Henry Israel Warrant Sound and Slave for Life

Henry Israel was an arm baby, four months old when he was sold to David Buie in 1837. His mother Ann was 16 years old; she was youthful and fertile. She could endure the long trip from Virginia and ahead of her were years of work and child bearing. David Buie paid $800 for mother and child in Natchez, Mississippi.

The Natchez Daily Courier
November 6th 1855

"I had one child Henry Israel when I came from Virginia. Mr. Buie bought me and him at Natchez." Ann, Henry's mother

ANN'S BILL OF SALE - NATCHEZ - MAY 16TH 1837
Received of David Buie eight hundred dollars in full payment for two negroes, to wit, Ann 16 years of age and her child four months old, both negroes. I warrent(sp) to be sound, and slaves for life.
Theophus Freeman
Teste - Neil Buie

If they traveled by land, Ann and infant son would have been part of a coffle. A coffle was a convoy of slaves, mostly chained or roped together. The average coffle consisted of between 30 and 50 people. Men were placed in front, followed by women without children, children who were able to walk, and lastly, women with infants and small children who had to be carried. Major traders would have as many as 300 people. Determine by the destination, traveling 20 - 25 miles per day, the trip could take up to eight weeks.

"I can see de tragic sight, yet, of my people, chained together by deir han's in pairs, lined up in a long row, wid men leadin' 'em, and men at de end of de line takin' 'em to de auction-block." Ex-Slave, Foster Weathersby in Simpson County, MS

Traveling by water, they probably left Norfolk, VA, on a steam brig, navigating the Atlantic around the Florida Peninsula into the Gulf of Mexico. The brig would continue up the Mississippi River to the docks at New Orleans. Slaves destined for the Natchez market were transferred to steamboats for the remainder of the trip. The steam brigs were equipped to carry between 75 and 150 slaves, normally operated between October to May to avoid excessive heat in the tightly packed slave quarters aboard ship.

Once they arrived in Natchez, Ann, baby Henry and the others in their group would be groomed, well fed, and given new clothes for preparation of their impending sale.

"When dey got to Natchez de slaves was put in de pen 'tached to de slave markets. It stood at de forks o' St. Catherine Street an' de Liberty road. Here dey was fed an' washed an' rubbed down lak race hosses. Den dey was dressed up an' put through de paces dat would show off dey muscles. My pappy was sol' as a twelve year old, but he always said he was nigher twenty." Ex-Slave, Isaac Stier of Jefferson County, MS

Charles S. Sydnor’s book, Slavery in Mississippi, described The Forks of the Road Slave Market as follows: "A short distance out of Natchez in the angel of two roads were several low, rough, wooden buildings, that partially enclosed a narrow courtyard. In front of it usually found the saddle horses of planters or of the traders; inside were the Negroes awaiting sale. The entrance of a planter was a signal for the Negroes to line up, the men on one side and the women on the other."

The slave merchandise would be told how to show themselves off, to look cheerful and to speak up. The slaves would be formed into companies, according to size; the men, women, and children into separate groups. With this arrangement, the families among the group would often see the last of each other in this dreaded showroom.

Ann does not mention in her depositions, given in her son's Perry's pension case, if others of her family were sold along with her.

Next post: Ann and Henry arrive on the Buie plantation.

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How does Henry connect to my family?
Henry Israel shared the same plantation with members of my family.

Additional source - African American Migration Experience - The Domestic Slave Trade

Wedding Wednesday African American Couple circa 1890

The photograph was taken in or around Natchez, MS. The couple is unknown to me.

Thomas H. and Joan W. Gandy Photograph Collection from Louisiana Digital Library.

Franklin Scott of the 58th Regiment United States Colored Infantry

Franklin Scott's Headstone
Natchez National Cemetery

Franklin Scott served with the 58th Regiment, United States Colored Infantry. He left the Daniel Buie plantation, located in Caseyville, Copiah County, MS, shortly after Grierson Raiders came through in April 1863. Franklin enlisted August 31, 1863.

Left on the plantation were Franklin's wife, Sallie Coleman, and his toddling son James Pearly and an infant. Several men from the area left their familiar places headed to Natchez, the Union occupied town. Traveling by foot would take two days if there were no mishaps.

The family was appraised on the 1862 inventory list of Daniel Buie.

woman SALLY - Sallie Coleman Scott
and child valued at $1300
boy JAMES P. valued at $200 - James Pearlie Scott
boy FRANK valued at $1450 - Franklin Scott

According to his federal pension record, Franklin was born in 1838 in Bedford County, Virginia. He was sold to Daniel Buie when he was about 16 years old. He married another slave of Daniel Buie, Sallie Coleman, daughter of Cupit Coleman and Lucinda.

In April 1866, Franklin was discharged from service in Vicksburg. He gathered his family and moved to Washington, a community near Natchez. They purchased land and the family grew. The family included sons James Pearlie, Frank, Phillip, and Robert; daughters Lucinda and Mariah. Franklin and Sallie separated in 1882 but never divorced. Sallie died in 1915 and Franklin died in 1926. They both died in Adams County, Mississippi.

James Scott at the headstone of his 2nd great grandfather.

How does Franklin Scott connect to my family tree?
Franklin's son James Pearley Scott married Catherine Matilda Markham.
Catherine is the sister of my great grandfather Monroe Markham.

A Body of Cavalrymen Coming Up the Road

Photographs Courtesy of James Scott

Wordless Wednesday Wash Day 1890s

Stewart Photograph Collection
Natchez, Mississippi
Mississippi Department of Archives and History

Sunday Obituary Evangelist Barbara Ann McDaniel 1942-2013

Evangelist Barbara was an outstanding daughter, mother, sister, aunt, friend, conversationalist, helper, employee and a devout christian. Barbara made many outstanding contributions to her family, extended family, friends, strangers and her community

On June 18, 1942, she and her twin brother Billy Joe were the fourth and fifth children born and the second set of twins born to the union of Willie Mel McDaniel and Leveltus Ford McDaniel in Natchez, Mississippi. She attended Sadie V Thompson High School and graduated with the class of 1962. Barbara was crowned junior queen in the 8th grade and in her senior year, she was crowned Miss Sadie V. Thompson. After graduation, she relocated to California where she continued her education at Los Angeles Trade Technical College.

In 1966, she was employed by the State of California where she served as an employment officer and later transferred to the Department of Social Services as an analyst, licensing community care facilities, recruiting and training foster parents in the Los Angeles County and retired after 35 years of service.

Barbara was an active and loyal member of Revival Time Church of God in Christ and served under Pastor Charles Bennett, Sr., and First Lady Vivian A. Bennett until her illness. She loved serving the Lord and the church was her home. During her later years, she fellowshipped with God's Divine Center of Holiness Deliverance Church under the care and leadership of Pastor Irene Robinson. Because of her love and faithfulness, she was blessed to have two ministries who cared.

Throughout her life she gave, she laughed and she meet no strangers; everyone was influenced by her welcoming and outspoken personality. Her home was a local hotel to her friends, and friends of friends, her family and their friends, no reservations were needed, just a knock on the door or a phone call to let her know you were on your way. You were guaranteed a bit to eat.

Her heart belonged to her lovely daughters Terri LaJon Ferga Barber and Dr. Dione Kramer Milan Washington.

Barbara was proceeded in death by her parents, Willie Mel McDaniel and Leveltus McDaniel Carter, her twin brother Billy Joe, both paternal and maternal grandparents and two brothers Clifford McDaniel and Henry Mel McDaniel.

Evangelist Barbara will be affectionately remembered by many friends, neighbors, relatives and missed by all.

Amanuensis Monday Found Love in the Slave Pen

Slave Pen
Alexandria, Virginia
Image courtesy of Library of Congress

This is a bitter sweet testimony from Jane Harris Burnett who found love in a slave trader's pen in Richmond, Virginia. She and her future husband Robert Burnett likely were frighten, sold from family, not knowing where they were going and concerned about the new owner. John Torrey purchased them in Natchez, maybe at the Forks of the Road Slave Market. I wonder if Torrey was looking for a couple or if one or both asked him to buy them both.

Deposition A of Jane Burnett
Federal Pension Case of Jane Burnett (Widow of soldier Robert Burnett)
March 23rd 1898
Union Church, Jefferson County, Miss
I and Robert Burnett were bought by Mr John Torrey a number of years before the war from the traders at Natchez, Miss; I had become acquainted with Robert at Richmond, Va., where the traders first had us. My name in Virginia had been Harris, but on Mr Torrey's plantation I went by the name of my new owner. I took up with Robert Burnett at the slave trader's yard at Richmond, Va., and lived with him as his wife until his death in April four or five years ago; I cannot give you the exact date of his death. We were never divorced. Robert Burnett died of dropsy of the heart, so Dr McLean who treated him in his last sickness told me. When the Yankees had taken Natchez, Robert Burnett left for that place and enlisted in Co. C, 58 USCT, in which he served three years. After his discharged he returned home.

General Affidavit of John Torrey
In the year of 1852 February I bought them in Natchez, Miss and they lived as man and wife until 1863 when he went in the war and after he returned in 1866.

Source: Federal Pension Records of Robert Burnett
Private Robert Burnett of 58th Regiment, United States Colored Infantry
Digging up the Past at a Richmond Jail

Amanuensis Monday Name Confusion

George Washington aka George Thomas
1837-1912

George Washington aka George Thomas had several difficulties getting approval to receive a pension for service during the Civil War. One of his problems was he had a common name, George Washington. Seven men had the exact same name who served with the same regiment as this George, 58th Regiment, United States Colored Infantry. A civilian who worked for the 58th, USCI, also had the same name. Here is one of George's depositions concerning the name confusion.

Deposition A in Case of George Washington
January 15 1890
Brookhaven, Lincoln County, Miss

I was born in Copiah Co, Miss near the Jefferson County line. My owner was Bill Brown. He was the only owner I ever had. I lived on his place till I went to Natchez & then to Vicksburg. I joined the army at Vicksburg & was discharged at Natchez.

I have heard you explain about that Geo Washington who claims on my service. I don't know him that man & never saw or heard of him. He is a fraud. I have no picture of myself. I had no nickname in service at all. I was clean shaved all the way through the army. I was never in the army but about 8 or 9 months in all. I was never in but two fights in service, one about 12 miles from Woodville & the other was on Bingham's Branch out from Natchez. At the last fight a man named of our Co named Sampson Martin was killed.

Yes, I use to know of a Gilbert Buoy in Jefferson Co, Miss. He is dead. He lived near Union Church & 8 miles from my owner. Yes, he owned a slave named Geo Washington born & raised on the place. He was younger than me. I knew that other Geo Washington before the war. His mistress was my master's sister. No, he was never in my Co at all. He ran away from Gilbert Buoy a long time after I enlisted. He came to Natchez & was put to driving a commissary wagon in the wagon train. I well knew him and saw him often. I am positive he was never an enlisted man at all. He never did a thing but drive the post team. He never came back to Union Church after the war & I never have seen or heard of him since I was discharged.

Yes, he had a wife. Her name was Susie. He married her before the war. Then when he was driving wagon at Natchez he had a woman named Mary.

The father of that other Geo Washington was named Peter Baker. The Geo Washington that lived at Buoy's before the war & that wagoned(sp) at Natchez was not the same man that was in Capt Picks Co 58th Regt as Geo Washington

George his x mark Washington

George Washington served with Company F, 58th Regiment, United States Colored Infantry. He enlisted 08 Sept 1864 in Vicksburg, discharged 10 May 1865 in Natchez.

George's father was named Thomas Buie. After the War, he decided to use the name George Thomas. He married Rhoda Buie and had several children near Caseyville, MS. Many of George's descendants married into my Markham family.

Wordless Wednesday Frankie Ruth Gaulden McDaniel circa 1945

Frankie Ruth Gaulden
Born 1924 in Natchez, Adams County, MS
Daughter of Frank Gaulden, Jr. & Marie Boyd
Wife of Feltus McDaniel
Died in Charleston, IL around 1952/3

Photograph courtesy of Anthony Neal, Sr. Frankie was a cousin of Anthony's wife Bettie McDaniel Neal.

Wordless Wednesday In and out the Wagon

Natchez, Mississippi
Photograph taken between 1890-1905
Stewart Photograph Collection
Credit: Courtesy of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History

Wordless Wednesday Everyone Wears a Hat

Natchez, Mississippi
Photograph taken between 1890-1905
Stewart Photograph Collection
Credit: Courtesy of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History

Amanuensis Monday Assortment of Negroes

Take Notice
I WILL BE AT MY OLD STAND at the Forks of the Road, Natchez, on or before the first of November next, with an excellent assortment of
NEGROES,
many of them fine Cotton Pickers, besides five Blacksmiths, two House Carpenters, one Cabinet workman (a splendid mechanic) and two No. 1 BRICK-LAYERS. The above Negroes have been carefully selected, and I will guarantee satisfaction to purchasers. R. H. Elam.
Free Trader and Woodville Republican copy one month, and forward account to R. H. Elam. o18-d :wif

Source:
The Natchez Daily Courier
November 6th 1855
Microfilm Number: 22503
Mississippi Department of Archives and History

I don't have documents proving that members of my families were purchased at the Forks of the Road Market but do have documents that they were purchased in Natchez, which was one of the towns the slave owning families conducted their business.

Wedding Wednesday Abram and Easter - 1854

Dr Walter Wade recorded in his journal events that occurred on the Rosswood Plantation in Redlick, Jefferson County, Mississippi, between 1854-1865. Dr. Wade did small drawings throughout the journal which included a drawing of slaves Abram and Easter in their wedding attire.

Shopping for the wedding was done in Natchez. The couple married August 5th 1854 on a Saturday nite. They were likely married by High Peter who was recorded in the journal marrying another slave couple. A wedding supper was held for the couple.

On an inventory and assessment of the Negro property in Oct 1861, Abram was valued at $700, age 37; Easter who had one eye was valued at $400 and she was 21 years of age. The couple had a daughter Olivia who was 3 months old, valued at $50.

Source:
Journal of Rosswood Plantation, Redlick, Jefferson County, MS, by Dr. Walter Wade
Mississippi Department of Archives and History
Microfilm Number: 3882

Inventory and Appraisement of Slaves on the Rosswood Planation - 1861

Researched the census records to see if I could find the family in the 1870 census. I believe I found Easter and Olivia living in Jefferson County. Easter O'Quin was born in SC, 36 years old, Olivia was 9, and three more children were in the household: Frank, male Olivia, and August. In 1880, the family was using Johnson for a surname. Ester Johnson, age 40, born in SC, was in the household with children: Frank, August and Ida.

Olivia Johnson married Stephen Sidney 24 Jan 1878, in Jefferson County, MS.