Enslaved of Thomas Haynes of Bedford County Virginia - Estate Appraisal 1806

Thomas Haynes was born in 1776 in Bedford County, Virginia and died in 1806 also in Bedford County, Virginia.  He was the son of John Edward Haynes who was born 12 March 1753 in Hanover County, Virginia and his wife Joicey Anderson who was born in Hanover County, Virginia and died Bedford County, Virginia.

Thomas Haynes - Appraisement of Estate
Taken 1 March 1806     Recorded 25 Dec 1809

Appraisers:  William Quarles and David Saunders

Negro man named Samuel   $90
Negro man Harry   $120
Negro man Peter   $125
Negro man Ned   $130
Negro man George   $130
Negro woman Sarah   $20
Mulatto woman Rachel   $60
Negro woman Isabel   $70
Negro woman Dinah   $90
Negro woman Milley   $100
Negro boy Flanders   $75
Negro boy Daniel   $75
Negro boy Pleasant   $60
Negro boy Caleb   $50
Negro girl Ann   $40
Negro boy Braxton   $25
Negro girl Syphea   $15
Negro boy James   $80
Negro girl Hannah   $65
Negro boy Washington   $60

Bedford County VA Will Book C [Vol 3-4 180-1817]

Note:  To my knowledge I am not related to this Haynes family. While researching someone else I came across this document and because it listed the enslaved, I saved it to share.

1809 Division of 13 Slaves of Enslaver Abraham North in Bedford County, Virginia

 

Abraham North, deceased, Division of Slaves

15 Dec 1809, Bedford County, Virginia

Thomas sold to Benjiman Robinson for $123   [Benjiman Robinson -  Son in Law of Abraham]

Shadrack and Moses sold to David Jones for $162  [David Jones - Son in Law of Abraham]

Stephen and Jacob sold to William Miller for $124  [William Miller - Son in Law of Abraham]

Peggy and child Judah sold to William Rucker for $130 [William Rucker - Son in Law of Abraham]

Aggy and child Sarah sold to David North for $80  [David North s/o Abraham]

Linda and Jordan sold to John North for $140   [ John North s/o Abraham]

Lucy and James sold to Executors of Mrs. Nancy Austin for $140 [Nancy Austin d/o Abraham]

Bedford County Will Books Vol 2 1802-1803  Vol 3-4 1803-1817 pg 218

Note: this document followed the probate records for someone in my family. Because it names enslaved, I saved the information.  I did a quick search for more information on Abraham North, but found nothing for certain. 

UPDATE - I've found more information about Abraham North and about his children who purchased his enslaved.

Abraham North's Children

• John North  born 1745
• David North  1755-1828
• William North  1760-1782
• Sarah "Sally" North 1760-23 Aug 1865  md William Rucker
• Susannah North 1764-1853
• Elizabeth "Betsy" North 1766-23 Nov 1861
• Nancy North  1768-1870 md Thomas Austin
• Patsey North 1770-1825 md David Jones

John North was born 1745 in Bedford County, VA.  He married Sarah Eppes in 1775.

1809 Enslaved purchased from his father's estate
Enslaved Linda and Jordon - $140

David North was born 1755 and died 1828 both in Bedford County, VA.  He married Elizabeth "Betty" Rucker 1745-1795

1809 Enslaved purchased from father's estate
Enslaved Aggy and child Sarah - $80

1810 Census Bedford County, VA
15 Slaves

1820 Census Northern District, Bedford County, VA
20 Slaves:  4 M under 10, 2 M 14-25, 1 M 26-44, 1 M 45+, 6 F under 10, 3 F 14-25, 2 F 26-44, 1 F 45+

Sarah "Sally" North was born 10 Jan 1761in Bedford County, VA and died 23 Aug 1865 in Arno, Williamson County, TN.  She married William Rucker who was born 24 July 1756 in Amherst County, VA and died after July 1826 in Murfreesboro, Williamson County, TN. Sally and William were married 7 Mar 1782 in Amherst County, VA by James Rucker. Abraham North was Surety.

1809 Enslaved purchased from father's estate
Enslaved Peggy and child Judah - $130

1810 Census  Bedford County, VA   William Rucker

17 Slaves

1820 Census  Northern District,  Bedford County, VA   William Rucker
19 Slaves:  5 M under 14, 1 M 14-25, 1 M 26-44, 6 F under 14, 2 F 14-25, 2 F 26-44, 2 F 45+

24 July 1826  -  Will of William Rucker written;  Probate Oct 1826
Will Books Vol 4-5  1825-1834  pg 140   Oct Term 1826

... to my wife Sarah, the plantation and land whereon I now live. together with all my stock of every description,....  also the following negroes Violet, Charlotte, Milly, Easter, Isaac, Peggy, Clary?, Peter, Mandy, Lorenzo, Daw/Dow, Selery/Seleny, Ben, Granville and Emily...
... to daughter Susannah EARLY, a negro girl named Jinny and a negro man named Nicholas ... I have already given her possession...
... to son Bernard a negro man named Siversan? Suiersa, which I have already given him possession on...
... to dau Nancy DOUGLASS a negro named Rachel... I have already given her possession...
... to son John a negro boy named George...
... to son William a negro boy named Jack... already given possession of... also a negro boy named Luck for whom he has paid me $330. $300 of this was already given to my daughter Nancy Douglass in place of a negro I give the said negroes Jack and Luck to my son William...
...to my daughter Sally Downing/Douring/ Dawing a negro woman  Mira and her child Dalmanvillia, and a negro girl named Cinderella...
... to dau Lucy HATCHER  a negro girl named Vicy and the tract of land containing 100 acres on which my  son in law William Hatcher now lives..
...to my daughter Melinda a negro woman named Judy and her child named Jordan, also a negro girl named Margarett
... to daughter Keturah BURNS a negro woman named Louiza, and a negro girl named Leaura/Learuna? ...
... to daughter Elizabeth Rucker, a negro man named PHILIP HUBBARD and a negro woman named Marilla...
... at wife Sarah's death...  to have the negroes laid off in lotts, as nearly equal as value as possible, allowing a lott to each child...
Executors: sons John Rucker, William Rucker, son in law Benjamine Rucker
Written 24 July 1826
Witnesses: N Adams, Co S Webb, Tho J Douglass

Susannah North 1764-1853 both in Bedford County, VA.  She married Benjamin Robinson on 24 Mar 1783 in Bedford County, VA. Abram North was Surety. Benjamin was born 1756 in Virginia.

1809 Enslaved purchased from Abraham's estate
Enslaved Thomas $123

Elizabeth "Betsy" North  born 1755 and died 23 Nov 1861 in Haywood County, TN.  She married William Miller who was born 1760 in Caroline County, VA and died 15 Aug 1841 in Haywood County, TN.

1809 Enslaved purchased from Abraham's estate
Enslaved Stephen and Jacob  $124

1850 Slave Schedule Dist 1, Haywood TN
39 Slaves:  70 M, 65 M, 65 M, 65 M, 50 M, 30 M, 20 M, 15 M, 13 M, 17 M, 11 M, 10 M, 10 M, 8 M, 7 M, 11 M, 3 M, 2 M, 1 M, 80 F, 60 F, 55 F, 40 F, 30 F, 50 F, 35 F, 26 F, 25 F, 22 F, 17 F, 12 F, 7 F Mu, 5 F, 5 F, 3 F, 3 F, 25 F, 

1860 Slave Schedule Dist 1, Haywood TN
20 Slaves; 6 Slave Dwellings:  90 F, 75 M, 60 F, 57 F, 52 M, 45 M Mu, 38 M, 25 M, 36 F Mu, 32 F, 28 F, 14 M, 13 F, 12 F, 11 F, 10 B, 8 F Mu, 5 F, 5 F, 2 F

Her daughter Susan:
10 Slaves:  55 M, 30 M, 55 M, 28 F, 27 M, 13 M, 11 M, 7 f, 23 M, 20 F

Nancy North 1768  1870   Nancy married Thomas Austin 1766  1856.

1820 Census Southern District Bedford County, VA    Thomas Austin
4 Slaves: 1 M 14-25, 1 < 26-44, 1 F 14-25, 1 F 26-44

1830 Census Bedford County, VA    Thomas Austin
9 Slaves:  2 M under 10, 1 M 10-23, 1 M 36-54, 2 F under 10, 1 F 10-23, 1 F 24-35, 1 F 36-54

1840 Census Bedford County, VA   Thomas Austin
12 Slaves:  3 M under 10, 1 M 10-23, 1 M 24-35, 5 F under 10, 1 F 24-35, 1 F 36-54

1850 Agricultural Schedule  Southern Division, Bedford County, VA    Thomas Austin
600 acres

1856  Transfer of land from Thomas to son David on March 11: 
... in consideration of the natural love and affection...one dollar in hand... certain tract of land lying and being in the county of Bedford... bounded by... containing 150 acres...
* Just before his death Thomas Austin gave land to several of his children.

Mar 1858-Dec 1868  Settlement of Inventory and Accounts of Thomas Austin decd.
Cash paid to heirs from Estate Sale held 12 Nov 1857. "Sales of perishable property"
Wm N Austin $210
Elizabeth Pollards heirs $210
David Austin $210
Nancy Williams heirs $210
_?_ Preson heirs $210
Esther Adams $210
Abram Austin $210

Patsey North was born1770 and died 1825 both in Bedford County, VA.  Patsey married David Jones.  Patsey and David married 1794 in Bedford County, VA. John North and William Miller were Sureties. David Jone was born 1768 in North Carolina and died 1839 Bedford County, VA.

1809 Enslaved purchased from Abraham's estate
Enslaved Shadrack and Moses  $162

1810 Census Bedford County, VA   David Jones
20 Slaves

1820 Census Northern District, Bedford County, VA   David Jones
9 Slaves:  1 M under 14, 3 M 14-25, 3 M 26-44, 1 F 14-25, 1 26-44

1830 Census Bedford Co VA   David Jones
7 Slaves: 1 M 10-23, 2 M 24-35, 2 M 36-54, 1 F 24-35, 1 F 36-54

Will of David Jones    Written 14 Jan 1839; Probate 28 Jan 1839   Bedford County, VA
... [wants the tract of land he lives on , on the N fort of Otter River, to be sold to settle his debts.]
... remaining portion of my estate to my wife Martha for her use and benefit so long as she may live... my two negro men Shadrick and Ransom be assessed for the support of my wife and my daughter Martha Jones Jr...
... if practicable that my son David Jones, Jr shall take charge of the property bequeathed to his mother and shall manage it for her...
...
Executor: son David Jones Jr
Witnesses: William S Otey, William Powell, William Gates

Will of Thomas North - possible father of Abraham North
Written 16 Dec 1793    Acknowledged by Court 17 Feb 1794    Probate 2 June 1794

... to son Thomas... negroes Abram, Sarah, Lewis, Peg, Goyrus?
... to son Anthony one Negroe man Ambrose and one Negroe man named Stephen...
... to dau Susanna Cox... negroes June, Chales, Jude...
... to grandson James North one Negroe woman Luce and on child Alley...
... to grand daughter Polley North one negroe Dinah ...
...to granddaughter Frances North one negroe named Aggy..
...I lend to Frances Dodson during her natural life one negroe woman named Cloe and at her death Cloe and her increase to return to my children above named.
... to son William one negroe woman named old Bell and one negroe boy named Georg
... to son Richard one negroe woman named great Bett and one negroe man named Cuff...
... to son Abram one negroe Dick and one named Sal ...
 ... to son Reuben one negre named Sue and one named Fan...
... I lend to Elizabeth Loe during her natural life one negroe and one named Luce and at her death Luce to go to her son Gilber Loe
... to Elizabeth Loe ... furniture
[Wants plantation, stock, etc sold to discharge debts. Anything left to divided between sons William, Richard, Abram and Reubin.
Executors: friend Francis Thorton, son Thomas.
Witnesses: Obadiah Edge, William B Edge, William Smith.

1833 / 1835 Will of Mary Wray naming her Enslaved, Rockingham County, North Carolina

 Will of Mary Wray of Rockingham County, North Carolina

Written 10 June 1833
Proved Nov Term 1835

... to William Nelson my oldest Negro Boy by the name of Donnell ... all my stock of Horses, Cattle, Sheep and Hogs with the exception of 1 cow which I shall hereafter bequeath and said William Nelson is to pay over to Ann Nelson $100 together with all my outstanding debts of every kind. ... also 1 bedstead, bed and furniture and all my plantation tools of every kind.
... to Ann Nelson ... 1 Negro Boy named Tom...
... [books to Permelia E Wray daughter of Alexander Wray]

Executor: friend Nathan Wright
Witnesses: Bailey Martin, Mathers/Mattus L Newel

1835 Will of Abner Watson naming Enslaved, Prince Edward County, Virginia and Rockingham County, North Carolina

Abner Watson was born 7 June 1762 and died 10 May 1835 both in Prince Edward County, VA.  He was the son of John Watson 1712-1797 and Ann Allen 1726-1805.  In 1788 Abner married Mary "Polly" Price, daughter of Richard Price and Mary DeJarnette.

1810 Census Prince Edward Co VA Abner Watson
20 Slaves

1820 Census Prince Edward Co VA Abner Watson
24 Slaves:  4 M under 14, 2 M 14-25, 2 M 26-44, 1 M 45+, 7 F under 14, 3 F 14-25, 3 F 26-44, 2 F 45+

1830 Census Prince Edward Co VA Abner Watson
32 Slaves:  4 M under 10, 4 M 10-23, 2 M 24-35, 2 M 36-54,  10 F under 10, 1 F 10-23, 6 F 24-35, 2 F 36-54, 1 F 55-99

 
Will of Abner Watson - recorded in Prince Edward County, VA and Rockingham County, NC
Written 6 May 1835
Entered Prince Edward Court 20 July 1835 Will BK 7 pg 402
Certified transcript by County Clerk Branch J Worsham made 13 Oct 1835 was entered into             Rockingham County, NC Court in Nov Term 1835 pg 140

...  My will and desire is that my land in Prince Edward, on which I now live, be sold, altogether or in part as lots...
... I lend to my wife Mary the land in North Carolina called John Patrick's lot containing 200 acres more or less and also 5 negroes: Isham, Peter, Edmund, John and Betty... during her natural life and at her death to descend to my children...
... to son Benjamin B  4 negroes Phebe and her 2 children and William
... to son Joseph 2 negroes Archer and Sally the daughter of Delinda
... to son Frederick W 2 negroes Ben the son of Betty and Jane the daughter of Delinda...
... to daughter Susan Elizabeth 2 negroes Ann and Eliza...
... I give for the benefit of my son Abner G  2 negroes Henry and Harriett to be held in Trust...
... It is my will and desire that the balance of my negroes not loaned or given away in this my will, should continue on this place or on my plantation in North Carolina as may best suit until the sale of my land.
... it is my will and desire that my daughter Mary should be continued the privilege of living on the tract of land called Perkinson's in North Carolina and to cultivate a sufficient number of shifts for her comfort and accommodation until the division, free of rent.

Executors: sons Benjamin B and Joseph D Watson
Witnesses: Drury Watson, J W Ritchie, Joseph A Watson, George R Jeffress 

1823 Will of John Allen Watson Naming Enslaved, Prince Edward County, Virginia

 John Allen Watson was born 2 Sep 1789 in Prince Edward County, Virginia and died 17 Nov 1822.  He was the son of Josiah Watson 1759-1827 and Mary "Polly" Nelson 1762-1837 and the grandson of John Watson 1712-1797 and Ann Allen 1726-1805. [See his father and grandfather's wills]

John married Nancy Hamlett who was born about 1797. She was the daughter of Jesse Hamlett 1766-1817 and Elizabeth Clarke.  Nancy married 2nd Samuel F Blankenship 1801-1851.

Will of John Allen Watson of Prince Edward County, VA
Written 15 Mar 1821
Probate 19 May 1823

... to wife Nancy... 6 negroes Jince, Hannah, Lee, Elvery, Real, and Bob with future increase

Executor: wife Nancy Watson
Witnesses:John Booker, Josiah Watson

John Watson and his Children's 132 Enslaved, Prince Edward County, VA - Several Wills Naming Slaves

John Watson was born about 1712 in Henrico County, VA and died 3 Feb 1797 In Prince Edward County, VA.  He was the son of John Watson 1679-1750 and Sarah Collins 1683-1743.  He married Ann Allen 1726-1805.

John and Ann lived near Hampden-Sidney College in Prince Edward County, Virginia. 

Will of John Watson   Written 3 Feb 1797   Probate 17 June 1805

• to son John one acre of land +/- joining the land he lives on... one negro by name Dick, one negro girl named Aggie and her increase, which he has in his possession, and likewise one negro man Nick
• to son Drury a negro woman named Aggie and her increase, which he has had in his possession for years past and late has placed the said Aggie into the possession of his daughter Susannah
• to Elizabeth Watson, my son Drury's daughter my negro boy named John and one featherbed and furniture
• to Hannah Watson, my son Drury's daughter, negro Phil, Fannie's son
• to Mary Chambers, my son Drury's daughter, 200 acres of land being the land whereon she lives, for her use during life and after her death the said 200 acres of land to her son, Josiah Chambers; one negro woman named Jane and her increase which was lent to Josiah Chambers and by him willed to his children, as they are mentioned in his will
• to daughter Susanna one negro named Peyton which she has in her possession and one negro girl
• to son Samuel one negro woman and her increase and one boy
• to daughter Judity one negro boy and one woman and her increase and one woman named Fanny and her increase and one negro girl and her increase and one other boy
• to son Jesse Watson one negro woman named Lucy and her increase from this date, and likewise John, Tom, Nancy and her increase, likewise Lewis and Lydia and her increase, one boy named Nott which he has in his possession
• to son Josiah two negroes Peter and Hannah and her increase which he has in his possession, and one negro man named Isham
• to son Abner two negroes and likewise Old Dick and likewise Pepesley and her increase and her daughter and her increase; likewise the plantation he now lives on 300 acres, and a cart and yoke of oxen which he now has.
• lends to daughter Judith Nelson one negro girl named Cate, during her (Judith's) life and at her death to be divided with increase among her children.
• my old negro woman Aggie to have liberty to live with which of his children she pleases, but if she should live to get so infirm as not to be able to maintain herself, to be maintained at the equal expense of my children.
• All the residue of his personal estate not here devised to be equally subdivided between his children.
• Estate is not to be appraised, nor executors to be held to give security.

Executors:  sons John, Joseph and Jesse Watson - sole executors of this will
Witnesses: Drury Watson, Jr, Allen Chambers, Charles Allen.
Upon the oaths of Drury Watson, Jr and Charles Allen, Jesse and Joseph Watson qualified as executors
Prince Edward County Will Book 3 pg 403

Some of John's children:

Elizabeth Watson was born 1731 in Prince Edward County, Virginia and died 1808 in Rutherford County, North Carolina. She married John Walker who was born 1728 in New Castle County, Delaware and died 1796 in Rutherford County, North Carolina.

1790 Census  Rutherford County, NC  -  John Walker
3 Slaves

Drury Watson was born 1740 in Prince Edward County, Virginia and died 1829 in Belair, Indian Land, Lancaster County, South Carolina.  He married Sarah "Sally" Allen who was born 1745 and died 1790.

Drury was known to be a great fiddler and dancer. He lived to be nearly 100 years old. Late in life he lived with his son in law Drury Calhoun near Briary Church in Prince Edward County, VA.
[Notes on Southside Virginia by Mrs A Watson Wolfe, 1977, pgs 187-188]

20 Mar 1805  -  Sold Enslaved  -  Lancaster District, SC  Deed Bk F pg 241
"Know ye that I Drury Watson of the State of Virginia Cumberland County hath bargained and sold unto James Morrow of the state and district above mentioned a certain Negro woman named Agg and a boy named London and a child named Ambus, children of said wench for the consideration of 500 dollars cash paid to me in hand to which I do forever quit claim to the said negro wench and children forever...to James Morrow..."
Witnessed 27th day of August 1804.
Witnesses: Eli Crockett, Jonathan Coffey. Signed Drury Watson.

1810 Census Prince Edward Co, VA
11 Slaves

1820 Census Prince Edward Co Va
18 Slaves:  6 M under 14, 2 M 14-25, 2 M 26-44, 3 F under 14, 2 F 14-25, 2 F 26-44. 1 F 45+

1830 Census Prince Edward Co VA
19 Slaves:  3 M under 10, 3 M 10-23, 4 M 24-35, 2 M 55-99, 1 F under 10, 2 F 10-23, 2 F 24-35, 2 F 36-54.

John Watson was born 1743 and died 1828 both in Prince Edward County, Virginia. He married Mary.

Will of John Watson   Prince Edward County, VA
Written 15 Apr 1817;  Proven 19 May 1828
Inventory submitted to Court 18 Aug 1828

... lend to wife Mary 8 negroes: Nick, Robb, Robin, Vick, Nancy, Molly, Mariah and Louisa... at her death equally dived amongst all my children. Nick is to have choice which of my children he will go to as his master or mistress.
... to dau Betty Ann 3 negroes: Young Fanny, Stephen and Abby and said young Fanny and Abby increase
... to son Drury 3 negroes: Molly daughter of Lucy;  Stephen and Lewis Molly's children with increase
... to son Samuel 2 negroes: Jane and John Jackson and Jane's increase; land and plantation whereon I now live lying on Little Buffalo...
... to dau Nancy 5 negroes: Aggy, Billy, Peter, Solomon and Betty with increase
... to dau Mary 3 negroes: Hannah, Hetty and Tom with increase
... to dau Susanah Thorn 5 negroes: Jane, Harry, Fanny, Arups? and Randol with Jane and Fanny's increase
... the land lying on little Roanoak Road which I purchased of Ambrose Nelson I will to be sold...
Executors: sons Drury Watson and Samuel Watson
Witnesses: Abner Watson, John Watson, William Watson

Josiah Watson was born 1759 and died 1827 both in Prince Edward County, Virginia. On 22 Feb 1785 in Cumberland County, Virginia, he married Mary "Polly" Nelson 1762-1837.

Will of Josiah Watson, Prince Edward County, VA
Written 11 Jan 1827
Proved 19 May 1828
Prince Edward County Will Book 7 pg 478

...lend to my beloved wife Polly Watson during her natural life all the land I possess, all plantation utensils including blacksmith tools, all stock of every kind except 3 horses, all corn and bacon I have on hand all drops growing at the time of my death and all my household and kitchen furniture except 4 beds and furniture.  19 Negroes: Peter, Hannah, edy, Judy, Martha, Milly, Parthenia, Sam, Jim, Amy, Jacob, Jack, Morgan, Allen, Phil, Isham, Frank, Mat, Lizzy and Olly.  
...to March Edward Andrew H Nelson Watson: Little Peter, Aggy, Caty, Cyrus, Squire all their future increase...
...to daughter Polly N Thackston: Smith, Jerry, Cassandra, Jinny, Nancy, Daughter Cassandra and William,
... to my granddaughter Mary Ann Rebeckah Watson: Meriah, Lucy and Berry,
... to my 3 granddaughters Louisa N Watson, Mary E Watson, and Emelia Ann Watson: Annaky, Phebe, Nick, Selina, Nathan, Rozetter, Louisa and Dick and all their future increase to be equally divided between the three.
... to granddaughter America Jane Green/Greer: Nancy, Silvy, Jack and Ben son of Silvy
...to my granddaughter Eliza Frances Geers: Milly daughter of Nancy
... I give to MEAHN Watcon and Polly N Thackston all the land I possess and all property of every kind after the death of my wife Polly Watson ... except Martha which I give to my granddaughter Mary Ann Rebeckah Watson.  
... I give to MEAHN Watson and Polly  N Thackston all the negroes John Geers run off to North and South Carolina :  Little Indy, Nick, Isabella, Esther, Nancy daughter of Isabella, Dick and Mary and their increase forever.
... Now all the negroes not named in this will I order and direct that my executors ... make a sale of the following slaves:  Robin, Susanah, Tiller, Julia, Nelly, Harriott, Isaac for the payment of my just debts...
... I appoint Guardians of my grand children: son in law  James Thackston and son M E A H N Watson

Executors: wife Polly Watson, son in law James Thackston, son Mattew Edward Andrew Herculys? Nelson Watson
Witnesses: John Watson, Daniel J McCormick, Samuel Watson

Joseph Watson may have been born in 1764 and did die in 1827.  He married Fanny Wade.

Will of Joseph Watson    Prince Edward County, VA
Written 1827
Probate 1828
Prince Edward County Will Book 6 pg 426

... to wife Fanny and Sims Allen land I live on...
... to James Allen, brother of Sims, land on south side of road leading from Briery meeting house to Moore's old ordinary
... to Allen Watson 2 negroes
... to Littleberry Watson, son of Samuel, 1 negro
... to Joseph Watson, son of Jesse, the land and plantation on Buffalo I bought of DeGraffenreid and a part of the tract I bought of Charles Price's trustees
...to Joseph Watson, son of Abner, 4 negroes
... to Drury Calhoun, son of Hannah, the daughter of brother Drury, I give legacy...Susan Wade, sister of my wife Fanny Wade

Executors:  Drury Watson, Samuel Watson (son of John), and Sims Allen

1828 Leonard Anderson Estate Inventory Naming Enslaved, Prince Edward County, Virginia

Leonard Wade Anderson was born 12 May 1791 Prince Edward County, Virginia and died there on 7 June 1812. He married Mary Watkins Morton on 20 May 1817.

1820 Census  Prince Edward County, VA
15 Slaves

 

 
Leonard Anderson, decd - 20 June 1828 - Inventory and Appraisement of his Estate
Prince Edward Co VA Will Bk 7 pg 483

Negro Men:
Kit abt 41 $250
Daniel abt 30  $300
Billey abt 32  $400
Juba  abt 25  $350

Negro Women:
Sally  abt 35  $200
Fanny  abt 35  $150
Nancy  abt 23  $200
Peggy  abt 50  $30
Iris  abt 26  $200
Martha  at 14  $150

Negro Girl:
Jane  abt 7  $110

Negro Boys:
Patrick abt 16  diseased  $180
Bob  abt 13  swelled ankle  $130
Albert  abt 10  $135
Jim  abt 5  $100
Emanuel  abt 5  $100
Creed  abt 4  $80
Washington  abt 1  $50

And old man Tom $75 "for a life support"
And old woman Molly a cripple  $ 0

Note:  While researching documents for my own family, I often transcribe those in pages just before and just after if they named enslaved. This is how I came to this court document. To my knowledge I am not related to Leonard Anderson.

Enslaved Inventory of Francis Watkins in 1828 Prince Edward County, VA and Will of his brother Thomas Watkins of Henrico, VA

Francis Watkins was born 15 July 1745 in Henrico County, Virginia and died at his Poplar Hill Plantation in Price Edward County, Virginia. He was the son of Thomas (Chickahominy) Watkins 1714-1783 and Frances Ann "Fanny" Anderson 1718-1788.

On 1 Jan 1765 he married Agnes Woodson. She was born 4 Oct 1748 and died in July 1820 at Poplar Hill Plantation in Prince Edward County, Virginia.  She was the daughter of Richard Woodson c 1695-c1774 and Annmaddlin Michaux.

Estate Inventory of Francis Watkins Sr, decd
28 Oct 1828  Prince Edward Co VA Will Bk 7 pg515

Enslaved named in this inventory:
Old Peggy
Old Jenny
Rose
Cate
Young Jenny
Charles
Harod
Will,
Oliver
Guy
Gulbert
John
Anthony
Doctor
Pleasants
Adam
Abram
Milly
Tempy
Rhoda
Fanny
Sam
Lucky
Anny/Amy
Rachel
Peggy
Nelson
Chloe
Polly,
Aggy
Brister

Photos of Poplar Hill Plantation

Note:  Because it was nearby in the will book and Thomas Watkins, Jr is Francis Watkins brother, I'm including his will here.

Will of Thomas Watkins, Jr of Henrico County, Virginia.
Written 7 Apr 1778 - Presented to Court July 1778 - Recorded 4 June 1787
Henrico County Will Book pg 342

... to my 3 sons Robert, Thomas and Claiborne all my land in Hanover County ... and for my son Robert to have the plantation and the houses for his part)
... to son George all my land in Charlotte County and my 3 negroes named Sam, Joe and Hannah
... to son Anderson the lower part of my land on which I now live running a straight line from the upper end of Beach Island to a corner tree on Ann Garthrights line near the Deep Bottom which includes the plantation called Optons? and also my 3 negroes named Bettie, Billy, and Buster...
... I lend... wife Sarah Watkins upper part of my land on which I now live with the mill and house, also I lend unto her 3 negroes named Isham,  David and Matthew
... to my wife my 2 negroes named Lyd and Ciss with their increase
... to son Isaac the part of my land I lent to my wife... 4 of my negroes named Daniel, Phebe, Janey, and young Charles
... to my son Robert 5 of my negroes named old Charles, old Amy, young Amy, Agg and Rachel
... to son Thomas 4 of my negroes named Dick, Sary, Fanny, and Matt
... to my son Claiborne 3 of my negroes named Jack, Moll, Patty
... to daughter Mary Hughes Watkins 3 of my negroes named Henny?, Jude, Luce

Executors: father Thomas Watkins, brother Francis, and friends Smith Blakey, Stephen Pankey
Witnesses:  Wm Gathright, Thos Bottoms, Susanah Farmer, Reuben Sneed
Codicil on 12 Apr 1778:
... to my son Clayborne my negro boy named Young Rick? 

31 Enslaved of William Walton in 1828 Prince Edward County, Virginia

Estate Inventory of William Walton, deceased, taken on 18 June 1828 in Prince Edward County, Virginia.
Filed with the court on 20 Oct 1828.  Prince Edward County Will Bk 7

Negro Men:
  Peter 20
  Spencer 22
Negro Boys:
  Jack  17
  Robin  15
  Simon  12
  Abner  10
  Dennis  7
  Mat  6
  Elisha  4
  Anderson  3
  Grief  2
  Archer  2
Negro Women:
  Rose 62
  Jinny  60
  Fanny  35
  Tyler  33
  Fanny Jarly  25
  Decy  22
Negro Girls:
  Lizza  16
  Mary  14
  Harriet  12
  Caroline  10
  Salinda  8
  Sophia  5
  Jane  3
  Malinda  1
Negro man named Solomon 65
Negro man named Tongus  67
Negro man named Ned  45
Negro man named Jim  40
Negro man named Bob 37

Note:  While researching documents for my own family, I often transcribe those in pages just before and just after if they named enslaved. This is how I came to this court document.  I did a quick search for this William Walton and, unfortunately, I know nothing more about this man other than his estate inventory.

Enslaved of John Somerville II Family of Maryland, North Carolina, Tennessee

 

Bloomsbury Plantation cemetery Vance County NC

John Somerville II, son of John Somerville I and Susannah Clarke, was born 6 Dec 1754 at Bloomsbury, St Mary's County, Maryland and died 18 Nov 1806 at Bloomsbury Estate, Granville County, North Carolina.  His father was born 1723 in Scotland, immigrated 1748, married Susannah and they made their home at Bloomsbury plantation in St Mary's County, Maryland. [See separate blog post for John Somerville I's other descendants and enslaved.]

When he was about 18, John left Maryland for what was then Halifax County, North Carolina, where his father owned land.  His father deeded the land to him along with enslaved in 1777. He built his Bloomsbury plantation house between Big Nutbush and Little Nutbush Creeks.  Later the original house burned; another was built on the site in the 1850s and remains today.  The family cemetery is just north of the house and not far from the road. 

Bloomsbury in what was then Halifax County NC

 John also owned 3,500 acres a few miles north of Bloomsbury plantation in Mecklenburg County, Virginia on the south side of Roanoke River just above the North Carolina line. This 2,700 acre tract he called Berry Hill plantation, bordered the plantations of the Taylors and Tarry.  Several miles to the west on the north side of the river near Clarksville, Virginia, he purchased another tract of 2,000 acres.  John imported some 70 slaves from North Carolina to Virginia to work this plantation.  Total slaves were close to 150 before he began to gift them to his children.

Berry Hill, Mecklenburg County, Virginia

Directions to Berry Hill:  12 1/2 miles south of South Hill, Virginia on Route 1. Then SW on Route 712 12.6 miles, then N .2 mile on lane.

John II married Mary Goodloe 1763-1838. She was a step-daughter of Leonard Henley Bullock of Granville County, North Carolina (later became Warren County, now Vance County.)

John II and Mary's children:

• John Somerville III 1780-1831
• Susan / Susanna Somerville 1782-1842 md Eaton
• James Somerville 1784-1854
• William Somerville 1786-1802
• George Clark Somerville 1787-1824
• Alexander Somerville 1790-1798
• Robert Vivian Somerville 1794-1813

8 Sep 1777 Halifax County, NC - John Somerville, Sr of St Mary's County, MD to  John Somerville II of Halifax County, NC:  3 tracts of land and "all the negroes."  Bill of Sale Book 13 pg 557.

17 Jan 1788 Halifax County, NC  -  Alexander Black of Chowan County to John Somerville II:  Luchs, male, black, negro for 150#.  Bill of Sale Book 17 pg 71

4 Dec 1788 Halifax County, NC - Isaac Ricks to John Somerville II:  Jack, Ben, and Destimony.  Bill of Sale Bk 17 pg 98

12 Jan 1789 Halifax County, NC - John Buck to John Somerville II:  Cate, female, black, "negro girl"  Bill of Sale Book 17 pg 99

15 Dec 1789 Halifax County, NC - John Somerville of Granville County NC to Davis Lane Jr of Halifax County NC:  Ben, male, black, "a negro boy of about 6 years of age" for 35# current Virginia currency.  Bill of Sale Book 17 pg 122

1801 -  daughter Susanna married John Rust Eaton and received a dowery from John II:  1500 acres off the north end of Bloomsbury plantation and 15  slaves. There they established Belvidere plantation.

1806 - When John II died his son John inherited Berry Hill in Mecklenburg County Virginia and son James, attorney, inherited half the land and slaves at the plantation in the western part of Mecklenburg County. Son George received the other half and he lived there next to Col. William Burchett.

1831 - Bequeathed Berry Hill plantation to son Joseph T Somerville. In 1836 Joseph sold it to Nathaniel Green.

 

John Somerville III, son of John Somerville II and Mary Goodloe, was born 25 Nov 1780 at Bloomsbury plantation in Granville County, North Carolina and died 25 Feb 1831 at Berry Hill plantation in Mecklenberg County, North Carolina. He married Frances Anderson Taylor 1786-1829.

Children of John Somerville III and Frances Taylor:

• Mary Goodloe Somerville 1805-1858
• William Alexander Somerville 1807-1858
• Catherine Taylor Somerville 1809-1848
• Willis Lewis Somerville 1811-1864
• Thomas Tahylor Somerville 1813-1871
• Joseph John Somerville 1815-1863
• George Clark Somerville 1818-1818
• Susanna Somerville 1819-1819
• Richard Bullock Somerville 1820-1878
• James Vivian Somerville 1822-1823
• Robert Park Somerville 1824-1870
  

1820 Census  Mecklenburg County VA
90 Slaves:  25 M under 14, 10 M 14-25, 10 M 26-44, 5 M 45+. 25 F under 14, 5 F 14-25, 5 F 26-44, 5 F 45+

1830 Census  Part 1 Mecklenburg County VA
75 Slaves:  15 M under 10, 14 M 10-23, 8 M 24-35, 5 M 36=54, 3 M 55-99, 11 F under 10, 8 F 10-23, 6 M 24-35, 5 F 36-54

1831 Will of John Somerville III of Mecklenburg County, Virginia
Written 26 Jan 1831.  Filed with court 17 May 1831

... to son Richard B my negro woman Bettey requesting him to keep here during her life and that he will be kind to her and grant her every favor which may render her comfortable...

... to daughter Catharine Taylor Somerville... Slaves of equal value in proportion to numbers to choose which I shall in this will allot to my sons and she including a little girl Jane in that number.  Also my carriage and two horses. My ten shares of the Roanoke navigation stock, two feather beds and furniture...

... to daughter Goodloe who has inter married with George T Taylor all of the property which I have loaned to her with the addition of a little boy named Frank and also the future increase of said property...

... to son William Alexander the estate which is embraced in deed of gift executed by me to him dated Jan 26, 1831 as sufference to that...

... The balance of my estate which has not already beeen disposed of in this will, I give unto my sons William, Thomas T, Joseph, Richard B and Robert P Somerville when each arrives to the age of twenty one years. They shall have their due proportion of land, negroes and furnishable estate allotted to them.

... to my son Richard B my negro man Cambridge and his family at valuation in the general division...

... to my son Robert P my negro woman Ioldis / Iddies [?] and her family at valuations in the general division...

It is my will that my daughter Catharine shall be entitled to  house room at the homestead until she marries...

Executor: son William A Somerville and ? William Taylor.  Witnesses: Henry Woodsworth, Edwin Hankins 

 

Mary "Polly" Goodloe Somerville, daughter of John Somerville III and Frances Taylor, was born 10 Oct 1805 at Valley Grove, Granville County, North Carolina and died 4 Apr 1858 in Tipton County, Tennessee.  She married George Tarry Taylor 1804-1885.

1830 Census  Part 11 Mecklenburg County, VA
31 Slaves:  3 M under 10, 5 M 10-23, 5 M 24-35, 1 m 36-54, 8 F under 10, 7 F 10-23, 2 F 24-35,

1840 Census  Tipton County, TN
45 Slaves:  8 M under 10, 8 M 10-23, 4 M 24-35, 5 M 36-54, 8 F under 10, 6 F 10-23, 3 F 24-35, 2 F 36-54, 1 F 55-99

1850 Slave Schedule  District 9 Tiption Co TN
55 Slaves:  M 88, F 78, F 50, F 50, F 50, F 48, F 15, 6 ILLEGIBLE,  M 16, M 9, F 1, M 37, M 31, M 25, F 24 Mulatto, F 8, M 4, M 2, F 15, F 9, M 34 Mulatto, F 22, F 2, M 48, F 49, M 17, F 15, M 19, F 12, M 10, F 9, F 10, F 6/12, M 30, M 20, M 35, F 46, M 24, M 23, F 33 Mulatto, M 12, Mulatto, F 7 Mulatto, M 4, F 4, M 36, F 39, M 11, F 4, M 1, F 1.

1860 Slave Schedule  Dist 10 Tipton, TN
57 Slaves; 11 Slave Dwellings:  M 30, M 35, M 46, M 32, M 62, M 58, M 60, F 17 Mulatto, F 12, F 23, M 10, M 3, M 6/12, M 63, F 60, F 25, F 19, M 21, F 40, M 23, F 20, M 17, M 14, M 9, F 7, M 4, F 1, M 18, M 45, M 30, F 35, F 16, M 13, M 11, M 9, M 6, M 4, F 2, F 6/12, F 47, M 21, M 14, F 11, F 4, M 22, F 13, M 39, F 54, F 17, M 2, F 4/12, F 27, M 10, M 7, M 3, F 1, M 4, F 4, F 36, F 34, M 11, F 4, M 1, F

1860 Slave Schedule Dist 10 Tipton, TN - George T Taylor, Guardian for Mary E & Sally H Taylor
96 Slaves; 18 Slave Dwellings:  M 78, M 70, M 50, M 56, M 55, M 40, M 40, M 22, M 56, M 34, M 31 Mulatto, M 37, M 23, M 36, M 40, M 25, M 34, M 35, M 24, M 23, M 24, M 24, M 20, M 20 Mulatto, M 20, M 16, M 16, M 14, M 14, M 13, M 12, M 10, M 10, M 9, M 9, M 8, M 7, M 7, M 7, M 6, M 5, M 7, M 4, M 4, M 3, M 3, M 3, M 3, M 2, M 2, M 2, M 1, M 3/12, M 4/12, M 4/12, M 5/12, F 31, F 45, F 36, F 22, F 70, F 32, F 56, F 25, F 30, F 30, F 35, F 30, F 35, F 16, F 18, F 18, F 24, F 18, F 16, F 13, F 14, F 13, F 11, F 12, F 12, F 10, F 10, F 12, F 7, F 8, F 7, F 6, F 5, F 5,  F 4, F 4, F 2, F 2, F 1, F 1, F 1,

 

William Alexander Somerville, son of John Somerville III and Frances Taylor, was born 5 Sep 1807 at Berry Hill plantation in Mecklenburg County, Virginia and died 2 Apr 1858 at Roane Oak plantation in Tipton County, Tennessee.  He married Helen R Claiborne 1813-1896.

1850 Slave Schedule  District 10, Tipton County TN
42 Slaves:  M 47, F 36, M 16, F 14, F 12, M 0, M 8, F 4, F 2, F 20, M 2, F 23, F 8, M 1, F 20, M 20, F 1, M 20, 5 Illegible,  F 62, F 10, F 6, F 6, M 53, M 39, M 43, M 27, M 12, M 50, F 40, M 23, F 20, F 12, F 6, F 12, F 42, F 8, M 4, F 27, F 55

Catherine Taylor Somerville, daughter of John Somerville III and Frances Taylor, was born 29 July 1809 at Berry Hill plantation in Mecklenburg County, Virginia and died 9 Jan 1848 in Warren County, North Carolina.  She married Maj. Nathaniel Green 1805-1874.

Willis Lewis Somerville, son of John Somerville III and Frances Tayler, was born 19 Apr 1811 at Berry Hill plantation in Mecklenburg County, Virginia and died 18 Nov 1864 at Waco, McLennan County, Texas.  He married Mary Ann Terrill Martin 1812-1893

1840 Census  Hardeman, TN
1 Free Colored Person:  Male 36-54
51 Slaves:  9 M under 10, 8 M 10-23, 8 M 36-54, 5 M 55-99, 6 F under 10, 5 F 10-23, 6 F 24-35, 2 F 36-54, 2 F 55-99. 

1850 Slave Schedule  Smith, Dallas, Arkansas
73 Slaves:  M 74, M 68, F 65, M 60, M 55, M 55, M 50, M 50, F 45, F 45, F 45, M 45, F 43, M 43, F 42, F 42, F 38, M 38, M 36, M 34, M 30, M 30, F 30, M 29, M 28, M 28, M 28, M 26, F 26 Mulatto, M 26, F 26, M 24, F 24 Mulatto, F 24, F 24, M 20 Mulatto, M 20, F 20, F 17, M 16, M 15, M 14, M 14, F 14, M 13, M 12, F 12, M 10, M 10, M 9, M 8, M 7, M 6, M 6. F 6, M 6, F 5, F 5, M 4, M 4, F 3, M 3, F 3, M 3, M 3, F 2, M 1, M 1, F 1, F 6/12, F 6/12, F 6/12, M 3/12

Thomas Taylor Somerville, son of John Somerville III and Frances Tayler, was born 10 Jun 1813 at Berry Hill plantation in Mecklenburg County, Virginia and died 27 Dec 1871 at Cottage Home plantation in Tipton County, Tennessee.  He married Mary Agnes Siler.

1860 Slave Schedule  Dist 9 Tipton Co TN
50 Slaves; 11 Slave Dwellings:  M 50, M 48, M 44, M 35, M 33, M 26, M 33, M 20, M 20, M 16, M 13, M 12, M 12, M 10, M 10, M 10, M 9, M 8, M 8, M 7, M 6, M 4, M 1, M 3/12, M 3/12 Mulatto, F 79, F 62 Mulatto, F 60, F 44, F 39, F 31, F 31, F 19, F 18 Mulatto, F 18 Mulatto, F 16 Mulatto, F 16 Mulatto, F 15, F 14 Mulatto, F 14, F 13, F 13, F 11, F 8, F 6, F 4 Mulatto, F 6 Mulatto, F 3, F 2, F 1

1872 Verdict on Claim for Losses
Thomas T Somerville of Tipton County, TN had applied to the Southern Claims Commission for reimbursement of losses in the Civil War.  His claim was denied in 1872.

 

Joseph John Somerville, son of John Somerville III and Frances Taylor, was born 16 Aug 1815 at Berry Hill plantation in Mecklenburg County, Virginia and died 2 July 1863 at Northview Plantation in Tipton County, Tennessee.  He married 1. Ellen Geraldine Hill 1816-1844 and Susan Ann Taylor 1822-1892.

1850 Slave Schedule  Dist 10 Tipton County TN
32 Slaves: M 55 , M 39, M 38, 3 37, M 25, M 25, M 21, M 17, M 16, M 10, M 11, M 12, M 9, F 65, F 60, F 30, F 26, F 20, 7 illegible entries, F 5, F 3, F 1, F 1, M 6, M 4, M 21

1860 Slave Schedule  Dist 9 Tipton County TN
listed on page 392

 

Richard Bullock Somerville, son of John Somerville III and Frances Taylor, was born 2 Sep 1820 at Berry Hill plantation in Mecklenburg County, Virginia and died 1878 in Mason, Tipton County, Tennessee.  He was an Attorney.  Richard married 1. Virginia Triplett Tayler 1830-1852 and 2. Elizabeth Taylor Hunt 1833-1862.

1860 Slave Schedule Dist 10 Tipton Co TN
43 Slaves; 10 Slave Dwellings:  F 68 Mulatto, F 50 Mulatto, M 54, F 42, F 26, F 23, M 33 Mulatto, M 26, M 29, M 15 Mulatto, M 9, F 12, M 11, F 9, F 3, F 1, F 4, M 4/12, M 62, M 25, F 20, F 6, M 4, M 27, F 20, F 3, F 1, M 45, F 40, F 17, M 10, F 5, F 3, M 1, M 1, F 19, F 1, M 48, F 49, M 20, F 72, M 12, F 9.
 

1870 Census  Tipton County TN  
Richard is living next door to:
Somerville, George, age 37, Black, occupation Gardener, born North Carolina
   wife Lucy, age 27, Black, born Tennessee
   child Jane, age 1, Black, born Tennessee

[see bottom of this page for more African American Somerville in North Carolina]

Robert Park Somerville, son of John Somerville III and Frances Taylor, was born 5 Dec 1824 at Berry Hill plantation in Mecklenburg County, Virginia and died Sep 1870 in Tipton County, Tennessee.  He married Ann Eliza __?__, born 1830.

1860 Slave Schedule  Dist 9 Tipton Co TN
9 Slaves:  F 60, M 43, M 37, M 35 Mulatto, M 28, F 32, M 29, M 12, M 1. 

African American Somervilles in North Carolina

1870 Census  Township 1 Cararus, NC
Somerville, George age 52, b 1818 NC, Mulatto, Post Office: Concord. Occ: Wheelright. RE $350
   wife Oma L age 53, b1819 NC, Mulatto.  [Oma died 1871-1874]

1874 May 17  Mecklenberg County, VA
George Somerville marriage license - age 59, b 1818, Black. Son of Fanny Jamison. The father now dead; the mother dead.  Bride:  Harriet Matts of Mecklenberg County VA, age 54, Black. d/o ? and ? the father dead; mother dead.  [much illegible]

1880 Census  Paw Creek, Mecklenburg County VA  Dwelling 233 Family # 243
Summerville, George age 63, Black, b abt 1817 NC; parents b NC, Occ: Carpenter
   wife Harriet age 58, Black, b NC, parents both b NC

Living near George and Harriet:
Dwelling 234 Family 244
Somerville, John age 17, Black, Servant, b NC, parents b NC.  John is listed in household of Andrew Hoover age 38 and his family.

Dwelling 235 Family # 245
Somerville, Jim age 20, Black, Laborer, b NC, parents b NC.  Jm is listed in household of Sarah Cathey age 59, White, and her children.

*Note:  see separate blog post for free born Somerville African Americans and their Certificates of Freedom.

Enslaved of the Somerville Family of St Mary's County and Baltimore Maryland - Manumission, Shipping to NOLA

 

John Somerville 1723-1788

John Somerville / Somervell was born 10 March 1723 in Kennox, Ayrshire, Scotland. He immigrated to Amercia in 1748, arriving in Boston, Massachusetts and established his home in Maryland.  

In 1753 he married Susanna Clarke 1720-1780 d/o Colonel George Clarke, a planter on the Potomac River in St Mary's County, Maryland. After Clarke's death, John bought out the other heirs' interest in the Clarke plantation "Bloomsbury."   

John died 21 Dec 1788 at Bloomsbury plantation in St Mary's County, Maryland.

He and Susanna had the following children:

• John Somerville 1754-1806 married Mary Goodloe
  
• William Somerville 1755-1806 married Elizabeth Anna Hebb
  
• Margaret Somerville 1756-
• George Clark Somerville 1758-1791 never married
  

Enslaved - We know of at least one of John Sr's enslaved.  Giles Butler was born about 1770 maybe in Maryland. Giles was freed by John Sr and in 1800 he was the head of household of 7 other free persons of color. [Free African Americans of Maryland and Delaware from Colonial Period to 1810 by Paul Heinegg.] By 6 Aug 1810 Giles was living in Eastern Precincts, Baltimore, Maryland with 4 other free persons of color. [1810 Federal Census]

John Somerville II, son of John I and Susannah, was born 6 Dec 1754 at Bloomsbury, St Mary's County, Maryland and died 18 Nov 1806 at Bloomsbury Estate, Granville County, North Carolina.  He married Mary Goodloe 1763-1838.

John II and Mary's children:

• John Somerville III 1780-1831
• Susan / Susanna Somerville 1782-1842 md Eaton
• James Somerville 1784-1854
• William Somerville 1786-1802
• George Clark Somerville 1787-1824
• Alexander Somerville 1790-1798
• Robert Vivian Somerville 1794-1813

 Note:  See separate blog post for information on John Somerville II's family and enslaved.

William Somerville, son of John I and Susannah, was born 25 Dec 1755 at Bloomsbury plantation, St Mary's County, Maryland and died 29 Dec 1806 at Mulberry Fields plantation, St Mary's County, Maryland.  He married Elizabeth Anna Hebb 1770-1792, the daughter of Capt Vernon Hebb of Porto Bello 1743-1796 and Anna Hopewell 1745-1820. 

William and Elizabeth Anna's children:

• Elizabeth Somerville 1781-1802 married George Plater IV
  
• William Clarke Somerville 1790-1826 never married
  
• Henry Vernon Somerville 1792-1837 married Rebecca M Tierman
  

1790 Census St Mary's County MD  William Somerville
108 Slaves

1793-1794 Maryland Assessment  St Mary's County, MD  William Somerville
105 Slaves

1800 Census St Mary's County, MD  William Somerville
125 Slaves

1801 Maryland Assessment  St Mary's County, MD  William Somerville
125 Slaves

1806  Property at death  St Mary's County, MD  William Somerville
180 Slaves, 154 ox plate, bank stock, cotton both spun and picked, 5,810 acres including a grist mill and mill land.

Mulberry Fields Plantation, Valley Lee, MD

Elizabeth Somerville, daughter of William Somerville, was born 7 Dec 1781 St Mary's County, Maryland.  On 22 Mar 1798 she married George Plater IV who was born  21 Sep 1766 at Sotterley plantation, St Mary's County, Maryland and died 1802 at Sotterley plantation. George is the son of George Plater, Governor of Maryland, 1735-1792 and Elizabeth Anne Rousby 1747-1789.  George IV inherited the Sotterley plantaton from his father; he and Elizabeth made it their home. [Sotterley is now an historic site.]

1790 Census  St Mary's County, MD  George Plater IV
93 Slaves

1800 Census  St Mary's County, MD  George Plater IV
46 Slaves

Sotterley Plantation, Hollywood, MD

Note:  1814 George's brother, John Rousby Plater, made a claim for the loss of Enslaved:  "Negroes seduced and carried away by the Commander of the British Fleet laying in the Patuxent River Maryland in the months of July, July and September 1814 during the late war with Great Britain."  The Treaty of Ghent signed Dec 1814 called for compensation for unreturned property. In Nov 1826 the British agreed to pay claims for slaves taken away.

Sworn June 23, 1821     Men and Boys, Ages, Value in $
Stephen Courcey     37    600
Abraham Wood       12    350
Jesse Wood    33        500
Crowley Young    18    500
John Young    14    -
Daniel Young    12    -
Henry Young    13    -
James Thomas    48    450
John Seale    50    450
John Seale Jr    17    550    House Servant
William Hammer    12    350
Isaac Hammer    9    250
Mathew Courcey    8    150
James      6    225
Benjamin Seale    5    220
Francis Hammer    3    200
Prince Young     60    100
Peter Campbell    55    100
Lewis Munroe    26    600   House Servant
Gerard Munroe    14    500
Richard Munroe    5        225
Lewis Munroe     3        150
20 in number:  $7480

Women and children    Ages    Value in $
Susannah Courcey    40        300
Maria Seale     44        300
[illegible] Hammer     28        350
Sophia Seale     15        375
Maria Seale      17        375
Frankey Seale     20        375
Maria Wood     10        250
Henny Williams     50        200
Mary Young (Molly)    35        350
Catherine Young    20        375
Elizabeth Hammer    18        200
Tenny Merritt     46        450    A Good Cook
Louisa Thomas      1        50
Mary Hammer      1        50
Patty Seale     1        50
Peggy Seale      8        200
Ester Seale       4        150
Peggy Courcey     14        50
Mary Ann Young    9        150
Grace Munroe      27        400   Cook
Ester Munroe       7        150
Kitty Munroe       2        100
22 in number:  $5250

In addition to the above list of 44 for which Captain Nourse of his Britianic Majesty's ship the Severn gave a certificate assuring of their being on board his ship 27 July 1814, the following Negro Men were taken and carried away by Captain Brown of the Frigate Loire in June 1814:

Peregrine Young        20        700    A most valuable servant
Ignatius Seale           19        500     Blacksmith
James Bowie             20        600
Joseph Wood             22        550
Cornelius                   25        550  
[Source: Maryland State Archives] 

William Clarke Somerville, son of William Somerville and Elizabeth Anna Hebb, was born 25 Mar 1790 at Mulberry Fields plantation in St Mary's County, Maryland.  He died 5 Jan 1826 in Courpalay, Seine-et-Marne, France and is buried on the estate of Marquie de Lafayette.   He never married.  

In 1806 he inherited Mulberry Fields plantation from his father.   In 1822 he purchased Sotterley Plantation from his nephew George Plater V and later that year purchased Stratford Hall (Robert E Lee's childhood home) from Henry Lee.

William was appointed by President John Quincy Adams as ambassador to Sweden and Norway on 9 Mar 1825. In August of the same year President Adams appointed him Political and Commercial Agent to Greece.  When he traveled there in Sep 1825 he left a caretaker and his enslaved at Stratford Hall.

Stratford Hall, Stratford, VA

Before War of 1812  Maryland  William C Somerville
48 Slaves

1821  Applied to the General Assembly to removed 2 of his enslaved, George and Jacob, from the District of Columbia to St Mary's County, MD, "for his use and benefit.."

1826  Death of William C Somerville  - in his will he left detailed instructions for the gradual manumission of his slaves and provisions for one, Jacob, to immediately purchase his freedom for $150.  William's sole heir and the executor of his estate was his brother, Henry Vernon Somerville.

After his death only a caretaker and a few enslaved remained at Stratford Hall. It is assumed his brother eventually moved the rest to his property in Maryland.

Will of William Clarke Somerville - written 20 Dec 1825  Manumission of Enslaved

William He bequeathed under the clause "all my property real and persona ," all my property real and persona," Stratford Hall and its furnishings and the greater portion of his other properties to his brother, Henry Vernon Somerville of Bloomsbury, near Baltimore. Bernard M Carter of Shirley, VA was one of the witnesses to the will.  
Clause:
" ... That as the existence of Slavery is an evil I deprecate and wish to mitigate as far as is consistent with justice to my brother, that he shall set free my negro slaves after they shall have served the periods hereinafter specified.  All those over 35 when they shall have attained the age of 42 -- all between 25 and 30 when they are 36 -- all between 15 and 20 when they are 32 -- and all under 15 when they shall (the males) attain the age of 28 and (the females) 25. 
N.B.Jacob that I bought is not to be included in the above, but in justice to the others must pay partly for himself, he must pay the sum of $150 to my brother, and this I interpret it literally....  I am so weak from bad health that it is painful for me to write...suppose he is prepared to do, as he wanted to pay $100 in part before I left home.
   It is my wish and request of my Brother that he shall see that the negroes are never ill treated and that he shall render their situation as comfortable as he can..."

Note:  William's brother, Henry, lost Stratford Hall because he didn't deal with the estate in a timely fashion. No mention in court documents (regarding his loss of Stratford Hall) of the enslaved, but some furnishings were sold at auction.

 

Henry Vernon Somerville, son of William Somerville and Elizabeth Anna Hebb, was born 2 March 1792 at Mulberry Fields plantation in St Mary's County, Maryland and died 26 Aug 1837 at Bloomsbury plantation, St Mary's County, Maryland.  On 26 Dec 1815 he married Rebecca Tiernan 1799-1863.

Rebecca Tiernan is the daughter of Luke Tiernan 1757 County Meath, Ireland -1839 Baltimore and Nancy Ann Owen 1776-1841. Luke was a founding member and in 1839 the treasurer of the Maryland Branch of the African Colonization Society whose purpose was to return African Americans to Africa.  The Maryland State Colonization Society was responsible for founding the Republic of Maryland in West Africa, a short lived independent state that in was annexed by Liberia in the 1850's. The goal of the Society was "to be a remedy for slavery," such that "slavery would cease in the state by the full consent of those interested."

Children of Henry V Somerville and Rebecca Tiernan:

• William Tiernan Somerville 1816-1857
• Ann Rebecca Somerville  1820-1847
• James Hopewell Somerville  1822-1850 
• Henry Vernon Somerville II  1824-1860
  
• Agnes Somerville 1826-1861  md Shields
  
• William Clarke Somerville 1827-1848
• Charles Tiernan Somerville 1829-1858
• Elizabeth Somerville 1831-1846
• Robert Coleman Brien Somerville 1833-1854
• Joseph Fowler Somerville 1835-1859

1810 Census  Potomac, MD  Henry Somerville
No Enslaved

1820 Census  Election District 5 Dorchester MD  Henry Somerville
7 Slaves:  1 M under 14, 1 M 14-25, 1 M 26-44, 1 M 45+, 2 F under 14, 1 F 26-44

1828 Runaways
In April 1828 runaways John and James caught, jailed, released to Henry V Somerville

1830 Census  Baltimore, MD  Henry Somerville
91 Slaves:  20 M under 10, 16 M 10-23, 7 M 24-35, 8 M 36-54, 1 M 55-99, 19 F under 10, 8 F 10-23, 6 F 24-35, 4 F 36-54, 1 F 55-99

1836 Runaways
Ads placed for 2 runaways, Thomas age 35 and Abraham age 35 by Henry V Somerville in Baltimore and Virginia newspapers.

1840 Census  District 1 Baltimore MD  Rebecca Somerville, widow of Henry
6 Free Colored Persons:  3 Males 36-54, 3 Females 36-54
21 Slaves:  7 M under 10, 2 M 10-23, 1 M 55-99, 6 F under 10, 3 F 10-23, 2 F 24-35

 

** 1850 Census  Dist 2 St Mary's County MD  -  African American Family  Dwelling 611 Family 622
Butler, Thomas 66, Black, Farmer, RE $80, born St Mary's County
   wife Milly 67, Black, born St Mary's County
Somerville, Wm N 26, Mulatto, Laborer, born St Mary's County
Somerville, Eliza A 25, Black, born St Mary's County
Somerville, Henry  27, Black, Laborer, born St Mary's County

Enslaved shipped to New Orleans to be sold  -  Henry V Somerville
Some could be enslaved bequeathed to him by his father.  I suspect those sent in 1830 and after are probably those that first were enslaved by William C Somerville and then bequeathed to Henry. Henry received 180 enslaved from William. (See portion of William's will above which gives specific instructions for manumission dates.  There was NO instruction for anyone to be sold.)  

Note: I believe there are family groups in these lists.

27 Nov 1819 Baltimore to NOLA - (Enslaved) Amie, F, age 17, 5'4" tall, Black. Shipper is David Williamson of Baltimore. Amie is consigned to Henry V Somerville at New Orleans. On ship Franklin. 

27 Nov 1819 Baltimore to NOLA - Henry V Somerville, owner, is on board the Franklin with 25 Enslaved to be sold:

• Stephen, M, 45, 5'10" tall, Black
• Nanny, F 35, 5'1 1/2" tall, Black
• Infant, M, 12 months old, Black
• Harriett, F 76, 5'2" tall, Dark Mulatto
• Jenny, girl, 11, 4'6" tall, Black
• Appy, F, child, 4, Black
• Isaac, M, 29, [illegible] Mulatto
• Sara, F, 45, [illegible], Black
• Geny, girl, 15, 5' tall, Dark Mulatto
• John, boy, 8, [illegible] Black
• Ransby, M, child, 4, 3' tall, Dark Mulatto
• Phil, M, of [illegible] 30, [illegible], Mulatto
• Biby, F, 28, 5'5" tall, Black
• Infant, F, 4 months, Dark Mulatto
• Nancy, F, 4, 3'1" tall, Mulatto
• Jerry, M, 2, 2' tall, Dark Mulatto
• Nat, M, 21, 5'6" tall, Black
• Charles, M 30, 5' 3" tall, Black
• Rosey, F, child, [illegible] 3' tall, Black
• Henry, M, 12, [illegible], Black
• [illegible], M, 45, Black
• Adam, M, 34, Black
• Lewis, M, 14, 5'6" tall, Dark Mulatto
• Tom, M, 30, 5' 11" tall, Black
• Harry, M, 16, 5' 5" tall, Black

27 Nov 1819 Baltimore to NOLA - Same ship the Franklin as above - FPOC Hetty and Infant, woman, 45, 5' 1/2" tall, Black.  Owner Henry V Somerville.  15 Dec 1819 Certificate of Freedom held by master of ship William Graham for the above named woman.

 

20 Apr 1829 Baltimore to NOLA on ship Topaz

• Anne Somerville, F, 27, Black
• William Henry Somerville, M, 1, Black
  

30 Oct 1829 Alexandria, DC to NOLA on ship the United States - Walter Somerville, M, 25, Black

8 June 1830 Baltimore to NOLA on the Schooner Emigrant, George L Rouse, ship master to NOLA to be sold or disposed of as slaves. Henry V Somerville owner and shipper:

• Tom, M, 46, 5' 10" tall, Dark Copper
• Ronsby, M, 19, 5' 8 1/2" tall, Dark Copper
• William, M, 15, 5' 2" tall, Mulatto
• Lewis, M 33, 5' 7" tall, Dark Copper
• Joe, M, 17, 5' 3"tall, Mulatto
• Ann Eliza, F, 17, 4' tall, Dark Copper
• Henrietta, female, 18 mos, 1' tall, Black

20 Dec 1834 Alexandria, DC to NOLA on ship Uncas - George Somerville, M, 24, Black

2 Dec 1835 Alexandria, DC to NOLA - Sarah Somerville, F, Black, 17, 

8 June 1836 Baltimore to NOLA  On schooner Emigrant of Baltimore, ship master George Le Rouse. 36 enslaved owned and shipped by Henry V Somerville to be sold or disposed of as slaves.  Note: 2 individuals with surnames.

• Nancy, F 55, 5' 1 1/2", Black
• Ann, F, 18, 5'4", Black
• Infant, F, Mulatto
• Sally, F, 52, 5'4", Dark Copper
• Harriett, F, 33, 5'2", Dark Copper
• Rosey, F, 19, 5'2", Dark Copper
• Infant child, M, Dark Copper
• Alexander, M, 2, Black
• Sarah, F 23, 5', Black
• Henrietta, F, 4, Dark Copper
• Jane, F 26,5'1", Dark Copper
• Rachael, F, 6, Dark Copper
• Louisa, F, 6, Dark Copper
• Hannah, F, 16, 5'3", Dark Copper
• Ambrose, M, 7, 4', Dark Copper
• Sarah Jr, F, 14, 5'1", Dark Copper
• Mary, F, 32, 5'5", Dark Copper
• William, M, 6, 3'9", Dark Copper
• Eliza, F, 2, Dark Copper
• Simeon, M, 22, 5'6 1/2", Dark Copper
• Charles, M, 48, 5'8" Black
• Jack Sampson, M, 70, 5'2 1/2", Dark Copper
• Adam, M, 50, 5'6" Black
• Grace, F, 71, 5', Dark Copper
• John, M, 18, 5'1", Black
• Wm Henry, M, 12, 4' 8 1/2", Dark Copper
• John Wilkes, M, 12, 8 1/2", Dark Copper
• Ambrose, M, 56, 5' 3", Dark Copper
• Henry, M, 22, 5'4", Black
• [illegible]atter or _attson, M, 37, 5', Black
• Jess, M, 26, 5'7", Dark Copper
• Jim, M, 25, 5'7 1/2", Black
• Susan, F, 28, 5'2", Black
• Caroline, F 25, 5' 1/2", Black
• Mary Ann, F, 2, Dark Copper
• Infant, F, Black

25 Oct 1836 Baltimore to NOLA on the Tweed

• Jacob Somerville, M, 32, Black
  
• George H Somerville, M, 7, Yellow
  
• James B Somerville, M, 6 months old, Yellow
  
• Sally Somerville, F, 32, Black
• Ann Somerville, F, 5, Yellow

1840 Baltimore to NOLA on the ship Eliza - Abram Somerville, M, 26, Black

Certificates of Freedom - St Mary's County, Maryland  -  Unless otherwise noted these people were manumitted in accordance with William Clarke Somerville's will. In some cases his brother Henry has sold them (or hired them out) until they reached their manumission date. 

 [Note:  the Certificates of Freedom for persons named Somerville who were free born are in a separate blog post.]

30 May 1832 - slave Nancy Young, age 24, dark Mulatto, 4' 11", daughter of negro woman Betty who was sold to Joseph Harris.  Freed by Joseph Harris by Bill of Sale from Henry V Somerville devisee of William C Somerville dated and recorded 3 Apr 1830 to Joseph Harris for a term of years.  

6 Dec 1837 - slave Tracey, age 38, freed by last will and testament of William C Somerville

28 Nov 1839 - slave Sommerset Somerville, age 53, Yellow complexion, 5' 4". of Baltimore City, raised in St Mary's County. Freed by last will and testament of William C Somerville.  Witness: Benjamin G Harris.

15 May 1840 - slave Betty, age 47, of Baltimore City, freed by last will and testament of William C Somerville.  Raised in St Mary's County, MD.  Witness: Benjamin G Harris.

15 May 1840 - slave Dianna Blakistone, age 52, Dark complexion, 5' 2". Scars: Has a long scar above the left eye, a large scar upon the shinbone of the left leg, has lost one of the front lower and upper teeth, has a bone breeder upon the middle finger of the left hand from which she has lost two bones. Freed by Joseph Harris by virtue of a Bill of Sale dated 3 Apr 1830 from Henry V Somerville devisee of William C Somerville.

5 Jan 1842 - free born Peter Somerville freed by last will and testament of William C Somerville

1 June 1844 - slave Jane Young, age 27, Yellow complexion, 4'1". Scars: two small moles near each other on the left side of her neck, has one other on the same side a little above the others and has a small mole on her temple near the corner of the right eye, has a scar on her right arm occasioned by a burn.  Freed by Joseph Harris by Bill of Sale from Henry V Somerville devisee of William C Somerville to Joseph Harris on 3 Apr 1830.  Witness: J Harris 

1 June 1844 - slave Henry Blakistone, age 28, 5'3". [records refer to them as female; name might be Henny]  Scars: Has a mole on her left cheek bone, has a small mole on the first and second joint of the forefinger of the left hand, has a small mole on the inside of her left hand on the first joint of her thumb, has a small scar on her right wrist.  Freed by Joseph Harris by Bill of Sale from Henry V Somerville devisee of William C Somerville to Joseph Harris on 3 Apr 1830.  Witness: J Harris 

1 June 1844 - slave Robert Young, age 28, Dark complexion.  Freed by a certain Henry V. Somerville, devisee of Wm. C. Somerville deceased by virtue of a bill of sale from Henry V. Somerville, devisee of William C. Somerville dated and recorded 3 April 1830 to Joseph Harris

1 June 1844 - slave Robert Young, age 29, Chestnut complexion, 5'5". Scars: Has a scar on his left arm about one and one quarter inches long from the cut of an axe, has a scar about one inch above the left eyebrow, two deep wrinkles extending across the forehead.  Freed by Joseph Harris by Bill of Sale from Henry V Somerville devisee of William C Somerville to Joseph Harris on 3 Apr 1830.  Witness: J Harris 

23 Oct 1844 - slave Kizza Somerville, age 52, 5' 3".  Scars: Has a scar on the back of her right hand occasioned by the bite of a dog, has a flesh mole on her back about the size of a five cent piece, has a dark spot on the inside of her right leg, has a spot on the inside of her right arm. Freed by Henry G S Key by virtue of Bill of Sale dated 2 Apr 1830 from Henry V Somerville devisee of William C Somerville, deceased.  Witness: H G S Key

20 Mar 1845 - slave William Tinney, age 31, 5' 5". Scars: Has phelm on his right eye, has two scars on the under lip, has a scar on the left side of the forehead near the hair, has a scar on the left side of the head, has a scar on the right elbow occasioned by the shot of a gun, has a scar on the left thumb.  Freed by Henry G S Key by virtue of Bill of Sale dated 2 Apr 1830 from Henry V Somerville devisee of William C Somerville to H G S Key.

15 Apr 1846 - slave Mary Eliza Somerville, age 15, 5' tall. Scars: Has a small mole on the palm of her right hand, two small scars on her forehead, has a small flesh mole on the left side of her nose and has several small spots under the out corner of her left eye.  Turned 15 years of age on 15 Dec 1845 - manumitted and set free 9 Apr 1846 by deed of manumission recorded in St Mary's County court.

6 Feb 1847 - slave Celia Somerville, age 26, Chestnut complexion, 4' 11".  Freed by Joseph Harris by virtue of a Bill of Sale from Henry V Somerville devisee of William C Somerville to Joseph Harris on 3 Apr 1830.

25 Aug 1848 -  slave George Finny, age 28, Chestnut complexion, 5' 7". Scars: Has a scar on the back of his right hand, the little finger of the left hand a little crooked, several small moles near his left eye, has a scar on the inside of his left ankle.  Freed by Henry G S Key by virtue of Bill of Sale from Henry V Somerville devisee of William C Somerville to H G S Key.

7 Nov 1849 - slave Maria Somerville, age 26, Bright complexion, 5'7". Scars: Has a small dark spot near the corner of the right eye, scar on finger next to thumb on right hand occasioned by a burn.  Freed by Mary Watts. Manumitted by virtue of a Bill of Sale. 

7 Nov 1849 - slave Thomas R Somerville, age 3, Dark copper complexion, 2' 11".  Scar on right knee bone.  Freed by Mary Watts. Manumitted by virtue of a Bill of Sale. 

7 Nov 1849 - slave Sarah Ann Somerville, age 6, Bright complexion, 3' 5". Scar on calf of right leg occasioned by a burn.  Freed by Mary Watts. Manumitted by virtue of a Bill of Sale.

15 Oct 1850 - free born Sally Somerville freed by last will and testament of William C Somerville

8 Dec 1853 - slave John Young, age 30, Bright complexion, 5' 10".  Scars: Has three scars on his left leg just below his knee, has a scar on the left side of his head, has a scar on the second finger of his right hand just across the joint, has lost one of his front teeth. Freed by Henry G S Key by virtue of Bill of Sale from Henry V Somerville devisee of William C Somerville to H G S Key dated 2 Apr 1830.

2 June 1858 - free born Henny Somerville freed by last will and testament of William C Somerville 

19 Oct 1860 - slave or FPOC Lucy Somerville, age 55, Dark copper complexion, 5' 3". Scars: Has a scar just under the right eye, lost all her teeth except two upper front and ten lower front teeth.  At the age of 11 Lucy was left free when she arrived at the age of 33 under the last will and testament of Rebecca Watts made 16 Jan 1816.  Witness: George R Clocker

Note: be sure to view the blog post listing free born Somerville African Americans' Certificates of Freedom for more of the enslaved of William C Somerville and his brother and heir Henry V Somerville.

 

Ann Rebecca Somerville, daughter of Henry V Somerville and Rebecca Tiernan, was born 18 Jan 1820 in Baltimore and died 29 Jan 1847 also in Baltimore.  She married Joseph G Waters who was born 1804 in Somerset County, Maryland and died 17 May 1874 in Baltimore.

 

1840 Census  Ward 9 Baltimore MD

1 Slave:  Female 10-23 

 

Agnes Somerville, daughter of Henry V Somerville and Rebecca Tiernan, was born 17 June 1826 in Baltimore, Maryland and died 26 Jan 1861 in Adams, Mississippi. She married William Shields 1817-1879. 

1860 Census  Adams Co MS
Wilmer 40
Agnes 33
Emma 10
Charles
B J Porter 39 bMS Overseer
W S Cole 34 bMS Overseer

 

1860 Slave Schedule Adams County MS
2 Slaves:  M 30, M 18

1867 Sep 6  Vidalia, Concordia County, LA    Freedmen's Bureau Record

Ben Mitchell vs G B Marshall
Long story involving Ben, FPOC, feeding his horse from Shields corn supply and not working. Clear that Shields doesn't live here and Marshall runs the place for him.  Maybe his father's old place:  Fish Pond Plantation. But this is G B Shields, yet Wilmer is involved. GB is in Europe.

Charles Tiernan Somerville, son of Henry V Somerville and Rebecca Tiernan, was born 8 Nov 1829 and died 23 Jul 1858 both in Maryland.

1850 Slave Schedule Dist 1 Baltimore MD
4 Slaves:  F 17 Mulatto, M 2 Mulatto, F 19 Mulatto, F 16 Mulatto