Because they were like all other Indians.
by Lisa Y. Henderson
State of North Carolina, Edgecomb County }
In obedience of and order of Court to me Directed to take the Depossition of ann Bridgers in a suit Defending Between Beck plaintiff and Alexander Sessums Defendant the Said Ann Bridgers Deposeth and Sayeth —
I no that the Indian woman that was Called [by] Cristopher Guin I believe was a Indian.
Question 1: What Resons had you to Belive they ware Indians
Answer: because they were Like all Other Indians I ever see hir name was Jenney the Mother of Beck
Question 2: had you any other Reasons to believe they was Indians only by her Looks
Answer: no i had not But her Looks was Sufficient
Question 3: had she Long hair
Answer: yes
Question 4: was she a slave as long as you new her
Answer: yes
Question 5: Did Mr Guin Call them Indians or Slaves
Answer: he Called them his Indians
Question 6: Did you know whether Guing Ever said his wench Jene was Intitled to freedom or not
Answer: No
April 26 Day 1793 Jno. Batts JP
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Becke, a Woman of Colour vs. Alexander Sessums } Citation
The Court has heard & answered the Testimony produced by the plaintiff to Support her claim to her freedom and are of opinion that She is well entitled thereto from the Testimony but not concerning that her case comes up to the Act of Assembly such cases made and provided do therefore determine that they cannot interpose to grant her the relief held out by the said Act and can take nothing by her motion as it now Stands.
Ann Bridgers gave evidence in a suit filed by Beck to obtain her freedom. Apparently, she did not win it. These documents are found among unrelated documents in Slave Records, Edgecombe County Miscellaneous Records, North Carolina State Archives.
Fourth Generation Inclusive 
Hello and thank you for posting this. Alexander Sessums is my ancestor.
From the will of Alexander Sessums’ great-great-grandfather Nicholas Sessoms, 1716, Surry Co. VA: “to granddaughter Hannah Black, doz. spoons, trunk, household goods, an Indian girl, etc.” Perhaps this unnamed girl was Beck’s ancestor.
The 1785 Edgecombe Co. NC will of Henry Hart, husband of Priscilla Sessums Hart (Alexander Sessums’ aunt) mentions “Negroes Poll and Beck.”
I couldn’t find Jenney in any of the Sessums wills under any spelling I could think of. If I eventually find more about Beck or Jenney I’ll let you know.
My Sessums information came from “Sally’s Family Place” here: http://www.sallysfamilyplace.com/Neighbors/sessomrich.htm#Alexander Sessums 1770 – 1834
and here: http://www.sallysfamilyplace.com/Neighbors/sessoms1st.htm
Earlier today, I came across a runaway slave advertisement placed by Alexander Sessoms’ son Blake, regarding a man named Altimore, curiously described as “of rather a down look and smiling countenance.” I was looking for the rest of his story when I found your site. No luck finding more about Altimore. I hope his story had a happier ending than Beck’s.
Amy, thanks so much for commenting and for sharing those possible clues to Beck’s early life. Thanks also for your willingness to pass along anything you may find about her. I’ll do the same!
Lisa H.