Edward H. Nabb Research Center for Delmarva History & Culture Enduring Connections: Exploring Delmarva's Black History

Source Records

About This Source

Name
Abstracts of Petitions to Southern County Courts, 1775-1867

Number of Records
91

Date Added
October 11, 2021

More Information Download Original Dataset

Search This Source

Advanced Search

All Records in Abstracts of Petitions to Southern County Courts, 1775-1867

Record #1

County Talbot
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1780

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 1
Microfilm Frame on Reel 109
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20978002
County Talbot
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1780
Abstract of Petition On 26 Jan 1741, Edward Harding gave his daughter Jane and her husband, George Prouse, a slave named Hagard and title to any children Hagar might bear. In 1758, George Prouse died, leaving his wife and six childrn: George, Mary, Rachael, Thomas, Phillips, and Elizabeth Prouse. Jane Prouse died in November 1776. The petitioners claim that whle they were supposed to receive an equal share of slaves, they only received the use of one named Daff, who was given to Mary Prouse while George Prouse was still alive. They report that the slaves have been dispersed through sales conducted by George Prouse and in the course of settling the Prouse estates. The petitioners ask the court to subpoena as defendants all those who have possession of one or more of teh twenty-three slaves once owned by George and Jane Prouse and to issue a decree ordering a fair and equitable divison of the slaves to the Harding-Prouse heirs.
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #2

County Queen Anne's
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1785

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 1
Microfilm Frame on Reel 298
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20978505
County Queen Anne's
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1785
Abstract of Petition The petitioners state they are "unjustly detained as Slaves by susannah Elliott and Rachel Elliott," executrixes of the estate of John Elliott, deceased. They are seeking relief from service.
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #3

County Queen Anne's
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1789

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 1
Microfilm Frame on Reel 472
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20978907
County Queen Anne's
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1789
Abstract of Petition Adams states he is being "illegally detained in Slavery by a certain Andrew Foster Leverton" and he asks that Leverton answer his complaint.
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #4

County Queen Anne's
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1800

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 2
Microfilm Frame on Reel 356
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20980003
County Queen Anne's
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1800
Abstract of Petition Rachel Baker, her three children, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren, and Henny Baker and her five children and two grandchilddren, say "they are descended from an Indian woman named Moll or Mary that the said Moll or Mary was a free native of America." They represent that "your petitioners have been entitled to their freedom from their birth and are now deprived thereof and held as slaves by John Paca of Queen Ann's County." They ask the court to subpoena John Pace and to free them from bondage.
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #5

County Queen Anne's
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1803

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 2
Microfilm Frame on Reel 441
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20980305
County Queen Anne's
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1803
Abstract of Petition Robert Moody petitions for his freedom on the grounds that he was born free, descended "in the famale Line from an Indian Woman a Native of America." Moody files transcripts from three earlier freedom suits as evidence in his own suit. Those suits involved the alleged descendants of a free Indian woman named Moll or Mary raised in the family of Philemon Lloyd, a white planter. Moddy says that his mother Betty was the daughter of Rachel Baker, on eof the successful plaintiffs in the October 1800 freedom suit.
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #6

County Kent
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1806

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 2
Microfilm Frame on Reel 571
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20980602
County Kent
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1806
Abstract of Petition Benjamin, Nancy, and Mary Green asset they are entitled to freedom but are held in bondage by Philip Crisfield. The petitioners pary for emanicpation and for a judment with a summons against the defendeant.
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #7

County Somerset
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1807

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 2
Microfilm Frame on Reel 661
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20980701
County Somerset
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1807
Abstract of Petition George, a slave, states that he is being unjustly held by Abraham Dennis. He is seeking relief "as the laws of County will allow him."
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #8

County Somerset
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1807

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 2
Microfilm Frame on Reel 687
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20980710
County Somerset
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1807
Abstract of Petition Eli, a slave, states thaty he is "cruelly, maliciously, wickedly and contrary to Law held in Slavery" by William Anderson. He "begs leave to pry your Honors to take his case in consideratin andproceed therein as you Honours see proper according to Law."
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #9

County Somerset
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1810

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 2
Microfilm Frame on Reel 935
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20981009
County Somerset
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1810
Abstract of Petition The petitioners want the last will and testament of Alexander Stewart proved and recorded in court. Possessing a copy of the will, they want John Stewart, the administrator of Stewart's estate, and the other heirs to the estate to ascertain whether or not the will in their possession is Stewarts true last will. If it is, then Samuel an dJane Holbrook and Matilda Hyland want the property left to them and the eighty-five slaves once held by Alexander Stewart want their freedom, as provided in the will. The inventory of Stewart's estate includes a detailed listing of the slaves in his estate, along with their ages and assessed values.
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #10

County Dorchester
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1811

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 3
Microfilm Frame on Reel 144
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20981113
County Dorchester
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1811
Abstract of Petition John Colsten and his wife, Alice Orem Colsten, petition the court to subpoena the executors of the estate of Hugh Orem and to order them to return slaves they claim were given to them by Alice's father, Hugh Orem. The Colstens say that more than ten years before Orem's death in 1811, he gave a fifteen-year-old slave, Sinah, to Alice as a marriage gift. When Orem became ill, the Colstens went to live with him, bringing with them Sinah and her two children. About six years later, they returned home, leaving Sinah and four children with Hugh Orem to "render him any assistance he might require in his distressed and helpless situation. "Now he has died, and his executors, sons Hugh and Speding, "refuse to comply with [the Costens'] reasonable request" to return the slaves. The Colstens maintain that Orem divided this property among three of his children and cite as proof this excerpt from his will: "I hope my belived daughter Alse [Alice] Colston...will be satisfied with what I have already done for her." The petitioners aver this clause refers to Sinah and her childrlen. Her brothers deny knowledge of such a gift and claim Sinah and "her issue" under the provisions of their father's will.
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #11

County Worcester
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1813

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 3
Microfilm Frame on Reel 526
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20981306
County Worcester
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1813
Abstract of Petition Betty, a slave, states that she is entitled to her freedom and that she is being illegally held in slavery by William Patterson. In her appeal, the twenty-six-year-old petitioner cites that she was owned by James Selby whose plantation straddled the border between Virginia and Maryland. The court affired the judgment June Term 1815.
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #12

County Queen Anne's
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1815

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 3
Microfilm Frame on Reel 645
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20981505
County Queen Anne's
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1815
Abstract of Petition Henny Hemsley and her children state they are unjustly held in slavery by George Walls, who is currently in Maryland, but who is a resident of Kentucky. The petitioners claim they are entitled to their freedom because they are "descended on the female line from a free woman named Susan."
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #13

County Queen Anne's
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1818

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 4
Microfilm Frame on Reel 35
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20981814
County Queen Anne's
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1818
Abstract of Petition Alexander Walkup states that "he is descended lineally in the female line from a fre woman and he is unjustly deprived of his freedom" by Edwin Pratt. He asks that process be issued against Pratt and he receive further "redress as to your Honours may seem right."
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #14

County Somerset
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1819

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 4
Microfilm Frame on Reel 187
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20981905
County Somerset
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1819
Abstract of Petition The slave William states that he is unjustly held in bondage by William Kelly. He requests that he be restored to "the full enjoyment of his freedom & liberty."
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #15

County Talbot
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1824

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 4
Microfilm Frame on Reel 859
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20982418
County Talbot
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1824
Abstract of Petition Ann Maria and six other people of color declare that they are free persons and are being "unlawfully and unjustly held in bondage by Rigby hopkins as slaves. the petitioners ask the court to "adjusdge them to be free."
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #16

County Somerset
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1825

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 4
Microfilm Frame on Reel 891
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20982503
County Somerset
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1825
Abstract of Petition David, Patience, and her three children (Juliet, Levin, and George) plus Rhoda and her three children (Arthur, Nathan, and Peggy) petition the court to release them from the heirs of Joshua Moris Sr. The elder Mortris executed a deed of manumission in 1806 that freed David, Patience, Rhoda and three other slaves when they turned twenty-one years old. In 1819 Morris wrote his will and reiterated his intent to emancipate his slaves. Nevertheless, Morris' heirs still hold David, Patience, and Rhoda, as well as the children born since Morris's death, "in bondage and slaverty...against Law and justice." (In several agreements concluded by the parties during the cae, both sodes agree that "the negroes mentioned in said deed were permitted by the said Joshua to go at large and enjoy thier freedom from the time limited in said deed of manumission to the time of his death.")
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #17

County Talbot
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1825

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 4
Microfilm Frame on Reel 975
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20982513
County Talbot
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1825
Abstract of Petition Moses Mowbray, Jacob Mowbray, and Samuel Mowbray claim they are free persons of color being held by William Kirby and Pattison Moore as slaves. They ask the court to take their case into consideration and "to grant them reliev & to adjudge them to be free."
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #18

County Talbot
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1826

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 5
Microfilm Frame on Reel 11
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20982602
County Talbot
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1826
Abstract of Petition In July 1796, Jacob Handy wrote a deed of manumission for his six slaves, "being fully persuaded and satisfied in my consience (sic) that all mankind are by nature entitled to freedom...and being desirous as a christian to comply with that excellent precept, to do by all men as I would choose they should do to me." Among the slaves listed was a seventeen-year-old slave woman named Ebby, who was slated to be liberated in 1805 at age twenty-five. Ebby Faris and her husband, Stephen Faris, maintain that the Ebby Faris mentioned in the deed of manumission and Ebby Faris, the petitioner, are one and the same. In addition, they point out that Ebby's son, Asbury, is also due his freedom. Currently, however, Solomon Lowe claims Ebby as his slave and holds Asbury in bondage and is about to sell him out of the state. The plaintiffs ask the court to subpoena Solomon Lowe, to issue an injunction prohibiting Lowe from selling Asbury, and to uphold Ebby's and Asbury's freedom.
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #19

County Kent
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1826

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 5
Microfilm Frame on Reel 52
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20982607
County Kent
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1826
Abstract of Petition George, David, Jim, Harry, Maria, Beck, and Mary inform the court that they are "entitled to their freedom under the will of James Corse deceased, and being held as slaves by Thomas C Kennard the administrator of the said James Corse deceased." They pray that Kennard "be summonded to appear before this honourable Court to stand to and abide such order and judgment in the premises as your honours shall think right and proper."
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #20

County Somerset
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1826

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 5
Microfilm Frame on Reel 86
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20982308
County Somerset
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1826
Abstract of Petition Betsy Anderson, Priscilla Duffy, and Nancy Duffy state that they "are entitled to and have been long in the enjoyment of their freedom," but they were "taken possession of and deprived thereof" by the defendants, Alexander Parsons and Samuel McBryde. The petitioners request their freedom.
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #21

County Kent
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1836

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 6
Microfilm Frame on Reel 376
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20983616
County Kent
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1836
Abstract of Petition William Murrey declares that he is entitled to his freedom and he is "now unlawfully held by and imprisoned in the jail of Kent County by Vincent E. Benton." Murrey requests that Benton answer these charges.
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #22

County Somerset
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1837

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 6
Microfilm Frame on Reel 593
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20983721
County Somerset
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1837
Abstract of Petition Rebecca Nelson alleges that a group of slaves who became her property upon the death of her husband, Tubman Nelson, has been forcibly taken by Joshua HItch and their titles transferred to his wife. Hitch defends his action by claiming that a bill of sale for the slaves was given to him by Tubman Nelson. Rebecca Nelson admits that some of the slaves in question were indeed part of a mortgage agreement between her husband and Hitch. Hitch has sold all the slaves except Peter for the sum of $5,000. Nelson asks that Hitch be subpoenaed and forced to produe the bill of sale that he claims to have. She also asks that the court force Hitch to return Peter to her possession and to pay her themoney he has received from Peter's hires and the purchase money for the sale of the other slaves, minus whatever debt her husband's estate owes Hitch.
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #23

County Kent
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1838

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 6
Microfilm Frame on Reel 668
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20983806
County Kent
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1838
Abstract of Petition Emily Ann states that she is "unlawfully held in slavery by George S Hollyday." She requests that the court "cause her to be liberated and to grant her such further and other relief as the nature of her case requires." Documents entered in the court record reveal that Emily Ann's original owner, Rebecca Ann Skirven, sold her at the age of three to Thomas W Skirven under the terms that she only serve until she reached the age of twenty-five. Rebecca Ann Skirven also stipulated that if Thomas Skirvenever offered Emily Ann for sale, Emily Ann would be "free from all manner of servitude and slavery whatever." Shortly thereafter, Thomas Skirven used Emily Ann as collateral in a mortgage agreement with George Vickers. One of Skirven's creditors then levied an execution on Emily Ann and she was offered at public sale where George Holyday purchased her. The court acknowledged that Hollyday "had a previous knowledge of the existence" of the document drawn up by Rebbecca Ann Skirven, but Hollyday claims that he "considered it invalid, so far as the restriction to selling therein mentioned."
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #24

County Dorchester
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1838

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 6
Microfilm Frame on Reel 841
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20983813
County Dorchester
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1838
Abstract of Petition Thomas Layton petitions the court for the return of his slave, Israel Coleman. Layton claims that in 1830 he mortgaged Colemen to Elizabeth Ayres as security for a debt. Ayres transferred the mortgage to James Layton in 1830. Thomas argues that he paid James Layton the full amount of the debt prior to Layton's death but did not regain possession of the slave. He furthur charges that Israel Coleman was distributed as part of James Layton's estate to William Collison, the husband of James Layton's daughter Mary. Having paid the debt, Thomas asks that the court recognizes his right to the slave.
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #25

County Somerset
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1840

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 7
Microfilm Frame on Reel 91
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20984011
County Somerset
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1840
Abstract of Petition Levi Hughes, the administrator of the estate of the late Josiah Hughes, seeks an accounting from Marcellus Jones of the said estate's assets. In his first petition, Hughes states that Josiah Hughes died in 1821, leaving four minor children as his only heirs. At Josiah's death, Hughes "took possession" of tyhree estate slaves and "the other said personal estate. He then sold all of the personal estate, "the said negroes excepted," for about $300. He "retained in his possession" the three slave untilhis death in 1838, hiring out Nelly and benefitting from the "labour and services" of her two children, Patience and Isaac. At Jesse's death, son-in-law Marcellus Jones became adminstrator of his estate and refused to relinquish Nelly, Patience, and Isaac to the petition, stating the "the said Jesse had had possession of them for so long a time, that this Complainant could not recover them at law." In 1839 the petitioner won a judgment reinstating the slaves in his possession. Levi Hughes now asks that Marcellus Jones "account for the said hire" & for the value" of each of ther slaves from 1821 until 1838, as well as the value of the "goods & chattels of the said Josiah so as appropriated by the said Jesse." His second petition, a "related bill," demands an accounting of the "rents & profits, or annual value of the said farm."
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #26

County Caroline
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1841

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 7
Microfilm Frame on Reel 137
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20984103
County Caroline
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1841
Abstract of Petition Bayard Davis "conceives himself to be aggrieved by a judgment" rendered on 14 June 1841. The said verdict awarded George White, a free person of color, $14.93 plus court costs of "eighteen and one half cents." Davis asks that the judgment "may be examined" according to "the equity and right of the matter" and that said judgment be reversed.
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #27

County Cecil
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1841

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 7
Microfilm Frame on Reel 163
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20984106
County Cecil
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1841
Abstract of Petition Benjamin M. Ruley and his wife, Sarah, petitionto regain title to a slave named Joe. Before she was married, Sarah, "being ignorant of the modes of transacting busines," employed Noble Pennington "to superintend her business," which primarily dealt with hiring out slaves and collecting their wages. At the time,Sarah had hired out fourteen-year old Joe. Pennington advised her to place Joe "where he could earnmore," and Sarah trusted his advice. Penington told her that he needed written authorization to remove the slave and he presented Sarah with a document to sign. The petitioners asser that Pennington did not draw up an order toremove the slave, but instead drew up a bill of sale that transferred Joe to his possession. They complain that Pennington has had the benefit of Joe's services since 1832 and he has not compensated Sarah. Benjamin and Sarah Ruley pray that the court will subpoena Penington, cancel the bill of sale, and return Joe to their possession.
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #28

County Dorchester
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1842

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 7
Microfilm Frame on Reel 316
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20984215
County Dorchester
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1842
Abstract of Petition John W. Jones and others ask that the five slaves conveyed to them by Thomas Woolford be sold and the proceeds distributed among all the owners. The petitioners declare that Woolford had a life estate in the slaves, and that upon his death, the petitioners and the defendants would each receive a one-half interest in the slaves. Woolford has since died and the parties "cannot agree upon any distribution or sale' and ask that the court intervene.
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #29

County Kent
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1844

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 7
Microfilm Frame on Reel 476
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20984409
County Kent
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1844
Abstract of Petition Maria Antonietta Copper asks the court to invalidate transactions made by James D Ashley with regards to property claimed by her grandmother, Jane Copper. Copper claims that her elderly grandmother, "being in good pecuniary circumstances" but unable to travel due to porr health, entrusted Ashley, a hired man on her farm, with transacting business on her behalf. Ashley obtained Copper's consent to purchase a fifteen-acre farm and a six-year old slave and convinced her to loan money to John Hynson, but he had each conveyance executed in his name. Copper explains that her grandmother's infirmities kept her from modigying her will to include the newly acquired property, which also prevented her from discovering Ashley's fraudulent activities. She further charges that Ashley compounded his fraudulent enterprise by transferring the deeds to the property to his father, Isaiah Ashley, whom Copper also names as a defendant. She asks the court to compel the Ashleys to render a particular account of their dealings and either annul the transactions altogether or declare them to be for her benefit.
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #30

County Somerset
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1845

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 7
Microfilm Frame on Reel 596
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20984515
County Somerset
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1845
Abstract of Petition Rebecca Nelson declares that she has secured two writs of fieri facias in an attempt to force Joshua Hitch to pay a sum of money awarded to her by an 1840 court decree. Unfortunately, Hitch owns no property that can be levied by the sheriff. Nelson explains that Samuel Fenley pretends title to the slaves Hitch owned at the time of the lawsuit under the authority of a bogus mortgage agreement executed by Joshua Hitch and his brother William. Nelson claims that the three men have entered into a conspiracy to prevent her from receiving the money she is owed. Nelso charges that the culmination of this conspiracy, a suit Fenley filed against the Hitch brothers whereby he obtained trusteeship to sell the Hitch property, was a charade toprotect Hitch's property from the execution of his creditors. Fenley has not sold the slaves and instead derives income from their labor. Nelson asks that the three men be subpoenaed to answer her claims, that the defendants' bill of sale be annulled, and that Hitch's property currently in Fenley's possession be sold and the proceeds given to her.
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #31

County Dorchester
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1846

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 7
Microfilm Frame on Reel 696
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20984613
County Dorchester
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1846
Abstract of Petition In 1843 Aaron Cook morgaged five slaves to Henry Page as collateral for a loan of $495. The parties agreed to void the bill of sale once the debt was paid. Shortly thereafter, Page died intestate, and letters of administration on his estate were granted to the petitioner, William Rea. Aaron Cook died as well, leaving a last will and testament "by which he manumitted said negroes" and left the remainder of his estate to his widow, Anne Cook. Cook's will named Page as the executor in his stead. Rea asserts that Cook's estate has not compensated Page's estate for the debt. He asks the court to subpoena Wallace and Ann Cook and to autorize the sale of as many of the morgages slaves as is necessary to satisfy the debt.
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #32

County Dorchester
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1846

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 7
Microfilm Frame on Reel 716
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20984615
County Dorchester
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1846
Abstract of Petition Stephen Cornish claims he is being held as a slave in bondage by Jacob Willson. Cornish "alledges himself to be free, and entitled to enjoy his liberty" and he requests his freedom. The court record shows that Cornish argues his freedom based on the will of Beauchamp Harper, which manumitted him and set the expiration of his term of servitude at 1 January 1817. In the settlement of Harper's estate, Cornish and six other slaves were sold in 1797 to an unspecified purchaser to pay off the estate's debts. The appellate case hinges on whether Cornish's manumission was "in prejudice of creditors." The lengthy appellate decision characterizes the case as involving "many important principles of Maryland law {which are] of deep concern to creditiors, manumitted slaves, and slaveholders; and, indeed, to all beneficiaries and representative of estates, the owners of which have inserted in their wills clauses for the manumission of slaves."
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #33

County Somerset
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1850

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 8
Microfilm Frame on Reel 587
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20985013
County Somerset
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1850
Abstract of Petition South Carolina resident Nathaniel B. Hill states that Thomas W. and Marth Overly mortgaged thirteen slaves in 1849 to secure a debta of $1,350 owed to the petitioner. Hill charges that they mortgaged the same slaves to Horation T. Bodder and that neither debt has been paid. The petitioner points out that "the said slaves were the sole and separate property of the said Martha" and that she had inherited them from her father Thomas Marshall. Hill asks the court to order a sale of teh mortgages slaves "for the payment of your orator's said claim, with interest as aforesaid."
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #34

County Kent
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1851

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 8
Microfilm Frame on Reel 685
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20985110
County Kent
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1851
Abstract of Petition Rebecca Ringgold states that she and her minor children, Araminta and William, are entitled to their freedom by law but are being "unjustly held in bondage by David Barley. The petitioners request the court "to adjudge the said Petitioners to be free and discharged from servitude" and ask that Barley be subpoenaed to answer their charges. Tistimony in the circuit court record reveals that in 1832, Rebecca Ringgold's former owner, Cornelius C. Money, brought her to Missouri where he set up residence with his family and three other slaves. The petitioners argue that Money became a citizen of Missouri and that even though he returned to Maryland two years later, he cannot by law transport her back to Maryland. The defendant, David Barley, claims title to the petiioners by virtue of his marriage to Money's daughter, Katherine.
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #35

County Talbot
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1857

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 10
Microfilm Frame on Reel 557
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20985734
County Talbot
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1857
Abstract of Petition As directed by the last will and testament of his late father, Richard Trippe, William James Trippe acted as trustee for his brother, Nicholas Hammond Trippe, from 1846 to1857, hiring out the three slaves devised to Nicholas from their father's estate and paying Nicholas the proceeds of said hire. Wishing to leave Maryland, Nicholas borrowed $1,876.32 from William, a sum he cannot repay without selling the slaves. William wishes to buy the slaves, believing that his father wished for them to "so remain in the family. He asks the court to appoint another trustee, to empower the trustee to sell the slaves to William at private sale, and to order the trustee to repay him the amount he advanced to Nicholas.
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #36

County Talbot
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1858

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 10
Microfilm Frame on Reel 783
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20985843
County Talbot
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1858
Abstract of Petition In an earlier case, William Trippe asked to be released from his trusteeship over his brother Nicholas's slaves, to be allowed to purchase the slaves, and to be repaid the money he loaned to his brother. The court granted his requests and appointed I. C. W. Powell as the new trustee. Petitioner Powell reprts that he sold the slaves and paid various expenses. In additon, he states that he "was further ordered by the said decree to hold and retain the residue of the fund subject to the further order of the said Court." powell states that before such corder could be rendered, the presiding judge died. The petitioner pray the court will allow him to settle the accounts of the trust estate and it will "pass an order directing him to over the residue" to Nicholas Trippe, thereby discharging him from further duties as trustee.
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #37

County Talbot
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1858

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 10
Microfilm Frame on Reel 791
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20985847
County Talbot
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1858
Abstract of Petition Joseph and Henry Johnson claim "that they are free and not slaves." They state that they "are now held in bondage" by the defendants. They "pray that your honor will take their case into tender consideration and adjusdge them to be free."
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #38

County Talbot
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1859

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 11
Microfilm Frame on Reel 143
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20985977
County Talbot
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1859
Abstract of Petition Francis and Sophia Lookerman state that by a previous order of the court, Daniel Mackey, a free man of color, was "indicted, tried, and convicted of having persuaded, aided and assisted, the escape of their slave, Tom Camper. Mackey was subsequently sold into slavery by the sheriff as punishment. his purchaser, William H. Nabb, paid $995 for Mackey's services on 21 Decemberl 1858. The petitioners explain that they "were compelled to pay" a reward for Camper's apprehension, and they ask the cour to order the sheriff to reimburs them out of the proceeds of the sale.
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #39

County Talbot
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1859

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 11
Microfilm Frame on Reel 151
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20985979
County Talbot
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1859
Abstract of Petition The Talbot County Circuit Court convicted Daniel Mackey, a free person of color, of "breaking and entering the store of your petitioner and stealing therefrom certain articles of merchandize" at its 1858 November Term. On 21 December 1858, the sheriff of Talbot County sold Mackey as a slave at public auction. W. H. Nabb purchased Mackey's services for $955. The petitioner, John W. Dawson, claims that "there remains in the hands of the said Sheriff the sum of six hundred and fifteen dollars and fifty one cents." Dawson seeks to recover damages, which he estimates "to the value of Two hundred and seventy six dollars and seventy seven cents," from the proceeds of Mackey's sales. He asks the court to compel the sheriff to compensate him "in satisfaction of the damages, that he suffered by the offence for which the said negro was convicted."
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #40

County Talbot
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1860

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 11
Microfilm Frame on Reel 410
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20986047
County Talbot
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1860
Abstract of Petition In the previous cases, William J. Trippe asked the court to temporarily remove hm as trustee of his brother Nicholas's trust estate, and I.C.W. Powell, the new trustee, asked to settle the trust estate and relinqish his trusteeship. The petitioner, William Trippe, "for divers reasons, pray you Honor to reappont him Trustee" and "torevoke the trust of I.C.W. Powell," to which prayer Powell is in full accord.
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #41

County Talbot
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1861

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 11
Microfilm Frame on Reel 656
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20986138
County Talbot
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1861
Abstract of Petition In earlier cases, William Trippe asked to relinquish his trusteeship over his brother Nicholas's estate; the subsequent trustee J.C.W. Powell asked to settle the debts of the estate and step down. Here, Samuel Hambleton says that he was counsel for Nicholas Trippe when Trippe was tried for assault with intent to kill one Orson Gore. The jury "acquitted said Trippe of the assault with intent to murder said Gore, but convicted him of an assault and battery upon him." Having paid the fines and fees levied on Trippe, Hambleton asks the court to direct Trippe's trustee Powell to reimburse him the amount paid, with interest.
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #42

County Talbot
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1863

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 11
Microfilm Frame on Reel 872
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20986314
County Talbot
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1863
Abstract of Petition In 1856, Susan Wright, a twelve-year-old "negro girl," was indentured to the petitioner, James Chambers, to serve him until she reached eighteen years of age. In 1861, Wright was convicted of larceny and the court sentenced her "to be sold as aslave for the period of eighteen months." Hy K. Hays purchased her term of service. Now that this term has expired, Chambers asks the court to extend Wright's term of indenture "to fully remunerate your petitioner for all loss and expense by reason of said conviction and sale.
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #43

County Talbot
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1863

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 11
Microfilm Frame on Reel 876
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20986315
County Talbot
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1863
Abstract of Petition George Washington Gorden, a free man of color, claims that he is "unjustly and illegally imprisoned" on a felony charge in the Easton jail. He maintains that there is "no evidence before the Magistrate to authorize his Commitment," and he seeks a writ of habeas corpus so that "he may be heard and discharged."
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #44

County Talbot
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1864

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 11
Microfilm Frame on Reel 898
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20986404
County Talbot
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1864
Abstract of Petition William J Trippe relinquished the trusteeship of his slaveholding brother Nicholas's estate, the subsequent trustee J.C. W. Powell petitioned to settle the estate and be released from his duties, and William Trippe asked to be reinstated as trustee. Here, Orson Gore, who holds a judgment against Nicholas Trippe, says that he has never received the payment due him. He asks the court to audit the estate and distribute the trust fund "to the parties fairly and equitably entitled thereto."
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #45

County Talbot
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1864

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 11
Microfilm Frame on Reel 903
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20986405
County Talbot
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1864
Abstract of Petition Petitioner Nathan Hopkins, "negro slave of one Sophia Shehan," state that he has been arrested "upon the charge of persuading a negro boy slave of said M. McKnell to run away." After an ex parte examination, Hopkins was lodged in the county jail, where he is now unable to make bail. Hopkins explains that he "has been in the employ of the Mistress of said boy for several years acting as foreman and a general overseer," a job he also performed for McKetts's husband "several years anterior to his death." He claims that he can prove his "entire innocence of the charge against him" and asserts that McKnett's slave "left his home of his own free will joining in with the general belief and Hopkins seeks a speedy trial before a justice of the peace.
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #46

County Talbot
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1865

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 11
Microfilm Frame on Reel 977
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20986505
County Talbot
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1865
Abstract of Petition On 2 January 1865, Henry Gibson hired his son, Jim Gibson, a "free negro boy," to Samuel Stewart. Two days later, the Orphans Court indentured Jim to James A Ridgaway. The boy is now in the custody of the sheriff of Talbot County by process of the Orphans Court. Gibson claims that Jim "is illegally and unjustly held." He seeks a writ of habeas corpus to bring the boy before the court so "that he may be heard an ddisharged." In his answer, Ridgaway explains that th eminor Gibson was actually indentured to him by the court on 3 November 1864 "to learn the business and calling of Farmer," but he absconded from his farm in December. He charges Stewart with "harbouring said apprentice."
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #47

County Talbot
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1865

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 11
Microfilm Frame on Reel 988
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20986506
County Talbot
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1865
Abstract of Petition Daniel Joshua, a free person of color, petitions from jail that he is accused of murdering a "negro Woman called Rose Bennett, Rose Joshua." He claims that he is detained "contrary to law" and asks the court to grant him a writ of habeas corpus so that "he may be discharged or admitted to Bail."
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #48

County Talbot
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1866

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 11
Microfilm Frame on Reel 1007
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20986602
County Talbot
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1866
Abstract of Petition Caroline Hopkins, a "free coloured woman" and mother of minor Charles Wisher, petitions for the management and controle of the said infant." She explains that, for the past twelve months, Charles has been in possession of Samule Griffin, who "refuses to deliver up the said boy to her, or to the person to whom she desires him to live with for the year 1866." Hopkins asks for a writ of habeas corpus so that she can regain the "custody and care" of her son.
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #49

County Talbot
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1866

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 11
Microfilm Frame on Reel 1016
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20986603
County Talbot
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1866
Abstract of Petition Mark Cornish, a free person of color, hired out his minor son, James Henry Cornish, to William Turner "on condition that said boy was willing to live with the said Turner." After being beaten and whipped by Turner, James Cornish ran home to his father. Turner came to Cornish's home and "against the protest of your petitioner," reclaimed the boy, took him to the home of Hannah Dudley and "stripped and most cruelly and unmercifully beat said boy." The petitioner claims that James is "unlawfully restrained of his rights and liberty" by Turner. Cornish claims that he is "entitled to the management and control" of his son and asks that a writ of habeas corpus be issued for his son and "the infant...delivered into [his] custody and care.
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #50

County Sussex
State Delaware
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1779

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 12
Microfilm Frame on Reel 2
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20377901
County Sussex
State Delaware
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1779
Abstract of Petition In 1772, Ann Williams, who owned an estate consisting of Negroes, stock, household furniture, farmin utensils, and "ready money," published her will. She bequeathed to her son, Joshua Williams, a yearling steer and, for one year, a "negro man named Will," who afterwards, for eitht years, would be split between him and her daughter. She devised to her daughters, son, and granddaughter various other property, including "a negroe wench named patience." Following her death, Joshua accuses his siblings and other so of refusing to show him Ann's will and conspiring to deprive him of his legacy.
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #51

County Sussex
State Delaware
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1794

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 12
Microfilm Frame on Reel 239
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20379401
County Sussex
State Delaware
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1794
Abstract of Petition In 1786, Curtis Brown borrowed slightly more than 72 pounds from Edward Ross, promising to repay the loan in six years with interest, and mortaging 140 acres of land with "tenements and appurtenances." He also gave Ross five slaves - Isaac, Hannah, Jesse, Jacob, and Jack - to sue and "enjoy the fruits of their labor." Now Ross has died, and his "representative," Maud Draper and Anna Ross Draper, his widow and administratrix of his estate, refuse to return th slaves, claiming they wer not mortages but sold. Brown seeks the return of his slaves.
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #52

County Sussex
State Delaware
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1795

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 12
Microfilm Frame on Reel 287
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20379507
County Sussex
State Delaware
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1795
Abstract of Petition Stephen Mitchell seeks permission to export his slave, Sam, a conjurer, who is accused of poisoning Mitchell and is now is jail. Sam also keeps a white woman as his wife "contrary to the Laws fo the Land."
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #53

County Sussex
State Delaware
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1879

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 12
Microfilm Frame on Reel 428
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20379705
County Sussex
State Delaware
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1879
Abstract of Petition About 1795, Samuel Cord, a lifelong resident of Delaware, moved to Worcester County,Maryland. Cord asks the court for permission to transport his slave 'Anabell into Mryland as she is now willing to be removed."
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #54

County Sussex
State Delaware
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1801

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 12
Microfilm Frame on Reel 679
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20380110
County Sussex
State Delaware
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1801
Abstract of Petition Sally Russ seeks permission to sell her slave Isaac out ot the state. Isaac ran away twice, Russ asserts, once to Philadelphia an donce to New Castle County, causing her "Large Expense." In additon, he stole from a neighbor and enticed slaves to run away. Russ is forced to keep him confined, "for fear of his robbing & stealing again & "Enticing some of my servants or those of my Neighbors away."
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #55

County Sussex
State Delaware
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1803

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 12
Microfilm Frame on Reel 696
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20380303
County Sussex
State Delaware
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1803
Abstract of Petition In 1795 and 1796, for "valuable consideration, " John Adams purchased two slave, Saul and Job, from George Adams, obtaining "good & sufficient bills of sale for the same." When George Adams died in 1799, John and William Adams became administrators of his estate, with Eli McCalley posting a security bond. Within a short while, Seth Griffith and others sued the administrators, claiming that they had purchased Nancy Adam's ("George's daughter) interest in the estate. When, in 1802, an arbitration commission awarded Griffith and others 134 pounds "eighten shillings, five pence, one farthing," the price of the two slaves, and the court confirmed the award, John and William Adams refused to pay. In 1803 they sue Griffith and the others charging that they are "guilty of great misconduct and grossly erred both as to the law and facts in this by charging your orators with the price of two Negros" in the settlement of the intestate's estate.
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #56

County Sussex
State Delaware
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1804

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 12
Microfilm Frame on Reel 784
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20380401
County Sussex
State Delaware
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1804
Abstract of Petition In 1796, Jemima Ingram, who owned a "very considerable estate," published her will, bequeathing to her daughter, Peggy Ingram, some furniture, curtains, a large chest, 10 pounds "lawful money" and "one Negro Girl - named Ginna." Following Jemima's death in 1799, john Ingram, executor of the estate, took possession of the property and refused to honor Peggy's legacy. "John Ingram and his confederates, do now absolutely refuse to deliver and pay the legacies,: Peggy Ingram Carey and her husband, Cornelius Carey write; consequently, although they had wished to avoid litigation, they have no choice but to sue the executor.
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #57

County Sussex
State Delaware
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1808

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 12
Microfilm Frame on Reel 932
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20380801
County Sussex
State Delaware
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1808
Abstract of Petition In 1805, Richard Howard's slave Anthony ran away to Philadelphia. He was later captured and returned to Sussex County. upon his return, Howard says, he was "altogether blind" but since then has recovered some of his sight. Howard believes Anthony will runaway again, and seeks permission to sell him out of the state.
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #58

County Sussex
State Delaware
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1808

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 12
Microfilm Frame on Reel 935
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20380802
County Sussex
State Delaware
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1808
Abstract of Petition Isaac and Jacob Cannon seek permission to export and sell their slave, peter, who ran away, was caught, and ran away again. When he ws apprehended authorities found "six or eight false Keys" inhis possession. He had used them to gain entry to buldings an steal whatever he could. Following his second escape, he was seen "in a Sheep pen striving to Commit Beastiality."
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #59

County Sussex
State Delaware
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1809

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 12
Microfilm Frame on Reel 952
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20380903
County Sussex
State Delaware
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1809
Abstract of Petition Purnel [Purnall] Tatman seeks permission to export and sell his slave Britten [Britton], accused of stealing and now in jail.
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #60

County Sussex
State Delaware
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1810

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 12
Microfilm Frame on Reel 971
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20381001
County Sussex
State Delaware
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1810
Abstract of Petition In 1805, Solomon Evans, of Sussex County, declared in his will that following the death of his wife, Agness, then in her eighties, his slave Abraham should be free. He appointed his son, Solomon Evan the younger, as executor. In 1808, the father died, and the son, according to Abraham, attempted to deceive him by telling him that he and his brother Purnell were slaves for life. The son then offered him a proposition, if Abraham would purchase his own time for a few years, Solomon would approach the other heirs and seek to obtain a deed of manumission. Ignorant of the provision in the will, and desirous of the enjoyment of Freedom," Abraham promised to pay Solomon $200 in several annual installments. In 1808, Agness died, and now Abraham , learning of the provisions in the will sues for his freedom.
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #61

County Sussex
State Delaware
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1810

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 12
Microfilm Frame on Reel 1029
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20381002
County Sussex
State Delaware
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1810
Abstract of Petition In 1805, Solomon Evans, of sussex County, declared in his will that following the death of his wife, Agness, then in her eighties, his slave Abraham should be free. He appointed his son, Solomon Evan the younter, as executor. In 1808, the father died, and the son, according to Abraham, attempted to deceive him by telling him that he and his brother Purnell were slaves for life. The son then offered him a propositin, if Abraham would purchase his own time for a few years, Solomon would approach the other heirs and sek to obtain a deed ofmanumission. Ignorant of the provision in the will, and desirous of the enjoyment of Freedom," Abraham promised to pay Solomon $200 in several annual installments. In 1808, Agness died, and now Abraham , learning of the provisions in the will sues for his freedom. [This synopsis is duplicate of frame # 971/ Accession # 20381001.]
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #62

County Sussex
State Delaware
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1813

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 13
Microfilm Frame on Reel 45
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20381301
County Sussex
State Delaware
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1813
Abstract of Petition In 1811, Isaac Clowes [Clows} went to the Sussex County jail to arrange the release of free blak Stephen, accused of stealing $12 worth of bacon from Thomas Evans. If conviced, Miller faced being sold to the highest bidder for seven years. Clows told Miller that he knew Evans as well as the man who owned Miller's slave wife and children. He would arrange Miller's release if he would sign an indenture to work for him for ten years. In addition, Clows said he would purchase Miller's wife and children if the wife would work for him for seven years, and the children until they reached age twenty five. He would then free them. Miller agreed and signed the indenture. Later, however he was tried, convicted, and sentenced to pay Evans $24, twice the cost of the bacon. When he was sold for two years, he petitioned the governor and obtained clemency. But the indenture remains, Miller says, and he asks the court to have it "cancelled and delivered up to him as Null and Void and unlawful." It was obtained, Miller says, under false pretenses.
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #63

County Sussex
State Delaware
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1814

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 13
Microfilm Frame on Reel 88
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20381401
County Sussex
State Delaware
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1814
Abstract of Petition Shortly before Samuel Jackson Bailey's death, his son, Samuel Bailey, prevailed upon him to "execute a Certain Instrument of writing" giving him nine slaves. After his death, James Badley, in behalf of his minor son, Samuel Badley, and Roger Phillips, in behalf of his minor son, Samuel Phillips, grandchildren of the deceased, charge that Samuel Bailey obtained the slaves by fraud. The slave owner was ninety years old, they assert, "and for a long time before and at that time under great debility of both Body and Mind, addicted to theintemperate use of Strong drink and almost blind & unable to write his own name." In fact, they claim, Samuel J Bailey bequeathed them two of the slaves, James and Betty. They ask the court to subpoena Samuel Bailey and Thomas Bailey, another son of the deceased, to answer their complaint.
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #64

County Sussex
State Delaware
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1816

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 13
Microfilm Frame on Reel 182
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20381604
County Sussex
State Delaware
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1816
Abstract of Petition In 1784, Wilson Rider of Somerset County, Maryland, published his will, bequesthing to his wife, Charity, "all his Negroes during her life and at her decease to go to his children and grandchildren" with the exception of Jacob. In 1785, following Wilson's death, Charles Rider, his son, became the executor of his estate; and after the son's death in 1801, Woolsey Waples, Charles's half-brother (they both had the same mother) became the executor of his estate. Waples later charges Joseph Aydelott and his wife, Mary (the remarried widow of Charles Rider, of Milford, Kent County, Delaware, and Sarah Moor and her two children, Wilson and Charity's daughter and grandchildren, with cheating him out of his inheritance. The defendants, he charges, failed to give him his fair share of the slaves.
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #65

County Sussex
State Delaware
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1818

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 13
Microfilm Frame on Reel 279
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20381807
County Sussex
State Delaware
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1818
Abstract of Petition About 1798, Elihu Brittle of Sussex County gave his married daughter, Catherine Wainwright, a black baby named Amy as a gift. When the daughter died in 1804, the child went to her husband, William, who in his will bequeathed Amy to his daughters, Eliza and Hannah. When Wainwright died in 1815, the executor of his estate, Joseph Betts, with the assent of Eliza and Hannah, turned Amy and her one-year-odl child, William, over to Eliza's husband, John Dingle, who sold his wife's half-interest in the slaves to Isaac Cannon for $60, who in turn sold Eliza's half-interst to Burton Waples for $100. A short time after the last sale, Amy gave birth to a second son, Clement. Meanwhile, Hannah married Joshua Burrows of Worcester County, Maryland. Waples now seeks to obtain the other half-interest, arguing that if the slave family were taken to Maryland, they could be sold "to Southern or Western Traders in Slaves." He asks the court to establish a "fair value" for the slaves and permit to "take the said Property at that valuation" or not.
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #66

County Sussex
State Delaware
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1818

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 13
Microfilm Frame on Reel 301
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20381810
County Sussex
State Delaware
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1818
Abstract of Petition Hannah West and her ten-year-old daughter, Sarah, claim that they are being illegally held as slaves by two white men and ask that the men be summoned to answer charges. They hope that the court "will make such decree as may be Just and right in the Matter."
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #67

County Sussex
State Delaware
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1819

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 13
Microfilm Frame on Reel 337
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20381906
County Sussex
State Delaware
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1819
Abstract of Petition George Walton seeks permission to export and sell his slave David, who is "habitually guilty of misconduct an violence." His actions, including running away, were "so very outrageious" that Walton put him in the Sussex County jail.
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #68

County Sussex
State Delaware
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1820

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 13
Microfilm Frame on Reel 356
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20382003
County Sussex
State Delaware
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1820
Abstract of Petition In 1815, Mitchell Kershaw of Sussex County published his will, freeing a number of slaves - George, Easter, Peter, Sarah, Rachel, Jack, Isaac, Lizey, Phillis Williams, Mahaley, Jesse, and Maryatta - when they reached age twenty-one. "George and Easter is already free," Kershaw wrote: "I pronounce them free.: He also stipulated that, except for his wife's third of his estate, his executor should sell his property and the money "put on interest by loan" to be distributed equally among his slaves as they gained their freedom. Three years later, Kershaw died. His widow, Sarah (or Sally) Kershaw, however, failed to live up to the provisions of her husband's will. Obtaining letters of administration, she kept the slaves' trust funds for herself; she also cut and sold wood on the farm, receiving "large sums of money and keeping the money "to her own proper uses and purposes." Peter, Robinson and Sarah and Rachel, who married Samuel Redden, being over age twenty-one, and the other slaves, seek their share of the estate. They demand that Sarah "and her confederates pay them "such sum as shall be found due to them."
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #69

County Sussex
State Delaware
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1826

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 13
Microfilm Frame on Reel 775
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20382606
County Sussex
State Delaware
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1826
Abstract of Petition In 1821, Elzey Spicer died, leaving his daughter, Caty Spicer Fletcher, two slaves - Rose and her son, William. Shortly afterwards, Fletcher and her husband were sued for an old debt, and the sheriff confiscated the two slaves, putting them on the auction block. Caty and her brother, Curtis Spicer, executor of their father's estate, agreed that Curtis should purchase the slaves and turn them over to Caty, but after buying them for $75 he refused to turn over William, and he sold Rose in his sister's behalf but kept the money. The "Conduct and Dealing" of Curtis, the Fletchers charge, was unfair and illegal, and after Curtis's death in 1823, they sue Rhoda Spicer Curtis's widow and the executor of his estate, seeking reimbursement.
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #70

County Sussex
State Delaware
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1827

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 13
Microfilm Frame on Reel 808
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20382703
County Sussex
State Delaware
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1827
Abstract of Petition William Pinkerton Burton owned one hundred and fifty acres of land on Burton's Island in Dagsborough Hundred, Sussex County, being "of very considerable Value and Productiveness." In 1810 Burton died, leaving two daughters, seventeen-year-old Comfort and fifteen-year-old Elizabeth, "two young, ignorant and heedless Girls, the sole Inhabitants of a small Tenement, having but one Room under its Roof, and in an obscure and secluded Situation." A short time later, Joshua Ingram "affected to be their Friend and Protector." He sent his male slaves to work the land and the slaves lived with the two girls "by Day and by Night." It was ruinous "to both their "Fortune and Character." In 1811, Elizabeth died. From then until the time of his death, although not legally her guardian, Comfort charges, Burton was "in Receipt of a very considerable Sum of Money, from the Rents and Profits of the said real Estate." He never rendered any account to Comfort, who described herself as "a poor, ignorant, uneducated and helpless Cripple." She seeks restitution from the executor of the estate.
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #71

County Sussex
State Delaware
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1827

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 13
Microfilm Frame on Reel 855
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20382705
County Sussex
State Delaware
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1827
Abstract of Petition Cudge Hays, administrator of the estate of Mahala Kershaw, deceased, explains that Mahala's estate is due early $300 from an 1823 court decision in the case of free black "Peter Robinson et al. v. Sarah Kershaw," widow of MItchell Kershaw.
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #72

County Sussex
State Delaware
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1835

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 13
Microfilm Frame on Reel 940
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20383502
County Sussex
State Delaware
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1835
Abstract of Petition Austin Spicer, James Hickman, Charles Jacobs, and Julia Jacobs contend that they are illegally detained as slaves. They request their freedom.
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #73

County Sussex
State Delaware
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1839

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 13
Microfilm Frame on Reel 1092
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20383901
County Sussex
State Delaware
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1839
Abstract of Petition Charles Argoe, trustee for insane slave owner Nathaniel Pointer [Poynter], asks to sell a term slave named Beniah, about seven years of age, and six head of cattle from Pointer's estate.
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #74

County Sussex
State Delaware
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1839

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 13
Microfilm Frame on Reel 1100
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20383903
County Sussex
State Delaware
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1839
Abstract of Petition Amos Stayton seeks to have slave owner Nathaniel Pointer [Poynter], who turned twenty-one, declared insane and a trustee appointed to manage his estate. From the time of his birth, Stayton explains, Pointer has been deaf and dumb.
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #75

County Sussex
State Delaware
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1844

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 13
Microfilm Frame on Reel 1126
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20384401
County Sussex
State Delaware
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1844
Abstract of Petition In her 1796 will, Mary Dial of Caroline County, Maryland, granted Peter, Kitty, and Milly, their freedom when they reached age thirty-one. Following her death, Dial's daughter took Milly, and later sold her to Roger Wright for a term of years. After the daughter's death, Wright took Milly and her son, Saulsbury Sheppard, to Delaware and sold them to Thomas Jacobs for a term of years, until Saulsbury Sheppard, reached age twenty-one or twenty-five. Now at age twenty-eight, Sheppard argues that he is entitled to his freedom. He asks the court to recognize his freedom and summon Jacobs.
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #76

County Sussex
State Delaware
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1844

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 13
Microfilm Frame on Reel 1163
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20384402
County Sussex
State Delaware
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1844
Abstract of Petition As trustee of the person and estate of Nathaniel Pointer [Poynter], Charles Argoe explains that at Pointer's death, he received term slave Beniah, whom he sold for $125; he also arranged for another term slave, a woman valued at $25, and a black child valued at $35, to be turned over to his widow. Argoe has settled most of the account and asks the court to "grant him an allowance thereof or such other relief as to this Court may Seam just and proper."
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #77

County Sussex
State Delaware
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1848

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 13
Microfilm Frame on Reel 1167
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20384801
County Sussex
State Delaware
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1848
Abstract of Petition In 1834, free black Perry More apprenticed his son, David MOre, to Rhodes Hazzard for thirteen years and three months. Later, Hazzard transferred the apprenticeship to Isac Obier. When David is convicted of theft and sentenced to be publicly whipped and pay restitution, Obier offers to pay the judgment of $24.45, seeking to use the young man during an unexpired term of eight months and twenty-six days. He also asks to extend the term to repay him for his losses.
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #78

County Sussex
State Delaware
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1848

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 13
Microfilm Frame on Reel 1170
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20384802
County Sussex
State Delaware
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1848
Abstract of Petition Declared insane in 1839, Nathaniel Pointer [Poynter] asks the court to allow him to manage his own affairs. pointer, who previously owned a term slave, asserts that he is "now of sound mind and understanding."
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #79

County Sussex
State Delaware
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1857

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 13
Microfilm Frame on Reel 1196
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20385701
County Sussex
State Delaware
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1857
Abstract of Petition In 1823, slave owner William Shockley published his last will and testament, bequeathing to his wife, Elisabeth, a life estate in their land, farmhouse, outbuildings, livestock, and two slaves, the Negro boy James and Negro girl Harriet. Shockley died a short time later, as did his wife. The estate and land reverted to their two daughters, Eliza and Keturah, both of whom married men named Davis. Eliza died in childbirth in 1824, and her husband, Henry Davis, gained possession of half of Shockley's land. In 1854, he sold the land to George S. Davis, one of the petitioners. The other daughter, Keturah, married John C. Davis, and the couple had seven children before he died in 1843. Following Keturah's death in 1856, members of the Davis families - Robert, George, Eliza Ann, and Mark Davis on the one side, and minors Mary, Catherine, and Thomas Davis on the other - fight over partitioning the land.
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #80

County Accomack
State Virginia
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1782

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series C
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 1
Microfilm Frame on Reel 47
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 21678201
County Accomack
State Virginia
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1782
Abstract of Petition John and Sarah Stott seek their share of the ten slaves that belong to the estate of their great grandmother, Rose Roberts. The complainants "are advised that the said ten slaves out now to be equally divided into three equal Shares between the said Roberts James, and the Complaintants, but the same is evaded and postpon'd from time to time by the said Roberts and James under pretence that no partition can be binding which can be made with your Orators on account of the Infancy which they are advised is true." The Stott siblings pray that the slaves and their increase be divided into three equal parts and that they "may be put into possession of one of them."
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #81

County Accomack
State Virginia
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1789

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series C
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 11
Microfilm Frame on Reel 343
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 21678907
County Accomack
State Virginia
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1789
Abstract of Petition John Moore, executor of the estate of the late Joseph Moore, explains that Joseph was the guardian of James Moore, whose estate "consisting in negro slaves, of whom the greater part were breeding women & small children, so that the expences of those far exceeded the profits of the labour." The petitioner further explains that he "was by this worshipful Court appointed Guardian of the sc. James Moore." Citing that James is currently indebted to him "by reason of his board, schooling & maintenance & the expences of his sd Slaves over & beyond the profits thereof," Moore "prays a decree for the sale of such of the sd. negro slaves as may be most convenient to the interest of the sd. James & sufficient to satisfy the sd. debt."
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #82

County Accomack
State Virginia
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1791

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series C
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 1
Microfilm Frame on Reel 363
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 21679101
County Accomack
State Virginia
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1791
Abstract of Petition With their mother acting as their next friend, three minor heirs of the late Elijah Nock Sr. city "that it would be greatly to their advantage, & as it is conceived, also to the advantage of Peggy their youngest sister, if partition were made of the sd. Slaves agreable to the will of their said deceased father." They noted that under the authority of this worshipful Court" because "all your said Orators, & their said sister Peggy are infants of tender years."
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #83

County Accomack
State Virginia
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1791

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series C
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 1
Microfilm Frame on Reel 383
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 21679106
County Accomack
State Virginia
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1791
Abstract of Petition Annabella Bayly sues by her guardian, Richard Justice, to receive her share of eight slaves who belong to the estate of her late father, Shadrack Bayly. She represents that her mother is entitled "to one thrif part of wsaid slaves to hold as her Dower" and that she and her two sisters are entitled to the remaining two-thirds; her brother died wince the death of her father and his share should be divided among the sisters and his mother. Pointing out that the other heirs "altogether refuse and avoid making a legal and just Division of said Slaves," Bayly asks that a legal and equitable Division of said Slaves agreeable to the Rights as stated above may be decreed by your worships."
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #84

County Accomack
State Virginia
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1797

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series C
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 1
Microfilm Frame on Reel 586
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 21679701
County Accomack
State Virginia
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1797
Abstract of Petition Jacob Bird and Polly Rodgers Bird ask that the slaves belonging to the late Zorobabel Rodgers be divided between his son William and his widow Polly, the petitioner. They "represent that it would be greatly to the advantage of your Orator and Oratrix to have their Dower of the said Slaves laid off and set apart and also to the mutual advantage of the said William T Rodgers to have his two thirds of the said Slaves separated and set apart." Noting that William is "an infant under the age of Twenty one years," the petitioners seek the aid and authority of this worshipful Court" in distributing the twenty-six estate slaves, six of whom have been born since th deathe of the intestate.
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #85

County Accomack
State Virginia
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1797

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series C
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 1
Microfilm Frame on Reel 589
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 21679702
County Accomack
State Virginia
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1797
Abstract of Petition Thorougood Bell and Esther Drummond Bell seek a division of the slaves in the estate of the late Henry Drummond, the deceased husband of Esther Bell. Drummond stipulated in his will "that all the remainder part of my Estate not heretofore given after paying my just debts be equally divided between my Daughter Peggy Drummond and the chld my wife now goes with, but if my said child yet unborn should die without lawfull heir of his body surviving it, then all that I have given it, I give to my loving wife Esther Drummond." The Bells report that "the chld with which your Oratrix was pregnant at the time of making sd. will also died." They therefore ask "the aid of your worships" in effecting a dvision of the two slaves who have not "been disposed of in the foregoing part of the will."
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #86

County Accomack
State Virginia
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1797

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series C
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 1
Microfilm Frame on Reel 595
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 21679704
County Accomack
State Virginia
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1797
Abstract of Petition The grandchildren of the late Richard Justice "represent that it would be greatly to their advantage to have their share of the said slaves set apart to them & they presume it would be equally advantageous, as well to the sd. widow to have her dower." They report that their grandfather "was at the time of his death amongst other things possessed in his own proper right of" eight slaves. They ask that Justice's five children as well as his widow be summoned and that "they may be compelled to abide by such order direction & decree in the same as to this worshipful Court in equity may seem meet."
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #87

County Accomack
State Virginia
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1797

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series C
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 1
Microfilm Frame on Reel 616
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 21679709
County Accomack
State Virginia
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1797
Abstract of Petition Levin and Sally Copes report that Sally's daughter, Betsy Medcalf [Metcalf], died in 1789 "under age, without issue, and without having in any manner by last Will or otherwise disposed of the slaves which she was possessed of." They assert that Sally Copes and Betsy's two sisters are each entitled to "one third part of said slaves." They request "that a Division of said Slaves by Sale or otherwise may be decreed and enforced by your worships between the parties aforesaid agreeable to law."
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #88

County Accomack
State Virginia
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1798

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series C
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 1
Microfilm Frame on Reel 636
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 21679802
County Accomack
State Virginia
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1798
Abstract of Petition Joseph Conquest and Molly Nock Conquest represent that Molly's father, the late William Nock, died possessed of seven slaves. They point out "that the said Intestate at the time of his death left four children." The petitioners assert that each child is entitled to a one-fourth share of the slaves, who now number eight. Citing that "it would be greatly to the advantage of your Orator and Oratrix and the said Deft to have their respective Shares of the said Slaves set apart either by Sale or otherwise," the Conquests request " that a division of the said Slaves may be made either by Sale or otherwise by some person or persons to be appointed by your Worships according to their several rights aforementioned."
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #89

County Accomack
State Virginia
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1803

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series C
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 1
Microfilm Frame on Reel 862
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 21680307
County Accomack
State Virginia
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1803
Abstract of Petition Thomas Phillips requests that Curtis Willis, the executor of Thomas Meere, "be compelled to make up an account of his sd. Testators administration on the Estate of sd. Abraham Taylor." Phillips explains that he purchased "a certain negro woman of the name of Dianah at the price of 30 pounds from Taylor in the mid-1790s. When Taylor died a short time later, the administrator of his estate, Thomas Meers, sued Phillips for the return of Dianah and her child Betty. The petitioner reports that the court rendered a judgment against him, whereupon he applied to Taylor's estate, which "was answerable to him for the value of slaves so recovered & his costs afsd upon the implied warranty which is annexed by law to every sale of a chattel, where the title of the vendor proves defective." Noting that Meers did not respond to his request before he died, Phillips now asks that Taylor's heirs "pay to your Orator the amount of his sd. Demands."
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #90

County Accomack
State Virginia
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1803

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series C
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 1
Microfilm Frame on Reel 873
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 21680309
County Accomack
State Virginia
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1803
Abstract of Petition Thomas Henderson and Rose Fisher Henderson, daughter of the late Thomas Fisher, seek "a negro boy named Sam" bequeathed to Rose in her father's will. The Hendersons report that Teackle Fisher qualified to his father's executor and "proceeded to take into his hands the whole of the slaves and other personal estate of his sd. testator." The petitioners note that they have "repeatedly requested the sd. Teackle Fisher to make up...an account of his administration on sd. Estate, together with an Inventory thereof, and to pay to your Orator whatever sum of money she might upon such account, be found to be entitled to, if any." Noting that Fisher has refused to comply with their requests, they pray that he "may be compelled to deliver up to your Orator and Oratrix the sd. boy Sam, and pay to them his reasonable hire for the time the sd. Teackle has so unjustly held him; and also such sum of money, if any, as they be found to be entitled."
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.

Record #91

County Accomack
State Virginia
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1804

All Fields in This Record

Part of Series C
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 1
Microfilm Frame on Reel 904
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 21680404
County Accomack
State Virginia
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1804
Abstract of Petition James Nock died possessed of five slaves, a mother and her four children. Elijah Nock Jr., a brother, cites that James "departed this life...intestate, unmarried & without issue." As one of the rightful heirs, Elijah seeks to "receive to his own separate use & emolutment two seventh parts of the said slaves or of their actual value."
Click on a field to move that field into top summary row for all records in this source.