It must have been particularly difficult to be held as a slave by Kenneth because his finances were a roller coaster ride. He was constantly buying, selling, and mortgaging people (as well as land and other property) to keep up with growing debt. Because there are so many enslaved people involved, and because Kenneth was … Continue reading Slaves Held by Kenneth Bembry
Tag: Slavery
Slaves Held by Miles Bembry
Miles Bembry I is the first Bembry I have on record in America, and my "brick wall." Recently, I was surprised to discover that he moved from Edgecombe County, North Carolina, to Pulaski County, Georgia late in life to join his sons, Thomas and William. Miles died in November or December of 1838. His son … Continue reading Slaves Held by Miles Bembry
Miles Bembry II’s Plantation
William Bembry I, son of Miles I, died deeply in debt. His estate file (once I found bits and pieces of it in three different places) contains almost 200 pages, mostly documents regarding payment of debts. Only a few enslaved people are listed on the inventory. They are: 1 Negro Woman Crean (?) and her … Continue reading Miles Bembry II’s Plantation
Cannie Bembry’s Estate
There was a second Kenneth Bembry,* the son of John Bembry. He went by the name "Cannie," served with the 63rd Georgia Infantry, and was killed at the battle of Gettysburg in 1863. Cannie died intestate, but his probate file includes the following enslaved people. I can find no record of their sale, so perhaps … Continue reading Cannie Bembry’s Estate
Kenneth Bembry’s Estate
Family Search has provided another Bembry estate file, that of Kenneth Bembry who died intestate in Tallahassee in 1854. His inventory reveals a a somewhat luxurious household including mahogany furniture, silverware, crystal, and of course, a list of "negroes." Unfortunately, the file does not include a record of the estate sale, so there is no … Continue reading Kenneth Bembry’s Estate
Guilford, a Carpenter
This is the first instance I have found in my research of an enslaved person being identified by a skill or profession. Kenneth Bembry sold "One certain negro Slave a Man by the name of Guilford a Carpenter" to Joseph Carruthers of Pulaski County, Georgia on July 27, 1840 for $1,500. This is no doubt … Continue reading Guilford, a Carpenter
Slaves Held By John and Maria Wiggins Bembry of Pulaski County, Georgia
Just came across this Pulaski County, Georgia deed in which Maria Wiggins Bembry mortgages the estate of her (presumably deceased) husband, John Bembry. The deed names several enslaved people. She apparently defaulted on the mortgage, as a later newspaper announcement of an auction (below) list some of the same names. Georgia Pulaski County This indenture … Continue reading Slaves Held By John and Maria Wiggins Bembry of Pulaski County, Georgia
Researching Slave-Holding Ancestors
There are two topics that are guaranteed to come up in just about ongoing discussion of American family history research: slavery and slave ownership. Genealogy television shows frequently explore the subject: of course you would expect to see that on Henry Louis Gates' excellent African-American Lives. But, it's remarkable how many celebrities (not all Southern) … Continue reading Researching Slave-Holding Ancestors
Extract from Nathan Harris II Will, 1820
The second Nathan Harris, son of the first Nathan, and my 6th great-grandfather, also made a will. However, I have not yet been able to find it! There is a probate file for Nathan online, however, because of family disputes about the estate. The probate file includes an extract from the original will. I wrote … Continue reading Extract from Nathan Harris II Will, 1820
Will of Joseph Sumner of Onslow County, North Carolina, 29 October 1784
This Joseph Sumner was my 6th great-grandfather. The Margaret mentioned in the will is supposedly Margaret Chesstnut (also spelled Chesnut, Chessnut, and Chestnut) however, I have not yet found a primary source for this information. From North Carolina Willd and Estates on Ancestry.com. In the name of god Amen I Joseph Sumner of Onslow County … Continue reading Will of Joseph Sumner of Onslow County, North Carolina, 29 October 1784
A Long Way to Tennessee 