Goochland County (Va.) Oyer and Terminer Commissions, 1745-1779

Access and use

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
Phone: (804) 692-3888
Restrictions:

There are no restrictions.

Terms of access:

There are no restrictions.

Preferred citation:

Goochland County (Va.) Oyer and Terminer Commissions, 1745-1779. Local government records collection, Goochland County Court Records. The Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia 23219.

Summary

Creator:
Goochland County (Va.) Circuit Court.
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

Goochland County (Va.) Oyer and Terminer Commissions, 1745-1779. Local government records collection, Goochland County Court Records. The Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia 23219.

Background

Scope and content:

Goochland County (Va.) Oyer and Terminer Commissions, 1745-1779, records the appointment of individuals to a court of oyer and terminer whose purpose was to try slaves accused of committing capital offenses. Information found in the commissions include the names of individuals appointed to the court, names of slaves to be tried, names of slaveowners, crimes committed by slaves, and trial dates.

Biographical / historical:

Goochland County was named for Sir William Gooch, lieutenant governor of Virginia from 1727 to 1749. It was formed from Henrico County in 1728. The county seat is Goochland.

In 1723 and 1748, the General Assembly passed acts directing the trial of slaves accused of committing capital crimes and for the more effectual punishing of conspiracies and insurrections.

Acquisition information:
These items came to the Library of Virginia in a shipment of court records from Goochland County.
Physical location:
Library of Virginia
Physical description:
.45 cu.ft.