Race and Slavery Petitions About Liaisons Between Black-Categorized Men and White-Categorized Women In The South In The 19th Century

This is a blog post about Race and Slavery petitions about liasons between Black-categorized men and White-categorized women in the South in the 19th Century.

I purchased a kindle book version of White Women, Black Men: by Martha Hodes. It shows how relationships across the color line in the nineteenth‑century South were far more complex than the rigid racial ideology that tried to contain them. Hodes reconstructs the emotional, legal, and social realities of these encounters, revealing a spectrum of affection, coercion, secrecy, and punishment that exposes the contradictions at the heart of racial hierarchy.

https://www.amazon.com/White-Women-Black-Men-Nineteenth-century-ebook/dp/B00LFNCRHK?ref_=ast_author_dp&th=1&psc=1

I looked up Lewis Bourne and Dorothea who were discussed as a case study in Martha Hodes' book. I found Lewis' divorce petition in the Race and Slavery petitions site. It described that Doratha began to live in open adultery with a neighbor's slave five years after Lewis married her in 1811 and bore him two "mulatto" children and that Dorothea and her lover continued to live together. Lewis claimed that he had never treated his wife badly, and he permitted her to live in a house on his land.

After I read the petition, I was searching for more petitions. I was amazed by what I was reading. I read about some land/slave-owning white-categorized single women had liaisons and children with slaves. I never thought the possibility that white-cateogorized wives were committing adultery with black-categorized men with danger of getting pregnant and bearing the evidence of that liaison. I didn't think about white-categorized men getting impregnated by enslaved men and then go on to get married only to be exposed by giving birth to a mixed-"race" baby. All that was really happening.

North Carolina had the most petitions at 41. I discovered that the first petition filed in North Carolina by a white-categorized man against his white-categorized for a liason with a black-categorized man was filed by my 7th Great Granduncle Christian Limbaugh (brother of my 7th Great Granduncle George Frederick Limbaugh Jr) who was related to me on my European American maternal grandmother's side. That petition filed in 1805 against his wife Catherina Hess. She was delivered of one or more "mulatto" children.

There were petitions about white-categorized women leaving their husband to be with black-categorized men, and one included 24 years of marriage with 5 children. There were petitions about white-categorized men returning home from fighting in wars to find out that their white-categorized wives had affairs with black-categorized men leading to children being born. There were petitions about white-categorized women having committed adultery with their husband's slaves.

There are six petitions filed by enslaved offspring of black-categorized men and white-categorized women.

One was filed in 1827 in Kentucky by a woman who was born in Virginia. When young, she was taken from her mother and sold as a slave in Kentucky.

One was filed in 1845 in Kentucky by an eight-year-old girl. She was turned over to her half maternal uncle who made her a slave and sold her.

One was filed in 1847 in Kentucky by a woman who was fraudulently sold as a slave by two men.

One was filed in 1852 in Kentucky by a fifteen-year old boy. He was taken away from his mother as an infant and made a slave. His father was a slave.

One was filed in 1853 in Tennessee by a thirty-two year old woman. She was born in North Carolina. Her maternal grandfather relocated the family to Virginia when she was five years old. Seven years later, her mother died. Her grandfather claimed her as a slave and sold her.

One was filed in 1855 by a woman who has been a slave for twenty years. Her mother gave her away when she was a baby to avoid infamy.

After reading all these petitions, I wondered what went on in my own family tree on my Afro-Louisianian father's side. All of my paternal 3rd great grandparents were enslaved African Americans in Southern Louisiana except for my only European American paternal 3rd great grandparent who was a son of Orange Grove Plantation (in Lafourche Parish) owner Benjamin Cross who was an Anglo-American born in Gates County, Carolina and Anastasia Bourgeois who was 3/4 Acadian born in Plattenville, Assumpish Parish, Louisiana. There are two enslaved 3rd great grandparents still unidentified. Besides Benjamin and Anastasia, I know the identities of only four other paternal 4th great grandparents.

My Afro-Louisianian father's side has a family history of "racial" boundaries being crossed between black categorized men and white-categorized women. Through looking at European American paternal DNA relatives matches that match me on a chromosome location that 23andme shows as Southeastern African (with a very short Filipino/Austronesian) on my paternal Chromosome 9, I learned that my father was a descendant of John Turner and Patience Smith. John was the son of English American plantation owner Thomas Weatherbee and an enslaved African American woman. Patience was daughter of a European American woman named Rachael that had Irish of ancestry and a Smith man that was the son of an African American man and a European American woman. Patience purchased John's freedom for 60 pounds from his father in Halifax County, North Carolina in 1769. They were already married with three sons at the time. John and Patience relocated to Marion County, South Carolina where they became landowners/farmers with an addition of three or four daughters. John and Patience's children had European American spouses with the exception of one of their daughters. All three of their sons had European American wives. These married couples were breaking the anti-miscegenation laws in South Carolina. John and Patience's grandsons Martin Turner and James Turner enlisted in the Army along with their longtime neighbor/friend Peter Caulder (a book was written about him that included information on Turner family) in 1814 and spent a little over a year in Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana which has been the home of the Cane River Creoles. Through looking at army enlistment records while searching Turners born in Marion County, South Carolina at ancesty.com, I learned that John and Patience's grandson John Turner enlisted in the army in 1814 and served under an officer that later became a plantation/slave owner in East Feliciana Parish, Louisiana. One of my enslaved African American paternal 3rd great grandparents in Southern Louisiana descended from the Turner family.

I went through all 706 divorce petitions, 452 adultery petitions, 440 interracial relationships petitions

69 petitions filed by white-categorized men against their white-categorized wives accusing them of liaisons with men that have African ancestry

North Carolina - 40, Virginia - 19, Tennessee - 5, Alabama - 2, South Carolina - 1, Kentucky - 1, Missouri - 1, Louisiana - 1

All petititions are copied and pasted followed by links.

the same for all six petitions filed by enslaved offspring of black-categorized men and white-categorized women

North Carolina - 41

Petition #11280515

Rowan County, North Carolina. filing started December 3, 1805.

Court: Legislative

Salutation: Gentlemen of the Senate & of the House of Representatives

Abstract

Christian Limbaugh seeks a divorce from his wife, the former Catharina Hess. He asserts that Catharina, whom he left in 1799, had an "ungovernable temper" and her "immoral & indecent turn of mind led her to be connected with other men." Citing his short marriage as "a state of the most poignant misery," Limbaugh reveals that his wife was later "delivered of one or more mulatto children." He further avers that, in 1804, "at March term of the Salisbury Supr court, the said Catharina was convicted of having barbarously murdered her infant child, which was generally believed in the neighbourhood to have been a mulatto"; the governor, however, pardoned her as she stood "under the gallows." Limbaugh therefore "submits his unhappy situation to be acted upon as you in your wisdom may think fit, firmly believing that a bill of divorce will be passed in his favour."

Result: Rejected.

https://dlas.uncg.edu/petitions/petition/11280515/

Petition #11280902

Ashe County, North Carolina. filing started November 27, 1809.

Court: Legislative

Salutation: To the Honorable the General Assembly of the State of North Carolina Now in Session

Abstract

Alexander Smith seeks a divorce from his wife Sarah Dickson Smith. He states that he married Sarah in 1784 and that they lived together for many years "in domestic peace and pleasure," raising a family of five girls. Smith confides, however, that Sarah "became base in her conduct" and in 1808 "she went off with a Mullatoe man nearly as Black as an Negro and has lived without the Bounds of this State with said man of mixt collur ever since." The petitioner prays that he be divorced from his wife Sarah and that she be forever prevented “in Law or in Equity to Claim any right Title or interest to any part of your Petitioner's Estate or property real or personal."

Result: Granted.

https://dlas.uncg.edu/petitions/petition/11280902/

Petition #11281010

Wake County, North Carolina. filing started December 11, 1810.

Court: Legislative

Salutation: To the Honorable The General assembly of North Carolina

Abstract

Young Utley seeks a divorce from his wife Mary Woodward Utley, whom he married "about three years ago." Utley reveals that "some time after intermarriage the said Mary was delivered of a black child." He further reports that she is currently living in Tennessee where "she cohabits with a man of Colour, (the supposed author of her shame) in the character of a wife." At twenty-five, Utley considers himself to have "sustained an upright character" but he "is now oppressed with a burthen which none but a sufferer can feel." The petitioner therefore prays that "your Honorable body will pass a law divorcing him from his said wife."

Result: House, senate: read, referred.

https://dlas.uncg.edu/petitions/petition/11281010/

Petition #11281303

Gates County, North Carolina. filing started December 13, 1813.

Court: Legislative

Salutation: To the Honorable the General Assembly Now in Session

Abstract

James Hoffler admits that his "Situation in Life is disagreeable." He reveals that he married his wife Deborah Duttons in September 1802 and that three months later she "deserted my bed and board without Cause on the part of your petitioner." Hoffler reports that his wife give birth to a child while at her father's house and then she "did take up with a man by the name of John Lowance, a person of Collow, by whom she the said Deborah had a child"; Lowance left her and Deborah moved to Charleston, South Carolina. He further discloses that the legislature favored him a few years ago "by passing a Law divesting her the Said Deborah of all right of Dower in my property." Hoffler now prays that a law be passed "Divorcing him ... from the said Deborah."

Result: Rejected.

Number of petition pages: 4

Related documents: List of Subscribers, [1813]

Pages of related documents: 0

https://dlas.uncg.edu/petitions/petition/11281303/

Petition #11281304

Wake County, North Carolina. filing started December 13, 1813.

Court: Legislative

Salutation: To the Honorable the General Assembly of the State of North Carolina

Abstract

Joseph Hancock seeks a divorce from his wife, the former Tabitha Askew. Hancock confides that "he is utterly at a loss in attempting to enumerate the Base Crimes which the said Tabitha has perpetuated ... crimes repugnant to the intentions of the marriage institution -- derogatory to the dignity of her sex." He discloses that the said Tabitha has "Abandoned herself to the most vile prostitution and debauchery" and has given birth to children "of various colours and complexions and nearly effected the ruin of your petitioner!" Hancock therefore prays that "his marriage with the said Tabitha may be entirely abrogated."

Result: Rejected.

Number of petition pages: 1

Related documents: Deposition of Thomas Hancock, 11 December 1813

Pages of related documents: 1

https://dlas.uncg.edu/petitions/petition/11281304/

Petition #21282001

Stokes County, North Carolina. cicra 1820. - circa 0 .

Court: Superior

Salutation: To the honorable the judge of the Superior court

Abstract

James Larimore seeks a divorce from his wife Catharine, a woman with "abandoned" habits who engaged in "adulterous intercourse with diverse individuals." He accused her of having sex with a mulatto man named William Goings during the night she sat up with the dying wife of a neighbor; he accused her of having an affair with one of his slaves in their kitchen; and he accused her of having illicit connections with a white man named Joseph Pane. In addition, she had "gone off to the State of Indianna."

Number of petition pages: 3

Related documents: Deposition, Winney Westbrook, ca. 1820

Pages of related documents: 2

https://dlas.uncg.edu/petitions/petition/21282001/

Petition #21282302

Nash County, North Carolina. filing started September 1823.

Court: Superior

Salutation: To the honorable the Judge of the Court aforesaid

Abstract

Jonathan Wells petitions for a divorce from his wife, Lucy, who, he contends, separated herself from him three years before, and has since then "become an incorrigible courtezan," taking up and cohabiting with people of color.

Number of petition pages: 4

Pages of related documents: 0

https://dlas.uncg.edu/petitions/petition/21282302/

Petition #11282403

Wake County, North Carolina. filing started November 27, 1824.

Court: Legislative

Salutation: To the General Assembly of the State of North Carolina

Abstract

Lewis Tombereau, a native of France, laments that he married a young woman named Nancy Jolly, "to whom he was determined to stick as close as wax." Tombereau confesses, however, that by his said marriage "he linked his fortune with and intrusted his happiness to one of the most frail, lewd, and depraved, daughters of Eve." The petitioner charges that said Nancy "forsoke both his board, and bed, to cohabit with a certain mulatto Barber named Roland Colanche." Tombereau, "with the most pungent and heart felt sorrow," reports that Nancy "has had a coloured child, and became, and continues to be, a public and notorious prostitute in the most unlimited sense of that word. She indulging in an unreserved, and promiscuous intercourse with men of every colour, age, class, and description she meets, sufficiently dissolute, licentious, and sensual, to gratify their passion, and her lust, and desire of variety." The petitioner therefore prays that he be released "from the unhallowed bonds he in an evil hour entered into."

Number of petition pages: 4

Pages of related documents: 0

https://dlas.uncg.edu/petitions/petition/11282403/

Petition #11282504

Haywood County, North Carolina. filing started November 29, 1825.

Court: Legislative

Salutation: [To the Honorable General Assembly of North Carolina]

Abstract

John Chambers asks that his marriage to Riney O'Neal be annulled. Chambers reveals that "about two weeks after marriage your petitioner's wife was charged with having been delivered of a molatto child." He further notes, that when confronted with said charge, the family confessed to "the above crime." Declaring that he "carried his wife Riney to her father and has never lived with her since," Chambers wishes "your honorable Body to take his case into serious consideration and pass a law to annul the marriage of your unfortunate petitioner."

Result: Committee recommends passage.

Number of petition pages: 2

Related documents: Report of the Committee on Divorce and Alimony, ca. 1825

Pages of related documents: 4

https://dlas.uncg.edu/petitions/petition/11282504/

Petition #21282803

Craven County, North Carolina. filing started November 13, 1828.

Court: Superior

Salutation: To the Honorable the Judge of the Superior Court of Law for the County of Craven

Abstract

Graham Bishop asks for a divorce from his wife Zilphia Stokes Bishop, who, he charges, was guilty of "a species of prostitution" before their marriage, and intimate with a slave named Brister afterwards. Currently, he says, she is living in open adultery with another man in New Bern, professing "to be his true and lawful wife."

Number of petition pages: 2

Related documents: Subpoena, Zilphia Bishop, March 1829

Pages of related documents: 2

https://dlas.uncg.edu/petitions/petition/21282803/

Petition #21283003

Guilford County, North Carolina. filing started October 27, 1830.

Court: Superior

Abstract

In 1823, Andrew Whittington, a young boy, married Lucy Whittington, an older woman who remained with him only a few months before moving back to her mother's house. Andrew found it difficult to live alone and he too moved back to his mother's. During the next three years, "being not yet grown," Andrew lived with "other families." Later, he convinced Lucy to return and they lived together for about ten months, Lucy giving birth to a baby. After the birth, however, she again left, and he has not seen or heard from her since. Andrew charges that in the past few years Lucy has engaged in "criminal intercourse" with whites and blacks, has given birth to two illegitimate children, and has been seen in bed with Ned Gawer, a free man of color. He seeks a divorce.

Number of petition pages: 4

Related documents: PAR #21283309; Summons, Lucy Whittington, September 1830; Answer, Lucy Whittington, 26 April 1831

Pages of related documents: 4

https://dlas.uncg.edu/petitions/petition/21283003/

Petition #21283105

Perquimans County, North Carolina. filing started October 1831.

Court: Superior

Salutation: To the Honorable Judge of the Superiour court of Law and Equity for the county aforesaid

Abstract

In 1829, after four years of marriage and three children, Gabriel Goodwin explains that his wife, Mary Lane Goodwin, "brought forth her fourth child which to your petitioners utter confusion and dismay was a dark [mulatto] and one half negro." A short time later, Goodwin left his wife, and now seeks a divorce.

Number of petition pages: 2

Related documents: Oath, 17 October 1831

Pages of related documents: 0

https://dlas.uncg.edu/petitions/petition/21283105/

Petition #21283109

Granville County, North Carolina. filing started March 20, 1831.

Court: Superior

Salutation: To the Judge of the Superior Court of Law and Equity for the county aforesaid

Abstract

In 1823, after six years of marriage, Charles Mitchell discovered that his wife Susan was "engaged in a shameful and adulterous intercourse with one Jo Proctor a freeman of color." Mitchell left his wife, and moved to Milton, North Carolina. Later, he learned that she and Proctor began a journey to Georgia, but for some reason abandoned their plans. She then followed him to Milton, took up residence "in the suburbs," and, for two years, "engaged in a course of shameless prostitution." He seeks a divorce.

Number of petition pages: 4

Related documents: Answer, Susan P. Mitchell, September Term 1832

Pages of related documents: 1

https://dlas.uncg.edu/petitions/petition/21283109/

Petition #21283110

Granville County, North Carolina. filing started September 1831.

Court: Superior

Salutation: To the Judge of the Superior Court of Law and Equity for the County aforesaid

Abstract

In 1823, after eighteen years of marriage, William Hickman began to suspect that the children born during their union were not his. Even after he became convinced that this was the case, he did not file for divorce, hoping to avoid humiliating members of his wife's family "who were numerous & respectable." Finally, in 1827, however, Hickman discovered that "a mulatto slave, living in the neighborhood" had fathered his children. Hickman seeks a divorce.

Number of petition pages: 4

Pages of related documents: 0

https://dlas.uncg.edu/petitions/petition/21283110/

Petition #21283301

Wake County, North Carolina. filing started April 4, 1833.

Court: Superior

Salutation: To the Honorable the Judge of the Superior Court of Law and Equity for Wake County

Abstract

Elisha Lee seeks a divorce from his wife Elizabeth who falsely accused him of committing adultery with a black woman. He explains that Elizabeth "ran away and deserted him" in 1828, and despite his efforts, he failed to bring her back. "I ascribed her dislike to me to her great love of the bottle," he wrote, and the baleful influence of her mother. Later, he discovered that she gave birth to a mulatto baby. "I saw the child," he said, "and have no hesitation in saying that I believe it is a coloured child."

Number of petition pages: 4

Pages of related documents: 0

https://dlas.uncg.edu/petitions/petition/21283301/

Petition #21283309

Caswell County, North Carolina. filing started February 18, 1833.

Court: Superior

Salutation: To the Honorable Judge of the Superior court of Law for Caswell county

Abstract

Andrew Whittington seeks a divorce from his wife Lucy Loftis Whittington for engaging in "criminal intercourse with both whites and mulattos" and for having "three illegitimate children, one of which is a coloured child."

Number of petition pages: 4

Related documents: PAR #21283003; Depositions, Lucresay Sprout, ca. 1834; Joseph Whittington, Guilford County, 13 February 1834; Thomas Underwood, ca. 1834; David Clark, M. Arthur, Guilford County, 7 November 1835; Aaron Clymer, Guilford County, 3 November 1834

Pages of related documents: 16

https://dlas.uncg.edu/petitions/petition/21283309/

Petition #21283408

Wayne County, North Carolina. filing started October 2, 1834.

Court: Superior

Salutation: To the Honorable the Judge of the Superior Court of Law for the County of Wayne

Abstract

Married about twenty-five years, Richard Jernigan seeks a divorce on the grounds that his wife "began to display evidence of a violent & outrageous temper," was addicted to "spirituous liquors," and was guilty of "libidinous intercourse with both black & white men." Indeed, he contracted a venereal disease from his wife.

Number of petition pages: 2

Related documents: Depositions, William and Isaac Wise, Polly Sasser, 21 August 1835

Pages of related documents: 6

https://dlas.uncg.edu/petitions/petition/21283408/

Petition #21283905

Burke County, North Carolina. filing started October 27, 1839.

Court: Superior

Salutation: To the Honorable the Judge of the Superior Court of Law for the County of Burke

Abstract

After two years of marriage, Samuel Jimeson discovered that his wife Fatima was having "indiscriminate intercourse with other men," including a free man of color. Indeed, Samuel caught the two "in the criminal act and for that cause alone drove the defendant from his house and told her that he could not live with her in consequence of her prostitution." Samuel seeks a divorce.

Number of petition pages: 2

Related documents: Sheriff's Report, 10 March 1842

Pages of related documents: 0

https://dlas.uncg.edu/petitions/petition/21283905/

Petition #21284008

Guilford County, North Carolina. filing started circa 1840.

Court: Superior

Salutation: To the Honorable the Judge of the Superior Court of Law for Guilford County

Abstract

William King charges that his "young & handsome" wife Mary was accepting "the embraces of other men." Standing by a window near their house, he overheard Mary and her sister planning a rendezvous. A few evenings later, he followed his wife to the house of her mother, "old lady Coley," where she said she was going for a visit. King discovered the mother was gone, while his wife and her sister entertained "two Mulatto fellows." Peering through a window, he saw Mary with her head on the lap of one of the men. He seeks a divorce. In her related answer, Mary denies her husband's allegations and charges that he left her alone many nights without any explanation, and that he subsequently moved in with a man of color and his three daughters.

Number of petition pages: 3

Related documents: Answer, Mary King, 14 April 1840

Pages of related documents: 3

https://dlas.uncg.edu/petitions/petition/21284008/

Petition #21284313

Stokes County, North Carolina. filing started March 20, 1843.

Court: Superior

Salutation: To the Honorable the Judge of the Superior court of Law for the county of Stokes

Abstract

After twenty-two years of marriage, Henry Shouse accuses his wife of having sex with one of his slaves, and giving birth to a child "of negro blood." He asks for a divorce.

Number of petition pages: 4

Related documents: Oath, Henry Shouse, 20 March 1843; Order, 20 March 1843

Pages of related documents: 0

https://dlas.uncg.edu/petitions/petition/21284313/

Petition #21284505

Craven County, North Carolina. filing started March 2, 1845.

Court: Superior

Salutation: To the Honorable the Judge of the Superior Court of Law for the County of Craven

Abstract

Four years after their marriage, Wesley Gray explains, his wife abandoned him "without the slightest cause or provocation." Now she keeps the "vilest company," and has "adulterous connection" with men of the "most unprincipled and abandoned characters, frequently boasting in public company of the great number of her conquests not only of white but of Coloured paramours."

Number of petition pages: 3

Virginia - 19

Petition #11680206

Fluvanna County, Virginia. filing started December 13, 1802.

Court: Petition

Salutation: The Honorable the Speaker & House of Delegates

Abstract

In 1801, Dabney Pettus married Elizabeth Morris, "a woman descended from honest industrous parents, & of unspoled Character." Dabney and Elizabeth lived "with all the affection & tenderness that cou'd possibly exist between husband & wife" for about four months, when, to his "great astonishment & inexpressible mortification," Dabney discovered that his wife was "deliver'd of a Mulatto Child." Dabney claims that the child was "begotten by a negro man slave in the Neighborhood." Dabney and Elizabeth have agreed to divorce and Pettus asks the legislature to pass a law "to divorce him from the said Elizabeth." A testimony reveals that the father of Elizabeth's child was a slave named Bob who belonged to her grandfather.

Result: Reasonable, reported.

Number of petition pages: 2

Related documents: Affidavit, Elizabeth G. Meryman, 2 December 1802; Affidavit, Susanna Herndon, 2 December 1802; Affidavit, Rach[ae]l Puckett, 2 December 1802; Statement, Elizabeth Pettus, 25 October 1801; Statement, John Brishwood, 27 November 1802; Dabney Pettis [sic] to Elizabeth Pettis, 29 November 1802

Pages of related documents: 11

https://dlas.uncg.edu/petitions/petition/11680206/

Petition #11680301

Norfolk County, Virginia. filing started December 7, 1803.

Court: Legislative

Salutation: To the Honorable the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Virginia

Abstract

Married in 1802 to Lydia Bright, Benjamin Butt Jr. was absent on business when his wife gave birth to a baby. To his "inexpressible Grief and astonishment" the infant "proved to be a mulatto." Lydia admitted her relationship with "negro Man Slave named Robin" belonging to the estate of Charles Stewart, deceased. The husband seeks a divorce.

Result: Reasonable, reported.

Number of petition pages: 3

Related documents: Depositions, Ivy Holstead, Nancy Butt, Anna Murdan, Benjamin Butt, 31 October 1803; Affidavit, Elizabeth Holstead, ca. 1803; Bill of Divorce, 2 June 1803

Pages of related documents: 5

https://dlas.uncg.edu/petitions/petition/11680301/

Petition #11680503

Accomack County, Virginia. December 13, 1805. - December 20, 1805.

Court: Legislative

Salutation: To the Honble the Legislature of the Commonwealth of Virginia

Abstract

Married for twelve years and living "in harmony" with his wife Tabitha, Ayres Tatham said that he felt shame and confusion when, in 1803, Tabitha gave birth to a mulatto child "obviously the issue of an illicit intercourse with a black man." In 1804, Tabitha ran away, departing the county and leaving the three children born of "her former more correct & happier days" in the care of her husband. Ayres was informed that she had been found living in Philadelphia. He asks for the dissolution of their marriage contract.

Result: Reasonable, reported.

Number of petition pages: 3

Related documents: List of Subscribers, ca. 1805; Bill of Divorce, 28 March 1804

Pages of related documents: 2

https://dlas.uncg.edu/petitions/petition/11680503/

Petition #11680602

Prince William County, Virginia. filing started December 9, 1806.

Court: Legislative

Salutation: To the General Assembly of virginia

Abstract

Seventy-one residents of Prince William County testify that they are well acquainted with Daniel Rose, who married Henrietta White, also considered at the time of the marriage as a person of "good character," in February 1806. In September of the same year, however, some seven months after celebration of the wedding, Henrietta was delivered of "a mulatto child," who is thought to have been fathered by a slave belonging to her grandfather. Furthermore, the petitioners inform the court, it is believed that Henrietta has had "criminal connection with the said negro man" since her marriage to Rose. The petitioners apply to the legislature on Daniel Rose's behalf, asking that he be released from his "unfortunate connection."

Result: Reasonable.

Number of petition pages: 3

Related documents: Affidavit, Jane Smith, 21 October 1806

Pages of related documents: 1

https://dlas.uncg.edu/petitions/petition/11680602/

Petition #11680806

Loudon County, Virginia. filing started December 21, 1808.

Court: Legislative

Salutation: To the Honourable the Legislature of Virginia

Abstract

Married in 1802, Isaac Fouch lived with his wife Elizabeth for several years "in the strictest Love, Friendship and happiness." Then he discovered she possessed a "Lewd, incontinent, profligate disposition." However, "being so much attached to her person, having from his first acquaintance with her cherished the most ardent, tender affectionate Love and Regard for her and hoping that she might yet be reclaimed, treated her with all that tenderness and respect which the most upright and Virtuous Women ought to expect, admonishing her repeatedly of the Wickedness of such a course, of the Infamy and disgrace which must result from it." But his love and admonitions were to no avail and in fact had the contrary effect; he "detected her and the partner of her crimes (a certain James Watt, a man of color) in bed together." He then resolved to leave her and set out for the Western Country. He is now convinced that reconciliation can never take place, and therefore seeks a divorce.

Result: Reasonable.

Number of petition pages: 2

Related documents: Deposition of Jane Campbell, 8 December 1808; Deposition of Calmore Brashears, 10 January 1809; Deposition of James and Ann McNeilege [also spelled McNellage], 9 January 1809

Pages of related documents: 3

https://dlas.uncg.edu/petitions/petition/11680806/

Petition #11680906

Amherst County, Virginia. filing started December 6, 1809.

Court: Legislative

Salutation: To the Honble the Speaker and Members of the Virginia Assembly

Abstract

William Howard informs the court that in January 1806 he was married to Elizabeth Dean, "whose character and conduct in life, was represented" in the "most favourable point of View." He therefore "entered into the matrimonial compact with the said Elizabeth in full hopes and confidence that" she would attend to "her Bed and Board, and in all respect discharge" the duties of "a good and faithfull wife." For his part, he also determined to "perform the duties of a good and faithfull Husband." However, within a year Howard discovered that his wife was engaged in "brutal and licentious connections" with a variety of men. Still "not willing to lend too favourable an Ear to the Reports prevalant in the neighbourhood," he determined to see for himself. So it is with certainty that he can now state that upon his return home "at a late Houre," he found his wife undressed and in bed with a "Certain Aldredge Evans a Man of coulour, and reputed to be a mulatoe." Howard ordered his wife out and they have been separated ever since. Howard seeks a divorce.

Result: Reasonable.

Number of petition pages: 3

Related documents: List of Subscribers, ca. 1809

Pages of related documents: 1

https://dlas.uncg.edu/petitions/petition/11680906/

Petition #11681414

Northampton County, Virginia. filing started November 2, 1814.

Court: Legislative

Salutation: To the Gentlemen of the Senate & House of Delegates of the State of Virginia

Abstract

Nine months after Richard and Peggy Jones were married, Peggy gave birth to a girl. At first Jones thought the child was his "notwithstanding the darkness of its colour & its unusual appearance." Later, however, it became clear that the baby could not have been fathered by a white man. His wife eventually admitted that the girl's father was a man of color, a fact already known by many neighbors. Jones seeks a divorce.

Result: Bill drawn.

Number of petition pages: 2

Related documents: Depositions, John Tyson and Thomas Wingate, 17 October 1814

Pages of related documents: 1

https://dlas.uncg.edu/petitions/petition/11681414/

Petition #11681530

Powhatan County, Virginia. December 6, 1815. - December 15, 1815.

Court: Legislative

Salutation: To the Honourable The Speaker and Members of both Houses of the General Assembly of Virginia

Abstract

Hezekiah Mosby asks that he be granted a divorce from his wife Betsy. He confides that he “has had cause often to suspect that she was not only, not faithful to the marriage bed, but moreover, that she bestowed her favours on men of a different colour from herself.” Mosby recounts that “when his wife was about to be delivered of a child he sent for several highly respectable ladies of the neighbourhood that they might see & judge when the child was brought into the world, before any accident could happen to it.” He states that they have given “affidavits to the fact of the childs being one of colour.” The petitioner therefore prays “that he may be divorced from his wife Betsy aforesaid, and, (as far as any earthly Tribunal can effect it) restored to that condition which he occupied before marriage.”

Result: Bill drawn.

Number of petition pages: 2

Related documents: Clipping, Virginia PATRIOT, 18 October 1815

Pages of related documents: 1

https://dlas.uncg.edu/petitions/petition/11681530/

Petition #11681602

Fauquier County, Virginia. November 16, 1816. - November 23, 1816.

Court: Legislative

Salutation: To the Hon'ble the Speaker of the Senate and house of Delegates

Abstract

Five months after her marriage to Abraham Newton, Nancy Gray gave birth to a mulatto child. She admitted that the baby was conceived by a black man in the neighborhood. Nancy has left her husband, and she, her mother, and the baby have left for Ohio. Abraham Newton, the husband, sues for divorce.

Result: Reasonable.

Number of petition pages: 2

Related documents: Certificate, Jean Smith, et al., 20 October 1816; Affidavit, Jane Smith, Molly Ford, Margaret Newton, 23 October 1816; Certificate, Abraham and Nancy Newton, 3 April 1816; Oath, John W. Smith and James Payne, 16 September 1816

Pages of related documents: 4

https://dlas.uncg.edu/petitions/petition/11681602/

Petition #11682308

Louisa County, Virginia. December 3, 1823. - December 6, 1823.

Court: Legislative

Salutation: To the Honorable the Speaker & the members of the House of Delegates of Virginia

Abstract

About 1811, Lewis Bourne married Doratha Woodall, who then enjoyed "a good and respectable character." After about five years of marriage, however, Doratha began to live in open adultery with a black man, the slave of a neighbor. She bore him two mulatto children, one of whom is still living and the unquestionable proof of her adultery. Doratha and her lover continue to live together. Lewis Bourne, her husband, claims that he has never treated his wife badly; indeed, he permitted her to live in a house on his land. He seeks a divorce.

Result: Bill drawn.

Number of petition pages: 4

Pages of related documents: 0

https://dlas.uncg.edu/petitions/petition/11682308/

Petition #11682601

Nansemond County, Virginia. December 8, 1826. - December 15, 1825.

Court: Legislative

Salutation: To the Legislature of Virginia

Abstract

David Parker represents to the legislature that in 1807 he married Jane Carter, with whom he enjoyed ten year of "uninterrupted connubial pleasure and happiness." The couple had six children. Four years after Jane Carter's death, Parker married a second time, taking as his wife one Jane Miller. Parker's second marriage, however, has not been a happy one. He charges that his wife of four years has been guilty of "the greatest luridness, immorality and vice." She has frequently engaged in "criminal intercourse with slaves or persons of color." She also has given birth to "one or more children of color" before abandoning him and moving to North Carolina. Parker seeks a divorce.

Result: Bill drawn.

Number of petition pages: 3

Related documents: Notice, unidentified newspaper, 12 October [1826]; Affidavit, Washington Smith, 23 November 1826

Pages of related documents: 3

https://dlas.uncg.edu/petitions/petition/11682601/

Petition #11683312

filing started December 10, 1833.

Court: Legislative

Salutation: To the General Assembly of Virginia

Abstract

In 1821, Joseph Gresham married Sarah W. Christian of Charles City County. The couple lived in "harmony, confidence, and affection," until Gresham discovered that his wife was having an affair. Gresham notes that the charge of adultery against his wife is "aggravated" by the fact it was done with "a man of color." Gresham received further proof of her transgressions in 1831 after Sarah gave birth to a mulatto child. Gresham petitions for divorce. In a lower court trial, Sarah Gresham accused her husband of being "incompetent to the discharge of his marital duties, of sexual intercourse."

Result: Rejected.

Number of petition pages: 2

Related documents: Copy of Record of Superior Court, Gresham v. Gresham, 14 November 1832, 25 October 1833

Pages of related documents: 4

https://dlas.uncg.edu/petitions/petition/11683312/

Petition #11683501

Norfolk County, Virginia. December 9, 1835. - January 8, 1836.

Court: Legislative

Salutation: To the Speaker and Members of the House of Delegates of Virginia

Abstract

In 1831, Thomas Culpepper married Caroline Johnson. Shortly thereafter he accused her of being a "common prostitute, subject to the access of nearly all the young men in the town of Portsmouth." As prescribed in the 1827 law, Culpepper filed a statement concerning his wife's alleged behavior in the Clerk's Office, Norfolk County Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery, stating that Caroline "repeatedly associated with negroes" and engaged in carnal intercourse "with black men." He seeks a divorce.

Result: Rejected.

Number of petition pages: 2

Related documents: Copy of Statement, Thomas Culpepper, Norfolk Circuit Superior Court, 7 August 1835; Copy of Court Record, July-August 1835

Pages of related documents: 4

https://dlas.uncg.edu/petitions/petition/11683501/

Petition #11683835

Orange County, Virginia. filing started January 29, 1838.

Court: Legislative

Salutation: To the members of the Legislature of Va

Abstract

Richard Hall represents that his wife Sarah, "to your petitioners shame and mortification, was delivered of a colored child" after six month's marriage. Hall states that he "quitted the bed of she who had so [desecrated] him and has been from that time to this, a stranger to her." Citing that "since that time ... the said Sarah has had two other children both coloured," the petitioner prays "the legislature to disolve the union which connects him with one who has thus proven herself so unworthy."

Result: Refereed to committee for courts of justice.

Number of petition pages: 3

Related documents: Affidavits, Joseph Faudree and Steurman Kinger, 28 November 1837; Affidavit, Joseph Edwards, 28 November 1837

Pages of related documents: 3

https://dlas.uncg.edu/petitions/petition/11683835/

Petition #11684008

Nansemond County, Virginia. filing started December 14, 1840.

Court: Legislative

Salutation: To the general assembly of Virginia

Abstract

Bryant Rawls seeks a divorce from his wife, Rachel, who, after twelve years of marriage and three legitimate children, gave birth to a "colored child ... begotten by a negro." His wife abandoned him shortly afterwards, Rawls claims, and he is now caring for his own children and has placed the "mulatto" baby with a free black family.

Result: Bill drawn.

Number of petition pages: 3

Related documents: Copy of Proceedings, Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery, Nansemond County, Bryant Rawls v. Rachel Rawls, 30 September 1840

Pages of related documents: 4

https://dlas.uncg.edu/petitions/petition/11684008/

Petition #11684104

Frederick County, Virginia. January 9, 1841. - January 20, 1841.

Court: Legislative

Salutation: To the Genl. Assembly of Virginia

Abstract

Thomas Cain seeks a divorce from his wife Mary who has been guilty of adultery "of the most aggravated character the proof of which is found in the fact that on two separate occasions since her intermarriage ... Mary has been delivered and become the mother of black children who could not be other than the fruits of an adulterous intercourse with a negro."

Result: Bill drawn.

Number of petition pages: 2

Related documents: Copy of Record of Circuit Superior Court, Thomas Cain v. Mary Cain, 1840

Pages of related documents: 2

https://dlas.uncg.edu/petitions/petition/11684104/

Petition #11684105

Preston County, Virginia. December 9, 1841. - December 31, 1842.

Court: Legislative

Salutation: To the General Assembly of Virginia

Abstract

Jacob Plum asks for a divorce from his wife Mary Jane who a number of years prior to the filing of his petition gave birth to a mulatto child and continued to live with him until she recently abandoned their domicile. She has now been convicted of larceny and sent to the penitentiary.

Result: Rejected.

Number of petition pages: 2

Related documents: Copy of Record of Circuit Superior Court, Statement of Jacob Plum, 4 September 1841

Pages of related documents: 2

https://dlas.uncg.edu/petitions/petition/11684105/

Petition #21684910

Petersburg City, Virginia. March 1849. - November 1850.

Court: Circuit Superior

Salutation: To the Hon. Jno. W. Nash Judge of the Cir. Superior Court of law & chancery for the Town of Petersburg

Abstract

Armstrong R. Blick petitions the court for a divorce from his wife Elizabeth. The petitioner charges "that the said Elizabeth about two or three years ago became disaffected & has since been guilty of adultery & living in common prostitution separate and apart from her husband." He therefore prays "that your Honor would by definitive sentence pronounce and decree the marriage to be null & void, pursuant to the Act of Assembly March 18 1848." In his deposition, R. C. Trayler informed the court that he saw Elizabeth "upon several occasion going into houses of ill fame, and I have seen her repeatedly in houses kept for that purpose by negroes -- that is for purposes of prostitution."

Result: Granted.

Number of petition pages: 2

Related documents: Decree, November Term 1850; Court Notes, ca. March 1849; Deposition, R. C. Trayler, 2 June 1849; Deposition, Daniel Beasley, 5 June 1849

Pages of related documents: 2

https://dlas.uncg.edu/petitions/petition/21684910/

Petition #21685001

Albemarle County, Virginia. February 1850. - circa October 18, 1853.

Court: Circuit Superior

Salutation: To the Judge of the Circuit Superior Court of Law & Chancery for the County of Albemarle

Abstract

Hillary Wood seeks a divorce from his wife Ruthy, claiming that she is "guilty of adultery with divers persons." The petitioner further asserts that his wife "deserted him and has for the last two years been living in a state of open prostitution with a black & white." Being "greatly aggrieved & mortified by this conduct" of his wife, Wood seeks "a severance of the ties which bind him to his said wife."

Result: Granted.

Number of petition pages: 3

Related documents: Court Record, February 1850--October 1853; Amended Bill, June 1853; Note for Order, October 1853; Application for Divorce, 16 August 1848; Jury Verdict, ca. 16 August 1848

Pages of related documents: 6

https://dlas.uncg.edu/petitions/petition/21685001/

Tennessee - 5

Petition #11481926

Davidson County, Tennessee. filing started September 29, 1819.

Court: Archives

Salutation: To the Honorable the Legislature of the State of Tennessee Now in Session

Abstract

Norfleet Perry of Davidson County seeks a divorce from his wife, Rachael, because she was "delivered of a mulatto child." Producing "affidavits of several most respectable persons acquainted with the fact of marriage," Perry prays "your Honorable body to interpose your power in his behalf by dissolving the bonds of matrimony between your petitioner, and the said Rachael Perry." The petitioner "is advised" that the circuit courts do not have the authority to decree divorces.

Result: Referred to select committee.

Number of petition pages: 3

Related documents: Certificate, William Donelson, Justice of the Peace, 28 September 1819; Affidavit, Thomas Walton, 27 September 1819; Affidavit, Josiah Perry, 23 September 1819; Affidavit, Edward Phillips, 15 September 1819

Pages of related documents: 4

https://dlas.uncg.edu/petitions/petition/11481926/

Petition #11481930

Franklin County, Tennessee. filing started circa 1819.

Court: Archives

Salutation: To the honourable the Legislature of the State of Tennessee at Murfreesborough assembled

Abstract

Hardy Doyle seeks a divorce from his wife, Betsy S. Lamkin Doyle, who is possessed of "a turbulent & Tyrannical disposition." Doyle declares that his wife's behavior resulted in her being "excluded from decent society & [she] soon became the companion of whores & whoremongers of the most abandoned character ... amongst whom were free negroes & mulattoes (I blush to tell it)," whom she "invited and entertained ... at her house against my instructions." He further discloses that on one occasion "she became desperately angry and enraged against some person" and "she armed herself with a pistol in one hand and a Butcher Knife in the other ... [and] paraded through the streets, traversing the town from side to side searching her antagonist cursing & swearing most profanely & loudly using every profane oath & expression of abuse of which she could think." Being "so unfortunate as to be united to a woman who is lost to every feeling of humanity, religion & morality," the petitioner "does believe that you will be of opinion that she is not qualified to have the care of his family -- that you will not be deaf, but will hear his prayer to be released from those bands of iron which once seemed to be the silken chains of Hymen but now most miserably transformed."

Number of petition pages: 4

Related documents: Certificate, Leo Tarrant, 11 October 1819; Certificate, Samuel B. Moore, 12 October 1819; Certificate, James H. Bradford, 9 October 1819; Certificate, John Pryor, et al., 10 October 1819; Certificate, James and Polly Russey, 8 October 1819; Certificate, Robert Sharpe, ca. 1819; Certificate, Nathaniel Hunt, 12 October 1819; Certificate, Daniel Eames, 11 October 1819; Certificate, William Brittain, 9 October 1819; Certificate, Hance M. Davidson, 10 October 1819

Pages of related documents: 16

https://dlas.uncg.edu/petitions/petition/11481930/

Petition #11482108

Grainger County, Tennessee. cicra 1821. - circa 0 .

Court: Archives

Salutation: To the Honorable Senate, and House of Representatives, of the State of Tennessee, in General Assembly convened

Abstract

Kimble E. Midkiff confesses that he was induced by a certain older woman named Nancy "to abscond from his fathers house in company with her" and, "by her insinuating and seductive arts," she exerted an "influence over thim which she had acquired by artifice & intrigue" and the two were married. Admitting that he was at the time "under the age of sixteen years" and "under the influence of the impulse of passion rather than the dictates of reason," Midkiff recounts that "he cohabited about six months with said Nancy, during all which time he conducted himself towards her as an affectionate husband and observed his matrimonial vow with the utmost fidelity." The petitioner charges that Nancy, however, "was detected in bed with a man of colour in the neighbourhood."

Result: Propositions and grievances: .

Number of petition pages: 4

Related documents: Affidavit, Margaret Long, 4 September 1821; Affidavit, Elizabeth Purkepile[?], 6 September 1821; Affidavit, Rachel Purkepile [?], 6 September 1821

Pages of related documents: 3

https://dlas.uncg.edu/petitions/petition/11482108/

Petition #11482202

Montgomery County, Tennessee. filing started July 16, 1822.

Court: Petition

Salutation: To the Honorable the Legislature of the State of Tennessee at their Called Session for 1822

Abstract

William McClure accuses his wife, Rebecca Smith McClure, of cohabiting and having "sexual & carnal intercourse with a certain negro fellow Slave by name of Taff formerly the slave of your petitioner." McClure discloses that "for six months last past the said Rebecca has been Indulging at all times of the absence of her husband from home with the said negro slave, that she took him to your petitioners house and did so openly." Stating that his wife "has gone to the state of Illinois, hoping her said paramour may abscond & there indulge her wicked & debased desires," the petitioner prays that he be granted a divorce.

Number of petition pages: 1

Related documents: Affidavit, James McClure, 16 July 1822

Pages of related documents: 1

https://dlas.uncg.edu/petitions/petition/11482202/

Petition #11482912

Maury County, Tennessee. filing started circa 1829.

Court: Archives

Salutation: To the Honorable the General Assembly of the State of Tennessee

Abstract

John Rich of Maury County seeks a divorce from Susanah Moore Rich on the grounds that she "was delivered of a mulatto child" four months after their marriage. Revealing that he cannot pay "the charge of a lawyer and the fees of court ... without injury to himself," Rich therefore "prays your Honorable boddy to pass a law divorcing him from the said Susanah."

Number of petition pages: 3

Related documents: List of Subscribers, ca. 1829

Pages of related documents: 0

https://dlas.uncg.edu/petitions/petition/11482912/

Alabama - 2

Petition #20184004

Talladega County, Alabama. February 29, 1840. - December 1843.

Court: Chancery

Salutation: To the Honorable Alexander Bowie Chancellor of the Northern Chancery Division of the State of Alabama sitting at Talladega for the fourth District

Abstract

Josiah Houston of Talladega County asks the Court for a divorce from his wife, Matilda. Josiah claims that at the time of their marriage, Matilda "was pregnant a fact wholly unknown to your said orator and one which she artfully and designedly and fraudulently withheld from him." However, several months after their marriage, "her appearance indicated pregnancy." When confronted, Matilda denied that she was with child, assuring him "that his fears and jealousies should be quieted." Shortly thereafter, he writes, "to his great astonishment," Matilda was "delivered of a black child, the fruits of an illicit intercourse carried on between the said Matilda and a negro slave" belonging to her father. Because "Matilda in the above manner practiced a fraud too dark and damning to be tolerated in … a christian community, and whereby she cancelled and forfeited all obligations on his part to support, comfort assist and maintain her as well as all obligation to live with her as his wife," Josiah asks that the matrimonial bonds between them be dissolved. In an earlier petition, Matilda, a widow, had filed for divorce, alleging that her husband had abandoned her, had stolen her slave, and was getting ready to remove from the state and leave her penniless.

Result: Dismissed.

Number of petition pages: 3

Related documents: PAR #20183901; Subpoena, Matilda Houston, 29 February 1840; Order, February 1841; Continuance, November 1842; Dismissal, December 1843

Pages of related documents: 0

https://dlas.uncg.edu/petitions/petition/20184004/

Petition #20186602

Pike County, Alabama. March 13, 1866. - October 23, 1866.

Court: Chancery

Salutation: To the Hon, N. W. Cocke Chancellor of said District

Abstract

Married to Melissa Whatley in August 1865, John J. Smith charges that his bride was already pregnant, though not "sufficiently advanced" to "make it observable." Later, he says, she gave birth to a mulatto child, whose father, he asserts, "is one Spence alias Spencer, a full-blooded negro, formerly a Slave belonging to Presly Davis." Smith asks for a divorce.

Result: Granted.

Number of petition pages: 1

Related documents: Subpoena, Melissa Smith, 17 March 1866; Decree, 23 October 1866

Pages of related documents: 1

https://dlas.uncg.edu/petitions/petition/20186602/

South Carolina - 1

Petition #11384706

Barnwell District/Parish, South Carolina. filing started November 1847.

Court: Circa

Salutation: To the Honorable, The Senate

Abstract

Marmaduke Jones requests a divorce or annulment of his marriage to Ann Ross Jones on the grounds that she gave birth to a "mulatto" child. Marmaduke maintains that the couple married on 13 January 1847 and that on 24 August 1847 his wife "was brought to bed, and then and there delivered of a mulatto child." The petitioner, "well knowing (under the circumstances above set forth) that it is impossible for [him] to live with the said Ann, as husband and wife," therefore prays that he "may be released from the said Ann and that [he] and the said Ann may stand in the same relation to Each other, as though they never had been married."

Number of petition pages: 3

Related documents: Oath, Jonathan Jones, 29 October, 1847; Oath, Owen M. Daniel, et al., 9 November 1847; Oath, Wm. P. Walker, et al., n.d.

Pages of related documents: 3

https://dlas.uncg.edu/petitions/petition/11384706/

Kentucky - 1

Petition #20784606

Pike County, Kentucky. March 18, 1846. - April 7, 1847.

Court: Circuit

Salutation: To the honourable judge of Pike circuit court in Chancery sitting

Abstract

John King contends that while he was working in Pikeville, his wife, Sally "went off with one Leonard Sexton a half-Negro and lived in adultery in the basest manner." Sally returned "after her base and unpardonable actions." She left again with Sexton after having his child. Sally, Sexton, and the baby have gone to the state of Virginia. King seeks a divorce, "restoring him from all obligations of so debased a woman and reinstating him to all the privileges of an unmarried man."

Result: Granted.

Number of petition pages: 2

Related documents: Amended Bill, 23 January 1847; Depositions, Garrett Pinson and Eva Deboard, 11 March 1847; Decree, 7 April 1847

Pages of related documents: 6

https://dlas.uncg.edu/petitions/petition/20784606/

Missouri - 1

Petition #21184216

Boone County, Missouri. April 25, 1842. - circa 0 .

Court: Chancery

Salutation: To the Honourable John D Leland Judge of the Boone Circuit in Chancery sitting

Abstract

Robert Chiles seeks a divorce from his wife Celia. He submits that the said Celia has been "guilty of the crime of Adultery with certain & divers persons whose names to your orator are unknown." He further cites that "she has very frequently offered such indignities to his person as to render his Condition intolerable so much so that he was compelled to absent himself from his own home." Revealing that "she has been guilty of Adultery since his separation from her and was impregnated by a negro man," the petitioner prays that the court will "render a decree dissolving the bonds of matrimony between him & Celia and restore to him all the rights & priviledges of a single man." Elizabeth Caton stated in her deposition that Celia "had a child and ... that the child was born and was a dark mullato color and ... that she asked her who was the gather of the child and She [Celia] answered and said that he was a negro by the name of Abram who belonged to the widow adams."

Number of petition pages: 3

Related documents: Newspaper Notice, Chiles vs. Chiles, 15 January 1842; Deposition, Elizabeth Caton, 13 August 1842; Copy of Petition, Robert Chiles, 26 November 1841; Subpoena, James Payne Jr., 16 August 1842; Sheriff's Return, 17 August 1842; Notice, Robert Chiles, 8 August 1842; Summons, Celia Chiles, 26 November 1841; Sheriff's Return, ca. 26 November 1841; Docket Page, ca. August 1842

Pages of related documents: 12

https://dlas.uncg.edu/petitions/petition/21184216/

Louisiana - 1

Petition #20884115

Orleans Parish, Louisiana. April 30, 1841. - June 12, 1841.

Court: District

Salutation: To the Honble A.M. Buchanan, Judge of the first Judicial District Court in and for the City and parish of Orleans

Abstract

V. Hubert Dénisse seeks a divorce from his wife Eugénie Duenrabe. Dénisse represents that Eugénie, who has never “conducted herself with decency and propriety,” left the “matrimonial domicile” in 1837 or 1838, and stole away in the dead of the night with a man of color. He contends that she has since been living in Mobile in a state of “concubinage” with the said man of color. Dénisse claims that he has invited Eugénie to return to him, but she has refused. He therefore asks for a separation of bed and board, followed by a divorce.

Result: Granted.

Number of petition pages: 3

Related documents: Order, ca. 31 April 1841; Judgment, 12 June 1841

Pages of related documents: 0

https://dlas.uncg.edu/petitions/petition/20884115/

Petitions filed by enslaved offspring of African American men and European American

Petition #20782721

Jefferson County, Kentucky. December 19, 1827. - November 14, 1829.

Court: Circuit

Salutation: To the honorable Judge of the Jefferson circuit court in chancery siting

Abstract

Henrietta Bell petitions that she was born in Virginia "of a free white woman and of a coloured father." When young, she was "run off forcebly" from her mother and sold as a slave in Kentucky. She commenced suit for her freedom in Nashville, but was eventually sold to James Cummins. Said Cummins commenced "an action of false imprisonment "in the name of your oratrix (calling her Henny) against himself ... for the purpose of trying her right to freedom exparta and without giving her a fair trial." Upon learning that she had employed counsel, Cummins "became very anxious to get her out of the possession of Mr. Lloyd D. Addison," with whom she has been staying and who treats her fairly. Bell is afraid Cummins will try to "remove her out of the Jurisdiction of this court and to strange places where she will never more an oportunity of geting her freedom." She is also afraid that Cummins will endanger her life and that of her unborn child. She asks the court to subpoena Cummins and restrain him from removing her, to decree her freedom, and to allow her to remain with Addison until the suit is determined.

Result: Discontinued.

https://dlas.uncg.edu/petitions/petition/20782721/

Petition #20784508

Jefferson County, Kentucky. October 21, 1845. - circa 0 .

Court: Chancery

Salutation: To the Honble Saml S Nicholas Chancellor of the Louisville Chancery Court

Abstract

Eight-year-old Caroline, a girl of color, asserts, by her next friend William Gilless, that she was born a free by virtue of having a white mother. Her mother, following a divorce, gave birth to Caroline, "her father being a man of color." Caroline was later turned her over to Michael Stephens, her mother's half-brother. Stephens has since acted as an "unnatural and inhuman uncle," and he sold Caroline to J. W. Brawner and James Quarles. Despite their knowledge of her claim to freedom, they took her to Louisville and sold her to Stephen Chenoworth and William Kelly. Caroline is currently in the possession of John Price, who has hired her for a term of five years. Caroline fears that Kelly and Price may take her out of the state. She asks that the defendants "be restrained from removeing her from this Commonwealth" and that "on the final hearing a decree be rendered confirming and establishing her right to Freedom."

https://dlas.uncg.edu/petitions/petition/20784508/

Petition #20784716

Jefferson County, Kentucky. December 24, 1847. - October 11, 1850.

Court: Chancery

Salutation: To the Hon. S. S. Nicholas Chancellor of the Louisville Chy Court

Abstract

Caroline or Catharine, a woman of color, seeks her freedom from William H. Kelly explaining that "she was born free, being the child of a white woman." On 19 November 1844, Kelly purchased "a mulatto girl named Catharine aged seven years for $150.00 cash," from two men, James Quarles and J. W. Brawner. Kelly contends that the two men fraudulently sold the girl to him as a slave.

Result: Granted.

https://dlas.uncg.edu/petitions/petition/20784716/

Petition #20785204

Woodford County, Kentucky. June 28, 1852. - October 4, 1854.

Court: Circuit

Abstract

Gus, also known as Augustus, "would state that although he is now and has heretofore been held and treated as a slave, yet he was free born, that he is the son of a white woman by a slave named Warren who was the property of Minor Williams of Scott County, Kentucky." Gus states he was an infant when he was taken away from his mother. He believes he is now about fifteen years old. Gus is suing for freedom and back wages for the several years he was hired in a hemp factory.

Result: Granted.

https://dlas.uncg.edu/petitions/petition/20785204/

Petition #21485319

Maury County, Tennessee. September 21, 1853. - September 22, 1853.

Court: Chancery

Salutation: To the Hon John S. Brian Chancellor &c of the State of Tennessee sitting at Columbia

Abstract

Mary Ann, a thirty-two-year-old "woman of color," informs the court that she is "illegally held in slavery" by John Merril, "a negro trader," who is "preparing to take her to a Southern Market." Mary Ann was born in Surry County, North Carolina, the daughter of Rachel Kennedy, "a free white woman," and an unnamed "black" man. Her grandfather, William Kennedy, "removed" the family from North Carolina to Tazewell County, Virginia, when she was five years old. During this time, her "relation to said Rachel was kept a secret in the neighborhood ... though well known in the family." About seven years later, her mother died. Her grandfather then "claimed her as a slave" and sold her to John Tiffanny. This sale initiated a chain of transfers "from hand to hand till she has fallen into the hands of one John Merril." Mary Ann insists that "this illegality has been perpetrated with greater impunity because of the secrecy attempted to be thrown around her birth by the relatives of her mother." She asserts with confidence, however, that her claim to freedom can be substantiated "by persons residing in Surry County North Carolina." Fearing that her "pretended owner" will "tak[e] her off from the States," she asks the court to attach both her and her young daughter and "place" them in the court's custody "untill her claim to freedom can be tried."

https://dlas.uncg.edu/petitions/petition/21485319/

Petition #20785514

Jefferson County, Kentucky. May 26, 1855. - April 5, 1856.

Court: Chancery

Salutation: To the Honble H. Pirtle Chancellor

Abstract

Mary, a woman of color, asserts "that she is free that her mother was a free white woman." She reveals that for the last twenty years "she has now been in the possession of Mr Antonio Zanone ... who has treated her as a slave." Mary prays "that she be decreed to be, what she is, free -- and that deft be decreed to pay over to her so much money as she shall be found to be entitled to." In her amended petition, Mary details her past. She recounts that "she is the offspring of an illicit, sexual intercourse between that mother & a negro man." She explains that her white mother gave her away when she was a baby "to avoid the infamy which would attach to her wherever she might go, accompanied by her mulatto child." Mary states that "for several years past she has been told by several persons at several times, that she was a free woman." She recounts that she was "owned by a rich man, as he pretended, as a slave, driven as a slave, whipped as a slave, fed as a slave, clothed as a slave." Renewing her request for freedom and compensation, Mary poses several questions for the defendant to answer in court.

Result: Granted.

https://dlas.uncg.edu/petitions/petition/20785514/

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