Fourth Generation Inclusive

Historical Documents of Genealogical Interest to Researchers of North Carolina's Free People of Color
March 7, 2013

She purchased her daughter that she might give her freedom.

State of North Carolina, Craven County   } September Term

In the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and Ninety six, To the Worshipfull the Justices of the County Court of Common Pleas and Quarter Sessions held in and for the said County September Term A.D. 1796

The petition of Amelia Green of this said County and Town of Newbern humbly sheweth to your Worships, that She now is and for several years past has been a free woman, that She is the mother of a large family of Children all of whom except two daughters have been enabled as the fruits of their own industry and meritorious behaviour to acquire their freedom, Your petitioner further sheweth, that one of those two daughters not yet made free a mulatto of the name of Princess and about the age of Sixteen, was late the property of Isabella Chapman of New Hanover County in s’d State by the will of Ann Shaw, But that your petitioner (being induced thereto by her maternal affection toward her, and a desire to see all her family on the same footing) with much toil and industry, has succeeded to raise a sum of money sufficient to purchase the said Princess her daughter from the said Isabbella Chapman and has there with actually purchased by fair bill of sale which She prays may be taken as part of her petition, the said Princess your Petitioner daughter. Your petitioners sole motive to this expense was that She might give freedom to her said daughter, Your petitioner further begs leave to Inform your Worships that she is now far advanced in life that she feels the infirmities of age growing upon her, and contemplates the awfull event of Death as at no very distant period, an event (which, unless the goodness of your worships prevent) might frustrate the pious intentions of your petitioner toward her daughter and disappoint her of the reward  of her labour. Your petitioner presumes to say with Confidance on behalf of Princess that she is a good Girl, a Good daughter, that, she possesses mild and peacefull disposition and industrious habits, which your petitioner will as is required make appear. Taking the premises therefor under your consideration, Your petitioner prays that your Worships would please to grant her a licence to set free and emancipate her said daughter the said Princess. And your petitioner as in duty bound shall every pray &ca.  Amelia X Green

Signed in presence of Edward Graham.

[Granted.]

Records of Slaves and Free Persons of Color, Craven County Records, North Carolina State Archives.

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March 7, 2013

The runaway’s father is an Indian in Virginia.

Fifty Dollars Reward. RANAWAY from the subscriber, on the 10th inst. without a fault, a Negro Man named DAVE, about 32 years of age, is about 5 feet 7 or 8 inches high, slender made, yellow complexion, down look when spoken to, speaks not very quick when spoken to; has not got good eyes, on account of having wild hairs in them at times. It is probabl Dave will try to pass for a free man; he has travelled a good deal with the wagon in different parts of this state and Virginia, and don’t lack for want of sense. I have been told that he has gone to Virginia; and that his father lives in Meherrin, Va. near Gholson’s Bridge. His father, I have been told, is of Indian descent, and is a free man; his name is said to be Kinchen Tucker; and he will no doubt conceal him, should Dave get there. When he went away he had good clothes, and dressed equal to any serveant; he had a new fur hat on, and forty or fifty dollars in cash, about forty of which was in specie. I purchased him of a Mr Ross Hutcheson, living within six miles of me, a man who raised him. I will give the above reward if taken out of the state, and if taken in the state, twenty-five dollars if put in any jail so that I get ho again. – Should said negro man Dave be taken up information can be given to me by letter, addressed to Hillsborough, or to Pleasant Grove, Orange county, N.C.    JOHN B. VINCENT. August 23.

Raleigh Register and North Carolina Weekly Advertiser, 2 September 1825.

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March 7, 2013

Free-Issue Death Certificates: GREENFIELD.

Budd Greenfield. Died 16 March 1916, Brogden, Wayne County. Age 75. Colored. Single. Common laborer. Born Wayne County to Johnson Greenfield and Harriet Greenfield. Informant, Joe Greenfield.

Joe Ingram Greenfield. Died 22 October 1924, Indian Springs, Wayne County. Colored. Widower. Age 78. Farmer. Born in Wayne County to unknown parents. Informant, Roland Greenfield.

Giles Greenfield. Died 27 August 1927, Indian Springs, Wayne County. Colored. Married to Bitha Greenfield. Farmer. Born April 1850 near Mount Olive to Johnson Greenfield and Hattie Smith Greenfield. Buried Simmons cemetery, Dudley. Informant, John H. Greenfield.

Luther Greenfield. Died 21 April 1934, Indian Springs, Wayne County. Colored. Married to Sarah Greenfield. Age 83. Farmer. Born Wayne County to Johnson Greenfield and Harriet Smith. Informant, B.F. Greenfield.

J.D. Greenfield. Died 17 August 1920, Indian Springs, Wayne County. Colored. Married to Clancy Greenfield. Farmer. Age 68. Born at Indian Springs to Johnson Greenfield and Harriet Smith. Buried Indian Springs. Informant, Miss Lilly Greenfield.

Miss Mary Greenfield. Died 5 January 1932, Indian Springs, Wayne County. Colored. Single. Age 61. Born NC to Johnson Greenfield and Hairrit Smith. Buried Indian Springs. Informant, William Street Greenfield.

George Greenfield. Died 22 August 1929, New Hope, Wayne County. Colored. Widow. Farmer. Age 70. Son of Johnson Greenfield and unknown mother. Buried Pine Level NC. Informant, Willie Mathews.

In the 1850 census of South Side of Neuse River, Wayne County: Jno. Greenfield, 45, hireling, wife Harriet, 30, and children Susan, 12, Bud, 6, Ingram, 2, and Johnston, 4 months. In the 1860 census of Indian Springs, Wayne County: Johnson Greenfield, 52, farmer, wife Harriet, 36, and children Budd, 15, Ingram, 11, Giles, 9, Luther, 6, Dellelo, 4, Mary, 2, George, 2, and Marshal, 4 months.

Bettie Greenfield. Died 18 June 1930, Indian Springs, Wayne County. Age 85. Colored. Widow of Giles Greenfield. Born Wayne County to unknown father and Millie Smith. Buried Simmons cemetery. Informant, Alonzo Greenfield.

Classie Greenfield. Died 16 January 1937, Indian Springs, Wayne County. Age. Colored. Widow of Dello Greenfield. Born in Wayne County to unknown parents. Informant, John Richardson.

In the 1860 census of Buck Swamp, Wayne County: Milly Smith, 45, and children Louisa, 25, Bitha, 15, Frances, 8, Clarissa, 4, Eliza, 5, Isam, 3, and Virginia, 1. 

Pennie Simmons. Died 4 May 1936, South Clinton, Sampson County. Indian. Widow. Age 95. Born in NC to Gray Winn and Sallie Greenfield. Buried in family cemetery. Informant, J.G. Simmons.

Elizabeth Greenfield. Died 12 October 1919, Indian Springs, Wayne County. Colored. Married to J.I. Greenfield. Age 71 years, 9 months, 17 days. Born Wayne County to John Stafford and Annie Brooks. Informant, J.H. Greenfield.

 

 

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March 6, 2013

Chapter 107. Slaves and Free Negroes, section 11.

11. Free negroes to procure like certificates. Penalty for neglect.  Free negroes working in any of said swamps [“the Great Dismal Swamp, or in the swamp which lies between Lees’ mill in the county of Washington, and Pamlico river in the county of Beaufort, or in the swamp which lies between Juniper creek, and the lands of Charles Pettigrew, in the county of Tyrrell”] shall procure from the clerks of the proper counties, a similar description of themselves, certified as above directed, and keep it ready at all times when so engaged to be exhibited. And if any free person of color shall willfully work in any of said swamps without such copy, he shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor; and, on conviction, may be punished at the discretion of the court, by fine, whipping, and imprisonment, or any of them.

The description of the swamps is found in section 10, as are the specifications for the document free colored workers were required to carry: “an exact description of the [person,] specifying the name and residence of the person intending so to employ the [person,] the height, complexion, and every peculiar mark of description … and such written description shall be entered by the clerk of the court of pleas and quarter sessions on the book kept for that purpose.”

Revised Code of North Carolina, 1854.

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March 6, 2013

One of the runaways had a free wife.

TAKEN UP AND COMMITTED TO THE PUBLIC JAIL — of Wilkes County on the 15th inst. three negro men, who say they belong to JOHN SMITH, a refugee, stopping at present at High Point, N.C. viz:

JO, about 30 years of age, weighs 160 lbs., five feet three and a half inches high, teeth good, “black as soot,” says he was raised in Jones County by MERRY JONES; had a free wife name ANNA DONE [DOVE]; is a shoe-maker.

CHARLES, raised in Craven County, owned by MRS. LAVINIA SMITH, of Edgecombe County; knows B.M. SELBY and other citizens of Tarboro’; 40 years of age, weighs 160 lbs., height five feet eight inches; black round face; and professes to be a sort of carpenter.

HENRY, 35 years of age; weighs 150 lbs., five feet eight inches high; yellow black in color; was raised in Virginia by DR. HARRIS, sold to JAS. HARRISON, who sold to JOHN SMITH, the present owner, and says he is a plasterer.

The owner or owners will please come forward, pay charges and take said negroes away, or they will be dealt with as law further directs.  August 24, 1863       ROBT. M. SMITH, Sheriff.

Raleigh Standard, 26 August 1863.

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March 6, 2013

Halifax County Apprentices, 1847-49.

Lucy Harris was bound to Stephen Burrows in August 1847.

In the 1850 census of Halifax County: Lucy Harris, 14, spinster, living alone, but two doors from Stephen Burrows, merchant.

Saphronia Scott, daughter of Mary Scott, was bound to Matthew Weldon in August 1847.

In the 1850 census of Halifax County: Andrew Scott, 19, and Saphrona Scott, 8, in the household of Mathew Weldon, farmer.

Nicholas, son of Lucy Jones, was bound to Arther Pender in August 1847.

Ann Daniel, age 11 on 1 October 1848, “orphan child of Mary Daniel and a bastard,” was bound to Daniel G. Briggs as a housemaid spinster in November 1848.

In the 1850 census of Halifax County: Ann Daniel, 11, born in Halifax County, in the household of Wm. Whitfield, “in keeper,” as was Daniel Briggs and family.

In May 1848, Ann Peters was ordered to come into court at next term to show cause why her children, Jas. Peters, Isham Peters, and two other children whose names were unknown, should not be bound.

In the 1850 census of Halifax County: Ann Peters, 30, and children Menerva, 13, and Lewis, 6.

“Free children of colour” James Gaffin, born 15 December 1830; Mary Gaffin, born 12 December 1832; William Gaffin, born 29th October 1834; Margaret Gaffin, born 28 April 1839; and Elizabeth Gaffin, born 10 September 1845, were bound to F.A. Smith in February 1849.

In the 1850 census of Halifax County: six Gaffin children – Joe, 7, James, 20, Wm., 15, Mary, 17, Margt. 12, and Betsy, 5 – are listed in the household of F.A. Smith, farmer. All are described as white.  Nearby, Betsey Gaffin, 50, and Fanny Gaffin , 28. Betsey is described as mulatto; Fanny, as white. In the 1860 census of Western District, Halifax County: Elizabeth Gaffin, 16, mulatto, farm laborer, remained with the Smiths. Frances Gaffin, 38, seamstress, and Joseph J. Gaffin, 18, farm laborer, were white. (As was the Joseph Gaffin, 19, probably the same boy,who worked as an overseer for Fred McWilliams, farmer.) On the other hand, James Gaffin, 31, farm laborer, his wife Betsey, 27, and son James,1, were described as mulatto.

In February 1849, Henry Pettiford, son of Lovy Pettiford, was ordered into the next court term “to be dealt with or bound out.”

Hezekiah Scott bound to Lazarus Pope, a free man of colour, to be a blacksmith in May 1849.

In the 1850 census of Halifax County: Lasrus Pope, 29, blacksmith, born Northampton County; wife Peggy, 27, born Halifax County; Elizabeth Pope, 8, and Olive Pope, 22, born in Halifax County; and Ezekiah Pope, 5, born in Northampton County.

Thos. Saunders, 15, was bound to Chas. N. Webb as a farmer in May 1849.

Blake Underdue, 13, was bound to John H. Panton in August 1849.

In the 1850 census of Halifax County: Blake Underdue, 12, born Halifax County, in the household of Wm. B. Pope, lawyer.

Thos. Underdue, 14, was bound to Charles Ferrall in August 1849.

In the 1850 census of Halifax County: Tom Underdue, 15, born Edgecombe County, in the household of Rich’d Sells, 28, merchant.

Minutes, Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions, Halifax County Records, North Carolina State Archives.

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March 6, 2013

Don’t credit her.

NOTICE OF SEPARATION

Whereas my wife, ELIZABETH CHAVERS, has deserted my bed and board without any just cause, I hereby forewarn all persons from crediting her on my account, as I am determined to discharge no debt of her contracting.   ISAAC CHAVERS, Granville, Jan. 30, 1811.

Raleigh Minerva, 7 February 1811.

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March 6, 2013

Those of negro blood have been excluded.

We have procured from the homes of these Indian families a few photographs, showing the type of these Croatan Indians today living in Sampson County. It will be readily seen that they are neither white people, negroes or mulattoes. They all have straight black hair, the Indian nose and lips, their skin a light brown hue, mostly high cheek bones, erect in their carriage, steel gray eyes and an intelligent countenance. Where the white blood predominates many of them have beards.

They are the true type of the Croatan Indian and have always resided and lived in this section and known as “free persons of color.” There are a few of these people that have intermarried with mulattoes, but all those of negro blood have been excluded from this sketch and no demands or claims are made in their behalf, as under the law they are properly classed with the negroes.

From George E. Butler, “The Croatan Indians of Sampson County, North Carolina. Their Origin and Racial Status. A Plea for Separate Schools,” (1916).

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March 5, 2013

Runaway bound boy, no. 6.

Twenty-Five Cents Reward.

RAN away from the subscriber on the 12th instant, a negro boy by the name of LEROY BRANDOM, who was bound to me by the court of this county, to serve until he became twenty-one years of age.  Said boy is about eighteen years old, dark complexion, bushy head of hair, large white eyes, and wears a truss.  I forewarn all persons from harbouring said boy under the penalty of the law.  I will give twenty-five cents reward for the delivery of said boy to me in this place, but will not pay any charges or expences.  Said boy had sundry clothing, not any recollected.         John Young. Aug. 20.

Hillsborough Recorder, 29 Aug 1821.

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March 5, 2013

He has a badly executed free pass.

$25 Dollars Reward. Ran Away from the subscriber, living in Wayne county, 12 miles north of Waynesborough, on the 8th of January last, a mulatto man by the name of EPHRAIM, who has since altered it to JOHN ARTIS. He is between 25 and 30 years of age, nearly 6 feet high, and his foreteeth are somewhat defective. He has a free pass, badly executed, and it is suspected that he will endeavor to go to Indiana with some negroes in Guilford county, who are about starting for that State. The above reward will be given for the apprehension and delivery of said fellow to me, or securing him in any jail in that State, so that I get him again.  PETER L. PEACOCK. July 27, 1827.

The State and North Carolina State Gazette, 16 August 1827.

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