Northampton County (Va.) Free and Enslaved Records, 1737-1860, consist of “Free Negro” Tax records, 1804, 1807, Judgments, 1855-1859, Patrol Records, 1806-1808, Tax and Fiscal Records, 1757, and additional records of various types, 1737-1860.

“Free Negro” Tax Records, 1804, 1807, are comprised of “Free negroes owing levies,” 1804, and a list of “insolvent free negroes,” 1807. The list of “Free negroes owning levies” includes the names of 61 free Black and multiracial individuals. Beside several names, former enslavers or familial relationship are documented. The list of “insolvent free negroes,” includes the names of six or seven emancipated individuals who owed taxes. Former enslavers are listed alongside the names of several individuals. The back of the document directs that the free individuals are “to be sold for Taxer.”

Judgments, 1855-1859, include petitions, in which Hiram H. Griffith, administrator of Robert F. Williams, sought to sell the child of Lucy, a woman enslaved by Williams’ estate and Luther Nottingham, guardian of John Wilkins and Delitha Wilkins, sought to sell George, as well as orders permitting Robert Wilkins, Francis Rolley, John Fox, and John W. Elliott to sell Scylla; Leonard N. Nottingham and George F. Wilkins to sell Smith, who belonged to Maria Joynes, widow of Edward Baptist; John Wilkins, guardian of Rebecca S. Wilkins and George T. Wilkins, to sell Laura (or Lauren); and an order ratifying the sale of Jacob by Azariah Thurston, guardian of William Fitchett, to Elijah Brittingham.

Patrol Records, 1806-1808, include patrol accounts and one patrol appointment. These patrols generally acted as the policing force that monitored the movement of free and enslaved Black and multiracial individuals. The records usually document the names of the individuals on patrol; who authorized their patrol; dates of patrol; the number of hours on patrol; general geographic area patrolled; and compensation awarded.

Tax and Fiscal Records, 1757, include a petition by Arthur Robins, who sought to avoid paying taxes on an enslaved woman “past her labour” and unable to work.

Additional single items relating to the documentation of free and enslaved Black and multiracial individuals in and around Goochland County, Va., include:

An account, 1758, in which James Peterkin claimed that James Anderson, a “free Negroe,” owed him compensation for time run away, as well as time lost, cash paid to John Leatherman “in Bringing you from Accomak,” and for “my personal Expenses [going] after you to Same place.”

A claim, 1737, submitted by Esau Jacob, who asserted that Rhodie, an enslaved girl granted him as part of the distribution of John Jacob’s estate, had been freed because Ann Toyer, her mother, was judged to be free. Jacob sought compensation for the loss of Rhodie. [See also Toyer, Ann: Freedom Suit, 1733, available through the Virginia Untold: The African American Narrative Digital Collection on the Library of Virginia website.]

An order, 1860, certifying Mary Stevens’ heritage and status as a “free person of mixed blood.” Based on proof provided by John Kendall and other white citizens, it was determined that Stevens descended from the Gingaskin Tribe of Virginia Indians and was therefore “not a negro.” The order also includes a sentence instructing that Louisa Rozelle, a “free Negroe,” be hired out.

An order, 1860, restricting the movement of the enslaved and free Black and multiracial communities. It established a curfew that could only be circumvented with “the lawful permission of said owner or hirer” and authorized all magistrates of the county to detain any offenders.

A receipt, 1755, for payment given to Daniel Stephens by Garner Crosely and Thomas Drighouse for “keeping one Negro Boy one year.”

A warrant, 1738, issued in order to detain Riah (also referred to Uriah), enslaved by Gertrude Harmonson, and Secer (also spelled Cesar), enslaved by Josephas Meriah Johnson. Susannah Powell claimed that Riah and Secer wrongfully transported Meriom and her two children, who were enslaved by Powell, into Accomack County and left them in the custody of Isaac Smith.