Edward H. Nabb Research Center for Delmarva History & Culture Enduring Connections: Exploring Delmarva's Black History

Record Detail

Record #16 from Abstracts of Petitions to Southern County Courts, 1775-1867

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 4
Microfilm Frame on Reel 891
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20982503
County Somerset
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1825
Abstract of Petition David, Patience, and her three children (Juliet, Levin, and George) plus Rhoda and her three children (Arthur, Nathan, and Peggy) petition the court to release them from the heirs of Joshua Moris Sr. The elder Mortris executed a deed of manumission in 1806 that freed David, Patience, Rhoda and three other slaves when they turned twenty-one years old. In 1819 Morris wrote his will and reiterated his intent to emancipate his slaves. Nevertheless, Morris' heirs still hold David, Patience, and Rhoda, as well as the children born since Morris's death, "in bondage and slaverty...against Law and justice." (In several agreements concluded by the parties during the cae, both sodes agree that "the negroes mentioned in said deed were permitted by the said Joshua to go at large and enjoy thier freedom from the time limited in said deed of manumission to the time of his death.")

If you are citing this record, please use the following format:

[Author (if known)], Abstracts of Petitions to Southern County Courts, 1775-1867, [Date (if known)], Enduring Connections: Exploring Delmarva’s Black History, Nabb Research Center, Salisbury University.

Pinned records can be viewed at any time by clicking the More menu in the top right corner of the page, then selecting My Pinned Records.