1815 Will of John Jones of Richmond County, Virginia 17 Enslaved Named

Will of John Jones written 26 Dec 1815 in Richmond County, Virginia.

Entered into Court for probate on 1 Jan 1816.
Richmond County, VA Wills and Inventories Bol 9 1794-1822

...the land I now live on ... to son George Jones, 1 feather bed and furniture, 1 negro woman Doll one small boy Ned
... son Willis Jones should have the plantation adjoining Richard Streets and James Pullens land, one negro boy George and his brother James
... son Epoc Jones three children namely Prisellar, John W and Betey should have two negros named Lucy and her child Jere...
... my daughter Betsy Headley should have two negro girls Hannah and Sara
... the heirs of my daughter Nancy Headley should have two small negro girls Leannock? and Moriah ...
... my daughter Milly Dameron should have one negro girl Marjory and a boy Peter...
... my wish and desire is that Soloman, Edmund and Nelson the three grown negro men should be hired out yearly and the money rising from the hires to be equally divided amongst my children...
... that the negro woman Jane should go to my son George Jones and for him to keep her till death.
... the balance of the little negroes that is not mentioned above I wish to be equally divided among my children namely George Jones, Willis Jones, Betty Headley and Milly Dameron excepting one small girl Marg? I give to my son Willis Jones.
... movable estate ... sold and money equally divided between George Jones, Willis Jones, Betsy Headley, Milly Dameron and the heirs of Epoc Jones Precella, John W and Betsy Jones.

Executors: George Jones, Willis Jones, Griffen Headley

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 

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 Named in the Will of Matilda Daniel of Halifax County, North Carolina

Will of Matilda Daniel  =  Halifax County, North Carolina

Written 5 Nov 1842    Probate November Court 1843

...unto my mother Margarett Daniel, Negroes Becky, Lucinda...

Unto my sister Emily Heath... free from the control of her husband, Negroes Candis and Newton and also my interest in Negroes Harrison and Oliver...

Unto my sister Eliza Skelton... Negroes Charlette and her children Penny and Winny...

Unto my sister Maria Daniel, Negro Clinton...

Unto my sister Amanda, Negro Jim...

Halifax County NC Will Bk 4 pg 221

Enslaved Named in Will of Willis Daniel of Halifax County, North Carolina

Will of Willis Daniel  -  Halifax County, North Carolina

Written 8 June 1828    Probate August 1828

To my daughter Harriette one Negro boy Hark and one Negro girl Liza

To my beloved wife Judith Daniel all my lands and Negroes, plantation utensils, stock and all my perishable personal property during her natural life of widowhood... and children as they come of age draw their part of the Negroes... and a horse...

 
Halifax County NC Will Bk 4 pg 46

Enslaved Named in Will of James Daniel of Halifax County, North Carolina

Will of James Daniel  -  Halifax County, North Carolina

Written 9 April 1789   

To my beloved son West, 200 acres in Nash County

To my beloved daughter Patsey Daniel one Negro girl named Cherry, also one Sorrel filly...

To my beloved wife Elizabeth Daniel, Negroes Phill and Priss during her natural life... also Duke and Jeffery... also lend her all the rest of my estate.

Halifax County NC Will Bk 3 pg 173

70 Enslaved Named in 1850 Will of Wilson C Whitaker of Halifax County, North Carolina

Will of Wilson C Whitaker  -  Halifax County, North Carolina

Written May 1850

Probate May Court 1851

Halifax County NC Will Bk 4 pg 304-306

 to my wife Agnes A. Whitaker all my household & kitchen furniture, all my books, carriage horses, carriage and the following Negroes Spier, Thomas, Henry, Patsey, Willie, Albert, Allen, Louisa, Robin, Molly, Jessee, Winny & two children (viz.) Rachel, Delha, Mary, Winny & Sally...

to my son Montgomery the following Negroes Peter, Austin, Lavenia, Pink & her children namely Reddick, Susan, Sabera, Felcia, twelve head of sheep, two cows & calves...

to my son Ferdinand 671 acres...Negroes Charles, Kinchen, Chloe & her children (viz.) Laura, Haywood, Daniel, Essix, Turner & John Anthony also the oxen and cart horse cart & wheels, horse called Gary, two mules called Cate a big Mule & Pall, six cows & calves, twelve head of sheep, eight sows & pigs...

to son Thaddeus E. Whitaker...land...Negroes Dick, Alfred, Nancy & her following children William, Quining, Judge, Mahala & Sylvester also my watch...

to my son Theodore S. Whitaker the tract of land...Negroes Jackson, Rose & her children (viz.) Benja, Elias, Eli, Peter & Minerva...

to daughter Ann O. Whitaker Negroes Isaac, little Eliza, Silvy & her children (viz.) David, Martha, Rhoda, Temp & Jonas...

to daughter Sarah P. Whitaker Negroes Louis, Penny & her children (viz.) Adaline, Fransina, Emma, Nelly, Isabella, Jo, George, Ellison & Don...

Barrach & Cato may be sold so as to be with their wives if they wish it. 

The residue of my Negroes I give to my children so as by valuing those given to them by name & those yet to be divided will make each lot as nearly equal in value as possible...May 1850. (signed).

6 Enslaved Named in 1828 Will of David Crawley of Halifax County, North Carolina

Will of David Crawley  -  Halifax County, North Carolina

Written 23 Jan 1828    Probate July 1828

... my negro woman Rose and her daughter Gilley, her son Clayton and her daughter Marthenia be sold together on a credit of six months together with as much of my other perishable estate as may be sufficient to pay all of my just debts...

to my son Sandy Crawley one negro man named Ransom

to my grandson Marion Sandy Crawley one negro girl named Petty

... all my other property of every description that is not already willed away should be sold.

Halifax County, NC Will Bk Vol 4 1825-1854 pg 4

What Happened to Elsey, Johnson, Frances and George - the Enslaved of George W Keels

Will of George W Keels

As I research for my own tree I often find wills and other documents giving details about the enslaved, so I make notes.  That's the case with a recent will that I shared here and in one of my favorite Facebook groups.  I was researching the Muldrow family in Sumter County, South Carolina and a related Brockinton family in Williamsburg County.  That led to the will of George W Keels in which he bequeathed freedom to some of his enslaved.  

At the time of my Facebook post all I had was the will.  And I added that I wondered if Elsey and her children actually realized freedom.  That question wouldn't let go of me.  Here's what I've found so far, including a lot of background information.

This is like trying to follow a spider web. Where to start? And seemingly impossible to follow one thread without any detours.   First, a repeat of the will:

Will of George W Keels - Williamsburgh Dist SC - Written 17 Feb 1834

Item... I give and bequeath unto ELSY and her three children JOHNSON, FRANCES and GEORGE their freedom also twenty head stock cattle, my stock hogs, the plantation or tract of land whereon they now reside and the household and kitchen furniture which on said plantation with a request that my Executors hereafter named shall endeavor to have their freedom established.

Item   I give and bequeath unto my beloved daughter Julia Susannah Keels all the rest and residue of my Estate both real and personal.

Executors:  friends Morgan Sabb, Porter Oliver and Robert G Ferrill
Witnesses:  Francis B Nexson, Benjam Windam, G Gamble
Recorded 25 Feb 1834   Will Book B pg 89

Questions:

1. Did Elsy and her children obtain their freedom?  What happened to the property she was bequeathed?
   
2. Is it significant that Keels did not say "my Negro woman" Elsy and her three children?
3. What is the significance of Keels reference to "the plantation or tract of land whereon they now reside?"  Did Elsy and her children live separately?
4. Could Elsy be Native American?  While the Cherokee were death marched to Oklahoma territory, South Carolina allowed Native Americans to stay. 

Tragically, Elsey and her children did not gain their freedom until the end of the Civil War. In South Carolina, by 1820, an enslaved person could only be freed by an act of the legislature.  In 1822 free Blacks could not enter South Carolina and it was made illegal for the legislature to grant freedom.

In 1840 South Carolina enacted a Black Code which denied the enslaved the right to assemble, to produce food, to earn money, to learn to read and to possess any clothing but low quality garments.

Since the enslaved could own no property and there is no legal description of the tract of land where Elsy was living, it is not possible to trace the land granted to Elsy by George Keels. 

So, what happened to Elsy and her children?

George W Keels was born about 1801 and died Feb 1834 both in Williamsburg District, South Carolina.  He was the son of Isaac P Keels 1774-1822 and Susannah born about 1774 and died before 1821.    

George married Julia Susannah McDonald who died before 1830. They had one child, a daughter, Julia Susannah Keels.  She was born 1824 in Williamsburg District, South Carolina and died 6 Dec 1878 at Walhalla, Oconee County, South Carolina.  In 1841 she married Samuel Earle Maxwell. [see below]

1830 Census  Williamsburg Dist, SC  -  George W Keels
47 Slaves:  8 M under 10, 5 M 10-23, 3 M 24-35, 3 M 36-54, 1 M 55-99, 10 F under 10, 10 F 10-23, 2 F 24-35, 4 F 36-54, 1 F 55-99

1840 Census  Williamsburg Dist, SC  -  Estate of George W Keels
66 Slaves:  12 -  M under 10, 8 - M 10-23, 4 - M 24-35, 2 - M 55-99, 18 - F under 10, 14 - F 10-23, 6 - F 24-35, 2 - F 55-99.

There is no mention of George W Keels' estate in the 1850 Census.  In addition Elsey and her children are NOT listed in the Free Blacks and Mulattos list for the state of South Carolina.  I then checked the 1840 and 1850 censuses for Ohio, Pennsylvania, Indiana and Illinois and did not find them.

So I went back to the Keels family to see if I could find them still enslaved, but with some member of the Keels family.

George's father was Isaac Keels who was born 1774 in Summerton, Clarendon County, South Carolina and died before November 1822.  He was the son of John Keels 1750-1789 and Elizabeth Frierson 1745-1806.   Isaac married Susanna who was born about 1774 and died in 1721.

1790 Census Prince Fredericks, Georgetown, SC
7 Slaves

1820 Census Williamsburg Dist, SC
47 Slaves:  11 M under 14, 8 M 14-25, 4 M 26-44, 3 M 45+, 12 F under 14, 1 F 14-25, 4 F 26-44, 4 F 45+.

Will of Isaac Keels - written 2 July 1821 
Recorded 8 Nov 1822 Williamsburg Dist SC  Will Bk B pg 24

...to wife Susanna Keels during her natural life all my Negroes, stock of horses, cattle and hogs with all my household and kitchen furniture and mansion house.

Item  to daughter Catherine Gamble... Negroes Sam, Simon, old Molly, Cassius, Bonu, Maria, young Molly...with future increase...to her heirs and assigns forever.

Item   to son Samuel John Keels... Negroes Adam, ELSEY, Henry, Dorcas, Flora, Nancy, and Charles with future increase of the Females... to his heirs and assigns forever.

Item... to son Isaac Keels Junior... Negroes Neptune, Rhena and her children Sophia, Kinlock; Hanny and her children Aaron, Maggy and future increase with this reserve the said Negroes after my death are to remain in the hands and possession of my Executors... and by them hired out or put to some labor and profits arising from such hire or labor is to go to the immediate support and maintenance of my son Isaac Keels. But should he died without issue the above named Negroes and their increase, to be equally divided among all my heirs then living.

Item   to grandchildren John Isaac, James Keels, and Peter R Keels the younger, the following Negroes Old Billy, Nancy and Nancy's children Ben, Susan, William, Monday, Fortune, Far Mootus, Sam and Levina with this reserve to be put into the hands and possession of Peter R Keels after my death and the hire of labor of said Negroes to go to the immediate support education and tuition of my said two grandchildren until they arrive to the age of 21.

Item... to son George W Keels... Negroes Mingo, Nelly and Nelly's children: Binkey, Siah, Lizza, Moses, Binah, Jack, Emma and Cuff to him and his heirs and assigns forever.

Item  My will and desire is that the above lots of Negroes so willed devised and bequeathed to my children except grand children, above named, be appraised, when my son George W Keels arrives to the age of 21 years; and in the case of any deaths of my Negroes or otherwise deficient in value the lots so deficient to be made equal with the highest appraised lot of Negroes, and all other property I may die possessed of whatsoever consisting in my will to be equally divided between my children Catharine Gamble, Samuel John Keels, Isaac Keels Junior, George W Keels and their heirs then living

Item  to son George W Keels the plantation or tract of land, lying and being situated on the NE side of McGirts Swamp in Williamsburg District whereon I now live with my dwelling house after my wife's death. 

Item   ...after my wife's death, ... all the Negroes, with my stock, household and kitchen furniture that may be on my plantation or in the possession of my said wife at her death to be equally divided between my children... and their heirs and representatives then living.
Executor: wife Susanna Keels, son Samuel John Keels, Morgan Sabb, William Salters
Witnesses:  Morgan Sabb, Joseph Holding, P M Oliver

Location of Keels Plantation in Williamsburg Dist SC

Thinking that the Elsey named in Isaac's will could have been the same Elsy named in George's will, I looked at Samuel John Keels. I also noted that the Elsey in Isaac's will may not have yet had children, which means Johnson, Frances and George may have been born after July 1821.

Samuel John Keels, son of Isaac Keels, was born about 1796 in South Carolina.  I have yet to find much information about him. At the time of the 1820 Census he had no wife, but 3 daughters less than 10 years old.
1820 Census   Williamsburg Dist, SC
15 Slaves:  1 M under 14, 1 M 14-25, 2 M 45+, 6 F under 14, 4 F 14-25, 1 F 26-44.

In 1822 his father's bequest would add 7 enslaved.

It's possible that this is him in Charleston [and moving there would not be unusual for this family.] If it is him, he does not appear to still have Elsey and he has sold or otherwise reduced his number of enslaved.
1830 Census  Charleston Ward 4, Charleston, SC
3 Slaves:  1 M 24-35, 1 M 36-54, 1 F 10-23

If Samuel died or moved to Charleston before 1830, it would be reasonable to theorize that his brother George purchased Elsey from him.  This assumes Isacc's Elsey is the same enslaved woman as George's Elsy.

 

However, thinking about how the enslaved were often moved around between family members, I then looked for information about Isaac's father and siblings.

John Keels, brother if Isaac Keels (father of George W Keels), was born about 1767 and died 28 Oct 1820 in Williamsburg County, South Carolina.  He married Mary [surname unknown.]

1790 Census Prince Fredericks, Georgetown SC
3 Slaves

1810 Census  Williamsburg SC
No Slaves

1820 Census  Williamsburg SC
29 Slaves:  6 M under 14, 2 M 14-25, 4 M 26-44, 1 M 45+, 8 F under 14, 3 F 14-25, 3 F 26-44, 2 F 45+

Will of John Keels - written 27 Apr 1818 - Williamsburg District, SC
Recorded 1 Dec 1820   Will Bk A pg 60-61
... to wife Mary Keels negro slaves ELSEY, Cain, Sary and her 2 children Betty and Washington with future increase...
Item   to my sons Peter R Keels, James W Keels, Richard T Keels and Robert F Keels I give and devise the whole of my real Estate to be equally divided among them share and share alike to them and their heirs and assigns forever
Item   to my only daughter Mary Maria Keels... choice of a negro girl to be selected by her from among the residue of my negroes not herein already bequeathed to her and her heirs forever
Item   all the rest and residue of my personal Estate I give to my said children...
Item   ... should any of my said children die leaving no children that then ... [their] share ... be divided among my said children surviving.
Executors:  sons Peter R Keels and James W Keels
Witnesses:  Benjiman Blanchard, Wm F Blanchard, Wm N McDonald

 

Daniel Jackson Keels, brother of Isaac and John Keels, was born 1772 and died 1857 in Sumter County, South Carolina.  He married Sarah E Player/Thayer 1779-1859

1800 Census Salem, Sumter Dist SC
No Slaves  (9 whites)

1820 Census Sumter Co SC
No Slaves  (6 whites)

1830 Census  Sumter Co SC
No Slaves  (4 whites)

1840 Census  Sumter Co SC
No Slaves  (8 whites)

19 Jul 1850  Sumter, Sumter, SC  Agriculture Schedule
15 acres

Daniel died 6 Apr 1851 with no will leaving a personal estate in Sumter Dist with about $500
Appraisal and Inventory of Estate  24 July 1851
1 Negro Man GEORGE  $600
Very small estate with farm necessitites.
Appraisors:  R H Fullwood, Thomas Chandler Sr, John Frierson, James Moore
Admin of Estate: Daniel Keels Jr, Ezekial Keels and William Keels Sr  -  Bond paid 14 June 1851

Articles sold of the Est of Daniel Keels  29 Dec 1856
Negro man GEORGE $530 to Harriet Keels

 

Peter Keels, brother of Isaac, John and Daniel Keels, was born 20 Sep 1776 in Georgetown District, and died 1810 in Charleston, South Carolina.  He married Catharine.

1800 Census Charleston, SC
No slaves;   5 white people:  2 M under 10, 1 M 26-44, 1 F under 10, 1 F 26-44.

Probate  31 Aug 1810  Charleston, SC
Peter was a shop keeper and died intestate. His widow Catharine was made Administrator on 31 Aug 1810. Admin sworn the value of the estate does not exceed $200 or 8000. [Unclear the way it's recorded.]

So far we have an Elsey mentioned:

• John Keels will written 27 Apr 1818;  recorded 1 Dec 1820
• Isaac Keels will written 2 July 1821;  recorded 8 Nov 1822
• George W Keels will written 17 Feb 1834;  recorded 25 Feb 1834
  

Then I looked at George's Executors.  Of the three the only one I could find much of anything for is Morgan Sabb.  It adds what could be another twist to this story.  Morgan was born about 1774 and died 9 May 1847 and is buried in Rehoboth Cemetery, Claredon County, South Carolina.  He married #1 Mary Martha Lesesne who died 1830 and #2 Eliza Wheelden/Wheldon 1795-1850. Morgan owned property in Williamsburg and Sumter Districts, South Carolina.

1820 Census Williamsburg Dist SC
No Slaves

1830 Census Williamsburg Dist, SC
54 Slaves:   13 M under 10, 7 M 10-23, 7 M 24-35, 4 M 36-54, 1 M 55-99, 8 F under 10, 4 F 10-23, 8 F 24-35, 2 F 55-99

1840 Census Williamsburg Dist SC
63 Slaves: 12 M under 10, 11 M 10-23, 7 M 24-35, 4 M 55-99, 10 f under 10, 12 f 10-23, 2 f 24-35, 3 f 36-54, 2 f 55-99.

1840 Census Sumter, SC
21 Slaves: 5 M under 10, 1 M 10-23, 3 M 24-35, 1 M 36-54, 4 F under 10, 2 F 10-23, 2 F 24-35, 3 F 36-54

Will of Morgan Sabb  -  written 3 Apr 1847 - Sumter County, SC
Recorded 16 June 1847   Will Bk D 2 pg 224
[He gave all property in Sumter County to wife Eliza. Various other personal property to nephews. Williamsburg property be divided between the heirs of Peter M Oliver] EXCEPT FOR:
"It is my will and desire that my man Nero and his family shall be deliberated as far as the law will allow.  Namely his wife ELSEY, Nero, Thomas, Eliza, Morgan, Harriet, and Louisa. Dr S P Olivr and Benjamin R Oliver trustees for them"

13 July 1847 Inventory for Morgan Sabb, Sumter Dist
...
1 Negro man Jubiter  $550
1 Negro man Ben  $600
1 Negro man Toney  $600

14 July 1847 Inventory Appraisal   Williamsburg District SC
1 Negro Woman ELSEY and 6 children  [*no mention of adult Nero]
Elsey $200
Nero $350
Tomas $250
Eliza $250
Morgan $150
Harriet $100
Louisa $75 = $1375

1 Negro Woman Amaritta $200
Walley $400
Flora $400
hestor $250
Jane $260
Betty $175
William $100 = $1987

Old Bess $200
Roxcener $400
young Bess $350
Patty $200
Joffney $100
Sam $550
Esaw $450
Temby $150
Daniel $400 = $2800

Young York $400
Able $600
Joe $650
Jacob $50
Bob $400
Billy $300
Sharper $250
Sarah $150
Mariah $400 = $3400

Margarette $400
John $350
Venus $250
Cesar $150
Louis $125
Mary $125
Cisroe $100 = $1500

Old York and old Mary Ann $25  Expense for year. Each.
... more property
Appraisers:  James Staggers, James W Keels, Thos China

15 Jan 1848 filed with the court - Bills of Sale
Sold to Mrs. Eliza Sabb, widow of Morgan - Negro ELSEY & 7 children: Nero, Thomas, Eliza, Morgan, Harriet, Louisa and Mary   $1810  [No mention of the father Nero]

15 Jan 1848  Amount of the hire of the Negroes belonging to the Estate of Morgan Sabb Decd
To Samuel Guild:
   Sam $50
   Jane  $15
   Venus  $13
To J M Staggers
   York  $53
   Roxana  $30
   Flora  $30
To C Mitchner?
   Esau  $50
   Jacob  $5
To Mrs L Baxter
   Daniel  $55
To George W Hodge
   Walley $50.50
   Hectors  $6
to W Johnson
   Abel  $55
to Dr J MaCauley
   Joe  $50
   John  $20
to Benj Windham
   Teneby  $31
to A A Mitcher
   Bob  $31
to Andrew Mitte   
   Bob  $31
to C A  Screrie?
   Bess  $30
to John Baggete
   Patty  $40
to D Jones
   Amarita  $30

These records go thru 1855

Could this be Elsey with siblings of the older Johnson, Frances and George?  Or did Elsey end up with George W Keels' daughter?

George's will gives his entire estate (excepting freedom and property to Elsey) to Julia Susannah Keels, daughter of George W Keels 1801-1834 and Julia Susannah McDonald, was born 1824 in Williamsburg County, South Carolina and died 6 Dec 1878 at Walhalla, Oconee County, South Carolina.

Julia married Samuel Earle Maxwell who was born 1818 at River Place, Pickens County, South Carolina and died 19 Oct 1884 at Walhalla, Oconee, South Carolina.  He was the son of John Maxwell 1791-1870 [s/o Robert Maxwell 1753-1797 and Mary Anderson 1766-1837] and Elizabeth Hampton Earle 1801-1872.

Samuel Maxwell was a Planter and owned Maxwell Bottom Plantation and Toxaway Plantation on the Tugaloo River.  In 1850 the family lived in the Western Division, Anderson County, South Carolina.

1850 Slave Schedule  Western Division, Anderson, SC
12 Slaves:  70 F, 32 M, 26 F, 25 M, 18 F, 16 F, 15 M, 10 M, 8 M, 5 M, 2 M, 3/12 F

1850 Slave Schedule  Western Division, Pickens, SC
66 Slaves:  70 F, 55 M, 40 M, 35 M, 35 M, 35 F, 35 F, 35 F, 35 F, 35 F, 35 F, 35 F, 6 - 25 F, 17 M, 18 M, 19 M, 29 F, 21 F, 16 F, 16 M, 13 M, 14 M, 4 - 14 F , 3 -11 f, 10 M, 10 M, 10 F, 10 F, 8 M, 3-9 M, 4-8 F, 3-6 M, 2 - 6 F, 5 - 5 M,  3 - 4 M, 3 - 4 F, 3 F, 3 M, 2 M, 1 M, 1 F

In 1860 they lived at Pendleton, Anderson County, South Carolina and were listed with a Real Estate Value of $30,000 and Personal Estate valued at $140,000.

1860 Slave Schedule   Pendleton, Anderson, SC
16 Slaves:  M 35, F 34, M 30, F 24, M 19, F 13, M 12, M 12, F 10, M 9, M 1, M 6/12, F 6/12, F 7, F 6, F 4.

1860 Slave Schedule   2nd Regt. Pickens County, SC
114 Slaves:  F 26, F 14, F 5, F 19, F 3, F 1, F 31, F 29, F 13, F 12, F 8, F 5, F 2/12, F 4, F 1, F 36, F 50, F 10, F 27, F 26, F 12, F 8, F 10, F 6, F 7, F 1, F 29, M 20, F 10, F 13, F 7, M 75, F 9, M 15, M 13, M 11, M 19, M 16, M 28, M 4, M 3, M 2, M 12, M 1, M 10, M 6, M 27, M 17, M 13, M 22, M 16, M 14, M 9, M 28, M 5, M 3, M 97, M 3, M 9, M 23, M 1, M 24, M 4, M 57, M 16, M 12, M 12, M 23, M 5, M 3, M 6/12, M 8/12, M 1, M 38, M 6, M 3, M 53, M 15, M 9, M 52, M 14, M 9, F 18, F 18, M 2, F 13, M 4/12, F 75, M 6/12, F 45, F 45, F 19, F 45, F 15, F 21, F 16, F 2, F 3, F 23, F 47, F 1, F 14, F 25, F 11, F 7, F 4, F 78, F 6, F 17, F 3/12, F 20, F 18, F 27, F 2, F 20

On 27 Sep 1865 Samuel Maxwell and 73 workers signed a contract with the Freedmen's Bureau in Anderson County, South Carolina.  Workers were to receive:  their patches, 1/2 of the rice raised on the plantation, 100 bushels of corn of the crop made this season, plus rations, material for clothing, shoes and medical attendance.  The contract was signed at Toxaway Plantation:

November
Margaret
Tenus Maxwell  - see below for more information about this man
Mary Maxwell - wife of Tenus
Waster
Eliza
?piaay
Kezzie
Billy
Milly
Nancy
Hester
Tillie
July Keels
Providence
Silvy
Sandy
Ginger
February
Tuesday
Wednesday Keels
Tice
Cuff
August
Monday
Pompey Keels
Molly
Adaline
Cinda
Tams/Tom
Dafney
Primus
Tener / Tena Frierson - see note below
Jack
Kate
October Goodine
Flora
Margaret
Saturday
Handy
Biner
Louisa
ELSY
Henry
September
Becka
Josh Reed
Binkey Reed - wife of Josh
January
Sarah
Malvena
Chany
Ida
Amos
Jack
Peggy
Mingo
Harriet
March
December
Thursday
Limene
Caesar
Rachel
May
Minda
Venus
Charley
FRANCES
GEORGE
Sunday
Bonus
Bettie
** Surnames taken later: Keels, Goodine, Maxwell.  Note: very few of Samuel Maxwell's formerly enslaved took the surname Maxwell.
** When Tena Frierson died in September 1872 it was reported she was over 100 years old and had been with the white Maxwells since 1811 and earlier with Major Keels, Maxwell's father-in-law. Maxwell praised her "irreproachable character for honesty, fidelity and truth." She still lived with the Maxwells.  [African American Life in South Carolina's Upper Piedmont 1780-1900 by W J Megginson.]

1865 Freedmen's Bureau Contract with Samuel Maxwell

No sign (so far) of Elsey, Johnson, Frances or George in the 1870 and 1880 Censuses.

1870 Census  Tugaloo, Oconne, SC  -  Post Office is Walhalla
Maxwell, Samuel -White-   farmer   Real Est Val $6500  Pers Est Val $500

Next door:
Maxwell, F L [Samuel's son] -White- 25, farmer Real Est Val $3500  Personal Est Val $100
   wife Kate 23  bSC
   dau Kate  3
   dau Nanny  7/12

Next door:
Maxwell, Robert -Black- 27 Farm laborer
   wife [name is blank] 23

Next door:
Keels, Wednesday -Black- 23  farm laborer
   wife Hannah 20
   son Frank  13
   son George K  7/12

Next door:
Maxwell, Tennell / Tenus - Black - 50 farm laborer Real Est Val $135  Pers Est Val $335
   wife Mary  50
   son B T  18
   dau Clarissa  16
   son Adam T  11
Tenah   100  bVA   [this is probably Tenah Frierson]

Next door:
Reed, Lucy  - Black - 32
   dau Amelia  6
Keels Anaz  5
Keels, Liza  6

Next Page:
Keels, Fuller -Black - 65 female
   Silvy  25

Next door:
Keels, Emery  - Black - 27

Same house but separate family:
Keels, Dendy  -Black - 35 farmer
  wife Betty  26
   dau Mary  6
   Lena  4
   Mary  2
   Johm  6/12

Next door:
Keels, July -Black- 30  farmer
   wife Rebecky  18
   son Mingo  2
Next page begins all whites.

In 1871 Samuel sold 817 acres to G K Keels in exchange for canceling a debt owed by Samuel of $1250.24.  This is the same land sold to Tenus Maxwell who paid $400 more. Oconne Deed Book B p130; Deed Book D p325.

When Samuel sold the 817 acres, he still had 3,000 and noted "there being now 14 families on the place."

In 1874 Tenus Maxwell (formerly enslaved of Samuel Maxwell) purchased 817 acres of Toxaway Plantation for $1800. He'd registered to vote in October 1867 and ran for county commissioner in 1874 and lost.  He was a preacher, built a church on his land and died 1885. All of his adult children had moved to Georgia.  The Toxaway Cemetery is reached only by 4 x 4, but directions are at the bottom of this post.

1880 Census  Tugaloo, Oconee, SC

Maxwell, Samuel - White - 65  Farmer  Living alone

Previous page so a few houses away:
Keels, July - Black - 35 Farm Laborer
  wife Rebecca  30
  Mingo  12
   Roxie  8
   Perry  6
   Carrie  3
   Sissie bOct 1879

About 3 houses away:
Reed, Joshua  - Black - 70  Farmer  [Could be Keels]
   wife Binky  70
   dau Ida  20
   dau Muly  16
   dau Lucy  45

Next door:
Keels, Pompey  -Black - 55  farm laborer
   wife Betty  45
   dau Sooky  16  farm laborer
   son Monroe  15  farm laborer
  dau Billah / Binah  13

Next door:
Maxwell, Tennel/Tenus  - Black - 62  Farmer 
   wife Mary 50
   Adam 22 Mulatto  nephew
   Alfred  21  nephew
  Johnson  14  nephew
  James 10 nephew
   Malissa  16 niece
   Emily  15 niece
   Nelly  14  niece
   Sarah  40 niece
   Hagar  9 niece

2 doors away:
Maxwell, Frank - White - 35  Farmer  [s/o Samuel & Julia Maxwell]
   wife  Kate  33
   Katie  12
   Nannie  10
   George  8
   Franklin? 6
   Julia  4
   Annie  2

I hadn't found any mention of Johnson Keels until I considered that Elsey and her children may have been Native American.  There are many listings in the Choctow and Chickasaw Nation related to a Johnson Keels who died 1 Dec 1903.  He may have been the grandson of Elsey.  This Johnson Keels was married to Alice and when she applied for land in Indian Territory her address was Oconee County, South Carolina. 

Johnson Keels was enrolled as a citizen by blood of the Chickasaw Nation on 12 Dec 1902, approved by the US Secretary of the Interior. He was entitled to land but had not selected it for himself before his death in 1903.  His widow was granted 160 acres in Oklahoma (legal description and detailed maps available from the Chaloklowa Chickasaw headquartered in Indiantown, South Carolina)  Johnson and Alice had a daughter Eula who also applied for land as a minor and was granted 170 acres on 16 Jan 1904.

It's possible that the George Keels listed in the Agriculture Schedule 19 June 1880 in Hope, Williamsburg County, South Carolina with 25 acres is the son of Elsy.  To date I've found no other information, other than the 1865 Freedmen's Bureau contract.

Map showing a portion of Toxaway Plantation

The Toxaway Plantation cemetery is located at: Latitude N34 40.948   Longitude W83 11.604  and is located on that portion of the plantation that was purchased by Tenus Maxwell in 1874.
 
Directions:

• Locate intersection of Highways 76 & 123.
• Drive 4.9 miles W on Highway 76.
• Turn left on Welcome Church Road and drive 1.3 miles NW.
• Turn right on Wilderness Trail and drive 0.3 miles W.
• Camp Office is at the end of this road.
• There is a cemetery path to the left of the office as you face it.
• There is a dirt road on the left just before you come to the office.
• You MUST USE a 4x4 vehicle when driving down this road!
• Drive 0.3 miles until you come to a intersecting dirt road on the right.
• Cemetery is on a hill to the right of this intersection.

The Enslaved of Robert Boyd Muldrow and William James Muldrow in Sumter County, South Carolina

William JW Muldrow, Enslaver

Robert Boyd Muldrow was born 3 Sep 1819 and died 5 Nov 1857, both in Sumter County, South Carolina.  He was the son of Dr Robert Muldrow 1786-1853 and Margaret Frierson Bradley 1794-1836.  His father, in addition to his brothers Warren Arthur Muldrow, George Cooper Muldrow and William James Muldrow, held many enslaved.

Robert married Janette Leonora Montgomery who was born 5 Dec 1820 in Sumter County, South Carolina and died 23 Nov 1899 near Mayesville, South Carolina.  She was the daughter of Joseph Montgomery 1793-1861 and Elizabeth McFaddin 1801-1837.

1840 Census  Sumter, SC
52 Slaves: 6 M under 10, 14 M 10-23, 6 M 24-35, 3 M 36054, 1 M 55-99, 4 F under 10, 13 F 10-23, 4 F 24-35, 1 F 36-54.

1850 Slave Schedule   Sumter, Sumter, SC
101 Slaves:  40 M, 50 F, 22 M, 20 F, 18 M, 14 F, 10 M, 6 F, 30 M, 20 F, 4 F, 2 F, 30 M, 30 F, 10 F, 8 F, 6 F, 4 M, 2 F, 30 F, 10 M, 8 F, 6 F, 4 M, 3 M, 65 M, 45 M, 45 F, 25 F, 20 F, 18 F, 16 M, 10 M, 4 F, 26 F, 4 F, 2 M, 30 M, 20 F, 7 F Mulatto, 5 F, 3 M, 1 M, 26 M, 24 F, 4 M, 2 F, 1 F, 20 F, 20 F, 2 F, 1 F, 45 M, 45 F, 24 F, 18 F, 12 M, 8 F, 6 F, 2 F, 1 F, 30 M, 30 F, 12 F, 30 M, 30 F,  16 F, 14 F, 12 F, 8 F, 5 F, 3 M, 2 F, 80 M, 50 F, 23 F, 18 M, 14 M Idiot, 12 M, 10 M, 16 M, 29 M, 23 F, 4 M, 6 M, 2 M, 50 M, 40 F, 20 F, 16 M, 14 M, 10 F, 8 F, 6 F, 4 M, 35 M, 25 F, 17 M, 70 F, 70 M, 60 F

Robert's estate is dated 7 Dec 1857 with his brother William J Muldrow, Administrator.
16 Dec 1857 - Inventory and Appraisement for Robert Boyd Muldrow, Sumter Dist, SC
SC Wills and Probate Records 1670-1980
Estate Records, Bundles 139-141, 1784-1960
Appraisers:  Mat Poleayas[?], Samuel Cooper, Jas W Cooper, D McFaddin

Negro Men:

William (blacksmith)  $1100
Ceasar (tailor)  $1100
Sidney  $1100
Calmip/Calosn[?]  $1000
Harry  $1000
Prince  $1000
Chapman  $900
Herry/Herrey  $1000
Daniel  $1000
John  $1000
Tom  $1000
Frank  $900
January  $900
Elishy  $900
James  $900
Billy  $600
Ben  $600
Abel  $600
Sam  $575
George  $575
Henry  $550
Albert  $550
Walter  $550
Jack  $500
Chyrus  $400
Jonas  $600
Maw  $350
John (house servant)  $500
Will  $1000
Old man Cubit [?]  $50  & Child Charley (Diseased)  $1

Negro Women:

Delia & child Robert  $600
Dinah & child Ellerson  $600
Fanny  $300
Flora & child Melipa/Melya[?]  $900
Janet & child Eve  $900
Jane & child Jonas  $900
Isabella & child Laura  $900
Milly & child Louisa  $900
Moriah & child Levenia  $900
Aggy & child Louisa  $600
Eliza & child Hester  $600
Phosey & child Grandison  $500
Elizabeth  $900
Peggy  $900
Mary Ann (Cripple)  $50
Cilla  $200
Candice  $100
Delphina  $50
Hannah  $50
Bella  $50
Flora  $1  
Old Judy $1
Julian  $800
Jinsy  $800
Emeline  $800
Hannah  $800
Susannah  $800
Harriet  $800  
Rose  $800
Irene $800
Mary  $800
Polly  $800
Venus  $800

Negro Girls:

Amelia  $300
Sarah  $300
Kissey  $300
Katy  $300
Frances  $300
Becky  $275
Betty  $275
Binkey  $275
Sally  $225
Cornelia  $225
Minda  $225
Martha  $225

Negro Boys:

Isaac  $300
Sancho  $300
Noah  $300
Kelly  $300
Israel  $300
Mat  $275
Silas  $275
David  $275
Jack  $275
Ellic  $275
William  $225
Pompey  $225
Mosey  $225
Frank  $225

1865 Estate Taxed $1 for one carriage - Mayesville, SC

 

William James Wilson Muldrow was born 13 Apr 1823 and died 1896 in Sumter County, South Carolina.  He was the son of Dr Robert Muldrow 1786-1853 and Margaret Frierson Bradley 1794-1836.

William married Mary Elizabeth Montgomery who was born 5 Dec 1830 in South Carolina and died 25 Nov 1918 Near Mayesville, South Carolina.  She was the daughter of Joseph Pierson Montgomery 1793-1861 and Elizabeth McFaddin 1801-1837.  She was a sister of Janette Leonora Montgomery who married Robert Boyd Muldrow.

1850 Slave Schedule   Sumter, Sumter, SC
44 Slaves:  50 M, 20 M, 2 M, 23 M, 1 M, 2 M, 1 M, 45 M, 16 M, 14 M, 12 M, 23 M, 50 M, 20 M, 30 M, 1 M, 27 M, 15 M, 13 M, 9 M, 25 M, 35 F, 18 F, 16 F, 21 F, 22 F, 30 F, 18 F, 18 F, 9 F, 7 F, 5 F, 1 F, 25 F, 7 F, 3 F, 27 F, 8 F, 6 F, 32 F, 1 F, 10 F, 7 F, 5 F.

William is listed twice in the Slave Schedules for 1860. Once for himself , plus "for 8 others" which are probably his brother Robert's heirs. Their plantations were right next to each other. William was the Administrator of his brother's estate.

1860 Slave Schedule   Sumter, Sumter, SC  -  William James Muldrow
110 Slaves;  25 Slave Houses:  50 M, 42 F, 23 M, 22 F, 19 M, 18 F, 13 F, 9 M, 5 F, 4 F, 27 F, 5 M, 19 F, 50 M, 43 F, 23 F, 19 M, 16 F, 11 M, 8 M, 2 M, 70 M, 53 F, 47 F, 18 M, 16 M, 14 F, 9 M, 5 M, 60 M, 47 F, 15 M, 7 F, 3 M, 22 F, 7 F, 1 M, 35 M, 30 F, 12 M, 9 F, 7 F, 3 M, 1 M, 25 M, 19 F, 2 M, 50 M, 55 F, 90 M, 38 F, 15 F idiodic, 8 F, 5 M, 3 F, 27 M, 22 F, 7 F, 40 M, 35 F, 14 F, 12 M, 10 M, 10 M, 8 M, 6 F, 3 M, 30 M, 28 F, 12 M, 11 M, 8 M, 5 M, 2 M, 4/12 M, 22 M, 10 F, 8 M, 6 M, 4 F, 6/12 M, 26 M, 20 F, 4 M, 2 M, 1 M, 24 M, 21 F, 2 M, 4/12 M, 24 M, 23 F, 8 F, 5 M, 3 M, 1 M, 23 M, 18 F, 14 F, 12 F, 6 F, 25 M, 21 F, 1 F, 26 M, 21 F, 2 F, 34 M, 55 M.

1860 Slave Schedule   Sumter, Sumter, SC  - William J Muldrow "for 8 others"
116 Slaves;  30 Slave Houses:  47 M, 40 F, 26 M, 23 F, 5 M, 3 F, 37 M, 25 F, 8 M, 7 F, 5  F, 2 M, 35 M, 30 F, 14 M, 10 F, 9 M, 6/12 F, 2 M, 30 F, 55 F, 42 M, 20 F, 15 F, 12 M, 11 M, 6 M, 43 M, 39 F, 20 M, 19 F, 16 F, 14 M, 10 M, 8 M, 6 F, 4 M, 2 M, 2 M, 28 M, 24 F, 8 F, 7 F, 6 F, 4 F, 2 M, 60 M, 58 F, 20 M, 18 F, 4/12 M, 70 F, 23 F, 8 M, 6 M, 70 M, 18 F, 50 M, 48 F, 18 F, 16 F, 13 M, 12 F, 10 F, 8 M, 6 M, 10 M, 50 F, 20 M, 15 F, 47 M, 40 F, 21 F, 16 F, 14 M, 10 F, 8 M, 6 M, 4 F, 2 M, 28 M, 24 F, 9 M, 6 F, 4 F, 1 F, 45 M, 50 F, 15 F, 20 M, 22 F, 9 F, 3 F, 1 M, 28 M, 23 F, 3 F, 1 F, 50 F, 16 F, 16 F, 10 M, 30 F, 13 F, 11 F, 9 M deaf & dumb, 5 M, 2 M, 20 M, 25 F, 4 M, 2 M, 8/12 M, 6/12 M, 65 M, 38 M.

Bradley Family of Sumter, South Carolina and their Enslaved Through 4 Generations

James Bradley 1752-1816

James Bradley, Sr was born 1690 in Drumbo Parish, County Down, Ireland. He died 22 April 1775 in Salem, Black River, South Carolina.  He was the son of Joseph Bradley and Jane __ (md 2nd Burrows)  James married Mary Margaret Witherspoon 1697-1734

Will of James Bradley who was living at Prince Frederick, South Carolina at the time
Written 22 Apr 1775     Probate April 1775 at Charleston, South Carolina.

Item:  to my mother Jane Burrow, negro woman Hannah.  Sister to pay her money. [Mary McConnel)  Negro divided between 2 oldest step brothers George Burrows and Sanuel Burrows
Item:  Negro boy Lavendar to youngest set brother Joseph Burrows
Item:  Negro girl Sarah to step sister Jane Burrows
Item:  remainder of my Negroes in number 13 to my sister Mary McConnel.

Executors: Robert McConnel, Samuel Wilson, George Burrows.
Witnesses:  Jim Turner, Richard Brooks, William Brackenberg

Samuel Bradley, Sr was born 6 Feb 1723 in Drumbo Parish, County Down, Ireland and died 13 Sep 1778 in Salem, Oconee, South Carolina.  He was the son of James Bradley, Sr 1690-1775 and Mary Margaret Witherspoon.  On 5 Feb 1750 Samuel married Elizabeth Mary Gordon who was born on 4 May 1730 and died 24 Nov 1804. She was the daughter of Roger Gordon, one of the original settlers of Williamsburg District.

Their children:
James Bradley, Jr 1752-1816 married Mary Wilson 1759-1819
Roger Bradley 1754-1806
Mary Carter Bradley b 1756 married Robert Carter
Jennet Wilson Bradley b 1758 married James Wilson
Samuel Bradley Jr b 1760 married Mary Bradley s/o Matthew. Moved to Alabama
Moses Bradley b 1770
Elizabeth Bradley b 1770 married David Wilson

Will of Samuel Bradley, Sr   - names 44 enslaved including some family groups
Written 2 Jan 1778 Salem, Black River, SC

Item: to son James 250 acres and 2 Negroes July and Moriah with their child;  2 more Negroes Dublin and Dinah with their child.
Item: to son Roger 250 acres and 3 Negroes Toney, Hannah and Joe and Hannah's 2 children.
Item: to daughter Mary Carter... 4 Negroes Farmer, Amoriah, Judith and Pomp's son Ned..
Item: to. daughter Jennet Wilson... 5 Negroes Sharper, Fillis, Harry, Latty and Jack's son Derry.
Item: to son Samuel...3 tracts land and 6 Negroes Pompy, Creacy, Bob, Sarah, Kate, and July.
Item: to son Moses... land and 4 Negroes Jack Seny, Carolina, and Nanny.
Item: to daughter Elizabeth... land and 6 Negroes Ranger, Dinah, Fanny with Fanny's 3 children.
Item: to wife Elizabeth... land, house and Negroes Prince, older Nanny, Tamar, Prince, Young Peter, Sibinah and her 2 children with Sylvy.

Executors: wife Elizabeth, sons James and Roger, brothers James and Thomas Bradley, David Wilson and Roger Wilson.
Witnesses: Moses Gordon, Thomas Reese, John Shaw, John Dickey.
[Note: Not recorded in Will Book but sworn to on 14 Aug 1782 by Roger Wilson, J P.  Bundle 119 pg 3.]

James Bradley was the son of Samuel Bradley 1723-1778 and Elizabeth Gordon 1730-1804.  He was born 3 Dec 1752 and died 3 Jan 1816, both in Kingstree, Williamsburg County, South Carolina.  He married Mary Wilson who was born 1758 and died 1819 both in Sumter County, South Carolina.

1790 Census  Clarendon County, SC
48 Slaves

1810 Census  Williamsburg County, SC
No Slaves listed

Will of James Bradley Written 1 Jan 1816  Williamsburgh District, SC - 15 Slaves Named
Item:  to wife Mary... one Negro woman named Aimy and 4 of her children named Nisey, Dupree, Gardner, and Davis.
Item: to son Samuel... 2 Negroes named Ben and Celea
Item: to daughter Mary Stewart... 6 Negroes named Prince, Beckey, Mariah, Sophia, Rayman and Alston.
Item: to son William Wilson... 1 Negro man named Pompey, one Negro woman named Nancy - the above Negroes I got of Mother's Estate.
Item: to son James - no slaves
Item: to son Robert - no slaves
Item: to daughter Sarah - no slaves
Item: to daughter Jennet Martha - no slaves
Item:... all my children Samuel, Mary Stewart, William Wilson, Sarah, James, robert, Jennet, Martha, all to have equal share of my estate.
Executors: sons Samuel, William Wilson, James and Robert and my brother in law William Wilson.
Witnesses: Moses Matthews, Robert J Wilson, Mary S Wilson
Recorded 28 Feb 1806 in Williamsburg SC Will Book A pg 145.
[Note: Each child received land which is described in the will.  Also note that Elizabeth Gordon left Pompey and Nancy to him, then he left them to William.]

Children of James Bradley and Mary Wilson

1. Samuel Bradley 1778-1816 - enslaver
2. Mary Stewart Bradley 1781-1859 - enslaver 
3. William Wilson Bradley, Sr 1783-1854 - enslaver
4. Elizabeth Bradley 1785-1788
5. Sarah Bradley 1788-1854
6. James Bradley, MD 1790-1867
7. Robert Bradley 1792-1818
8. Eliza/Elizabeth Gordon Bradley 1796-1814
9. Jennet Martha Bradley 1798-1875

Samuel Bradley, son of James Bradley and Mary Wilson, was born 21 Oct 1778 at the Old Bradley Place, Broad Swamp, Williamsburg County, South Carolina and died 1816 at Black River, Sumter County, South Carolina.  Samuel married Mary McGill 1783-1814.

1816 - Received 2 enslaved from his father's estate: Ben and Celea

Mary Stewart Bradley, daughter of James Bradley and Mary Wilson, was born 26 Dec 1781 in Williamburg County, South Carolina and died 19 June 1859 Lee County, South Carolina. On 17 July 1804 she married Samuel Wilson 1758-1818. (On 30 Sep 1785 he married #1 Mary Witherspoon 1769-1803 who was the daughter of Robert Witherspoon 1728-1788 and Elizabeth Heathly 1740-1820.)

1840 Census  Williamsburg County SC
63 Slaves:  12 M under 10, 8 M 10-23, 2 M 24-35, 11 M 36-54, 1 M 55-99, 3 F under 10, 10 F 10-23, 9 F 24-35, 4 F 36-54, 3 F 55-99.

Will of Samuel Wilson, husband of Mary Stewart Bradley  Written 10 Apr 1816 Williamsburg Co SC  -  33 Slaves named in total.
Item:  to wife Mary Stewart Wilson... land... a life's estate in my Negro woman named Satira and her child named Satira, also in my Negro girl named Sylva.  I also further give and bequeath unto her my beloved wife, the 6 Negroes I got at my marriage with her: Prince, Beckey, Mariah, Sophy, Mimmon and Alston... including the females' increase at her absolute disposal forever.
Item: to my son James Edmond Wilson my 11 Negroes named Ceasor, Rose, Joe, Clarisa, Pet, Hannah, Jim, Jack, Nancy, Madison and Frank which Negroes I value at $3,400.
Item: to my son Samuel M Clelland Wilson my 9 Negroes named Betty, March, Friday, Amos, Dinah, little Betty and old Betty's 3 youngest children now living gthe names of which I do not recollect. Which Negroes I value at $3,000.
Item: It is my will, that at my death, the remainder of my Negroes shall be fairly valued by 5 judicious persons, to be chosen by my executors, and that my 4 other children John R Witherspoon Wilson, William Calvin wilson, Mary Grace Wilson and David Elisha Wilson shall each (if they be living) draw an equal amount with my 2 oldest sons and if, after such division of my Negroes, there shall be a remainder, that in such case, such reminder shall be equally divided among the whole of my children then living, but if such reminder shall not be sufficient to give to each of my 4 last named children, a share of my Negroes, equal in value with my sons Jame E and Samuel MC that then they shall refund a sum of money to make up such difficiency provided the Negroes willed to them should live.
Nevertheless... my Mother-in-law Mrs Elizabeth Witherspoon should have the use of my Negro woman named Lyda and her children during her natural life, if she chooses to do so.
Item:  ... remainder of personal estate... equally divided...
Executors: sons James Edmond Wilson and Samuel M Clelland Wilson, my wife's 2 brothers James Bradley and robert Bradley, and my friend Thomas Wtherspoon.
Witnesses: WM Wilson, Saml E Fulton, Robert I Wilson.
10 May 1818 Recorded Williamsburg district, South Carolina Will Book A pg 199; Apt 32 pg 2.

Codicil  Written 8 Jan 1817  Williamsburg Dist SC Will Book A pg 202
Item: to wife Mary... 2 Negroes Leah and Amerita, the daughters of Satirah.
Item: to son James E Wilson... 1 Negro Man named Jacob (Black Smith) which Negro I value at $800

 

William Wilson Bradley, the son of James Bradley and Mary Wilson, was born 18 Nov 1783  and died 25 Apr 1854 both near Salem, Black River, Sumter County, South Carolina.  He is buried in Mayesville.  William married Elizabeth Janet Shaw 1797-1855.

 

Sarah Bradley, daughter of James Bradley and Mary Wilson, was born 22 Apr 1788 in Williamsburg County, South Carolina and died 30 Aug 1854 in St Charles, Lee County, South Carolina. She married William Wilson 1774-1850. [Note: this was his 2nd marriage.]

Will of William Wilson Written 21 Feb 1850 Sumter County, SC - 11 Slaved Named, some family groups
Item: to wife Sarah ... the annual real proceeds of the following Negroes: Albert, Addison, Amelia and child Abba.  Frances and child Adaline, Caroline and 2 children Juan and William. Dean, Sarina, Bob and Elvirah with their future increase. The above named Negroes to be under the control and management of my Executors to be kept on that portion of land that I will being ? be named to my wife during her natural life. At her death the above named Negroes together with their increase to go to my son Robert Wilson and his heirs forever.
Item: I also give to my wife Sarah B Wilson to be at her own disposal the following Negroes: Shacker, Tilly and her 4 youngest children John, Julia, Ben and Thomas with their increase.
Item: to my 5 children William Thomas, Samuel Ervin, Mary Margaret, Sarah Susannah, M Elinera Mills, the remainder of my Negro property not herein named to be equally divided amonhst them
Executors: sons William Thomas, Samuel Ervin and Robert Bradley Wilson
Witnesses: James Donnell, James B Carrigan, Susan J Wilson
recorded 13 May 1850  Sumbter County Wills Bundle 126 pg 6
Appraisement of Personal Property   Recorded 13 May 1850
Negro man Luke  $50
Old man York $1
Man Sharper $40
Woman Caroline and child $700
Child Luane? $150
Child Dean $125
Man Jacob $475
Man Albert $650
Man Addison $650
Tilly and child Molly $450
Amelia and child Jim $650
Girl Abby $225
Frances and child Eliza Ann $650
Child Addline $125
Luenah? $550
Boy Bob $550
Girl Elvirah $500
Boy John $400
Girl Julia $350
Boy Ben $275
Boy Thomas $126
Appraisal Witnesses: Wm W Bradley Jr, Samuel Cooper, George McCutchen Sr

James Bradley, MD, son of James Bradley 1752-1816 and Mary Wilson 1758-1819, was born 17 May 1790 and died 21 Aug 1867, both in Williamsburg District, South Carolina. He married Cecelia Warburton Pendergrass 1802-1839.

1820 Census  Williamsburg, SC
6 Slaves:  2 M under 14, 1 M 14-25, 3 F 14-25

1830 Census  Williamsburg, SC
38 Slaves:  9 M under 10, 4 10-23, 5 M 24-35, 10 F under 0, 5 F 10-23, 5 F 24-35.

1840 Census Williamsburg, SC
51 Slaves:  11 M under 10, 5 M 10-23, 3 M 24-35, 4 M 36-54, 10 F under 10, 9 F 10-23, 3 F 24-35, 4 F 36-54, 2 F 55-99.

1850 Slave Schedule  Williamsburg, SC
57 Slaves:  F 58, M 22, M 55, F 40, M 16, F 14, M 3, M 1, F 55, F 28, F 21, F 13, F 50, F 12, F 28, M 1, M 58, F 50, F 16, F 7, F 24, F 55, M 4, F 6, F 33, M 14, F 12, M 10, F 4, F 2, F 4/12, F 54, M 40, M 22, F 16, M 55, M 35, M 56, M 21, M 28, F 26, M 8, M 6, M 3, M 1, M 11, F 45, M 11, F 6, M 66, F 13, F 34, F 9, M 7, F 5, M 3, F 1

Children of Dr. James Bradley and Cecelia Pendergrass

1. Mary Stuart Bradley b 18231
2. Warren W Bradley 1823-1904 - went to Texas
3. Benjamin Warburton Bradley 1823-1904 - went to Texas.
4. Samuel James Bradley 1825-1899 - went to Texas
5. William Otis Bradley 1827-1879 - went to Arkansas
6. John Moses Pendergrass Bradley 1829-1914 - went to North Carolina
7. Edwin Pascal Bradley 1831-1903 - went to North Carolina
8. Cecelia Almira Bradley 1834-1883
9. Sarah Elizabeth Tyson Bradley 1836-1899
10. Martha Emma Bradley 1838-1865

Samuel James Bradley, son of Dr James Bradley 1790-1867 and Cecelia Pendergrass 1802-1839, was born 1825 Williamsburg, South Carolina and died 1 Oct 1899 in Upshur County, Texas. Samuel married Anna Adeline LaCoste who was born about 1828 and died 8 Aug 1866,both in Williamsburg, South Carolina.

1850 Slave Schedule  Sumter, Sumter, SC
10 Slaves: 30 M, 25 M, 25 f, 26 M, 22 F, 18 F, 10 F, 7 F, 1 M Mulatto. 22 F.

1860 Slave Schedule  Sumter, Sumter, SC
88 Slave; 20 Slave Dwellings:  M 56, F 40, F 21, F 19, M 17, M 14, F 12, F 9, F 1, F 27, M 8, F 5, F 4, F 2, F 30, F 13, M 33, F 60, M 40, M 35, M 23, F 22, M 4, F 1, F 56, F 35, F 7, F 5, M 3, M 28, F 30, M 4, F 1, M 45, M 49, F 46, M 21, M 16, M 12, F 9, F 6, M 4, F 26, F 6, M 4, M 2, F 105 Named Poldo, M 35, F 30, F 3, M 52, F 48, M 26, M 29, M 18, F 14, F 12, M 56, F 44, M 35, M 32, F 22, M 7, F 3, M 66 Native African, F 57, M 25, F 20, F 85, F 44, F 21, M 19, M 16, M 14, M 90, F 51, M 56, M 33, F 33, M 10, M 8, F 2, F 39 , M 14, F 11, M 6, F 40, M 90 Native African.

Martha Jannet / Janet Bradley, daughter of James Bradley 1752-1816 and Mary Wilson 1758-1819, was born 14 July 1798 in Williamsburg, South Carolina and died 11 Feb 1872 in South Carolina or Murry County, Georgia.  She married James Edmund Wilson who was born 8 Feb 1794 in Kingstree, Williamsburg, South Carolina and died 23 Jan 1848 in Sumter County, South Carolina. James was the son of Samuel Wilson 1758-1818 and Mary Witherspoon 1769-1803.

1820 Census  Williamsburg, SC   James Edmund Wilson
25 Slaves: 4 M under 14, 2 M 14-25, 7 M 26-44, 5 F under 14, 4 F 14-25, 3 F 45+

1830 Census  Sumter, SC   Jame Edmund Wilson
42 Slaves:   5 M under 10, 4 M 10-23, 5 M 24-35, 3 M 36-54, 10 F under 10, 10 F 10-23, 2 F 24-35, 2 F 36-54, 1 F 55-99.

1840 Census  Sumter, SC
69 Slaves:  12 M under 10, 11 M 10-23, 4 M 24-35, 3 M 36-54, 1 M 55-99, 14 F under 10, 15 F 10-23, 4 F 24-35, 4 F 36-54, 1 F 55-99

1850 Slave Schedule  Sumter, SC  widow Martha J Bradley Wilson
62 Slaves:  M 38, F 32, M 14, M 50, F 50, F 20, M 8/12, M 24, F 18, F 16, F 14, F 40, M 12, M 10, F 18, F 16, M 12, M 4, M 28, F 22, M 4, M 60, F 40, F 10, M 3, F 2, M 44, F 40, F 17, M 15, F 10, M 8, M 8, M 6, M 4, F 32, F 12, M 10, M 8, F 7, M 8/12, M 30, F 25, M 3, M 21, M 45, F 40, M 18, M 12, M 10, M 21, M 18, M 35, F 20, F 2, F 35, M 14, F 7, F 20, M 3, F 50, F 22.

1860 Slave Schedule  Georgia Militia Dist 972, Murry County, GA  widow Martha J Bradley Wilson
19 Slaves:  M 70, F 45, F 40, F 45, F 28, M 25, F 21, M 18, M 18, M 17, M 23, M 23, M 17, F 16, F 14, M 11, M 8, F 12, F 10.
[Note: in 1860 widow Martha is living at Spring Place, GA with real estate valued $9,000 and personal estate valued $20,200.]

Roger Bradley, son of Samuel Bradley Sr 1723-1778 and Elizabeth Gordon, was born 7 Sep 1754 and died 28 Feb 1806, both in Salem, Oconee, South Carolina. He's buried in the Bradley family cemetery at Black River Crossing, Upper Salem, South Carolina. Roger married Martha Mitchell 1769-1837.

1778 Salem, Black River, SC
Father bequeathed Roger 5 Negroes: Toney, Hannah, Joe, plus Hannah's 2 children.

1790 Census  Clarendon, SC
11 Slaves

Will of Roger Bradley  Written 27 Dec 1805   Recorded 8 July 1806
After debts and funeral, that everything other than land be equally divided between his wife, Martha, and his children as they come of age to marry.
Executors:  Arthur Bradley, Dr. Samuel Mays, John Petty Esquire, John Bradley and Albert Bradley.
Witnesses: Wm James Cooper, John B Anderson, Jacob Mill.
Recorded in Will book A pg 52 by Wm Taylor, Ordinary. Bundle 7 pkge 3

1820 Census  Sumter, SC - Roger's widow Martha
45 Slaves: 17 M under 14, 2 M 14-25, 3 M 26-44, 3 M 45+, 9 F under 14, 5 F 14-25, 5 F 26-44, 1 F 45+.

1830 Census  Sumter, SC - Roger's widow Martha
21 Slaves:  1 M under 10, 6 M 10-23, 2 M 24-35, 2 M 36-54, 1 M 55-99, 1 F under 10, 5 F 10-23, 1 F 24-35, 1 F 36-54, 1 F 55-99

Will of Martha Mitchell Bradley (wife of Roger)  Written 4 June 1833  Sumter District, SC
Item:  to son David a Negro woman named Anna with her present and future increase.  Already in David's possession.
Item:  It is my will and desire that the balance of my Negroes be sold at a public auction.
Item:  It is my will and desire that my Negro man Toney and my Negro woman Phebe be not sold as above, but that they be appraised and allowed to choose their owners. And that the proceeds of appraisement be ? with the proceeds of sales as above directed and disposed of in the like manner.

Executors: sons John Bradley and Thomas R Bradley
Witnesses:  Robert Muldrow, Leo Reed, Matthew P Mays
Recorded 27 July 1837  Sumter County, SC
Recorded 22 Jan 1838 Hempstead County, AR
Probate 5 Oct 1837 Sumter County, SC
Hempstead County, Arkansas Will Book B pg 6-11;  Sumter County SC Will Book M pg 33

[Notes:  Roger and Martha Bradley owned property in both NC and AR; probably with enslaved at both. Witness Robert Muldrow also had a plantation with enslaved in Hemptead County, Arkansas.  Enslaved Toney is likely the man Roger Bradley received from his father Samuel Bradley in 1778.]

Children of Roger Bradley and Martha Mitchell

1. John Bradley - found no enslaved
2. Theodocia Bradley - found no enslaved  
3. Albert Bradley - found no enslaved
4. Sarah Jane/James Bradley - found no enslaved
5. Martha Bradley - found no enslaved
6. Elisa Bradley 
7. David Samuel Bradley - found no enslaved
8. Mary Jane Bradley
9. Thomas Rees Bradley

 Will of Theodocia Bradley (1789-1821)  Written 11 Nov 1820 Sumter District SC
... to my mother Martha Bradley all the property and estate of every description of which I am now in possession.  Executor: mother Martha Bradley and brother John Bradley. 
Recorded 4 Jun 1821 Sumter County, SC Will Book AA pg 280

Mary Jane Bradley d/o Roger Bradley 1754-1806 and Martha Mitchell, was born 20 May 1801 Sumter County, South Carolina and died 19 Sep 1875 in Bishopville, Sumter County, South Carolina.  She married James Wilson English. He was born 1797 in Lynchburg, Lee County, South Carolina and died 1841 in Bishopville, Sumter County, South Carolina.  James was the son of Robert English 1773-1847 and Elizabeth Wilson 1779-1860.  [Note: See separate blog post for more about this English family.]

1820 Census  Sumter, Sumter, SC - James English
7 Slaves: 1 M under 14, 1 M 14-25, 1 M 26-44, 2 F under 14, 2 F 14-25.

1830 Census  Sumter County, SC - James English
28 Slaves:  6 M under 10, 5 M 10-23, 2 M 24-35, 2 M 36-54, 2 F under 10, 6 F 10-23, 3 F 24-35, 2 F 36-54.

1840 Census  Sumter County, SC - James English
41 Slaves:  8 M under 10, 5 M 10-23, 3 M 24-35, 2 M 36-54, 1 M 55-99, 9 F under 10, 8 F 10-23, 2 F 24-35, 2 F 36-54, 1 F 55-99.

Will of James W English, husband of Mary Jane Bradley - Sumter County, SC Estate Records, Bundles 32-39 1784-1960
Inventory and Appraisement 7 and 9 Dec 1841 - Including 59 Slaves
Carter 550                  Sally 300
Cyrus 600                  Tilly 300
Willie/Willis 600       Cate 275
Joe 550                      Grace 200
George 500               Amelia 150
Burrel 650                 Betty 200
Henry 500                 Milly 150
Luke 450                   Lavinia 175
Ben 400                     Caroline 200
Maria 250                 Black Hannah and child 400
Bily? 50                    Florah and child 500
young Hannah 250    Rose and child 400
Bob 200                    Harriet 300
Peter 200                  Silas 350
Sidney 175               Viny 400
Harvey 150
Tenah 450
Dinah 400
Ruinas 400
Little Tenah 300
    [Next Page]
Newt 625               Becky and child 575
Billy 575                Little Phebe 450
Tom 500                 Little Phillis 450
Flander 425           Judy 450
Sam 600                Peggy 450
Jack 450                Jinny and child 400
Gabriel 525           Cato charged as expense  .01
July 425                Old Phillis 350
William 400          Old Phebe 200
Calvin 350            Doll 200
Little Jack 350
Antony 300

1850 Sep 25 Slave Schedule  Sumter, Sumter, SC - widow Mary Jane Bradley English
28 Slaves:  M 80, F 35, f 49, f 50, f 53, m 58, m 30 Mulatto, M 28, M 21, M 22, F 19, F 24, F 22, F 14, F 13, M 16, M 15, M 10, F 8, F 8, F 8, M 8, M 7, F 7, F 3, F 2/12, F 1 1/2, F 1 1/12

1860 Sep 25  Slave Schedule  Sumter, Sumter, SC - widow Mary Jane Bradley English
23 Slaves and 4 Slave Dwellings:  M 50, M 35, M 28, M 18, M 18, M 17, M 13, M 7, M 5, M 4, F 55, F 44/49, F 54, F 30, F 15, F 12, F 11, F 10, F 9, F 8, F 7, F 8/12, F 3

Mary Gordon Bradley, daughter of Samuel Bradley Sr 1723-1778 and Elizabeth Gordon, was born 22 Dec 1756 i Salem Oconee, South Carolina and died 2 Nov 1803 in Mississippi or South Carolina.  She married Wright Wall who was born 1754 in Georgetown, South Carolina and died 1825 in Gresham, Marion County, South Carolina.

1790 Census  Prince Georges, Georgetown, SC   Wright Wall
No Slaves

1800 Census  Liberty, Marion Dist, SC   Wright Wall
No Slaves

1810 Census  Marion, SC  Wright Wall
4 Slaves

1816 State Census  Greene, MS  Wright Wall
No Slaves listed

1820 Census  Marion, SC   Wright Wall
10 Slaves: 2 M under 14, 1 M 14-25, 5 F under 14, 2 F 26-44 

1825  Marion District, SC  Wright Wall
Tax return filed for 587 acres of land and 14 Slaves

Samuel Bradley, son of Samuel Bradley 1723-1778 and Elizabeth Gordon, was born 16 June 1760 in Sumter County, South Carolina and died 1850 in Belleville, Conecuh County, Alabama.  He married Eiflyda (maiden name unknown.)

1780 Census Camden Dist,SC [E of Wateree]
No Slave listed

1800 Census  Kershaw District, SC
No Slaves listed

1810 Census  Kershaw, SC
5 Slaves

1830 Census  Conecuh, AL
22 Slaves: 5 M under 10, 3 M 10-23, 1 M 36-54, 6 F under 10, 2 F 10-23, 3 F 24-35, 1 F 36-54, 1 F 55- 99.

1840 Census  Conecuh, AL
33 Slaves:  7 M under 10, 4 M 10-23, 3 M 24-35, 1 M 36-54, 8 F under 10, 6 F 10-23, 2 F 24-35, 1 F 36-54, 1 F 55-99.

Elizabeth Bradley, daughter of Samuel Bradley 1723-1778 and Elizabeth Gordon, was born 15 May 1770 at Broad Swamp, Kingstree, Williamsburg, South Carolina and died 1803 in Williamsburg, South Carolina.  She married David Witherspoon. He was born 24 Mar 1760 at Salem Crossroads, Fairfield, South Carolina and died 21 Apr 1835 in Sumter, South Carolina.

1930 Census  Sumter, SC   David Witherpoon
25 Slaves:  6 M under 10, 4 M 24-35, 2 M 36-54, 2 F under 10, 5 F 10-23, 3 F 24-35, 3 F 36-54. 

Will of David Witherspoon   Written 27 Jan 1835  Sumter County, SC
Item  to wife Mary: 8 Negroes Mary, Tom, Brister, Maurice and 4 small Negroes Ladson, Elias, Terry and Letty.
Item  to son Charles: 4 Negroes Ceasar, Cinns, Binah and Jackson.
Item  to daughter Ann E Witherspoon: 4 Negroes Ben, Fanny and her 2 children Dinah and Hichard.
Item  to daughter Lillie A Witherspoon: 4 Negroes Ben, Flora, Susy and here child Joseph.
Item  to son John L, daughters Elizabeth Winn, Matilda Durant, Mary McCullim $5.
Executors: Stephen Lacosta, James McCullim.
Witnesses:  William Guin, Samuel McKey, John Campbell.
Not recorded in Will Book, but worn to on 4 May 1835 by William Potts, Ordinary. Bundle 95 pkge 1.