King George County (Va.) Register of Free Negroes, 1794-1822

Access and use

Location of collection:
Library of Virginia
The Library of Virginia
800 East Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23219
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Archives Reference Services
Phone: (804) 692-3888
Restrictions:

There are no restrictions.

Terms of access:

Use microfilm copy, King George County (Va.) Reel 58.

Preferred citation:

King George County (Va.) Register of Free Negroes, 1794-1822. Local government records collection, King George County Court Records. The Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia 23219.

Summary

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

King George County (Va.) Register of Free Negroes, 1794-1822. Local government records collection, King George County Court Records. The Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia 23219.

Background

Scope and content:

King George County (Va.) Register of Free Negroes, 1794-1822, lists the registration number, age, name, color, stature, marks or scars, in what court the person was emancipated or whether the person was born free. Some entries mention apprentice indentures including to whom apprenticed and the number of years. Familial relationships are occasionally given, particularly a mother's name. There is no index.

The rest of the volume consists of a court Rule Book, 1785-1799. Rules and proceedings are recorded by various dates always given at the beginning of a section of entries. Information recorded includes plaintiff's attorney (usually just recorded as initials rather than full names), parties names, sort of action, defendant's attorney name, and actions taken at various court dates.

Biographical / historical:

King George County was formed in 1720 from Richmond County. Part of Westmoreland County was added in 1777.

An act passed by the Virginia legislature in 1803 required every free negro or mulatto to be registered and numbered in a book to be kept by the county clerk.

Created by an act of 1720 to take effect on May 19, in 1721. Most loose records prior to 1830 are missing. Volumes that record deeds, court orders, and wills exist.

Acquisition information:
This item came to the Library of Virginia in a transfer of court papers from King George County under the accession number 42662. It was microfilmed by the Library of Virginia Imaging Services Branch.
Physical location:
Library of Virginia
Physical description:
1 v. (15 p.)