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 Clement Townsend, VA and MS including Frances Townsend Free Person of Color

Clement Townsend was born about 1795 in VA and died about 1832 in Wilkinson County, MS. He was the son of Richard Stone Townsend (1762-1840) and Francis “Fanny” Jordan (1765-1844) and grandson of Richard and Susannah (Stone) Townsend.   

1830 Census - Wilkinson, Mississippi
14 slaves
2 M under 10
3 M 10-23
3 M 24-35
1 F under 10
2 F 10-23
3 F 24-35

Will of Clement Townsend - Wilkinson County, MS BK 1 pg 70-71  

[Note: see court case below]

In the name of Almighty God Amen, I Clement Townsend of the County of Wilkinson & State of Mississippi being of sound mind and memory but great infirmity do ordain and decree this to be my last will and testament hereby revoking all other wills & testaments by me heretofore made, 

First it is my will and desire that my servant man James be free. 

Item, It is my desire that my servant woman Frances, together with her two children be free, 

Item. I will to Frances five hundred dollars, & a little servant Girl named Kitty. 

Item. I will to James the oldest child of Frances Two thousand dollars, I will to Branch Jourdan five thousand dollars, 

Item I will to Benj H. Lewis Two thousand dollars, 

Item I will to each of my sisters four thousand dollars, 

Item I will to my Brother one thousand dollars, I will to my Mother Two thousand Dollars. 

Item I will to Benj & Wm. Lewis children of Wm F. Lewis five hundred dollars each. 

Item I will unto Wm Stewart my negro man Dennis & my cook woman Martha, 

Item I hereby appoint Wm Stewart and Wm T. Lewis* my executors to carry into effect this my last will and testament, In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this third day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and thirty two. (3 Feb 1832) Witness: WW Whitehead.  [note: William Terrell Lewis was sheriff in Wilkinson County, MS]

* The will of Clement Townsend was probated 3 Feb 1832. Record of Wills, Wilkinson County, Mississippi, Vol 1-2, 1824-1882.   Second Probate in New Orleans in February 1832: Louisiana Wills and Probate Records 1756-1984.

From Mississippi, Wilkinson County Newspaper Slave Ads, 1823-1849:   Woodville Republican and Wilkinson County Advertiser, 18 May 1833 - Ad

Lewis, William T (trustee): The slave ANN and her MALE INFANT were to be sold May 21st, a deed of trust had been executed by A W Allan to Lewis on July, 8, 1831, to secure to Clement Townsend, now deceased, a payment of money; title was indisputable (W.R. 5-18-33) Note: A William Terrell Lewis served as commissioner in the estate of Horatio Stark (W.R. 5-22-30)

Though I found no final appraisement or settlement of Clement Townsend's estate, he had additional property to disperse after his death. On 9 Nov 1831 a cargo of his property arrived at the port of New Orleans.

Below is the manifest of the schooner "Louisiana" carrying Negroes, Mulattoes and Persons of Color to be sold or disposed of as Slaves or to be held to service or labor. Shipped by Branch Jordan and consigned to Clement Townsend. Master of the ship: Avery Smith. Their voyage originated in the District and Port of Norfolk and Portsmouth and concluded in New Orleans, LA.

1. Isaac Goung (?) male  26  5'6 1/2"  Black

2.  Sam  male 27  5'10" Black

3.  Ben  male  22  6' 3/4"  Copper

4.  Peyton  male 20 5' 71/2"  Copper

5.  Spencer  male  22  5' 7 1/2"  Black

6.  Ruben  male  19  5' 7 3/4"  Black

7.  Jackson  male 16  5' 2 1/2"  Black

8.  Jessey  male  12  4' 8"  Black

9.  John Goldust  male 13  4' 10"  Black

10. Madison  male  23  5' 5"  Copper

11. Elza Madison  female  20 5' 6" Black

12. Eliza  female  11  4' 3 1/2" Black

13. Lucy and Child  female  18  5' 4" Black

14. Fanny Goldust  female  17  5' 1" Copper

15. Jane and Child female  29  5' 2" Yellow

16. Rebecca and child female 30  5'5" Black

17. Isaac Jackson  male  28  5' 5" Black

18. Frank  male  14  4' 9 1/2" Black

19. Elizabeth Cornish  female  17  5' 2" Black

20. Charity and Child  female  23  5' 1" Copper

21.  Harriet  female  22  5' 3" Yellow

Some time after Clement’s death and before 1850, Frances married (given name unknown) Hardin.

1840 Census - Wilkinson, Mississippi - Frances Townsend
1 FCP M under 10
1 FCP M 10-23
3 FCP F under 10
1 FCP F 24-35
     *FCP = Free Colored Person

 

1845 Mississippi Compiled Census and Census Substitutes Index 1805-1890 for Wilkinson County (no township listed): F. Negro Fem. Townsend

 

On 18 Feb 1850 there was  special legislation passed which allowed Frances Townsend, a free woman of color, and her minor children Edward, James, Sarah Jane, Lennora, Frances, Olivia and William, be allowed to lived in Louisiana. The Act is signed by Preston W Farrar, Speaker of the House of Representative; J G Bryce, President pro tem of the Senate, and Joseph Walker, Governor of the State of Louisiana.

 

1860 Census - Ward 4 New Orleans, Louisiana:
Frances Hardin, age 60, F, Mulatto, born MS
Townsend Hardin, age 19, F, Black, born MS
Virgina Hardin, age 5, F, Mulatto, born New Orleans
Olivia Hardin, age 5, F, Mulatto, born New Orleans
Mary Blake, age 26, F, White, Serveant, born in Ireland
Dwelling #1374
* no other information given including occupations

1870 New Orleans, Louisiana City Directory lists:
Mrs. Frances Ann Hardin living at 36 Gaqnet.  Though other listings include (col’d), the listing for Frances does not.

1880 Census - New Orleans, Louisiana
Francis Townsend
Age 87
Born about 1793
Living at 103 Gasquet Street in New Orleans - N side of Gawquet Street
Mulatto
Female
Head of family
Widowed
Father born Virginia
Mother born Virginia
Occupation: Washwoman

She is living with her granddaughter Virginia Miller, age 25, a teacher and her great grandson Walter Genaugh, age 12.  Virginia was born in New Orleans, LA; her father born Pennsylvania; her mother born Mississippi.
* Census indicates that all three of them can read and write.
** Gasquet St runs E-W one block S of Canal Street and later became Cleveland Street. This residence would be near the river.

The Statewide Death Index of Louisiana Vol 100, pg 138:
Frances Ann Townsend, age 104, died 24 Aug 1891 in Orleans, LA

Obituary published in The Times-Picayune on 26 Aug 1891, page 3:

Ancient of Days.  Death of Frances A Townsend, aged 104.

At the neat little cottage No 473 (?) Customhouse (?) Street near the corner of Ten M (?), there has passed away from all earthly care and trouble Mrs. Frances A Townsend, aged more than a hundred years.
The woman, although belonging to the colored race, was a favorite with the white people in anti-bellam days.

This good old soul was born in Petersburg, VA, 104 years ago and at the age of 25 she went to live at Woodville, MS. Her manner and style of cooking soon attracted the attention of the wealthy residents of Woodville and many were the dinners and supper for bridal parties that she arranged.  She resided here for 40 years and was well liked by the people of the place.

At the time of the death of her master, Mr Clement Townsend whose name she had taken, she was emancipated. He had been extremely kind to her and before his death had set her free and willed her some property.

Shortly after Mr. Townsend’s death she ??? To come to this city, but at the time the law of Louisiana was such  ? To restrict the migration thereto of colored people unless free born. She appealed to the ladies of Woodville and they immediately took this case in hand and through their influence incurred special legislation in her behalf so that she and her husband were allowed to reside here.

She was twice married and had ten children, five boys and five girls, the eldest, a son, who survives her, is 84 years of age, while the youngest who is also living is 46 years of age. She has also twenty-four grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren, some of whom were present when she died on Monday.    
[CustomHouse Street is now Iberville Street]

 

Francis' son James (1820-1865) served as a volunteer Private, Co H, Regt 20 United States Colored Troops.  He died 13 March 1865 in New Orleans. He's buried at Chalmette National Historic Park, grave site 78-30.

 

Her son Edward Cage Townsend was born 1829 and died 23 Dec 1876 in New Orleans.  In 1871 he worked as a Laborer for the Customs Department of the US Treasury in New Orleans.  In 1875 he worked at an Asst Janitor and lived on CustomHouse Street, no house number given in the city directory, but his mother Francis lived at 95 Gasquet in 1st District. [CustomHouse Street is now Iberville Street]

1870 Census - New Orleans - Edward listed as Mulatto, living Ward 4

Edward married Elesa / Elizabeth Douse (1838-1923) in Liverpool, England in 1815.  Their children:  John Douse Townsend (1865-1931), Adele Justine Townsend (1869-1928), and Hazelwood Townsend (1872-1960). 

Elesa / Elizabeth Douse is the daughter of George P Douse and Eliza Puckett (b1790).  George was born a free person of color on 9 March 1790 in Philadelphia, PA.  He and his wife, Elizabeth, arrived in West Feliciana Parish, LA in 1824.  Between 1831-1837 he was a steamboat steward and purchased land and slaves near St Francisville.  He operated a house of entertainment frequented by plantation gentry from 1836-1843.  He died 7 September 1843.

On 2 June 1815 a Citizenship Affidavit was filed at the Port of Philadelphia which bears his signature:

Physical Description: A free mulatto 5'5 1/2" tall; black wooly hair; dark eyes; stout nose, round chin, smooth face and yellow complexion. Large scar on left side of cheek, 2 on forehead near right eye, one near calf of left leg.   Witnessed by Jesse Jackson

Sources: West Feliciana Public Records, Plantation Life in the Florida Parishes of Louisiana 1836-1846 from the Diary of Bennett H. Barrow.

1840 Census - West Feliciana, LA - George Douse

4 slave:

    1 M 55-99

    3 F 10-23

6 Free Colored Persons:

    2 M under 10

    1 M 10-23

    1 M 24-35

    1 M 36-54

    1 F 36-54

 

Edward Cage and Elesa Douse Townsend's daughter, Adele Justine Townsend was born 1869 in New Orleans, Ward 4.  She married Dr. John Henry Porter (1859-1938) on 25 Dec 1894 in Jefferson, LA.  

Dr. Porter was the son of Alexander Lee Porter and his slave, Almira Rich (1830-1874).

Alexander Lee Porter was born 3 Feb 1813 in Mecklenburg County, NC. By 1860 he was living in Anderson County, TX and own 16 slaves. In 1868 he moved to Grayson County, TX. He wife (name unknown) died before they had children, but he fathered between 14-16 children by a mulatto slave named Almira (formerly owned by the Rich family.) Seven of those children survived: Lafayette (b 1853), Daniel Webster (1855-1934), Octavia (1859-1929), Dr. John Henry (1859-1938), Mary Elizabeth (1862-1854), Dinah Louiza (1864-1893), and William Jackson (1868-1943.)

According to family lore:

...After the death of his wife, Alexander moved Almira and his children into his house despite the objections of his brother and other family members. He was a good father and very protective of his children. It is said he once told his brother, "If you cannot sit at the table with my half-bred children, then you do not have to come to my house." On July 4, 1874 Almira died at the age of 46. The children remained with him until they became of age to leave home. Before his death he encouraged his children to move to Oklahoma because of the racial unrest in Texas. He feared that after he died, they would not be able to survive.....  Both he and Almira were buried in the South Cemetery in Red Branch, Grayson Co, Texas.

1820 Census - Mecklenburg, NC - Alexander Porter, Sr

4 slaves:

1 male under 14

2 M 14-25

1 F 14-25

In the 1870 Census, Grayson Co, TX, Almira and children are listed in the household of Alexander Porter. All are marked mulatto.

In the 1880 Census, Grayson Co, TX, only Dr. John Henry Porter is living with Alexander. John is listed as mulatto and the son of Alexander.

Enslaved of William Daniel, Slaveholder, Cumberland County and Mecklenburg County, VA

William Daniel b1710 Virginia - d1775 Cumberland County, Virginia.  He married Elizabeth Watkins b1712 in Henrico, VA - 22 Mar 1802, Cumberland County, VA. [see below]

The Last Will and Testament of William Daniel is dated 8 March 1771 Cumberland County, Virginia and was proven 24 April 1775.  Again proved and recorded in Mecklenburg County, Virginia Court in 1782. Will Book, pg 117.

Cumberland Co VA probate records.
IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN, I Williams Daniel of Cumberland county in the Colony of Virginia, being in good health of body and of perfect and sound mind and memory (praise be to God,therefore) calling to mind the uncertainty of this life, and certainty of death, do make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner and form following. This is to say first and principally I commend my soul into the hands of Almighty God who gate it hoping through his mercies to obtain a joyful Resurrection at the last day and my body to be buried as the discretion of my executors here after named and as for the worldly goods which it hath pleased God to bless me with after my just debts duly paid I give and dispose of in manner and form following: 

This I give and bequeath to my son William two hundred acres of land which I purchased of my brother, James Daniel, lying in this county on Soke Ass Creek joining the land of W. Alexander Tremt,(Trent?) Bradley and Thomas Holland, whereon my said son now lives to him and his main assigns forever. 

ITEM I likewise give and bequeath to my said son William one negro boy named Abraham. 

ITEM I give and bequeath to my daughter Judith one negro girl named Silvia for and during her natural life, and after death my desire is that the said negro with all her increase shall be equally divided among such children as she shall leave behind to them and their Heirs forever 

ITEM I give and bequeath to my daughter Elizabeth [Fuqua] one negro boy named----?--- now in the possession of her and her husband John Fuqua, for and during the natural life of my said daughter, and my desire is that after her death the said negro be equally divided among her surviving children and their Heirs forever. 

ITEM I give and bequeath to my daughter Sarah [Womack] one negro girl named Ivy now in the possession of my said daughter and her husband Jesse Womack for and during the natural life of my said dau. and my desire is that after her death this negro with all her increase be equally divided among such children as she shall leave behind to them and their heirs forever. 

ITEM I give and bequeath to my daughter Mary and her husband John Nelson for and during the natural life of my said daughter, one negro girl named Judah now in the possession of my said daughter, and my desire is that after her death the said negro will all her increase shall be equall(y) divided among such as she shall leave to them and their heirs forever. 

ITEM I give and bequeath to my son William Pride one negro boy named Cupid to him and his heirs forever. 

ITEM I give and bequeath to my son Hezekiah one negro boy named Joe to him and his heirs forever. 

ITEM I give and bequeath to my son John one negro boy named Brandam and one negro girl named Cloe to be delivered to him so soon as he shall be the age of twenty-one. And to his issue if he have any but if he die either under age or without issue then my desire is that the said slaves shall be equally divided among his surviving brothers or their issue if they be dead and left any such lawfully begotten and their heirs forever. 

ITEM: I give and bequeath to my daughter Rhonda, one negro boy named Robin and one negro wench named Add to be delivered to her so soon as she comes of age, the said wench and boy with all their future increase to her and her issue if she die either under age or without issue then my desire is that the said negroes and issue if the wench have any and all whatever she shall be equally divided among her surviving brothers, and their issue if they be dead and left any such lawfully begotten and their heirs forever. 

ITEM I lend to my beloved Elizabeth three negroes named Matt, Hanna and Toby, during her natural life, my will and desire is that my said wife be wholly possessed of the land and plantation whereon I now live during her natural life without any interruption also all the stock and household stuff and furniture of what kind and quality soever, during her natural life, without any appraisal or administration thereon. 

ITEM I give and bequeath to my son Benjamin one negro boy named Toby after the death of said wife, to whom he is lent during her natural life but after her death to my said son Benjamin and his heirs forever. 

ITEM My will and desire that after the death of my said wife the two said wenches and Hannah (which is lent to her during life) with all their future increase be equally divided among my three sons Benjamin, Williams Pride and Hezekiah,to them and their heirs forever. 

ITEM I give and bequeath to my son John all the tract of land and plantation whereon I now live after the death of my said wife, to him and his issue, if he leave any, but if he die under age or without issue my desire is that it be equally divided among his three brothers namely Benjamin, Williams Pride and Hezekiah, or the survivors of them if either be dead and issue of the deceased, and their Heirs forever. 

ITEM I give and bequeath to my said son John one rifle barrel gun likewise all my working tools and utensils of every kind, on and belonging to the said plantation after the death of my wife, and if he die under age to be given as the land to his three brothers aforesaid, my wife, and if he die under age to be given as the land to is three brothers aforesaid. ITEM I give and bequeath to my said son John one horse, saddle and bridle. ITEM I give and bequeath to my son Hezekiah one smooth barl (barrel) gun. 

ITEM My will and desire is that after the death of my said wife all the rest of the household furniture of every kind be equally divided between my son John and my daughter Rhoda and in case either of them die without lawful issue their part to be equally divided as before (viz.)between Benjamin, Williams Pride, and Hezekiah and their Heirs forever. 

ITEM My will and desire is that my wife aforesaid shall dispose of all the remainder of stock on the said plantation of every kind and quality among my children as she shall see cause of think most proper and convenient either in her lifetime or at her death. 

LASTLY I nominate and appoint my beloved sons William, Benjamin,Williams Pride, Hezekiah and John my whole and sole executors of this last will and testament, hereby utterly revoking and disannulling all and every former will by me heretofore made, and declaring ---- hand and affixed my seal this eighth day of March One Thousand Seven Hundred and Seventy one. Signed, Sealed and Published in presence of Joseph Starkey Guthry Williams Daniel, L.S 

William's will was recorded in Mecklenburg, County, VA.  Executors:  Thomas and William Daniel

William's wife, Elizabeth Watkins was the daughter of Thomas Watkins, born 1680 at Malvern Hills Plantation, Henrico, VA and died 4 Mar 1760 at Swift Creek Plantation, Cumberland County, VA.  Elizabeth married 1st Benjamin Woodson, then 2nd to William Daniel.  Children of Elizabeth and Benjamin: Thomas who married Mary Woodson, Jacob who married Susannah Brooks, daughter of Thomas Brooks of Buckington County, VA; and Elizabeth who married a Mr. Hubbard.  [Source: Henry Morton Woodson, Historical and Genealogy of the Woodsons and the New Connection - self published 1915.]

Elizabeth is named in her father's will, probated 23 June 1760 in Cumberland County, VA:

 “Item: I give unto my daughter Elizabeth Daniel a Negro girl called Matt now in her possession and ten pounds current money.

Item:  I give unto my above said daughter Elizabeth Daniel one Negro boy named Sam during the time of her natural life and after her death, the said Negro boy Sam shall be and go to her daughter Judith Daniel to her and her heirs forever.”

1810 Census  Lancaster, Garrard, KY - Rhoda Daniel Nelson (1758-1813) d/o William Daniel and Elizabeth Watkins 

5 slaves   [see above for Rhoda's inheritance]

1820 Census  Lynchburg, VA - William Daniel (1738-1807) s/o William Daniel and Elizabeth Watkins

 8 slaves, plus 2 Free Colored Persons - 1 M under 14; 1 M 14-25

 

1810 Census  Rowan County, NC - Peter Daniel (1777VA - 1852 KY) s/o William (1738-1807)

2 slaves

 

1840 Census  Bedford, TN - Drury Daniel (1809-1892)

No slaves

 

Also of note:  James W Daniel - "Colored" was a Private in the 29th United States Colored Infantry. He was 5/8". Occupation: Waiter.  Born about 1842 in Tennessee.