Friend of Friends Friday: Slaves of Charles Brown

Charles Brown of Franklin, Williamson County, Tennessee died about 1816. On 28 November 1817, his widow Michal (Owings) Brown purchased two of his slaves: a man named Jack and a child named Thomas Reynolds.

Estate sale account, Charles Brown, January 1818. Williamson County, Tennessee. Divorce, Probate, and Other Records, 1800-1899. Ancestry.com. Tennessee, Divorce and Other Records, 1800-1965 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2007. Original data: Tennessee.County records. Nashville,Tennessee: Tennessee State Library and Archives. Microfilm roll numbers 99 to 108, 115, 336 to 337, 428 to 431, 519, A-4098, A-5278, B-1 to B-9, B-44 to B-127, B-314, B-441 to B-445, B-471 to B-473, B-1607 to B-1613,and B-1781 to B-1789.

In 1820, Michal Brown owned four slaves: one male under 14, one male 26-44, one female under 14, and one female 14-25.

1820 United States census, Franklin, Williamson County, population schedule. NARA Roll 33_125,Image 135. Ancestry.com. 1820 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010.

Friend of Friends Friday: Runaway Slaves of William and John Sutton

Kentucky Gazette, 1 August 1799, page 6. Kentucky Digital Library.

Twenty Dollars Reward.

RAN AWAY from the subscribers, on the night of the 4th of July, 1799, a Negro man, about 24 years old, 5 feet 8 or 9 inches high, by the name of PHILL, perhaps he may try to pass by the name of PHILL BURLEY, yellowish complexion, thick lips, spreads his mouth when he laughs, has a bad scar on his left little finger, occasioned by a reap-hook ; took with him a mixed cassimer coat, with a split on the left shoulder, narrow backs, with the pockets inside, a pair of mixt overalls of country cloth, white shirt, and marseilles vest. Also a mulatto man nearly the same age, rather smaller, and nearly the same height––hath a peace out of the left side of his nose, one of his fore teeth out, took with him divers cloths unknown––his name MAJOR, once passed by the name of JAMES, sometimes by the name of PETER ROBINSON : if tightly examined will reply, why do you think so ? Or, what makes you think so? If the above negroes are taken and confined in any jail, so that the subscribers get them again, the apprehender shall receive ten dollars, and if brought home shall receive the full reward with reasonable charges.
                                                   William Sutton
                                                   John Sutton jr.

Friend of Friends Friday: Slaves of James Neely, Williamson County, Tennessee

Western Weekly Review (Franklin, TN), 6 August 1852, page 2

NOTICE.

–––––

Seven Likely Negroes For Sale.

ON TUESDAY, the 17th of August, I will sell as Agent for the heirs of James Neely dec,d on the premises of James A. Neely, seven miles South East of Franklin, the following Slaves, to wit:––Mariah, aged 40 years; Grandison, aged 32; Sam, 15; Mariah, 12; Sylla, 10; Louisa, 8; and Emily, 4.
   Terms:––Note payable in Bank 1st day of January 1853, with two good endorsers.
                                                                    THOS. W. BLAIR, Agent.
      August 6, 1852––2t

Friend of Friends Friday: James J. Sayers Sells Slave Daniel to Robert Caruthers

Williamson County Deed Book Q, page 489. Williamson County Archives, Franklin, Tennessee.

Robert Caruthers bill of sale for slave Daniel
executed by James J Sayers
registered 31st January 1842.

I James J. Sayers have this day bargained and sold and do hereby convey unto Robert Caruthers for four hundred and sixty dollars to me in hand paid a man slave named Daniel about twelve years of age I warrant the said slave to be sound, sensible, healthy and a slave for life, I also warrant the said slave to the said Robert Caruthers his heirs and assigns against the lawful claims of all persons, witness my hand and seal this 28th day of January 1842.
     Test                                                          James J Sayers      (seal)
               Jno B McEuen
               Freman W Jordan

State of Tennessee )
Williamson County  )

Personally appeared before me Samuel B McConnico Clerk of the County Court of Williamson County James J Sayers the foregoing bargainer with whom I am personally acquainted and who acknowledged that he executed the foregoing bill of sale for the purposes therein contained, witness my hand at office this 28th day of January Ad 1842.
                                                                    Samuel B McConnico

This bill of sale was received for registration 28th January 3 H. 30 M. P. M. 1842.

Friend of Friends Friday: Jacob and Billy, Runaway Slaves of John Nichols

Nashville Whig, 31 October 1825, page 1

$100 REWARD.

RANAWAY from the subscriber, living five miles south of Nashville, on the 11th September, a negro man named JACOB, about forty-five years old ; had on when he left home, a white wool hat, mixed coat and mixedcasinet pantaloons ; he also took with him a white roundabout and white pantaloons; he is a carpenter by trade, answers quick when spoken to, has a scar on his forehead produced by a cut, is about five feet eight or ten inches high, is a fellow of great assurance.
   Also. on the second April last, run off from the above place, a yellow negro man named BILLY ; he is about forty years old, five feet six inches high, stout made, bow legged, has strait black hair, his countenance resembling that of an Indian ; by close inspection one or both of his ears will be discovered to have been scarified ; he is fond of smoking his pipe, and fond of spirits. From his complexion he may attempt to pass himself for an Indian, Spaniard or free man.
  I will give the above reward of one hundred dollars if they both are confined in any jail out of the state and information given me, or fifty dollars for either ; or twenty-five dollars for each of them, if taken and confined in any jail in this state so that I get them.
  Sept. 17.––tf                                                      JOHN NICHOLS.

Friend of Friends Friday: Abraham, Runaway Slave of Geo. Malone

Nashville Whig, 31 October 1825, page 1

$30 REWARD.

RANAWAY from the subscriber on the 22d July last, living in Giles county, in the state of Tennessee, 12 miles north of Pulaski, a negro man named ABRAHAM, aged about 30 years, five feet 3 or 4 inches high, with one stiff ancle, clothed in homespun when he went off. Any person apprehending the above described negro and confining him in jail so that I may get him, shall receive the above reward, if said negro is apprehended in any free state, or one adjoining a free state, or $20 if found in this state.
      ept. 17––––tf                                          GEO MALONE.

Friend of Friends Friday: Daniel, Runaway Slave of Robert Lankford

Nashville Republican, 4 July 1835, page 3

20 Dollars Reward.

RANAWAY from the subscriber, on the morning of the 26th inst. a negro boy : named DANIEL about 16 or 17 years old, very black skin, and dirty or slovenly in his appearance : he is well made, of common size, and tolerably smart. Said boy ranaway about 2 years ago, and was taken up and confined in Bellefonte jail, and had assumed another name. He will all probability change his name again and endeavor to make for some free State, or for some other distant point. If apprehended in this county and delivered to me, I will give five dollars reward, or ten dollars if taken out of the State and secured in jail, so that I get him. Any person taking up or hearing of said boy, will please address me, at Huntsville, Ala: and they shall be fully satisfied for any trouble or expense they may be at, besides the reward above offered.
                                                  ROBERT LANKFORD.
  Madison County, Ala; July 4th––3t. prs fee $3

Friend of Friends Friday: Runaway Slave of Mark Edwards, Petersburg, Virginia

Virginia Gazette,4 July 1777, page 8

                                                                   PETERSBURG, June 8, 1777
RUN away from the Subscriber, the 25th of May, a Negro Fellow named POMPEY, about 5 feet 4 Inches high, he is very tender footed, about 40 Years of Age, the Corner of his right Eye Lash is off; he had on when he went away an Osnabrug Shirt and Breeches. The above Slave was bought of Julius Allen about 5 months ago Whoever will bring the said Negro to me in Pocahantas shall receive Twenty Shillings Reward, besides what the Law allows.
             #                                                            MARK EDWARDS.

Friend of Friends Friday: Aron, Slave of Herbert G. Waggener

Nashville Whig, 4 July 1818, page 4

$20 REWARD.

RANAWAY or stolen, from the subscriber on the 15th of this month, a negro boy and horse ; the boy is about 17 years old, tolerably well grown, named ARON, his mouth is tolerable large, midling sizeable upper fore teeth, flat nose, long nostrils, his complexion a little yellowish, he had nothing on but a tow linen shirt, when last seen. The horse is a yellow bay, little inclined to be white round his mouth and belly, his mane hangs on the left side, his fore feet broad, & s[?] across the toe, and bare footed, he had on a snaffled bit bridle, the leathers a good deal worn. Any person taking up said boy and horse and delivering tho me shall be entitled to a reward of $20 if taken within this state, and if out of the state $30, for boy and horse, and $20 more for convicting and confining the thief, and giving me notice, or in proportion for either, &c.
                                                        HERBERT G. WAGGENER
Columbia, Adair Co., Ky. June 27, 1818-3t

Herbert G. Waggener was a Baptist preacher. The Herbert Green Waggener Timeline provides more information on him and his slaves.

Friend of Friends Friday: Runaway Slaves of Gaius Kibbe, Belleview, Tennessee

Nashville Republican, 4 July 1835, page 1

$100 REWARD.

RUNAWAY from Belleview Mouth of Blue Water, about the 1st of March last two negro men, JOHN and JESSY. John is twenty three or twenty-four years of age; five feet 10 or 11 inches high; complexion yellowish, when spoken to, is rather bold. Jesse is between forty and fifty years old; about six feet high, complexion very black; his forehead is very small, slopes back, and is bald. He speaks slowly, but very correctly. These Negroes were purchased of a Mr Farr formerly of Missouri. If they are not still lurking in the neighborhood, they are probably attempting to get to Illinois.
I will give $25 each for their apprehension within this State, so that I can get them, or $50 for each if apprehended out of this State, and secured in any jail to enable me to get them again. Any information as to these Runaways, may be sent to Messrs. J. R. & S. S. Henry, Belleview, or to me at Mobile, Ala.
                                                                      GAIUS KIBBE
    Belleview, June 23––3t cp                   Print. fee $3 00

Friend of Friends Friday: Saundy, Slave of Andrew Estave

Virginia Gazette, 6  July 1776, page 7

RUN  away from the Vineyard, a little below Williamsburg, a negro man named SAUNDY, 5 feet 6 Inches high, about 27 Years old, knock kneed ; had on, when he went away, a dark red Newmarket Coat. I have been informed he is lurking about Williamsburg. Whoever brings him to me shall have 15s. reward, besides what the law allows.
                                                                               tt       ANDREW ESTAVE. 

Friend of Friends Friday: Runaway Slaves of Caleb Eubank

Nashville Whig and Tennessee Advertiser, 14 August 1819, page 1 

75 Dollars Reward.

RANAWAY from the subscriber, in Limestone County, Alabama Territory, July 16, 1819, three Negro Men, to wit :

SAM,

about 31 years of age, yellow, about 5 feet 8 or 9 inches high, his fore finger crooked, had on when he went away, a black furhat, a black broad-cloth coat, white pantaloons and red striped vest.

DENNIS,

yellow, about 5 feet 4 or 5 inches high, had on a large white hat, blue stockingnet pantaloons, linnen shirt, his age 25 years

JAMES,

about 26 years old, 4 feet 4 or 5 inches high, black, slender made ; had on a black leather hat, nankeen coat, the rest of his cloths not recollected. Any person taking up said negroes and confining them in jail, so that the owner can get them, shall receive the above reward and all reasonable expenses paid, or either of them in proportion. Any person seeing such negroes advertised in any newspaper, and will inform me at Huntsville, Madison County, Alabama Territory, or Columbia County, C. H. Georgia ; at both would be best, shall receive twenty-five dollars extra.
                                                                            Caleb Eubank.
   July 27––––51––––3m*

Friend of Friends Friday: Former Slave Mrs. M. A. Smith (Syntha Dickerson) Seeks Relatives

Nashville Tennessean, 9 January 1935, page 14

Former Slave Seeks 

Postmaster's Help in 

Hunt for Relatives

______

    Days of the Old South when there were masters and slaves and when masters often sold their black property "down the river" sound an echo from the pages of a letter recently received from the Nashville postmaster.
   The letter came from an old negro woman living in St. Louis, Mo. Now she is Mrs. M. A. Smith. But years and years ago, she was a pickaninny, the property of one Robert Gibson, a horse salesman of Nashville.
    "I was sold in slave days. My name was Syntha Dickerson. My master was named Robert Gibson," the letter opened. In such brief and simple sentences, the letter told that the slave child, Syntha, was taken to New Orleans and sold.
   But the letter tells between its lines far more than is expressed in its simple sentences. The writer must be about 80 years of age by now––one of a comparatively few survivors of an innumerable number of slaves who stood on the mast in New Orleans for sale to the highest bidder.
  When she was just a child she was taken to New Orleans from Nashville. In all probability the trip was made by river. There she was sold to another "master" and never again saw the mother, father, brother, and sisters or the "white folks" back in Tennessee.
   "I have never seen or heard from eny of my people since," is the way in which the old woman voices her lifetime of separation from everything in her childhood. "My children wants to see some of my people," she writes.
   Nearing the end of her life that began in slavery, this old woman has turned her thoughts backward to the days of her carefree, happy childhood in Nashville and wants to locate any surviving members of her own family and those of her "master."
   To her they are still "my people" regardless of a Civil war that swept a master's ties on his slaves and gave them a life of her own. She has written the Nashville postmaster in the hope that in this way she can establish those long-lost contacts.
   Any one having the information desired by Mrs. Smith is asked to communicate with Postmaster William Gupton.
   Following is the letter, containing between its lines a more vivid and moving story than the old ex-slave expresses in words:
    "St. Louis, Mo., 4580-A Garfield avenue. January 3––1935. To the postmaster of Nashville, Tenn. An inquirie of my people.
"I was sold in slave days. My name was Syntha Dickerson. My master was named Robert Gibson. He had a little girl that I stayed at the house with until she was old enough to go to school. She learned her letters well enough to go and she would not go without me and she would not go in her class without me so her father took me down to New Orleans and sold me. I have never seen or heard from eny of my people since. My father was named Harry Dickerson. My mother's name Sopha, a sister name Mary, one Harriet one bro name Alferd
   "Now postmaster please let me know if you can find any of the white children of Robert Gibson and any of my people as my children wants to see some of my people
   "Now I shall waite your ans Mrs. M. A. Smith."

Friend of Friends Friday: Jim, Slave of Joseph Crispin

Newbern Gazette, 1 December 1798, page 2

 RAN away from the subscriber on the 25th September last, a negro fellow named JIM, about twenty or twenty-one years of age, five feet six or seven inches high, black smooth skin, round face, and a pleasing countenance, something bow legged, and well set, he has remarkable long feet, with considerable long great toes : had om when he went away, an old blue jacket lined with green baize, a pair of tgrowsers and shirt of brown linnen ; he was formerly the property of Thomas Spight, deceased.
  A reward of TWELVE DOLLARS will be given to any person, if said fellow is taken up within the county and brought to the subscriber in Newbern ; and if taken up out of the county, Twenty Dollars will be given, and all reasonable charges paid. JOSEPH CRISPIN.
   November 3.
 N.B. All masters of vessels are forwarned from carrying him away, and all persons from harbouring or employing said fellow, under the penalty of the law.

Friend of Friends Friday: Scrub, Runaway Slave of Richard Benneham of Orange County, North Carolina

North Carolina Gazette or Impartial Intelligencer, 29 July 1784, page 6

Thirty Dollars Reward. 

Ran-away from the subscriber, the 15th day of May last,

A Likely Negro Fellow, named SCRUB, about twenty-five years old, well made, a good countenance, has scarcely any beard, rather of a black complexion, very flexible, strong and active ; he is a pretty good groom, having taken care of a stud horse for several years past : He carried with him a good deal of cloathing, mostly home-spun, and I believe about fifteen or twenty pounds hard money. I have owned him for 13 years past, and always found him remarkable honest and of good behavior ; he is a tolerable good gardner and waggoner, and will probably endeavor to be employed as the latter, or as a hostler : I expect he will attempt to go to Norfolk (where he was raised), and pass as a free man by the name of Charles Thompson, or Charles Fry; and as he has great notions of freedom it is very probable he will try to make his escape by sea. All persons are cautioned from taking him out of the country. The above reward will be given and reasonable expences to any person who will bring him to me, or fifteen dollars to have him secured in any goal in this state or Virginia, so that I get him again.
                                                                   RICHARD BENNEHAM.
  Orange County, August, 1784.

Friend of Friends Friday: Tom, Runaway Slave

Newbern Gazette, 1 December 1798, page 2

RAN away, on the 28th ult. a negro fellow named TOM, about twenty eight years of age, five feet, eight or ten inches high, has lost his eye teeth.
    He was bought of Mr. Thomas Satterfield, of Edenton, and has a sister in Windsor : he is well known in both those places.
    TWENTY DOLLARS reward will be paid on delivery of him to me, or TEN DOLLARS for securing him, so that I get him again.
                                                      SHADRAC COLLINS.
     August 11.
     N. B. Masters of vessels are forwarned from carrying him away, and all persons from harbouring, or carrying him away, under the penalty of the law.

Friend of Friends Friday: Tony, Slave of William Powell

North Carolina Magazine or Universal Intelligencer, 6 July - 13 July 1764, page 48

             FIVE POUNDS Reward,
RAN away from the Subscriber, about the first of February, a Mulatto or Mustee Slave, called Tony, about 24 Years of Age, with long stiff black hair, and greatly the Looks and Colour of an Indian : He is about 5 feet 9 Inches high, and strong limbed, and is used to work at the Carpenters Trade : Had on when he went away, a homespun Jacket, and old Coat girt round him with a broad buff Belt, and a large Brass Buckle. Whoever brings the said Slave to the Subscriber in Newbern, or procures him so as to be recovered, shall receive Five Pounds Reward, and all reasonable charges.
                                                                                      William Powell.

Friend of Friends Friday: Joe, Slave of Abner Neale

North Carolina Gazette or Impartial Intelligencer, 29 July 1784, page 2

TWENNTY POUNDS
REWARD.

RAN-AWAY, from the subscriber, in Newbern, on the night of the 6th inst a Negro Fellow by the name of Joe, about 5 feet 10 inches high, has lost some of his fore teeth, is very talkative, has been bred a house servant in the West-Indies; and is remarkably complaisant, had on when he went away an oznaburghs shirt and trowsers, a blue sailor's jacket with white lining, tho' carried away other surts of cloaths.
   The REWARD of TWENTY POUNDS, will be given for the above Negro, if secured in any goal so that the owner may get him. He is supposed to be gone to South Carolina, in company with a Negro fellow, of Mr SILAS STEVENSON, who ran away likewise, and has been seen about thirty miles from this place, on the upper road to Wilmington.
   All Masters of vessels, are hereby de[ ]red not to carry any such fellow out of the Country.
                                           ABNER NEALE
                     Newbern, July 15, 1784.

Friend of Friends Friday: Runaway Hatch Slaves, Jones County, North Carolina

Newbern Gazette, 25 August 1798, page 3

RUN away from the subscriber, on the first day of this instant, two negro men ; they both speak French and broken English––one is called GRUDGE, has a remarkable wide foot across his toes––is about fifty years of age ; the other is called PRINCE, about twenty-five or thirty years of age, branded on his cheek, E. H. It is expected they will endeavour to return to the West Indies : all masters of vessels are forwarned from carrying away the said negroes, at their peril.
    A reward of TWENTY DOLLARS, if taken in Jones county, or if taken in any other county, THIRTY DOLLARS for the two, to be delivered to the subscribers, or secured in any gaol, so that they get them, or the one half for either of them, to be delivered to them in Jones county.
                                                                      JOSEPH HATCH.
                                                                      EDMUND HATCH.
    Jones county, August 4, 1798.

Friend of Friends Friday: Joe, Slave of James Wynn, Deceased

North Carolina Magazine or Universal Intelligencer, 6 July-13 July 1764, page 48

RAN away from my Saw Mill on Slocomb's Creek, a Negro Fellow named Joe, belonging to the Estate of James Wynn, deceased. He is a well sett Fellow, aged about 45, and has a very ill Look. 'Tis supposed he is harboured at Core Sound, where he is well known. Any Person that shall be found to harbour or entertain him, will be prosecuted with Rigour.

                                                                                   James Davis