Henry County (Va.) Judgments (Freedom Suits), 1773-1831

Location of collection:

Library of Virginia

The Library of Virginia

800 East Broad Street

Richmond, VA 23219

Contact for questions and access:

POC: Archives Reference Services

Email: archdesk@lva.virginia.gov

Phone: (804) 692-3888

Web: www.lva.virginia.gov

Summary

Creator:

Henry County (Va.) Circuit Court

Language:

English

Background

Scope and content:

Henry County (Va.) County Judgments (Freedom Suits), 1773-1831, consist of two freedom suits: Hannah~ alias Hannah Fender or Fendley vs. John Marr and a writ of habeas corpus petition filed by Robert Bird.

Biographical / historical:

Henry County was named for Patrick Henry, who was the first governor of the commonwealth of Virginia. It was formed from Pittsylvania County in 1776. The county court first met on 20 January 1777. Part of Patrick County was added later in 1858. The county seat was previously in Martinsville but has been moved near Collinsville.

Slaves could sue for emancipation if they were descendant(s) of a free female ancestor, typically a Native American (Hening Statutes, volume 2, p.170.)

Acquisition information:

These items came to the Library of Virginia in a transfer of court papers from Henry County.

Physical description:

.15 cu. ft.

Indexed terms

Subjects:

African Americans -- History -- Virginia -- Henry County.
Slaveholders -- Virginia -- Henry County.
Slavery -- Virginia -- Henry County.
Civil actions -- Virginia -- Henry County.
Freedom suits -- Virginia -- Henry County.
Judicial records -- Virginia -- Henry County.
Local government records -- Virginia -- Henry County.