibbens, born say February 1733/4, was probably the illegitimate "Mulatto" child born to Mary Bibbins in Northampton County before 12 March 1733/4. On 14 May 1751 she was presented for bastard bearing. She was the mother of Thomas Bibbins, a "Mulatto" who was bound to Holloway Bunting in Northampton County on 12 March 1750/1 [Orders 1732-42, 97, 102; 1748-51, 345, 376, 398]. She was the mother of

i. Thomas, born before 12 March 1750/1, bound to Holloway Bunting. He was called "Thomas Bevans free Negro" on 12 April 1774 when the court ruled that he should serve his master Edmund Scarbrough until the age of thirty-one [Minutes 1771-7, 225, 240].

4     ii. Mary, born about 1754.

 

4.    Mary Bibbens, born about 1754, "child of Betty Beavans Negro," was ten years old when she was bound to Robinson Savage, Jr., in Northampton County on 11 September 1764 [Minutes 1761-5, 132]. She was called Mary Beavans when she registered as a "free Negro" in Northampton County on 10 June 1794 [Orders 1789-95, 354]. She was a "Negro" taxable on a free male in Northampton County in 1802 and 1803 [PPTL, 1782-1823, frames 325, 345]. She was the mother of

i. Samuel, born in December 1764, son of Mary Bibbins, bound to Thomas Bullock on 12 November 1783 [Orders 1783-7, 51]. He was called Samuel Beavans when he registered as a "free Negro" in Northampton County on 12 June 1794 [Orders 1789-95, 358]. He was a "free Negro" taxable in Northampton County in 1796 and 1797 [PPTL, 1782-1823, frame 206] and head of a Northampton County household of 2 "free colored" in 1820 [VA:218].

ii. ?Moses Beavans, registered as a "free Negro" in Northampton County on 12 June 1794 [Orders 1789-95, 358]. He married Nancy West, ____ 1807 Northampton County bond and was a "free negro" man living with a "free negro" woman on Harrison's land in Northampton County in 1813 [PPTL 1782-1823, frame 529]. He was head of a Northampton County household of 7 "free colored" in 1820 [VA:218].

iii. ?Reavel, head of a Northampton County household of 5 "free colored" in 1820 [VA:217A].

iv. John Bevans, a "free Negro" taxable in Northampton County in 1797 [PPTL, 1782-1823, frame 224].

 

BIBBY FAMILY

William Solomon Bibby (1835-1916) sitting on his front porch in Franklin County, North Carolina in 1898.

 

Members of the Bibby Family were

1    i. Mary, born say 1726.

ii. Hannah, born about 1746, twelve-year-old "Malatoe girl late in possession of Mary Jones," bound to Stephen Phillips by the Cumberland County, North Carolina court on 21 January 1758 [Minutes 1755-9, 33].

iii. Edward, born about 1753, a "Malatoe Child late in the possession of Mary Jones Decd," bound apprentice to Colonel Thomas Armstrong in Cumberland County, North Carolina, on 21 January 1758 [Minutes 1755-9, 33]. He may have been identical to Edward Bubby who enlisted in Raiford's Company in the 10^th North Carolina Regiment on 2 June 1781 and completed his service on 3 June 1782 [Clark, The State Records of North Carolina, XVI:1020]. He was head of a Cumberland County household of 1 "other free" in 1810, called Ned Beebe [NC:565].

2    iv. Thomas¹, born about 1769.

 

1.    Mary Bibby, born say 1726, was bound by the churchwardens of Bristol Parish, Virginia, to William Matt on 24 July 1727 [Chamberlayne, Vestry Book and Register of Bristol Parish, 36]. She was in Granville County, North Carolina, on 22 March 1759 when she successfully sued William Laneer for release from her servitude [Owen, Granville County Notes, Vol I]. She was a taxable "free black" in the Granville County household of Jesse Ingram in the list of Gideon Macon for Goodwin's District in 1761:

Jesse Ingram

Richd Ingram

moll Beb 1 free black

Charles 1 male slave over 16 years [CR 44.701.19].

She was called Mary Bibbey when she was taxable in Jesse Ingram's household in 1762 [NCGSJ XIII:26] and she was taxable in Joshua Ingram's household in William Person's list for Bute County in 1771:

Joshua Ingram List Edmond Biby Mary biby Negr. Chales [CR 015.70001].

She was the wife of Ingram's slave Charles [28 June 1893 letter from Narcissa Rattley]. In November 1771 the Bute County court ordered her "base born" children bound as apprentices [Minutes 1767-76, 194; Warren County WB 1:218, 226, 227, 232, 233]. Perhaps they were ordered indentured because Joshua Ingram had become infirm. His will was presented in February 1772 Bute County court and the inventory of his August 1772 Bute County estate included "Negro Fellow Chares" valued at ,120 [Minutes 1767-76, 211; N.C. Estate Files, 1663-1979, http://familysearch.org/search/collection/1911121]. Her children were

i. Edmund, born in July 1759, ordered bound to John Pinnion in November 1771 [Minutes 1767-76, 194; WB A:218]. He was listed among the Continental soldiers from Bute County who enlisted for 9 months on 3 September 1778: Edmon Bibby, Place of Abode Bute County, born N.C., 5'4", 20 years old, Dark Hair, Dark Eyes [NCAr:Troop Returns, box 4, folder 35]. His heirs received military land warrant no. 3928 for 640 acres, entered on 22 July 1795 and issued 7 March 1796 [N.C. Archives S.S. 1096, call no. S.108.385, http://archives.ncdcr.gov/doc/search-doc].

ii. Fanny, born about 1759, twelve years old when she was bound an apprentice to Amey Ingram in November 1771 [WB A:232]. She married William Dunstan, 11 July 1778 Bute County bond.

iii. Solomon, born about 1764, seven years old in November 1771 when the Bute County court ordered him bound an apprentice planter to Peter Goodwin [WB A:233]. He received a pension for his Revolutionary War service as a private in Yarborough's Company of the 10^th North Carolina Regiment in 1781. He was living near Sandy Creek in the part of Franklin County which was formed from Bute County when he volunteered. He was called a "free person of Color" on 18 June 1841 when he applied for a pension while living in Franklin County. He stated that he served in the 10^th North Carolina Regiment and also as a waiter for General Jethro Sumner. He cared for the horses and guarded the baggage wagons during the battles of Camden, Guilford Court House and Eutaw Springs [NARA, S.6644, M805-85, frame 0047]. He married Charity Young, 25 December 1789 Franklin County bond and was head of a Franklin County household of 4 "other free" in 1790 [NC:58] and 7 in 1810 [NC:825]. Their daughter Polly married Jesse Ratley, 16 December 1815 Franklin County bond. Moses Ratley was head of an Orange County household of 5 "other free" in 1820 [NC:332].

iv. Absolem, born about 1764, seven years old in November 1771 when the Bute County court ordered him bound an apprentice planter to John Pinnion [WB A:227]. He enlisted in the Dixon's Company of the 10^th North Carolina Regiment on 18 May 1781 for 1 year and was discharged on 21 May 1782 [Clark, The State Records of North Carolina XVI:1021]. He was head of a Franklin County household of 4 "other free" in 1790 [NC:58] and 1 "other free" in 1810 [NC:825].

v. William, born about 1766, five years old in November 1771 when the Bute County court ordered him bound an apprentice planter to John Pinnion [WB A:226].

 

2.    Thomas¹ Bibby, born about 1769, registered in Chesterfield County on 6 November 1800: a mulatto man, about 31 years of age, about five feet 4 inches high, was born free [Bibbey, Thomas (M, 31): Free Negro Affidavit, 1800, African American Narrative Digital Collection, LVA]. His children were

i. ?Thomas², born about 1785, an 18-year-old servant in Petersburg in 1803 [List of People of Color in Petersburg 1803, African American Narrative Digital Collection, LVA], taxable in Petersburg in 1803 and 1804 [PPTL 1800-33, frames 74, 111], a "F.N." who married Phebe Ligon, 22 September 1806 Chesterfield County, Virginia bond, John Ligon surety.

ii. ?Betsy, head of a Petersburg household of 3 "other free" in 1810 [VA:118b].

iii. Polly (F.N.), born say 1788, "daughter of Thomas Bibby (F.N.), married Embry Tomkins, 30 December 1806 Chesterfield County bond. Embry was head of a Richmond City household of 3 "other free" and 6 slaves in 1810 [VA:329].

iv. ?Ned, born about 1793, registered in Chesterfield County on 13 September 1813: twenty three years old, bright yellow complexion, born free [Register of Free Negroes 1804-53, no. 191]. He married Elizabeth Ligon ("24 years old"), 13 September 1813 Chesterfield County, Virginia bond.

v. ?Thomas³, born about 1813, registered in Chesterfield County on 11 June 1827 (and on 13 June 1836): fourteen years old, Mulatto complexion, born free [Register of Free Negroes 1804-53, nos. 572, 1117].

 

BIDDIE FAMILY

Members of the Biddie family living in Lunenburg County, Virginia, about 1760-1770 were

1     i. Thomas, born say 1740.

ii. Edward, born say 1742, taxable in Lunenburg County on 4 tithes and 300 acres in 1764 [Bell, Sunlight on the Southside, 247]. This may have been the land which Thomas Biddie purchased in 1761. He sued Edward Ragsdale in Lunenburg County court on 11 April 1771. The case was discontinued because Biddy failed to prosecute it further [Orders 1769-77, 109]. He was head of a Ninety-Six District, Union County, South Carolina household of 1 white male over 16 years of age, 2 under 16, and 4 females in 1790 [SC:92] and a Union District household of 4 "other free" in 1800 [SC:229].

iii. Peter, born say 1750, successfully petitioned the Lunenburg County court on 14 March 1771 for his freedom from his master, Edward Ragsdale [Orders 1769-77, 108, 122]. He was head of a Ninety-Six District, Union County, South Carolina household of 1 white male over 16 years of age, 1 under 16, and 2 females in 1790 [SC:92].

 

1.    Thomas Biddie, born say 1740, purchased 400 acres on the head branches of Flat Rock Creek in Lunenburg County jointly with John Evans (alias Epps) on 6 October 1761 for £60 [DB 6:473]. He was taxable on 2 tithes and 200 acres in Lunenburg County in 1769 [Bell, Sunlight on the Southside, 282]. He purchased 400 acres on Flat Rock Creek jointly with John Epps, and he and his wife Susannah sold their half of both tracts to John Epps (alias Evans) on 8 and 10 January 1771 [DB 11:433-4]. A number of suits against him were dismissed by the Lunenburg County court: Isaac Reeves's on 11 June 1767, John Ross's on 10 December 1767, John Milleson's on 14 February 1771, and John Tabb's on 12 March 1772. He sued Joseph Williams, the former sheriff, on 13 April 1769 and Jonathan Patteson, one of the justices, on 16 Nov 1771 [Orders 1766-69, fol. 67, 120, p. 140; 1769-77, 93, 166, 177, 178, fol. 206]. On 17 December 1771 a plat for 100 acres on the Tiger River in Craven County, South Carolina, was surveyed for him, and on 22 May 1772 David Hopkins recorded a plat for land adjoining his in Berkeley County [S.C. Archives series S213197, item 72; S213184, vol. 17:66]. He was head of a Ninety-Six District, Union County, South Carolina household of 4 white males over 16 years of age, 2 under 16, and 3 females in 1790 [SC:92] and 9 "other free" in Union District in 1800 [SC:229]. He may have been the father of

i. Edmon, head of a Union District, South Carolina household of 5 "other free" and a white woman in 1800 [SC:232A].

ii. Mary, head of a Union District, South Carolina household of 7 "other free" in 1800 [SC:231].

iii. John, born 17 July 1762, head of a Union District household of 4 "other free" in 1800 [SC:230], made a declaration in Union District court on 30 October 1832 to obtain a pension for his service in the Revolution. He stated that he was born in Lunenburg County on 17 July 1762 and lived in Union District when he volunteered. He moved to Marshall County, Alabama, by 26 December 1837 when he applied to have his pension paid there. His widow Sarah applied for a survivor's pension on 5 November 1842. Elizabeth Lee testified for her, stating that they were married in Union District at the house of Presley Williams, Esq., and that John died on 14 October 1841 [NARA, S.10374, M805-85, frame 0372].

 

Other members of the Biddie family were

i. Patt, born say 1742, complained to the Surry County, Virginia court against her mistress Elizabeth Stith on 19 April 1763. She was called Patt Buddie a month later on 17 May when the court determined that she was unjustly detained and set her free [Orders 1757-63, 359, 368].

ii. Hester Buddie, born say 1744, petitioned the Surry County court against Hartwell Hart on 21 June 1763, but the case was dismissed. Joseph Hill was her witness [Orders 1757-63, 371-2].

 

BILBERRY FAMILY

Members of the Bilberry family were

i. Benjamin, residing in Richmond City in 1780 when he petitioned the legislature for permission to free his wife Kate, a slave of Abraham Crowley, that he had paid for with land [Schweninger, Race, Slavery, and Free Blacks, Series 1, 229]. He was a "free" taxable in Richmond City in 1792, taxable on a slave in 1793 and 1795, a "fn" taxable in 1796. Kate was taxable in Richmond City on 2 horses in 1788 and on a slave 12-16 years old in 1794 [PPTL 1787-99; 1799-1834].

ii. James, taxable in Richmond City in 1788, a "free" taxable in 1791, a "FB" taxable in 1796.

iii. Aggy, head of a Richmond City household of 4 "other free" in 1810 [VA:324], a Free Negro" taxable on 2 pictures above 12 inches in 1815 and a "Free Colored" person taxable on a slave in 1819 [PPTLL 1799-1834].

 

BING FAMILY

1.    Bing¹, born say 1710, a "free Negro man, purchased his wife Judy and five children: Bing, Johnny, Judy, Bess and Jemmy by receipt from Hugh Bryan, deceased, on 20 October 1746, and by bill of sale from Mary Bryan, widow of Hugh, on 20 October 1753. And he set them free by deed of 4 June 1754, proved by Mary Bryan on 5 August 1754 in Granville County, South Carolina [S.C. Archives, series S213003, volume 2K:98, digital image]. Bing and Judy's descendants were

i. Bing².

ii. John Bing, head of a Beaufort District, South Carolina household of 5 "other free" in 1790 [SC:11].

iii. Judy.

iv. Bess.

v. James.

vi. Matthew Bing, head of a Beaufort District, South Carolina household of 5 "other free" in 1790 and 8 in 1800 [SC:104].

vii.William¹ Bing, a "free Negro" taxable in Winton County, South Carolina, in 1800 [Tax Returns 1783-1800, S.C. Archives Microfilm AD 942, frame 313]. His wife Priscilla, daughter of Peter Rouse, was one of his heirs who sold two tracts of land in Barnwell District totaling 400 acres on 13 November 1800 [DB 2:83-4]. William died before 28 March 1818 when his widow Priscilla sold her half interest in 50 acres of their land in Barnwell District. Celah Bing, born before 1776, was head of a Barnwell District, South Carolina household of 2 "free colored."

viii. Isaac Bing, head of a Barnwell District, South Carolina household of 5 "other free" in 1800 [SC:65] and 6 "free colored" in 1830 in John Dungee's household.

ix. William² Bing, a "free colored" head of a household in St. Peter's Parish, Beaufort District, in 1820.

x. Nancy Bing, born before 1776, head of a Barnwell District, South Carolina household of 6 "free colored" in 1830.

xi. Sarah Bing, born about 1775 in South Carolina, a "Mulatto" counted in the St. Luke's Parish, Beaufort, South Carolina census in 1850.

xii. Ann Bing, born about 1795 in Georgia, a "Mulatto" living in District 13, Chatham, Georgia, in 1850. Judy, Hannah, David, Joseph, Clary and Nancy Bing were registered as free persons of color in Savannah in 1817 [Savannah, Georgia, Registers of Free Persons of Color, 1817-1864, Volume 1, 1817, 1823-1829 (http://ancestry.com)].

 

BINGHAM FAMILY

1.    Elizabeth Bingham, born say 1718, was presented by the Northampton County, Virginia court on 13 November 1739 for bastard bearing, but the court ordered the presentment dismissed on 11 December 1739 because she was an "Indian" [Orders 1732-42, 372, 378]. She was the mother of

i. ?Mary, born about 1738, a six-year-old orphan bound by the Northampton County court to Richard Parrimore on 12 June 1744 [Orders 1742-8, 163].

ii. ?Southy¹, born about 1742, a two-year-old orphan bound by the Northampton County court to Richard Parrimore on 12 June 1744 [Orders 1742-8, 163]. He was sued by John Evans in Northampton County court for 1 ,pound 10 shillings on 13 December 1785. Ephraim Stevens was his security [Orders 1783-7, 370, 421, 542]. The court dismissed his suit against the administrator of Harmonson Joyne, deceased, on 17 August 1787, ruling that the plaintiff had not suffered any damages. On 11 November 1788 and 14 March 1792 he was presented for tending crops on the Indians' lands [Orders 1787-9, 20; 1789-95, 193]. He was taxable in Northampton County from 1785 to 1797, called a "free Negro" in 1797 and 1802 [PPTL, 1782-1823, frames 44, 171, 224, 325, 387].

iii. Daniel, born in December 1743, child of Elizabeth Bingham, seven years old on 12 March 1750/1 when the Northampton County court ordered the churchwardens to bind him to Thomas Grice [Orders 1748-51, 348].

iv. Elishe, born in August 1746, four-year-old orphan bound to Jacob Abdell on 12 March 1750/1 [Orders 1748-51, 349].

v. ?Lucretia, born say 1748, complained against her master John Waterfield, Sr., and Honour Mapp for ill usage on 15 May 1765. The case was dismissed in August when the parties agreed [Minutes 1761-5, 172; 1765-71, 6]. She was head of a Northampton County household of 3 "free colored" in 1820 [VA:218].

2     vi. ?Scarburgh, born 1 January 1750.

vii. ?Elizabeth², born in August 1751, bound to William Scott, Sr., on 9 September 1766 [Minutes 1765-71, 64]. She married Nathan Drighouse, 23 January 1794 Northampton County bond.

 

2.    Scarburgh Bingham, born 1 January 1750, was an orphan bound by the Northampton County court to Rev. Henry Barlow on 12 August 1760 and a twelve-year-old "Indian" bound to Savage Cowdry on 12 January 1762. Abraham Collins won a case against him for £10 on 8 June 1779, and Mary Jeffery won a case against him for £30 on 11 July 1780 [Minutes 1754-61, 230; 1761-1765, 4; 1777-83, 167, 252]. His suit against William Dixon abated on 14 August 1793 by his death [Orders 1789-95, 302]. Scarbrough was the parent of

i. ?Moses, born 28 December 1773, bound to Spencer Wilson on 8 September 1778 [Minutes 1777-83, 102]. He was taxable in Northampton County from 1795 to 1805: called a "Negro" in 1805 [PPTL, 1782-1823, frames 189, 386]. He married Esther Collins, twenty-five-year-old daughter of Rafe Collins, 24 November 1819 Northampton County bond.

ii. Southy², born in November 1774, son of Scarbrough bound by the Northampton County court to John Elliott on 13 September 1780 [Minutes 1777-83, 278].

iii. ?Henry, registered as a "free Negro" in Northampton County on 10 June 1794 [Orders 1789-95, 354]. He married Ritter Collins, 13 June 1794 Northampton County bond, Ralph Collins surety. He was a taxable in Northampton County in 1793 [PPTL, 1782-1823, frame 171] and a "F.B." taxable in Princess Anne County from 1796 to 1798, in the same district as Peter Toyer of Northampton County [PPTL, 1790-1822, frames 137, 144, 175]. He registered his certificate of freedom which he obtained from the Northampton County court on 10 June 1794 in Princess Anne County that same year [Bingham, Henry (M): Free Negro Certificate, 1794, African American Narrative Digital Collection, LVA].

iv. ?Tamar, registered as a "free Negro" in Northampton County on 12 June 1794 [Orders 1789-95, 358], married Ralph Collins, 20 December 1799 Northampton County bond, John Simkins security.

v. ?Littleton, born about 1782, a thirteen-year-old bound to Hillary Stringer on 11 February 1795 [Orders 1789-95, 412]. He married Rosey Beckett, 18 September Northampton County bond, Moses Bingham security, and was taxable in Northampton County in 1803 [PPTL, 1782-1823, frame 345].

 

They were the ancestors of

i. Tinsey, born say 1776, married William Gardner, 25 November 1797 Northampton County bond, Isaac Stevens security. William was taxable in Northampton County in 1800 and Tinsey was a "N"(egro) listed there in 1813 [PPTL 1782-1823, frames 286, 536].

ii. Jenny, married Isaac Gustin, 13 November 1804 Northampton County bond, Jacob Floyd security.

iii. Betsy, married Thomas Baker, 5 December 1805 Northampton County bond, Nathan Drighouse security.

iv. Lucy, married Abraham Nedab, 29 December 1813 Northampton County bond, with consent of Tinsey Weeks, mother of Lucy.

v. Polly, married William Jeffery, 26 January 1803 Northampton County bond, Samuel Beavans security.

 

BINNS FAMILY

1.    Jeremiah¹ Binns, born say 1750, was head of a New Kent County household of 7 whites (free persons) for the 1785 census [VA:92]. He was taxable in the lower end of Saint Peter's Parish in New Kent County from 1782 to 1811: taxable on a horse and 3 cattle from 1782 to 1800; taxable on Jeremiah Binns, Jr.'s tithe in 1789 and 1790; taxable on Jeremiah, Jr., and Reuben Binns's tithe in 1792; 2 horses in 1802; 2 tithes and a horse in 1803; listed as a "M"(ulatto) in 1807, 1810, and 1811 [PPTL 1782-1800, frames 9, 19, 48, 81, 93, 109, 125, 144, 159, 180, 237a; 1791-1828, frames 225, 264, 279, 293, 304, 316, 328, 353, 367, 379, 417, 429, 441, 452, 462] and was head of a New Kent County household of 1 "other free" in 1810 [VA:744]. He was probably the father of

i. Jeremiah², Jr., born say 1772, taxable in New Kent County from 1789 to 1820: 16-21 years of age when he was listed as Jeremiah Binns's tithable in 1789, 1791 and 1792; taxable on a horse from 1801 to 1803; taxable on a slave and a horse in 1806 and 1809; listed as a "M"(ulatto) in 1807 and thereafter [PPTL 1791-1828, frames 353, 367, 379, 417, 429, 441, 462, 473, 484, 491, 496, 509, 573], head of a New Kent County household of 6 "other free" and a white woman aged 26-45 in 1810 [VA:746] and a "F.c.p." head of a household of 10 "free colored" in 1830.

ii. Reuben, born say 1775, taxable in New Kent County from 1792 to 1807: 16-21 years of age when he was listed as Jeremiah Binn's tithable in 1792; taxable on a horse in 1802; taxed on 2 free tithables in 1806; listed as a "M"(ulatto) in 1807 [PPTL 1791-1828, frames 353, 367].

iii. John, a "M" taxable in New Kent County in 1801, 1802 and 1804 [PPTL 1791-1828, frames 353, 367, 392].

iv. Will, head of a Charles City County household of 7 "other free" in 1810 [VA:957].

 

BIZZELL FAMILY

Members of the Bizzell family of North Carolina were

1    i. David, born say 1735.

2     ii. Solomon¹, born say 1740.

 

1.   David Bizzell, born say 1735, was taxable in Hertford County on 2 persons from 1768 to 1770, taxable on a horse and 2 cattle in District 4 of Hertford County in 1779, and taxable on 60 acres and 1 poll in Nathan Harrel's List for 1784 [Fouts, Tax Receipt Book, 15; GA 30.1, 64.1]. He was the heir of Enos Bizzle on 14 March 1786 when he received a warrant for 640 acres for Enos's service in the Revolution [North Carolina and Tennessee, Revolutionary War Land Warrants, 1783-1843, Roll 1, Revolutionary Warrants, 1783-1799 (Nos. 22-387), 120 (http://ancestry.com)]. He also received pay voucher nos. 2028, 2342, and 2705 for £12 on 16 August 1783, £10 on 26 August 17__ and £7 on 29 December 1783 in Edenton District for service in the Revolution, so he apparently also served [N.C. Revolutionary Pay Vouchers, 1779-1782, http://familysearch.org/search/collection/1498361]. He was head of a Hertford County household of 3 "other free" in 1800. He was probably the father of

i. Enos, born say 1760, enlisted on 10 September 1777 for 3 years and was in the muster of Colonel John Patton's Company of the 2^nd North Carolina Battalion at White Plains on 9 September 1778 [Clark, The State Records of North Carolina, XIII:516]. He apparently died in service since his heir David Bizzell received a warrant for 640 acres.

 

2.    Solomon¹ Bizzell, born say 1740, was taxed on 40 acres, 2 cattle, and £30 cash in District 3 of Hertford County in 1779 and was taxed on 260 acres and 1 poll in Nathan Harrel's List for 1784 [G.A. 30.1, 64.1]. He was head of a Hertford County household of 11 "other free" in 1790 [NC:26] and 11 in 1800. He received £11 for service in the Revolution on 1 August 178_ [N.C. Revolutionary Pay Vouchers, 1779-1782, http://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2WT-531R]. The eighteenth and early nineteenth-century records for Hertford County were destroyed in courthouse fires, so we can only guess that his children may have been

i. John, born before 1776, head of a Hertford County household of 1 "other free" in 1800 and 13 "free colored" in 1820 [NC:188]. He was one of the "Sundry persons of Colour of Hertford County" who petitioned the General Assembly in November- December 1822 to repeal the act which declared slaves to be competent witnesses against free African Americans [NCGSJ XI:252].

ii. Martin, lived in Hertford County on 27 September 1823 when he testified for the Revolutionary War pension application of Evans Archer [NARA, S.41415, M805-25, frames 0113-0118].

iii. Noah, head of a Hertford County household of 4 "other free" in 1810 [NC:98].

iv. Solomon², head of a Hertford County household of 10 "free colored" in 1820 [NC:188].

v. William Bussell, head of a Robeson County household of 5 "other free" in 1790 [NC:48]. William Bizzel received voucher no. 321 for £10 specie in Wilmington District on 12 December 1781 for military service in the Revolution [N.C. Revolutionary Pay Vouchers, 1779-1782, http://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2WT-P5Q1], Bizzel, William]. He was probably related to John Buzzel, a "Mulatto," whose son Willie Abel Hammond had a guardian, William Vines, appointed for him in Beaufort County court in September 1809 on a bond of £1,000. In December 1810 Vines was permitted to sell the perishable part of the estate of Margaret Hammond [Beaufort County court Minutes, 1809-14, n.p.].

 

BLACK FAMILY

James Black and Peter Black were in Craven County, North Carolina, on 21 June 1745 when they complained to the county court that

they were free born person[s] of the County of Essex in Virginia, & brought into this Province by Jno. Heath & by sd. Jno. Heath sold to Wm. Handcock as Slaves

The court ruled that they were free men [Haun, Craven County Court Minutes, III:465]. Members of the family were

1     i. James, born say 1715.

2     ii. Peter, born say 1720.

3    iii. Peggy, born say 1722.

 

1.    James Black, born say 1715, was called "James Black free Negro" in the muster roll of Abner Neale's Craven County Company in 1754 and 1755 [Clark, Colonial Soldiers of the South, 708]. He may have been the father of

4     i. Lettice¹, born about 1752.

 

2.    Peter Black, born say 1720, complained to the 21 June 1745 Craven County court that he was held as a slave [Haun, Craven County Court Minutes, III:365]. Perhaps his widow was Betty Black, born say 1730, taxable on a female "Black" tithe in Craven County in 1769 [SS 837]. On 14 September 1770 the Craven County court ordered the clerk to issue her a certificate that she was insolvent and no longer liable to be taxed [Minutes 1767-75, 158b]. She died before 11 July 1772 when John Bishop took an inventory of her estate, valued at £49. Her son Martin Black was paid 8 shillings for her burial. Martin Black, William Dove, Jane Stringer, George Perkins, Abel Carter, Susanna George, William George were buyers at the sale of her estate [N.C., Wills and Probate Records, 1665-1998, Craven County, Black, Elizabeth, http://ancestry.com]. Her other children were probably those who were bound out in September 1771. She was the mother of

5     i. Martin¹, born in 1751.

6     ii. Lettice², born 15 September 1761.

iii. James², born 15 March 1764, bound to Thomas Heath to be taught farming by the 12 September 1771 Craven County court.

iv. David, born 10 March 1766, ordered bound to Thomas Heath to be taught farming by the 12 September 1771 Craven County court, married Peggy Clear, 7 January 1806 Craven County bond.

v. Dozey, born 2 August 1768, bound to Thomas Heath to be taught farming by the 12 September 1771 Craven County court.

 

3.    Peggy Black, born say 1722, the daughter of an Indian, was the mother of a "free yellow woman" named Judy whose daughter Mary claimed to be freeborn in Essex County about 1766 according to the 13 May 1789 issue of the Virginia Independent Chronicle [Headley, 18th Century Newspapers, 28]. Peggy was the mother of

7   i. Judy, born say 1745.

 

4.    Lettice¹ Black, born about 1752, was an eleven-year-old "free Negro" bound apprentice to Samuel Griffith in Craven County in July 1763. William Herritage applied to the court on her behalf to have her bound instead to Patrick Gordon [Minutes 1762-4, 27d]. She was head of a Craven County household of 3 "other free" in 1790 [NC:130]. Perhaps her children were

i. Martin², born 1 January 1770, bound to Thomas Heath to be taught farming by the 12 September 1771 Craven County court. He complained to the March 1811 Craven County court that his children, who were born "in lawful wedlock," were bound out by the court without his knowledge or consent [Franklin, Free Negro in North Carolina, 127].

ii. Dinah, born about 1771, "a free Negroe Girl aged 13," bound apprentice until the age of eighteen to Ann Banks by the 16 Sept 1784 Craven County court [Minutes 1772-84, 2:79a].

iii. Edward, born about 1777, a six-year-old "free negroe" bound apprentice to Thomas Heath on 12 September 1783 to be a shoemaker [Minutes 1772-84, 2:59c].

 

5.    Martin¹ Black, born in 1751, was paid 8 shillings by his mother Elizabeth Black's estate for burying her in 1772. He sold 90 acres on the east side of Hancock's Creek on Cahoque Creek in Craven County to William Dove on 6 February 1775 [DB 22:73]. He enlisted in New Bern for 3 years in Stevenson's Company of the North Carolina Continental Line on 16 May 1777. He was in Valley Forge and West Point and reenlisted for 18 months in Evans Company in 1782. Isaac Perkins testified that he enlisted on the same day as Martin and served with him [NARA, S.41441, M805-92, frame 0147]. He married Ann Moore, 12 April 1784 Craven County bond, George Perkins surety, and was head of a Carteret County household of 2 "other free" in 1790 [NC:128] and an Onslow County household of 4 "other free" in 1800 [NC:143]. His 16 September 1821 Carteret County will was proved in November 1821 and executed by his son-in-law, Samuel Martin. He gave his Revolutionary War pension to Samuel Martin and $10 to his son William [WB D:57]. His children were

i. Keziah, married Samuel Martin, 4 June 1819 Carteret County bond.

ii. William.

 

6.    Lettice² Black, born 15 September 1761, was a ten-year-old "Free Born Negroe Girl" who was bound apprentice to Mary Heath on 12 September 1771 [Minutes 1766-75, 179a]. She was head of a Craven County household of 3 "other free" in 1790 [NC:134]. Perhaps she was the mother of

i. Hagar, born in May 1781, a "free Negroe Child" bound to Mary Heath until the age of eighteen by the 17 September 1784 Craven County court [Minutes 1784-86, 5c].

ii. Sally, born say 1792, married Kelsey Braddock, 7 February 1810 Craven County bond, Elijah George surety. Kelsey was probably the son of Peter Braddock, head of a Carteret County household of 8 "other free" in 1790 [NC:129].

 

7.    Judy Black, born say 1745, was said to have been a "yellow woman" and the mother of

i. Mary, born about 1766, twenty-three years old on 13 May 1789 when she claimed to have been freeborn in Essex County [Headley, 18th Century Newspapers, 28].

 

Other members of the family in North Carolina were

i. Sary, born say 1753, a "molatto" taxable in the 1766 Bertie County list of John Crickett [CR 10.702.1].

ii. Caroline, head of a Carteret County household of 5 "other free" in 1810 [NC:450].

iii. Jacob, born say 1760, received voucher no. 3655 for £9 specie in Hillsboro on 20 August 1783 for military service in the Revolution [N.C. Revolutionary Pay Vouchers, 1779-1782, http://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2WT-L5HQ, Black, Jacob]. He was head of an Orange County household of 3 "other free" in 1800 [NC:513].

iv. Sarah, head of a Rutherford County household of 1 "free colored" in 1820 [NC:397].

 

Other members of a Black family in Virginia were

i. John, head of a Prince William County household of 5 "other free" in 1810 [VA:508].

ii. Simon, head of a Frederick County household of 6 "other free" in 1810 [VA:514].

iii. Sally, head of an Augusta County household of 4 "other free" in 1810 [VA:322].

iv. Nancy, head of a Petersburg household of 2 "other free" in 1810 [VA:327].

 

BLAKE FAMILY

The Blake family of Virginia may have descended from Faith Blake whose orphan Sarah Blake was bound by the Amelia County court to John Roberts on 27 September 1759. She was sued by the churchwardens for debt for having an illegitimate white child on 27 March 1760 [Orders 1757-60, 240, 279]. Members of the family were

i. Martin, born say 1770, a "free Mulatto" living in Amelia County on 24 September 1772 when the court ordered the churchwardens of Raleigh Parish to bind him to Will Jones [Minutes 1769-72, n. p.].

ii. Betsy, born about 1781, registered in Bedford County on 29 November 1831: a mulatto, aged 50, 5 feet 1 inch high, free born. She was probably the mother of Polly, Harbert, Betsy and Sally Blake who registered the same day [Register of Free Negroes 1820-60, p.17].

 

BLANGO FAMILY

1.    Thomas¹ Blangoe was a servant belonging to Captain Thomas Jones/ Nicholas Thomas Jones of James City County, Virginia, on 28 November 1701 when his attorney made an agreement with William Tomson, bricklayer, and his wife Ann to oversee his four servants in Beaufort County, North Carolina [DB 1:12, 33]. He may have been the father or grandfather of Thomas, Rachel, and Sarah Blango who were taxables in Beaufort County in 1755 [SS 837]:

2     i. Thomas², born say 1710.

3     ii. Rachel, born say 1720.

4     iii. Sarah¹, born say 1730.

 

2.    Thomas² Blango, born say 1710, was a "free Negro" head of a Beaufort County household with Sarah and Betty Blango in 1755:

Blango, Tom Sar. Blango Betty Blango (Free Negroes) 3 [SS 837].

He was called "Thomas Blango free negro" in June 1757 Beaufort County court when he was a defendant in a case brought by Thomas Pearce [Minutes 1756-61, 1:32a (docket no.22)]. He was one of the superannuated and invalid members of the Beaufort County Militia under the command of Colonel William Brown prior to 1765 [Clark, Colonial Soldiers of the South, 781]. His children may have been

5     i. Thomas³, born say 1730.

ii. Betty, born say 1735, taxable in Tom Blango's Beaufort County household in 1755 [SS 837].

 

3.    Rachel Blango, born say 1720, was a "free Negro" head of a Beaufort County household in 1755:

Rachel Blango Sus. Blango Sarah Blango Jun^r

Dinah Blango (Free Negroes) 4 [T&C, Box 1].

In June 1758 the Beaufort County court ordered that:

a free Negroe Woman named Rachel Blango, another named Sarah Blango the younger, another named Dinah Blango and a Man named Gabe, and another Negroe Woman named Bett Moore, another Mary Moore ____, and Keziah Moore be Summoned to appear at next court to produce a Master for their Children in order they may be bound out as the law directs [Minutes 1756-61, 2:46c].

Perhaps she was the Rachel who was a "Free Negro" taxable in the household of John, "Free Negro," (no family name mentioned) in the Beaufort County Tax List in 1764 [SS 837, Box 1]. John may have been John Punch Moore, and she may have been the Rachel Moore who was head of a Beaufort County household of 2 "other free" in 1800 [NC:15]. Rachel's children may have been

6     i. Sarah², Jr., born say 1738.

7     ii. Dinah¹, born say 1740.

 

4.    Sarah¹ Blango, born say 1730, was taxable in Rachel Blango's Beaufort County household in 1755 [T&C, Box 1]. She was sued for debt by James Calef in the June 1756 session of the Beaufort County court, and the June 1761 session ordered her to pay him £16 [Minutes 1756-61, 1:9c (Docket no.23); 2:41d]. She was a "Free Negro" taxable on 2 Black tithes in 1764 [SS 837, Box 1] and taxable in Beaufort County on an assessment of £240 in 1779 [G.A. 30, Box 1]. She purchased 200 acres on the east side of Nevill's Creek from Thomas Blango (Jr.?) on 9 June 1789 [DB 6:125] and swapped 100 acres of this land with John Gray Blount for land nearby by deed of 4 March 1801 [DB 1:457, 459]. She was head of a Beaufort County household of 5 "other free" in 1790 [NC:125]. She may have been the mother of

i. Benjamin, born say 1758, enlisted in Hogg's Company for 9 months on 20 July 1778 and received a total of £25 specie for service in the Continental Line [Clark, The State Records of North Carolina, XVI:1018; N.C. Revolutionary Pay Vouchers, 1779-1782, Moses Blango, http://familysearch.org/search/collection/1498361]. He was a deceased soldier of Beaufort County whose estate was administered before June 1792 by Sarah Blango [NCGSJ XVIII:72].

ii. Moses¹, born say 1760, enlisted in Hogg's Company on 20 July 1778 and received a total of £25 specie for service in the Continental Line [Clark, The State Records of North Carolina, XVI:1018; N.C. Revolutionary Pay Vouchers, 1779-1782, Moses Blango, http://familysearch.org/search/collection/1498361].   He was a deceased soldier of Beaufort County whose estate was administered before June 1792 by Sarah Blango [NCGSJ XVIII:72].

 

5.    Thomas³ Blango, born say 1730, was called Thomas Blango, Jr., when he was sued for debt by James Calef in the June 1756 Beaufort County court in a case which was declared a non-suit in the June 1761 session [Minutes 1756-61, 1:9c (docket no.23); 2:44a]. He purchased 640 acres in Beaufort on the east side of Nevill's Creek at the mouth of Bridge Branch from John Benston by an unrecorded deed and sold this land by deeds of 2 April 1774, 10 April 1777, 20 January 1788 by the sheriff for debt, 5 June 1788 by the sheriff for debt, and 9 June 1789 to Sarah Blango [DB 5:20, 307; 6:125, 324, 341]. He was called "Nasowman" in the 10 April 1777 deed, perhaps claiming that his family was from Nassau. He was paid ,9 for service in the Continental Army on 15 January 1782 [N.C. Revolutionary Pay Vouchers, 1779-1782, Thomas Blango, http://familysearch.org/search/collection/1498361]. In 1779 he was taxed in Beaufort County on an assessment of , 320 [LP 30.1, by NCGSJ XV:142]. He was head of a Beaufort County household of 10 "other free" in 1790 [NC:125]. His children may have been

8     i. Solomon¹, born say 1760.

ii. Isaac, born before 1776, head of a Beaufort County household 5 "other free" in 1800 [NC:2], 10 in 1810 [NC:114], and 8 "free colored" in 1820 [NC:7]. He was called Isaac Blango Moore in the March 1814 session of Beaufort County court when Solomon Blango was bound to him as an apprentice cooper [Minutes 1809-14, n.p.]. By his 2 January 1836 Beaufort County will, proved June 1842, he lent his plantation and land to his sister Nancy, then to Patsy Moore, wife of Charles Moore, and lent 20 acres to his brother's child Hannah, wife of John Moore [WB D:281].

9     iii. Margaret, born say 1773.

10   iv. Sarah³, born 1776-94.

v. Patsy Moore.

vi. Nancy.

 

6.    Sarah² Blango, born say 1738, was a "Free Negro" taxable in Rachel Blango's household in 1755 (called Sarah Blango, Jr.) [T&C, Box 1]. In June 1758 she was called "Sarah Blango the younger" when she was ordered to produce a master for her child to be bound apprentice to [Minutes 1756-61, 1:46d]. She may have been the "Free Sarah" who was added to Colonel Palmer's Beaufort County tax list for 1764 [SS 837, Box 1]. And she may have been the "Sarah Blango Moore (free negro)" whose plight was advertised in the 9 October 1778 issue of the North Carolina Gazette of New Bern:

that she was last night robbed of two of her own children, by three men in disguise; one a boy about six years old named Ambrose, the other a girl named Rose, of the same age, they being twins [Fouts, NC Gazette of New Bern, I:80-1].

The Moore family was the largest free African American family in Beaufort and Craven Counties. She may have been the Sall Blango who was head of a Beaufort County household of 11 "other free" in 1800 [NC:2] and 8 in 1810 [NC:115]. She was the mother of

i. ?Dorcas, born about 1757, successfully petitioned the 9 June 1778 Craven County court for freedom from her indenture to Isaac Patridge [Minutes 1772-84, 1:61c].

ii. Ambrose Moore, born 1772, married Polly Carter, 29 December 1804 Craven County bond, Jacob Moore surety. He was head of a Craven County household of 2 "free colored" in 1820 [NC:67]. On 4 November 1821 he and his wife Polly sold land in Craven County which she inherited from her father George Carter [DB 43:82].

iii. Rose, born 1772, perhaps the Rose Carter, born 1776-94, who was head of a Carteret County household of 3 "free colored" in 1820 [NC:123].

 

7.    Dinah¹ Blango, born say 1743, was a "Free Negro" taxable in Rachel Blango's Beaufort County household in 1755 [SS 837]. The June 1758 Beaufort County court called her a "free Negroe Woman" when it ordered her to produce in court a master to whom her children to be bound. Perhaps she was the wife of Gabe, a "free Negroe Man," who was listed after her in the court order [Minutes 1756-61, 2:46c]. She was head of a Beaufort County household of 6 "other free" in 1790 [NC:125]. One of her children may have been

i. Gabriel, born before 1776, head of a Beaufort County household of 7 "other free" in 1800 [NC:2], 9 in 1810 [NC:113], and 8 "free colored" in 1820 [NC:7].

 

8.    Solomon¹ Blango, born say 1760, and Tom Blango were in the list of men in the Beaufort County Regiment of Militia on 20 April 1781 [T. R., Box 7, folder 15, http://digital.ncdcr.gov/cdm/compoundobject/collection/p16062coll26/id/1107/rec/10]. He was head of a Beaufort County household of 1 "other free" in 1790 [NC:126]. He may have been deceased by March 1814 when the Beaufort County court bound his fourteen-year-old son Moses Blango to Joseph Trippe [Minutes 1809-14, n.p.]. He was the father of

i. Moses², born about 1800, bound an apprentice cooper to Joseph Trippe in March 1814.

ii. ?Isaac², born about 1802, a twelve-year-old free Boy of Color, no parent named, bound an apprentice cooper to Nathan Archibell by the March 1814 Beaufort County court.

iii. ?Dinah², born about 1805, a nine-year-old free girl of Color, no parent named, bound apprentice to Nathan Archibell by the March 1814 Beaufort County court.

iv. ?Solomon², born about 1806, an eight-year-old free Boy of Color, no parent named, bound as an apprentice cooper to Isaac Blango Moore by the March 1814 Beaufort County court [Minutes 1809-14, n.p.].

 

9.    Margaret Blango, born say 1773, was head of a Beaufort County household of 5 "other free" in 1800 [NC:2]. She was called Margaret M. Blango in the March 1814 session of the Beaufort County court when her son Willie Moore Blango was bound as an apprentice [Minutes 1809-14, n.p.]. She was the mother of

i. Willie Moore Blango, born about 1800, a fourteen-year-old "free person of Color, son of Margaret M. Blango," bound an apprentice shoemaker to William Orell in March 1814.

ii. Winnie M. Blango, born about October 1802, eleven years and six months old in March 1814 when she was bound to William Orell in Beaufort County court.

 

10.    Sarah³ Blango, born 1776-94, was head of a Beaufort County household of 5 "other free" in 1810 [NC:114] and 5 "free colored" in 1820 [NC:7]. She was the mother of

i. John/ Jack, born about 1797, the seventeen-year-old son of Sally Blango, bound by the Beaufort County court to James Meredith to be a cooper in March 1814 [Minutes 1809-14, n.p.].

ii. ?Phebe, born about 1801, a thirteen-year-old free girl of Color, no parent named, bound an apprentice housekeeper to Joseph B. Hinton by the March 1814 Beaufort County court.

iii. Patsy July Blount Blango, born about 1802, daughter of Sarah Blango, bound apprentice to Joseph Shute by the March 1814 Beaufort County court.

iv. ?Harman, born about 1804, a ten-year-old free Boy of Color, no parent named, bound an apprentice shoemaker to Isaac Smith [Minutes 1809-14, n.p.].

 

BLANKS FAMILY

Matilda Banks, born about 1870, daughter of Salter and Curly Blanks of Bladen County, North Carolina,

granddaughter of Mikal Blanks, great granddaughter of Alfred Blanks.

 

1.    John Blanks, born say 1754, was a white taxable in James Ellis's Bladen County household in 1770 and a "Mixt Blood" taxable in his own household in 1774, a "Black" taxable in 1775, taxable on 100 acres, 3 horses and 5 cattle in 1779, and head of a household of 2 Blacks 12-50 years old and 4 over 50 or under 12 in 1786 [Byrd, Bladen County Tax Lists, I:29, 124; II:36, 142, 169, 202]. He entered 100 acres on the east side of Slapass Swamp in Bladen County on 19 January 1773 and was granted this land on 22 July 1774 [Grants 26:657; S.S. 2559, http://archives.ncdcr.gov/doc/search-doc]. He served in the Revolution from North Carolina [N.C. Archives, State Treasurer Group, Military Papers, Revolutionary War Army Accounts, Blanks, John, VIII:37, Folio 4; W-1:12; IX:93, Folio 1; V:18, Folio 3; VI:29, Folio 3; http://archives.ncdcr.gov/doc/search-doc] and was head of Bladen County household of 8 "other free" in 1790 [NC:188]. He was living in Robeson County on 14 January 1797 when he sold 100 acres in Bladen County in the fork of Slapass and Fryer Swamps [DB 7:210]. He may have been the father of

i. Alfred, born about 1783, a "free Mulatto boy" about twelve years old in June 1795 when he was bound as an apprentice by the New Hanover County court [Minutes 1792-8, 143]. He was head of a Bladen County household of 9 "free colored" in 1820 [NC:142].

ii. Winniford, head of a New Hanover County household of 4 "free colored" in 1820 [NC:221].

iii. Esther, head of a New Hanover County household of 4 "free colored" in 1820 [NC:221].

 

BLIZZARD FAMILY

Members of the Blizzard family were

1     i. Charles¹, born say 1730.

2     ii. Ann, born say 1736.

3     iii. Samuel¹, born say 1738.

4     iv. Sarah¹, born say 1739.

5     v. Edward, born say 1740.

vi. William¹, born say 1745, sued by William Parham in Sussex County court for a £3.19 debt on 19 March 1767 [Orders 1766-70, 65].

6     vii. Hezekiah¹, born say 1749.

viii. Hezekiah², born say 1770, taxable on a slave named Cyrus in Surry County, Virginia, in 1799 [PPTL, 1791-1816, frame 363].

ix. Burwell, born 19 November 1752, baptized 11 February 1753, George Kersey and Mary Felts godparents [Albemerle Parish, http://familysearch.org/search/catalog/376749, film 30161, image 15]. He was taxable on a horse in Brunswick County, Virginia, from 1785 to 1807 [PPTL, 1782-98, frames 355, 391, 534; 1799-1815, frames 84, 132, 288, 341, 432]. As assignee of Gray Judkins, administrator of Charles Blizzard, he sued Benjamin Barham and Nathaniel Newsom in Greensville County on 23 December 1785 [Orders 1781-9, 255]. On 2 June 1787 he purchased 150 acres adjoining Chaney Williams and Henry James in Brunswick County for £30. He sold 30 acres adjoining his land for $30 on 24 June 1799 and another tract by deed proved in Brunswick County in 1807 [DB 14:289; 17:415; 20:75].

 

1.    Charles¹ Blizzard, born say 1730, was sued by Edward Shelton for a debt of ,2 in Surry County court on 21 November 1752 [Orders 1751-3, 226]. He was listed on 6 June 1754 as providing 14 shillings credit to the account of John Kersey with Sussex County, Virginia merchants Massenburg & Harrison when they sued Kersey for 25 shillings due from purchases at their store [Court Papers, 1754-1755, frames 780-783, LVA microfilm no. 35]. He and his wife Ann baptized their children Burrel, Charles and Hannah Blizzard in Albemarle Parish, Sussex and Surry counties in 1753 (with George Kersey as godfather), 1758 and 1759. He, Joseph Roberts and Hannah Felts were godparents for the 1 March 1752 Albemarle Parish baptism of Stephen Kersey [Register of Albemarle Parish, http://familysearch.org/search/catalog/376749, film 30161, images 15, 17, 132]. On 18 August 1758 the Sussex County court ordered him to work on the road from the High Hills to Spring Swamp Chappel. A suit brought by Charles and his wife Ann against James Bell for trespass, assault and battery was discontinued in Sussex County court on 18 March 1762 on agreement between the parties. He was tithable in Sussex County in 1762 and his tobacco field was listed among those viewed in 1763. He was sued for debt in Sussex County on 17 March 1768 [Orders 1757-9, 192; 1761-4, 63, 79; 1766-70, 219; Court Papers, 1762-3, LVA microfilm reel 45, frames 552-3; 1763-4, LVA microfilm reel 49, frame 387; Tithables, 1753-1782, LVA microfilm reel 90, frame 650]. The inventory of his Sussex County estate totaled ,38 and was returned to court on 20 May 1773 [WB C:43-4]. His children were

i. Charles², born 24 July 1756, son of Charles and Anne Blizzard, baptized in Albemarle Parish, Sussex and Surry counties on 4 February 1759. He was tithable in Sussex County in 1775 and 1777 [Tithables, 1753-1782, frames 765, 817, LVA microfilm reel 90] and taxable in Surry County from 1786 to 1789. He died before 1790 when his Surry County estate was taxable [PPTL, 1782-90, frames 397, 444, 595].

ii. Hannah, born 19 May 1758, daughter of Charles and Anne Blizzard, baptized 19 May 1758 in Albemarle Parish, Sussex and Surry counties [Richards, Register of Albemarle Parish, 18].

iii. ?Mazy, born say 1765, married William Santee, 7 February 1786 Sussex County bond.

iv. ?Milly, born say 1766, married Thomas Edwards, 3 August 1787 Sussex County bond. Thomas Edwards was a "FN" taxable in Sussex County in 1793 and 1804 [PPTL 1782-1812, frames 369, 624].

 

2.    Ann Blizzard, born say 1736, was living in Surry County, Virginia, in October 1750 when the churchwardens of Albemarle Parish sued her for debt (for having an illegitimate child?) [Orders 1749-51, 156]. She may have been the mother of

7     i. William², born about 1766.

ii. Mason², born say 1770, a "poor child" living in Brunswick County, Virginia, on 25 June 1770 when the court ordered the churchwardens of St. Andrew's Parish to bind her and William Dungill as apprentices [Orders 1768-72, 289]. She was in the list of free Negroes and Mulattos for St. Luke's Parish, Southampton County: a laborer living at Moses Foster's in 1801 [A List of free negroes & mulattoes in the County of Southampton & Parish of St Luke's, 1801, African American Narrative Digital Collection, LVA]. She married Jack Wooton, 19 November 1802 Sussex County bond, Abraham James surety. Jack Wooton and Abraham James were "FN" taxables in Sussex County in 1804 [PPTL 1782-1812, frames 625, 629]. Jack and Mason Wooton were in the "List of Free Negroes & Mulattoes" in Sussex County in 1805 [List of Free Negroes & Mulattoes, frame 27, LVA microfilm no. 221]. Jack registered in Sussex County on 7 August 1812: brown complexion, 5 feet 7 inches, age 37, freed by deed of Edward Wooton on 5 February 1789 [Register of Free Negroes, 1800-50, no. 147].

iii. Elizabeth, born say 1774, married Armstead Peters, 26 April 1792 Surry County, Virginia bond.

 

3.    Samuel¹ Blizzard, born say 1738, and his wife Sarah baptized their daughter Lucy Blizzard in Albemarle Parish, Sussex and Surry counties, on 16 May 1762. Aaron Peters, Lydia Blizzard and Selah Flood were the godparents. He, Sarah Blizzard, and Anne Kennedy were the godparents for the 13 June 1762 baptism of Hannah Flood, and he and his wife Sarah and Timothy Santee were Jo(seph) Kennedy's (Cannady) godparents when he was christened in Albemarle Parish on 3 July 1768 [Register of Albemarle Parish, http://familysearch.org/search/catalog/376749, film 30161, images 64, 85, 123, 129, 130]. Samuel took the oath of allegiance in Sussex County on 11 October 1777 [Tithables, 1753-1782, frame 832, LVA microfilm no. 9]. He was head of a Sussex County household of 8 free persons in the 1782 census [VA:44], taxable in Sussex County from 1782 to 1795: taxable on 2 horses and 5 cattle in 1782; charged with his son Samuel's tithe in 1783; taxable on a free male 16-21 in 1792 [PPTL 1782-1812, frames 71, 92, 169, 210, 239, 296, 319, 367, 380]. He was the father of

i. Randel, born 27 October 1759 [Register of Albemarle Parish].

ii. Randolph, born 24 February 1760, son of Samuel and Sarah Blizzard, baptized 8 July 1764, godparents Aaron and Lucy Peters and ____ Blizzard.

iii. Lucy, born 21 January 1761, baptized 16 May 1762, godparents Aaron Peters, Lydia Blizzard, and Selah Flood. She married Benjamin Waldin (Walden) in Southampton County, on 28 August 1782, Mr. John Meglamor minister [Judgment Papers 1777-83, frame 788].

iv. William², born 23 December 1762, son of Samuel and Sarah Blizzard, baptized 10 July 1763, Timothy Santee, Edward and Barbara Blizzard godparents.

v. Samuel², Jr., born say 1762, taxable in Sussex County from 1783 to 1795: called son of Samuel Blizzard in 1783; his tax charged to Robert Lamb in 1786; charged with his own tax in 1789 and 1790; listed with Joseph Canada in Mary Andrews's household in 1791; charged with his own tax from 1792 to 1795 [PPTL 1782-1812, frames 92, 196, 240, 272, 296, 319, 331, 366, 380] and a "Mulatto" taxable in Prince George County from 1801 to 1809 [PPTL, 1782-1811, frames 530, 549, 624, 698].

vi. ?John, born about 1773, taxable in Surry County in 1791 and 1807 [PPTL, 1791-1816, frames 26, 628] and taxable in Sussex County in 1795, 1797 and 1803 [PPTL 1782-1812, frames 380, 431, 585]. He registered in Surry County on 20 October 1800: a free born mulattoe Man a resident of Surry County aged about 27 years, 5'7-1/2" high, bushy hair, pretty well formed of a bright complexion has a large nose and by trade a planter [Back of Guardian Accounts Book 1783-1804, Register of Free Negroes, no.81]. He married Polly Byrd, 22 June 1803 Sussex County bond, Drewry Taylor surety, 23 June marriage.

 

4.    Sarah¹ Blizzard, born say 1739, was the mother of orphans Susanna and Peter Blizzard who were ordered bound out by the churchwardens in Surry County on 17 September 1765. Peter was called a "poor Mulatto" on 21 January 1772 when the court issued the same order. On 23 February 1779 he and (his brothers?) James and Samuel Blizzard, apprentices to William Rae, complained to the Surry County court that Rae was ill treating them [Orders 1764-74, 81, 276; 1775-85, 80]. On 19 November 1779 and 21 October 1779 the Sussex County court ordered the churchwardens to bind out her orphan children Samuel, James and Sarah [Orders 1777-82, 81, 87]. She was the mother of

8     i. Susanna, born say 1759.

9     ii. Peter, born say 1761.

iii. James, born say 1768, an apprentice of William Rae on 23 February 1779.

iv. Samuel³, born say 1770, an apprentice of William Rae on 23 February 1779. He was taxable in Cabin Point District of Surry County in 1787 and 1788 and from 1806 to 1816: listed with 2 "free Negroes & Mulattoes" in 1813 [PPTL, 1782-90, frames 444, 469; 1791-1816, frames 611, 648, 685, 704, 728, 849].

10   v. Sarah², born before 1776.

 

5.    Edward Blizzard, born say 1740, was living in Sussex County in June 1764 when he was charged with breach of the peace on Barbara Emerson who confessed to the court that she had lived in adultery with Edward for the previous ten years. He was discharged because it appeared to the court that she was a person of such ill fame that they could not admit her as a witness. He and Barbara Blizzard were the godparents of Samuel Blizzard's son William on 10 July 1763. On 21 December 1780 the court ordered his son Armstead bound out as an apprentice, "it appearing to the court that his father neglects his education" [Orders 1764-6, 70; 1777-82, 113]. He was the father of

i. Armstead, born say 1760, son of Edward Blizzard, ordered bound out by the Sussex County court on 21 December 1780. He was taxable in Sussex County from 1790 to 1796: listed with Thomas Clary in 1791 [PPTL 1782-1812, frames 273, 297, 366, 420].

 

6.   Hezekiah¹ Blizzard, born say 1749, was taxed on an assessment of £16 in the 1783 Duplin County, North Carolina List of Captains Ward, Hubbard, and Whitehead (called Ezekiel Blizzard) [N.C. Genealogy XVIII:2781]. He married Leah Cartey (Carter), 19 December 1782 Duplin County bond and was surety for the 15 November 1789 Duplin County marriage of Emmanuel Carter. He was among several free African Americans counted as white in Duplin County in 1790, head of a household of 1 male and 5 females [NC:190]. He was apparently deceased by 18 January when (his widow?) Keziah Blizzard married Jonathan Nickens, Solomon Carter (her brother) surety. Perhaps his children were

i. John, born say 1775, head of a Duplin County household of 6 "other free" in 1800. He purchased 207 acres near Goshen Swamp in Duplin County by three deeds signed 1 October 1810 and 17 September 1812 [DB 4A:407, 408, 409]

 

7.    William³ Blizzard, born about 1766, was living in Brunswick County, Virginia, on 20 January 1773 when he and Rebecca Dungeon (Dungee) were ordered to be let out to the lowest bidder [Hopkins, St. Andrew's Parish Vestry Book, 92]. He was taxable in Surry County in 1786 [PPTL, 1782-90, frame 397]. He registered in Surry County on 6 October 1794: a mulattoe man, born free in the County aforesaid, aged about 28 years of a yellowish complexion, about 5'10" high of a thin visage and slender made [Back of Guardian Accounts Book 1783-1804, no.2]. He may have been the father of

i. Betsy, alias Betsy Blizzard, of lawful age, married James Ruff, 23 May 1823 Surry County bond, William Blizzard surety.

 

8.    Susan Blizzard, born say 1759, daughter of Sarah Blizzard, married Ben, "a free negro" formerly the property of James Jenkins, 22 March 1791 Surry County bond, John Andrews surety, 29 March marriage by the Rev. John Paup, elder in the Methodist Church. She was a "free Molatto" counted in Surry County in 1803 with her children Sam, Anna, and Ben Blizzard, living on Jesse Cocke's land [A List of Molatto's in Surry County in the Year 1803, http://familysearch.org/search/catalog/1468651, film no. 4121845, frame 5 of 16] and head of a Surry County household of 8 "other free" in 1810 [VA:601]. She was the mother of

i. Samuel⁴, born about 1786, registered in Surry County on 26 August 1822: the son of Susan Blizzard aged 36 years is 5'7-3/4" high, was born free, is of bright complexion. He married Caty Williams, daughter of James Williams, 28 December 1807 Surry County bond, David Charity surety, 7 January 1808 marriage.

ii. Anna, listed in Surry County as a "free Negro & Mulatto above the age of 16" in 1813 [PPTL, 1791-1816, frame 728].

iii. Ben.

 

9.    Peter Blizzard, born say 1761, was called the orphan of Sarah Blizzard on 17 September 1765 when the Surry County court ordered the churchwardens to bind him out and called a "poor Mulatto" on 21 January 1772 when the court issued the same order. On 23 February 1779 he, James, and Samuel Blizzard, apprentices to William Rae, complained to the court that Rae was ill treating them [Orders 1764-74, 81, 276; 1775-85, 80]. He was called Peter Blizzard of Surry County on 29 October 1788 when he sold 100 acres in Prince George County which Edward Newell had sold to him in the year 1782 for serving as a soldier in the Continental service for 18 months in place of John Newell [DB 1787-92, 232]. He was taxable in Surry County from 1788 to 1816: listed with 4 "free Negroes & Mulattoes above the age of 16" in 1813; taxable on 2 free tithes in 1812 and 1813, 3 in 1815, and 2 in 1816 [PPTL, 1782-90, frames 469, 594; 1791-1816, 105, 232, 361, 439, 588, 666, 847]. Peter married Mary Charity, 30 September 1791 Surry County bond, counted in Surry County in 1803 with (wife) Mary Blizzard and his children Polly, Carter, Betsy, Boling and Billy Blizzard, living on John Mark's land [A List of Molatto's in Surry County in the Year 1803, http://familysearch.org/search/catalog/1468651, film no. 4121845, frame 5 of 16] and head of a Surry County household of 2 "free colored" in 1830. They were the parents of

i. ?Carter, born say 1796, taxable in Surry County in 1816 [PPTL, 1791-1816, frame 847], a "free man of color" who sued Billups Clinch in Surry County in November 1825 because Clinch left the State of Virginia without paying him for hewing 1,304 feet of pine timber and sawing 3,888 feet of plank in 1823. After discounting the brandy Clinch provided Blizzard, the amount came to $26 [LVA chancery file 1832-010, http://virginiamemory.com/collections/chancery/].

ii. William Evans, born about 1802, registered in Surry County on 20 November 1822: son of Peter and Mary Blizzard of this County, aged 20 years is 5'7" high, streight and well made.

iii. Sherrard, born about 1813, registered in Surry County on 20 July 1833: son of Peter Blizzard & Mary his wife...about 20 years of age rather of a dark complexion...and is 5'8-1/4" high and of a slender make [Hudgins, Surry County, Virginia, Register of Free Negroes, 76, 112].

 

10.    Sarah² Blizzard, born before 1776, was head of a Surry County household of 8 "free colored" in 1830. Her Surry County estate was settled in 1839 [Wills, Etc. 7:663-5]. She was the mother of

i. Champion, born in February 1801, registered in Surry County on 20 August 1822: son of Sally Blizzard, he was born free, is of a bright complexion, has a flat Nose...5'6" high, pretty straight made was 21 years old last February.

ii. Willis, born about 1806, registered in Surry County on 22 March 1828: son of Sally Blizzard a free woman of Surry County...of a dark complexion stout make, large flat nose, thick lips, is 5'5-1/4" high and about 22 years of age.

iii. Charles³, born 20 June 1807, registered in Surry County on 23 June 1828: son of Sally Blizzard a free black woman of Surry County...of a dark complexion, flat nose, is 5'6" high, well made, and was 21 years of age the 20^th day of the present month [Hudgins, Surry County Register of Free Negroes, 75, 86].

 

BLUE FAMILY

Members of the Blue family were

i. Stepney, born say 1750, a slave who ran away from his owner, Nathan Yancy of York County, with his wife Esther Roberts, "a free Negro woman" according to the 29 September (and 2 November) 1774 issue of the Virginia Gazette [Virginia Gazette, Purdie and Dixon, p. 3, col. 3].

ii. Mary, a "free Molatto" bound to Mary Scott of Elizabeth River Parish on 20 June 1771 by order of the Norfolk County court [Orders 1771-3, 1].

iii. William¹, a "Negro" jailed in Norfolk Borough according to the 12 January 1797 issue of the Norfolk Herald and Public Advertiser [Headley, 18th Century Newspapers]

iv. William², born about 1787, registered in Petersburg on 14 January 1809: a light brown free Mulatto man, six feet inches high, twenty one - twenty two years old, rather thin & straight made, short hair, a black smith, born free & raised in the City of Richmond [Register of Free Negroes 1794-1819, no. 453].

 

BLUFORD FAMILY

1.    Sarah Bluford, born say 1763, had been bound to Matthew Green until the age of thirty-one when she complained to the Lancaster County court on 18 January 1781 that Green sold her to Rawleigh Hazard. The court ordered that Hazard give bond not to remove her from the county [Orders 1778-83, 71]. She was a "M^o" taxable in Gloucester County in 1813 and "mul^o" taxable there on 5 head of cattle in 1814 [PPTL 1782-1815]. She was probably the mother of

i. Thomas Blufoot, born say 1786, a "Mulatto" taxable in Gloucester County from 1802 to 1819, listed with his unnamed wife in 1813 [PPTL 1782-1815].

ii. Francis, a "Mulatto" taxable in Gloucester County from 1804 to 1819   [PPTL 1782-1815].

 

BOLLING FAMILY

1.   Judith Bowling, born say 1698, was the servant of Ann Hould on 18 November 1719 when she admitted in Northumberland County court that John Figrow alias John Oxendine "(Mallatto)" was the father of her illegitimate child. The court ordered that she be sold by the churchwardens after the completion of her indenture and another year of service for her master's trouble [Orders 1713-9, 347; 1719-29, 167]. She may have been the ancestor of

2     i. Winnefred, born say 1760.

ii. William Bowlen, head of a Grainger County, Tennessee household of 8 "other free" in 1810.

iii. Edmund Bowlen, head of a Grainger County household of 8 "other free" in 1810 and husband of Fanny Goings, daughter of Shadrack Goings/ Gowen who named her in his 1805 Patrick County, Virginia will.

iv. David Bowlen, head of a Grainger County household of 5 "other free" in 1810.

v. Lisha Bowlen, head of a Grainger County household of 3 "other free" in 1810.

 

2.    Winnefred Bowling, born say 1760, was "a Mullattoe child" bound by the Lancaster County court to John Hazzard until the age of eighteen years on 13 March 1765 [Orders 1756-69, 112]. She may have been the mother of

i.  Charity Bolin, a "Mulatto" listed in Culpeper County in 1813 [PPTL 1782-1813, frame 175].

ii. Betty Bolin, a "Mulatto" listed in Culpeper County in 1813 [PPTL 1782-1813, frame 175].

 

BOLTON FAMILY

1.    Lettice Bolton, born say 1690, was the mother of Charles, a "bastard Mulatto boy...by a Negro or Mulatto man slave," who was bound out by the churchwardens of Cople Parish, Westmoreland County, Virginia, to William Keene of Northumberland County on 24 October 1720 [Westmoreland Deeds & Wills 7:68-9]. She was the ancestor of

i. Charles, born about 1710, an eleven-year-old "Mullato born of an English woman" listed in the Northumberland County estate of Elizabeth Banks on 15 March 1721/2. By his 28 October 1725 Northumberland County will, proved 16 February 1725/6, William Keen set him free at the age of twenty-four [Record Book 1718-26, 167-70, 386a].

ii. ?Solomon, head of a Georgetown District, Prince George's Parish, South Carolina household of 8 "other free" in 1790. He was living on the Little Pee Dee River in Georgetown District, South Carolina, adjoining George Collins and Isaac Linegar on 12 November 1789 when Stephen Gibson was granted land adjoining theirs. It also adjoined land of Cudworth Oxendine and Joseph Bass [South Carolina Archives, series S213190, 26:34; S213212, 1:260]. Isaac Linegar was head of a Prince Fredericks Parish, Georgetown District household of 4 "other free" in 1790 and 10 "other free" in Marlboro District in 1800 [SC:54b]. Solomon and Spencer Bolton were among the "free persons of Colour" of present-day Liberty and Marlboro counties, South Carolina, who petitioned the legislature to repeal the discriminatory tax against "free Negroes" on 20 April 1794 [South Carolina Department of Archives and History, General Assessment Petition, 1794, no. 216, frames 370-374, Free People of Color ST 1368, series no. 165015, item 216].

iii. ?Spencer, head of a Georgetown District, Prince George's Parish, South Carolina household of 8 "other free" in 1790. He was about 70-80 years of age and living in Laurens District, South Carolina, when he appeared in court on 17 October 1832 to apply for a pension for his service in the Revolution. He stated that he was born on the Pee Dee River in South Carolina, was drafted into the militia while resident in Marion District in 1776, moved to Rafting Creek in Sumter District, then to Spartanburg, and had been living in Henderson County, North Carolina, about a year on 3 October 1845 when he renewed his pension application [NARA, R.995, M804, http://fold3.com/image/10984504].

iv. ?Lewis, head of an Overton County, Tennessee household of 12 "free colored" in 1820.

v. ?Stephen, head of a Greenville County, South Carolina household of 6 "free colored" in 1820.

vi. Sarah, a "free person of Colour" who petitioned the General Assembly of South Carolina in 1806 to be exempted from the tax on free Negro women [S.C. Archives series S.165015, item 01885].

 

BOND FAMILY

1.    Elizabeth Bond, born say 1705, was "a mulatto woman" listed in the 20 February 1726/7 inventory of the Essex County estate of John Gilby with her "mulatto children" Eleanor Bond, four years old, and Sarah Bound, two years old [Dorman, Wills, Bonds, Inventories 1722-30, 52]. She was the mother of

i. Eleanor, born about 1723.

ii. Sarah, born about 1725.

iii. ?Anna, born say 1730, a "Runaway Molatto servant" belonging to John Stone of King and Queen County who was taken up by Benjamin Rhodes before 7 February 1752 when he proved his claim in Middlesex County court [Orders 1745-52, 380].

 

BOON FAMILY

Members of the Boon family in North Carolina and Virginia were

1     i. Patt, born say 1742.

2     ii. James¹, born say 1745.

iii. Willis¹, born about 1750, enlisted in William's Company of the 5^th North Carolina Regiment for 2-1/2 years in 1777 and was omitted in February 1778 [Clark, The State Records of North Carolina, XVI:1013]. He was about 70 when he appeared in Chowan County court on 11 October 1820 to apply for a pension for his services in the Revolution, stating that he enlisted for 2-1/2 years in Captain John Pugh Williams's Company and served until the Battle of Germantown when he was transferred to Polk's Regiment and served until the end of the war. He had no one in his family but his elderly wife. His application included a certificate from Colonel Nicholas Long [NARA, S.41455, M804, roll 288, frame 409 of 842]. He was head of a Chowan County household of 2 "free colored" in 1820 (a man and woman over 45) [NC:118].

iv. Jacob, born about 1754, a yellow complexioned soldier, 5'5-1/2" high, a farmer born in Isle of Wight and living in Nansemond County when he enlisted in the Revolution for 1-1/2 years on 28 September 1780 [Register & description of Noncommissioned officers & Privates, LVA accession no. 24296, by http://revwarapps.org/b69.pdf (p.61)].

v. Elisha, born about 1757, enlisted in Baker's Company in the 10^th North Carolina Regiment for 9 months on 20 July 1778 [Clark, The State Records of North Carolina, XVI:1018]. He was head of a Northampton County household of 4 "free colored" in 1820 [NC:218]. He was about 61 when he appeared in Wake County court on 13 June 1818 to apply for a pension for his service in the Revolution, stating that he enlisted early in the war as a volunteer in Nash County under the command of Captain Isaac Horn who marched his company to Halifax where he was put under the command of Captain John Baker of the 10^th Regiment for 9 months about July 1778. He had a family living near Raleigh: his wife Aylsey about 20 years old, son Anderson about 7, son Josiah about 4, and daughter Eliza about 2. He testified for the Orange County pension application of Frederick Reed that he served with him and left him at the hospital in Philadelphia in April 1779. He had moved to Lexington, Kentucky, by 7 June 1824 [NARA, S.35196, M804, roll 288, frame 14 of 842; R.8689, Roll 2014, frame 987 of 1018].

vi. David, born say 1760, enlisted in Ballard's Company of the 10^th North Carolina Regiment for 9 months on 20 July 1778 [Clark, The State Records of North Carolina, XVI:1019]. H. Murfree received his final pay [Clark, The State Records of North Carolina, XVII:193]. He was head of a Northampton County household of 1 "other free" in 1810 [NC:714] and 10 "free colored" in Hertford County in 1820 [NC:182].

3    vii. Daniel, born say 1760.

viii. John, head of a Hyde County, North Carolina household of 1 "other free" in 1810 [NC:138], probably related to Hannah Boon, born 1776-1794, head of a Craven County household of 4 "free colored" in 1820 [NC:72].

 

1.    Patt Boon, born say 1742, was living in Bertie County in August 1774 when the court ordered her "bastard Mulatto" children: Lewis, Katie, Judah, and Arthur bound apprentices to James Brown [Haun, Bertie County court Minutes, II:92]. Her children were

4     i. Rachel¹, born say 1760.

ii. Lewis, born about 1763, "bastard Mulatto of Patt Boon," bound apprentice in 1774. He enlisted in the Revolution for 9 months in Baker's Company on 20 July 1778 [Clark, The State Records of North Carolina, XVI:1018]. He was head of a Northampton County, North Carolina household of 9 "other free" in 1800 [NC:429], 5 in Halifax County in 1810 [NC:5], and 5 "free colored" in Halifax in 1820 [NC:142]. He Purchased 80 acres in Halifax County on Rocky Creek adjoining Benjamin James from Isham Davis on 2 March 1805 for $150, and he sold 30 acres on Rocky Swamp in Halifax County for $60 to Henry Hawkins, Jr., on 27 March 1805 [DB 20:313-4]. He purchased 35 acres adjoining Jesse Richardson on Falling Creek in Halifax County from Hardy Richardson on 1 March 1822 [DB 25:590]. He was about 86 years old on 16 August 1843 when he appeared in Halifax County court to apply for a pension for his service in the Revolution. He stated that he enlisted in Bertie County for 9 months in July 1778 in Captain Blount's Company. He was born in 1757 in Bertie County, moved to Northampton County and had been living in Halifax County for the last forty years [NARA, S.6683, M804, http://fold3.com/image/14483482].

iii. Katie, born about 1765, the nine-year-old "bastard Mulatto of Patt" ordered bound to James Brown by the August 1774 Bertie County court.

5     iv. Rebecca, born say 1768.

v. Judah/ Judith, born about 1768, six-year-old "bastard Mulatto of Patt" bound to James Brown by the August 1774 Bertie County court, head of a Hertford County household of 4 "other free" in 1810 [NC:107].

vi. Arthur, born about 1773, one-year-old "bastard Mulatto of Patt" bound by the Bertie County court to James Brown in August 1774, head of a Hertford County household of 6 "other free" in 1790 [NC:25]. On 1 December 1800 he complained to the Northampton County court that his children Shadrack, Noah and Polly had been bound out by the court four years previous as apprentices without his consent [N.C. Apprentice Bonds and Records, Northampton County; http://familysearch.org/search/film/007641008, frame 1973 of 2002].

vii. ?Cader, born before 1776, head of a Bertie County household of 1 "other free" in 1810 [NC:160] and 16 "free colored" in 1820 [NC:54].

viii. ?James³, born say 1780, married Jincey Tann, 5 June 1826 Northampton County bond. On 18 August 1835 Mima Boon petitioned the Halifax County court to bind her children Lewis and Lam Boon to their uncle James because the children's father was insane. He may have been the James W. Boon, "Male Mulatto," who was 80 years old in 1860 in Halifax County household number 1513. He owned $652 real estate and was living with Caroline who was 49 years old.

ix. ?Patsy, head of a Hertford County household of 2 "other free" in 1810 [NC:107] and 2 "free colored" in 1820 [NC:206].

x. ?Ruth, born before 1776, head of a Northampton County household of 7 "free colored" females in 1820 [NC:218].

 

2.    James¹ Boon, born say 1745, was a "Mixt. Blood" taxable in Hertford County in 1770 [Fouts, Tax Receipt Book, 31] and head of a Gates County household of 1 "other free" in 1790 [NC:23]. He may have been the James Boon who enlisted for 9 months in Bradley's 10^th North Carolina Regiment on 20 July 1778. John Sheppard received his final pay of £23 in Halifax [Clark, The State Records of North Carolina, XVI:1019; XVII:193]. And he may have been the James Boon whose heirs received warrant no. 1493 of 640 acres for service in the Revolution [N.C. Archives, S.S. no. 1498, call no. S.108.357, http://archives.ncdcr.gov/doc/search-doc]. The February 1790 Gates County court ordered his twelve-year-old orphan son Thomas Boon bound an apprentice shoemaker to Thomas Marshall. The inventory of his estate was recorded in Gates County court on 20 February 1794 [Minutes 1790-6, 185]. He was the father of

i. ?Elias, born before 1776, head of a Halifax County household of 6 "free colored" in 1820 [NC:142].

ii. ?James³, born before 1776, head of a Halifax County household of 8 "free colored" in 1820 [NC:142].

iii. ?Moses, born before 1776, head of a Gates County household of 8 "free colored" in 1820 [NC:144].

iv. ?William, head of a Halifax County household of 6 "free colored" in 1820 [NC:142].

v. Thomas, born about 1778, a twelve-year-old bound apprentice in Gates County in 1790.

 

3.    Daniel Boon, born say 1760, was a "negro" head of a Nansemond County household of 1 black person in the 1783 census [VA:56]. He may have been the father of

i. Sarah, born about 1787, registered in Petersburg on 30 December 1808: a yellowish brown free negro woman, five feet three inches high, twenty one years old, born free in Nansemond County p. Certificate of Prince George County [Register of Free Negroes 1794-1819, no. 439]. She was head of a Petersburg household of 4 "other free" in 1810 [VA:127b].

ii. James⁴/ Jim, born about 1792, registered in Petersburg on 1 December 1818: a free man of Colour, five feet six inches high, twenty six years old, dark complection, born free in Isle of Wight County [Register of Free Negroes 1794-1819, no. 940]. He was a "Free Negro" taxable in Nansemond County in 1815 [PPTL, 1815-1837, frame 15]. He married Obedience Brandon, widow of Moses, 22 March 1819 Petersburg bond, Joseph Shepherd surety.

iii. Jesse, born about 1796, registered in Sussex County on 28 February 1820: brown complexion, 5'10", free born, 24 years old [Free Negro Register, 1800-1850, Certificate no.383].

 

4.    Rachel¹ Boon, born say 1760, was a "Molatter" taxable in 1772 in James Purvis's household in the Bertie County List of Reddick Rutland [CR 10.702.1]. She was head of a Bertie County household of 3 "other free" in 1800 [NC:34]. Her children were

i. ?Sarah, born about 1776, ordered bound to Thomas Pugh, Junior, by the Bertie court in February 1789 (no parent named) [Haun, Bertie County Court Minutes, VI:728]. She was head of a Bertie County household of 2 "other free" in 1810 [NC:166].

ii. ?Rachel², born about 1779, four years old on 14 May 1783 when she was bound apprentice in Bertie County (no parent named) [Haun, Bertie County Court Minutes, XIV:160].

iii. Willis², born about 1782, son of Rachel, bound an apprentice shoemaker to Richard Veal on 16 May 1791 [NCGSJ XIV:165], head of a Chowan County household of 2 "free colored" in 1820 [NC:118].

iv. Hill, born about 1783, son of Rachel, bound an apprentice shoemaker to Richard Veal on 16 May 1791 [NCGSJ XIV:165], head of a Bertie County household of 15 "free colored" in 1820 [NC:54].

 

5.    Rebecca Boon, born say 1768, was living in Bertie County on 7 May 1792 when her seven-year-old son Cary was bound to Richard Veal to be a shoemaker [NCGSJ XIV:166]. She was head of a Northampton County household of 8 "free colored" in 1820 [NC:218]. Her children were

i. Cary, born about 1784.

ii. ?Benjamin, head of a Bertie County household of 3 "other free" in 1810 [NC:166].

iii. ?Robert, born about 1795, bound an apprentice cartwheel maker to William Sowell in Bertie County on 13 May 1799 (no parent identified) [NCGSJ XIV:169].

 

Another member of the Boon family was

i. Isaac, born about 1775, registered in Southampton County on 26 August 1816: age 41, Mulatto, 5 feet 5-1/4 inches, free born [Register of Free Negroes 1794-1832, no. 1025].

 

BOOTH FAMILY

1.    James Booth, born say 1685, a "free Negro," was living in Isle of Wight County on 27 March 1709 when he was convicted of being part of a conspiracy involving "great numbers of Negro and Indian" slaves in James City, Surry and Isle of Wight counties. He was found guilty of having (prior) knowledge of the conspiracy and of entertaining several of the conspirators at his house. He received twenty-nine lashes [Palmer, Calendar of State Papers, 130]. He may have descended from Elizabeth Booth, daughter of Elizabeth Kay/ Key of Northumberland County [Northumberland County Record Book 1652-58, 66, 67, 85a, 85b; 1658-66, 27, 43, 44]. He was probably the ancestor of

2     i. Lewis¹, born say 1710.

 

2.    Lewis¹ Booth, born say 1710, was married to Mary Allen, daughter of Joseph Allen, on 5 December 1751 when she signed (by mark) the appraisal of her deceased father's Isle of Wight County estate. On 11 July 1754 Lewis, Mary, her sister Judith and brother Joseph Allen (by Lewis Booth his guardian) sued their brother William Allen, claiming he had sold slaves belonging to their father's estate valued at £80 [WB 5:391-2; Orders 1749-54, 511; Chancery file 1757-003, LVA].

3     i. Priscilla, born say 1731.

4     ii. Jesse¹, born say 1750.

 

3.    Priscilla Booth, born say 1731, was the godmother of Mary, daughter of Timothy and Martha Santee, who was baptized in Albemarle Parish, Sussex County, on 14 June 1752 [Register of Albemarle Parish, http://familysearch.org/search/catalog/376749, film 30161, image 126]. Priscilla was the mother of two "base begotten" children Jesse and Sylvia Booth who were ordered bound as apprentices by the Nash County, North Carolina court in April 1778 [Minutes 1778-85, 8]. She may have been identical to Priscilla Tann who was married to Benjamin Tann when he made his 11 September 1806 Nash County will. Jesse Booth was executor of the will and a neighbor of the Tann family [WB 4:42]. Her children were

i. Jesse², born say 1762, perhaps identical to Jesse Tann.

ii. Sylvia, born say 1764.

 

4.    Jesse¹ Booth, born say 1750, was granted two tracts of land in Nash County on 13 March 1780: one for 300 acres on Cooper's Creek adjoining Lammon and another for 137 acres on the south side of the Tar River adjoining Lammon [DB 3:276-7]. He was taxable in Nash County on 437 acres, 2 horses and 9 cattle in Captain Nicholson's District in 1782 [GA 46.1].  He purchased 10 acres of land from his neighbor Benjamin Tann on 10 February 1804 and was executor of Benjamin's 11 September 1806 Nash County will, proved November 1806 [DB 7:215; WB 4:42]. On 14 August 1809 the Nash County court bound Berry and Elijah Locus, orphans of James Locus, to him as apprentices [Rackley, Nash County Court Minutes VI:71]. He was head of a Nash County household of 8 "other free" in 1800 [NC:90], 6 in 1810 [NC:668], and 7 "free colored" in 1820 [NC:441]. On 20 June 1821 he made a deposition in Nash County that Hannah Tann was the daughter of Jesse Tann and rightful heir of James Tann, a soldier who died while serving in the Revolution [SS 460.2]. He may have been the father of

i. Lewis², head of a Nash County household of 3 "other free" in 1800 [NC:90].

ii. Archel, head of a Nash County household of 4 "other free" in 1810 [NC:669].

iii. Rebecca, head of a Nash County household of 3 "free colored" in 1820 [NC:442].

 

BOSMAN FAMILY

1.    James¹ Bozman, born say 1745, and his wife Susannah were the parents of Susannah Bozman whose 3 February 1771 birth was registered in St. Peter's Parish, New Kent County. He may have been the son of Lucy Boastman whose illegitimate daughter Sherwood's 5 January 1755 birth was recorded in St. Peter's Parish [NSCDA, Parish Register of St. Peter's, 148, 146]. He was head of a New Kent County household of 8 "mulattoes" in the 1783 census [VA:36], 8 "whites" and a dwelling in 1785 [VA:92] and 7 "other free" in 1810 [VA:745]. He was taxable on 2 horses and 4 cattle in the lower end of St. Peter's Parish from 1782 to 1801: taxable on a slave in 1796; taxable on 2 free tithables and 2 horses in 1801 and 1802; taxable on 40 acres from 1790 to 1800. He apparently died about 1803 since Susannah Bosman was taxable on a free male tithable from 1803 to 1806 [PPTL 1782-1800, frames 9, 87, 93, 109, 142, 159, 180, 202; 1791-1828, frames 264, 279, 328, 380, 417]. He was the father of

i. ?Harman, born say 1765, taxable on a horse in New Kent County in 1787 and 1788, taxable on his own tithe from 1787 to 1796 and from 1801 to 1803 [PPTL 1782-1800, frames 93, 109, 202; 1791-1828, frames 264, 279, 293, 353, 380].

ii. ?James², Jr., born say 1766, taxable in New Kent County from 1787 to 1820: called James, Jr., from 1787 to 1802; taxable on a slave and 2 horses in 1803; listed as a "M"(ulatto) in 1807 and thereafter; listed with his unnamed wife in 1813; taxable on 2 tithes and a horse in 1820 [PPTL 1782-1800, frames 93, 142, 180, 202; 1791-1828, frames 225, 279, 304, 328, 380, 428, 491, 573].

iii. Susannah, born 3 February 1771.

iv. Sarah, born 22 March 1773, "of James and Susannah Bosman" [NSCDA, Parish Register of St. Peter's, 148].

2     v. ?John, born say 1782.

vi. ?Benakin, a "Mulatto" taxable in New Kent County from 1809 to 1820: listed with his unnamed wife in 1813 [PPTL 1791-1828, frames 441, 452, 462, 473, 491, 503, 573], head of a New Kent County household of 4 "other free" in 1810 [VA:746].

 

2.    John Boasman, born say 1782, was taxable in New Kent County from 1798 to 1802 [PPTL 1791-1828, frames 317, 341, 367], called John Bowsman in 1810, head of a Richmond City household of 6 "other free" [VA:330]. He and his unnamed wife were listed as "Blacks free" in the upper district of Henrico County in 1813 [PPTL 1782-1814, frame 757]. They were probably the parents of

i. James, born about 1812, registered in Henrico County on 7 September 1839: about 27 years of age, a light mulatto man, 5 feet 8 inches, Born free as appears by a certificate of his register from the clerk of the Richmond Hustings Court. His wife Caroline Boasman registered the same day: formerly Caroline Ferrell, about 25 years of age, a mulatto woman, 5 feet 2 inches, wife of d^o [Register of Free Negroes and Mulattoes, 1831-1844, p.34, nos. 937, 938].

 

BOW FAMILY

1.    Sarah Overton, born about 1700, was the mother of three "Mallatto Children" Bob Bow, Jack Spaniard Bow, and Spanial Bow who were bound to Edmund Chancey until the age of twenty-one by the Pasquotank County court on 12 July 1738. She was called a "Mallatto Woman" when she appeared in Pasquotank County court in October 1745 at the age of forty-five, stating that she was illegally held in servitude by Edmund Chancey. The court freed her from her indenture to Chancey after being allowed by the court to "go up the river to see for her age in a Bible there" [Haun, Pasquotank County Court Minutes 1737-46, 32, 179, 186; N.C. Apprentice Bonds and records, Pasquotank, G-Misc, 1716-1881, frame 360 of 2042; A-F, frames 1686-90 of 1944; http://familysearch.org/search/catalog/766317]. Chancey left a Pasquotank County will on 15 March 1753 by which he bequeathed the remainder of the service of "Two Servants Jack Spanyerd boe and Spanyoll Boe" to his son Daniel Chancey and left the remainder of the service of Bob Boe, Rachel Boe, and Frank Boe and her two children to his daughter-in-law Rachel Chancey [Secretary of State WB 8:55-60]. Her children were

2     i. Robert/Bob Bow, born 10 December 1729(?).

3     ii. ?Frank Bow, born say 1731.

iii. Rachel, born say 1733.

iv. Jack Spaniard Bow, born November 1734, eight-year-old "Mallatto" son of Sarah Boe, bound to Chancey on 17 April 1742.

v. Spanial Bow, born May 1738, four-year-old son of Sarah Boe bound to Chancey on 17 April 1742.

 

2.    Robert¹ Bow, born 10 December 1729, was the son of Sarah Overton, a "Mallatto" servant of Edmund Chancey of Pasquotank County. He was bound to Edmund Chancey until the age of twenty-one by order of the Pasquotank County court on 12 July 1738 [Haun, Pasquotank County Court Minutes 1737-46, 32]. He was about twelve years old in April 1742, called "Mallatto Boy Bob Boe, son of Sarah Boe a Servant Mallatto Wench belonging to the said Edmund Chancy," when the Pasquotank County court bound him to Chancy until the age of thirty one [N.C. Apprentice Bonds and records, Pasquotank, A-F, frames 1686-89 of 1944; http://familysearch.org/search/catalog/766317]. He petitioned the Pasquotank County court for his freedom and won his case on testimony from Jonathan Reding and Lodwick Gray in October 1760 [Minutes 1758-60, Wednesday court, October 1760, n.p.]. He was a "Mulatto" taxable in Pasquotank County in 1769 [SS 837] and head of a Pasquotank County household of 5 "other free" in 1790 [NC:27]. He may have been the ancestor of

4     i. Tully, born say 1765.

ii. Ephraim L. Bough, born before 1776, head of a Pasquotank County household of 2 "free colored" in 1820 [NC:285].

iii. Joshua, born say about 1775, head of a Pasquotank County household of 6 "other free" in 1810 [NC:886], a "Black" laborer counted in the 1850 census for Pasquotank County with 60-year-old (wife?) Mildred Bow.

iv. Henry, born say 1780, called a "free man of Colour" on 10 November 1832 when he purchased 2-1/3 acres of land which had once belonged to Mederit Nixon, a "free man of colour." Henry sold this land on 4 April 1834 [DB AA:30; CC:83].

v. Nancy, born say 1790, married James Overton, 19 January 1809 Pasquotank County bond, William Spence surety.

vi. Levi, born say 1805, purchased 40 acres in Pasquotank County on 25 February 1830 for $360, 33 acres by a deed recorded 13 September 1838, and 90 acres on Little River by deed recorded the same day [Z:333; CC:429, 431]. He married Mary Mitchell ("colored"), 3 August 1853 Pasquotank County bond.

vii. Ephraim Bough, head of a Pasquotank County household of 5 "free colored" and 4 slaves in 1820 [NC:285].

 

3.    Frank Bow, born say 1731, was a "Negro Serv Mullatto" servant of Edmund Chancey in July 1748 when the Pasquotank County court bound her "Mullatto" daughter Sue to her master [Haun, Pasquotank County Court Minutes 1747-53, 45]. Chancey left the remainder of her service and that of her two unnamed children to Rachel Chancey by his 15 March 1753 Pasquotank County will [Secretary of State WB 8:55-60]. She was a "Mullatto Woman" taxable in 1769 in Pasquotank County [SS 837]. She was the mother of

i. Sue, born 1 February 1747/8, a "Mullatto Daughter" ordered bound to Edmund Chancey by the July 1748 Pasquotank County court [Minutes 1747-53, 45].

ii.?Sarah, born about 1751, a three-year-old "Mallatto" girl bound by the Pasquotank County court to Rachel Chancey in October 1754 [Minutes 1754-5, n.p.]. She was head of a Pasquotank County household of 8 "other free" in 1810 [NC:888].

 

4.    Tully¹ Bowe, born say 1765, was head of a Pasquotank County household of 3 "other free" in 1790 [NC:27]. On 27 December 1810 he was called a "free person of Colour" when he purchased 50 acres in Pasquotank County near Newbegun Creek and the main road for $225 [DB S:252]. His 31 October 1827 Pasquotank County will, proved in December 1827, gave his land and oxen to his wife Elizabeth and named his children: Robert, Jemima, Timothy, David, Amos, and Tully and grandchild Lacell [WB N:45]. His children were

i. Robert², born say 1790, husband of Rhoda, the heir of Lemuel Hall, who received one-fifth part of 29-8/10 acres on Big Flatty Creek from her father's estate. They sold this land on 3 July 1822 [DB W:273].

ii. Jemima.

iii. Timothy.

iv. David, married Sophia Hybert, 1 April 1818 Cumberland County, North Carolina bond, Wily Mask surety.

v. Amos.

vi. Abby, identified as the wife of John Overton and daughter of Tully and Betty Bowe on 26 October 1830 when she registered as a free person in Pasquotank County [Byrd, In Full Force and Virtue, 192].

vii. Tully².

 

BOWDEN FAMILY

1.    Mary Bowden, born say 1730, was the "Mulatto Servant" of Augustine Washington on 26 May 1752 when the Westmoreland County court ordered her to serve him an additional year after the completion of her indenture for running away for five months. She may have been living in the household of Robert Sibbalds who was sued by Augustine Washington on 21 February 1752 for detaining his "Mulatto Woman." Sibbalds was acquitted of any wrongdoing on 27 July 1752 [Orders 1750-2, 109, 124, 165a]. Mary ran away again and was called the "Mulatto" servant of Augustine Washington on 19 October 1756 when the Essex County court ordered that she be conveyed from constable to constable to her master's house in Westmoreland County [Essex County Orders 1754-7, 272]. She apparently escaped because on 29 August 1758 the Westmoreland County court ruled that she had stayed away for two years and ordered her to serve Augustine Washington an additional four years and six months [Westmoreland County Orders 1758-61, 1a]. She was apparently identical to "Mol" who was listed in the Westmoreland County estate of Augustine Washington, recorded 30 November 1762:

Mol a Woman age unknown free at 31 years old __

Pat free at 31 years old £25

Nan a Mulatto free at 31 years old and title Disputable __

[Inventories of Estates no. 4, 1756-67, 180].

She was probably related to Peter and Mary Bowden who were deceased by 31 August 1787 when the Westmoreland County court conditionally assured their estates to Captain Lawrence Washington [Orders 1676-89, 596]. Mary was the mother of

2     i. Martha, born about 1749.

ii. ?Mary, head of a Spotsylvania County household of 8 "other free" in 1810.

 

2.    Martha Bowden, born about 1749, was the "Mulatto" daughter of Mary Bowden bound apprentice by the churchwardens of Washington Parish, Westmoreland County, to Augustine Washington on 29 January 1750/1 [Orders 1750-2, 31]. She registered in Fredericksburg on 3 June 1820: a mulatto aged seventy one years, five feet one inches high, was born free [Fredericksburg City Certificates and Registry of Free Negroes, 1790-1862, 188]. She was the mother of

i. William, born about 1775, registered in Fredericksburg on 1 January 1808: commonly called William Jackson is the son of a free woman named Patty Bowden, who was the property of Mrs. Spotswood, consort of Genl Alexr. Spotswood untill she arrived at the age of thirty one years, when according to law she became free and was accordingly set at liberty before she bore the said William, who is now arrived at the age of twenty three or four years...worked with my carpenters...Chs Yates [Fredericksburg City Certificates and Registry of Free Negroes, 1790-1862, 138].

ii. Sam, born about 1777, registered in Fredericksburg on 1 January 1808: commonly called Sam Jackson is the son of a free woman named Patty Bowden who was the property of Mrs. Spotswood, consort of Genl. Alexr. Spotswood until she arrived at the age of thirty one years...bore son Sam who is now arrived at the age of twenty one years. Recieved from me his freedom dues. Chs. Yates [Fredericksburg City Certificates and Registry of Free Negroes, 1790-1862, 139].

 

BOWERS FAMILY

1.    Elizabeth Bowers, born say 1712, was a "Mulatto" whose son James Bowers was bound apprentice in Brunswick County, Virginia, on 2 August 1739 and whose unnamed daughter was bound to Thomas Powell in Brunswick County in June 1742 [Orders 1732-41, 254; 1741-83, 118]. She was the mother of

2     i. ?Sarah, born say 1733.

3     ii. ?Mary, born say 1735.

iii. James, born before 2 August 1739. He may have been identical to James Shoemaker. See the Shoemaker history.

4     iv. ?Lucy, born say 1754.

 

2.    Sarah Shoemaker, born say 1733, was living in Craven County, North Carolina, in May 1754 when the court issued a summons for her to show cause why her child John Bowers should not be bound out [Haun, Craven County Court Minutes, IV:231]. She was the mother of

i. John Bowers, born before May 1754.

ii. ?Saul, born say 1760, head of a Craven County household of 3 "other free" in 1790 [NC:131]. He received pay voucher no. 11 on 1 August 1782 for £35 specie for military service in the Revolution from Craven County [N.C. Revolutionary Pay Vouchers, 1779-1782, http://familysearch.org/search/collection/1498361, Bowers, Saul]. He was called Solomon Bowers, tailor, when he purchased Lot 263 on George Street in New Bern on 17 April 1786 for £50 [DB 26:334; 27:113, 368] and when he was surety for the 2 April 1803 Craven County marriage of William Powers and Lucretia Lewis. He died before 8 June 1811 when John Sears sued his Craven County estate for £6. His heir was Savery Bowers [N.C., Wills and Probate Records, 1665-1998, ancestry.com].

iii. ?Solomon Bowers, surety for the 2 April 1803 Craven County marriage of William Powers and Lucretia Lewis.

 

3.    Mary Bowers, born say 1735, was sued by the churchwardens of Nottoway Parish in Southampton County court on 9 January 1756 for a debt of £15, probably the fine for having an illegitimate child by a "Negro or Mulatto." On 10 September 1761 the court ordered the churchwardens to bind out her son Giles Bowers, a poor child [Orders 1754-9, 204, 226; 1759-63, 139]. She was the mother of

5     i. Giles, born say 1750.

 

4.    Lucy Bowers, born say 1754, was living in Brunswick County, Virginia, on 22 December 1777 when the court ordered the churchwardens of Meherrin Parish to bind out her "natural son" Balaam [Orders 1774-82, 178]. She was called the mother of Burwell Bowers on 12 September 1782 when he complained to the Southampton County court against his master Joshua Harris [Orders 1778-84, 251, 254]. Her son Benjamin registered in Southampton County in 1794. Lucy was a "Mulatto" taxable on a free male tithable in St. Luke's Parish, Southampton County, in 1803 and 1804 [PPTL 1792-1806, frames 617, 686]. Her children were

i. Balaam, bound apprentice in Brunswick County on 22 December 1777.

ii. Burwell, born say 1770, complained to the Southampton County court against his master Joshua Harris on 12 September 1782.

iii. Benjamin, born about 1774, registered in Southampton County on 28 November 1794: reputed son of Lucy Bowers a free woman of this County abt. 20 years old 5 feet 6 inches high, a Mulattoe [Register of Free Negroes 1794-1832, no. 92].

 

5.    Giles Bowers, born say 1750, was living in Southampton County in 1766 when he and William Kersey were presented by the court for failing to list themselves as tithables [Judgment Papers 1765-6, 1026]. He was called Giels Bowry when he received a discharge from Captain Henry Pitt that he enlisted in the Revolution on 26 November 1776 for 3 years and faithfully served [Bowry, Giels: Revolutionary War Bounty Warrants, Digital Collection, LVA]. He was called Giles Bourey when he was listed in the muster of the 15^th Regiment in Morristown on 9 December 1779 with James Casey, and Charles Broadfield [NARA, M246, roll 102, frame 651 of 774, http://fold3.com/image/9639902]. He was taxable in Isle of Wight County from 1782 to 1809: listed as a "F.N." in 1792 and thereafter, called Jiles Bowser from 1804 to 1806 [PPTL 1782-1810, frames 4, 27, 45, 60, 74, 89, 242, 271, 346, 390, 428, 473, 491, 652, 673, 715, 771, 791]. James Casey made an affidavit in Isle of Wight County on 26 July 1833 which stated that he and seven other soldiers from Isle of Wight County, including Giles Bowery, enlisted in the 15^th Virginia Regiment under Captain Henry Pitt in the regiment commanded by Colonel David Mason, went north with him, and served for 3 years [Broadfield, Charles: Revolutionary War Bounty Warrants, Digital Collection, LVA]. He may have been the father of

i. James², born say 1790, a "F.N." taxable in Isle of Wight County from 1807 to 1810 [PPTL 1782-1810, frames 771, 790, 846].

 

Endnotes:

1.    Daniel Goff, Burwell Flood, William Clark, Raymond Reed and Joshua Perkins were in the same muster as Giles. Thomas Tann, Dennis Garner, John Goff and Abraham Goff were in some of the previous musters of the 15^th Virginia Regiment [NARA, M246, roll 113, frames 189, 224, 291 of 752; roll 110, frames 242, 484 of 768].

 

BOWLES FAMILY

1.    Amy Bowles, born say 1730, was an illegitimate "Free Mulatto" who was bound by the churchwardens of St. Martin's Parish, Hanover County, Virginia, to serve John Williams and his wife Mary until the age of thirty-one. Her daughter Jane Bowles sued for her freedom in Louisa County in 1778 [Orders 1774-82, 239]. They may have been the descendants of Ann Bowles who was indicted for fornication in York County on 24 June 1687. Her case was continued, but the outcome was not recorded [DOW 7:347; 8:3]. Amy was taxable on 2 horses and 8 cattle in Albemarle County in 1782 [PPTL, 1782-1799, frame 6]. She was called Amy Farrar in 1783 and Amy Farrow from 1784 to 1797 when she was taxable in Fredericksville Parish, Albemarle County: taxable on 2 horses and 5 cattle in 1783; a free male tithable, 3 horses and 8 cattle in 1786, 1787 and 1789; 2 free males and 3 horses in 1790 and 1794 [PPTL 1782-1799, frames 29, 75, 116, 201, 418, 480, 515]. She was called Amy Farrar in the deed and called Amy Farrow in the index to the deeds by which she purchased 224 acres in Albemarle County from William and Elizabeth Johnson on 13 July 1788 for £100. This was land adjoining the Carr family which the Johnsons sold to Charles Barnett the previous year on 30 January 1787 [DB 9:337, 451]. Amy Farrow made a 21 October 1797 Albemarle County will, proved in October 1798, by which she left 224 acres to her sons Zachariah Bowls (Bowles) and Thomas Farrow and mentioned "All my children." Usly Topence (Twopence) was a witness [WB 4:14]. Amy was the mother of

i. Jane, born about 1750, sued for her freedom from the executors of James Michie, deceased, in Louisa County court on 11 May 1778. The court determined that she was the daughter of Amy Bowles, a "Mulatto Bastard child," who was bound by the churchwardens of St. Martin's Parish to John Williams and his wife Mary. Williams'sdescendants sold Jane to James Michie. Jane was about twenty-nine years old on 10 May 1779 when the court ordered her released from servitude because she had never been indentured [Orders 1774-82, 194, 197, 213, 229, 239]. She was taxable on a horse in Fredericksville Parish, Albemarle County, from 1802 to 1804 [PPTL, 1800-1813, frames 113, 156, 202].

2     ii. ?Susanna, born about 1755..

iii. ?Bartlett, born say 1762, taxable in Louisa County in 1782 and 1785 [PPTL, 1782-1814] and taxable in Fredericksville Parish, Albemarle County, from 1793 to 1813: taxable on 2 horses in 1793, listed as a "Mulatto" in 1812 and 1813 [PPTL, 1782-1799, frames 382, 446, 512, 585; 1800-1813, frames 24, 113, 202, 291, 382, 473, 562]. On 6 September 1803 the Albemarle County court approved his free Negro registration but did not record the details [Orders 1801-3, 225]. He was head of an Albemarle County household of 2 "free colored" in 1820.

iv. ?Stephen, say 1763, listed as dead in the November 1777 muster of the 4th Virginia Regiment [NARA, M881, http://fold3.com/image/22717393].

v. Lucy¹, born say 1764, married Charles Barnett, 7 September 1785 Albemarle County bond, George Mann surety.

vi. Martha, born say 1768, spinster, married Griffin Butler, 24 October 1790 Albemarle County bond, Zachariah Bowles surety. Griffin had a suit in Albemarle County chancery court against Zachariah in 1808 [Chancery file 1808-003, LVA]. Griffin was head of an Albemarle County household of 10 "other free" and a slave in 1810 [VA:186].

vii. Zachariah, born about 1769, taxable in Fredericksville Parish, Albemarle County, from 1791 to 1813: taxable on a horse in 1795; taxable on a horse and stud horse in 1810; listed as a "Mulatto" in 1812 and 1813 [PPTL, 1782-1799, frames 292, 343, 382, 446, 477, 512, 550, 585; 1800-1813, frames 24, 68, 113, 156, 202, 245, 291, 339, 382, 429, 473, 517, 562]. He received a grant for 2-1/2 acres on the south side of the Rivanna River in Albemarle County on 1 August 1803 [Grants, 51:490, LVA Digital Collection, http://virginiamemory.com]. He sold 11 acres in Albemarle County to Samuel Carr in 1800 and purchased 7 acres from Carr on the same day. He made a deed of trust for 108 acres to David Anderson in 1804 and sold 40 acres to Samuel Carr in 1807 [DB 13:400, 402; 14:503; 16:141]. On 2 November 1801 the court found him guilty of assault and ordered that he receive fifteen lashes. On 6 September 1803 the court approved his free Negro registration but did not record the details. He registered again on 9 March 1810: a man of Colour... about forty two years of age, five feet 11-1/4 inches high of dark complection [Orders 1800-1, 243-4; 1801-3, 93, 225; 1810-1, 61]. He was head of an Albemarle County household of 2 "other free" in 1810 [VA:185]. He married Critta Hemings while she was still a slave. She was called "Critty sometimes called Critty Bowles, the wife of Zachariah Bowels, a free man of colour" when Francis Eppes purchased her freedom for $50 in 1827 [http://monticello.org/site/research-and-collections/critta-hemings-bowles]. They were listed as 64-year-olds in the 1833 list of free Negroes and Mulattos for Albemarle County which was taken to determine possible emigrants to Liberia [Albemarle 1833 Free Negroes and Mulattoes, African American Digital Collection, LVA].

viii. ?Nancy, born say 1772, married Robert Battles, 12 December 1793 Albemarle County bond, Charles Barnett surety.

ix. Thomas², born about 1778, taxable in Fredericksville Parish, Albemarle County, in 1799, 1802, 1804, and from 1805 to 1810: taxable on 2 horses in 1799; called a "Mulatto" from 1805 to 1810 [PPTL, 1782-1799, frame 589; 1800-1813, frames 27, 117, 207, 250, 296, 343, 386]. He may have been identical to Thomas Farrar who was a "M"(ulatto) taxable in adjoining Buckingham County on a tithe and 2 horses in 1804 and taxable in 1807 [PPTL 1804-9]. He registered in Albemarle County on 6 June 1808: a free man of yellowish complexion aged about twenty nine years, five feet nine & 3/4 inches high [Orders 1808-10, 16]. He left a 25 May 1810 Albemarle County will, proved 7 August 1810, by which he left his land and property to his brother Zachariah Boles and sister Lucy Barnett and left furniture to his neices Judah and Molly Bowles, daughters of Lucy Barnett. He also gave a bedstead that was then at Peter Bowles's to his brother Zachariah. And he gave four windsor chairs to James Bowles, son of Susanna Bowles. He appointed his brother Zachariah Bowles as trustee for his sister Lucy so her husband Charles Barnett should derive no advantage from the property since he had absented himself for many years. Zachariah and Lucy were executor and executrix [WB 5:77].

 

2.    Susanna¹ Bowles, born about 1755, was taxable on a horse in Fredericksville Parish, Albemarle County, from 1791 to 1813: taxable on 1 free male tithe from 1801 to 1803, 2 in 1805 and 1806, 3 in 1813; called a "Mulatto" from 1805 to 1807 and in 1813 [PPTL, 1800-1813, frames 68, 113, 156, 202, 245, 291, 339, 382, 429, 473, 517, 562]. She registered in Albemarle County on 9 March 1810: about fifty five years of age, dark mulatto [Orders 1810-1, 59-61]. She was the mother of

i. ?Francis, born about 1782, taxable in Fredericksville Parish, Albemarle County, from 1802 to 1813: called a "Mulatto" from 1810 to 1813 [PPTL, 1800-1813, frames 113, 155, 382, 456, 473, 518, 541]. He registered in Albemarle County on 8 May 1807: aged about twenty four or twenty five, five feet 9 and one half inches high, mulatto complexion. His suit against Jesse Davenport was dismissed in Albemarle County court on 4 June 1810 on agreement of the parties [Orders 1806-7, 240-2; 1810-1, 96].

ii. ?John, born about 1778, said to have eloped with a "mulatto" woman named Ursula and her nine-year-old daughter Rachel "or more probably were married off from Benjamin D. Willis by a black freeman" according to the 8 November 1797 issue of the Virginia Gazette & General Advertiser. The ad went on to say that John had been a waterman and they were presumed to be in the neighborhood of Milton or Charlottesville as it was said Bowles's mother lived near Charlottesville. John was a "free Negro" taxable in St. Ann's Parish, Albemarle County, from 1799 to 1813: called a "Mulatto" from 1810 to 1813 [PPTL, 1782-1799, frame 585; 1800-1813, frames 4, 46, 136, 227, 363, 456, 541] and head of an Albemarle County household of 6 "other free" in 1810 [VA:182]. He registered in Albemarle County on 2 July 1810: a free Coloured man...aged about thirty two years of age, five feet ten and a half inches high, of a dark complexion [Orders 1810-11, 169

iii. ?David, born say 1782, a "free Negro" taxable in St. Ann's Parish, Albemarle County, from 1801 to 1803 [PPTL, 1800-1813, frames 46, 93, 136].

iv. Jacob, born about 1783, registered in Albemarle County on 1 June 1807: 5 feet 7-1/4 inches aged abt 24 years, son of Sucky Bowls [Boles, Jacob (Alias Jacob Bowles, M): Free Negro Description, 1807, African American Narrative Digital Collection, LVA]. He was taxable in Fredericksville Parish, Albemarle County, in 1806 and 1813: called "Suca son" in 1806; called a "Mulatto from 1810 to 1813 [PPTL, 1800-1813, frames 291, 381, 428, 472, 517].].

v. James, born about 1787, a "Mulatto" taxable in Fredericksville Parish, Albemarle County, from 1809 to 1813 [PPTL, 1800-1813, frames 381, 428, 456, 472]. He registered in Albemarle County on 6 June 1808: a free man...his couler Black about twenty one years of age [Orders 1808-10, 7], called the son of Susanna Bowles when Thomas Farrar gave him four windsor chairs by his 5 May 1810 Albemarle Count will [WB 5:77].

vi. ?Peter, born about 1787, registered in Albemarle County on 6 February 1809: yellow Complexion, about 22 years of age, 5 feet 11 inches high [Bowles, Peter (M, 22): Free Negro Certificate, 1810, African American Narrative Digital Collection, LVA], taxable in Fredericksville Parish, Albemarle County, in 1809, 1812, and 1813: called a "Mulatto" in 1812 and 1813 [PPTL, 1800-1813, frames 382, 518, 561] and head of an Albemarle County household of 2 "free colored" in 1820.

vii. ?Susanna², born about 1793, registered in Albemarle County on 5 November 1810: aged about seventeen years, five feet four & one third high dark Complexion [Orders 1810-1, 259].

 

Other members of the Bowles family were

i. William Bolls, born say 1753, jailed in Middlesex County according to the 21 September 1775 issue of the Virginia Gazette: a negro man...supposed to belong to John Walker of Albemarle...about 5 feet 3 inches high...a shoemaker...since his confinement he says he belongs to Jemmy Jones of Albemarle [Pinkney edition, p. 3, col. 3].

ii. Lucy², head of an Albemarle County household of 6 "other free" in 1810 [VA:185].

iii. Caty, head of an Albemarle County household of 4 "other free" in 1810 [VA:185].

iv. Jefferson, a "free man of Colour" who swore the peace against another free man of Colour Henderson Allmond in Gloucester County on 2 December 1822 [Minutes 1822-5, 205]. Jefferson was head of a Glloucester household of 5 "free colored" and 2 slaves in 1830. 

v. Sophia, born about 1796, registered in Goochland County on 18 January 1819: about 23d year, of light yellow Complexion, about 5 feet four inches high...free born [Register of Free Negroes, no.228].

vi. Thomas, taxable in Fredericksville Parish in 1801 [PPTL, 1800-1813, frame 69], a "free Negro" living in Dumfries on 15 August 1806 when he was listed among a group of whites and free African Americans who were accused of uniting for the purpose of stealing, plundering, etc. [Johnston, Race Relations, 57].

 

BOWMAN FAMILY

Members of the Bowman family were

i. Thomas, born say 1730, living in North Carolina on 13 March 1752 when Robert West, Sr., placed a notice in the North Carolina Gazette of New Bern:

Ran away from the subscribers, on Roanoke River, a Negro fellow, named Thomas Boman, a very good blacksmith, near 6 feet high, he can read, write and cyper, Whoever will apprehend him shall be paid 12 Pistoles, besides what the law allows [Fouts, NC Gazette of New Bern, I:3].

About twenty years later Thomas Boman was a taxable "free Molatto" in John Moore's household in the Bertie County tax list of 1771, 1772, and 1774 [CR 10.702.1, Box 13].

ii. Robert, born say 1735, "a molato" taxable in Andrew Duche's household in Colonel William Craford's 1756 list of tithables in Norfolk County, Virginia [Wingo, Norfolk County Tithables, 1751-65, 100].

1    iii. Francis¹, born say 1743.

2     iv. William, born about 1750.

v. James¹, a soldier who enlisted in the 2^nd Virginia Regiment on 1 July 1778 and served with Captain Thomas Parker until his death on 25 September 1782 [Bowman, James: Revolutionary War Bounty Warrants, Digital Collection, LVA]. On 6 October 1783 an affidavit by Betty Morris, a "free Mulatto woman," that William Bowman was his brother and only surviving heir was certified by the Henrico County court [Orders 1781-4, 439].

vi. Sally, born say 1760, mother of "orphan" Archer Scott who was ordered bound out by the Henrico County court on 7 July 1788 and bound to Daniel Vanderval on 5 January 1789 [Orders 1787-9, 347, 508]. Archer registered in Henrico County on 12 July 1810: a man of Coulor is a free man, born in the County of Henrico of free parents, his mother Sally Bowman and John Indian (alias) John Scott was free Molattoes. The said Archer served his apprenticeship with Marks Vandervall of the City of Richmond...five feet Eight inches high, aged thirty year of age, of a Dark Olive coulor [Scott, Archer (M): Free Negro Certificate, 1810, African American Narrative Digital Collection, LVA].

vii. Charles¹, born say 1762, taxable in Henrico County on a horse and 2 cattle in 1783 [PPTL 1782-1814, frame 21], taxable in Chesterfield County on a horse in 1786 [PPTL, 1786-1811, frame 3], taxable in Henrico County in 1794 [PPTL 1782-1814, frame 315] and taxable in Chesterfield County on 3 tithes in a list of "Mulattoes and free Negroes" in 1809 and 1810 [PPTL, 1786-1811, frames 753, 799]. He married Nancy Aulden, widow, Francis Bowman security, M. Rawlings and Edward Bowman witnesses, 29 June 1790 Henrico County bond. Edward Bowman testified that Nancy was a freeborn woman residing in Henrico County.

3     viii. Edward¹, born say 1764.

ix. James³, a "F.N." taxable in Isle of Wight County in 1790 [PPTL 1790 B, p.2]. He was taxable in adjoining Surry County from 1794 to 1816: called a "free Negro" in 1794, 1796 and 1811; listed with 4 "free Negroes & Mulattoes above the age of 16" in 1813 [PPTL, 1791-1816, frames 177, 253, 397, 438, 518, 610, 647, 685, 725, 848].

x. Polly, head of a Henrico County household of 7 "other free" in 1810 [VA:1008].

 

1.  Francis¹ Bowman, born say 1767, was taxable in the lower district of Henrico County from 1785 to 1807: called a "free Negro" starting in 1806 when he was listed with son Charles [PPTL 1782-1814, frames 77, 158, 174, 289, 315, 340, 351, 420, 460, 551]. On 7 August 1790 the Henrico County court dismissed his suit against Johnson Smith because his attorney had not been instructed on the premises, and the same court ordered that he receive 25 lashes for hog stealing [Orders 1789-91, 368]. He and Edward Bowman were taxed jointly on 55 acres in the lower district of Henrico County from 1802 to 1816, called "free Mulattos" in 1803 and 1805 [Land Tax List 1782-1816]. He was head of a Charles City County household of 4 "other free" in 1810 [VA:98] and a "Mulattoe" taxable in 1813 [PPTL, 1788-1814]. On 17 June 1824 his son Champion Bowman chose him as his guardian in Charles City County court [Minutes 1823-9, 60]. He was the father of

i. Charles, born say 1790, taxable in his father's Henrico County household in 1806. He registered in Henrico County on 12 January 1807: a free Lad, Born of Free parents, being about to leave this state [Bowman, Charles (M): Free Negro Affidavit, 1807, African American Narrative Digital Collection, LVA].

ii. Charity Scott, born about 1792, registered in Henrico County on 12 July 1810: a Woman of Coulour is a free woman born in the County of Henrico and was a Daughter of Lucy & Frank Boman free Molattoes, all of the said county [Scott, Charity (F): Free Negro Certification, 1810, African American Narrative Digital Collection, LVA].

iii. Champion, chose his father Francis Bowman as his guardian in 1824.

 

2.    William¹ Bowman, born about 1750, a "Mulatto," was charged with felony in Chesterfield County on 10 October 1767. His case was referred to the General Court [Orders 4:146]. He enlisted in the 2^nd Virginia Regiment on 2 September 1780 for 18 months and was sized: age 30, 5'6-1/4 inches, sawer, born Chesterfield County, residence Cumberland County, hair Black, Eyes Black, Complexion Swathy [Register & description of Noncommissioned officers & Privates, LVA accession no. 24296, by http://revwarapps.org/b69.pdf (p.25)]. Betty Morris, a "free Mulatto woman," appeared before Richmond Mayor John Beckley and made oath that William Bowman was the only surviving brother and heir at law of James Bowman, deceased, late a soldier in the Virginia Line. The affidavit was certified in Henrico County court on 6 October 1783 [Orders 1781-4, 439]. William or another member of the Bowman family apparently married a daughter of Jane Evans. On 9 July 1791 Robert Wills, 81 years old, of Charles City County testified that the "free mulatto or black" Morris and Scott families of Charles City County and the Bowman family of Henrico County were descendants of a "dark mulatto" woman named Jane Gibson through her daughter Jane Evans [Lynchburg City chancery case file 1826-033, LVA]. William may have been the ancestor of

i. James², born say 1760, taxable in Henrico County on a horse and 6 cattle from 1783 to 1785 [PPTL 1782-1814, frames 21, 43, 69], taxable in Charles City County on a tithe, a horse and 6 cattle from 1786 to 1800 [PPTL, 1788-1814]. He was living in Henrico County on 20 June 1804 when he sold 30 acres in Charles City County where William Day was then living for £31 [DB 5:56].

ii. John, born say 1764, taxable in Charles City County in 1785, taxable on 2 tithes in 1798 and 1799 and 1 in 1800 [PPTL, 1788-1814]. He may have been the husband of Peggy Bowman, illegitimate daughter of Dixon Brown who gave her 10 acres of land where she was then living by his 24 January 1811 Charles City County will which was proved 18 January 1821 [WB 2:471]. In October 1826 she and other heirs of her sister Susannah Harris appointed James Brown to sell Susannah's land [DB 7:371].

4     iii. William², born say 1768.

iv. Nelson, born say 1775, taxable in Charles City County in 1799, a "Mulattoe" taxable in 1814 [PPTL, 1788-1814]. He was head of a Charles City County household of 5 "free colored" in 1820 [VA:10].

5     v. Wiley, born say 1778.

6     vi. Richard, born say 1780.

vii. William³, born say 1781, taxable in Charles City County from 1805 to 1810 (called William Bowman, Jr.) [PPTL, 1788-1814].

7     viii. Samuel, born say 1785.

ix. Oliver, born say 1787, a "free mulatto" declared exempt from taxes by the Charles City County court on 15 June 1837 [Minutes 1830-7, 322].

x. Francis², born about 1788, a laborer counted in the list of free Negroes for Charles City County in 1851 [List of free negroes over 12 years, 1851, African American Narrative Digital Collection, LVA].

8     xi. Edward², born say 1792.

 

3.    Edward¹ Bowman, born say 1764, was presented by the Henrico County court on 3 May 1785 for failing to list his tithables [Orders 1784-7, 170]. He married Catherine Scott, "daughter of Robert and Catherine Scott," 28 December 1786 Henrico County bond, John and Andrew Scott surety and was taxable on a horse in the lower district of Henrico County from 1787 to 1814: called a "free Negro" starting in 1806, a "Mulatto" in 1809 [PPTL 1782-1814, frames 100, 174, 249, 302, 327, 351, 420, 460, 550, 611, 783]. He registered in Henrico County on 12 December 1802: was Free born and has Lived in this County from his Infancy. Jackson Frayser, commissioner of the lower district of Henrico County [Bowman, Edward: Free Negro Certificate, African American Narrative Digital Collection, LVA]. On 4 June 1798 he and Francis Bowman purchased 55 acres on Kernellises Creek in Henrico County for £60 [DB 5:467], and he and Francis were taxed jointly on 55 acres in the lower district of Henrico County from 1802 to 1816, called "free Mulattos" in 1803 and 1805 [Land Tax List 1799-1816]. He was head of a Henrico County household of 10 "other free" in 1810 [VA:1008]. His children were

i. John, born about October 1790, bound as an apprentice gentleman's servant and hairdresser by 14 January 1801 indenture of his father Edward Bowman of Henrico County to John Adams of Richmond City [Hustings DB 3:234]. He registered in Henrico County on 23 March 1807: about seventeen years of age is free born & is the son of Edward Bowman & Catherine his wife whom was Cathrine Scott and also free Born. Jackson Frayser [Boman, John (M, 17): Free Negro Affidavit, 1807, African American Narrative Digital Collection, LVA]. On 4 August 1819 he sold 30 acres of his father's land to Fanny Jackson for $300 [DB 22:611].

ii. ?Martin, born about 1792, registered in Chesterfield County on 8 February 1813: twenty one years old, bright yellow complexion, born free [Register of Free Negroes 1804-53, no. 182]. He married Polly Moss, "fn" daughter of Edward Wilkenson, on 10 December 1812 in Chesterfield County.

iii. ?Samuel, born about 1793, registered in Chesterfield County on 12 September 1814: twenty one years old, bright mulatto complexion, born free [Register of Free Negroes 1804-53, no. 228].

iv. ?Edward³/ Ned, born say 1794, married Betsey Otter, "free persons of colour," 7 March 1815 Chesterfield County bond, Martin Bowman security.

 

4.    William² Bowman, born say 1768, was taxable in Charles City County in 1789 [PPTL, 1783-7] and taxable in the lower district of Henrico County in 1794 [PPTL 1782-1814, frame 315]. He was taxable in Charles City County on 3 tithes in 1798, 2 in 1799 and 1800, 3 in 1801 (called William Bowman, Sr.), and was a "Mulattoe" taxable in 1813 [PPTL, 1788-1814]. He was head of a Charles City County household of 7 "free colored" in 1820 [VA:4]. His wife Eliza registered in Charles City County on 20 October 1831: wife of Wm Bowman, of bright complexion, 45 years old, born free in this county [Minutes 1830-7, 80], He was the father of

i. Catherine, born about 1805, registered in Charles City County on 19 July 1827: daughter of Wm Bowman, now Catherine Green, a mulatto woman, about twenty two years of age, 5 feet 2-1/2 inches, born free in this county [Minutes 1823-9, 239; Register of Free Negroes 1835-64, p.6, no. 202].

ii. Archer², born about 1811, registered in Charles City County on 20 October 1831: son of William Bowman, a bright mulatto lad, 20 years old, born free in this county [Minutes 1830-7, 80].

 

5.    Wiley Bowman, born say 1778, was taxable in Charles City County in 1799, a "Mulattoe" taxable in 1814 [PPTL, 1788-1814] and head of a Charles City County household of 3 "other free" in 1810 [VA:957]. He was the father of

i. Edward⁴, born about 1810, registered in Charles City County on 16 August 1832: son of Wilie Bowman, a mulatto man, twenty two years old, born free in this county [Minutes 1830-7, 117].

ii. Fanny, born 8 March 1815, registered in Charles City County on 16 August 1832: daughter of said Wilie, seventeen years old 8 March 1832, born free in this county [Minutes 1830-7, 117].

iii. Nancy, born 28 May 1817, registered in Charles City County on 16 August 1832: daughter of said Wilie, fifteen years old 28 May 1832, mulatto girl, born free in this county [Minutes 1830-7, 117].

iv. Maria, born 18 March 1819, registered in Charles City County on 16 August 1832: son of said Wilie, thirteen years old 18 March 1832, born free in this county [Minutes 1830-7, 117].

v. Charles², born 18 March 1819, registered in Charles City County on 16 August 1832: son of said Wilie, thirteen years old 18 March 1832, born free in this county [Minutes 1830-7, 117].

vi. Christiana, born 18 October 1823, registered in Charles City County on 16 August 1832: daughter of said Wilie, eight years old 18 October 1831, mulatto girl, born free in this county [Minutes 1830-7, 117].

 

6.    Richard¹ Bowman, born say 1780, was taxable in Charles City County in 1802, a "Mulattoe" taxable in 1813 and 1814 [PPTL, 1788-1814] and head of a Charles City County household of 7 "free colored" in 1820 [VA:5]. He was paid 4 shillings on 18 June 1807 for digging the grave of John Blanks of Charles City County [WB 2:59]. He was the father of

i. Susanna, born 28 October 1803, registered in Charles City County on 19 July 1832: daughter of Richard Bowman, Sr., bright mulatto woman, 28 years old 28 October last [Minutes 1830-7, 43].

ii. Francis³/ Frank, born 15 June 1806, registered in Charles City County on 21 July 1825: son of Richard Bowman, of bright complexion, nineteen years old 15th of last month, 5 feet 5-1/8 inches, born free in this county [Minutes 1823-9, 127].

iii.Richard², born in September 1811, registered in Charles City County on 21 July 1831: son of Dick Bowman, 19 years of age last September, bright mulatto [Minutes 1830-7, 69]. He was counted in the 1850 census for Charles City County with wife Letitia (30) and children John (4) and Harriet Bowman (3). Letitia was the daughter of Pleasant Smith who left his children 20 acres in Charles City County on the road leading to Hopewell Meeting House [Chancery file 1854-003, Archibald Davis vs. Pleasant Smith, http://virginiamemory.com/collections/chancery].

iv. Frances T., born in April 1815, registered in Charles City County on 20 October 1831: daughter of Richard Bowman, Sr., a bright mulatto girl, 16 years of age last April [Minutes 1830-7, 79].

 

7.    Samuel Bowman, born say 1784, was taxable in Charles City County in 1805 and a "Mulattoe" taxable in 1813 [PPTL, 1788-1814]. He was the father of

i. John, born about 1806, registered in Charles City County on 17 November 1831: son of Sam Bowman, a mulatto man about 25 years old, born free in this county. His wife Nancy registered on 20 September 1832 [Minutes 1830-7, 80, 123]. Nancy was the daughter of Pleasant Smith who left his children 20 acres in Charles City County on the road leading to Hopewell Meeting House [Chancery file 1854-003, Archibald Davis vs. Pleasant Smith, http://virginiamemory.com/collections/chancery]. John was a "Mulatto" farmer with $100 in real estate counted in the 1850 Charles City County census with 42-year-old "Black" woman Nancy, Deleware (18), Martha (17), James (9), and Nancy Bowman (8/12), Sally Smith (55), Mary Smith (30) and Lettice Bailey. His daughter Martha married Thomas F. Harris on 19 December 1855 in Charles City County and divorced him in 1868 [Chancery file 1868-008].

 

8.    Edward² Bowman, born say 1792, was a "Mulattoe" taxable in Charles City County in 1813 [PPTL, 1788-1814] and head of a Charles City County household of 5 "free colored" in 1820 [VA:4]. He married Catherine Brown (colored), 23 July 1814 Henrico County bond. He was married to Catherine Brown by 13 June 1825 when he was paid $20 as her legacy of a bed and furniture from her father Dixon Brown [WB 3:115]. He was granted administration on the estate of Mary Harris, deceased, on 17 May 1832 [Minutes 1830-7, 107]. He, John Bowman, and Abraham Brown were buyers at the sale of the estate [WB 4:29-30]. James Brown (son of Dixon) and others brought a chancery suit against Edward's children Erasmus, Susan, Rebecca, and Elizabeth on 19 February 1835 [Minutes 1830-7, 223]. He was the father of

i. Erasmus, born February 1815, registered in Charles City County on 17 November 1831: son of Edward Bowman, yellowish complexion, 16 years old February last [Minutes 1830-9, 83].

ii. Susan M., born 28 December 1817, registered in Charles City County on 17 November 1831: daughter of Edward Bowman, a mulato girl, 13 years old 28 December last [Minutes 1830-9, 84].

iii. Rebecca M., born 20 July 1820, registered in Charles City County on 17 November 1831: daughter of Edward Bowman, a mulato girl, 11 years old 20 July last [Minutes 1830-9, 84].

iv. Delly F., born 5 April 1823, registered in Charles City County on 17 November 1831: daughter of Edward Bowman, yellowish complexion, 8 years old 5 April last [Minutes 1830-9, 84].

v. Betty Byrd, born 7 August 1827, registered in Charles City County on 17 November 1831: daughter of Edward Bowman, yellowish complexion, 4 years old 7 August last [Minutes 1830-9, 84].

 

BOWMER FAMILY

1.    An unnamed Indian woman, born say 1730, was the mother of three children living in Antrim Parish in September 1765 when the Halifax County, Virginia court ordered them bound to William Thompson [Orders 1764-6, 226]. She was the mother of

2     i.  Fanny, born about 1756.

ii. Veice, born say 1760.

3     iii. Archer, born about 1763.

 

1.    Fanny Bomar, born about 1756, was living in Halifax County, Virginia, in June 1787 when the court bound her illegitimate children Philip, Abram, William and Samuel Bomar to Colonel William Thompson [Pleas 1786-8, 171]. Fanny Bowman was head of a Halifax County household of 7 "free colored" in 1830. Her children were

i. ?Pat, born say 1772, mother of Herbert Bomar who was bound to William Thompson in Halifax County in December 1807 [Pleas 1806-7, 478]. He registered in Halifax County on 26 June 1824: Herbert Bowman, aged about 34 years, five feet six and a half inches high, of a yellow complexion...born of a free woman of Colour [Registers of Free Negroes, 1802-1831, no. 74]. He was head of a Meadsville, Halifax County household of 5 "free colored" in 1820.

ii. Massey Bowman, born before 1776, registered in Halifax County in 1834. Her son Phil Bomar was bound by the court to John W. Scott in August 1816. He registered in Halifax County on 27 January 1823: aged about 23 years six feet two inches high, of a yellow complexion [Registers of Free Negroes, 1802-1831, no. 67]. She was head of a Meadsville, Halifax County household of 2 "free colored" in 1820.

iii. Philip¹ Bomer, taxable in the northern district of Halifax County in 1798 and 1803: called an Indian in 1798 [PPTL, 1782-1799, frame 765; 1800-12, 261].

iv. Abraham, a F.N. taxable in the northern district of Halifax County in 1799, 1803, 1809 and 1812 [PPTL 1782-1799, frame 856; 1800-12, frames 261, 790, 1021].

v. William, bound out in June 1787.

vi. Samuel, born about 1786, registered in Halifax County on 1 October 1814: Samuel Bowman, aged twenty eight years, about six feet and six eighths of an inch high, yellow complexion and was born of a free woman...registered as a free Mulatto [Registers of Free Negroes, 1802-1831, no. 50]. Samuel Boman was a "Mulatto" or "F.N." taxable in the southern district of Halifax County from 1806 to 1812 [PPTL 1800-12, frames 614, 790, 842, 933, 1021] and a "F.N." head of a Meadsville, Halifax County household of 6 "free colored" in 1820.

vii. Mary, born about 1790, "Bastard child of Fanny Bomar," bound by the Halifax County court to Elizabeth Moody on 21 June 1787 [Pleas 1786-8, 172], a 60-year-old "Mulatto" head of a Halifax County household counted with Mildred (age 40), and Pressella Bomar (30) in the 1850 census for Halifax County.

viii. ?Elijah, born about 1786, registered in Halifax County on 32 February 1822: Elijah Bowman, aged 36 years five feet 11 inches high of a yellow complexion... born of a free woman [Registers of Free Negroes, 1802-1831, no. 64]. He married Fanny Harris, 10 October 1809 Halifax County bond, and was a "F.N." in Halifax County in 1818 and 1819 [PPTL 1812-1821, frames 495, 542].

ix. Archer², born about 1790, a 60-year-old "Mulatto" labourer in the Halifax County household of Joshua Bomar, a 45-year-old "Mulatto" carpenter, in 1850.

x. Collin, born about 1794, married Nancy Epperson, 29 May 1828 Halifax County bond, and was a 56-year-old "Mulatto" carpenter with Nancy Bomar in the 1850 census for Halifax County.

 

3.    Archer¹ Bowmer, born about 1763, was taxable in the northern district of Halifax County, Virginia, from 1791 to 1813: called a "FN" in 1799, a "negro free" in 1813 [PPTL, 1782-1799, frames 368, 391, 557, 623, 900; 1800-12, frames 223, 415, 460]. He married Nancy Bird, 17 August 1804 Halifax County bond. Archer Bowman, Sr., was head of a Halifax County household of 5 "free colored" in 1830. He registered in Halifax County on 20 May 1827: Archer Boman, Sr., a dark mulatto man about 64 years of age, five feet 6-1/2 inches high, grey wooly hair, was born free. Nancy registered the same day: a dark mulatto woman about 40 years of age, five feet 3 inches high, black bushy hair, born free. They were probably the parents of Drunilla and Cinderrilla Boman who registered the same day:

i. Drunilla, born about 1804, registered on 20 May 1827: light mulatto woman, five feet one inch high, black wooly hair.

ii. Cinderella, born about 1804, registered on 20 May 1827: light mulatto woman, five feet one inch high, black wooly hair [Registers of Free Negroes, 1802-1831, nos. 114-117].

 

BOWSER FAMILY

1.    Anthony¹ Bowser, born say 1650, was called "Tony Bowze Negro late Servt to Major Genn^ll Bennett Deceased" when he petitioned the Virginia General Court in March 1676 for his freedom which was granted on his payment of 800 pounds of tobacco yearly [McIlwaine, Minutes of the Council and General Court of Colonial Virginia, 1622-1632, 1670-1676, 437]. He was probably the ancestor of

i. Anthony², petitioned the Isle of Wight County court on 11 August 1748 for his freedom from Martha Parker. His petition was rejected on hearing the arguments of both parties [Orders 1746-52, 120].

2     ii. James¹, born about 1730.

3     ii. Mary, born say 1731.

4     iii. Sarah, born say 1740.

iv. Richard¹, born say 1742, living in Southampton County before 10 December 1762 when John Byrd charged John Little 2 shillings, 6 pence for his hire for two days [Judgment Papers 1763-4, frame 140].

5     v. Thomas¹, born say 1745.

6     vi. Pat, born say 1747.

vii. James², born say 1755, head of a Fayette District, Moore County, North Carolina household of 1 "other free," 1 white female, and 1 white male under 16 years of age in 1790 [NC:44].

 

2.    James¹ Bowser, born about 1730, was a Norfolk County, Virginia tithable in 1767 and was listed as a tithable by Benjamin Hodges in Great Bridge District of Norfolk County in 1770 [Wingo, Norfolk County Tithables, 1766-80, 3, 100]. He was listed in the 1778 tax list for Isle of Wight as a recusant who declined or neglected to take the oath of allegiance to the state and was thus subject to double taxation [WMQ 25:170]. He was born in Nansemond County and enlisted in the Revolution there for 1-1/2 years on 28 September 1780: 50 years of age, 5'6-3/4" high, a farmer, yellow complexion [Register & description of Noncommissioned officers & Privates, LVA accession no. 24296, by http://revwarapps.org/b69.pdf (p.61)]. He was head of his own household, living alone in Isle of Wight County for the 1782 census [VA:32] and taxable there from 1782 to 1800: a "free Mulatto" taxable on 2 horses in 1782; taxable on slaves Bridget (over the age of 16), Judith and Nan (age 12-16) in 1785; taxable on Bridget, Judith, Nancy and Hannah in 1786; taxable on a slave over the age of 16 and 3 slaves aged 12-16 in 1787 (called James Bowers); a "F.N." taxable on a slave over the age of 16 years and a slave 12-16 in 1793 and 1794; a "F.N." taxable on a slave over the age of 16 in 1795; 2 slaves over the age 16 and a slave 12-16 in 1798 [PPTL 1782-1810, frames 4, 61, 89, 135, 181, 241, 331, 346, 418, 428, 491].   On 5 September 1800 by Isle of Wight County deed, he freed "Negro Bridget," aged about fifty-seven, whom he had bought from Priscilla West, stating in the deed that "freedom is a natural right" [DB 18:492]. He made a nuncupative Isle of Wight County will on 5 September 1800 by which he left his whole estate to his wife Bridget Bowzer [WB 11:284]. Bridget was a "F.N." taxable in Isle of Wight County from 1801 to 1813: taxable on 2 slaves in 1801; 3 in 1802; 2 in 1803; 3 in 1804, 2 in 1805 and 1806, listed with Philip Bowser in 1809 when they were taxable on a slave [PPTL 1782-1810, frames 523, 577, 595, 652, 673, 715, 791]. Nathaniel Bowser, Sr., and Thomas Bowser, heir at law of James Bowser, testified on 17 October 1833 that Nathaniel Bowser, Thomas Bowser, and Betsy Bowser, Moses Ash, Caroline Ash, Lydia Ash, Thomas Ash, and Curtis Ash were the only heirs of James Bowser who had served in the Revolution in 1782. In 1835 they received bounty land scrip for his service [NARA, BLWt. 2001-100, M804-306, frame 0123]. His children may have been

i. James³, born about 1763, a native and resident of Nansemond County on 1 January 1782 when he enlisted in the Revolution for the duration of the war. He was sized in June 1782: age 19, 5'1-3/4" high, yellow complexion, marked from pox [The Chesterfield Supplement or Size Roll of Troops at Chesterfield Court House, LVA accession no. 23816, by http://revwarapps.org/b81.pdf (p.81)]. He or yet another James Bowser received a certificate in Richmond on 28 May 1783 that he was a Continental soldier for the war, had served 4 years successively and was then in service [Bowser, James: Revolutionary War Bounty Warrants, Digital Collection, LVA]. He was eligible for military bounty land in 1803 [NARA, M246, roll 114, frame 448]. He was a "Free Negro" over the age of 45 in 1815 when he was taxable on a slave over the age of 16, 2 cattle, and 17 horses in "S. Hole" in Nansemond County in 1815 and 1816 [PPTL 1815-1837, frames 10, 51].

ii. Nathaniel, born say 1768, a plaintiff with (his brother?) Thomas Bowser against James Buxton, executor of Edward A. Best, in Nansemond County court in 1798 [Watson, Nansemond County Clerks' Fee Books, 28], taxable on a lot with $20 annual rent in Nansemond County in 1802 [PPTL 1802 B, p.3]. He was head of a Nansemond County household of 3 "free colored" in 1820 [VA:73b].

iii. Thomas², born say 1771, recorded a deed of emancipation for (his wife?) Nancy in Nansemond County in 1792 [Watson, Nansemond County Clerks' Fee Books, 29], taxable on a lot with $20 annual rent in Nansemond County in 1802 [Land Tax List, 1802 B, p.2], a "Free Negro" taxable on a head of cattle and 3 horses at "P.P." in Nansemond County in 1815 [PPTL, 1815-1837, frames 10, 41, 51], perhaps the Thomas Bowser who was found not guilty of felony by the Richmond City court on 10 November 1791 [Hustings Court Orders 1787-92, 651].

iv. Betsy, born before 1776, head of a Nansemond County household of 4 "free colored" in 1820 [VA:89].

v. perhaps a daughter, the mother of Moses, Caroline, Lydia, Thomas, and Curtis Ash, heirs of James Bowser. Moses Ash may have been identical to Moses Ash Bowser, born about 1771, a nine-year-old boy called Moses Ash when the court ordered him bound to Jethro Sumner in Warren County, North Carolina, in September 1780 to learn to read and write and husbandry [Minutes 1780-3, 51]. He was called Moses Ash Bowser on his Warren County indenture [WB 3:155].

 

3.    Mary Bowzer, born say 1731, had been the servant of Henry Best prior to 25 January 1762 according to the Vestry minutes of Suffolk Parish, Nansemond County [Hopkins, Suffolk Parish Vestry Book 1749-84, 24]. She may have been the mother of

7     i. Olive, born say 1760.

ii. Nelson, born about 1773, son of Mary Bowser, a "free black woman," bound apprentice by the Hustings Court of Petersburg on 7 February 1791 to Simon Fraser as a waterman for three years until the age of twenty-one [Orders 1784-91, 348].

 

4.    Sarah Bowser, born say 1740, was living in Isle of Wight County on 7 February 1760 when her child Betty Tale (no race indicated) was bound apprentice, perhaps the same "Betty a Negro Girl, a child of Sarah a Free Negro," who was ordered bound out two months earlier on 6 December 1759 [Orders 1759-63, 114, 98]. Her children were

i. ?Richard², born say 1757, listed in the 1778 tax list for Isle of Wight County as a recusant who declined or neglected to take the oath of allegiance to the state and was thus subject to double taxation [WMQ 25:170]. He was taxable on 2 horses in Southampton County in 1782 [PPTL 1782-92, frame 507] and taxable in Isle of Wight County from 1782 to 1806: taxable on a horse in 1782 when he was listed as a "free Mulatto;" listed as a "F.N." in 1790 and thereafter; taxable on a horse and 2 cattle in 1785; taxable on a horse from 1786 to 1794 [PPTL 1782-1810, frames 4, 56, 61, 75, 146, 226, 271, 346, 418, 473, 523, 652, 715].

ii. Betty Tale, born say 1759, daughter of Sarah Bowzer.

8     iii. ?Philip, born say 1760.

9     iv. ?James³, born say 1775.

v. ?Dorothy, born say 1768, a "poor Mulato," no parent named, ordered bound out in Isle of Wight County on 1 May 1783. She was called Dolly Bowzer when she married Sampson Bones, 1 June 1787 Isle of Wight County bond, Scott Hollowell surety, 2 June marriage. Sampson Bones was head of an Isle of Wight County household of 10 "other free" in 1810 [VA:36].

vi. Jeremiah, orphan of Sarah Bowzer ordered bound out in Isle of Wight County on 6 August 1778 [Orders 1772-1780, 431].

vii. ?Charity, a "poor Mulato," no parent named, ordered bound out in Isle of Wight County on 1 May 1783 [Orders 1780-3, 178].

viii. ?Martha, a "poor Mulato," no parent named, ordered bound out in Isle of Wight County on 1 May 1783 [Orders 1780-3, 178].

ix. ?Ann, a "poor Mulato," no parent named, ordered bound out in Isle of Wight County on 1 May 1783 [Orders 1780-3, 178].

x. Willis, born say 1785, a "poor Mulatto child of Sarah Bowzer," ordered bound apprentice to Anthony Holladay in Isle of Wight County on 6 January 1795 [Orders 1795-97, 15].

 

5.    Thomas¹ Bowser, born say 1745, was taxable in Hertford County on 2 persons in 1768, 3 in 1769, and taxed on a mare and a cow in District 3 of Hertford County in 1779 [Fouts, Tax Receipt Book, 58; GA 30.1]. He was head of a Hertford County household of 9 "other free" in 1790 [NC:26]. On 11 December 1792 Peter Bird placed a notice in the North Carolina Central and Fayetteville Gazette accusing Thomas of stealing his horse:

Stolen from the subscriber at Wake Court House a bright bay horse by a free mulatto man of the name Thomas Bowser, a blacksmith [Fouts, Newspapers of Edenton, Fayetteville, and Hillsborough, 64].

He married (second?) Ann Milton, 28 December 1792 Southampton County bond, Randolph Milton surety. Ann was the daughter of Elisha Milton who named her in his 1 December 1788 Southampton County will, proved 21 August 1797 [WB 5:2]. She was called "Ann Milton, alias Ann Bowser," in a codicil to the 20 February 1791 Southampton County will of Ethelred Taylor, recorded 14 July 1791. The will also named Patsey Milton, "so called daughter of Ann Milton, Jr." [WB 5:437]. Thomas was appointed guardian of Patsey Milton, orphan of Ann Milton, by the Southampton County court on 15 January 1798 [Minutes 1793-9, 321]. He was head of a Halifax County, North Carolina household of 4 in 1800 [NC:288], 7 in 1810 [NC:7], and 9 "free colored" in 1820 [NC:142]. His children may have been

i. Randal, perhaps identical to Randle Bowser who was in the pay roll of the 3^rd South Carolina Regiment in July and August 1779 [NARA, M246, roll 89, frame 171; http://fold3.com/image/9679437], head of a Hertford County household of 6 "other free" in Moore's District in 1800 [NC:133]. Randol and Mariah Bowzer were in the List of Free People of Couler in Petersburg with children Eliza and Betsy in 1821 [List of People of Couler in the Town of Petersburg, 1821, African American Narrative Digital Collection, LVA].

ii. Charles, born say 1780, head of a Halifax County, North Carolina household of 7 "other free" in 1810 [NC:7].

iii. Patsey, named in the 1788 Southampton County will of her grandfather Elisha Milton [WB 5:2].

iv. Isaac, head of a Halifax County, North Carolina household of 6 "free colored" in 1820 [NC:142].

 

6.    Pat Bowser, born say 1748, was living in Isle of Wight County on 4 December 1777 and 6 June 1782 when her son Adam Bowzer was bound apprentice. On 7 February 1782 the court ordered the churchwardens to bind out her "poor mulatto" children Jack, Bett, Fan, Harrison, Patt, Wilson and Eady Bowzer [Orders 1772-80, 417; 1780-3, 42, 62]. Her children were

i. Adam, born say 1767, "a poor Mulattoe" (no parent named) bound apprentice in Isle of Wight County on 5 March 1778 and called "son of Pat" when he was again ordered bound out on 6 June 1782 [Orders 1772-80, 417; 1780-83, 62]. He was a "F.N." taxable in Isle of Wight County from 1788 to 1802 [PPTL 1782-1810, frames 114, 212, 286, 361, 455, 558], a "free Negro" taxable in Nottoway Parish, Southampton, from 1803 to 1812, listed his wife Tricy and taxable on 2 horses in 1813 [PPTL 1792-1806, frame 648; 1807-21, frames 9, 90, 130, 248, 337] and head of a Southampton County household of 7 "other free" in 1810 [VA:74]. On 16 February 1818 the Southampton County court rescinded the order of the previous court to bind out his son Merix Bowser [Minutes 1816-9, unpaged].

ii. Jack, born say 1769, bound to Samuel Holloway, Sr., of Isle of Wight County on 4 April 1782 [Indentures 1782-1833, frame 160].

iii. Bett, born say 1771, ordered bound out on 7 February 1782.

iv. Fan, born say 1773, ordered bound out on 7 February 1782.

v. Harrison, born say 1775, ordered bound out on 7 February 1782.

vi. Patt, born say 1777, bound to John Hawkins of Newport Parish on 4 April 1782 [Indentures 1782-1833, frame 162].

vii. Wilson, born say 1779, ordered bound out on 7 February 1782.

viii. Eady, born say 1780, a "poor mulatto" child of Pat ordered bound apprentice on 7 February 1782.

 

7.    Olive Bowser, born say 1760, was living in Isle of Wight County on 6 February 1783 when the court ordered the churchwardens to bind out her daughter Louisa [Orders 1780-3, 124]. She was a resident of Surry County, Virginia, by 3 October 1801 when her daughter Nancy registered as a "free Negro" [Back of Guardian Accounts Book 1783-1804, no. 135]. Her children were

10   i. Nancy, born Christmas 1780.

ii. Louisa, ordered bound out in Isle of Wight County on 6 February 1783.

 

8.    Philip Bowzer, born say 1760, was head of an Isle of Wight County household of 1 white (free) person for the 1782 census [VA:29] and taxable on a horse in Isle of Wight County from 1782 to 1810: listed as a "F.N." in 1790 and thereafter; taxable on slaves Sarah, Rose and Olive, and 2 cattle in 1784; taxable on slaves Sarah, Olive, Rose and Davey in 1785; taxable on a slave in 1786; taxable on 4 slaves and 2 cattle in 1787; a slave in 1788 and 1789; a slave in 1790; 2 slaves in 1791 and 1792; 3 slaves in 1793; taxable on his own tithe, Dick Bowzer, Jr.'s tithe and 2 slaves in 1794; a free tithable aged 16-21 and 4 slaves in 1795; taxable on a slave in 1802, 1805 and 1807. Bridget Bowser and her taxables were listed with him in 1809 [PPTL 1782-1810, frames 4, 45, 74, 226, 271, 346, 429, 521, 595, 673, 771, 846]. In September 1797 he manumitted "Negro woman Sarah," aged fifty, by Isle of Wight County deed, stating that "freedom is a natural right" [DB 18:304]. He was a "free Negro" head of an Isle of Wight household of 4 "other free" and a slave in 1810 [VA:15]. He may have been the father of

i. Richard³, born say 1778, taxable in Philip Bowzer's Isle of Wight County household in 1794 [PPTL 1782-1810, frame 331]. He was 16-45 years of age when he was listed in Nansemond County in 1815 and 1816 [PPTL 1815-1837, frames 10, 51].

 

9.    James³ Bowser, born say 1762, was drafted from the 3^rd Division of the Hertford County Militia between 1779 and 1780 [T.R., Box 5, folder 20] and was an insolvent taxpayer in Halifax County, North Carolina, in 1799 [Minutes 1799-1802]. He may have been the father of

i. Drury, born Christmas 1795, ordered bound an apprentice to James Cooley by the 19 August 1800 Halifax County court [Minutes 1799-1802, 125].

ii. Susanna, born about 1799, two years old when she was ordered bound an apprentice by the 19 August 1801 Halifax County court.

iii. Macon, born about 1800, ten months old when he was ordered bound an apprentice to James Wright by the 19 August 1801 Halifax County court.

 

10.    Nancy Bowser, born Christmas 1780, registered in Surry County, Virginia, on 3 October 1801: a negro woman of a bright complexion, aged 21 yrs next Christmas, 5'2" high, has bushy hair daughter of Olive alias Olive Bowser a free negro late a resident of this county [Back of Guardian Accounts Book 1783-1804, no. 135]. By his 9 July 1829 Surry County will, proved 26 November 1832, John² Debrix left her land which was to descend to his grandson Henry Debrix at her death [Wills, etc., 6:384]. Her children were

i. ?Lucy, born about 1810, registered in York County on 18 November 1833: a bright Mulatto about 23 years of age, 5 feet 3 Inches high...broad flat face, very Black Eyes and long hair [Free Negroes Register, 1831-50, no.356].

ii. Sally Roberts, born about 1816, registered in York County on 17 October 1831: daughter of Nancy Bowser, a bright mulatto girl about 15 years of age, 5 feet 4-3/4 inches high...full head of hair, large nose [Register, no.314].

 

Other members of the Bowser family were

i. Davy, born say 1773, registered in Norfolk County on 5 May 1794: William Price appeared and made oath that Davy Bowser a mulatto man was free born [Bowser, Davy (M), 1794, African American Narrative Digital Collection, LVA].

ii. Rachel, head of a Currituck County household of 3 "other free" in 1800.

iii. Mary, born about 1780, a 70-year-old "Mulatto" woman counted in the 1850 Currituck County census.

iv. Cressa, born about 1784, a 48-year-old woman who emigrated from Southampton County to Liberia aboard the ship Jupiter on 9 May 1832 with Hamilton Bowzer (age 19), Ella Bowzer (4) and Sally Boon (20) [http://fold3.com/image/46670336].

v. Esther, born say 1785, mother of William Ash, who was bound to Edmund Godwin, Jr., in Isle of Wight County in July 1805, and Nearer Ash, who was bound to Edmund Godwin on 21 April 1806 [Indentures 1782-1833, frames 380-2, 385].

vi. Kinchen, born about 1791, registered in Brunswick County, Virginia, on 26 June 1826: a free man of yellow Complexion about five feet three Inches high thirty years of age was born free as appears from the Evidence of John D Wilkins, by Occupation a Ditcher [Wynne, Register of Free Negroes, 85].

vii. James⁵, a "F.N." taxable in Nottoway Parish, Southampton County, in 1813 [PPTL 1807-21, frame 337].

 

BOYD FAMILY

1.    Elizabeth Boyd, born say 1742, the servant of Charles Chaddock of Dettingen Parish, Prince William County, was free from her indenture by 2 August 1773 when her "mulatto bastard" Hannah Boyd was bound to Chaddock [Historic Dumfries Virginia, Records of Dettingen Parish, 118]. Her children were

2     i. ?Augustine, born say 1760.

ii. Hannah, born 17 February 1768 according to her indenture.

iii. ?Anthony, born before 1776, head of a Botetourt County household of 3 "free colored" in 1820 [VA:49].

 

2.    Augustine Boyd, born about 1756, was among a group of Revolutionary War seamen who deserted from the ship Tartar and for each of whom a $100 reward was offered by Thomas Grant of the Chickahomany Shipyard in the 11 September 1779 issue of the Virginia Gazette: ...George Day, and Augustine Boyd, all of Wicomico parish, Northumberland county [Dixon and Nicholson edition, p. 3, col. 2]. He was listed aboard the brig Jefferson from 20 December 1779 to 20 January 1780 and was entitled to bounty land for his service as a seaman [Brumbaugh, Revolutionary War Records, Virginia, 17, 215]. He was a "Mulatto" sailor, born in Northumberland County, drafted there on 21 March 1781 and sized in 1781: yellow complexion, Mulatto, age 25, 5'11-1/4" high [The Chesterfield Supplement or Size Roll of Troops at Chesterfield Court House, LVA accession no. 23816, by http://revwarapps.org/b81.pdf (p.47)]. He was taxable in Northumberland County from 1785 to 1813: listed with 2 tithables in 1809, listed as a "Blk" tithable from 1809 to 1813 [PPTL 1782-1812, frames 280, 319, 363, 392, 436, 458, 490, 504, 572, 621, 652, 681]. He married Grace Sorrell, 24 July 1795 Northumberland County bond, Thomas Pollard security, and was a "free mulatto" head of a Northumberland County household of 7 "other free" in 1810 [VA:973]. He was the father of

i. Frances, "daughter of Augustine Boyd," married James Sorrell, 4 March 1811 Northumberland County bond, William Boyd security.

ii. Sally, married William Toulson, 22 February 1802 Northumberland County bond, Joseph Toulson security, with the consent of Augustine Boyd for Sally.

iii. ?William², born about 1787, married Polly Toulson, 13 March 1809 Northumberland bond, Jerry Toulson security, and registered with his wife Polly in Northumberland County the same day: Wm Boyd, bright mulatto, 22 yrs, 5 feet 11 inches high. Polly Toulson, bright mulatto, about 18, 5 feet 2 Inches high [Register of Free Negroes, 1803-50, nos. 40-1].

iv. ?Lewis, a "mulatto man" residing in Northumberland County on 9 May 1796 when the court certified that he was born free [Orders 1796-7, 32]. He was taxable in Northumberland County from 1797 to 1802, listed as a "Blk" tithable in 1812 and 1813 [PPTL 1782-1812, frames 458, 490, 514, 535, 681]. He married Patty Evans, 9 February 1802 Northumberland County bond, John Evans security.

v. ?Peggy, married Hancock Carpenter, 12 December 1811 Northumberland County bond, Presly Coleman surety.

vi. ?James, born about 1787, registered in Northumberland County on 10 March 1806: bright mulatto, about 19 years old, 5 feet 5 Inches high, Born free [Register of Free Negroes, 1803-50, no. 21].

 

BRADBY FAMILY

The Bradby family of Charles City County were "free mulattoes or blacks" who descended from Jane Evans, daughter of Jane Gibson, according to the 25 June 1791 testimony of Robert Wills who was born in Charles City County in 1711. His testimony helped Thomas Gibson, alias Mingo Jackson, win his suit for freedom from slavery.

Wills further testified as to the descendants of Jane Evans (the Scott, Bradby, Smith, Redcross, Morris and Bowman families):

many of them are black, some nearly white and others free mulattoes...from a promiscuous intercourse with different colours [Lynchburg City Chancery file, 1821-033, LVA].

 

1.    Richard¹ Bragby, born say 1710, and his wife Elizabeth were living in Charles City County in April 1738 when the court ordered that they appear at the next court to show cause why their children should not be bound out because Benjamin Harrison, Gentleman, informed the court that they were "not bringing up their children in an honest way of Liveing as well as in ye fear of God" [Orders 1737-51, 39]. They were probably the ancestors of

2    i. James, born say 1746.

3    ii. Edward¹, born say 1748.

4    iii. Edward³, born say 1773.

5    iv. John², born say 1779.

v. Bolling, born say 1787, taxable in Charles City County in 1805, a "Mulattoe" taxable in 1813 and 1814 [PPTL, 1788-1814].

vi. Rebecca, head of a Charles City County household of 10 "free colored" in 1830 and 8 in 1840.

6    vii. Smallwood¹, born about 1786.

viii. Jesse, born 1776-1794, head of a King William County household of 5 "free colored" and a female slave age 36-55 in 1830. Perhaps his widow was Matilda Bradberry a 72-year-old "Mulatto" woman counted in the 1870 census for King William County with John (age 37), Matilda (22), Fielding (40), Minerva (10) and John Bradberry (7).

ix. Pleasant, born 1786-1804, head of a York County household of 2 "free colored" in 1840.

x. Miles, born about 1801, a 32-year-old farmer and huntsman listed in St. John's Parish, King William County, in 1833 with William and Ned Bradby [A List of free Negroes and Mulattoes in the County of King William for the year 1833, African American Digital Collection, LVA] and head of a King William County household of 1 "free colored" man 36-55 years old in 1840.

xi. Beverly Bradberry, born about 1804, a Mulatto laborer counted in the 1850 census for King William County with Billy Sweat (43), Betsy Sweat (48), and Zenck Sweat 14).

 

2.    James Bradberry, born say 1746, was taxable in St. David's Parish, King William County, from 1782 to 1787: taxable on 2 horses in 1782 and 1783 [PPTL 1782-1811]. He was probably the father of Richard and Patrick Bradley who were on the "Free Colored" roll of the Lower College Baptist records in 1791. They were probably the two "negro" members of the Bradberry family who had married Pamunkey women and settled in the Pamunkey Town according to a report in the 5 September 1818 issue of the Virginia Herald. Chief Willis Langston called a meeting with the trustees to discuss the issue [http://bia.gov/sites/bia.gov/files/assets/as-ia/ofa/petition/323_pamunk_VA/323_pf.pdf, pp. 25-6]. James may have been the father of

i. Mary, born about 1768, a resident of King William County who testified in 1837 for the application of Jane Collins to receive a pension for the services of her husband John Collins as a soldier in the Revolution [NARA, W.6736, M804, http://fold3.com/image/12861980].

7   ii. Richard², born say 1770.

iv. Patrick, born say 1775, a "free Colored" member of the Lower College Baptist Church in 1791 [Colosse Baptist Church Records, 1813-1834, 43], taxable in the Pamunkey Indian town in King William County from 1797 to 1799: taxable on his own tithe and a slave in 1797, taxable on his own tithe and a horse in 1798, called Patrick Bradberry when he was taxable on his own tithe and a horse in 1803 [PPTL 1782-1811], a "free Negro" taxable in the upper district of Henrico County in 1814 [PPTL 1782-1814, frame 823].

 

3.    Edward¹ Bradby, born say 1748, was called Edward Bragby when he was bound to Jonathan V____ (Vaughan?) in Charles City County on 6 July 1757 [Orders 1751-7]. He was called Edward Bradby when he was taxable in Charles City County on his own tithe and 2 horses in 1784, taxable on 2-3 tithes from 1787 to 1801 (called Edward Bradby, Sr.) [PPTL, 1783-7; 1788-1814], and taxable on 100 acres from 1782 to 1802 [Land Tax List, 1782-1830]. He died before 1802 when his widow Susannah Bradby administered his Charles City County estate. She allotted £9 each to Mary Bradby, John Fields, Eliza Atkins, Susannah Bradby and Edward Bradby, and allotted herself £51 as her one-third share. The remainder of the estate was appraised at about £88 and included beds, furniture, 3 guns, 3 plows, farm animals, a looking glass, 2 spinning wheels, a pair of spectacles and a parcel of books [WB 1:591, 601]. Edward was apparently the father of

i. Edward², born say 1771, taxable in Charles City County from 1792 to 1796 (called Edward Bradby, Jr.) and taxable from 1803 to 1805 [PPTL, 1788-1814], probably identical to Edward Bradberry who was taxable in New Kent County from 1798 to 1800 [PPTL 1782-1800] and the Ned Bradbey who was head of a James City County household of 6 "free colored" in 1820 [VA:118].

ii. Mary, born say 1775.

iii. John¹, born say 1777, taxable in Charles City County in 1798 [PPTL, 1788-1814].

iv. ____, wife of John Fields.

v. Eliza Atkins, born say 1780.

vi. Susannah.

 

4.   Edward³ Bradby, born say 1773, was taxable in Chesterfield County from 1794 to 1796, 1803 to 1805, a "Mulatto" taxable in 1810, and a "free Negro" with a male and 4 females over the age of 16 in his household in 1813 (called Edward Bradbery) [PPTL, 1786-1811, frames 213, 246, 280, 538, 577, 614, 799]. He was a "free Negro" taxable on 2 horses in the lower district of Henrico County in 1812 [PPTL 1782-1814, frame 697]. He may have been the father of

i. John, head of a Chesterfield County household of 3 "free colored" in 1840. Perhaps his widow was Mary A. Bradbey, a 49-year-old Black woman counted in the 1850 census for the lower district of Chesterfield County with $500 real estate, 20-year-old Black male Ballad Bradbey and (her mother?) 70-year-old "Mulatto" Elizabeth Goff.

 

5.    John² Bradby, born say 1779, was taxable in Charles City County in 1800 (called John Bradby, Jr.), taxable from 1802 to 1805 [PPTL, 1788-1814] and head of a Charles City County household of 7 "free colored" in 1830. He died before March 1832 when the administrator of his Charles City County estate paid John Adkins his bill of 88 cents [WB 4:57]. He was the father of

i. ?Burwell, born about 1802, purchased 50 acres from Peter Crew by deed acknowledged in Charles City County court on 17 January 1833. He complained to the Charles City County court on 20 July 1837 for a breach of the peace against him by a "man of color" named Lot Griffin [Minutes 1830-7, 141, 327] and was head of a Charles City County household of 4 "free colored" in 1840. He married Judith Thomas, daughter of William Thomas, a "free person of Color," and they had Mary (who married Thomas Taylor), Nancy (who married Micajah Charity), William Bradby, Martha Ann Bradby, Burwell Bradby, Octavia Bradby and Pleasant Bradby [Charles City County chancery cases 1863-004, 1874-005, Bradby vs. Miles, http://virginiamemory.com/collections/chancery]. He was a 78-year-old "Black" farmer counted in the 1880 census for Harrison Township, Charles City County, with his son Burrel, Burrel's wife Ann and their children.

ii. ?Alexander, born about 1805, registered in Charles City County on 20 January 1825: a man of bright complexion, twenty years of age, 5 feet 7 inches, born free in this county [Minutes 1823-9, 91]. He was head of a Charles City County household of 4 "free colored" in 1830 and a "Mulatto" counted in the 1850 census for Charles City County with wife Christiana (46) and child.

iii. ?John³, born 2 February 1809, registered in Charles City County on 15 July 1830 on testimony of Peter Crew: a mulatto man, twenty one years old on 2 February 1830 [Minutes 1830-7, 23].

iv. Littleberry, born about 1811, registered on 15 December 1831: son of John Bradby, deced., a mulatto man, about 20 years old, born free in this county [Minutes 1830-7, 105].

v. ?Pleasant, born about 1815, a "Mulatto" listed in the 1860 census for Charles City County with 29-year-old Ann Adkins in his household.

vi. Sally, born 18 January 1817, registered in Charles City County on 16 August 1832: (testimony of W. Christian) daughter of John Bradby, a mulatto girl, aged fifteen the 18 January last [Minutes 1830-7, 117].

 

6.    Smallwood¹ Bradby, born about 1786, was taxable in Charles City County in 1805, a "Mulattoe" taxable in 1813 [PPTL, 1788-1814] and head of a Charles City County household of 5 "free colored" in 1830. He renewed his certificate of freedom in Charles City County on 17 November 1831 explaining that his former certificate had been destroyed by the burning of his house [Minutes 1823-9, 86]. His wife Rebecca registered on 15 September 1831: wife of Smallwood Bradby, a very bright mulatto woman about forty five years old, born free in this county [Minutes 1823-9, 188; 1830-7, 75-6]. He and his wife Rebecca were listed in the 1850 Charles City County census with Mary Brown, Annmarie Cotman and Marstin Cotman, and he was a 65-year-old farmer in the list of free Negroes for Charles City County in 1851 [List of free negroes over 12 years, 1851, African American Narrative Digital Collection, LVA]. He may have been the father of

i. Smallwood², Jr., born about 1806, registered in Charles City County on 21 September 1826 on testimony of John Folkes: a bright mulatto born free in this county [Minutes 1823-9, 188].

 

7.   Richard² Bradby, born say 1770, was taxable in Charles City County in 1797 [PPTL, 1788-1814] and taxable in King William County from 1798 to 1813: taxable on his own tithe and a slave in 1797 and taxable on a horse while residing in the Pamunkey Indian town in 1798, taxable on a slave over the age of 16 in the Indian town in 1800 and 1802 (but not subject to tax on his own tithe), taxable on a free male tithable and a horse in 1803 (called "Richard Bradberry UP" to differentiate him from another Richard Bradberry who was taxable on his own tithe, a slave, and a horse), taxable on a horse but not taxable on his own tithe in 1804, taxable on a free male tithable in 1805, taxable on a horse but not on his own tithe in 1807, 1809, 1811 and 1812, listed as a "Mulatto" taxable on 2 horses in 1813 [PPTL 1782-1811; 1812-50]. He may have been the husband of Sucky Miles who was the mother of William, Ritta, Edward, Pleasant and Sterling Bradby according to testimony in Petersburg in 1865 by Edward Bradby, who did not name his father [Petersburg Chancery file 1868-024, p.10]. Sucky was the mother of

8   i. William, born about 1793.

ii. Ritta/ Lucretia, "a free woman of Colour," married John Updike, 21 December 1822 Petersburg bond, and was the mother of Jane Updike. John Updike, born about 1789, was a "Mulatto" boatman counted in the 1850 census for Petersburg with $150 real estate and 50-year-old "Mulatto" woman W. Updike.

9   iii. Edward⁴, born about 1798.

 

8.   William Bradby, born about 1793, was listed as a 40-year-old farmer and huntsman with Miles and Ned Bradby in St. John's Parish, King William County, in 1833 [A List of free Negroes and Mulattoes in the County of King William for the year 1833, African American Digital Collection, LVA], head of a King William County household of 7 "free colored" in 1830 and 1 in 1840. He was the brother of Edward and Ritta Bradby according to Edward's testimony in Petersburg in December 1865. His children in 1865 were Evans Bradby, Delaware Bradby, Terrell Bradby, John Bradby, Waller Bradby, Lavinia Cook (formerly Bradby, wife of Thomas Cook), Riley Bradby, and Mary Ella Bradby (about 20 years old, the illegitimate child of William's deceased daughter Polly Bradby) [Petersburg Chancery file 1868-024, p.10]. His wife was Dicy Sampson according to the marriage license of his son Terrell Bradby. He was the father of

i. Evans, born about 1820, a "Mulatto" counted in the 1860 census for King William County with Welthy (age 26) and Clementine Bradberry (age 17), an Indian counted in the 1870 King William County census for West Point with Elizabeth (31), Clementella (16), Pocahontas (5), Mohawk (2), and Latisha Bradby (4/12).

ii. Sterling, born about 1825, a "Mulatto head of a King William County household with 22-year-old Delaware Bradberry in 1850. He was identified as a brother of Ritta Bradby in Edward Bradby's testimony in Petersburg but was called the son of Billy and Dicy Sampson when he married Ellen Aldman, daughter of Thornton and Eliza Major on 19 May 1858 in King William County. He, Ellen, and (their son?) Sterling (age 10) were "Mulattos" counted in the 1860 census for King William County. He was called the brother of Terrell Bradby when Terrell admitted in 1895 that he had murdered Sterling in 1864. His heirs were Charles (about 6 years old) and Jennie Lind Bradby (about 4) according to his brother Edward Bradby's testimony in Petersburg in December 1865 [Petersburg Chancery file 1868-024, p.10]. They were apparently identical to Charles (12, attending school) and Virginia Bradby (9), two Indian children in the household of Richard (age 40) and Frances E. Bradby (age 27) in the 1870 census for West Point.

iii. Polly, mother of Mary Ella Bradby.

iv. Delaware, born about 1828, a 22-year-old "Mulatto" counted in Sterling Bradberry's King William County household in 1850, a 43-year-old Indian farmer with $265 real estate in West Point in 1870.

v. Lavinia, married Thomas Cook.

vi. John, born about 1833, a "Mulatto" counted in the 1860 King William County census in the household of Matilda Bradby (age 62) with Matilda (22), Fielding (40), Minerva (10) and John Bradberry (7).

vii. Waller, perhaps identical to Tom Bradberry, born about 1835, who was counted in Nancy Langston's household in 1860. Thomas testified for the Southern Claims application of Edward Bradley, and Edward's daughter Caroline Collins called him her cousin in her application.

10   viii. Terrell, born about 1836.

ix. Riley, born about 1842, called Ryland Bradberry when he was counted in the 1860 census for King William County in the household of Nancy Langston (50) and Tom Bradberry (25).

 

9.     Edward⁴ Bradby/ Bradberry, born about 1797, was listed as a 35-year-old farmer and huntsman with William and Miles Bradby in St. John's Parish, King William County, in 1833 [A List of free Negroes and Mulattoes in the County of King William for the year 1833, African American Digital Collection, LVA], head of a King William County household of 5 "free colored" in 1830, 1 in 1840 and a "Mulatto" laborer in King William County in 1850: counted with son Edward (20), daughters Caroline (12), Lucy Ann (10), Susan (6), Eliza Bradberry (2) and Sylvanus Miles (age 45). He was a 65-year-old "Mulatto" counted in the 1860 census for King William County with Susan (17), Pleasant (33) and Lucy Bradberry (22). On 13 December 1865 he testified in Petersburg that he was the son of Sucky Bradby, deceased, formerly Miles and brother of Ritta Bradby Updike, Pleasant Bradby, Sterling Bradby and William Bradby [Petersburg Chancery File, Admr of Jane Updike, 1868-024, pp.9-10; http://virginiamemory.com/collections/chancery]. He was a 73-year-old Indian counted in the 1870 King William County census in his daughter Caroline's household. On 1 July 1872 he made a claim for theft and damage done to his property by the Confederate forces during the Civil War, stating that he had been a resident of Indian Town for more than 50 years and that his son Edward had been a Union pilot. Terrell Bradby, Thomas Cook, Betsey Bradby, Caroline Cook and Lucy Ann Langston testified on his behalf. Caroline testified that she was Edward's widowed daughter and sister-in-law to Thomas Langston. Lucy Ann Langston (colored) also testified that she was the daughter of Edward [U.S, Southern Claims Commission Allowed Claims, 1871-1880, Virginia\M2094, roll 25; http://familysearch.org/search/catalog, film 101086192, image 368]. He was the father of

i. Pleasant, born about 1829, listed as a brother of Edward Bradby, but called the son of Ned and Lucy Bradley when he married Lucy J. Miles, daughter of Isaac and Jane Miles on 15 July 1860 in King William County. He offered a reward in the 28 November 1859 issue of the Daily Dispatch Richmond newspaper for the return of his free papers [Vol. 16, no. 128, Pleasant Bradby, http://virginiachronicle.com]. Pleasant was a 40-year-old Indian counted in 1870 with wife Lucy J. and Sarah (10), Elizabeth A. (9) and Harriet A. Bradby (9/12). His daughter Elizabeth married William G. Sweat, son of Frank and Elizabeth Sweat, in King William County on 23 May 1889.

11   ii. Edward⁵, born about 1832.

iii. ?Richard, born about 1830, arrested by the police but released with a warning from the mayor of Richmond because he, Pleasant Miles, Richard Smith, Madison Jenkins, Perry Bradley, Alpheus Roper, Virginia Parsons, P. Hill, A. Judah, G. Hope, P. Hope, L. Judah, Susan Johnson and Kitty Johnson had an unlawful assembly of more than five "negroes" without a permit when they were attending a marriage in Richmond. They were certified as being "very respectable colored persons" according to the 23 September 1853 issue of the Daily Dispatch. Richard was arrested for being drunk and disorderly in Richmond according to the 1 December 1853 issue of the Richmond Mail. He presented his free papers which were dated 11 January 1851: of a bright copper complexion, dark hair and eyes, about five feet eight inches in height, aged twenty years, to be one of this tribe and is entitled to all the privileges and immunities appertaining. The 1 December 1853 issue of the paper reported that the mayor had said, "the maternal ancestor of the prisoner may have been an Indian, but if his father were a negro, the prisoner was no more an Indian than would the offspring of a white woman by a black man be white. The kinky hair and general appearance of the accused was such to convince him that he was nothing more than a free negro, and he should therefore fine him $1 for being drunk, and commit him to prison as a free negro without a register." However, the judge discharged him. He advertised in the 21 February issue of the paper that his certificate was stolen from the kitchen of Mr. Thomas Jones, and the 1 March 1854 issue of the paper reported that he was charged with stealing a box of tobacco from the store of Thomas Jones. The mayor was undecided as to whether to charge him as a white man or free Negro [Vol. 1, nos. 202, 273; Vol. 4, no. 36, http://virginiachronicle.com, "Richard Bradby"]. He was called the son of W^m and Disahi (Dicy) Bradley when he married Ellen Bradley, daughter of Thornton and Eliza Alman, in Richmond on 16 March 1866. He was an Indian counted in the 1870 census for West Point, King William County, with Frances E. Bradby (age 27), Charles (12, attending school) and Virginia Bradby (9).

iv. Caroline, born about 1838, applied to the Southern Claims Commission in 1879 as administratrix of her husband Major Cook who died in 1861 leaving one child [U.S, Southern Claims Commission Allowed Claims, 1871-1880, Virginia\M2094, roll 25; http://familysearch.org/search/catalog, film 101086192, image 492].

v. Lucy Ann, born about 1840, married Thomas Langston.

vi. Susan, born about 1843.

vii. Eliza, born about 1848.

 

10.    Terrell Bradley/ Bradby, born about 1836, advertised in the 9 June 1853 edition of the Daily Dispatch in Richmond that he had lost his Indian free papers somewhere in the city. The 23 September 1853 issue of the Daily Dispatch and the Richmond Enquirer reported that he and several other "colored and mostly free persons" were charged with unlawful assembly at the house of Maria Roper, a "free negress," between Jackson and Duval Streets in Richmond where they were attending the wedding of Pleasant Miles. Some of the guests escaped, but he and several others were taken to jail. The mayor examined their papers, ascertained that a marriage license had been obtained, that a white lady was present, that the parties had been married by a respectable white minister, and let them go but "took occasion to admonish them of the unlawfulness of an assemblage of blacks for that purpose" [Vol. 3, no. 201, Terrell Bradley, http://virginiachronicle.com]. He was called the son of William Bradley and Dicy Sampson when he married Eliza Almond, daughter of Thornton Almond and Eliza Major, on 24 September 1857 in King William County. Terrell murdered his brother Sterling Bradby and was tried at a general court martial at Yorktown in 1864. He had enlisted with the Union forces as a pilot in May 1862 and was ordered to serve another 5 years for the murder according to his own testimony as one of the heirs of Thornton Almond in a King William County chancery case in 1895 [Chancery case 1909-003]. He had some land and a house on the Pamunkey Indian Island which the Confederate Army tore down and used the materials to build quarters for themselves. His house was constructed of logs, weather-boarded, 15 x 25 feet. On 10 June 1872 Congress allowed him $289 on his claim. Thomas Sampson, Thomas Cook, Ned Bradby, Evans Bradby and Alexander Allmond of King William County testified as to his loyalty and to the facts in the case. He made a similar claim as administrator of the estate of Archie Miles on 28 February 1873. Thomas Sampson, Martha Ann Sampson, William P. Miles, Thomas Bradby, and William Miles all of Fish Haul in King William County supported the petition [U.S. Southern Claims Commission Allowed Claims, 1871-1880, Virginia\M2094, http://familysearch.org/search/catalog, film 101086192, image 288]. He was called William T. Bradby, a 37-year-old Indian farmer, when he was counted in the 1870 census for West Point, King William County, with $265 in real estate, wife Elizabeth, daughter Frances E. (age 10, attending school), daughter Crusata (6), Junetta Bradby (2), and William Cook (age 25, a farm laborer). His first wife Eliza Almond was deceased in 1894 when Terrell and his wife Cincinati were plaintiffs in the chancery suit. Terrell was living in the Pamunkey Indian town reservation in May 1895 when he testified that his occupation was farming, fishing and hunting; that his wife died sometime after her father, and that she left 5 children, the oldest born in 1864 and the youngest 17 years old on the 22^nd day of the previous March. He was counted as an Indian fisherman living on his own land in West Point District of King William County in the 1900 census with his daughter Stella who was born in November 1876. Terrell and Eliza were the parents of

i. C.A. Bradby, an Indian, daughter of Turell and Betsy Bradby, married William G. Sweatt, a widowed Black man, son of Frank and Elizabeth Sweat, on 17 January 1901 in King William County. William had previously married Elizabeth Bradley (Bradby), daughter of Pleasant and Lucy J. Bradley in King William County on 23 May 1889. William G. Sweat was a 47-year-old Indian widower counted in the Pamunkey Indian Town in the household of his cousin Richard L. Holmes in 1900.

ii. Crusada Bradby, born in December 1865, wife of Willie Bradby, apparently identical to L. Bradley, born about 1865, a Black woman, daughter of T. and B. Bradley, who married William Bradley, son of E. and L. Bradley, on 11 August 1881 in King William County. Crusada Bradby was a widow when she was an Indian counted in West Point in King William County for the 1900 census: a farmer who owned her own land, listed with her children: Wiley (age 15, at school), Maggie H. (age 13, at school), Edward F. (9), John F. (5) and Mary W. (5) in the household next to Union Collins.

iii. Junie, born about 1867, called J.E. Bradley, daughter of W.T. and B. Bradley when she married U.A. (Union) Collins, son of W. and L. Collins, in King William County on 12 December 1883.

iv. Washtella, apparently identical to Stella Bradby, born in November 1876, who was living in Terrell Bradby's household in 1900.

v. Ignomia.

vi. Fannie, married Gid. (W.G.) Sweat and was deceased when her grandfather's estate was distributed. Her children were Lena, Frank and Sterling Sweat who were under the age of 21 on 27 December 1895.

 

11.    Edward⁵ Bradby, born about 1832, advertised a reward of $2 in the 19 June 1855 issue of the Daily Dispatch in Richmond for the return of his lost free papers from the trustees of the Pamunkey Indians, calling himself a "free man of coler" [Vol. 7, no. 144 http://virginiachronicle.com, Edward Bradley]. He was a "Mulatto" counted in the 1860 King William County census with Caty (25), Ned (6/12), Emeline Langston (6/12) and John Langston (2) in the household adjoining Nancy Langston (50), Tom Bradberry (25) and Ryland Bradberry (18). Edward was an Indian counted in the 1870 census for West Point, King William County, with $265 real estate, wife Catherine, son William A. (age 10, attending school), son John R., James E., Lursilla (age 4), Patrick H. (age 2) and Milton (5/12). Edward and Caty were the parents of

i. William, born about 1840, black son of E. and L. Bradley, married Crusada Bradley, black daughter of T. and B. (Terrell and Betty) Bradley on 11 August 1881 in King William County.

ii. Lillie, born about 1866, Black daughter of Ed and Catherine Bradley, married Sanford Bradley, born in Charles City County in 1846, black son of Jane Bradley, on 16 July 1885 in King William County.

iii. John R., born about 1867, Indian son of Edward and Katie Bradby, married Luzelia Allman, daughter of J.B. and M.C. Allman, on 4 December 1907 in King William County.

 

BRANCH FAMILY

1.    Randall Branch was listed among the "Black" members of the undated colonial muster of Captain James Fason's Northampton County, North Carolina Militia [T.R., Box 1, Folder 3]. In 1769 he was taxable in Dobbs County [SS 837, Box 1, p. 8], and in 1790 he was head of a Robeson County household of 11 "other free" [NC:49]. On 9 January 1801 he sold 500 acres in Robeson County on the west side of Indian Swamp, 400 acres of which he had purchased on 3 October 1782 and the remainder on 8 May 1786, to Michael Herren for £50 [DB K:176].

i. Moses, born before 1776, head of a Robeson County household of 1 "other free" in 1800 [NC:363] and 1 "free colored" in 1820 [NC:297], perhaps the Moses Branch who received £2 specie in Wilmington District on 14 November 1781 for his service in the militia [N.C. Revolutionary Pay Vouchers, 1779-1782, http://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2WT-5YRG] , Branch, Moses].

ii. Mary, head of a Robeson County household of 5 "free colored" in 1820 [NC:316].

iii. William, head of a Halifax County, North Carolina household of 6 "free colored" in 1820 [NC:142].

 

BRANDICAN FAMILY

1.    Reuben Brandican, born about 1755, registered in King George County in 1801: Reuben Brannican, alias Gammon, a mulatto man aged about forty six years, about six feet high, long curley hair and at this time large & muscular...was born in this County of free parents [Register of Free Negroes, no.39]. He was head of a King George County household of 6 "other free" in 1810 [VA:192]. He was taxable in King George County from 1788 to 1815: called Reuben Gammon in 1788, listed as a "mulatto" in 1813 [PPTL, 1782-1830, frames 55, 125, 143, 262, 302, 367]. He may have been the father of

i. Henry, taxable in King George County from 1789 to 1815: called Henry Gammon in 1788, listed as a "mulatto" from 1813 to 1815 [PPTL, 1782-1830, frames 59, 64, 104, 153, 237, 338, 367].

ii. Aden, a "mulatto" taxable in King George County from 1797 to 1813: listed as a "mulatto" in 1813 and 1814 [PPTL, 1782-1830, frames 153, 176, 276, 338, 367].

 

BRANDOM/ BRANNUM/ BRANHAM FAMILY

Mixed-race members of the Brannum/ Branham family, born about 1720, were probably the children of a servant of Godfrey and Elizabeth Ragsdale since several mixed-race Brannum/ Brandon children were born in their household between 1720 and 1730: Margaret "a Mollatto belonging to Godfry & Eliz: Ragsdale" (called Margaret Brannum when she was bound to Ragsdale in 1722), Dol and bidde (no last name) in 1727, Ned (no last name) "a Mulatto" born in Godfrey Ragsdale's household in Bristol Parish in 1731, and "Mulatto" Tom bound to Eliza Ragsdale in 1731 [Chamberlayne, Vestry Book and Register of Bristol Parish, 11, 36, 50, 59, 305, 356]. They may have been related to Jemmy Brandon who was listed among the "Negros &c At the Home House" in the 15 July 1728 Surry County estate of Nathaniel Harrison, Esq. [DW 7:843]. Mixed-race members of the Brandon family were

1    i. Peter¹, born say 1715.

2    ii. Mary¹, born say 1718.

3    iii. Margaret¹, born 22 November 1720.

4    iv. Benjamin¹ Branham, born say 1721.

v. Ann¹, born say 1724, listed in the 6 June 1755 inventory of the Chesterfield County estate of Godfrey Ragsdale (with her brother Ned?): Ned Mulatto to be free in three years - £18, Nan ditto - £5 [WB 1:178-9]. And she was probably identical to "Nann a Mulatto" who successfully sued Mary Ragsdale for her freedom on 1 August 1755 [Orders 1749-54, 117].

vi. Frances¹ Brannum, "alias Harris," born say 1726, living in Chesterfield County on 7 February 1752 when the court ordered the churchwardens of Dale Parish to bind out her unnamed children [Orders 1749-54, 171].

vii. Edward¹, born about 1727, a "Mulatto Child by name Ned" (no surname) born in Godfrey Ragsdale's house before 9 July 1730 when he was bound to Ragsdale [Chamberlayne, Vestry Book and Register of Bristol Parish, 50]. He was listed in the 6 June 1755 inventory of the Chesterfield County estate of Godfrey Ragsdale: Ned Mulatto to be free in three years [WB 1:178-9].

5    viii. Eleanor, born say 1728.

6    ix. Edward³, born say 1760.

x. Nancy¹, born say 1762, a planter and spinner in the "List of Free Negroes & Mulattoes" for Sussex County from 1801 to 1805, with children: Hartwell, Jeffrey, Moses, Winnie, Lucy and Becky Brandon and with adult Jack Brandon starting in 1802 [List of Free Negroes & Mulattoes, 1801-1812, frames 1, 9, 12, 19, 25, LVA microfilm no. 221].

 

1.    Peter¹ Brannan, born say 1715, was living in Henrico County in May 1741 when the court ordered the churchwardens of Dale Parish to bind out his "Mulatto" children: Sarah, George, Will, and Aggy [Orders 1737-46, 143]. His children were

i. Sarah, born say 1733.

ii. George¹, born say 1735.

iii. William¹, born say 1738.

iv. Aggy, born say 1740.

 

2.    Mary¹ Brandom, born say 1718, was living in Bristol Parish on 12 June 1743 when her children John and Charles Brandom were baptized. She was the mother of orphans Edward and Ann Brandom who were living in Chesterfield County on 6 August 1750 when the court ordered the churchwardens of Dale Parish to bind them out [Orders 1749-54, 66]. She was the mother of

7    i. John¹, born 22 October 1740.

ii. Charles¹, born 1 March 1742/3, baptized 12 June 1743 in Bristol Parish, son of Mary Brandom [Chamberlayne, Vestry Book and Register of Bristol Parish, 293].

8    iii. Ann², born say 1744.

iv. Edward², born about 1749, registered in Petersburg on 18 August 1794: a dark brown Mulatto man, five feet one inches high, forty five years old, born free in the County of Dinwiddie [Register of Free Negroes 1794-1819, no. 28]. He was taxable in Dinwiddie County in 1787 and 1788 [PPTL, 1782-90 (1787 A, p.2), (1788 A, p.2)] and a "free M^o" taxable on himself and his unnamed father, "2 Blacks," in the Dinwiddie section of Petersburg in 1795 [PPTL, 1787-99, frame 768]. He sued James Westend for trespass, assault and battery in the Hustings Court of Petersburg on 5 March 1793 but failed to prosecute further on 4 August 1794 [Orders 1791-7, 72, 132]. He was a 50-year-old carpenter living in Petersburg in 1803 with (wife?) Suckey Brandon, age 40, and children [List of People of Color in Petersburg 1803, African American Narrative Digital Collection, LVA].

 

3.    Margaret¹ Brannum, born 7 November 1720, baptized 28 May 1721, was called "Margaret a Mollatto belonging unto Godfrey and Elizabeth Ragsdale" when her birth and baptism were recorded in Bristol Parish (Henrico, Prince George, and Dinwiddie counties). She was two years old on 10 October 1722, called Margaret Brannum (no race mentioned), when she was bound to Godfrey Ragsdale [Chamberlayne, Vestry Book and Register of Bristol Parish, 305, 11]. She was called Peg Brannum on 7 February 1752 when the Chesterfield County court ordered the churchwardens of Dale Parish to bind out her unnamed children [Orders 1749-54, 171]. She may have been the ancestor of

9    i. Mary², born about 1738.

ii. Jinny, born about 1766, registered in Petersburg on 18 August 1794: a stout made light brown Mulatto woman, five feet six and a half inches high, twenty eight years old, born free in County of Prince George [Register of Free Negroes 1794-1819, no. 46].

iii. William³, born about 1769, sued William Linton in the Hustings Court of Petersburg, but the defendant was not found when the case came to trial on 6 December 1786 [Orders 1784-91, 165]. He registered in Petersburg on 19 August 1794: a brown Mulatto man, five feet six and a half inches high, twenty five years old, born free in Dinwiddie County. Renewed 28 August 1816 [Register of Free Negroes 1794-1819, no. 51, 812]. He married Lucy Scott, 19 May 1801 Petersburg bond, Charles Watts surety.

 

4.    Benjamin¹ Branham, born say 1721, was living in Louisa County on 28 May 1745 when he, William Hall, Thomas Collins, Samuel Collins, William Collins, George Gibson, Thomas Gibson, William Donathan, and Samuel Bunch were presented by the court for failing to list a tithable (probably their wives) [Orders 1742-8, 152, 157, 172]. He and his wife Frances Gibson were lent the plantation they were then living on by the 18 December 1756 Louisa County deed of her father Gilbert Gibson. On 27 August 1772 he made a Louisa County deed of trust for 209 acres which was proved on 11 October 1773, and on 17 April 1784 he and Frances sold 4 acres of their home tract on the waters of Peters Creek [DB B:140-2; D1/2:537; H:373-4]. On 8 May 1780 the Louisa County court exempted him from paying county levies (due to old age) [Orders 1774-82, 303]. He was taxable on a horse in Louisa County from 1782 to 1794, taxable on an unnamed son in 1791 and 1794 [PPTL, 1782-1814]. He left a 24 August 1794 Louisa County will, proved 13 April 1795, naming his children Nathaniel, Benjamin, Jr., Susanna, Sally, Annis (wife of John Lemay), Mary (wife of John Dalton) and Peggy (wife of Kimbrough Landers) [WB 3:600]. He was the father of

i. Nathaniel, born about 1744, about twenty-five years old on 8 May 1769 when he (making his mark) made a deposition in the Louisa County case in which his father and George Gibson sued Sarah Lemay Gibson, stating that he heard his grandfather Gilbert Gibson forewarn James Twopence not to clear land his grandfather had given his father Benjamin [Judgments, 1769-1770, frame 260]. He received a warrant for serving in the French and Indian War as a soldier in Captain William Phillips's company of volunteer rangers in 1763 based on testimony in Louisa County court 14 February 1780 [Orders 1776-82, 122; Crozier, Virginia colonial militia, 1651-1776, 12]. He married Patty Napper, 26 March 1795 Louisa County bond, John Dalton surety. He was taxable in Louisa County from 1782 to 1814, listed as a "free Negro & Mulatto" in 1813 and 1814 [PPTL, 1782-1814]. He and his wife Patty, Kimbrough and his wife Peggy Landers, and Annis, widow of John Lemay sold the 81 acres they received by the will of Benjamin Branham for ,121 on 19 April 1796 DB I:186].

ii. Benjamin², Jr., taxable in Louisa County from 1782 to 1814: listed as a "free Negro & Mulatto" in 1813 and 1814 [PPTL, 1782-1814].

iii. Susanna, married Gideon Gibson in November 1772 [Jones, The Douglas Register, 126]. She was the mother of Ambrose Branham and Malachia Branham. Malachia was taxable in Louisa County from 1795 to 1814, listed as a "free Negro & Mulatto" in 1813 and 1814 [PPTL, 1782-1814].

iv. Sally, a spinster on 21 November 1796 when she and Sukey Branham sold 51 acres devised to them by Benjamin Branham for ,80 [DB I:295].

v. Annis, married John Lemay (stepson of Gilbert Gibson). They had a son John who was born on 4 May 1776 and baptized on 5 October [Jones, The Douglas Register, 183, 236].

vi.Mary, married John Dalton on 28 December 1777 [Jones, The Douglas Register, 126]. They were the parents of Fanny and John Dolton who were in the list of "mulattoes" in Louisa County in 1802/3 [Abercrombie, Free Blacks of Louisa County, 20]; David, a "Mulatto" laborer with wife Franky in the 1850 census for Louisa County; Polly Shepherd (married Anderson Shepherd, 13 August 1812 Louisa County bond, David Dalton surety), head of a Louisa County household of 4 "free colored" in 1830; and Ellis and Malachi Dolton who wre in the list of Free Negroes & Mulattoes for Louisa County in 1816 [PPTL, 1815-29].

vii. Peggy, wife of Kimbrough Landers.

 

5.    Eleanor Branham/ Brandom, born say 1728, was living in Brunswick County, Virginia, on 24 July 1753 when the court ordered the churchwardens to bind out her children Thomas and Molly Branham. And on 29 January 1755 the court ordered the churchwardens to bind out her children Thomas, Molly and Vines Brannum [Orders 1753-6, 9, 340]. On 12 May 1763 the Lunenburg County court ordered the churchwardens of St. James Parish to bind out her son Thomas Brandom [Orders 1763-64, 35]. She was the mother of

10    i. Mary³/ Molly, born say 1744.

11    ii. Thomas¹, born about 1746.

12    iii. Vines/ Viney, born say 1754.

iv. ?William², born say 1755, in the list of men from Mecklenburg County under the command of Captain Reuben Vaughan who were on a detachment to the southward under immediate command of Colonel David Mason in 1779 [Edmund W. Hubbard Papers, Southern Historical Collection, UNC Chapel Hill, NC, cited by Elliott, Katherine, Meclenburg County, Virginia, Revolutionary War Records (1983):162-3]. He was head of a Mecklenburg County, Virginia household of 5 persons in 1782 [VA:34]. He was presented by the court on 14 October 1782 for failing to list himself as a tithable, listed as a tithable in Mecklenburg County in 1783 [Orders 1779-84, 236, 257; PPTL, 1782-1805, frame 50], and was a "melatto" taxable in the northern district of Campbell County in 1789, listed on the same day as William Brannom, Jr. [PPTL, 1785-1814, frame 123].

 

6.    Edward³ Branham/ Brannum, born say 1760, was head of an Amherst County household of 1 free person in 1783 [VA:48] and 3 free persons in 1785 [VA:85]. He was taxable in Amherst County from 1783 to 1788 and from 1799 to 1805, a "man of color" in 1811, 1815 and 1817, in a list of "Free Negroes & Mulattoes" in 1814, 1818, and 1819 [PPTL 1782-1803, frames 25, 39, 96, 135, 449, 478, 549, 584; 1804-23, frames 20, 61, 208, 284, 298, 436, 489, 528]. He married Nancy Evans, 6 December 1790 Amherst County bond, Charles Christian security. He was one of the freeholders ordered to work on the road from Oransby's cabin to the fork of Megginson's road in Amherst County on 17 February 1794 [Orders 1790-4, 707]. He was the father of

i. ?Creasy, born 1776-94, head of an Amherst County household of 5 "free colored" in 1830.

ii. Polly, born say 1793, daughter of Edward and Nancy Branham, married James Johns in Amherst County in 1810.

iii. Levi, born about 1795, registered in Amherst County in 1830: son of Edward Branham free born aged thirty five a Bright Mulatto 5 feet six inches high [Register, no. 44].

iv. Judith, born about 1808, registered on 28 December 1833: daughter of Edward and Nancey Branham born free - aged about twenty five years a bright mulatto straight hair five feet one inch high [Register, no. 69].

 

7.    John¹ Brandom, son of Mary Brandom, was born 22 October 1740 and baptized 12 June 1743 [Chamberlayne, Vestry Book and Register of Bristol Parish, 293]. He would still have been a servant until 1771, so he may have been the father of "base born children" Charles and Moses Brandon (no race indicated) who were bound out by the Sussex County court in November 1756. And he may have been the John Brandon whose orphans Moses and Aaron were bound out in Sussex County on 19 March 1772 [Orders 1754-6, 426; 1770-6, 116]. He may have been the husband of Doll/ Dorothy, the "Mullatto" Child named Dol (no surname) bound to Godfrey Ragsdale in Bristol Parish on 24 July 1727 [Chamberlayne, Vestry Book and Register of Bristol Parish, 36]. Dorothy Brandom was sued for debt by the churchwardens of Albemarle Parish in Sussex County court on 16 June 1759 (for having a base-born child?), but the case was dismissed on her paying the plaintiff's costs. The same court ordered her "Natural born Children" Moses and Aaron bound to Thomas Vines. And on 18 December 1767 the Sussex County court ordered the churchwardens of Albemarle Parish to bind out her sons Charles, Moses and Aaron Brandon [Orders 1757-61, 262, 266; 1766-70, 203; Court Papers, 1766-1767, reel 59, frame 616]. Her children were

i. Charles², born about 1754, bound out in Sussex County in November 1756. He may have been the Charles Brandum who was sued by Wood Lawrence for £8.8 in Brunswick County, Virginia court on 30 November 1786 [Orders 1784-8, 432, 475]. He registered in Petersburg on 19 August 1794: a brown Mulatto man, five feet high, forty years old, born free in the County of Sussex [Register of Free Negroes 1794-1819, no. 59]. He was taxable in Chesterfield County in 1791, 1792 (with Plato Brandom), 1807 and 1809 [PPTL, 1786-1811, frames 81, 117, 689, 738] and a "free Mulatto" taxable in the Dinwiddie section of Petersburg in 1795 [PPTL, 1787-99, frame 767].

ii. Moses¹, born say 1756, taxable in St. Andrew's Parish, Brunswick County, Virginia, in 1787 and 1788: taxable on 2 slaves above the age of 16 and 2 age 12-16 in 1787, 2 slaves above 16 in 1788 [PPTL 1782-98, frames 184, 212].

iii. Aaron¹, born say 1758.

iv. ?Jacob, born about 1763, an orphan ordered bound out in Sussex County with Ann Brandon on 17 June 1773 [Orders 1770-6, 289], taxable in Dinwiddie County from 1787 to 1789 [PPTL, 1782-90 (1787 A, p.2), (1788 A, p.2), (1789 A, p.3)]. On 4 March 1792 he and Aaron Brandon were granted letters of administration of the estate of Benjamin Scott by the Petersburg Hustings Court on £20 bond [Orders 1791-7, 27]. He was taxable in Petersburg on 2 horses from 1800 to 1810 [PPTL 1800-33, frames 4, 25, 73, 111, 279]. He married Cloe Hunnicutt, 3 November 1786 Petersburg bond, Israel DeCondray surety. His wife Cloe Brandon registered in Petersburg on 8 June 1810: a dark brown Negro woman (wife of Jacob Brandon), rather under 5' high in shoes, about 46 yrs old, Emancipated by Robert Pleasants in Henrico County [Register of Free Negroes, 1794-1819, no. 549]. He was a 40-year-old carpenter in Petersburg with (wife?) Chloe, age 40, and children [List of People of Color in Petersburg 1803, African American Narrative Digital Collection, LVA]. He was a 50-year-old carpenter from Petersburg who emigrated to Liberia with Caleb Brander aboard the ship Oswego in 1823 [http://fold3.com/image/46670209].

 

8.    Anne² Brannum, born say 1747, daughter of Mary Brandon, was bound out with her brother Ned by the Chesterfield County court on 6 August 1750 [Orders 1749-54, 66]. She was a free "Mulatto" living in Goochland County in May 1763 when the churchwardens of St. James Northam Parish were ordered to bind out her children: Jane, Patsy, and Siller to John Payne [Orders 1761-65, 183]. Her children were

i. Jane, born say 1758.

ii. ?James, born about 1758, a soldier born in Goochland County and living there in June 1779 when he enlisted in the Revolution. He was sized on 4 April 1781: yellow Negro, age 23, 5'5-1/4" high, a planter, made his escape from Ch'stown [Register & description of Noncommissioned officers & Privates, LVA accession no. 24296, by http://revwarapps.org/b69.pdf (p.90)].

iii. Patsey, born say 1760.

iv. Siller, born about 1762, registered in Goochland County on 21 October 1822: Siller Cooper formerly Siller Branam, a woman of color about sixty years old, about five feet one inch high, of yellow complexion and was free born [Register of Free Negroes, p.136, no.287].

 

9.    Mary² Brandom, born about 1738, registered the birth of her children Elizabeth, John, Aaron, Judith, Peter and Gabriel in Bristol Parish [Chamberlayne, Vestry Book and Register of Bristol Parish, 293]. She was the 65-year-old wife of Plato Cook, a carpenter living in Petersburg in 1803 [List of People of Color in Petersburg 1803, African American Narrative Digital Collection, LVA]. Plato registered in Petersburg on 18 August 1794: Plato, a dark brown Negro man, 5'9" high, about 57 years old. Emancipated by Edmund Ruffin in Prince George County [Register of Free Negroes, 1794-1819, no. 22]. He was a "free black" taxable on 7 "Blacks above 16 years" and 2 horses in the Dinwiddie section of Petersburg in 1795 [PPTL, 1787-99, frame 768]. Mary Brandon and Benjamin Scott owned property in Petersburg on 25 September 1788 when the executor of Edward Stabler sold land adjoining theirs [DB 1:405]. Mary and Plato purchased a 3/4 acre lot in Petersburg on 26 August 1794 from Benjamin Scott, but Benjamin died before the deed was proved. Therefore, on 9 June 1808 the parties agreed to let Rev. William Harrison divide the property to give his sons Griffin, David and Isaac Scott their 1/3 part of their father's estate [DB 3:433]. Plato Cook left a 1812 Petersburg will, proved August 1812, by which he named his sons Aaron, Shadrack, Daniel and Moses Brander, his wife Mary Brander, her daughters Betsy, Judy and Polly, and grandchild Mary, daughter of his son Gabriel. Daniel Brandon was administrator with Major Eelbeck and Shadrack Brandon provided $1,000 security [WB 2:80]. Shortly before he died, Plato formally married Mary Brandon, __ May 1812 Petersburg bond, Shadrack Brandon (signing) surety. Mary was the mother of

i. Elizabeth, born 11 April 1758 [Chamberlayne, Vestry Book and Register of Bristol Parish, 289], registered in Petersburg on 22 July 1799: a dark brown Mulatto woman, five feet and a half inches high, with short matted hair, forty years old, born free in Prince George County & raised in the Town of Petersburg [Register of Free Negroes 1794-1819, no. 146].

ii. John², born 4 October 1760, son of Mary Brandom. He and Rhode Brandom were on the pay roll of Captain Dudley's Company of the 2^nd Virginia Regiment from 1 May to September 1778 [NARA, M246, roll 96, frames 326, 3530, 536, 541]. On 4 July 1796 he was ordered by the Petersburg Hustings Court to post bond to keep the peace [Orders 1791-7, 171a]. He and Moses Brandon purchased lot no. 95 in the Blandford section of Petersburg for $40 on 25 March 1806 [DB 3:300].

iii. Aaron², born 1 August 1762 [Chamberlayne, Vestry Book and Register of Bristol Parish, 293], sued for a debt of £4 in the Hustings Court of Petersburg on 5 March 1788 [Orders 1784-91, 225], taxable in Petersburg from 1800 to 1815: called a "free Black" in 1813, a "free Negro" in 1815 [PPTL 1800-33, frames 3, 25, 47, 73, 111, 279, 395, 452]. He registered in Petersburg on 2 October 1802: a dark brown Mulatto man, five feet nine inches high, forty two years old, short bushy hair, born free & raised in the Town of Petersburg. His wife Sylvia, born about 1756, registered on 21 December 1809: a dark brown, near black, free woman of colour (wife of Aaron Brandon) fifty three years old, born free & raised in Prince George County [Register of Free Negroes 1794-1819, nos. 53, 244, 524]. He was a 35-year-old carpenter living in Petersburg with Silvia and children in 1803 [List of People of Color in Petersburg, 1803, African American Narrative Digital Collection, LVA], called Aaron Brander in 1810, head of a Petersburg household of 7 "other free" [VA:122a].

iv. Judith, born 16 July 1764 [Chamberlayne, Vestry Book and Register of Bristol Parish, 293], registered in Petersburg on 18 August 1794: a dark Mulatto woman, four feet eleven and a half inches high, twenty six years old, born free & raised in the Town of Petersburg [Register of Free Negroes 1794-1819, no. 40].

v. Peter², born 16 January 1766 [Chamberlayne, Vestry Book and Register of Bristol Parish, 293], head of a Petersburg household of 2 "other free" in 1810 [VA:126b].

vi. Gabriel, born 2 October 1767, registered in Petersburg on 30 June 1794: a dark Mulatto man about Twenty seven years old five & a half feet high, born in the county of Prince George of a free woman & raised in the Town of Petersburg [Register of Free Negroes 1794-1819, no. 6]. He was a "free M^o" taxable in the Dinwiddie section of Petersburg in 1795, taxable in Petersburg from 1800 to 1803 [PPTL 1787-99, frame 767; 1800-33, frames 3, 47, 72], and a 33-year-old carpenter living in Petersburg in 1803 with his wife Jincy Ruffin and children [List of People of Color in Petersburg 1803, African American Narrative Digital Collection, LVA].

vii. Mary⁵, born about 1768, registered in Petersburg on 30 January 1798: Mary Brondon, a dark brown Mulatto woman, five feet three inches high, short bushy hair, thirty years old, born free & raised in the Town of Petersburg [Register of Free Negroes 1794-1819, no. 131]. Administration on her Petersburg estate was granted to Plato Cook on 3 August 1812 on £200 bond with Shadrack and Moses Brandon as security [Hustings Court Minutes 1808-12, n.p.].

viii. ?Plato, born about 1768, taxable in Chesterfield County in 1791 and 1792 [PPTL, 1786-1827, frames 81, 117] and a M^o taxable in the Dinwiddie section of Petersburg in 1795, listed between Aaron and Shadrach Brandon [PPTL, 1787-99]. He sued Thomas Stroud for trespass, assault and battery in the Petersburg Hustings Court on 8 November 1791, but Stroud was found not guilty [Orders 1791-7, 13]. Plato registered in Petersburg on 16 August 1794: a dark brown Mulatto man, five feet six inches high, twenty eight years old, & raised in the Town of Petersburg & born free [Register of Free Negroes, 1794-1819, no. 15].

ix. Shadrack, born about 1771, registered in Petersburg on 16 March 1796: a stout well made dark brown Mulatto man, five feet seven and a half inches high, short wooly hair, twenty five years old, & raised in the Town of Petersburg [Register of Free Negroes 1794-1819, no. 110]. He married Frances Brown, 17 March 1794 Hustings Court, Petersburg marriage. (His wife?) Frances Brandon (born about 1771) registered in Petersburg on 18 August 1794: a dark brown Mulatto woman, five feet two inches high, twenty three born free in County of Prince George [Register of Free Negroes 1794-1819, no. 47]. He, William Smith, and Hannah Scott, "free Mulattoes," were charged on 23 December 1799 in Petersburg with stealing wheat from William Campbell. He and Hannah Scott were found not guilty, but William Smith, being "a person of bad fame," was ordered to post bond for his good behavior. Plato Cook and Aaron Brandon posted $50 each for Smith [Hustings Court Minute Book 1797-1800, n.p.]. Shadrack was taxable in Petersburg from 1800 to 1810: taxable on 2 tithes, a male slave over 16 and 3 horses in 1832 [PPTL 1800-33, frames 3, 25, 47, 73, 111, 279, 944] and head of a Petersburg household of 2 "other free" in 1810 [VA:121b]. He was a 30-year-old cooper living in Petersburg in 1803 with Frankey Brandon, near Plato Cook and his wife Mary Brandon, age 65 [List of People of Color in Petersburg 1803, African American Narrative Digital Collection, LVA]. He married Polly Davis, 5 July 1810 Petersburg bond, John Anderson surety. On 29 March 1817 he purchased part of a lot on the east side of the road leading from the upper end of Old Street to the west end of High Street from Isaac Scott for $250 and sold this land for the same price on 3 April 1817 [DB 5:144-5].

x. Aaron², born 1 August 1762 [Chamberlayne, Vestry Book and Register of Bristol Parish, 293], sued for a debt of £4 in the Hustings Court of Petersburg on 5 March 1788 [Orders 1784-91, 225]. He was taxable in Petersburg from 1800 to 1815: called a "free Black" in 1813, a "free Negro" in 1815 [PPTL 1800-33, frames 3, 25, 47, 73, 111, 279, 395, 452]. He registered in Petersburg on 2 October 1802: a dark brown Mulatto man, five feet nine inches high, forty two years old, short bushy hair, born free & raised in the Town of Petersburg. He married Sylvia Lewis, 3 November 1786 Petersburg bond. His wife Sylvia registered on 21 December 1809: a dark brown, near black, free woman of colour (wife of Aaron Brandon) fifty three years old, born free & raised in Prince George County [Register of Free Negroes 1794-1819, nos. 53, 244, 524]. He was a 35-year-old carpenter living in Petersburg with Silvia and children in 1803 [List of People of Color in Petersburg 1803, African American Narrative Digital Collection, LVA]. He was called Aaron Brander in 1810, head of a Petersburg household of 7 "other free" [VA:122a].

xi. Daniel, born about 1779, registered in Petersburg on 28 June 1806: a brown free negro man, five feet eleven and a half inches high, twenty seven years old, born free & raised in the Town of Petersburg [Register of Free Negroes 1794-1819, no. 385]. He was head of a Petersburg household of 7 "other free" in 1810 [VA:121b] and taxable in Petersburg from 1801 to 1833, called Daniel, Sr., in 1832 [PPTL 1800-33, frames 25, 47, 72, 110, 138, 279, 395, 452, 912, 943].

 

10.    Mary³ Brandom, born say 1744, was the mother of Rhode Brandom who was bound out in Mecklenburg County on 11 August 1766 [Orders 1765-8, 195]. She was the mother of

13    i. Rhode, born say 1762.

14    ii. ?Moses², born say 1772.

 

11.    Thomas¹ Brannum/ Brandom/ Brandon, born about 1746, "Son of Elenor Brandon, was ordered bound apprentice to Hutchings Burton by the churchwardens of St. James Parish, Lunenburg County, on 12 May 1763. He may have been identical to Thomas Branham (no parent named) who was ordered bound out in Brunswick County on 22 September 1760 [Orders 1760-84, 96]. He was taxable in Burton's Lunenburg County household in the 1764 list for St. James Parish [Bell, Sunlight on the Southside, 247]. He complained to the court that Burton was mistreating him, and the court bound him instead to Jacob Chavis on 13 July 1764 [Orders 1763-4, 35, 91; 1764-5, 108]. He purchased 130 acres on Middle Bluestone Creek in Mecklenburg County, Virginia, for £30 on 11 July 1778 [DB 5:283-4] and was head of a Mecklenburg County household of 6 "free colored" in 1820. He was living in Mecklenburg County, Virginia, on 15 June 1833 when he applied for a pension for his services in the Revolution, stating that he was born in Hanover County, was about 87 years old and moved to Mecklenburg County after the Revolution. He made a 12 April 1830 Mecklenburg County will, signing "Thomas Brannum," proved 18 May 1835, by which he appointed his wife Margaret executrix and lent her the 130 acres of land where they were then living and named his children: Nancy Gowen, Susanna Stewart, Lizzy Stewart, Aggy Pettyford, Peggy Brandom, Edward Brandom, Walden Brandom, and John Brandom. And he left his son Jesse his land after his wife's death [WB 13:440-1]. On 19 October 1840 his widow Margaret Walden Brandom, born about 1753, made a deposition in order to obtain a survivor's pension for his services. She testified that they were married on 3 January 1771 and he died 17 December 1834. Her application included a copy of a book containing the family register which was provided by William J.B. Bedford of the Charlotte County courthouse. Their child Margaret, born in 1790, was called Brannom, but those born after 1790 were called Brandon [NARA, W.4643, M804, roll 323, frame 507 of 1136; http://fold3.com/image/13730023]. She was identified as the daughter of Thomas Evans, wife of Thomas Brandom, in a Mecklenburg County chancery suit in 1819 [LVA, Chancery file 1819-006]. Walden may have been her mother's maiden name. The family register identified Thomas and Margaret Brandon's children:

i. Nancy², born 2 September 1771, called Nancy Brannom in the 22 May 1787 Mecklenburg County will of her grandfather Thomas Evans [WB 2:250], apparently identical to the Mary Brandon who married Frederick Goen, 29 December 1800 Mecklenburg County bond, Ephraim Drew security.

ii. Agnes, born 2 June 1773, married Collin S. Pettiford, 26 January 1830 Mecklenburg County bond.

iii. Walden, born 5 July 1775, head of a Mecklenburg County household of 6 "free colored" in 1820.

iv. Suckey, born 12 September 1777, married Stewart.

v. Edward⁴, born 10 November 1779, married Betsy Chavis, 10 March 1806 Mecklenburg County bond. He was a "f. negro" wheelwright taxable in Charlotte County in 1802, taxable with Jacob Chavis in 1803 [PPTL 1782-1813, frames 533, 542, 588]. He was head of a Mecklenburg County household of 6 "free colored" in 1820.

vi. Elizabeth, born 3 February 1782, married Archer Stewart, 18 December 1818 Mecklenburg County bond, Ned Brandom security.

vii. Thomas², born 30 August 1786, registered in Mecklenburg County on 19 December 1815: a man of Colour five feet seven Inches high, slender made, dark complexion, 24 years old, free born in the County [Register, no. 12, p.7]. He purchased property by indenture proved in Mecklenburg County court on 21 December 1812, and he and his wife Sally sold it by indenture of bargain and sale proved on 17 January 1814. His wife Sarah was identified as the daughter of Elizabeth Chavous (widow of Jacob Chavous) on 20 June 1814 when Thomas Evans brought a suit in chancery against Elizabeth's children [Orders 1811-13, 386; 1813-15, 86, 210].

viii. Margaret² Walden, born 22 January 1790, married John Garnes, 8 September 1823 Warren County bond, Benjamin Durom (Durham) surety.

ix. John, born 30 September 1792, married Mary Chavis, 20 November 1824 Granville County bond, George Anderson surety.

x. Jesse, born 7 May 1796, married Parthena Drew, 2 July 1822 Warren County bond, William Carsey (Kersey) surety. He registered in Mecklenburg County on 20 February 1832: yellow Complexion, five feet eight and one half Inches high, about thirty five years of age...born of a free woman in this County [Register of Free Negroes, 1809-1841, p. 105].

 

12.    Viney Brandom, born say 1754, was presented by the grand jury of Mecklenburg County, Virginia, on 14 March 1791 for living in adultery with Thomas Dison (a white man) on the plantation of William Cleaton. They were each fined 1,000 pounds of tobacco. She purchased land from Thomas G. Taylor by deeds proved in court on 14 November 1796 and 11 June 1804 [Orders 1787-92, 565, 597; 1795-8, 165; 1803-5, 181]. She was taxable in Mecklenburg County on her son John in 1805 and taxable on a horse from 1807 to 1815: taxable on a free male tithable in 1807, called Mrs. Viney Brandom in 1811, listed as a "Mulatto" in 1813. Perhaps her son was John Dyson who was a "Mulattoe" taxable in 1816 [PPTL, 1782-1805, frame 1049; 1806-28, frames 55, 157, 230, 326, 380, 497, 536]. Viney was taxable on 100 acres from 1804 until 1817. She left 1 11 July 1817 Mecklenburg County will, proved 19 October 1818, by which she left all her personal estate and 50 acres to her daughter Sally and Sally's daughter Jackson Taylor, and the balance of her land to be sold and divided among her sons: Mason Brandom, Frederick Brandom, David Chapman Brandom, and John Brandom and left her daughter Nancy $1 [WB 8:476]. Her estate transferred 50 acres of her land to Mason Brandom in 1818 and 50 acres to Sally Brandom in 1819 [Land Tax Lists 1782-1811A, 1811B-1824A, B lists]. Viney was the mother of

i. John Dyson, born about 1780, a 70-year-old "Mulatto" counted in the 1850 census for Mecklenburg County.

ii. ?William⁴, born say 1785, taxable in the lower district of Mecklenburg County in 1802 [PPTL, 1782-1805, frame 915].

iii. Mason, born say 1786, over the age of 16 in 1802 when he was listed in the lower district of Mecklenburg County in 1802, a "Mulatto" not yet 21 in 1806 when he was taxable on a horse, listed as a tithable in 1809 [PPTL, 1782-1805, 915, 1018; 1806-28, frames 27, 128, 157, 230, 326].

iv. Sally, listed as a "Mulatto" over the age of 16 in Mecklenburg County in 1813, received 50 acres from Viney Brandom's estate in 1819 [PPTL, 1806-28, frame 327].

v. John, born say 1789, over the age of 16 when he was listed in Viney Brandom's Mecklenburg County household in 1805, a "Mulatto" taxable from 1813 to 1820 [PPTL, 1806-28, frames 326, 700]. He may have been the John Brandum who married Mary Chavis, 20 November 1824 Granville County bond, George Anderson surety.

vi. David Chapman Brandom, a "Free" Mecklenburg County taxable in 1806, taxable on 2 horses in 1809 and 1810 [PPTL, 1806-28, frames 27, 128, 157].

vii. Frederick, taxable in the lower district of Mecklenburg County in 1802 [PPTL, 1782-1805, frames 915, 1018].

 

13.    Rhode Brandom, born say 1762, was called the son of Mary Brandom when he was bound out by the churchwardens of Mecklenburg County to Isaac Holmes on 11 August 1766 and called a "Molotto Boy" on 12 October 1772 when the court ordered him bound to John Ballard, Jr. He was listed in the payroll of Captain Dudley's 2^nd Virginia State Regiment commanded by Colonel Gregory Smith from July to December 1778 [NARA, M246, Revolutionary War Rolls, 1775-1783, http://fold3.com/image/10081826, 10081833, 10081873] and was on a list of soldiers in the Revolution who had not yet received bounty land by 25 November 1834 [Brumbaugh, Revolutionary War Records, 199]. He was sued for debt in Mecklenburg County on 13 May 1783 [Orders 1765-8, 195; 1771-3, 329; 1779-84, 315]. He acted as the next friend of his infant daughter Elizabeth Brandom in a Mecklenburg County suit for trespass, assault and battery against Daniel Brown on 11 March 1800. The parties submitted the case to arbitration by Samuel Holmes, Jr., and John Northington [Orders 1798-1801, 310, 347, 469]. Rodnom/ Rhode was taxable in the lower district of Mecklenburg County from 1784 to 1802 and was taxable in the upper district with his son Charles in 1804 and with sons Charles and Burwell in 1805 [PPTL, 1782-1805, frames 65, 95, 135, 395, 591, 793, 915, 994, 1080]. His widow may have been the Elizabeth Brandom who purchased 45 acres in Mecklenburg County adjoining William Stewart on Mill Creek from James Stewart on 10 September 1811 [DB 14:461]. She was head of a Mecklenburg County household of a tithable "free Negro and Mulatto" male and female over the age of 16 years in 1813 [PPTL, 1782-1805, frame 306]. She died intestate before February 1839 leaving a 40 acre tract and children Charles, Peter, George, and Mary Brandom [LVA, chancery case 1839-012]. Rhode and Elizabeth were the parents of

i. Charles⁴, born say 1787, over the age of 16 in 1804 when he was listed in his father's Mecklenburg County household, listed as "free Negro & Mulatto" in 1813 [PPTL, 1782-1805, frame 305]. He was head of an Abrams Plains, Granville County, North Carolina household of 6 "free colored" in 1820 [NC:23].

ii. Burwell, born say 1789, over the age of 16 in 1805 when he was listed in his father's Mecklenburg County household, head of a household of a male and female "free Negro & Mulatto" in 1813 [PPTL, 1782-1805, frame 306].

iii. Elizabeth, born say 1791, an infant in 1800, perhaps the Elizabeth Brandom who received fifteen lashes by order of the Mecklenburg County court for stealing clothes worth $4 from Robert Carter's house on 26 December 1803 [Orders 1803-5, 101, 121, 135].

iv. Peter³, born 30 June 1784, registered in Mecklenburg County on 19 December 1815: a man of Colour 29 years of age five feet six inches high...dark complexion inclined to be fleshy was free born in the County [Register of Free Negroes, no.13, p.7].

v. George, born 1776-1794, head of a Mecklenburg County household of 6 "free colored" in 1820.

vi. Mary, married Robert Mayo, head of a Mecklenburg County household of 5 "free colored" in 1820, but was no longer his wife when her mother's estate was divided in February 1839.

vii. Hannah.

 

14.    Moses² Brandon, born say 1772, married Alley Jackson, 3 January 1794 Charlotte County bond, John Chavus surety, and was taxable in Charlotte County from 1794 to 1813: a "f. negro" taxable on a horse in 1799, a planter listed with his children Jimmy, Polly and Alley in 1802; a "fm" carpenter listed with wife Abby, 2 male and 2 female children in 1807; taxable on 2 free males in 1809 and 1810, a "free Negro" head of a household of 2 males and 2 females in 1813 [PPTL 1782-1813, frames 288, 314, 365, 397, 431, 464, 496, 533, 542, 638, 648, 688, 707, 717, 740, 751, 772, 835, 846, 869]. His wife may have been identical to Abby Brandon whose children registered as "free Negroes" in Charlotte County. Abby Brandon was the mother of

i. James, born about 1792, a "fm" taxable on a horse in Charlotte County in 1813 [PPTL 1782-1813, frame 869]. He registered in Charlotte County on 11 November 1826: a dark looking man aged about 34 years, is the son of Abby Brandon a free woman, was born in the County of Charlotte where he has always resided, he is 5 feet 9-3/4 inches high...a ditcher by trade. His wife Patsey, daughter of William and Caty Brogdon registered the same day [Register of Free Negroes, 1794-1865, nos. 50, 52].

ii. Polly, born about 1795, registered in Charlotte County on 17 June 1826: the daughter of Abby Brandon was born free in the County of Charlotte where she has resided ever since about thirty one years of age of dark complexion somewhat bright [Register of Free Negroes, 1794-1865, no. 53].

 

Other members of the family were

i. Mary⁴ Brandon, born say 1765, head of a Rowan County, North Carolina household of 4 "other free" in 1790 [NC:170].

ii. Benjamin Brannum/ Branham, son of Jane Dobbins, a "Mulattoe" boy bound out by the churchwardens of Southam Parish in Cumberland County, Virginia court on 23 May 1763 [Orders 1758-62, 391, 477; 1762-4, 219].

iii. Bolivo Branter, born before 1776, head of a Wilkes County, North Carolina household of 2 "free colored" in 1820 [NC:494].

iv. Charles³, born say 1778, taxable in Prince George County from 1799 to 1811: called a "dark man" in 1799, a "Mulatto" in 1801 and 1802, a "free negro" in 1803 and "free" in 1810 [PPTL, 1782-1811, frames 505, 530, 549, 575, 599, 623, 649, 699, 719, 739].

v. Charles⁵, born about 1788, a planter on Catherine Hackley's land in the "List of Free Negroes & Mulattoes" for Sussex County in 1801 [List of Free Negroes & Mulattoes, 1801-1812, frame 1, LVA microfilm no. 221]. He registered in Petersburg on 8 June 1810: a free man of colour, nearly black, five feet five and a half inches high, born free p. certificate from clerk of Sussex County (no age). Reentered 29 December 1814, 26 years old [Register of Free Negroes 1794-1819, no. 565].

 

BRAVEBOY FAMILY

1.    John¹ Braveboy, born before 1700, was tithable in Beaufort Precinct, North Carolina, on 25 December 1712:

Att Mackoys Garrison Wm Read, Jno Braborn? & francis Gibson & 1 Negro of Mr. Mackoys - 5 (called Jno Braveboy in 1716) [Haun, Old Albemarle County Miscellaneous Records, 78, 181].

He was the slave of James Ward on 26 August 1713 according to a suit brought in the General Court of North Carolina by Patience Speller, widow of Stephen Swaine, who claimed that John failed to repay her for purchasing his freedom [Byrd, In Full Force and Virtue, 11]. He was addressed by the Chowan County court on 17 July 1716:

Jack Braveboy, a negro, Coming into this Government with a woman and do live together as man and wife, it is ordered that the sd. Braveboy produce a Sufficient Certificate of their Marryage [Hoffman, Chowan Precinct 1696 to 1723, 224].

In March 1721 he was sued in the General Court of North Carolina by Havett and his wife, executors of the last will of Thomas Clark [Saunders, Colonial Records of North Carolina, V:231]. On 13 April 1725 he purchased 50 acres in Chowan County on the southwest side of the Yeopim River near the mouth of Darby's Creek, and he sold this land seven years later on 14 November 1732 [DB C-1:442, 694]. His probable descendants were

2     i. David, born say 1730.

ii. John², born say 1732, a "Black" tithable in Tyrrell County in 1755 [T&C, Box 1, T.O. 105], head of a Beaufort County household of 1 "other free" and 6 slaves in 1790 [NC:127], 1 "other free" in 1800 [NC:4], and 1 in 1810 [NC:116]. He was called John Brayboy when he volunteered for 3 years as a soldier in Carteret County in September 1778 [T.R., Box 4, folder 36,  http://digital.ncdcr.gov/cdm/compoundobject/collection/p16062coll26/id/651/rec/162]. He enlisted on 27 August 1778 for 3 years in Captain Ballard's Company in the North Carolina Continental Line but was listed as a deserter a little over a year later on 29 October 1779 [Clark, State Records, XVI:1020].

3     iii. Mary, born perhaps 1734.

4     iv. Joshua¹, born perhaps 1740.

v. Sukey, born say 1745, a buyer of a cow at the November 1774 sale of the Bertie County estate of James Pearce [Gammon, Record of Estates, Bertie County II, 76].

vi. Nancy, born before 1750, a "free Mulatto" taxable in the 1761 Bertie County tax list of William Gray in the household of (her sister?) Mary Braveboy [CR 10.702.1, box 1], perhaps she was the Ann Braveboy who was listed with Mary Braveboy as buyers at the sale of the Bertie County estate of Joseph Wimberly which was recorded on 27 February 1767 [Gammon, Record of Estates, Bertie County II, 110].

 

2.    David Braveboy, born say 1730, entered 100 acres in Bladen County east of Five Mile Swamp on 10 April 1761 [Philbeck, Bladen County Land Entries, no.1188] and was head of a Bladen County household of 3 "white" polls in 1763, a taxable "Mulato" in 1769, taxable with his wife in 1772, a "Mixt Blood" taxable on himself, his wife and daughter in 1774, a "Molato" taxable in 1776, and taxable on 1 poll and 250 acres in 1784 [SS 837, Box 1; Byrd, Bladen County Tax Lists, I:16, 43, 71, 80, 93, 123, 134; II:67, 74; GA 64.1]. He received voucher no. 1183 for £9 in Wilmington District on 27 September 1782 for military service in the Revolution [N.C. Revolutionary Pay Vouchers, 1779-1782, http://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2WT-5FDB, Braveboy, David]. By his 20 October 1787 Robeson County will he left bequests to his wife Lydia and children: Patience Hammons, Nancy Carter, Stephen Braboy and referred to his four youngest children: Patta, Milly, Stephen and Louvice Braboy [WB 1:10]. Lydia was head of a Robeson County household of 7 "other free" in 1790 [NC:48]. Administration of her estate was granted to her son Stephen on 5 October 1797 on a bond of £50 with Thomas Ivey and Ishmael Roberts securities [Minutes 1797-1806, 17]. Their children were

i. ?Jacob¹, born say 1747, not mentioned in his father's will but may have been the eldest son, perhaps the member of the Braveboy family who was taxable in Bladen County in 1763: "Jas. Blunt & Braveboy 2 "white (free) polls" [SS 837, Box 1]. He was a "Mulato" Bladen County taxable in Solomon Johnston's household in 1769 and a "Molato" taxable in Richard Wharton's household in 1771 [Byrd, Bladen County Tax Lists, I:17, 45, 62].

ii. Patience Hammons, perhaps the wife of Horatio Hammonds.

iii. Nancy Carter, probably wife of Emmanuel Carter, head of a Robeson County household of 5 "other free" in 1790.

iv. Patty, born say 1752, head of a Cheraw District household of 2 female "other free" persons in 1790, living next to Sam Braveboy [SC:380].

v. ?Samuel, received voucher no. 1734 for £9 specie on 3 March 1784 in Salisbury, Rowan County, North Carolina, for military service in the Revolution [N.C. Revolutionary Pay Vouchers, 1779-1782, http://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2WT-5997, Brayboy, Samuel]. He was head of a Cheraw District household of 1 "other free" male over the age of 16, 1 "other free" male under 16, and 1 "other free" female in 1790 [SC:380].

vi. Milly.

vii. Stephen, born about 1759, received his father's plantation of 150 acres, sold land by deed proved in Robeson County on 8 April 1800 and purchased land by deed proved on 6 April 1801 [Minutes 1797-1806, 104, 142]. He was head of a Robeson County household of 1 "other free" in 1800 [NC:366] and was probably over fifty years old in 1809 when the Robeson County court excused him from paying poll taxes [Minutes 1806-13].

viii. Levy, probably the "L. Brave Boys" who was head of Cumberland County household of 2 "other free" in 1810 [NC:622].

 

3.    Mary Braveboy, born say 1734, was a "free Mulatto" taxable in the 1761 Bertie tax list of William Gray, tithable with her son John in an untitled 1766 Bertie tax list, and tithable on her son only in 1771 [CR 10.702.1]. She was counted as white in the household of her son John in the 1790 census for Martin County [NC:68]. Her children were

i. John³, born about 1754, taxable in 1766, a "free Mulatto" in Abraham Sullivent's household in the Bertie tax list of David Standley in 1770, taxable with his mother in Standley's 1771 list, a "Negro" head of his own household in David Standley's list [CR 10.702.1, box 2], taxable on an assessment of £243 in District 6 of Martin County in 1779 GA 30.1]. and head of a Martin County household of 7 "other free" and a white woman in 1790: John Braveboy & mother [NC:68]. He sold his pay for military service in the Revolution to Thomas Hunter, commissioner for Martin County, on 1 September 1782 [N.C. Revolutionary Pay Vouchers, 1779-1782, http://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2WT-56S4, Braveboy, John].

ii.? Jacob², born about 1759, called a "bastard Mulattoe aged about 15" by the May 1774 Bertie County court when it ordered him bound as an apprentice bricklayer [Haun, Bertie County Court Minutes, IV:74], taxable in Benjamin Stiles household in David Standley's Bertie tax list in 1774. He enlisted for 2-1/2 years as a private in Williams's Company of the 2^nd North Carolina Battalion on 9 May 1776 and was discharged on 10 November 1778 [Clark, The State Records of North Carolina, XVI:1013]. He was listed in Benjamin Williams's Company of the 2^nd North Carolina Battalion commanded by Colonel John Patten for January 1778 and was listed in Hardy Murfree's Company of the 2^nd North Carolina Battalion on 9 September 1778 at White Plains, in the same list as William Sweat [NARA, M246, roll 79, frames 115, 122 of 323]. He was head of a Martin County household of 3 free males and 3 free females in William Barden's District no. 5 for the state census in 1787 and head of a Martin County household of 10 "other free" in 1800 [NC:387].

iii. ?Joshua², "alias Joshua Eliet," died before 6 August 1792 when Mary Ann Hardison was granted administration on his Bertie County estate on £500 bond [N.C., Wills and Probate Records, 1665-1998, Brayboy, Joshua, http://ancestry.com/interactive/9061/004854039_01583/79628].

 

4.    Joshua¹ Braveboy, born say 1740, was called as a witness but failed to appear in the Cumberland County, North Carolina suit of the Governor and James Simpson vs. Moses Bass on 17 October 1758 [Minutes 1755-79, 39]. He held land in Cumberland County before 26 October 1767 when James Lawrie (Lowry) patented land below his [N.C. Archives, S.S.: 1496, Grant 23:143] and was a taxable "Mulato" in Bladen County with his son Lewis in 1768 [Byrd, Bladen County Tax Lists, I:8]. James Lowry sold land below his in Bladen County on 1 January 1772 [DB 23:216-7]. He moved to Craven County, South Carolina, where he received a grant for 150 acres on Lynches Creek on 4 March 1772 [S.C. Archives series S213019, vol. 25:215]. He was taxable in Prince Frederick Parish, South Carolina, in 1786 [S.C. Tax Returns 1783-1800, frame 118] and head of a Georgetown District, South Carolina household of 5 "other free" in 1790. He was the father of

i. Lewis, recorded a plat for 118 acres on Crackers Neck near the Savannah River in Orangeburg District, South Carolina, on 9 December 1784 [S.C. Archives series S213190, vol. 2:187] and was head of a household of 5 "other free" in South Orangeburg District, South Carolina, in 1790 [SC:99]; 1 "other free," 2 white boys under age 10, 1 age 16-21, and 3 white girls under age 10 in Barnwell District in 1800 [SC:65a]; taxable on 300 acres and a "free Negro" in Winton, South Carolina, in 1800 [S.C. Tax Returns 1783-1800, frames 301, 313].

ii. ?Morris, taxed in South Carolina on 1,000 acres and 8 slaves on 22 April 1825 [S.C. Archives Index 0015 052 1824 03420]. His 3 June 1843 Williamsburg District will was recorded 7 August 1843 [WB vol.I, D:394]. He divided his land and slaves between his wife Drusiler and children: Morris Murphey Braveboy, Elizabeth Braveboy, Moses Murphey Braveboy, Margaret Thomas, and Annis E. Matthews.

 

BRAXTON FAMILY

Members of the Braxton family in Virginia were

i. Gilbert, born about 1769, a "Free Person of Colour" living on Dandrige's land in Berkeley County (present-day West Virginia) in 1813 [PPTL, 1800-1813], registered in Essex County on 10 August 1829: born free by cert. of Ro: Pollard, Clerk of King & Queen County, colour: black, about 60 years of age, 5 feet 9 & 3/8 inches [Register of Free Negroes 1810-43, p.75, no. 170].

ii. Abram, head of a New Kent County household of 5 "other free" in 1810 [VA:744].

iii. Samson, born about 1783, registered in Essex County on 15 December 1810: born free by statement of John P. Lee in person, dark Mulattoe, about 27 years of age, five feet 8-1/4 Inches [Register of Free Negroes 1810-43, p.17, no. 40].

 

BREWINGTON FAMILY

Members of the Brewington/ Bruenton family were

i. Pilisha, born say 1755, had always passed as a white woman and was "clar of any Negro blood Indian or Muste" according to an affidavit that Catian Drigers of Georgetown District, South Carolina, swore to on 7 May 1785, proved 27 December 1805 in Marion District [Marion County DB C:186].

ii. Amey, head of a Sampson County, North Carolina household of 4 "other free" in 1790 [NC:53].

iii. Ann, head of a Sampson County, North Carolina household of 3 "other free" in 1790 [NC:53].

1     iv. Joshua, born about 1760.

v. Benjamin, born say 1762, enlisted in Quinn's Company of the 10^th North Carolina Regiment for 9 months on 20 July 1778 and received £23 pay for service in the Revolution [Clark, The State Records of North Carolina, XVII:193, 1018]. His rights to military land warrant no. 1515 of 640 acres were assigned to Alexander Ewing on 17 January 1789 [N.C. Archives S.S. file 893, call no. S.108.354, http://archives.ncdcr.gov/doc/search-doc].

vi. Lewis, received voucher no. 1839 on 16 March 1782 for £20 specie and no. 5559 for £20 on 5 February 1784 in Wilmington District for military service in the Revolution [N.C. Revolutionary Pay Vouchers, 1779-1782, http://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2WT-G3S9, Bruenton, Lewis; Brewinton, Lusis]. He was head of a New Hanover County household of 4 "other free" in 1800 [NC:311].

vii. Hannah, born before 1776, head of a Sampson County household of 7 "free colored" in 1820 [NC:278].

viii. Mourning, head of a Grainger County, Tennessee household of 1 "other free" in 1810.

ix. James, born before 1776, head of a Grainger County, Tennessee household of 3 "other free" in 1810 and 7 "free colored" in Jackson County, Tennessee, in 1820.

x.  James, born before 1776, recorded a plat for 36 acres on Cedar Creek in Camden District (present-day Kershaw County) on 16 September 1803 [SC Archives Series S213192, vol. 40, p.147] and was head of a Kershaw District, South Carolina household of 11 "free colored" in 1830.

xi. Jane, born after 1775, head of a Sampson County household of 7 "free colored" in 1820 [NC:278].

xii. John, living in Williamsburg District, South Carolina, in 1848 when the sheriff petitioned the court that he be relieved from paying uncollected tax against "Free Blacks" John Bruington, Benjamin and Stephen Ard, Moses Braveboy, Eliza, Joshua, Martin and Nancy Browder, Stephen Conner, Solomon Coward, Peter B. Mouzon, Edward J. Porter, John and Sarah Stephens, and John J. Taylor [SC Archives Series S165015, item 2436].

 

1.    Joshua Brewington, born about 1760, was head of a New Hanover County household of 5 "other free" in 1800 [NC:311] and 5 "free colored" in 1820 [NC:225]. He was 77 years old on 19 September 1836 when he appeared in New Hanover County court to make a declaration to obtain a pension for his services in the Revolution. He stated that he was born in 1759 or 1760 in the part of Duplin County that became Sampson County, served in a company of 9-months men raised in Duplin County in February or March 1779, lived ten to twelve years in Sampson County after the war and then moved to New Hanover County. There was a record of his enlistment but no record of service. He was a "person of Colour" who died on 22 November 1836 leaving his daughter Yernah Conner, widow of John Conner, as his only heir according to testimony of Richard Curtis [NARA, S.8091, http://fold3.com/image/10990898]. He was the father of

i. Yernah, born say 1785, wife of John Conner, head of a Wilmington household of 9 "free colored" in 1820 [NC:205].

 

BRIGHT FAMILY

1.    Lydia Bright, born say 1728, was a white woman who had a two-year-old "Mallatto" girl named Delaney who was bound out as an apprentice to James Burnham for 31 years in Pasquotank County on 10 July 1746 [N.C. Apprentice Bonds and records Pasquotank County (A-F) 1716-1881, frame 1690 of 1944; http://familysearch.org/search/catalog/766317]. She was the mother of

i. Delaney, born about 1744.

 

They were probably the ancestors of

i. Jonas, a taxable in the list of "free Negroes & Mulattoes" for St. Brides Parish, Norfolk County from 1802 to 1819 [PPTL, 1782-1812, frames 416, 456, 548, 636, 674, 802; 1813-24, frames 67, 359].

ii. Haley, born about 1800, a "Mulatto" sexton listed in the 1860 census for Norfolk City.

iii. William Armistead, born about 1827, registered in Norfolk County on 21 February 1848: age 21, 5'10" high, bright a mulatto, Born free. Perhaps his wife was Charlotte Bright who registered the same day: age 19, 5'5-1/2" high, bright mulatto. Born free [Register of Free Negroes, 1809-1852, no. 1375].

 

BRITT FAMILY

1.    Thomas¹ Britt, born say 1685, had by Sue Puccum (Puckham) an illegitimate child who was baptized in St. Anne's Parish, Anne Arundel County, Maryland, on 28 February 1719/20 [Wright, Anne Arundel County Church Records, 86]. They may have been the parents of

2     i. Frances, born say 1728.

3     ii. Amy, born say 1730.

iii. Thomas², an "Indian" taxable in Bladen County in 1768 [Byrd, Bladen County Tax Lists, I:6], perhaps the father of John Britt who was married to Mary Cox on 29 June 1810 when she was left land and slaves by the 29 June 1810 Robeson County will of her father Gilbert Cox.

 

2.    Frances Britt, born say 1728, was the servant of James Parish of Brunswick County, Virginia, in March 1747 when the churchwardens of St. Andrew's Parish were ordered to bind her "Mulatto" son Reuben Britt to her master [Orders 1745-49, 345]. She was the mother of

i. Reuben, born say 1747.

ii. ?Amos, born say 1749, a "Free Mulatto" taxable in William Sholer's household in Bertie County, North Carolina, from 1765 to 1767. He was the husband of Ann Britt, a white woman, whose father Nathaniel Holley gave them 125 acres where they were then living during their lifetimes by his 22 December 1782 Bertie County will [WB C:72]. Amos was head of a Spartanburg County, South Carolina household of 7 "other free" and 2 white males over 16 in 1790 and 7 "other free" in 1800 [SC:188].

 

3.    Amy Britt, born say 1730, was living in Brunswick County, Virginia, on 24 September 1759 when the churchwardens of St. Andrew's Parish were ordered to bind out her "Mulatto" daughter Faith [Orders 1757-9, 400]. She was the mother of

i. Faith, born say 1748, perhaps the Faithy Britt whose illegitimate child Sarah was bound out by the Sussex County court on 17 March 1768 [Orders 1766-70, 214].

 

BRITTON FAMILY

1.    Mary Britton, born say 1744, was living in Chesterfield County on 1 April 1768 when the court ordered the churchwardens of Dale Parish to bind out her children John, Evans and Mary Britain [Orders 1767-71, 170]. Her children were

i. John, born about 1762, a "Mulatto" taxable in Chesterfield County in 1786 and taxable there in 1792 [PPTL 1786-1811, frames 5, 116]. He registered in Petersburg on 20 August 1794: a dark brown Mulatto man...five feet six inches high, thirty two years old, born free and raised in Chesterfield County [Register of Free Negroes 1794-1819, no.70].

ii. Evans, born about 1768, registered in Petersburg on 25 August 1796: a dark brown Mulatto man, five feet five inches high, short bushy hair, twenty eight years old, born free & raised by Mr Rowlet in Chesterfield County [Register of Free Negroes 1794-1819, no. 114].

iii. William, a "Mulatto" taxable in Chesterfield County in 1806 [PPTL 1786-1811, frame 632].

 

BROGDON FAMILY

Members of the Brogdon family were

1     i. _____, born say 1747.

2     ii. William, born about 1756.

3     iii. Mary, born say 1760.

 

1.    ____ Brogdon, born say 1747, may have been the first husband of Fanny Harris. Fanny was an 80-year-old woman counted in Nancy Broughton's household for the 1803 List of Free People of Color in Petersburg [List of Free People of Color in the Town of Petersburg for the year 1803, African American Narrative Digital Collection, LVA]. She was the mother of

i. ?Molly Harris Brogdon, born say 1768, married William Flood, 12 November 1785 Mecklenburg County, Virginia bond, William Brogdon consenting. She was probably the Molly Flood who was a "Free Negro" head of a Charlotte County household of 9 "other free" [VA:1010].

ii. Nancy Braughton (Brogdon?), born about 1775, registered in Petersburg on 8 July 1805: Nancy Braughton, a very light Mulatto woman, five feet two inches high, thirty years old, long curled hair, holes in her ears, born free and raised in the County of Chesterfield, daughter of Fanny Harris [Register of Free Negroes 1794-1819, no. 294].

 

2.    William Brogdon, born about 1756, was head of a Mecklenburg County, Virginia household of 4 free persons in the 1782 census [VA:34] and was taxable in Mecklenburg County in 1782 and 1787 [PPTL, 1782-1805, frames 14, 188]. He married Caty Carter (daughter of Peggy Carter), 31 August 1786 Mecklenburg County bond. His step-daughter Polly Carter married William Bird (Byrd), 19 November 1796 Charlotte County bond, John Chavus surety. Polly Carter was probably related to Henry Carter, head of a Charlotte County household of 5 "other free" in 1810 [VA:46]. William was taxable in Charlotte County from 1789 to 1813: a "free negroe" in 1799; a "f. Mulattoe" in 1801; a shoemaker listed with wife Caty and six children: Henry, Harrison, Sterling, Betsy, Catey, and Patsy in 1802 and 1803; listed as a ditcher in 1805, 1807 and 1810; listed as a shoemaker from 1811 to 1813 [PPTL 1782-1813, frames 174, 189, 216, 240, 264, 313, 337, 381, 397, 431, 464, 496, 533, 542, 580, 648, 682, 751, 784, 814, 846, 886] and a "F.N." head of a Charlotte County household of 6 "other free" in 1810 [VA:44]. He registered in Charlotte County on 11 November 1826: a bright mulatto man aged about 70 years was born free in the County of Brunswick in the State of Virginia & removed in the early part of his life to the County of Lunenburg where he resided some eight or ten years & removed to the County of Mecklenburg & resided there until about the age of 30 years & finally removed to the County of Charlotte about 40 years ago, he is 5 feet 11-1/2 inches high...a ditcher by trade. Caty registered the same day: a bright mulatto woman aged about 60 years is the daughter of Peggy Carter a free woman was born in the County of Charlotte where she has always resided, was bound to W^m Redman with whom she lived until she arrived to the age of 18 years & about six years afterward was legally married to W^m Brogden her present husband...is 5 feet 2 1/2 inches high. She registered again on 7 November 1831: a free woman of colour of yellow complexion about seventy years of age was born free five feet two inches high [Register of Free Negroes, 1794-1865, nos. 49, 51, 129]. William and Caty were the parents of

i. Sterling, born about 1788, registered in Charlotte County on 1 December 1828: a free man of bright complexion who was born free the son of Caty Brogdon about thirty years of age five feet seven inches high [Register of Free Negroes, 1794-1865, no. 71]. On 21 November 1820 he and his wife Nancy sold one-seventh of the land that descended to her from the estate of her father Jacob Cousins to Berry Jackson for $140 [DB 16:45]. Sterling was a 60-year-old "Black" carpenter counted in the 1850 census for Charlotte County [VA:12a].

ii. Henry, born say 1789.

iii. Harrison, born about 1791, registered in Charlotte County on 6 June 1831: a man of bright complexion aged about forty six years is the son of William Brogdon and Caty Brogdon free people...five feet five inches high [Register of Free Negroes, 1794-1865, no. 83].

iv. Catey, born say 1795.

v. Betsy, born about 1796, a 54-year-old "Black" woman counted in the 1850 census for Charlotte County [VA:11a].

vi. Patsey Brandon, born about 1802, registered in Charlotte County on 11 November 1826: Patsey Brandon wife of James Brandon a bright mulatto woman aged about 24 years, is the daughter of W^m Brogdon & Caty his wife free people, was born in the County of Charlotte where she has always resided...5 feet 4-1/4 inches high [Register of Free Negroes, 1794-1865, no. 52].

vii. ?Amey, born about 1806, registered in Charlotte County on 7 November 1831: a free woman of colour of bright complexion about twenty five years of age was born free, five feet six inches high [Register of Free Negroes, 1794-1865, no. 130].

 

3.    Mary Brogdon, born say 1760, was listed as a midwife in "A list of Free Negroes and Mulattoes for the Year 1802" in Lunenburg County [Lunenburg County, Free Negro & Slave records, 1802-1803, LVA]. She may have been the mother of

i. Billy Brogden Valentine, born about 1804, registered in Mecklenburg County in 1826: a Free Mulatto about 22 years of age six feet one Inch high [Register, no.18, p.21].

 

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