1 500 1 https://www.virginiaroom.org/digital/files/original/72/6503/RCRegisterofFreeNegroes.pdf 61b77cf5d99046d035cdad3f4ead4d0d PDF Text Text ��������������������������������������������������������������������������� https://www.virginiaroom.org/digital/files/original/72/6503/TranscriptionRCFreeNegroes.pdf 64b72f6079e0e0355a0f1614f272ba89 PDF Text Text Transcription of List of Roanoke County Free Negroes, 1838-1864 No. 1 At a court held for Roanoke County on the 18th day of October 1838 – On the petition of Lucky Cousins, who proved by a witness in court that she is free born, it is ordered by the court that she be registered as such – that she is near fifty years of age, about 4 feet nine inches high, thick set, dark complexion, and no particular marks apparent about her. A copy, teste, F. Johnston October 28, 1848 No. 2 At a court held for Roanoke County on the 20th day of December 1838, Henry Cousins, a free man of color, aged 23 years, about 5 feet 6 inches high, who was born of free parents, and who has no scars or marks, is registered according to law, as a free man, entitled to all privileges and immunities to which free negroes are by law entitled. A copy, teste. F. Johnston October 28, 1848 No. 3 At a court held for Roanoke County on the 22nd August 1839 – Registered in court, John Daniel, a free man of color, of yellow complexion, five feet 10 inches high, about 23 years of age, with a small scar on the left wrist, no other scar or mark and appearing to the court by satisfactory evidence that he was free born. It is ordered that he be entitled to all the privileges and immunities to which free Negroes and mulattos are by law entitled Teste. F. Johnston October 28, 1848 No. 4 At a court held for Roanoke County on the 19th day of September 1839 – Registered in court Ellen Thomas, a free woman of color of brown complexion, five feet five and a half inches high, about 21 years of age, with a scar on the left wrist – no other scar or mark. Is appearing to the court by satisfactory evidence that she is free born, it is ordered that she be entitled to all the privileges and immunities to which free Negroes and mulattos are by law entitled. A copy, teste. F. Johnston October 28, 1848 No. 5 At a court held for Roanoke County on the 20th day of July 1840 – On the petition of William J. Armistead, who proved by a witness in court that he is free – it is ordered by the court that he be registered as such – that he is 25 years of age, about 5 feet 9 inches high, yellow complexion, with a small scar by the roof of his nose. A copy, teste, F. Johnston October 28, 1848 �No. 6 At court held for Roanoke County the 21st day of September 1840 – On the petition of David Thomas, who was known by the court to be free, it is ordered by the court that he be registered as such – that he is 40 years of age, about 6 feet and ¼ of an inch high, yellow complexion with a scar about the left knee and no other scar or mark about him. A copy, teste. F. Johnston October 28, 1848 No. 7 At a court held for Roanoke County, the 19th day of October 1840. On the petition of Elijah Thomas, who was known by the court to be free born, it is ordered by the court that he be registered as such – that is _____years of age, about 5 feet 10 and ¼ inches high, yellow complexion, with no visible scar or mark about him. A copy, teste. F. Johnston October 28, 1848 No. 8 At a court held for Roanoke County on the 19th day of October 1840. On the petition of Alexander Lovely who was known by the court to be free born. It is ordered that he be registered as such. That he is ____years of age, about 5 feet 10 inches high, yellow complexion, his right knee stiff, and no other visible scar or mark about him. A copy, teste. F. Johnston October 28, 1848 No. 9 At a court held for Roanoke County, the 16th day of November 1840. On the petition of James Campbell who was proved by the oath of William M. Dennis to be free born – It is ordered by the court that he be registered as such – that he was 21 years of age, the 4th of March last, brown complexion, 5 feet 8 inches high, a scar upon his forehead about the right eye, with no other visible scar or mark about him. A copy, teste. F. Johnston October 28, 1848 No. 10 At a court held for Roanoke County on the 15th day of May 1843 – On the petition of Caty Frog, who proved by a witness in court that she was free born. It is ordered by the court that she be registered as such – that she is about 38 years of age, 5 feet 2 inches in height, thick set, a mulatto, and no particular marks or scars about her. A copy, teste. F. Johnston October 28, 1848 No. 11 At a court held for Roanoke County on the 15th day of May 1843. On the petition of John Saunders, who proved by a witness in court, that he is free born – it is ordered by the court that he be registered as such – That he is 5 feet 6 ½ inches in height, a bright mulatto, about 22 years of age, with no particular scars or marks about him. �A copy, teste. F. Johnston October 28, 1848 No. 12 At a court held for Roanoke County on the 15th day of May 1843, On the petition of Joshua Saunders, who proved by a witness in court, that he was free born – It is ordered by the court that he is registered as such – that he is 6 feet 1 ¼ inches high, a bright mulatto, about 21 years of age, with a scar upon the left thumb. A copy, teste. F. Johnston October 28, 1848 No. 13 At a court held for Roanoke County on the 19th day of June 1843 – On the petition of Noah Saunders, who proved by a witness in court that he was free born – it is ordered that he be registered as such – that he is a bright mulatto about 13 years of age, with no particular scars or marks. A copy, teste. F. Johnston October 28, 1848 No. 14 At a court held for Roanoke County on the 17th day of July 1843 – On the petition of Polly Saunders, who proved to the satisfaction of the court that she was free born. It is ordered by the court that she be registered as such – she is a bright mulatto about 22 years of age, with no visible scar or mark about her, and 5 feet 4 ½ inches high. A copy, teste. F. Johnston October 28, 1848 No. 15 At a court held for Roanoke County, the 17th day of July 1843. On the petition of Aggy Frog, who proved to the satisfaction of the court that she was free born – It is ordered by the court that she be registered as such – That she is a bright mulatto, thirty years of age, with a scar over the left eye. 5 feet 4 ¼ inches high. A copy, teste. F. Johnston October 28, 1848 No. 16 At a court held for Roanoke County on the 17th day of July 1843. On the petition of Mary Rayford, who proved to the satisfaction of the court that she was free born – it is ordered by the court that she be registered as such – that she is a bright mulatto about 25 years of age, 5 feet 3 inches high. A copy, teste. F. Johnston October 28, 1848 No. 17 At a court held for Roanoke County on the 18th day of November 1844 – On the petition of Richard Hearn, who proved to the satisfaction of the court that he was free born, it is ordered that he be registered as such – He is a dark colored boy about 17 years of age the 30th day of January next, 5 feet 11 ½ inches high, with no visible mark or scar about him. A copy, teste. F. Johnston October 28, 1848 �No. 18 At a court held for Roanoke County on the 18th day of November 1844 – Upon the petition of Malinda Hearn, who proved to the satisfaction of the court that she was free born, it is ordered that she be registered as such. She is a dark colored girl, 13 years of age the 3rd day of July next, five feet two inches high, with no visible marks or scars about her. A copy, teste. F. Johnston October 28, 1848 No. 19 At a court held for Roanoke County on the 21st day of July 1845 – on the petition of Caswell Rayford, who proved to the satisfaction of the court that he was free born, it is therefore ordered that he be registered as such. He is a dark mulatto boy, 24 years old the 6th day of January 1845 with no visible mark or scar about him. He is five feet nine inches in height. A copy, teste. F. Johnston October 28, 1848 No. 20 At a court held for Roanoke County on the 21st day of July 1845. Upon the petition of Betsy Rayford, who proved to the satisfaction of the court that she was free born, it is therefore ordered that she be registered as such. She is a bright mulatto, twenty-two years of age, with a scar on her left wrist caused by a burn. She is five feet five inches high. A copy, teste. F. Johnston October 28, 1848 No 21. At a court held for Roanoke County on the 21st day of July 1845 – Upon a certificate of the Clerk of Montgomery County – it is ordered that Caleb be registered as a free black. He is about 41 years of age, five feet four inches high, black complexion, scar on the right arm, one over the right eye and a small one on the right wrist. Lame in the left leg, produced by white swelling in his foot, and somewhat bald. A copy, teste. F. Johnston October 28, 1848 No. 22 At a court held for Roanoke County on the 15th day of September 1845. On the petition of Mary Cousins, who proved to the satisfaction of the court that she was free. It is ordered that she be registered as such. She is a dark colored woman with a burn on her left hand. She is 27 years, 2 months and 27 days old, and is 5 feet 3 ½ inches in height. A copy, teste. F. Johnston October 28, 1848 No. 23 At a court held for Roanoke County on the 18th day of May 1846. On the petition of Susan Cousins, who proved to the satisfaction of the court that she was free born. It is therefore ordered that she be registered as such. She is a mulatto girl, supposed to be thirty years of age, five feet one inch high, with her right shoulder out of place. A copy, teste. F. Johnston October 28, 1848 �No. 24 At a court held for Roanoke County on the 21st day of August 1843. On the petition of Susan Saunders, who proved to the satisfaction of the court that she was free born. It is ordered that she be registered as such. She is a bright mulatto girl about 22 years of age, with a scar on her left thumb, and five feet 8 inches and a half high. A copy, teste. F. Johnston October 28, 1848 No. 25 At a court held for Roanoke County on the 20th day of April 1846. On the petition of Aaron Shoveler, who proved to the satisfaction of the court that he was free born, it is therefore ordered that he be registered as such. He is a dark colored man, twenty three years of age the 3rd of July 1846. Six feet two and three quarter inches high, with a scar on his left arm just above the wrist, and one on the right nearly in the same place. A copy, teste. F. Johnston October 28, 1848 No. 26 At a court held for Roanoke County on the 20th day of April 1846. On the petition of John Campbell, who proved to the satisfaction of the court that he was free born. It is ordered that he be registered as such. He is a bright mulatto man, 23 years old on the 1st day of January 1847, five feet nine and one quarter inches in height, with a scar on the left side of his nose. A copy, teste. F. Johnston October 28, 1848 No. 27 At a court held for the County of Roanoke on the 20th day of April 1846. On the petition of Mary Campbell, who proved to the satisfaction of the court that she was free born, it is ordered that she be registered as such. She is a bright mulatto girl, eighteen years old last August, five feet seven inches high, with no visible mark or scar about her. A copy, teste. F. Johnston October 28, 1848 No. 28 At a court held for the County of Roanoke on the 17th day of April 1848. On the petition of Jacob Saunders, who proved to the satisfaction of the court that he was free born, it is ordered that he be registered as such. He is a bright mulatto about 23 years of age, with no visible scars or marks, five feet 6 ½ inches high. A copy, teste. F. Johnston October 28, 1848 No. 29 At a court held for Roanoke County on the 17th day of April 1848. On the petition of Charles Nelson, who proved to the satisfaction of the court that he was free born, it is ordered that he be registered as such. He is a bright mulatto about 21 years old, with a scar under his chin, and five feet eight inches high. A copy, teste. F. Johnston October 28, 1848 �No. 30 In the Clerk’s Office of Roanoke County Court, the 20th day of August 1849. Registered in the office No. 30 Samuel Richardson, a dark mulatto about 47 years old, 5 feet 7 ½ inches high – Has a scar on his forehead over the right eye, free born, as appears by the certificate of the Clerk of Lynchburg Hustings Court, under day 3rd day of December 1828. Teste. F. Johnston No. 31 Registered in the Clerk’s Office of Roanoke County Court, the 22nd day of August 1849 Robert Jackson a free man of color born of free parents in the County of Charlotte and registered in the Clerk’s Office in the County Court of Charlotte on 5 April 1841 as appears by the certificate of the clerk of said Court – Robert Jackson is now number No. 31 – is of bright copper complexion, has a scar on the left arm near the elbow, six feet 2 ½ inches high and 29 years old on the 23rd of February last. Teste. F. Johnston No. 32 Registered in the Clerk’s Office of Roanoke County Court on the 31st day of August 1849 No. 32 John P. Cousins, a man of yellow complexion, thirty one years old next October about six feet one and a half inches high, heretofore registered as No. 654in the Clerk’s office of Goochland County Court and described in the Clerk’s certificate (which is dated 18 July 1842) as having a scar near the left eye, another on the upper lip extending from the nose to the mouth and several scars on the forefinger and thumb of each hand and was born free. No other marks or scars now apparent. Teste. F. Johnston No. 33 Registered in the Clerk’s Office of Roanoke County Court on the 31st day of August 1849, No. 33 Eliza Cousins, heretofore registered in the Clerk’s office of Rockingham County (as appears by the certificate of the clerk of said court dated 15th February 1841) under the name of Eliza Beasley – described in said certificate as a “bright mulatto girl about 25 years of age, five feet 3 inches high, has a small scar over each eye – has a scar on the thumb of the left hand, no other marks perceivable, was born free as appears by evidence filed in my office” – The said Eliza Cousins (wife of John Cousins) is now 33 years of age, and has no additional marks or scars on her face, head, or hands. She has also been registered as Eliza Beasley in the Hustings Court of Staunton (No. 127) the 6th April 1842. Teste. F. Johnston No. 34 At a court held for the County Court of Roanoke on the 20th day of August 1849 On the petition of Sally Frog, who proved to the satisfaction of the court that she was free born – It is therefore ordered that she be registered as such. She is a bright mulatto, five feet three and a half inches high, about 26 years of age without any visible mark or scar. A copy, teste. F. Johnston No. 35 Registered in the Clerk’s Office of Roanoke County Court, the 31st day of August 1849 No. 35 – Caleb, heretofore, to wit on the 2nd day of May 1842, registered in the Clerk’s Office of Montgomery County Court as No. 21 – and described in the certificate of said last mentioned court as “aged about forty one years, five feet four inches high, black complexion, scar on the right wrist, lame in the left leg produced by white swelling in his foot, and somewhat bald – it appearing by satisfactory evidence that he was �emancipated by deed executed by Thomas J. Deyerle on the 23 day of March 1835 and duly admitted to record in the Clerk’s office of the County on the 11th day of July 1835 – Caleb is now registered as 48 years of age, same scars and marks as above, with the following additional ones – a burn on the left arm near the elbow, and lame in the middle finger of his right hand. Teste. F. Johnston No. 36 At a court held for Roanoke County on the 20th day of August 1849. On the petition of Rhoda Frog, who proved to the satisfaction of the court that she was free born, it is therefore ordered that she be registered as such – She is a bright mulatto, five feet three inches in height, and about thirty years of age – no visible scars or marks about her person. A copy, teste. F. Johnston No. 37 At a court held for Roanoke County on the 20th day of August 1849. On a petition of William Thomas, who proved to the satisfaction of the court that he was free born – it is therefore ordered that he be registered as such. He is of black complexion, five feet nine inches high, and about twenty two years of age, with a scar on his left arm, and another on his left wrist. A copy, teste. F. Johnston No. 38 At a court held for Roanoke County on the 20th day of August 1849. On the petition of Elijah Lovely, who proved to the satisfaction of the court that he was free born, it is therefore ordered that he be registered as such. He is a bright mulatto, five feet seven inches in height, 21 years old, with a small scar on his left cheek, and a dark spot on his left shoulder. A copy, teste. F. Johnston No. 39 At a court held for Roanoke County on the 20th day of August 1849. On the petition of Samuel Frog, who proved to the satisfaction of the court that he was free born – it is ordered that he be registered as such. He is of black complexion, five feet eight and a half inches high, and twenty years of age, with a scar on his left knee, and a scar on the right temple. A copy, teste. F. Johnston No. 40 At a court held for Roanoke County on the 20th day of August 1849. On the petition of Griffin Lovely, who proved to the satisfaction of the court that he was free born – it is therefore ordered that he be registered as such. He is of yellow complexion, 5 feet 5 ½ inches in height, and 20 years of age, with the forefinger of his right hand cut off, a scar on his left wrist, and another scar on his left shoulder. A copy, teste. F. Johnston No. 41 At a court held for Roanoke County on the 21st day of August 1849. On the petition of Jacob Jones, who proved to the satisfaction of the court that he was free – it is ordered that he be registered as such. He is of black complexion, 5 feet 8 inches high, 54 years old, with a scar on his forehead over his left eye, and another scar on the joint of his left wrist. A copy, teste. F. Johnston �No. 42 At a court held for Roanoke County on the 21st day of August 1849. On the petition of William Nelson, who proved to the satisfaction of the court that he was free born – it is therefore ordered that he be registered as such. He is of black complexion 5 feet 8 ½ inches high, and 28 years of age, with two scars on his forehead over the right eye. A copy, teste. F. Johnston No. 43 Registered in the Clerk’s Office of the County Court of Roanoke on the 5th day of September 1849 as No. 43 – Alexander Lovely, a free man of color heretofore registered (to wit on the 19th October 1840) in the said Court “as”_____years of age, 5 feet 10 inches high, yellow complexion, his right knee stiff and no other visible scar or mark about him. A copy, teste. F. Johnston No. 44 In the Clerk’s Office of Roanoke County Court, the 5th day of September 1849 Peter Wilson, a free man of color, having deposited with me a certificate of the registry of the County Court of Botetourt on the 8th day of July 1839 – the same is now renewed in this office – He is thirty nine years of age, black color, about 5 feet 6 or seven inches high, the front teeth in the upper jaw out – no other marks or scars perceivable. Numbered No. 44 A copy, teste. F. Johnston No. 45 In the Clerk’s Office of Roanoke County Court, the 5th day of September 1849 Sukey Cousins, a free woman of color having deposited with me a certificate of her registry by the County Court of Roanoke on the 18th day of October 1838 – On her application the same is now renewed as No. 45 by the following description – She is near 61 years of age, about four feet nine inches in height, thick set, dark complexion, and no particular marks apparent about her. A copy, teste. F. Johnston No. 46 In the Clerk’s Office of Roanoke County Court on the 5th day of September 1849 Henry Cousins a free man of color having deposited with me a certificate of his registry in the County Court of Roanoke on 20th day of December 1838 – On his application the same is now renewed as No. 46, by the following description – He is aged about 34 years, about 5 feet 6 inches high, and no scar or mark apparent. Teste. F. Johnston No. 47 At a court held for Roanoke County on the 17th day of September 1849 On the petition of Mary Nelson who proved to the satisfaction of the court that she was free born – it is ordered that she be registered as such. She is of very black complexion, 5 feet 3 inches high, nineteen years old, with a scar on her right wrist – No. 47 A copy, teste. F. Johnston No. 48 At a court held for Roanoke County on the 17th day of September 1849 �On the petition of Prudence Leggins, who proved to the satisfaction of the court that she was free born – it is ordered that she be registered as such. – She is of dark complexion, 5 feet one inch in height, about 36 years old, without any visible marks or scars – Numbered 48 A copy, teste. F. Johnston No. 49 At a court held for Roanoke County on the 17th day of September 1849 On the petition of Eliza Jane Primus, who proved to the satisfaction of the court that she was born of free parents – it is ordered that she be registered as such. She is of copper complexion, 5 feet one inch in height, 17 years of age, with a scar on her right wrist, and another on the upper part of the right thumb – Numbered 49 A copy, teste. F. Johnston No. 50 At a court held for Roanoke County on the 17th day of September 1849 On the petition of William Shoveller who proved to the satisfaction of the court that he was free born, it is ordered that he be registered as such. He is of dark complexion, five feet nine inches in height, 28 years old, with a scar on the back of his right hand, and another on his left jaw. No. 50 A copy, teste. F. Johnston No. 51 At a court held for Roanoke County on the 17th day of September 1849 On the petition of Stephen Day, who proved to the satisfaction of the court that he was free born – it is therefore ordered that he be registered as such – He is of black complexion, 5 feet 10 ½ inches high, forty years of age, with a scar on his right hand, and another in the middle of his forehead. Numbered 51 – A copy from the record of court Teste. F. Johnston No. 52 At a court held for Roanoke County on the 17th day of September 1849 On the petition of Katy Craig, who proved to the satisfaction of the court that she was free born – it is ordered that she be registered as such – She is of yellow complexion, 5 feet 2 ¾ inches high, sixty years old, with a mole on her chin, and no other marks or scars apparent – Numbered 52 – A copy from the records of the court Teste. F. Johnston No. 53 At a court held for Roanoke County on the 17th day of September 1849 On the petition of Mahala Craig, who proved to the satisfaction of the court that she was free born, it is ordered that she be registered as such. She is of dark brown complexion, 5 feet 2 ¾ inches in height, 23 years of age, with a scar on her forehead, Numbered 53 – A copy from the records of the court. Teste. F. Johnston No. 54 At a court held for Roanoke County on the 17th day of September 1849 �On the petition of Catharine Saunders who proved to the satisfaction of the court that she was free born – it is ordered that she be registered as such – She is of light complexion, 5 feet 1 ¾ inches in height, 27 years old, with a scar over her right eye. Numbered 54 – A copy from the record of court. Teste. F. Johnston No. 55 At a court held for Roanoke County on the 17th day of September 1849 On the petition of Susan Finlay, wife of Robert Finlay, who proved to the satisfaction of the court that she was free born – it is ordered that she be registered as such – she is a bright mulatto, 5 feet 1 ½ inches in height, 34 years of age, without any visible mark or scar - Numbered 55 A copy from the record of court Teste. F. Johnston No. 56 At a court held for Roanoke County on the 17th day of September 1849 On the petition of Malinda Sheffey who proved to the satisfaction of the court that she was free born – it is ordered that she be registered as such. She is of light brown complexion, four feet 11 ¾ inches in height, 25 years old, with a white pimple on the right side of her neck – Numbered 56 A copy from the record of court. Teste. F. Johnston No. 57 In the Clerk’s office of Roanoke County Court, the 27 day of September 1849 Mary Campbell a free woman of color who was registered in the county court of said county on the 20th day of April 1846 – this day has her said register renewed by the following description – She is a bright mulatto girl, 21 years old, 5 feet 7 inches high, with a scar on her left arm near the elbow, and a burn on the thumb of her right hand. Numbered 57 Teste. F. Johnston No. 58 In the Clerk’s Office of Roanoke County Court on the 9th day of October 1849. Renewed for Mary Williams her register as a free woman of color – registered in the county court of Roanoke on the 16th day of June 1845 by the following description “she is a dark colored woman, 21 years of age, with a scar upon her right hand above the thumb, 5 feet 1 ¾ inches high”, now registered by the same description, except as to age which is 25 years – Teste. F. Johnston No. 59 Renewed in the Clerk’s Office of Roanoke County Court the 1st day of September 1849 the Register of Betsy Rayford a free woman of color – registered in the County Court of Roanoke on the 21st July 1845 and thus described as a “bright mulatto twenty two years of age, with a scar on her right wrist caused by a burn, 5 feet 5 inches high” She is now registered by the same description and as 26 years of age. Teste. F. Johnston No. 60 In the Clerk’s Office of Roanoke County Court, the 13th day of October 1849 Hezekiah Jackson, a man of color born free in the County of Charlotte, and registered in the Clerk’s office of said county on the 10th June 1845 as “of dark mulatto complexion, 5 feet 10 1/8 inches high (without shoes) and is 23 years of �age” – this day registered in this office with the same description except as to age, which is now 27 – and numbered No. 60 Teste. F. Johnston No. 61 In the Clerk’s Office of Roanoke County Court, the 13th day of October 1849, Virginia Caroline Jackson, wife of Hezekiah Jackson (formerly Virginia Caroline illegible) a women of color born of free parents in the County of Charlotte, and registered in the Clerk’s office of said county on the 5th of May 1847 as No. 601 by the following description – “a free woman , of bright mahogany complexion, five feet and ½ an inch high, near 18 years old and has no apparent marks or scars.” – now registered in this office by the same description, except as to age which is 20. (Numbered No. 61) Teste. F. Johnston No. 62 At Roanoke October Court 1849 On the petition of Elizabeth Campbell who proved to the satisfaction of the Court, that she was free born, it is ordered that she be registered as such. She is of dark brown complexion, 5 feet 3 ½ inches high, 19 years of age, with a scar under her chin and another scar on the joint of her left forefinger – Numbered 62. A copy, Teste. F. Johnston No. 63 At a court held for Roanoke County on the 15th day of October 1849 On the petition of Moses Thomas, who proved to the satisfaction of the court that he was free born, it is ordered that he be registered as such. He is of black complexion, 5 feet 11 ¼ inches in height, about 21 years old, with two scars on his right thumb – Numbered 63 A copy, Teste. F. Johnston No. 64 At a court held for Roanoke County on the 19th day of November 1849 On the petition of Bowyer M. Bean, who proved to the satisfaction of the court that he was free born it is ordered that he be registered as such. He is of light brown complexion, 5 feet 10 inches in height, 21 years of age, with a scar on the first joint of his left middle finger, and another scar on the inside of his left arm – Registered as No. 64 Teste. F. Johnston No. 65 In the Clerk’s Office of Roanoke County Court on the 5th day of February 1850 Caswell Rayford a free man of color who was registered in the County Court of Roanoke on the 21st day of July 1845 (No. 19) having deposited me his former certificate of registry dated as above (21st July 1845) the same is now renewed as follows – He is about 29 years of age, 5 feet 9 inches high, brown complexion, with a scar over his right eye, and several small scars on his right hand. – Numbered 65 Teste. F. Johnston No. 66 In the Clerk’s Office of Roanoke County Court on the 17th day of May 1850 Josiah Coleman Jackson, a free man of color, heretofore registered in the County of Charlotte – to wit on the 13th Jan’y 1846 and described in the certificate this day returned to me, as of bright brown �complexion, 15 years old, 5 ½ feet high (in shoes) without any apparent scar or mark was this day registered in the office by the same description, except as to height which is 5 feet 11 ¾ and as to age which is 19 and numbered 66 – and with a scar over the left eye Teste. F. Johnston No. 67 At Roanoke November Court 1850 William Nelson, a free man of color, who has been registered in Botetourt County on the 8th Oct. 1849, having removed into this county and desiring to be registered here and having surrendered his former register to the clerk, it is therefore ordered that he be registered in this Court – he is a dark mulatto, five feet five inches high, twenty one years of age, and has no visible scars or marks to distinguish him A copy, Teste. F. Johnston No. 68 At a court held for Roanoke County the 20th day of January 1851 On the petition of Thomas Compton, who proved to the satisfaction of the court that he was free born, it is ordered that he be registered as such. He is a bright mulatto, 24 years old last September, 5 feet 6 ¾ inches high, with the mark of a burn on the right side of his mouth, and a scar on the inside of his left hand near the thumb A copy, Teste. F. Johnston Renewed June Court 1853 No. 69 At a court held for Roanoke County at the courthouse thereof on the 17th day of July 1844 Upon the petition of Mary Goff, who proved to the satisfaction of the court that she was free born, it is ordered that she be registered as such. She is a bright mulatto, inclined to be freckled, about 29 years of age, with no visible mark or scar about her A copy, Teste. F. Johnston No. 70 At a court held for Roanoke County at the courthouse thereof on the 15th day of February 1851 Thomas Shanks, a free Negro who has heretofore been registered in the County of Franklin, wishing to remove to this county, it ordered that he be registered here. He is of yellow complexion, curly hair, 5 feet 7 ½ inches high, and about 24 years of age, with no visible scars or marks on his hands or face A copy, Teste. F. Johnston No. 71 At a court held for Roanoke County on the 16th day of June 1851 – On the petition of Noah Saunders who has heretofore been registered in the court as a free man of color (free born) it is ordered that his Registry be renewed. He is a bright mulatto, about 21 years of age, feet inches high, with no visible marks or scars A copy, Teste. F. Johnston No. 72 At a court held for the County of Roanoke on the 16th day of June 1851 On the petition of Caswell Rayford who has heretofore been registered in the court as a free man of color and is appearing to the satisfaction of the court that the free papers of said Caswell Rayford have �been lost, it is therefore ordered that the clerk of this court be authorized to renew his free papers – He is a dark mulatto, 30 years old, 5 feet 9 inches high, with a scar over his right eye A copy, Teste. F. Johnston No. 73 At a court held for the County of Roanoke on Monday the 15th day of December 1851 On the petition of John Saunders who has been heretofore registered in this court as a free man of color, more than five years age it is ordered that the clerk of this court be authorized to renew his said register – Numbered 73 – He is five feet6 ½ inches in height, a bright mulatto about 31 years of age with a mole on his breast A copy, Teste. F. Johnston No. 74 At a court held for the County of Roanoke on the 16th day of March 1852 On the petition of Martha Jane Nelson, who satisfied the court that she is free born, it is ordered that she be registered as such. She is a dark mulatto, 5 feet one inch in height, 15 years old, without any visible marks or scars A copy, Teste. F. Johnston (No. 84 same name is a different person) No. 75 At a court held for the County of Roanoke on Monday the 19th day of April 1852 On the petition of Maria Finley, who proved to the satisfaction of the court that she was free born, it is ordered that she be registered as such – She is of black complexion, 35 years old, 5 feet 8 ¾ inches high, with a flesh mark on her left arm above the wrist A copy, Teste. F. Johnston No. 76 At a court held for the County of Roanoke on the 19th day of April 1852 On the petition of Martha Sheffey who proved to the satisfaction of the court that she was free born, it is ordered that she be registered as such – She is a bright mulatto, 18 years old, 5 feet 7 ¼ inches high, with as scar on her left hand between the two first fingers, and a scar on the left side of her neck A copy, Teste. F. Johnston No. 77 At a court held for the County of Roanoke on the 18th day of October 1852 On the petition of Field Cousins a free man of color, who was registered as such in the County of Goochland on the 21st October 1851, and who has delivered his register, it is ordered that his register be renewed. He was 21 years of age on the 11th July 1851, of yellow complexion, about five feet ten inches high, has a small scar on the forehead and a scar on the back of his left hand near the joint of the forefinger, and born free in the County of Goochland A copy, Teste. F. Johnston �No. 78 At a court held for the County of Roanoke Monday the 18th day of March 1850 – On the petition of Hevenly Shovelly who proved to the satisfaction of the court that he was free born – it is ordered that he be registered as such – he is of dark brown complexion, 23 years old, with two scars on his right wrist and another scar on his left thumb near the wrist A copy, Teste. F. Johnston No. 79 At a court held for the County of Roanoke on Monday the 18th day of July 1853 – On the petition of John Shovelly, , who proved to the satisfaction of the court that he was free born, it is ordered that he be registered as such – He is of black color, six feet in height, twenty one years old, with a mark or scar on the underpart of the left arm near the elbow A copy, Teste. F. Johnston No. 80 At a court held for the County of Roanoke on Monday the 21st day of November 1853 On the petition of Jim Tosh, who proved to the satisfaction of the court that he was born of free parents, it is ordered that he be registered as such. He is of brown complexion, 31 years old, 5 feet 8 inches high, and has a scar or mark on the right corner of the right eye, and another on the second finger of his left hand A copy, Teste. F. Johnston No. 81 At a court held for Roanoke County on the 16th day of October 1854 On the petition of Catharine Sheffey who proved to the satisfaction of the court that she was born of free parents, it is ordered that she be registered as such. She is a bright mulatto, 18 years old – 5 feet 3 ¾ inches high, with the mark of a cupping instrument on the back of her neck – no other visible mark A copy, Teste. F. Johnston No. 82 At a court held for the County of Roanoke on Monday the 16th day of October 1854 On the petition of George Thomas who proved to the satisfaction of the court, that he was born of free parents, it is ordered that he be registered as such – He is of brown complexion, 21 years old, 5 feet 11 inches high, with a scar on the inside of the 3rd finger of his right hand, and his right eye something smaller than the left. A copy, Teste. F. Johnston No. 83 At a court held for the County of Roanoke on Monday the 16th day of October 1854 On the petition of Sarah Jane Craig, who proved to the satisfaction of the court, that she was born free, it is ordered that she be registered as such. She is of brown complexion, 15 years old, 5 feet ½ inches in height, with a mark or burn on her left wrist. A copy, Teste. F. Johnston �No. 84 At a court held for the County of Roanoke on the 15th day of January 1855 On the petition of Martha Jane Nelson, who proved to the satisfaction of the court that she was born of free parents, it is ordered that she be registered as such. She is of black complexion, five feet two inches in height, 21 years old, without any visible mark or scar. A copy, Teste. F. Johnston No. 85 At a court held for the County of Roanoke the 16th day of July 1855 On the petition of Wilson Harris, who proved to the satisfaction of the court that he has been duly registered in_______________as a free man and is further appearing that he has lost his free papers – it is therefore ordered that he be registered in the court, by the following description – He is 26 years of age, of black color, 5 feet 6 ½ inches high, with a large scar at the left wrist. A copy, Teste. F. Johnston No. 86 At a court held for the County of Roanoke on the 17th day of December 1855 Rosanna Turner, a free woman of color, who has been registered as such in the County of Botetourt, wishing to remove into this County and having delivered to the clerk her register, it is ordered that she be registered in this County by the following description. She is a bright mulatto, about five feet seven inches high, about 23 years old, with a small scar on her forehead and no other mark to distinguish her. A copy, Teste. F. Johnston No. 87 At a court held for Roanoke County the 17th day of June 1856 – On the petition of Samuel Burnett, a free man of color who has been duly registered as such in the County of Botetourt and who has delivered his former register to the clerk, it is ordered that he be registered in this County by the following description. He is a bright black, thirty nine years old, 5 feet 3 ½ inches high, scars or marks caused by a burn on each cheek also under the chin and on the breast, a scar over the left eye, and on the forehead – no other visible mark to distinguish him A copy, Teste. F. Johnston No. 88 J. Harvey Allen January 19, 1837 – see order book April 21, 1862 No. 89 At a court held for Roanoke County on the 16th day of March 1857 – On the petition of Lucy Nelson, who proved to the court that she was free born – it is ordered that she be registered as such – She is a bright mulatto, 18 years of age, 5 feet 3 inches high, with a scar over her left eye and near the left side of her nose – no other marks visible A copy, Teste. F. Johnston No. 90 At a court held for Roanoke County on the 18th day of May 1857 On the petition of Betsy Ann Rayford, who proved to the satisfaction of the court that she was free born, it is ordered that she be registered as such – She is of dark brown complexion, five feet 3 ½ inches high �and 20 years of age, has the mark of a burn on her left arm also near her left cheek, and scar on the back of her right hand A copy, Teste. F. Johnston No. 91 At a court held for Roanoke County on the 18th day of May 1857 On the petition of Nancy Henderson, who proved to the satisfaction of the court that she was free born, it is ordered that she be registered as such. She is of dark brown complexion, 5 feet 2 ½ inches high, twenty two years of age, without any visible mark or scar No. 92 At a court held for Roanoke County the 25th day pf April 1857 On the petition of Booker Freeman, who proved to the satisfaction of the court that he was born of free parents, it is ordered that he be registered as such. He is of black complexion, 5 feet 8 ¾ inches high with a scar on his left cheek – 21 years old Renewed by same description June 2, 1864 - 28 years old No. 93 At a court held for Roanoke County on the 15th day of June 1857 On the petition of John Nelson, who proved to the satisfaction of the court that he was born of free parents, it is ordered that he be registered as such. He is of black complexion, 5 feet 8 ½ inches high, 22 years old, with a scar under his right eye, and also one on his left wrist Teste. F. Johnston No. 94 At a court held for Roanoke County on the 15th day of February 1858 On the petition of Anthony Scott, who was heretofore registered in Rockbridge County on the 31st of October 1853 as a free man of color aged 30 years, five feet 7 ¾ inches high, bright mulatto color, bushy hair, a scar on the left wrist, left thumb, and left forefinger, free born in Campbell County VA – who has removed to the county and delivered to the clerk his former register, it is ordered that he be registered here by the same description, adding five years to his age Teste. F. Johnston No. 95 At a court held for Roanoke County on the 15th day of February 1858 On the petition of James Edward Mayo who was registered in the Corporation of Danville, VA on the 14th day of July 1853 as a free person of color, having been born of free parents in Prince Edward County, VA by the following description – “of yellow complexion, about 21 years of age, 5 feet 5 ¼ high, without apparent mark or scar” and said J.E. Mayo having removed to this county and delivered his former register to the clerk, ordered that he be registered here by the same description, adding 5 years to his age Teste. F. Johnston �No. 96 At a court held for Roanoke County on the 20th day of September 1858 – On the petition of Jane Campbell who proved to the satisfaction of the court that she was born of free parents, it is ordered that she be registered as such – She is a bright mulatto, 38 years old, 5 feet 7 inches in height, and the little finger of each hand crooked and crippled Teste. F. Johnston No. 97 At Roanoke September court 1858 Hannah Campbell registered as a free woman – by the following description – she is of dark complexion – 41 years old, 5 feet 5 inches high, without any visible mark or scar Renewed 15th May 1865 by same description, now 48 years old No. 98 At Roanoke September court 1858 Nathaniel Mayes registered as a free Negro by the following description – He is of dark complexion, 21 years of age, 5 feet 9 inches in height, with a large scar on his left hand between the thumb and forefinger No. 99 At Roanoke June court 1859 Ordered that Lucinda Reynolds, who was born free be registered as a free Negro – She is a bright mulatto, 39 years old, 5 feet 7 ½ inches high, with the mark of a burn on the back of her neck No. 100 At Roanoke June court 1859 It is ordered that Stephen Day, who was born free, be registered as a free Negro. He is of black complexion, 65 years old, 5 feet 7 ½ inches high, with a mark in the middle of his forehead, and a cut on his right hand No. 101 At Roanoke June court 1859 It is ordered that John Day, who was born free, be registered as a free Negro – He is of black complexion, 23 years old, 5 feet 6 inches high, with a scar on his breast No. 102 At Roanoke June court 1859 It is ordered that Ann Dooley, who was born free be registered as a free Negro. She is of yellow complexion, 27 years old, 5 feet 4 ½ inches high, with two marks of burns on her right arm No. 103 At Roanoke June court 1859 It is ordered that John Dunn who was born free, be registered as a free Negro. He is of yellow complexion, 23 years old, 5 feet 11 ½ inches high; with a scar on his left forefinger, and a scar on the right forefinger, and a scar on his forehead �No. 104 At Roanoke September court 1859 It is ordered that Jacob Jones, who was born free, be registered as a free Negro. He is of dark complexion, 69 years old, 5 feet 8 ¾ inches high, with a scar over the left eye and one on his right wrist No. 105 At Roanoke September court 1859 It is ordered that Smith (sometimes called Harry) Parks, who was born free be registered as a free Negro. He is a dark mulatto, 65 years old, 5 feet 8 ½ inches high, with a slight scar on his forehead, and a scar on the right of his nose No. 106 At Roanoke October court 1859 It is ordered that Moses Shovelly, who proved that he was born free, be registered as a free Negro. He is 23 years old, of black complexion, 5 feet 7 ½ inches high with a scar on the back and little finger of his right hand, and a scar on the forefinger of his left hand No. 107 At Roanoke October court 1859 On the petition of Nancy Freeman, who was at this November term 1854 of the County Court of Appomattox County registered as a free Negro and who has delivered her said register to this Clerk, it is ordered that she be here registered as such. She is 33 years old 5 feet 6 inches high, of yellow complexion, with a crooked finger on her left hand, and a scar on the left ankle No. 108 At Roanoke January court 1860 Sam Sheffey born free and registered as such – He is a bright mulatto, 21 years of age, 5 feet 9 inches, with a scar on the left side of his left eye and another scar on the middle finger of his right hand No. 109 At Roanoke January court 1860 David Henderson, born free and registered as such – He is of dark complexion; 21 years old, 5 feet 7 ½ inches high, with a scar on his left forefinger, and with the little finger and the finger next to it of his right hand stiffened No. 110 At a Roanoke November court 1859 Henry Rayford, born free registered as such – Black complexion, five feet 6 inches high, 21 years old, without any visible mark or scar No. 111 At Roanoke April court 1860 John Bice, born free and registered as such – Light brown complexion, 23 years old, 5 feet 10 ½ inches high, with a scar in the middle of his forehead, and the mark of a burn on his left elbow �No. 112 At Roanoke November court 1860 Bluford Smothers, heretofore registered in Wythe County, born free and registered here as such – 53 years old, 5 feet 10 ¾ inches high, light copper color, a small scar on his forehead above the right eye No. 113 At a Roanoke March court 1861 Robert Wright, free born since 1806*, dark mulatto – 18 years old, 5 feet 10 inches high, with a scar on the right side of his forehead *There is clearly an error as to birth year and age No. 114 At a Roanoke March court 1861 John Freeman, registered as born free since 1806*, Black complexion, - 29 years old, 5 feet 5 ¾ inches high, without any visible mark or scar *There is clearly an error as to birth year and age No. 115 At Roanoke March court 1861 Bartlett Freeman registered as born free since 1806 – Black complexion, 58 years old, 5 feet 9 inches high, with a scar on his left forefinger No. 116 Ailsey Freeman registered as born free since 1806, black complexion, 58 years old, 5 feet 1 ¼ inches high, with small pits or marks on each side of her face No. 117 At Roanoke March court 1861 Richmond Freeman, registered as free since 1806*, Black complexion, 19 years old, 5 feet 4 ½ inches high, without any visible mark or scar *There is clearly an error as to birth year and age No. 118 At Roanoke March court 1861 Elizabeth Freeman, registered as born free since 1806*, of black complexion, 15 years old, 5 ¾ inches high, without any visible marks or scars *There is clearly an error as to birth year and age No. 119 At Roanoke March court 1861 David Henderson, registered as born free since 1806*, dark brown complexion, 5 feet 8 ½ inches high, 22 years old, without any visible mark or scar *There is clearly an error as to birth year and age �No. 120 At Roanoke March court 1861 Elijah Henderson, registered as born free since 1806*, of black complexion, 20 years old, 5 feet 6 ½ inches high, with the mark of a burn on the back of his neck *There is clearly an error as to birth year and age No. 121 At Roanoke March court 1861 Lucy Catharine Henderson, registered as born free since 1806*, of black complexion, 18 years old, 5 feet ½ inch high, with a scar in the middle of her forehead No. 122 At Roanoke March court 1861 Maria Ellen Henderson, registered as born free since 1806*, of brown complexion, 14 years old, 4 feet 11 inches high, without any visible scar *There is clearly an error as to birth year and age No. 123 At Roanoke March court 1861 James P. Henderson, registered as born free since 1806*, of dark brown complexion, 16 years old, 5 feet 5 inches high, with the mark of a burn on the right side of his neck *There is clearly an error as to birth year and age No. 124 Mary Shoveley (married Ross) registered as born free since 1806*, of black complexion, 35 years old, 5 feet 10 ¼ inches high, without any visible mark or scar *There is clearly an error as to birth year and age No. 125 At Roanoke March court 1861 Mosy Shoveley (or Ross) registered as born free since 1806, of black complexion, 17 years old, 5 feet 11 inches high, without any visible mark or scar No. 126 At Roanoke March court 1861 Aaron Shoveley (or Ross) registered as born free in this County – of black complexion – 15 years old – 5 feet 4 ½ inches high, without any apparent scar or mark (May 5 1865 renewed – 20 years old, 5 feet 10 ¼, right forefinger stiff) No. 127 At Roanoke March court 1861 Charles Shoveley or Ross registered as born free in this County – of dark brown complexion, 13 years old, 5 feet 3 inches high, any apparent mark or scar No. 128 At Roanoke March court 1861 Frelinghuysin Reynolds registered as born free in Pittsylvania County – a very bright mulatto, 19 years old, 5 feet 8 ½ inches high, with a small scar on his forehead and under his mouth �No. 129 At Roanoke March court 1861 Sally Reynolds registered as born free in Pittsylvania County – a very bright mulatto, 15 years old, 5 feet 4 ½ inches high, without any apparent marks or scars No. 130 At Roanoke June court 1861 Sarah Ann Scott (registered as Sarah Ann Cooper on the 2nd September 1857 in Hustings Court of Lynchburg) registered as born free in Goochland County – 44 years old, bright mulatto, 5 feet 10 ½ inches high, with two black marks on her face, one on the right jaw, the other on the left side of nose No. 131 At Roanoke June court 1861 Matilda Mays (formerly Williams) registered as born free in Roanoke County – bright mulatto, 5 feet one inch high, 16 years old, crop-eyed in her left eye, with a burn on the right wrist and her left arm No. 132 At Roanoke November court 1861 Maria Susan Nelson (formerly Mayhew) registered as born free in Botetourt County – Bright mulatto, 5 feet high, 20 years old, with small scar under the lower lip No. 133 At Roanoke May court 1861 Elizabeth Freeman registered as born free in Roanoke County – of black complexion, 22 years old, 5 feet high, and without any visible marks No. 134 At Roanoke August court 1863 Hannah Richardson, wife of Samuel Richardson, registered as born free in Wythe County – 40 years old on September next – copper colored, 5 feet 7 ¼ inches high, a scar across her nose between the eyes, and a small scar on the right hand near the wrist No. 135 At Roanoke August court 1863 Ned Gipson registered as born free in Wythe County – 14 years old, mulatto color (described in former register as dark brown) slight scar on his left hand (not measured as he is not grown) No. 136 At Roanoke August court 1863 Calhoun Gipson, son of Hannah Gipson registered as born free in Wythe County – sixteen years old, light brown color – small scar on his forehead above the left eye, and a small scar above the right ear No. 137 At Roanoke October court 1863 Lydia Ann Saunders registered as a free Negro, born free – bright mulatto – 5 feet 9 inches high – about 19 years old, with scar on her forehead over the left eye �No. 138 At Roanoke April Court 1864 John Daniel registered as a free Negro – very bright mulatto – 5 feet 11 ½ inches in height, 23 years old, without any visible marks or scars No. 139 At Roanoke May court 1865 Sarah Frances Compton registered as a free Negro. She is a bright mulatto, 20 years old, 5 feet ½ inch high, with a scar on the joint of the right middle finger We the undersigned Justices of the Peace for Roanoke County do hereby certify that we have received from the Clerk of Roanoke County Court copies of the Acts of Assembly of Virginia for the session of 1865-66Z. Boon John Coon G. B. Brown G. G. Hartman John Trout S. G. Wood Colin Bass, Pres’t Board of Overseers Charles Lunsford J. Woodrum A. Garman Elijah Poage J.F. Penn Received June 20th 1867 by railroad. 2 vols. Acts of Congress 1865-66 and 2 vols. Acts of Congress 186667. Also 22 copies Acts of Assembly Virginia session 1866-67 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Roanoke County Register of Free Negroes, 1838-1865 Subject The topic of the resource Genealogy Description An account of the resource In 1793, the Virginia General Assembly passed a law requiring that all free Black and multiracial individuals of Black descent in the state of Virginia be registered in a book recording various details about their identity, physical appearance, and free status. These individuals were declared “free” on paper when in fact their lives were surveilled and recorded by white officials, which restricted their mobility, autonomy, and humanity. These register books provide just glimpses of their experiences. This collection contains the registers of Roanoke County from 1838-1865. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Library of Virginia Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1838-1865 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Roanoke County Register of Free Negroes, 1838-1865 Subject The topic of the resource Genealogy Description An account of the resource This register includes those individuals who registered as free persons of color in Roanoke County, Virginia from 1838-1865. Two versions are included; one captured from microfilm of the records from the Library of Virginia; the other a transcription of the handwritten records. As with any transcription, there are undoubtedly errors from the attempt to decipher handwritten records and with any genealogical records, there are likely misspellings on the original record. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Roanoke County Register of Free Negroes, 1838-1865 Library of Virginia Microfilm Collection, Reel 312 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Roanoke Public Libraries Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1838-1865 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource No known restrictions. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource pdf Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Roanoke County Is Version Of A related resource of which the described resource is a version, edition, or adaptation. Changes in version imply substantive changes in content rather than differences in format. https://uncommonwealth.virginiamemory.com/blog/2022/03/30/free-negro-registers-from-virginia-untold-now-available-on-from-the-page/ Medium The material or physical carrier of the resource. Microfilm Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Roanoke County Register of Free Negroes, 1838-1865