ISLE OF WIGHT SLAVES FREED AFTER 1782

 

Background: In 1782, the Virginia Legislature passed the following law:

"Be it therefore enacted, That it shall hereafter be lawful for any person, by his or her last will and testament, or by any other instrument in writing . . . . . to emancipate and set free, his or her slaves, or any of them, who shall . . . . . enjoy as full freedom as if they had been particularly named and freed by this act".

Later laws gradually added more and more restrictions, but the results of this 1792 act are presented below in abstracts of deeds and wills found in Isle of Wight County.

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Note that Michael Nicholls and Lenaye Howard of Utah State University abstracted the deeds and wills for Dinwiddie, Prince George, Chesterfield, Charles City, Isle of Wight, Southampton, Surry, and Sussex Counties. They are included here with their kind permission. The full list of abstracts from all counties may be found at:  http://www.usu.edu/history/faculty/nicholls/manumissions/index.htm

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Isle of Wight County

Thomas Newby freed  his slaves Peter (30), Joe (40) on 4 February 1783, Jacob (32) and another Jacob to be free in March 1800 [DB 15:116].

Peter Newby was a "free Negro" taxable in Sussex County in 1784; Joseph Newby was a "F.N." taxable there in 1804; Jacob Newby was a F.N. taxable there in 1805 and 1806  [PPTL 1782-1812, frames 114, 627, 639, 667].

Isaac, Joe, Milly, Edy, Zilpha, Charlotte, Sally, Judy, and Amelia Newby were counted as "free Negroes" in the 1813 tax list for Isle of Wight County [Waldrep, 1813 Tax List]. Peter Newby and wife Nanny were FN's listed in Southampton County in 1813. In Dinwiddie County James Newby, a cooper, and wife Polly lived near Exeter Mill, Joseph Newby was a cooper, and Jonus Newby lived on Robert Hunnicutts land in 1813 [PPTL].

See Nicholls and Howard's abstract of the deeds:

Isle of Wight County Deed Book 15, 1782-1786 LVA Reel # 9

p. 116–Thos Newby of I of W having under my care 19 Negroes [only 18 named] whom I have heretofore held as slaves of the following names and ages, viz: Dick, 54; Esther, 56; Cate 45; Rose, 45; Hannah, 40; Sarah, 31; Zelphia, 25; Nann, 19; Patt, 18; Lydie, 20; Judith, 23; Joe, 40; Sam, 36; Jacob, 32; Peter, 30; Jim, 29; Lewis, 22; Ned, 21; being fully persuaded that freedom is the natural right of all man kind and that it is my duty to do unto others as I would be done by in the like situation.....and also having 17 Negroes now in their minority frees the males at 21 and the females at 18 vizt: Rosannah in Feb 86; Lydia in Oct 92; Gilly in Aug 93; Jacob in Jan 93; David in Jan 91; Isaac in Nov 87; John Robertson in Jan 90; Sarah in Jan 88; Jacob in Mar 1800; Hardy in May 99; Kate in May 99; Cherry in Mar 98; Bob in June 1802; Charles? In June 1800; Lucy in Jan 95; Cain in June 1801; Joe in Dec 1803; 4 Feb 83–rec 6 Feb 83

p. 118–Courtney X Hollowell of I of W being fully persuaded that freedom is the natural right and duty unto others etc frees Negro man Titus aged 24–also frees Negro boy Micah aged abt 3 yrs old but reserves right of guardianship until 21 yrs old–so free on 25 Dec 1800–23 Dec 82–rec 6 Feb 83

p. 119–William Hollowell of I of W being fully persuaded that freedom is natural right and duty to others etc–frees Negro girl Huldah when she turns 18 in Dec 1788–21 Dec 82–rec 6 Feb 83

p. 120–Scott Hollowell of I of W fully persuaded that freedom is natural right and duty to others etc–frees Negro Gideon aged 26; Negro girl Betsey when turns 18 in May 1795–retains guardianship over her–21 Dec 82–rec 6 Feb 83–

p. 122–Joseph Hill of I of W after mature deliberation and agreeable to our Bill of Rights am fully persuaded that freedom is natural right and no law moral or divine gives me a just right or property in ..any of my fellow creatures....and having under my care 4 Negroes whom I have heretofore held as slaves vizt Dick, 50; Isaac 41; Amey, 35; Jinney 25 (and Randolph aged 34 who belongs to my mother her life) frees them and also having 7 now in their minority frees males at 21 and females at 18 reserving guardianship–viz: Lucy in July 86; Nanny in Jan 87; Anakah in Sept 88; Moses in Sept 93; Nanny Jr in Sept 92; Pegg in Dec 98; Siller in Dec 1800 –6 Mar 1783–rec 6 Mar 83 –signed by wife Martha Hill, too

p. 124–John Pretlow of I of W fully persuaded that freedom is natural right and duty unto others etc frees Betty, 46; James, 23; Robin, 21 yrs and 2 months–also 5 now in their minority reserving guardianship until males 21 and females 18 viz: Hannah in July 92; Joseph in Mar 85; Sampson on 1 Nov 87; Jane on 13 Dec 86; Peggy on 15 Oct 95;—25 Aug 82–rec 6 Mar 83

p. 126–Robert Johnson of I of W fully persuaded freedom is natural right and duty unto others etc frees Will, 34; Skipper, 24; Patience, 21; and frees when males are 21 and females 18 reserving guardianship for Negroes Benn who was 20 on 15 Oct 82; Selah abt 11 on 1 June 82; Cate who was 8 on 23 Feb 82; Pompy aged 4 on 30 May 82, Willis who was 2 on 8 June 82; Mike was born 5 Aug 82–22 Oct 82–rec 6 Mar 83–

p. 128–Elijah Johnson of I of W fully persuaded freedom is natural right and duty unto others frees 2 viz: Negro girl Cydee aged abt 14 and Sarah aged abt 13 when they are 18 reserving guardianship–Cyddy to be free in 1786 and Sarah in 1787–18 Sept 82–rec 6 Mar 83

p. 129–Robert Johnson, Jr. of I of W–freedom is natural right and duty unto others–frees Negro girl Rachel aged 17 when she is 18 on 30 Mar 1783–18 Sept 82–rec 6 Mar 83

p. 130–Martha Lawrence of I of W has two Negroes has held as slaves viz Doll 28 and Isaac 21, frees them fully persuaded that freedom is natural right and duty unto others etc–plus those in their minority viz; males at 21 and females at 18 reserving guardianship on Cherry in Jan 89; Sampson in Jan 93; Siah in Dec 92; Hannah in Dec 95; Courtney in Nov 98; Patience in Dec 1800; –2 Oct 82–rec 6 Mar 83–

p. 132–John Denson of I of W fully persuaded that freedom is natural right and duty unto others etc–frees Negro woman Rose aged 48–and John now in his minority aged 6 20 Dec 82 frees him reserving guardianship until he is 18–6 Mar 83–rec 6 Mar 83

p. 133–Joseph Johnson of I of W fully persuaded that freedom is natural right and duty unto others etc–frees Negro girl Cate aged 14 when she is 18 on 30 June 86–18 Sept 82–rec 6 Mar 83

p. 135–William Scott of I of W having under his care 14 Negroes whom he has held as slaves viz: Sampson, 58; Dorcas, 53; Joe, 46; Hannah 50; Cate, 47; Nell, 30; Treasey, 28; Sam, 35; Harry 34; Moses, 35; Chaunce, 27; Joan, 24; Tom, 21; Moses, 21 and 14 in their minority when males are 21 and females 18 reserving guardianship over viz: Dick 19 21 last Aug; Mina, 17 on 18 Mar 82; Sarah, 16; Nancy 14 on 13 Dec 82; Pleasant 11 on 16 Feb 82; Benn, 11 27 July 82; James, 9 on 1 Jan 82; Jacob 9 20 Dec 82; Isaac 7, 15 Mar 82; Aaron 5, 15 Mar 82; Cate 2, 23 Mar 82; David 1, 20 Sept 82; Sucky 1, 20 Nov 82; Edah 1, 28 Dec 82;–5 Nov 82–rec 6 Mar 83

p. 136–Matthew Jordan, Jr of I of W fully persuaded that freedom is natural right and duty to others etc frees Judith aged 46 and three in their minority reserving guardianship on males until 21 and females until 18: Thomas in June 94; Nancy in Jan 9? [in crack] Fanny in Aug 98–13 Sept 82–rec 6 Mar 83

p. 148–Sarah Hollowell, Scott Hollowell, William Hollowell and Courtney Hollowell of I of W fully pursuaded that freedom is natural right and doing unto others etc freed Negroes Hagar, 56; Stephen 46; Dinah 33; Sampson 26 and Negro boy Amos aged 1 when he is 21 on 12 Nov 1802 reserving guardianship etc–23 Dec 82–rec 3 April 83

p. 150–Jacob Randolph of I of W fully persuaded that freedom is natural right and duty to others etc frees Negroes Dempsey 36; Harry, 22; Judah, 31; Hagar, 33 infirm; Mourning, 31; and 9 in their minority when males are 21 and females 18 retaining guardianship on Simon, 14; Juba, 11; Amey, 8; Jinney, 9; Benn 3 ½; David, 5; Kinchen, 3; Judy, 1 ½; Harry, 3: 11 Sept 82–rec 3 April 1783

p. 161--Sussex County–this day came before me one of the JP of commonwealth of Va Richard Andrews and made oath that Jacob and Peter Negro men belonging to Thomas Newby of I of W are sound in body and mind and that they exceed 21 and do not exceed 40 yrs of age-given under my hand this 27 June 83–Peter Jones–a certificate of the ages of Jacob and Peter freed by T. Newby–certificate recorded 4 Aug 83–

p. 456–Lazarus Johnson of I of W fully persuaded that freedom is natural right and duty to others etc–frees Negro woman Violet aged 39–and 6 in their minority reserving guardianship–Phebe will be of age 178[crack] ; China will be 18 on 30 Mar 90; Beck will be 18 on 15 Feb 93; Jonas will be 21 on 15 May 98; Judy will be 18 on 19 April 98; Rose will be 18 on 9 Feb 1800 –23 April 83–rec 4 Nov 84

p. 459–Aaron Cornwall of I of W fully persuaded that freedom is natural right and duty to others etc–frees Negro Syrus aged abt 40–5 Jan 85–rec 6 Jan 85–

p. 520–Robert Watkins of I of W has two Negroes under his care frees Easter aged 37 next April and Jack who is 11 on 28 Oct 85 when he is 21–26 Mar 85–rec 2 June 85

p. 606 and 605 missing–on page 606 is the end of a deed of manumission by Lydia Jordan recorded 1 Dec 85 and dated Nov 85–no day–frees Esther and four in their minority–ie Betty born 8 Aug 76; Dennis born 24 May 79; Lewis born 5 Oct 81; and Rachel born 21 Feb 84–when they turn 21 if male and 18 if female–deed proved upon affirmationof Thos Newby and Richd Jordan ie Quakers–

p. 606–Jeremiah Outland of I of W convinced freedom is natural right etc frees Dick aged 28 and Pat aged 43–also Negro boy named Paul born 2 Dec 70 when he turns 21–also affirmed by Newby and Jordan–1 Nov 85–rec 1 Dec 85

p. 616–Josiah Jordan of I of W persuaded that freedom is natural right and duty to others etc frees 10 Negroes viz: Tom abt 68; Kitt abt 50; Tom 47; James 35; Tom Creek 47; Dick 40; Kitt 31?; Mingo 36; Hannah 48; Delph 35 and in their minority Lewis 15; Bob 13; Charlotte 6; Peter 2 when males 21 and females 18–Thos Newby and Peter Randolph affirm–24 Oct 85–rec 2 Feb 86

p. 647–Josiah Cook of I of W fully persuaded that freedom is natural right and duty to others etc frees Negroes Samuel 26; Juday 45, Eady abt 6 and Lemuel aged abt 2–3 May 86–rec 6 July 86–

Isle of Wight County Virginia Deed Book 16, 1786-1793 LVA Reel #9

p. 51–Jacob Randolph and Joseph Pretlow of Nansemond County fully persuaded that freedom is natural right of all mankind and duty unto others etc-frees Negro Nero abt 60 yrs of age–23 May 87–rec 7 June 1787

p. 242–John Pope of I of W–freedom is natural right and doing unto others etc–frees Simon aged abt 60; Pheby aged abt 30 and Doll aged abt 21–plus those in their minority viz Scotland a boy born 24 April 73; Bob born the 3 Jan 85 and Harrison born 14 Feb 87 reserving guardianship until they are 21–5 April 90–rec 6 April 1790

p. 282–Robert Watkins of I of W–freedom is natural right and do unto others etc–frees Negro man Jonas aged abt 41 and Negro woman Beck aged abt 40–also 8 others in their minority when males reach 21 and females 18 viz: Hannah born Sept 73; James born 28 Mar 76; Natt born 25 April 79; Nancy born 25 April 81; Diver born 15 Nov 83; Jacob born 26 Mar 86; Sam born 15 Dec 89; and Tom born 6 Feb 90–2 Aug 90–rec 6 Sept 1790

p. 313–Matthew Jordan of I of W–freedom is natural right and doing unto others etc-frees Negro man Benn aged 35–Negro girl Rose aged 19 when she turns 21–7 Feb 91–rec same

p. 313–Prudence X Clark of I of W–freedom is natural right and doing unto others–frees three Negroes–ie Daphney aged 22; Rose aged 42; and Sarah aged 3 yrs–21 April 90–rec 7 Feb 1791

p. 314–Laurence Baker of I of W has in his possession a Negro woman named Celia aged abt 42 whom I purchased of James Wills esq sheriff of I of W at the public sale of the estate of Richard Wrenn to satisfy Thos Wrenn’s exec–now in consideration of L12.1.0 current money of Va to me paid by the said Celia and which was furnished by the said Celia at the aforesaid sale being the purchase money paid for her frees her–3 Feb 91–rec 7 Feb 1791

p. 320–James Jordan of I of W–freedom is natural right and doing unto others etc–frees 9 Negroes viz: Siller abt 44; Courtney, 40; Harry, 23; Ben, 22; Tom, 14; Ben, 12, Sall, 7; Chaney, 2; Hannah, 1 yr–the latter 5 when reach lawful age–5 Mar 91–rec 5 April 1791

p. 321–James Hunter of I of W–freedom is natural right and doing unto others etc–frees 7 Negroes viz Jack, 60; Isaac, 39; Edy, 26; Pleasant 6; Isaac, 4; Tom, 2; Amy, 1 yr the latter 4 when reach lawful age–25 Feb 91–rec 5 April 1791

p. 345–Thomas Carrell and Polly Uzzell of I of W–freedom is natural right and doing unto others–frees Rose aged abt 23 yrs–nd except 1791–rec 5? June 1791

Isle of Wight Deed Book 17 1791-1796 LVA Reel # 10

p. 3–John Gwaltney of I of W–freedom is natural right and doing unto others etc–frees 5 Negro slaves viz: Hannah a woman abt 29; and her four children to wit Cherry a girl abt 8; Dempsey a boy abt 6; Pleasant a boy abt 4; John a boy abt 2 weeks old –18 July 91–rec 5 Sept 1791

p. 13–David Jones of I of W–freedom is natural right–having 4 Negroes in his possession frees Nanny, 26 yrs, and when reach 21: James, 9: Phill, 3; Lewis, 5 months old–3 Oct 91–rec same

p. 48–Thomas X Hollowell and Mary Hollowell of I of W–freedom is natural right and doing unto others etc–frees 2 Negroes viz Moses aged 30 and Jonah aged 26 and two in their minority when they turn 21; viz Amos to be free 1 Jan 1803 and Nathan the 1 Jan 1807–3 Mar 92–rec 3 April 1792

p. 63–Wm Hollowell late of I of W in last will gave his wife Sarah the use of certain slaves to wit Stephen, Dinah and Sampson during her life and at her death to pass to his six children via Scott, Wm, Courtney, Thomas, Sarah and Mary Hollowell–Scott, William and Courtney have relinquished their claim to the slaves so Thomas X Hollowell, Stephen Peebles, husband of Sarah and Mary Hollowell believing that freedom is natural right free Stephen, Dinah and Sampson together with their increase via Nancy and Dinah–8 May 92–rec 4 June 92

p. 92–David Bradley of I of W agreeable to Bill of Rights and freedom is natural right and doing unto others etc–frees Negroes Frank, 46 yrs old; Dick, 47; and Abby 24; and at age 21 Salley in May 1800–3 Sept 92–rec same

p. 103–Willis Jones of I of W–from his conscience and holy scripture that freedom is natural right frees Negro woman Jenny Black and her two children namely Cherry Black and Levy Black as soon as the two children reach 21–1 Oct 92–rec same

p 113–Peter X Fagan, Sr of I of W having lately purchased a woman by the name of Harriett (otherwise called Harriett Johnson) of one Henry Adams of Sohampton, which said woman has been hitherto held as a slave and was purchased by the aforesaid Adams of Jn Taylor, Sr of Sohampton by whom she was bought of the sheriff of Surry under an execution issued on a judgment obtained against the exec of the late Col. Rich Kello, decd the said woman having been formerly the property of Col Rich Kello, aforesaid and by him given to his daughter Mary who intermarried with Mr Wm Cock of Surry in the possession of whose administrators the said Harriet was at the time of levying the execution before mentioned–so Fagan having purchased her with the express intention of setting her free and for divers other causes me thereunto moving frees her–4 Jan 93–rec 7 Jan 1793–

p. 153–William James of I of W–agreeable to Bill of Rights, freedom is natural right and doing unto others etc–frees Negro woman Chloe, 39 yrs old and William when 21 on 25 Dec 1798 and Peter who will be 21 on Dec 20, 1802–1 July 93–rec same

p. 157–Lamuel X Hicks of I of W–freedom is natural right and doing unto others etc–frees Negro girl Amy abt 11 yrs of age when of lawful age in 1803–2 Sept 93–rec same

p. 158–Celia X Bowcock of I of W–freedom is natural right and doing unto others etc frees Negro man Cyrus aged abt 45 she purchased from Laurence Baker, esq–3 Sept 93–rec same

p. 180–Thomas Uzzell Sr of I of W–freedom is natural right and doing unto others etc–frees 8 Negroes viz:Keter aged 60; Pegg, abt 30; Jemima aged 20; Isham abt 14; Lewis abt 6; Rhoda abt 3, Milla aged abt 1 yr and Sarah aged abt 9 months–those in their minority at lawful age–6 Jan 94–rec 3 Feb 1794

p. 202–John Outland, Jr of I of W–freedom is natural right and doing unto others etc frees Negro woman Dorcas aged 39 and Negro man Dick aged 25–23 Aug 94–rec 1 Sept 94

p 210–We the subscribers having a lawful right to Kate aged abt 50, Pomppy [sic] aged abt 36 and Lucy aged abt 34 frees them now and Negro boy Mills, now 1 yr and 6 months when he is 21. Moses Harris, Frederick Hall, Ann Best, Josiah Cook, Jospeh Barrow, Jn Barrow, sr, Martha X Barrow, Jn Barrow, jr, Jn Vick, Eroda Barrow, Charlton Hall–28 Dec 91–rec 7 July1794–Thos Newby and Lemuel Eley affirm the signatures–

p. 226–Shemuel Godwin of I of W–freedom is natural right and do unto others etc–frees Negro woman Pegg aged abt 40 yrs–6 Oct 1794–rec same

p. 273–Francis Young of I of W–freedom is natural right and doing unto others etc–frees Negro man Nat aged abt 35 yrs–13 April 1795–rec 1 June 1795

p. 289–Simmons Gwaltney of I of W–freedom is natural right and doing unto others etc–frees Negro man Daniel aged abt 54 yrs–1 June 95–rec 6 July 1795–followed by Gwaltney and James Gwaltney’s 200L bond that Daniel won’t become chargable to the said county--

p. 310–Mary Baker of I of W–agreeable to Bill of Rights, freedom is natural right–frees Negro woman Frank aged 24 at her death and relinquish all right to property and her posterity–frees Negro girl named Milly Simpson when she will be 18 on 15 Dec 1807; and Negro boy Moses Moseley when he is 21 on 29 Dec 1812–appts friend David Bradley his guardian–7 Sept 95–rec

same

Isle of Wight County Deed Book 18 1796-1802 LVA Reel # 10

p. 10–William Hollowell and Susanna his wife of I of W–freedom is natural right and doing unto others etc–frees 7 Negroes–viz: Aggatha, 42; Aggy, 42; Fillis, 23; and Ephraim, 7 on 1 Jan 1810; Daniel, 5 on 1 Jan 1812; Polly, 1 on 1 Jan 1813; and Luoreesy, 8 months, on 1 Jan 1814–13 Jan 1796–rec 1 Feb 1796

p. 50–Isaac Hall of I of W–freedom is natural right and doing unto others etc–frees Dick–no age etc given–20 Oct 95–rec 5 Sept 1796

p. 70–Abraham Johnson and John Denson of I of W–freedom is natural right and doing unto others–frees Negro boy named Harry now in his minority and will be 21 in Dec 1796–23 Nov 1793–rec 3 Oct 1796

p. 117–John Johnson of I of W–freedom is natural right and doing unto others etc–frees Negro boy named Ned aged 17 sometime in this past year when he is 21–19 Dec 1796–rec 6 Feb 97

p. 119–James Gwaltney of I of W–freedom is natural right and doing unto others etc–frees Negro man Peter aged abt 44–2 July 96–rec 6 Feb 1797

p. 128–Mills Wills of I of W–freedom is natural right and doing unto others etc–frees Negro man Kitt aged abt 35–4 April 97–rec same

p. 224–Penelope Watkins of I of W–freedom is natural right and doing unto others–frees Negro girl Martha aged 17 and Negro boy aged 4 but unnamed–when reach lawful ages–16 Dec 97–rec 1 Jan 1798

p. 251–Matthew Jordan of I of W–freedom is natural right–frees Negro woman Amey aged abt 25 and Negro boy Harrison abt 4 yrs old when he is 21–2 April 98–rec same

p. 273–George Benn of I of W–Bill of rights, freedom as natural right and doing unto others etc–frees 8 Negroes–Coffee aged abt 50; Dick aged 41; Moses aged 29; Judy aged 56; Christian aged 17 7 Jan 98 in Jan 1802; Tom aged 15 in Aug 98 in Aug 1803; Andrew aged 14 in Mar 98 in Mar 1805; and Amy aged 5 in Jan 98 in Jan 1814–22 May 98–rec 4 June 1798

p. 304–Phillip X Bowzer of I of W–freedom is natural right and do unto others etc–frees Negro woman Sarah aged 50–Sept 97–rec 3 Sept 1798

p. 307–William Blunt of I of W-freedom is natural right and do unto others etc–frees Negro woman Sall aged abt 30–and when they reach majority two males her sons ie Randolph who will be 21 on 1 April 1819 and Charles now abt 2 months old who will be 21 in June 1821–3 Sept 98–rec same

p. 308–Hannah X Green of I of W–freedom is natural right and doing unto others etc–frees Negro man Jack Lancaster aged abt 36–1 Oct 98–rec same–on page 306 Hannah Green buys from John X Wombwell of Sohampton Co for 50L current Negro man Jack on 3 Jan 98

p. 351–John Joyner of I of W–Bill of Rights, freedom is natural right and doing unto others etc–frees 5 Negroes to wit Dick aged 26, Yarrow aged 25, Jenny aged 27, Aggy aged 25 and Beck aged 25. And 11 Negroes now in minority when they are apparently 25 yrs old viz: Sam in 1811; George in 1813; Lucy in 1811; Sall in 1815; Charles in 1818; Simon in 1820; Charlotte in 1822; Conny in 1815; Harrison in 1817; Moses in 1820 and Hulday in 1824– 4 Feb 1799–rec 5 Feb 1799

p. 366–Robert Lawrence of I of W–freedom is natural right and doing unto others etc–frees 3 Negroes–Dinah aged 40; Jane aged 18 and Rachel aged 35–also 8 young Negroes when reach lawful age ie David aged 17; Jane aged 13; Phillis aged 13; Samuel aged 11; Chaney aged 6; Henry aged 4; Anne aged 2 yrs and Nathan aged 11 1/2 yrs [months?]–1 April 1799–rec same

p. 383–Thomas Hall of I of W-Bill of Rights, freedom is natural right and doing unto others etc–frees Negro Ned Mears aged abt 40–2 Feb 99–rec 3 June 1799

p. 388–Joseph Chapman of I of W–freedom is natural right and doing unto others etc–frees Negro woman Prudence -no age given–Aug 1798–rec 2 Sept 99

p. 414–James Morrison of I of W–consideration of Bill of Rights, freedom is natural right and doing unto others etc–frees Coffee aged abt 43 a bricklayer by trade-20 Mar 1800–rec 7 April 1800

p. 492–James X Bowzer of I of W–deliberation of Bill of Rights, freedom is natural right and doing unto others etc–frees Negro Bridget aged abt 57 whom I bought of Priscilla West–5 Sept 1800–rec 6 Oct 1800--

p. 497–Robert Laurence of I of W–freedom is natural right and doing unto others etc–frees 3 Negroes viz: Randall aged 21, Sarah aged 19, Winney aged 11–agreeable to act of assembly of 1782–5 Jan 1801–rec same

p. 502–Mallory Todd hereby emancipates a Negro man slave called Sussex whom he purchased at a sale of estate of Wm Daviss, decd–1 Dec 1800–ack and ordered rec same

p. 502–Mallory Todd emancipates a Negro man slave named Toby purchased at estate sale of Wm Davis, decd—1 Dec 1800–ack and ordered rec same

p. 529–Selah X Godwin of I of W–freedom is natural right and doing unto others etc–frees Negro man Lewis aged 30–7 Jan 01–rec 3 Feb 1801

p. 530–Selah X Godwin of I of W–freedom is natural right and doing unto others etc–frees Negro man named Miles aged 40–7 Jan 1801–rec 3 Feb 1801

p. 557–Coffee X Wilkinson of I of W–freedom is natural right and doing unto others etc–frees a Negro man he bought of Mills Wills by the name of Jesse commonly called Ram Jesse–6 April 1801–rec same

p. 565–Selah X Godwin of I of W–freedom is natural right and doing unto others etc–frees Negroes Dolly aged 23 and James aged 15–23 Mar 1801–rec 6 April 1801

p. 566–Selah X Godwin of I of W–freedom is natural right and doing unto others etc–frees Negroes Ann aged 45 and Kie aged 43–23 Mar 1801–rec 6 April 1801

p. 596–Joseph Duck of I of W–freedom is natural right and doing unto others etc–frees Negro Sam aged abt 30–20 April 1801–rec 6 July 1801

p. 617–Robert Laurence of I of W–freedom is natural right and doing unto others etc–frees Negro man George aged 35–5 Oct 1801–rec same

p. 618–Josiah Godwin of I of W–freedom is natural right and slavery is repugnant to republican principles–frees Negro Jack aged abt 15–1 Oct 1801–rec 5 Oct 1801

p. 637–Robert Laurence of I of W–freedom is natural right and doing unto others etc–frees Negro Isaac aged 16–when lawful ie according to act of 1782–4 Jan 1802–rec same

Isle of Wight County Deed Book 19 1802-1805 LVA Reel # 11

p. 33–Robert Laurence of I of W–freedom is natural right and doing unto others etc–frees Negro Sam aged 26–4 Jan 1802–rec same

p 92–Mary X Wail of I of W–all men by nature equally free–frees Negro man Peter–4 May 1803–rec 6 June 1803

p. 120–Jacob Butler of I of W–freedom is natural right and doing unto others etc–frees Negro woman Cate aged 41–31 Dec 1802–rec 4 July 1803

p. 165–John Pope of I of W frees Negro Huldy aged 13–5 Dec 1803–rec same

p. 196–John Parker, Jr of I of W–bill of rights, freedom is natural right and doing unto others etc frees Negro woman Peggy Blair aged abt 27–17 Dec 1803–rec 2 Jan 1804

p. 265–James Gwaltney, Simmons Gwaltney and John Gwaltney all of I of W–freedom is natural right and doing unto others free Negro man named Benjamin abt 37 yrs old–24 Dec 1803–rec 2 July 1804

p. 293–Andrew Woodley of I of W–freedom is natural right and doing unto others etc–frees Negro man Tim aged 57 whom I purchased of Robert Tynes–5 Aug 1804–rec same

p. 294–Know all men by these presents that I Isham Jordan of I of W hath sold unto Wm Stewart (mulatto) one female slave named Meriah aged abt 2 yrs for the consideration sum of 90$–6 Aug 1804–rec 3 Sept 1804

p. 294–William X Stewart of I of W–bill of rights, freedom is natural right and doing unto others etc frees Negro girl Meriah when she will be 18 in September 1819, whom I bought of Isham Jordan–3 Sept 1804–rec 1 Oct 1804

p. 321–deed from Prince X (alias Tynes) to Thomas Jordan of a tract he inherited from his former master Timothy Tynes in his will–18 Oct 1804–rec 3 Dec 1804

p. 325–Port X Davis of I of W–bill of rights–freedom is natural right and doing unto others etc–frees one Negro girl named Zeney whom he purchased from Everett Gay of this county–3 Dec 1804–rec same

p. 328–John Babb and wife Betsey–freedom is natural right and doing unto others etc free Negro man Harry–7 Jan 1805–rec same

p. 329–Simmons Gwaltney of I of W–freedom is natural right and doing unto others frees Negro man Richard aged 35–4 Jan 1805–rec 7 Jan 1805

Isle of Wight County Deed Book 20 1805-1808 LVA Reel # 11

p. 21–Ephraim X Tynes, free Negro sells 18.5 acres to Jn Chapman-4 May 05–rec 3 June 05

p. 35–Sam X Tynes free Negro sells Wm Crocker for 450$ 100a it being the tract left to Sam by will of Timothy Tynes–rec 3 June 05

p. 88–Port X Davis of I of W–freedom is natural right and do unto others frees Negro girl Hannah aged abt 20 and her child Patience aged abt 2–[id’d as FN in index]–2 Sept 05–rec same

p. 89–Mills Wills Sr of Nansemond sells to Peggy Tynes of I of W one Negro child the only child of said Peggy Tynes by the name of Lucy Blair in consideration of 70L–7 Feb 05–rec 2 Sept 05

p. 89–Peggy X Tynes of I of W–freedom is natural right and doing unto others etc–frees Negro child named Lucy Blair aged abt 14–9 July 05–rec 2 Sept 1805

p. 95–Randolph X Tynes of I of W sells for 135$ to Selah Atkins a tract–4 Oct 05–rec 7 Oct 1805

p. 96–Willis X Barlow of I of W—for sundry principles emancipates his faithful servant Negro Jenny White–7 June 05–rec 7 Oct 1805

p. 98–11 July 1805–Sarah X Tynes of I of W for 51L sells to Jn Chapman a tract of 60 acres–rec 7 Oct 1805

p. 102–Esther Taylor, Smithfield in VA–from motives of Justice and benevolence emancipates her slave called Nancy a mulatto woman of about 34 yrs of age–7 Oct 1805–

p. 103–Esther Taylor, Smithfield in Va –ditto–frees slave called Jack a boy of about 16–7 Oct 1805

p. 103–Esther Taylor, Smithfield in Va–ditto–frees slave called Peggy a girl abt 14–7 Oct 1805

p. 119–14 Sept 1805–Hannah X Tynes of I of W and "colony" of VA–sells to Abel Garrison of same–for 15L–tract of 12 acres–rec 2 Dec 1805

p. 126–Robt Jordan of I of W sells to Negro Port Davis for 90L Negro wench and child Hannah and Patience–see p. 88 above–5 Feb 1805–rec 5 Jan 1806

p. 133–25 June 1805–Prince X alias Tynes of I of W sells to James Barlow Sr of same for 32$ US a tract of 5 acres–rec 6 Jan 1806

p. 142–30 Nov 1805–Peter X Branch, free Negro and wife Amey of I of W sells to Benj Stringfield for 80$ a tract of 80 acres–rec 6 Jan 06

p. 143–25 June 1805–Prince X alias Tynes of I of W and James Barlow Sr for 190$ a tract of 38 acres–rec 6 Jan 1806

p. 158–Sirus X Baker of I of W–freedom is natural right and doing unto others frees 2 Negroes ie Linda and child Celia–3 Feb 06–rec 3 Feb 1806 [id’d as FN in index]

p. 166-- Robert Laurence of I of W–freeom is natural right and doing unto others etc–frees Negro woman Sobrina aged 50 yrs; Negro woman named Hannah aged 18 and one Negro girl named Sophia aged 2 yrs and one Negro boy named John aged 6 months–3 Mar 1806–rec 7 April 1806

p. 166–4 Oct 05–Ephraim X Tynes [free Negro] sells to Jn Chapman for 25$ a tract of 5 acres–rec 7 April 1806

p. 169–James X Pretlow of I of W–bill of rights, freedom is natural right and doing unto others etc frees two Negroes Hannah abt 38 and James abt 6–8 April 06–rec same[id’d as FN in index]

p. 170–Jack X Hening of I of W–bill of rights, freedom is natural right and doing unto others etc frees Negro man named Jack–8 April 1806–rec same [id’d as FN in index]

p. 177–Randal Reynolds of I of W being in possession of a Negro woman by name of Violet who was given him by Samuel Floyd in his last will recorded in I of W–it was said Floyd’s wish to free her and so he does—31 Jan 1806–rec 8 April 1806

p. 192–Jesse X Branch of I of W–freedom is natural right–frees Negro woman named Chloe–3 Mar 1806–rec 2 June 1806

p. 231–13 May 06–Dick X Tynes (free Negro) sells to Richard Jones also of I of W for 6L a tract of 4 acres–rec 1 Dec 1806

p. 246–18 Dec 1806–John Tynes of I of W and Beck otherwise called Rebecah X Tynes for 10$ sells her 800 acres on James River commonly known as Drews upon trust–left by Timothy Tynes-after death of Jn Tynes, Rebecah Tynes to convey to any child or children of him but if he leaves none living then to be conveyed to Sucky Brown, Iris Drake, Nancy Delines and Caty Cox-rec 5 Jan 1807-

p. 248–deed involving Dick Hunger and Hannah Tynes, free Negroes of I of W and Abel Garrison

p. 509–Everitt Gay of I of W–freedom is natural right and doing unto others etc frees Negro man Anderson aged abt 20; Charlotte a girl aged abt 9; Roda a girl aged abt 7 and Rose a girl aged abt 5 yrs old–27 Mar 1806–rec 8 April 1806 partly proved and fully on 7 Mar 1808--

Isle of Wight County Deed Book 21 1809-1812 LVA Reel # 12

no deeds of manumission/emancipation listed in index

p. 2–8 April 1808–Dick Unge and Hannah Tynes of I of W for 3.12.0 sells to Abel Garrison of same a tract of 4 acres–both Unge and Tynes sign with mark–rec 5 Dec 1808

p. 3–8 April 08–Hannah Tynes of I of W sells to Abel Garrison for 7.10.0 a tract of 6 acres–rec 5 Dec 08–

p. 173–12 Nov 1809–Ephraim X Tynes (FN) of I of W for $55 sells to John Chapman of same a tract of 11 acres–rec 7 May 1810

p. 232–10 May 1810–George Applewhaite of I of Wight sells to Betty Hollowell (FN) for $200 a tract of 40 acres adj land once belonging to Timothy Tynes, decd–rec 4 June 1810

p. 238–15 Sept 1810–Philip Edwards and Rebekah his wife of I of W sell to Randall Allmond (FN) for $120–a tract of 42 acres–rec 1 Oct 1810

p. 261–24 Dec 1810–Richard W. Byrd admin of James Johnston, decd for 80L sells to Betty Hollowell a free woman of colour, Scotland late the slave of the said James Johnston–rec 7 Jan 1811

p. 421–1 Jan 1812-Josiah Holleman and wife Nancy of I of W sell to Charles Hill (FN in index) of same for $200 a tract of 30 acres–adj Hill’s own land–rec 6 Jan 1812

p. 460–23 July 1810–Tim X Tynes free Negro of I of W sells for $150 to Andrew Woodley of same a tract of 100 acres with reference to will of Timothy Tynes–rec 2 June 1812

Isle of Wight County Deed Book 22 1813-1817 LVA Reel # 12

p. 36–5 Feb 1813–Ephraim X Tynes (FN) of I of W for $60 sells to John Chapman of same a tract of 12 acres–rec 7 June 1813

p. 39–22 Oct 1812–David Tynes son of Benjamin Tynes of I of W sells to Andrew Woodley of same for 400$ the tract Timothy Tynes late of said county left by his last will and testament to be occupied by Beck late of Allen Cockes estate and all her children during their lives and thence to the said David Tynes son of Benj containing 150 acres–to take effect at the death of Beck and her children–rec 7 June 1813

p. 47–12 June1813–Rebecca alias Rebecca Tynes, Nancy alias Nancy Delines, Susan alias Susan Tynes, Catharine alias Catharine Cocke, Iris alias Iris Drake and John Tynes sell for 800$ to James Wilson all the claim they have by virture of the will of Timothy Tynes to the 150a left to Beck and children to occ for life–which then goes to David Tynes son of Benj–see above–rec 2 Aug 1813–all but John sign with mark

p. 121–31 January 1814–David Tynes and wife Sally of Newport Parish in I of W sells to Betty Holloway FN woman of same–for $76 a tract David got from Timothy Tynes via will of 9.5 acres–rec 7 Feb 1814

End of I of Wight Deed Book abstracts

Isle of Wight County Will Book 9 1779-1785 LVA Reel # 26

p. 152–will of Thomas Scott–First, I give all Negro slaves that are called my property their intire freedom forever from all persons whatsoever–leaves to his bro Jn Scott the use and labor of Negro Mingo until he comes to the age of 21 yrs and Negro Martha and Roday until they come to the age of 18–wants bro Jn Scott to maintain my maid Huldy as long as she lives–2 Oct 1780–rec 6 Feb 1783–proved by affirmation of Wm Hollowell and Ann Coffield

p. 305–will of James Derring–leaves 6 slaves together with my Negro woman Milley and my Negro boy Joe who went to the enemy if he should be fortunate enough to regain them...14 Jan 84–rec 3 Mar 85

Isle of Wight County Will Book 10 1785-1796 LVA Reel # 26

p. 1–will of Matthew Jordan Sr of I of W–to son Richard tract and use of Negro girl named Patience until she turns 21 and then to be free acc to act of 1782–to dau Mary Jordan the use of one Negro boy named Jacob until he turns 21 then to be free–to dau Sarah Jordan the use of four Negroes namely Tom, Bob, Lock and Huldah until they turn 21 and then to be free–I give to all my Negroes which are not otherwise provided for in this writing their freedom according to 1782 Act of Assembly–11 May 85–rec 6 October 1785–affirmation of Thos Newby and Robt Marshall

p. 89–will of Robert Johnson of parish if Newport and I of W–leaves the two acres of land for the use of out meeting house to the society of people called Quakers–8 Dec 87–rec 3 Jan 88

p. 119–will of John Pretlow of I of Wight–Ann Bailey to continue to live with my wife as she now does and to do so after decease of wife until she marries–leaves to his wife, bro Samuel Pretlow and friends Thos Newby and Armiger Bailey in trust all his Negroes for the following purpose viz inasmuch as he is persuaded that freedom is the natural right of all people and that it is[not] my will to deprive any thereof after they may arrive to age of maturity I am desirous as far as in me lies and the law of the land will allow that they may be made to enjoy that inestimable blessing in common with other people–so directs trustees that they allow every one of my Negroes together with such as may be hereafter born to them the full enjoyment of liberty and their labour from the time they may arrive to the age of 21 years and in order the better to fit them for freedom I desire they may be learnt to read and instructed as much as may be in the principles of religiono and morality and in case of the death of all or either of my said trustees I request and desire the monthly meeting of Friends called Quakers held near the Western Branch of Nansemond River may nominate and appoint others–all rest and residue of my estate after the decease of my wife and give and bequeath to the said Mary Pretlow and Ann Bailey dau of Trial Bailey and Mary Bailey dau of Armiger Bailey –17 Nov 1770–note date–rec 4 Dec 1788–Edmund Westray affirms will as witness

p. 146–will of George Gordon of Smithfield–provides for payment of small debts etc–gives to Dr. David Dick personal items and chair and harness and 8 unused shirts in consideration of his esteem–for the faithful services performed to me by my servant Jesse it is my will and desire that he may be Emancipated and that my exec may take such steps as the law directs for that purpose-also leaves him my horses and all my wearing apparrel and what necessaries I have towards housekeeping that is not otherwise directed in the will–Geo Purdie names exec–19 May 89–rec 4 June 90 [prob should be 1789]

p. 163–will of William X Watkins of I of W-leaves 8 slaves to a grandson–I give and bequeath unto the remainder part of my Negroes, Old Jemmy, his wife Patt, their son Natt, Dick and Ned to all of them their time and liberty during this life–28 June 1786–rec 3 Dec 89

p. 201–will of William X Parker–leaves no slaves to heirs–I give and bequeath unto my Negro Fan and Negro Ben their freedom at my decease unto them their heirs and assigns forever–23 Jan 1791–rec 4 April 91

p. 211–will of Mills Herring of I of W–wife gets her thirds–dau gets lands and settlements and all his Negroes except Nat and Judy and it is my desire they be free at my death–22 Jan 1791–rec 7 Feb 1791

p. 242–will of William Grace–leaves to wife Sally Grace during her natural life the use of slaves Edy, Huldy, Peter, Derry, Peg, tom and one-half of Patt and after her decease the above mentioned Negroes should have their freedom agreeable to an act of assembly made for that purpose–14 Sept 1792–rec 3 Dec 1792

p. 279–will of William James of I of W–after his wife’s decease the estate to be divided between his 2 daus–it is furthermore my will and desire that my Negro boy Will should be hired out until he arrives to the age of 21 at which time he is to go free----it is also my desire that my wife should keep my Negro boy Peter until he is 21 yrs old if she thinks proper–no mention of freeing Peter at that point–perhaps understood–2 Feb 1794–rec 8 April 94

p. 306–will of Isham Pitt of I of W–my will and desire is that after my decease all my Negroes to wit Jack, Peter, Nanny, Sarah, Pattt and Coffee may be free and enjoy their freedom as tho they had been born free and that forever–no date–rec 2 Dec 1794–

p. 347–will of Jacob Edwards of I of W–lends Negro boy Dick to his wife Rebekah till he shall come to age of 23 yrs and then he shall go free–31 Mar 1795–rec 6 July 95

p. 387–will of Pompy X Benn–gives plantation he lives on and personal property to his brother Miner Denson–28 Dec 89–rec1 Feb 96–will proved by oath of Robert Glover and affirmation of Scott Hollowell–is this a will of a free man of color?

Isle of Wight County Will Book 11 1794-1802 LVA Reel # 27

p.19–will of William Hodsdon of I of W–will and desire is that my Negro girl named Venus should have her liberty agreeable to an Act of Assembly made for that purpose–26 Nov 95–rec 2 Jan 97

p. 92–will of Rix Laurence of I of W–wants personal estate exlusive of Negroes sold to pay debts–gives Negroes to his dau to her and her heirs excepting Harrison. I give Harrison his freedom at my death, the above Negroes I desire shall be set free if my dau dies before she be of age–will proved by affirmation of Hester Whitfield...18 July 1797–rec 5 Feb 98–none named except Harrison

p. 140–will of Elizabeth Harrison of I of W–will and desire is that my Negro man David should have his freedom agreeable to act of assembly–31 July 98–rec 1 Oct 98

p. 171–will of David Blaney–after servant Aaron has served his wife for two years to be free–leaves a Negro boy named George to James Payne son of Benjamin Payne–has a brother in Marblehead, Mass–nd–rec 4 Feb 99

p. 176–will of Polly Cutchin of I of W–Negro man Tom to be hired out for 4 yrs to pay debts and support sister Sally Pitt Cutchin and then execs to free him, but if sister should die then Tom to be freed immediately–after decease Negro woman named Rachel be liberated and set free–12 Nov 98–rec 4 Feb 99

p. 211–will of Thomas Smith of I of W–mentions Jesse Gordon (a free Negro) as living on plantation adjacent to some of the land he is leaving his heirs–also a corner of Timothy Tynes land–17 April 99–rec 2 Sept 99

p. 234–Richard Gibson (commonly called preaching Dick) of the county of I of W being very sick and weak in body but I believe of sound mind, informed this day that it was his will and desire that Judy and Rachel (his sisters) each of them should have a cow and that all the rest of his estate should be divided between his wife and children. And further it was his will and desire that George Benn and Randall Reynolds should manage his estate for him. This in substance was committed to writing within three hours after it was told me this 12 day of January 1800. Witness George Benn–noncupative will presented in ct on 4 Feb 1800–Benn refuses admin and liberty reserved for Reynolds to undertake–is this a will of a free person of color?

p.421–will of Sampson Barlow of I of W–lends to wife all my Negroes namely Abram, Randolph, David and Feby for life and at her death to be lawfully free–30 May 1801–rec 6 July 1801

p. 587–will of Timothy Tynes–all of my slaves of every description to wit: Prince, Bob, George, Peter, Jacob, great James, little James, Dick, Silver, Chaney, Nancy, Bathea?, Conny, Phillis, Fanny, Lily, Sukey, Nancy, little Phillis, Harry, Patience, Isham, Harriott, Davy, Linda, Dolphin, Aaron, Isaac, Beckey, Betsey, Moses, Cherry, great Charles, little Charles, Robin, Grace, Sam, Lewis, Kitt, Godfry, Jack, Beck, Venus, Caty, John, Iris, Charles, Daniel, Ephraim, Fanny, Rose, Freeman, Lidy, Rhoda, Joe, Sirus, Nanny, Soukey, Harry, Jesse, Dick, Mary, Jude, Pricilla, Nancy, Willis, Benn, Asia, Sarah, Hannah, Dick unge? [is one person], Tim, Randall, Ned, Tom, Talus, Gambo, Sall, Daughny, Aggy, Bob, and Ally together with their increase including Nancy’s child and all other of my slaves that are not herein mentioned to be fully and freely liberated from all Slavery and stand discharged from slavery and bondage to enjoy all the priviledges that Free Negroes are entitled to by the laws and regulations? of the state of Virginia that part of my River land call’d Bennett’s shall be occupied by Beck (which formerly belonged to Allen Cocks estate) and all her children during their lives and after the death of them all the said land shall revert to David Tynes son of Benj Tynes dec’d –I give to John and Iris children of Beck the sum of 400L to be equally divided –also one feather bed and furniture and 5 head of cattle and John to get bay colt at the river plantation–gives to Sukey the dau of Nancy 250L to her and her heirs forever–gives to Beck of A. Cocks estate 150L–my river plantation formerly Drews be given to John, son of Beck to him and heirs forever and he shall have all the stock of every description on the place, formerly Drews–gives to Prince a servant liberated by my will, a plantation which my Father Robt Tynes purchased of James Jones to him and heirs forever–gives to Tim a servant liberated in will 100 acres of land being part of the tract my father purchased of Rascow–gives to Sam 100 acres of same tract and it is understood to them and their heirs forever–to Dick unge 100 acres of land of the tract he now lives on to him and his heirs forever–gives balance of this tract to be equally divided amongst the Negroes liberated by me living on the said plantation with dick unge and the stock to be equally divided amongst Dick unge and others on the said planation and also plantation utensils–give to niece Sally Tynes Purdie the whole of that tract formerly the property of Timothy Tynes decd now known by name of Harry’s –gives the whole of the tract he now lives on known at Tynes’s Store to David Tynes–gives to little Charles my plantation known by name of Toby’s together with stock on it and also the stock at Harry’s and where I now live to him and his heirs–my plantation formerly Charles Chapmans be given to little Charles to him and his heirs forever–9 May 1802–rec 7 June 1802–exec’s post 20,000$ bond

p. 703–will of Benjamin Bailey a free Negro man of I of W–leaves all estate to wife Lucy during her natural life–but if she marries to get only thirds–of other 2/3'ds 20 shillings to go to dau Patience, and 20s to my dau Winfred the balance to be divided among my eight children namely Ellick, Perlina, Aaron, Isaac, Ben, Cate, Patience, Winfred and at death of wife the estate to be divided among the eight children or the survivors of them–2 June1802–rec 4 Oct 1802–Simmons Gwaltney is exc–posts 500$ bond

p. 722–will of Joseph Crocker–desires that my Negro woman Edy and her child Lucy be Emancipated–gives to bro Wm Crocker’s son John one Negro girl Doll and leaves rest of estate to bro Wm Crocker–25 Mar 1803–rec 5 April 03

p. 723–will of Lawrence Baker of I of W–wants funeral service to be conducted in way of the church he was bred etc–disinherits Catharine Haynes and her son William and wants them to receive no property of his whatsoever–names William Byrd and Richard Byrd formely of Chas City County but now of Suffolk and Gloucester to be execs of his will which is that they are to manage his estate for the advantage of Mary Simpson a Molatto formerly my slave now free until she comes of age and capable of taking care of herself then she is to get the whole of his estate of what kind so ever–in case her liberty should be in danger or anything else her good may require, Byrds to take care of–if he gains title to a tract of land in a suit pending in Ct of Appeals in Richmond, it is to be sold for the benefit of his securities John Goodrich and Thos Smith–wants Jn Goodrich to settle accounts for what he took from him "during my insane state"–if Mary Simpson die without issue be the same lawful or unlawfull he leaves whole estate to the people call’d Quakers to be used by them for the purpose of purchasing and liberating slaves and the preference be given to those who were my property–I would it were in my power to entirely banish that excreable practice–leaves a variety of personal momentos, portraits, a coat of arms, etc to various relatives–I beg what friends I have if any to shew all friendship they owed me to my poor remaining domesticks Abram, Britt and Edy and to Mary Simpson and to Moses Mosely and to all my poor lsave who were mine my heart yearns for all my domesticks my Children–10 July 1801–rec 5 Oct 03–Richard W. Byrd refuses exec–Wm Mallory undertakes admin and posts 1000$ bond–

p. 749–will of William Hollowell of I of W–lends to sister Courtney Hollowell the use of Negro boy Ephriam until he is 21–lends to sister Mary Hollowell a Negro girl Lucreacy until she is 18–leaves 5L each to Ephraim and Lucreacy when they come of age mentioned to be paid out of estate–15 April 03–rec 6 June 03–is this an unstated manumission for Ephraim and Lucreacy–no further provision made in the will as to their disposition

p. 775–will of William Johnston of I of W–leaves 10 slaves to his niece and one to his nephew–emancipates Negro woman Peg to enjoy all the priviledges that free Negroes are entitled to by the laws of Va–19 April 1803–rec 5 Oct 03

Isle of Wight County Will Book 12 1804-1808 LVA Reel # 27

p. 2–will of Charles Tynes jr (Free Negro) of Newport Parish and I of W–gives to wife Peggy Tynes formerly Peggy Blair who was emancipated by John Parker one half of my plantation where I now live whereon my dwelling house stands and one half of orchard, 100L in cash to be collected from Col James Johnston exor of Timothy Tynes, decd left me in his will and one half of my stock etc–to David Tynes my cousin son of my sister Nancy the other half of the plantation–is my will and desire that my uncle Charles Tynes, Sr shall build himself a house on sd half of David Tynes tract and that he Charles and wife is to live on it during their said lives to be used by them and David when he comes of age to him and his heirs forever–gives to uncle Charles Tynes, Sr 5L cash–to uncle Sam Tynes 10L cash–to sister Jinny Tynes 10L cash–to sister Nancy Tynes 10L cash–rest of estate to be divided between his wife and David–names Andrew Woodley exec–28 Jan 1804–rec 6 Feb 04–

p. 103–will of William Pinner–leaves 18 slaves to bros and family members –emancipates three Negro women, Sarah, Sue and Rose–10 Jan 1805–rec 3 June 1805–inventory on p. 120 lists 21 slaves including Sarah at 1L; Sue at 5L and Rose at 30L--

p. 144–will of Joseph Parker of I of W and Newport Parish–bequeaths to Negro man Lewis his time and freedom forever–leaves wife Negro woman Edy and her 6 children–18 Jan 1800–rec 7 Oct 1805

p. 160–will of Josiah Godwin of I of W–leaves several slaves to several family members–I give unto my servant Charles Crews (my servant who has been faithful and honest in serving me, and is one of the most correct Men of his Colour I have ever seen) $100, one cow and calf, one sow and piggs and my wearing apparel of every kind–Crews is not left to anybody–16 Oct 1805–rec

2 Dec 1805–p. 161--21 Oct 05–a noncupative coda leaves his books to Dr Thos W. Borland and that Charles Crews, a black man that has lived with him for some years should have his mare, bridle and saddle–rec 2 Dec 05

p. 196–will of Esther Taylor of Smithfield–gives lot #30 in Smithfield to Nancy Blair and Peggy Blair [dau of Nancy] whom I have emancipated this present year, to them and their heirs forever–lot #34 to be sold and out of money arising from this Nancy Blair to get $100 and Peggy to get $100–remainder of money to various nieces and nephew–gives Peggy Blair a two year old heifer and to Nancy Blair one bed the same I formerly gave her use of and is now in her possession–12 Nov 1805–rec 8 April 06

p. 264–will of Bartlett Godwin of I of W–heirs are mother, nephew and neice–lends use of Negro boy Aberdeen at his mother’s decease to niece and to her lawful heirs of her body but if none then Aberdeen to be liberated–31 Mar 01–rec 2 Feb 1807

p. 472–will of Robert Lawrence of I of W–has plantation in Northampton Co. NC on which he formerly lived–the slaves in N. Carolina at present my property I emancipate on their arriving at lawful age–17 Feb 1801–rec 7 Dec 1807

p. 498–estate inventory of Benjamin Bailey free Negro 4 Nov 02–totals 64.1.7 ½ worth of hhd goods etc–rec 1 Aug 1808–followed by estate acct p. 499-500-

p. 518–est act of Major Timothy Tynes 1802–>7 Mar 1803–pd Wm Blount for Negro Daphney’s coffin

Mar 1804–pd Robin Bingo ( a slave of John Stols) for supporting his wife and Nancys children liberated by T. Tynes viz Linda 5 yrs old, Dolphin 3 and Nelly 2 for the year 1803 28 Dec 04–pd Capt Andrew Woodley for supporting Roses 3 children the year 1804

Isle of Wight County Will Book 13 1809-1815 LVA Reel # 28

p. 72–will of Thomas Jones a free man of colour in I of Wight–mentions wife Martha Jones–dau Polly Roberts wife of Edwin Roberts–dau Elizabeth Jones–Edwin Roberts’ three daus ie Martha, Mary and Elizabeth–Martha Allmond wife of Randall Allmond gets 40$–16 Mar 1809–rec 1 Jan 1810–leaving land to heirs and hhd items

p. 91–will of Celia Godwin of I of W–among others legacies leaves to Negro woman Nancy Scott Godwin who was formerly my property one bed and furniture and one young cow and to James Godwin a Negro man formerly my property before I liberated him one bed and furniture and 4 head of cattle, one mare, one looking glass and flaged chars and two tables–balance of estate to be equally divided betwen Nancy and James –5 Oct 1809–rec 7 May 1810

p. 242–will of Hanner Tynes (alias) Unger wife of Richard Unger free Negro–leaves all she has or might inherit from any source to her husband Richard Unger–3 Oct 1806?–rec 6 July 1812

p. 275–will of William Jenkins of I of W–it is my desire that Randol Wilson a free Negro should retain full and free proportion of the piece of land on which he now resides during his natural life–nd–rec 7 Dec 1812

p. 277–will of William Jordan of I of W–leaves property in I of W and in Pasquotank Co NC to various heirs–my will and desire that the Negroes that I have lent to Samuel Jones and my dau Elizabeth his wife shall remain in his, her or their and Lemuels possession and for their or either of their uses until the time shall arrive in some way pointed out by my friends that the said Negroes hereby lent with their increase my enjoy their liberty and be set free, it is my will and desire that the said Negroes with their increase may be set at liberty as soon as in the estimation of my friend or the friends of humanity–son Watson P. Jordan gets home plantation after death of mother and land in NC and use of labor of slaves in NC who are to be freed when possible along with Joe and Sally who were brought from NC-obligates estate to pay to maintaining or defending the rights of his slaves–also says slaves could enjoy freedom in any other part of the world and the slaves to receive a copy of the will as it pertains to them–28 May 1809–a codocil of 23 April 1810 basically says that the slaves in NC and Joe and Sally after his death to be delivered in trust to Yearly Meeting (Quakers) in NC for the purposes of establishing their emancipation–rec 7 Dec 1812

p. 344–will of George Benn of I of W–among legacies to others–I give and bequeath unto Christian a Negro woman I liberated the sume of 100$ for her former services–I give and bequeath unto Cofffee a Negro man whom I liberated the sum of 50$–gives land near where the Methodist church stands for camp meetings to Methodists officials–it is my will and desire that my Negroes which I liberated in this county shall not be sold or be subject to any claim or pretention of claim that might be brought against my estate but if any there should be my landed property should be subject thereto–wants his sister Louisa Cunningham to have care and management of a small Negro boy named Merritt untill he shall arrive to lawful age at which time entitled to his freedom–30 Oct 1813–rec 6 Dec 1813

p. 440–will of Parker Hawkins of I of W–leaves various slaves to several heirs–I give my boy Nat his liberty and my horse provided he will leave the state within 6 months of my death-if he will not quit the state I give him the liberty of choosing a master whoever he may be, I give that to him and his heirs forever–19 Aug 1814–rec 6 Feb 1815

Isle of Wight County Wills 14 1815-1817 LVA Reel # 28

p. 141–will of Thomas Norsworthy of I of W–Item: the Black children to wit Wiley, Isaac, Willis, Rebeccah, Rhoda I lend to my wife until of lawful age and it is my desire that my wife should have the use and liekewise of the offspring of the females until they become of lawful age and it is my will that the above mentioned Black Persons together with the offspring of the females should one and all be free as they arrive at lawful age–10 Aug 1815–rec 4 Nov 1816–one of witnesses is Thos Fanning who affirms–wife is named extrx but refuses the admin of estate

p. 230–will of Nancy Bracy of I of W–leaves to Polly Cornwell one Negro boy named Aaron until he is 21 and then to be free but if he cannot by the laws of this state and he don’t chuse to go to a free state he must remain with Polly and her heirs forever–leaves to Eliza Cornwell Negro boy Jacob with same provisions–leaves to Sally M. Moody Negro girl Tempy with same provisions–leaves to Kitty Moody Negro girl Mary under same provisions–I give to my man Bob to be hired out two years and the money to be used for raising Aaron and Jacob and then he is to be for the balance of his life free from slavery–16 Oct 1816–rec 4 Nov 1816

p. 294–will of Mary Underwood of I of W–leaves a slave girl to an heir–will and desire that my Negro Man Mingo should be liberated at my death–9 Mar 1817–rec 5 May 1817

p. 295–will of Joseph Roberts a free man of color –wife Zelpha a free woman of color gets all of his chattel estate and he lends to her the land and plantation where he now lives and after her death to go to Matthew Jordan if the latter does not demand the money he owes him from his wife and assists in supporting his wife–4 April 1817–rec 5 May 1817

End of Isle of Wight abstracts