Fourth Generation Inclusive

Historical Documents of Genealogical Interest to Researchers of North Carolina's Free People of Color
December 25, 2012

This alarm is altogether unfounded.

THE FREE NEGROES. – We understand that some of the free negroes in this community are alarmed for their personal safety.  This alarm is altogether unfounded, for we feel well assured that no free negro who conducts himself properly will suffer any harm.  We would suggest to the free negroes here to do as their brethren did at Newbern – volunteer to work in the cause of the State.  They can be made useful in working upon forts, magazines, arsenals, breastworks, &c. – Register.

Weekly Standard, Raleigh, 1 May 1861.

Leave a comment
December 25, 2012

His father is a free negro, no. 2.

$100 Reward.

RANAWAY from the Subscriber, on Wednesday last, the 14th inst. My negro man, JACK, aged about 36 or 37 years, 5 feet 8 or 9 inches in height, dark complexion, stout built, and a very likely and intelligent fellow – his fore teeth are out, & his others very bad – he generally goes well dressed and has no doubt a considerable sum of money with him.  Jack has a father living as a free man at Mr. Clark’s plantation in Scotland Neck, and he probably may be lurking in that vicinity, or may be turning his course towards Plymouth, as he has heretofore been boating in the Roanoke – or, he may be making his way to the free States.  The above reward will be paid for his apprehension and delivery to me in Edgecombe county, N.C. or if secured in any jail so that I get him again.  All persons are cautioned against harboring or carrying off said fellow under penalty of the law.  GABRIEL PURVIS.  Feb. 16, 1838. 

Tarboro Press, 21 April 1838.

Leave a comment
December 25, 2012

His father is a free negro.

$25 REWARD.

RAN AWAY from the Subscriber, in May Court week last, a bright mulatto boy named JOHN, about 19 or 20 years of age, 5 feet 6 or 7 inches high, thick set and well built – he has a scar under his jaw, (I think the left jaw,) and thick ankles.  He is a shrewd fellow, and will perhaps alter his name and attempt to pass as a free man.  His father is a free negro, named Hardy Lassiter, living on Toisnot.  The above reward will be given for John’s apprehension, if delivered to me in Edgecombe county, or secured in any jail so that I can get him again.  All persons are hereby forbid harboring, employing, carrying off said boy, under the penalty of law.  SAMUEL FARMER.  Nov. 28, 1831.

North-Carolina Free Press, Tarboro, 24 January 1832.

Leave a comment
December 25, 2012

On the criminal docket.

The Fall term of Cumberland Superior Court of Law commenced its Session yesterday, that Hon. John L. Bailey, presiding.  We learn that owing to the number of cases on the State docket, several of which are for capital felonies, an Extra term for the trial of civil cases is ordered to be held on the second Monday in February next.  To-day, the trial of Daniel and James Butler, for the killing of Thomas F. Richardson, in Sept. 1850, will take place – the Grand Jury found a bill against them for manslaughter only. To-morrow and the next day will be probably occupied in the trial of Richard Jackson for the killing of James Barksdale, and Dave Jones, a free mulatto, for a the murder of a white woman in Campbellton in August last.

Fayetteville Observer, 11 November 1851.

Leave a comment
December 25, 2012

They claim to be free.

NOTICE.  TWO MULATTOES, a man and woman, were arrested and committed to jail in this county, on the 6th this month.  They claim to be free, but are believed to be slaves, having no sufficient evidence of their freedom.  The man is 25 or 30 years old, about six feet high and calls himself ANDREW McCALL.  The girl is about 18 or 20 years old, and says that her name is Louisa McCall.  They say that they were kidnapped from their hometown near Norfolk, Va., by Sandy Hogan, a trader from North Carolina, and after travelling in the South about two months, ran away from him.

Any person complaining said slaves, are requested to come and prove property, pay charges and take them away, or they will be dealt with according to law.  B.J. SMITH, Jailor.  Burnsville, Yancy co., Feb. 14, 1843.

Highland Messenger, Asheville, 17 Feb 1843.

2 Comments