Newspaper Tidbit: Trustees' Sale: Samuel Tansill

Alexandria Gazette
15 October 1846

SALE THIS DAY.

TRUSTEES' SALE OF VALUABLE REAL ESTATE, SLAVES, &c. -- By virtue of two deeds of trust, executed to us by Samuel Tansill and wife, and of record in the Clerk's office, of the County Court of Prince William, we shall, on Thursday, the 15th day of October next, in the town of Occoquan, expose to sale to the highest bidder, at public auction, the tract of land mentioned in said deeds, containing about 420 acres, being the same land upon which said Tansill resided, at the time of his death. This tract of land lies about three miles from the town of Occoquan, on the main road leading from Centreville to Occoquan, and about ninteen miles from Alexandria, is in a fine state of cultivation, being considerably improved, well watered, and is considered one of the handsomest and most healthy situations in the neighborhood. The improvements consist of an excellent frame DWELLING HOUSE, nearly new, good kitchen, smoke-house, &c., with all the  necessary out-houses usually on a farm. There is a well of excellent water in the yard. 

Terms: one third of the purchase money to be paid in cash, the balance equally divided into two payments of six and twelve months--the purchaser giving bond with approved personal security, to bear interest from the date--also, a deed of trust on the land. ALSO, at the same time and place, several valuable SLAVES. Terms made known on the day of sale. Selling as trustees, we shall convey such title only to said land as is vested in us by virtue of said deeds, but at the same time the title is believed to be indisputable.

ROBERT WINDSOR
THOS. R. LOVE, Trustees

Prince William County, sept22-eots

Friend of Friends Friday: Ranaway - Thomas & Suana Bredon

Alexandria Gazette (Va)
19 August 1848

$30 REWARD -- Ranaway from the subscriber's farm, lying on the Potomac river, near Alexandria, on the night of the 11th instant, two negroes, THOMAS BREDON and his wife SUANA. Thomas is between 45 and 50 years of age, and about 5 feet 9 or 10 inches in height; he is of dark complexion and has an impediment in his speech, and is a little gray.  Suana is of a ginger color, and is about 35 or 40 years of age, and about 4 feet 6 or 7 inches in height.  The jawbone of the right side of her face has no flesh on it. They were formerly the property of Miss Tolson, of Prince William county, Virginia. The said negroes I purchased from Dr. Alexander H. Tolson, of Prince George's county, Maryland, who brought them from near Haymarket, Prince William county, Virginia. These are the same negroes which I advertised on the 27th of March last. I will give the above reward if returned to me, or secured in jail so that I get them again.

Zachariah Berry

Blue Plains, near Alexandria, Va.
aug 17--eo3t

Friend of Friends Friday: Sale of Negroes (1816)

Alexandria Gazette (Va)
24 January 1816

Sale of Negroes

WILL be sold for cash, on Tuesday 6th day of February next if fair, if not, the next fair day, at the tavern of George Williams, in the town of Dumfries, 25 or so likely young slaves, men, women and children--among them are a parcel of most valuable house servants, male and female; and, also, valuable plantation slaves. At the same time and place will be sold for cash, a tract of land, near Dumfries, containing about 170 or 80 acres.

The sale is made under two several decrees of the county court of Prince William.

T. Harrison,
T. Chapman,
P. Harrison,
R. H. Henderson
Jno. Gibson,
    Commissioners

Dumfries, January 5-6.   eots

Friend of Friends Friday: Ranaway: JOHN and HARRY

National Intelligencer
23 October 1813

TWENTY DOLLARS REWARD

RAN-AWAY from the subscriber in Prince William county, near Dumfries Virginia, two Negro Men,

JOHN AND HARRY,

Both of black complection. John absconded about the 25th of May last; he is about 5 feet 6 inches high, short and thick set, of bad countenance and has an uncommon look out of his eyes, one of which is defective in sight; he is between 45 and 50 years of age; a carpenter  by trade; he had on a long drab colored coarse cloth coat, a pair do__ green trowsers, one blue ditto waistcoat, but as he has other clothes, it is probable he will change them. He was hired from the representatives of the estate of the late Mr. Thomas Mason of Woodbridge, on the 1st January by my overseer for the present year for me.

HARRY absconded about 15 August; he is about 5 feet 5 or 6 inches high; 25 years of age, though very small of his age and has very much the appearance of a ad; has several marks of the small pox in his face, and on one of his hams has a considerable scar occasioned by a scald; he is a cooper by trade; had on a pair of yellow and blue mixed trowsers, a striped blue and yellow twilled waistcoat, a wool and cotton dark mixed twilled short coat, all of domestic manufacture; but as he is a fellow of considerable smartness he may change his clothing. I will pay the above reward to any person who will deliver them to me or secure them in Jail so that I get them again or ten dollars for either of them. 

THOS. HARRISON

N.B. it is probable Harry is in Richmond as he has connections living with Mr. James Smith of that place, who formerly lived in Dumfries.  T.H.

Chappawamsic, Oct. 6--3tw2w

Will: Martha E. Peyton (1831)

Will of Martha E. Peyton
PWCo. Will Book N, pg. 383
Dated: 30 June 1831; Proved: 3 October 1831

I Martha E. Peyton of Prince William County Va. do make and ordain this my last will and testament, herby revoking all other wills heretofore made by me. 

First, It is my will and desire that all my debts and funeral expenses be paid as soon as possible (my debts few and of small amount) to be paid out of any money I may leave, or bonds due or to become due to me, and from the sale of what little stock I may leave, and household and kitchen furniture; and should there not be enough to discharge the just claims against me, I then direct and do hereby request my Executor hereinafter named mentioned, to hire out my negroes for one year, or longer if necessary, and apply the proceeds thereof to the payment of my debts until they are all paid.

Secondly, I do hereby will and direct that after my debts are paid in the manner aforesaid, that all my negroes, without exception, shall be emancipated and have their freedom, they having served me during my life, and as I am unwilling for them to be kept in slavery or owned by any person after my death.

Lastly, I do hereby appoint, constitute and ordain my friend Jesse Ewell Junr. Executor of this my last will. 

In Witness hereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this 30th day of June in the year of our Lord 1831.

Martha E. Peyton {seal}

Signed, sealed and acknowledged in the presence of us
Jesse Ewell Jr.
Charlotte Ewell

At a Court held for Prince William County the 3d day of October 1831.

This last will and testament of Martha E. Peyton decd. was presented to the Court and being proved by the Oaths of Jesse Ewell Jr. & Charlotte Ewell is admitted to record and Jesse Ewell Jr. the Executor therein named here in Court renounced the burthen of the Executor thereof. 

And at a Court held for said County the 2d. day of January 1832. 

On the motion of John W. Tyler, it is ordered that Jesse Ewell Sheriff of this county do take into his possession the Estate of Martha E. Peyton decd. & administer the same according to law with the Will annexed, it appearing that she has been decd upward of three months & no person having applied for administration on her Estate.

Teste, P. D. Dawe  Ct. Cur.

Friend of Friends Friday: Shedrick (1947)

The following notice comes nearly six months after the original advertisement was published in December 1846.  Shedrick has managed to elude the "subscriber" and the reward for his apprehension has risen from $25 to $150.

Alexandria Gazette (Va.)
06 May 1847

$150 REWARD!

Left Mr. Thomas Shaw's (where he was hired) in Prince William County, Va., on the 16th of September, 1846, my negro man SHEDRICK. He is about twenty-two years old, five feet ten inches high, and robust, of a dark copper colour, full suit of hair, frequently plaited, down-cast look when spoken to, fond of Tobacco, has a flesh mole on the left breast, I think, about the size of the end of one's finger He had on when he left a white wool hat, drab frock coat, all wool. When last heard from he was near Centreville, Fairfax County, Va., on the road leading to Alexandria, and going that way, where he may be at present, or perhaps is engaged in fishing somewhere on the Potomac river.  I will give $150 for the delivery to me of said negro, at my residence, near Tackett's Mills, Stafford county, Va., or secured in jail so that I get him again.  

DAVID HANSBROUGH
Agent for Lydia McInteer

Stafford County, Va., ap 17-2a3w

Will: Mary B. Craig

Will of Mary B. Craig
PWCo. Will Book P, pg. 423
Executed: 15 August 1842; Proved: 3 April 1849

I Mary B. Craig of the County of Prince William & state of Virginia, being at this time in perfect health and of a sound and disposing mind, do make and declare this to be my last will and testament, in the manner and form as follows, Viz:

I give and bequeath to my husband William M. Craig all and every discription of property I may be possessed of, meaning two slaves, Mary and Julia Ann, with their increase, my lands houses here or elsewhere, all monies loaned out, all bonds and accounts due to me at the time of my death, also my stock of horses, cattle sheep & hogs, farming utensils, household and kitchen furniture of every discription. All of the above property I leave to my said husband free from the molestation of any person or persons whatsoever and by him to disposed of in any manner that may best suit him, hereby revoking annuling all other wills that I may have made. I leave my said husband my executor and of whom I design that no security be required. Witness my hand and seal this fifteenth day of August A.D. Eighteen hundred and forty two.

Mary B. Craig {seal}

Signed in the presence of us
Wm. A. Lane
Jesse Barrow
Northumberland Pearson 

In Prince William County Court April 3d 1849

This last will & testament of Mary B. Craig was produced to the court & the proof thereof opposed by William T. McCarty & Charles J. Fox whereinfore for reasons appearing __ the court, on the motion of Seymour Lynn who made oath thereto & together with George F. Carney his security entered into & acknowledged a bond in the penalty of $3500 conditioned as the law directs he is appointed to collect & preserve the goods & chattles of the said Mary B. Craig decd during the contest about her said last will & testament or until the further order of the said court. And on the 6th of August 1849 this said last will & testament of Mary B. Craig was again presented to the court together with the commission for taking the attestation of William A. Lane a witness thereto & the certificate of the execution of the sd. commission which being inspected by the court & the sd. will being also proved by the oath of Northumberland Pearson another subscribing witness thereto the same is ordered to be recorded as the true last will & testament of said Mary B. Craig decd. And on the motion of William M. Craig the Excr therein named who made oath thereto & entered into acknowledged a bond in the penalty of $5000 without security according to the testators request the court being of the opinion that she has left property more than sufficient to pay her debts, certificate is granted him for obtaining a probate of said will in due form.

Teste    J. Williams  c.c.

Friend of Friends Friday: Ranaway: Tasco

Daily National Intelligencer 
29 July 1829

$20 DOLLARS REWARD

I WILL give twenty dollars for the apprehension and delivery to me (or confinement in jail, so that I get him again) of a mulatto man named Tasco, who broke out of jail in this place, and made his escape on the night of the 22d instant. Tasco is a bright mulatto, about thirty years of age, five feet seven and a half inches high, spare and delicate, and has a large scar covering nearly all the right side of his face, occasioned by a scald or burn. He belongs to Miss Eliza L. Dade, of Prince William County, Va., and was committed to jail in this place as a runaway, some weeks since. He took with him no clothing except what he had on, which were only a shirt and pantaloons. He has a wife and family living in Washington City or Georgetown, (recent from Alexandria) and it is possible Tasco is lurking in one or the other of those cities, if he has not attempted to make his way to Pennsylvania.

ELI S. BALDWIN, Jailor
Prince George's County, Md.

Upper Marlboro', July28-July 29--eo6t

Will: Sarah C. Calvert

Will of Sarah C. Calvert
PWCo. Will Book O, pg. 422
Executed 21 August 1839; Proved 2 September 1839

I Sarah C. Calvert of the County of Prince William in the State of Virginia being at this time sick but of sound memory and disposing mind, do make this my last will and testament. 

1. I give to my son Robert A. Calvert slaves, Lewis, Henry, and William and the increase of the said slave Henry to have & to hold the same to him and his heirs forever.

2. I give and devise to my said son Robert A. Calvert and  his heirs slaves Ned, Delia, and Julia, and the future increase of the females to hold the same in trust, for the use and benefit of my daughter Chloe Ann Cooper, wife of Benjamin Cooper, for her sole and separate use after the death of the said Benjamin Cooper her husband, should she survive him, and in the mean time to permit the said Benjamin Cooper and Chloe Ann his wife to take possession of said slaves and to have their services and hires without accountability to the said Robert A. Calvert for and during their joint lives; and then for the survivor of them during his or her life, and after the death of both of them, then for the use of the children of the said Benjamin and Chloe Ann issuing from their marriage born or hereafter to born until the youngest of them shall attain the age of twenty one years, at the happening of which last event the trust herein reposed in the said Robert A. Calvert shall cease and the said slaves and their increase shall thenceforth be the property of the children issuing from the marriage of the said Benjamin Cooper and Chloe Ann his wife and their heirs to be equally divided between them.

3. I give and bequeath to my son Robert A. Calvert one bedstead bed and furniture.

4. I devise to Lucien Alexander Davis son of my daughter A. F. who intermarried with William W. Davis one bedstead bed and furniture; also, one hundred dollars to be paid to him by Robert A. Calvert one of my Executors to be hereafter named upon his arrival at the age of twenty one years, and should he the said Lucien Alexander Davis die before his arrival to that age, then I give and devise the said bedstead, bed and furniture to my said son Robert A. Calvert and his heirs forever.

5. I give to my grand daughter Sarah C. Cooper one bedstead bed and furniture.

6. I give to my grand daughter Mary Virginia Cooper one bedstead bed and furniture.

7. I devise to my son Robert A. Calvert the sum of one hundred dollars herein before given, by the 4th clause in this my will to Lucien Alexander Davis provided the said Lucien Alexander Davis shall die under the age of twenty one years.

8. The residue of my estate real personal or mixed I devise to my daughter Chloe Ann Cooper and to my son Robert A. Calvert to be equally divided between them, they paying in equal portions my just debts, and funeral expenses.

9. And lastly I appoint Robert A. Calvert and Benjamin Cooper executors of this my last will and testament. Given from under my hand the 21st day of August A.D. 1839.

Sarah C. Calvert [X her mark]

Signed sealed published and declared by the testatrix as and for her last will and testament in her presence and in the presence of each other.

Moses Arnold
Nancy Sidebottom [X her mark]
M. B. Sinclair

At a Court held for Prince William County Sept. 2d 1839

This last Will and testament of Sarah C. Calvert decd was proved according to law by the Oaths of Moses Arnold and Mordecia B. Sinclair witnesses thereto and is ordered to be recorded. And on the motion of Robert A. Calvert and Benjamin Cooper the Executors named therein who made oath thereto and together with Alexander Howison and Charles G. Howison their securities, entered into and acknowledged a bond in the penalty of $8000 conditioned as the law directs, certificate is granted them for obtaining a probate of the said will in due form.

Teste   J. Williams  c. c. 

Friend of Friends Friday: Ranaway: Davy

Alexandria Gazette (Va.)
23 November 1821

THIRTY DOLLARS REWARD

RAN away from the subscriber living in Prince William county, Va. DAVY, a yellow negro man, about 20 years old, 6 feet or near it high; he has a down look when spoken to; a scar between his thumb and fore finger, on the right hand. He is straight and well made; his eyes full and black. He had on when he went away a blue mixed round jacket, dark yarn pantaloons & a cotton shirt. Davy has been raised in the house as a house servant, and can be a very excellent servant when he pleases. If taken in the state, I will give 20 dollars, or 30 if taken out of the state & secured in a jail.

R. FOOTE

Oct. 22

Friend of Friends Friday: Ranaway: Shedrick (1846)

Alexandria Gazette (Va.)
10 December 1846

TWENTY-FIVE DOLLARS REWARD

Left Mr. Thomas Shaw's (where he was hired) in Prince William County, Va., on the 16th of September last, my negro man SHEDRICK. He is about 5 feet 10 inches high, and robust, of a dark copper color, downcast look when spoken to; has a flesh mole on the left breast (I think) about the size of the end of one's finger--clothing not known. When last heard from, he was near Centreville, Prince William County, on the road leading to Alexandria, and going that way, where I expect he is at present. I will give $25 for the delivery to me of said negro if caught in Virginia, at my residence near Tackett's Mills, Stafford county, Va., or secured in jail so that I get him again, or $50 if caught out of the State.  

DAVID HANSBROUGH

Tackett's Mills, Stafford Cy., dec 4-2aw3w

Friend of Friends Friday: Ranaway: JAMES (1799)

Telegraphe and Daily Advertiser (Baltimore, MD)
21 March 1799

WAS committed to the gaol of Baltimore county, on the 24th of October last, as a runaway, a negro man by the name of James, as belonging to David Lewis, living in Loudon county, Virginia, near the Gum Spring (but since his confinement, says his name is Tomsybottom, and belongs to the widow Short, living in Prince William county, Virginia, near Harper's ford--about 27 years of age, 5 feet 6 inches high; had on when committ4ed, coarse linen shirt and trousers, light colored cloth coat, one thichset and one linsey jacket, coarse shoes, and old hat. Unless released by his owner, he will be sold for his gaol fees according to law.

C. H. Gift, Sheriff
December 25   619 12w

Friend of Friends Friday: Certificate of Slaves Imported (Evans)

Certificate of Slaves Imported
Evans from Smith Certificate
PWCo Deed Book Z, pg. 150

Prince Wm. County &ct.

Came before me Jas. Smith one of the Justices of the peace for said County Jesse Evans late of Charles County, Maryland and made oath agreeable to law, that he has moved himself and family from Maryland with an intention to settle and become a citizen of Virginia, and that he has brought with him his negroes not with a design to sell and dispose of them, or in any respect to evade the laws of this State made to prevent the importation of Slaves.  

That his Negroes are, viz.,

Four Men. Wary, Dick, Charles & Lucus

Three Women. Monimia, Fanny, & Charity

Three Children. Boy. Adam, Boy. Lawrence, Girl. Melia.

Also five slaves the property of John Lomax, an Infant for whom the said Evans is Guardian, and who has also removed with him from Maryland to Virginia, viz.

One Wench. Kett, and four Children. Henry, George, Nace & Cloe.

Given under my hand this twenty third day of December 1794.

James Smith

At a Court cont. & held for Prince Wm. County the 8th day of Aug. 1797.

This certificate of slaves imported by Jesse Evans was presented to the Court & ordered to be recorded.

Teste,  John Williams  Cl. Cur.

Friend of Friends Friday: Jim or James Graham (1846)

Alexandria Gazette (Va.)
20 July 1846

$50 REWARD! -- Ran off, on the night of the 16th instant, from the subscriber, living near Buckland, Prince William County, Va., negro man JIM, or JAMES GRAHAM, as he calls himself. Jim is about twenty-one or two years of age, below the middle height, round full face, and stout, inclined to corpulency -- features somewhat contracted, nose inclining upwards. If taken in this County, and secured in jail so that I get him, I will pay twenty-five dollars -- if in other parts of the State, thirty dollars; and out of the State, fifty dollars.

T. M. WASHINGTON

Near Buckland, Prince William County, Va.
jy 20-eotf

Friend of Friends Friday: Committed to Jail: Robert Steward

Richmond Enquirer (Va.)
28 May 1824

WAS committed to the jail of Prince William county, on the 20th day of January 1824, a negro man who calls himself ROBERT STEWARD, of very black compexion, about 27 or 28 years of age, 5 feet 6 1/2 inches high, had on when committed a new fur hat, a blue cloth coat, a striped vest and pantaloons. He says that he is free, and came from Petersburg. The owner of the above negro is requested to come forward, prove property, pay charges and take him away, or he will be dealt with as the law directs.

A. MILLAN, Jailor

March 19.
804--w12w

Will: Thomas Newman

Will of Thomas Newman
PWCo. Will Book L, pg. 355-357
Proved: 2 April 1821

In the name of God Amen I Thomas Newman of the County of Prince William and state of Virginia do make this my last Will and Testament. Imprimis, I give and bequeath to my Beloved Wife Willia E. Newman all my Estate real and personal during her natural life or Widowhood except such specific legacies as may be herein after made.

1. Item I confirm to my son Elias Newman and his heirs the gift that I made him of negroes Reuben & Nell and her increase and I also bequeath to him and his heirs (negro Lad) John.

2. Item. I give and bequeath to my son Thomas Jett Newman and his heirs the land whereon he now lives purchased of Pages estate and containing one hundred and forty one acres more or less together with the negroes of which he is now in possession viz. Ann, Mina, and Wilson.

3. Item. I confirm to my daughter Nancy Jett Newman and her heirs the gift I made her of negro Patt and her children and bequeath to her (stone mason) Jack.

4. Item. It is my will and desire that out of the profits of my Estate there shall be placed in trust in the hands of my son Thomas Jett Newman one hundred and twenty dollars annually for the benefit and support of my daughter Elizabeth Hereford and her children or that as much money be vested in Bank or other stock sufficient to yield an Interest of that amount in either case my son Thomas J. Newman to act as trustee for the special benefit of my said daughter Elizabeth Hereford and her children and this to be considered as her full proportion of my Estate.

5. Item. I confirm to my daughter Mary Spindle & her heirs the gift I made her of negro Isaac, and also give and bequeath to her and her heirs negro Phillis.

6. Item. Having made a Deed of Trust to James Brown of Frederick County of negroes Sally and Stefnee for the benefit of my daughter Sarah Brown and her children I confirm the same for the purpose therein mentioned and also at the death of my wife I give in Trust to my son William Jett Newman negroes Harry, Thornton & Eliza for the special benefit of my said daughter Sarah Brown & children.

7. Item. Upon the death or marriage of my wife I give and bequeath to my son William Jett Newman and his heirs the Tract of Land purchased of John Armistead of Caroline County, decd. containing five hundred acres, more or less together with the land lying on the south side of Catharpen purchased of William Armistead containing from twenty to thirty acres. I also give and bequeath to my son William Jett Newman and his heirs negroes Carpenter Tom and Betty and their children Charles, Charlotte, Jim & George.

8. Item I give and bequeath to my daughters Catharine Newton Newman, Mary Spindle, Peggy Newman and Eleanor Newman and their heirs the residue of my land in Prince William County to be divided equally among them according to quantity and quality I also give them the use of my Dwelling House as their residence as long as they remain unmarried.

9. Item I give and bequeath to my daughter Catharine Newton Newman and her heirs negroes Jack and Milly and their children Maria, Reuben, and Margaret.

10. Item I give and bequeath to my daughter Peggy Newman and her heirs negroes Shoe Maker Tom, Winny, Moses, Penny and her children Esther, Rachel and Betsy.

11. I give and bequeath to my daughter Eleanor Newman and her heirs negroes Ned, Lucy, Peg, and her children Mary, Lewis, Penny & Juliet.

12. Item upon the death or marriage of my wife it is my desire that my Executors hereafter named shall sell all my personal property negroes excepted to meet the monied claims against my estate and if the avails thereof should prove deficient it is then my Will and desire that negro Jess and his wife and children shall be sold to compleat the payment of all just demands against my Estate and whatever balance of money may remain together with the negroes undisposed of to be divided among my children all except Thomas J. Newman and my daughter Elizabeth Hereford. 

Lastly I hereby nominate constitute and appoint my sons Elias Newman, Thomas Jett Newman, William Jett Newman and my brother Richard Newman Executors of this my last Will and testament.  In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this 28th day of December one thousand eight hundred & twenty.

Thos. Newman {seal}

Edmund Newman
E. Brooke Senr.
John Tall
Thomas Brasfield
Daniel Foster
Thos. Fortun

In addition to the Will which I have recently signed and sealed it is my desire to annex thereto my bequests as relates to two tracts of land to which I am entitled in the state of Tennessee viz. one of two thousand five hundred acres and the other of five hundred acres making on the whole three thousand which I bequeath to all my children in equal divisions that is to say Elias Newman, Thomas J. Newman, Nancy Jett Newman, Elizabeth Hereford, Katherine Newton Newman, Mary Spindle, Sarah Brown, William Jett Newman, Peggy Newman & Eleanor Newman all of whom to have an equal interest in the said three thousand acres of Land.

It is also my will and desire that all my sons and sons in law shall be exhonerated from the payment of all and any moneys that I have advanced to them or for them. Given under my hand this 9th day of February 1821.

Thos. Newman

Thomas Fortune
James D. Tennill
Alexr. Tennill

At a Court for Prince William County April the 2nd 1821.

This last will and testament of Thomas Newman decd. was presented to the Court and being proved by the oaths of Thomas Fortune, James D. Tennill and Alexander Tennill is ordered to be recorded and Richard Newman and William Jett Newman two of the Executors therein named made oath to the same according to law and the said Executors having performed what is usual in such cases certificate is granted them for obtaining a probate thereof in due form.

Teste   Phil. D. Dawe  Ct. Cur.

Friend of Friends Friday: John Gibson to Hannah (Emancipation)

Gibson to N. Hannah Deed of Emancipation
PWCo Deed Book Z, pg. 149
Recorded 8 August 1797

Know all men by these Presents, that I John Gibson of the Town of Dumfries and Commonwealth of Virginia having promised when young entire freedom to Hannah a mulatto woman now of the age of nineteen or twenty years, and who has lived with Nancy McFlea from a child and is daughter of a negro woman named Lett and is of good health and of sound memory, I do therefore by these presents give, grant, relinquish and release unto the said Hannah her entire freedom and that she, and what increase she may have be from this date entirely released from all Bondage or Servitude of any kind to me, my heirs, Executors, Administrators or assigns, or to any person or persons whatsoever. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this first day of July Seventeen hundred and Ninety Seven

John Gibson {seal}

Signed & sealed in the presence of  ----

At a Court continued and held for Prince Wm. County the 8th day of August 1797.

This Deed of freedom from John Gibson to Negro Hannah was acknowledged by the sd. Gibson, and ordered to be recorded. 

Teste    John Williams  Cl Cur.

Friend of Friends Friday: Committed to Jail (Ned) (1832)

Richmond Enquirer (Va.)
20 December 1832

NOTICE.

Was committed to the jail of Prince William county, Virginia, on the 8th day of June last, a negro Man (a runaway) by the name of Ned: he is about six feet high, yellow complexion, between forty-five and fifty years of age; he is well known in this neighborhood; he formerly belonged to a Mr. Cooper of this county; about six years back he was sold to a trader, and was taken to the State of Louisiana (as the negro states) and from thence he was taken to Havana, and there set at liberty; he has no papers of emancipation. The owner is requested to come forward with proper authentications, and get his property; otherwise, he will be dealt with according to law.

BASIL BRAWNER, Jailor.

August 24.  31-w3m

Friend of Friends Friday: Commissioner's Sale of Slaves (1849)

Alexandria Gazette (Va.)
16 November 1849

COMMISSIONER'S SALE OF SLAVES

By virtue of a decree of the County Court of Prince William County, pronounced on the 6th day of Nov. 1849, in the case of Dodson and wife, vs. Lewis and others, the undersigned Commissioner therein named, will sell at public auction, at Groveton, in Prince William County, on Saturday, the 24th instant, if fair, if not the next fair day, (Sunday excepted) the Slaves belonging to the estate of Francis M. Lewis, dec'd. consisting of Women, Boys and Girls, upon a credit of nine months; the purchaser to give bond and security; bearing interest from date; the interest to be remitted if the principal s punctually paid.

WILLIAM H. DOGAN, Comm'r.

Prince William County, nov 9 - eots

Will: Sarah Tasker (1846)

Will of Sarah Tasker
PWCo Will Book P, pg. 254

I Sarah Tasker will to George Cornwell my colt and plow & gear and sheep for his servises rendered to me in my sickness; and I also leave my servant Clany free and I do not wish [__] my children to try to enslave her as you know that I never intended that she was to serve anyone one.

Sarah [X her mark] Tasker

Ann E. Grimes
Mary Cornwell
James G. [X his mark] Grimes

In Prince William County Court, April 6, 1846.

This last will and testament of Sarah Tasker deceased, was proved by the oaths of Ann E. Grimes & Mary Cornwell, witnesses thereto, & ordered to be recorded.

Teste.  J. Williams  C.C.