Slaves and Free Blacks Mentioned in Russell County Court Order Books, 1853-1867

August 3, 1853

"Ordered that...Grays Aaron be assigned to George H. Gray surveyor of the road to keep the same in repair."

"Ordered that the following hands work under Calvin T. Fields Survey of a precinct of the Mountain Road to open the new part of the road...

...Anthony Ferguson, junr., slave Bill..."

"It appearing to the Court from the representation of the Sheriff of this County, that Moses Goff, Robert Beverly and James Powers free persons of color have not paid him the taxes and levies imposed on them for the year 1853; it is therefore ordered that he take these persons into his custody if necessary and hire them out according to law to raise the amount assessed upon them respectively."

"Ordered that the following hands be required to work under Thomas Mutter, Surveyor of the road from his house to the Lick Branch, viz:

...Patton G. Keen, Dave, a slave of same..."

"Ordered that the following hands be required to work under Henry D. Smith, Surveyor of the road from the widow Chambers to Thomas Mutters:

...Michael, a slave, Elijah, a slave, Sam, a slave, Moses, a slave, Black Abe, a slave, Yellow Abel, a slave, Harvey, a slave, Travis, a slave..."

"Ordered that Charles A. Smith construct the road of which he is surveyor, from his pasture gate to his mill, with his slaves Joe, Wesley, Fletcher, Charles and Joshua."

September 6, 1853

"A Deed for a slave from William Horton to Dorinda C. Horton, dated and admitted to record the 2d of August 1853."

"A Deed for slaves, from John Alexander to Mary Alexander dated and admitted to record the 22d of August 1853."

"Ordered that Patton G. Keen be appointed surveyor of the road from Isaac Johnson's to Silas B. Hurt's gate, and that the following tithables be assigned him:

...Nancy Hurt's slave Jack..."

"Ordered that T. J. C. Fugate be appointed Surveyor of the road leading from the Moccasin Road to the top of Moccasin Ridge and that...

Isaac B. Fugate's Samuel...

be assigned him to keep said road in repair."

"Ordered that John T. Jessee be appointed surveyor of the road to be opened from the top of the Ridge West of Mr. Cumbows to Wm Browning's in room of David Willis and that he clear and construct said road with the tithables on said Willis' list and with the following tithables,...

Cummings, a slave."

"Ordered that...

Jackson Samples, Samples' Sam...

be assigned to work under Stephen G. Samples surveyor of a road."

"Ordered that...

Moses Hurt and slave Johnson,... Thomas W. Davis & slave,... Zadok N. Gardner and slaves Wilkerson, James, William, and Carper...

be assigned to work under William L. Ball surveyor of a road."

"Ordered that... Aaron H. Garrett and his slave Campbell, and John Alexander's slaves Jacob and Abram do work under Z. Dorton surveyor of a road."""

"The following list of tithables was furnished to John T. Smith surveyor of the road from the top of the House and Barn mountain to the turnpike:...

Sam and John slaves of Dr. Smith..."

"Ordered that Silas B. Hurt, Thomas W. Davis, John T. Howard and Zadok N. Garder... do appraise in current money the personal estate and slaves of James Samples deceased..."


October 4, 1853

"Ordered that John Mullins jr. be appointed surveyor of the road from the house of John Mullins senr. to the top of George's Mountain... with the following tithables...

...Lewis a slave of Doct. Mullins..."

Ordered that Thomas Cunningham be appointed Surveyor of the road from Dr. Easterly's Spring branch to the Sugar Camp Hollow below Elisha Price's... and Easterly's Jack."

"Ordered that William Gragg be appointed Surveyor of the road from the end of James Kizer's precinct (1/4 mile from foot of Sandy Ridge) to the forks of Dump's Creek,...George & Henry, slaves Jno. Counts..."

"Ordered that Sally Tug a colored woman now understood to be at Thomas H. Garrets and who is represented to be in a helpless condition be provided for by one of the Overseers of the Poor, and that the said Garrett have a reasonable compensation allowed him for the time he have have kept her."

"Ordered that the following tithables work under Jos. Smith Surveyor of a road: Zadok N. Gardner, and his three slaves..."

"Elijah Ferrell is appointed surveyor of the first five miles of said road, commencing at James H. Fuller's and that he open the same with the following tithables:

...Elijah Ferrell's Moses..."

October 5, 1853

"Ordered that Thomas Davis be appointed Surveyor of the New Garden Road from William Gilmores Barn to the top of Glade Hollow Ridge... with the following hands...

...David Cowan's Ferdinand & Beverly... Hendricks' George & Sam..."

November 9, 1853

"Ordered that Thomas W. Davis and his slave Ben... be added to David Counts' Road list."

November 10, 1853

"Ordered that Nathaniel Dickenson be appointed surveyor of the road from the ford of Clinch River, to the Buffalo Stamp[?] on Copper ridge... with the following tithables...

Edmund, Humphrey & Wilson, slaves of James Dickenson...Fletcher Bickley, Bickley's Dan... John Dickenson & slaves Anderson, Reuban and his other male tithable slaves..."

"Ordered that the following tithables be assigned to Isaac Vermillion surveyor of the turnpike from the Courthouse to the top of the hill west of Andy F. Hendricks'...

Robert Boyds slave tithables... James a free man..."

"Ordered that Edward D. Kernan be appointed surveyor of the turnpike from the Court house to the two mile post west of Lebanon... and that the following tithables be assigned him:

Charles Carrell's three hands, James P. Carrell's three hands... E. D. Kernans 2 hands... Richard H. Lynch's boy Grand."

"Ordered that Andrew Williams be appointed surveyor of the new road from the top of Copper Ridge to the Glade Hollow on the lands of Nelson Gray... and the following tithables are ordered to work under him...

...Harvey Grey and slaves Nelson, Elisha, Lewis, Jim & Joseph, Napoleon B. Gray & slave Alexander...Samuel Leece and slaves Jim, Nathan, David, Franklin and Barna"

"Ordered that William B. Aston be appointed surveyor of of the road from Glade Hollow on Nelson Gray's place to the Turnpike West of Lebanon... and the following tithables are ordered to work under him:

Charles Carrell & three negro boys... James P. Carrell's three negro boys... Edward D. Kernan and two negroes... Samuel W. Aston and negro boy... Richard H. Lynch and slave Grand... and McElhenney's Commodore."

"Ordered that the following tithables be assigned to John A. Collins surveyor of the road from the fork of the road at Nathan E. Burdine's to the fork of Carr's Creek:...

...Nathan E. Burdine and slave Edmund..."

December 6, 1853


"Ordered that the following tithables be directed to work under John Johnson a part of the New Garden Road:

Honaker's Edmund..."

"Ordered that the following tithables be added to Nathan T. Meads road list:

...Jefferson Jessee & slave Harvey, Dale Carter's Kill and Isaac."

"Elijah Sutherland to be appointed surveyor thereof from Archer Jessee's Mill to the ford of Clinch River to be opened on the location with the assistance of the following tithables:

...Nat, a slave of Archer Jessees..."

January 3, 1854

"The Court certifies that in making the orders exonerating...at March Court 1853, Charles Burdine a free man of colour from the payment of his State tax for 1852 of $1.00..."

"The following additional hands are assigned to Elijah Sutherland surveyor of a road...

...Jefferson Jessee and slave Harvey..."

"Ordered that George H. Dyer be appointed surveyor of the road in room of Charles C. Dickenson, and to keep the same in repair with the following tithables:...

...Charles Dickenson's slave George."

"The following tithables are assigned to Napoleon B. Gray surveyor of a road:...

...slaves of Samuel Leece, Jim, Nathan, Frank, David, Barney, slaves of Col. Gray, Lewis, Elisha, Bob, Joseph, Nelson, Jim. Alexander, slave of N. B. Grays..."

"Ordered that Charles C. J. Dickenson (son of James Dickenson) be appointed surveyor of the road from the ford of Clinch River to the Buffalo Stamp on Copper Ridge in room of Nathaniel Dickenson, and that he keep the same in repair with the following tithables:...

Edmund, Humphrey and Wilson slaves of James Dickenson... Fletcher Bickley, Bickley's Dan... John Dickenson and slaves Anderson, Reuben and his other male slaves... Ganaway at Bickley's... and James a free man of color."

February 7, 1854

"Ordered that the following tithables be assigned to John Bradshaw surveyor of the road from the line of Tazewell to the next precinct westward:...

Isaac and Henry slaves of Meshack White..."

"Duff a slave the property of Caleb Hawkins, who stands charged with having on the night of the 24th of January 1854 in County of Russell, feloniously broke and entered a certain still house the property of Dale Carter, not adjoining to or occupied with his dwelling house, and stealing thereupon 25 gallons of brandy of said Carter, was brought into Court by said Hawkins pursuant to the condition of his recognizance entered into for that purpose; whereupon Beverly R. Johnston esqr. was assigned by the Court as his counsel to defend him on the charge aforesaid; and thereupon sundry witnesses being sworn and examined in relation to said charge, it is considered by the Court that the said Duff is guilty of the felony aforesaid; and it is further considered that for said felony he receive twenty five stripes on his bare back, to be forthwith inflicted by the Sheriff."

March 7, 1854

"The following tithables are assigned to Aaron Gose surveyor of the road from Dickenson's Store to Honaker's branch:

John Dickenson's four hands..."

"Ordered that... Bob a slave of Harvey Grays be added to Napoleon B. Gray's road list."

"For reasons appearing to the Court it is ordered that Robert Johnson and his hands be released from working on the road of which Isaiah Cumbow is surveyor."

March 8, 1854

"Ordered that Duff, a slave of Robert Boyds... be added to Isaac Vermillions road list."

April 4, 1854


"Ordered that Nathan E. Burdine be appointed Surveyor of the road from the fork at said Burdines to the fork of Carr's Creek in room of John A Collins, and that he keep the same in repair with the assistance of the following tithables:...

...Nathan E. Burdine's slave Edmund..."

"Ordered that the following tithables be added to Geo. Cowan's Road list:...

George Cowan & slave Alfred."

"The following tithables are ordered to work on the road from the main New Garden Road to the upper end of Stephen Fuller's lane, of which James Lockhart is surveyor:...

Widow Herndon's two slaves..."

"...that Martin Fraley be appointed surveyor thereof from Sinking Creek to Elias Marshall's house, and that he open the same with the assistance of the following tithables:...

William C. Jackson and slave Randel... four male slaves of George Gose's... two male slaves of John Benners..."

"That Alexander M. Lee be appointed surveyor, from Elias Marshalls to the head of the hollow near William Moore's old place, and that he open the same with the assistance of the following tithables:...

Samuel Osborn and male slave, James Lee and male slave, Alexander M. Lee's male slave... and four male slaves of Solomon Osborn... Stephen Benner and one male slave..."

May 2, 1854

"Ordered that the following tithables be required to work on that precinct of New Garden Road of which Christopher Peck is surveyor...Herndon's Isaac and William..."

"Ordered that the following tithables be assigned to Jas. W. Hendricks Surveyor of a road: Jas. W. Hendricks two hands, Will and Alph..."

June 6, 1854

"An agreement in writing concerning slaves &c between James F & John W. Litton and Martin D. Snider & wife dated the ___ day of ___ 1854, and admitted to record this 2nd of May 1854."

"Three deeds of gift for slaves from Polly Alexander one to James W. Hendricks & wife & children, one to William L. Garrett, and the other to Elizabeth Garrett & son, dated & admitted to record this 27th of May 1854."

"Ordered that the following tithables be assigned to Dale Carter, surveyor of a road, to wit:

...said Carter's slaves Isaac, Kill, George & Charles."

June 7, 1854

"Alexander McFarlane a Constable of Russell County allowed his account of $2.80 for arrest of a slave for felony..."

July 4, 1854

"Ordered that the following tithables be appointed to work on the road to be opened from Sinking Creek to Elias Marshalls, under William R. Porter, surveyor thereof:

..George C. Gose and male slave..."

"Ordered that the following tithables be appointed to work on the road to be opened from Elias Marshall's house to the head of the hollow in the gap near William Moore's old place, under Alexander M. Lee surveyor thereof:

James M. Lee and male slave, A. M. Lee's male slave, four male slaves of Solomon Osborn, George Gose slaves (four)... William Osborn and male slave,... Stephen Banner, and male slave... four male slaves of John Banner..."

"And John W. Smith be appointed surveyor of said road and the following tithables be assigned him...

John W. Smith's Nead, Fielding Combs & his slave Nelson, Wm Johnson & his slave Will... Wm. Combs and his slave Daniel..."

"Ordered that James Lee be appointed surveyor of a road in room of Solomon Osborn, the following hands was assigned said Lee to work said precinct of road, to wit:

Geo. Gose's 2 slaves, Solomon Osborn's 4 slaves..."

August 9, 1854

"Ordered that the following tithables be assigned to Jessee Browning's road list to wit:

...Robert Boyd's Sam, J. P. Carrell's Bill..."

"Ordered that the following be assigned to James Simerly's road list to wit:

...Jefferson Jessee's slave..."


September 5, 1854


"...William Hargis' black boy added to Jackson Litton's road list."

"... and Alfred slave of George Cowan, added to G. Cowan's road list."

October 3, 1854

"Ordered that Caleb Griffith be appointed surveyor of the road from Joshua Redwine's to Russell & Washington Turnpike in the room of A. L. Hendricks, and he is to keep the road in repair with the following tithables to wit:

...Rebeca Burk's slave Benj & Aaron, Margaret Burk's slave Simon... George Johnson's slaves Ned & Julius... A. L. Hendricks, and his slaves Edmond, Nelson & Charles..."

"...William Hargis' 3 slaves... Leonard Shoemaker's slave Ben... Alfred slave of George Cowan was added to Capt George Cowan's road list."

"...and Charles a man of coller are added to Samuel Phelps' road list."

"Ordered that Fleming B. Jessee be appointed surveyor of the road from Nathan E. Burdine's up Moccasin to Harvy P. Gibson's in room of Able Alderson & is to keep said precinct in repair with the following tithables:

Jno. D. Alderson & slave bill... Able Alderson & 2 slaves..."

"...And it appearing to the court that the slave in the bill mentioned cannot be divided between the heirs of James Samples in kind. It is hereby ordered adjudged and decreed that Stephen G. Samples who is hereby appointed a Comr. for that purpose do sell said slave to the highest bidder at the front door of the Court house of Russell County after having advertised the time and place of sale for one month by an advertisement at the front door of the Courthouse of said County."


"...Cummings a slave... are added to George W. Hendricks' road list."

November 9, 1854

"Ordered that Noah B. Bruce be appointed surveyor of the road from Guest's Station up Guest's river to the upper end of Nicholas Horn's fence to keep said road in good repair with the following hands...

Moses (a collered man of John H. Jes)..."

"Ordered that... Boyd's (Sam Carrell) [?]... be added to Wm. B. Aston's road list."

"Ordered that Dunken A. Stalard be appointed surveyor of the road from the Harican Meeting house to Matthew S. Robinsons, to open & keep said precinct of road in good repair with the following tithables...

James Richie four hands... & Jeremiah Powers 2 hands."

December 5, 1854

"Ordered that Joshua Thompson be appointed surveyor of the road from Hindricks Mills to the Mountain road to open said road according to the report made, with the following tithables...

Bill Fergerson (slave)... James W. Hendricks & 2 slaves... John Fergerson's 2 black men... Martin Garrett & 1 slave... Maj. A. C. Fergerson & black boy... A. L. Hendricks & hands... Samuel Gilmer (Black hands)..."

"Ordered that the following hand be added to Wm. B. Aston's road list...

Harvey & Archer Gray (sons of Nelson Gray) & Mose his slave..."

"Ordered that the following list of hands be added to Nathan E. Burdines road list...

...Edward (slave of Nathan E. Burdine)."

January 2, 1855

"Ordered that Wilson Evans be appointed surveyor of the road in the room of George H. Dyer and that he keep the same in repair with the following tithables...

Jas M Dickenson, & George a slave..."


"Ordered that the following hands be assigned to Joshua Thompson surveyor of a new road from Hendricks' Mill to the mountain road near A C Fergusons Brick house for the purpose of opening the road, to wit:

...Andrew Fergusons boy Bill... Andrew C Ferguson and his two boys... John Fergusons two slaves... Geo Johnston's two slaves... James W. Hendricks and his two slaves... Aaron L Hendricks and his slaves..."

February 6, 1855

"Ordered that the Overseeres of the Poor of this County do bind Susan Stewart a free girl of color to Thomas Gibson, requiring him to pay to her the sum of fifty dollars when she arrives at the age of eighteen years."

March 7, 1855

"Ordered that Timothy S Jessee be appointed surveyor of the road in the room of James Simmerly from opposite Archer Jessee's Mill to the Hollow west of Jefferson Jessee's and that he keep the same in repair with the following tithables, to wit...Jefferson Jessee's boy Harve"

"Ordered that the following hands be added to Calhoun Davis' road list to wit:...

Holden Davis' boy Isaac."


April 3, 1855

"Ordered that the following list of hands be assigned William Gibson an overseer of the road in this county, to wit:

...Aaron H. Nash and his boy Nelse, Henry Dickensons hands, Ben, Wels, Wesley and Charles."


May 8th, 1855

...Ordered that the following hands be added to Reynolds S Shoemakers road list, to wit... Abram Nordykes boy Fin...


June 6, 1855

"Ordered that... Ed a slave of A M Lee be added to Alexr M Lees road list."

"Ordered Sam Boyd & Alexander slaves of Robert Boyd be added to Isaac Vermillions road list."

"Cummings Gilmer & Mary his wife & others - complts
vs.
Sarah C. & Charles M. Browning, Defts
In Chancery

...and it appearing to the court that slaves in the bill mentioned cannot be divided among the parties interested in kind it is therefore adjudged ordered and decreed that Vincent Browning who is hereby appointed a commissioner for that purpose do sell the aid slaves mentioned in said bill at Russell Courthouse in front of the court house door on some court day after advertising the time and place of sale for twenty five days on the front door of Russell courthouse the said slaves to be sold to the highest bidder for a credit of twelve months taking bond and good security payable to himself as commissioner and that he report his proceedings to the next term of court..."

"Ordered that Daniel Jessee be appointed surveyor of the road in the room of Harvey Chapman and that he keep the same in repair with the following tithables to wit:...

...Stephen Banner and one of his slaves & John Banner's four slaves."

July 3, 1855

"Ordered that the following list of tithables be assigned to Noah B Bruce an overseer of the road in this county to wit:...

...Moses a slave belonging to Dr. Hogue."

"Ordered that Elijah Ferrell be appointed surveyor of the road leading from Blacksford to the top of the River Mountain commencing at the end of the dug road above Francis Smiths and that he keep the same in repair with the following tithables to wit:...

E Ferrells Moses... Sophia Herndon's Isaac & Bill..."

"Ordered that Zadock N Gardner be appointed surveyor of the road from the end of Elijah Ferrells precinct to _____ and that he keep the same in repair with the following tithables to wit:...

Z N Gardners three black boys... T W Davis & Ben..."

"Ordered that Samuel S Steel be appointed surveyor of the road from the end of Tazewell Griffeys precinct to _____ and that he keep the same in repair with the following tithables to wit:...

...Jonathan Honaker's Ed... John T. Howard & 3 slaves..."

"Ordered that Stephen G Samples be appointed surveyor of the road from the end of Samuel S. Steels precinct to _____ and that he keep the same in repair with the following tithables to wit:...

...Lewis Horton's Bob... Abram a slave of S White... Wm P Samples and black boy..."

"Ordered that William L Ball be appointed surveyor of the road from the end of Stephen G Samples precinct to _____ and that he keep the same in repair with the following tithables to wit:...

Moses Hurt and slave Jont..."

"Ordered that William H Howard be appointed surveyor of the road from the end of Wm L Balls precinct to the top of River Mountain and that he keep the same in repair with the following tithables to wit:...

Johnson Howard & 4 slaves... S B Hurt and slave Jack... Patton G Keen & slave David... Isaac Johnson & 1 slave...."

August 8, 1855

"Ordered that... Abel a slave of George C Gose and Isaac a slave of Wm C Jackson be added to George C Goses road list."

"Ordered that... Rebecca Burk's two slaves (Ben & Aaron), Margaret Burk's slave (Simon) George Johnsons two slaves (Julius & Edmund)... Lilburn Hendricks and his four slaves, Nelson, Edmund, Thornton and Charles... be assigned to work on the precinct of the road of which Caleb Griffith is surveyor."

September 4, 1855

"Ordered that the following hands be added to Henry S Gibson and Wm B Astons road list, to wit:...

Frank a slave of Charles Carrell & Gran a slave of R H Lynch."

"Ordered that the following hands be assigned to Calhoun Davis a surveyor of the road in this county:...

Holden Davis boy Isaac... and Joseph Hackneys boy Charles."

"Ordered that Joseph Combs be appointed surveyor of the road in the room of Nathan E Burine and that he keep the same in repair with the following tithables to wit:...

Nathan E Burdine & his slave Edmund..."

"Ordered that the Overseers of the Poor of this county do bind Susan Stewart a free girl of color to Henry S Halley requiring him to pay to her the sum of fifty dollars when she arrives at the age of eighteen years."

"Ordered that the following hands be assigned to Jno W Smith an overseer of the road in this county, to wit:

Wm. Johnson & his slave Will, Jno W Smith's slave Ned, Fielding Combs & his slave Nelson..."

October 2, 1855

"Ordered that James A Austin be appointed surveyor of a road from the Turnpike near John W Lampkins to the top of the River Mountain and that he hope the same with the following tithables to wit:...

H D Smiths slave, Rees, Same Elijah & Charles... John W Lampkins slaves, Abram Sr, Abram jr, Travis & Harvey... John T Smiths slaves, Sam, John and Richmond..."

"Ordered that William Vincell be appointed surveyor of a new road from the Turnpike near John Vincells to the top of the ridge where the present road turns of to Charles A Smiths and that he open the same with the following tithables to wit:...

Meshack Whites slaves Edmund & Isaac...J C Ferguson & his slave Frank... Charles A Smiths slaves Joel, Wesley, Fletcher, Charles, Allen & Milton."

"Ordered that the following hands be assigned to John P Robinson an Overseer of the road in this county to wit:...

...M W Litton & his slave Isaac..."

"Ordered that the following hands be assigned to Thomas J Davis an overseer of the road in this county, to wit:...

...Mrs. Cowans Moses..."

"Ordered that John P Browning be appointed surveyor of the road in the room of George W Vermillion and that he keep the same in repair with the following titheables to wit:...

...John T Smiths two hands."

November 7, 1855

"Charles C J Aston & others - Complts
vs.
William W Hanson & others - Defts
In Chancery

...And it appearing to the court that the slaves in the bill mentioned cannot be divided in kind between the various parties entitled to them. It is therefore adjudged ordered and decreed that William B Aston who is hereby appointed a commissioner for that purpose do proceed to make sale of said slaves to the highest bidder at public auction at the front door of the courthouse of Russell County on a credit of twelve months after having advertised the time and place of sale of the same at the front door of the courthouse and also in the Virginian a news paper published at Abingdon for four week successively and that he take bond and security for the purchase money payable to himself as commissioner and that he report his proceedings to this court at its next term..."

November 8, 1855

"Ordered that Sam Carrell a slave of Robert Boyd be added to Charles D. Boyd's road list."

December 4, 1855

"Ordered that Thomas Thompson be appointed surveyor of the road in the room of Andrew Ferguson and that he keep the same in repair with the following tithables to wit:...

...Andrew Fergusons slave Bill..."

March 4, 1856

"Ordered that Samuel Humphries be appointed surveyor of the road in the room of Wilson cox and that he keep the same in repair with the following titheables...

John W Lampkins slaves Abram, Harvey, Abram jr & Travis and John C Harrisons slave Abram..."

March 6, 1856

"Isaac W M Davis jailor of this county presented an account against the commonwealth for the sum of $3.75 for dieting, imprisioning and releasing Milton a slave the property of Charles A Smith charge with felony..."

April 8, 1856

"Ordered that Edmund a slave of John Jessee be added to Timothy S Jesse's road list."

"It appearing to the court the William Price has been improperly assessed with two black tithes, it is therefore ordered that he be released from the payment of the county levy and poor rates on said two titheables."

May 6, 1856

"Ordered that... John W Lampkin & his slave Aaron, be added to Samuel Humphries road list."

"Ordered that Jacob Fulkerson & his slave... be added to Geo A Pruners road list."

September 2, 1856

"Ordered that Caleb Hawkins be appointed surveyor of the road in the room of Jacob Snider and tha the keep the same in repair with the following titheables to wit:...

...David, Peter, Ira, Elech, and Duff slaves of Caleb Hawkins."

"Ordered that... James Powers (a free man of colour), Ray & Fin slaves of Abram Nordyke be assigned to work on the precinct of road of which Ezra Countis is surveyor."

"Ordered that... Nathan E Burdine & one hand... D. Alderson & one hand, Abel Alderson & two hands... James Powers (a free man of colour)... be added to Andw. Welch Road list."

"Ordered that...William N Leece & slave John... be added to William Stinson Jr. Road list."

"Ordered that...Abel Alderson & two slaves, Samuel & Isaac, John D Alderson & slave William... William Frick and slave Jack... James Powers (a Free man of colour)... be assigned to work on the precinct of road of which F B Jessee is surveyor."

"Ordered that...Aaron (slave of J W Lampkin)... be assigned to work on the Precinct of Road of which James A Austin is surveyor."

"Ordered that Commadore slave of John F McElhenney and Nelson slave of Wm B Aston be added to John T Cowans road list."

October 7, 1856

"Ordered that Samuel Hargis be appointed surveyor of the road in the room of Andrew J Litton and that he keep the same in repair with the following titheables to wit:...

...Leonard Shoemakers slaves Ben and Wm Hargis slave Charles, Cyrus and Solomon."

"Ordered that Geo. Cowan & slave Alfred be appointed to work on the precinct of road of which Geo Cowan is surveyor."

"Ordered that... Campbell at Dr. Easterlys be added to Thomas Cunninghams road list."

"Ordered that Calvin T Fields be appointed surveyor of the road from the falls of big cedar creek to the top of the Red hill at or near Samuel E Gilmers and that he open the same with the following titheables to wit:...

...Andy Fergusons slave, Bill... Samuel E Gilmers slaves Allen, John & Thomas and Andy F Hendricks slaves John, Charles, Neel and Cummings."

November 5, 1856

"Ordered that Nathan E Burdine & his slave Edmund be released from working on the road of which Andrew Welch is surveyor."

December 2, 1856

"Ordered that... Moses Hurt & his slave Johnson... Thomas W Davis & his slaves Ben & Sam... Zadock Gardner and his slave Wilk, Jim Bill and Carp be assigned to work on the precinct of road of which Wm L Ball is surveyor."

January 6, 1857

"Ordered that... Temperance Gilmers slave Isaac are assigned to work on precinct of road which Hanson Hobbs is surveyor."

March 5, 1857

"Ordered that...Richard H Lynch & his slave Gran... Mrs Cowans slave Moses... Isaac Vermillion and his slave Simon... Robt Boyds slave Ellis & Sam... be assigned to work on the precinct of the road of which Thomas Davis is surveyor."

April 8, 1857

"Ordered that... two of James Mullins slaves be added to Joshua Colley's Road list."

June 2, 1857

"Ordered that William Jessee be appointed surveyor of the public road from Doctor Easterleys spring branch to the sugar camp hollow below Elisha Prices, in room of Thomas Cunningham and that he keep the same in repair with the following tithables:... Carrell at Easterlys.. E S Fugates slave."

"Ordered that Samuel Osburn be appointed surveyor of the public road from Castles Run to Solomon Osburn's shop door, in the room of James Lee and that he keep the same in repair with the following tithables:

Solomon Osburns four slaves, George Goses two slaves..."

July 7, 1857

"Ordered that Elhanah R. Dorton be appointed surveyor of the road in the room of John H S Fugate and that he keep the same in repair with the following titheables to wit:...

Robert Fugates slaves George & Sam..."

"Ordered that Nathan E Dickenson be appointed surveyor of the road in the room of William gibson jr and that he keep the same in repair with the following titheables to wit:...

Aaron H Nash and his slave Nelson, Henry Dickensons slaves Ben, Wesley, Charles & Wilson..."

"Ordered that William Bradshaw be appointed surveyor of the road in the room of Davis Vincell and that he keep the same in repair with the following titheables to wit:...

Meshach Whites slaves Isaac, Henry & Andy..."

"Ordered that Samuel W Aston be appointed surveyor of the road in the room of George A Pruner and that he keep the same in repair with the following titheables to wit:...

...Jacob V Fulkerson and his slave Jack... Christopher Alderson and his slave Peter... Charles Carrell & his four hands, Martha[?] S Carrels two slaves Sis & Bill, Nelson Gray & his slave Neese[?]...Edmund Dickenson & his two slaves Tinne & Sam... William B Aston & his slave Nelse..."

August 5, 1857

"Ordered that Zadock N Gardner be appointed Surveyor of the public road from the river to Wm. H Howard's precinct and that he keep the same in repair with the following tithables to wit:...

Z N Gardners 3 hands... John T Howard & 3 slaves..."

"Ordered that Ichabud Horn be appointed Surveyor of the public road from Solomon Osborn's shop door to the Scott line in Room of Wm E Porter and that he keep the same in repair with the following tithables to wit:...

...the slaves belonging to the estate of James Lee decd. Benjamin, John, Isaac, Griffin, George Gose's hands, Edward, Lee, Randolph..."

September 8, 1857

"Ordered that Henry Dickenson be appointed Surveyor of the road in the room of Caleb Hawkins, and that he keep the same in repair with the following tithables to wit:...

Henry Dickenson's slaves Dave, Peter, Ben, She[?] & Duff William Litton & Col. Boys hands Sam, Tod & Charles..."

"Ordered that the following hands be assigned to work on the precinct of road of which John T Cowan is surveyor Isaac, Gunner, Beverly, Charles & Oscar slaves of David Cowan, Gran slave of R H Lynch, Nelson slave of Wm B Aston..."

"Ordered that... Edmond a slave... be added to Ezekiel K Counts road list."

"Ordered that George Finney be appointed surveyor of the road in the room of Wm Stinson Jr and the he keep the same in repair with the following tithables...

...Wm N Leeces slave John..."

"Ordered that the following hands be assigned to work on the precinct of road of which Fielding Combs is Surveyor...

Cullion Combs sr & slave Ike..."

"Ordered that the following list of tithables be assigned to work on the precinct of road of which James Lockhart is Surveyor...

...Sophea Herndon's slave Isaac..."

"Ordered that the clerk of this court make a register of James Black a free Negro who was born free in this county and that it appears to the satisfaction of the court that he is a bright Mulatto rather heavy made five feet nine & a quarter inches high, 26 years old the 1st day of April 1857 and that there is no marks or scars apparent on him."

"On the motion of Charles Carrell and for reason appearing to the court it is ordered to be certified to the Auditor of Public accounts that it appears to the satisfaction of the court that he has been erroneously assessed with 15 Revenue Slaves instead of 8, for the current year, and it is further Ordered the be certified that the Attorney prosecuting for the Commonwealth in this court was present in Court defending this motion."

October 6, 1857

"Ordered that... Harres slave of M T Smith be added to James Kindrick's road list."

November 4, 1857

"Ordered that... Henry D. Aston & slave Ed be assigned to work on the precinct of road of which Samuel Steel is Surveyor."

"Ordered that William Johnson be appointed Surveyor of the public road from the ford of the river to the forks of the road at George Smith's and that he keep the same in repair with the following tithables... William Johnson slave Will..."

January 5, 1858

"And that Zadock N Gardner be appointed surveyor of said road and that he open the same with the following titheables to wit:...

Thomas W Davis & slave Sam & Benjamin... Z Gardner's four slaves... Henry D Aston & slave Edward..."

February 2, 1858

"Ordered that Charles W Fogleman be appointed surveyor of the road in the room of John Herrald and that he keep the same in repair with the following tithables to wit:...

Andrew Fergusons slave Bill."

February 3, 1858

"Ordered that Thompsons Combs be appointed survey of the same from near Jacob Cooks to the head of Weavers creek and that he open the same with the following titheables to wit:...

Cullen Combs & slave Isaac..."

"Ordered that... Cloea Osborns two slaves be added to Saml. Osborns road list."

May 4, 1858

"Ordered that James A Painter be appointed surveyor of the road from the forks of the road near John Bickley's to opposite the Richard Long house and that he keep the same in repair with the following tithables to wit:...

John Dickenson's four hands, Henry Dickenson's one hand..."

June 8, 1858

"Ordered that William L Ball be appointed surveyor of the road from Honakers Mill to Z N Gardners Mill and that he keep the same in repair with the following tithables to wit:...

...Z N Gardner & four slaves, Moses Hurt & slave..."

"Ordered that the following tithables be added to Vincent Brownings road list to wit:...

John Browning & slave Bill, Samuel E Gilmer's slaves, Allan, Thomas & Commodore..."

June 9, 1858

"Ordered that John F McElhenney be appointed surveyor of the road in the room of Samuel W Aston and that he keep the same in repair with the following tithables assigned said Aston with the addition of the following tithables:...

...Vincent a slave... & Bill a slave of J Draper... and James a slave."

August 3, 1858

"Ordered that the following tithables be assigned to work on the precinct of Road of which Flemming B Jessee is Surveyor...

Jno D. Alderson's slave Bill... Abel Alderson and slaves Sam & Bill..."

August 5, 1858

"Ordered that Hugh D Ferguson be appointed surveyor of the road in the room of John F McElhenney and that he keep the same in repair with the following tithables to wit:...

Johnathan Drapers slave Bill and Richd H Lynch's slave Gran..."

"Ordered that the Overseers of the Poor of this county do bind Lydia Ann Smith a free girl of colour to A F Shannon and that the said Shannon be required to pay to her at the expiration of her term of service the sum of ten dollars."

September 7, 1858

"An agreement between Andy F Hendricks & Aaron H Garret about slaves dated and admitted to record the 5th day of August 1858."

"Ordered that Cummings G Fletcher be appointed surveyor of the road this day established from the Mountain road at Jacob Combs to Charles A Lesters oats field and that he open the same with the following tithables to wit:

Elijah Ferrell & his slave..."

"Ordered that Charles G Gose be appointed surveyor of the road in the room of George C Gose and that he keep the same in repair with the following tithables to wit:...

George C Goses slave Abram, George Goses slave Peter..."

"Ordered that James Counts jr be appointed surveyor of the road in the room of Charles C Dickenson and that he keep the same in repair with the following titheables to wit:

Charles C Dickenson and his slaves George, Henderson & Clark..."

"Ordered that Lorenzo D Fletcher be appointed surveyor of the road from Widow Fletchers houses to the still house branch and that he keep the same in repair with the following titheables to wit:...

John T Howard & his slaves Jerry, Chalres, Andy & Thos J Richardson[?]..."

"Ordered that the following titheables be assigned to work on the precinct of the road of which Thompson Combs is surveyor to wit:...

Cullen Combs sr & his slave Isaac..."

"Ordered that the following titheables be assigned to work on the precinct of the road of which Thomas Davis is surveyor to wit:...

Isaac Vermillion & his slaves Simon & Charles... Mrs. T Cowans slave Moses..."

October 5, 1858

"An agreement between John W LItton & Moses Whitaker about slaves and personal property dated the 8th day and admitted to record the 27th day of September 1858."

"Ordered that... Isaac Vermillions slave Simon be added to John Cowans road list."

January 4, 1859

"Isaac a slave the property of William E Lee who was committed to the Jail of this county for trial on the 29th day of December 1858 by George C Gose Gent a justice for having on the 24th day of December 1858 in this county committed the following offence, that he the said Isaac Slave as aforesaid did in the county aforesaid feloniously & maliciously shoot and beat one Joseph H Hale with intent to injure & kill him the said Joseph H Hale against the pease & dignity of the Commonwealth of Virginia was led to the Bar in custody of the jailor of this county and John F McElhenney & William B Aston were assigned as counsel for said prisoner by the Court; and on motion of the attorney prosecuting for the Commonwealth in this court and for reason appearing to the court; it is ordered that the trial of this case be continued until the next Term."

February 8, 1859

"Isaac a slave the property of William E Lee who was committed to the Jail of this county for trial on the 29th day of December 1858 by George C Gose Gent a justice for having on the 24th day of December 1858 in this county committed the following offence, that he the said Isaac Slave as aforesaid did in the county aforesaid feloniously & maliciously shoot and beat one Joseph H Hale with intent to injure & kill him the said Joseph H Hale was again led to the bar in custody of the jailor of this county and for reasons appearing to the court the said Isaac Slave as aforesaid is discharged from further prosecution in this case."

"Ordered that John S Patrick be appointed surveyor of a new road this day established from Bowmans Cabbin near the old Iron works to Robert Fugates Mill and that he open the same with the following titheables to wit:...

Robert Fugates slave George & Billy and John Alexanders slaves Jacob and Abraham."

"Ordered that... James H Hanson his slaves Zach & Thomason... be added to Thomas Jordons road list."

March 8, 1859

"Ordered that... Jos. Counts slaves Moses & Van Buren be added to Jos. Kellys road list."

March 9, 1859

"Ordered that... Thos. W Davis & his two slaves... be assigned to work on the precinct of the road of which David Counts is surveyor."

April 5, 1859

"Ordered that... Henry Dickensons five slaves and Robert Boyds two slaves be assigned to work on the precinct of road of which Henry Dickenson is surveyor."

"Ordered that... Anthony M Fergusons slave Allen be added to Andrew C Fergusons road list."

May 3, 1859

"Ordered... Albert G Smith and his slave Moses & Isaac Vermillions slave Wiley be added to Thomas Davis road list."

July 5, 1859

"Ordered that Emory Thompson be appointed surveyor of a new road from Wm M Lockharts store house at the Mountain to the mouth of Jacob Combs lane, and that he open the same with the following titheables to wit:...

...Elijah Ferrells two hands..."

"Ordered that Johnson Owens be appointed surveyor of the road from the Mouth of Jacob Combs lane to Johnson Owens Mill and that he open the same with the following titheables to wit:...

...Widow Herndons slave Isaac..."

"Ordered that Andrew C Ferguson jr be appointed surveyor of the road in the room of Thomas H Garrett sr and that he keep the same in repair with the following titheables to wit:...

James Hendricks and his slaves Will & Alf...Andrew Fergusons slave Bill...Anthony M Ferguson & slave Allen...Martin G Garrett & his slave Charles..."

"Ordered that William Dorton be appointed surveyor of the road in the room of Elkanah R Dorton and that he keep the same in repair with the following titheables to wit:...

...Robt Fugate's three slaves Geo, Bill & Ben..."

September 6, 1859

"William Samples & others Complainants
vs.
Charles Samples & others Defts
In Chy...

...it further appearing to the court that the interest of all the parties concerned will be promoted by the sale of the slaves mentioned in the bill, and that a sale of said slaves and a division of the funds arrising from the sale is the only practicable way of disposing of them among the defts persons thereto entitled; It is adjudged ordered and decreed that J F McElhenney and Wm B Aston... do proceed to sell the thirteen slaves mentioned in the bill or will as one born since the institution of this suit at public sale after having advertised the time & place of sale..."

"Ordered that the following titheables be assigned to work in the precinct of road of which John W Martin is surveyor to wit:...

Rebecca Burks slaves Benjamin & Aaron...Elizabeth Johnsons slaves Ned & Julius...Aaron L Hendrick's slaves Nelson Edmund Charles & Thornton..."

"Ordered that... Widow Herndons slave Isaac...... be assigned to work on the precinct of road of which James Lockhart is surveyor."

"Ordered that... Napoleon B Grays slave Alexander be assigned to work on the precinct of the road of which N B Gray is surveyor."

"Ordered that... Wm J Rasnick slave Counts... be added to William Musicks road list."

"Ordered that... Henry D Smiths slave Sam be assigned to work on the precinct of the road of which Henry D Smith is surveyor."

"Ordered that Lewis Horton Sr & his slave Robt... Abram a slave of Whites... be assigned to work on the precinct of the road of which Harvey Steel is surveyor."

"Ordered that... Tabitha Cowans slave Moses... Isaac Vermillion and his slaves Simon, Charles and Wiley be assigned to work on the precinct of the road of which Thos. Davis is surveyor."

"Ordered that Charles Carrell and his five hands Edwd. D Kernan & his three hands... Wm B Aston and his two hands... Jonathan Draper & one hand... Jacob Fulkersons slave Jack... C Alderson & one hand... Edwin R Baylor & one hand... John F McElhenney & slave John... Mrs Carrells slaves Siss[?] & Bill... be assigned to work on the precinct of the road of which Henry S Gibson is surveyor."

"Ordered that William Bradshaw be appointed surveyor of the road in the room of William White and that he keep the same in repair with the following titheables to wit:...

Meshach Whites slaves Isaac & Henry... Patton G Keen & his slave David... Charles A Smith & his slaves Wesley, Joseph, Fletcher, Charles, Lewis, Whitt, Moses & Joshua..."


"Ordered that Charles C J Dickenson be appointed surveyor of the road in the room of Nathan E Dickenson and that he keep the same in repair with the following titheables to wit:

Aaron H Nash & his slaves, Nelson Hanse & Kise... Henry Dickensons slaves Ben Wesley Charles and Wilson... Thomas T Dickenson & his slaves David & Charles..."

"Ordered that Zachariah F Dorton be appointed surveyor of the road from the forks of the road at Bowmans cabbin to the top of Moccasin ridge and that he keep the same in repair with the following titheables to wit:...

...John Alexanders slaves Jacob & Abraham."

"Ordered that George Banner be appointed surveyor of the road from the shallow ford to Bickleys Mills and that he keep the same in repair with the following titheables to wit:

George Banners slaves Edmund & Samuel..."

"Ordered that William H Chapman be appointed surveyor of the road in the room of Ichabud Horn and that he keep the same in repair with the following titheables to wit:...

George Goses slaves Edward, Lee & Randolph... Pleasant Horn & his slave Albert."

"Ordered that Patton Martin be appointed surveyor of the road from Blacksford to the top of the mountain and that he keep the same in repair with the following titheables to wit:...

...Isaac Johnsons two slaves... Johnston Howards four slaves..."

October 4, 1859

"Ordered that... George Goses slaves... Pleasant Horns slave Albert... be added to William H Chapmans road list."

"Ordered that... John F McElhenneys slaves John & Mrs Carrells slave Frank be assigned to work on the precinct of road of which Hugh D Ferguson is surveyor."

"Ordered that... Ezekiel Burdines slaves George & Robert be assigned to work on the road of which J Owens is surveyor."

December 6, 1859

"Ordered that John W Litton be appointed surveyor of a new road this day established from the four mile tree to the county line and that he open the same in repair with the following titheables to wit:

John W Littons slave Isaac..."

"Ordered that Whitley E Helton be appointed surveyor of the road from the Russell & Washington Turnpike to the ford of the creek below John C Lintecums and that he keep the same in repair with the following titheables to wit:...

John Fergusons slaves... Rebecca Burks slaves Ben & Aaron..."


"Ordered that Samuel Shelton be appointed surveyor of the road from the ford of the creek below John C Lintecums to the Washington line above the loop and that he keep the same in repair with the following titheables to wit:...

Hiram Fullen's slaves Daniel, Reubin, Ben William & James..."

January 3, 1860

"Ordered that... Joseph C Fugates Harry & Henry, James S Glenns bob and Herrald... be assigned to work on the precinct of road of which Saml. B Fugate is surveyor."

February 7, 1860

"Ordered that John, Wilson & Alexander slaves of James Dickenson be added to Charles C J Dickensons road list."

March 7, 1860

"Ordered that Granville H Ferguson & his slave... James W Hendricks and his slaves Alfred & Will... Benjamin Ferguson & his slave Isaac... be assigned to work on the precinct of road of which Andrew C Ferguson is surveyor."

April 3, 1860

"Ordered that... John Browning & his slaves William & Creed Vincent Browning & his slave Jacob Samuel E Gilmer & his slaves Thomas Martin and Comadore be added to John Monks road list."

"Ordered that... James a slave of George Gose be added to Charles C Goses road list."

May 8, 1860

"Ordered that John E C Easterly be appointed surveyor of the road in the room of William J Jessee and that he keep the same in repair with the following titheables to wit:...

...Jack and Campbell slaves of Dr. Easterly and Alexr slave of Elbert S Fugate."

"Ordered that Charles A Smith be appointed surveyor of the road from the Turnpike road near the old campground to his house and that he keep the same in repair with the following titheables to wit:...

...Charles A Smiths eight hands."

June 6, 1860

"Ordered that John Banner be appointed surveyor of the road in the room of James H Dickenson and that he keep the same in repair with the following hands

Stephen Banner and his two slaves Berry Banner and one slave John Banners slaves Aaron & Henderson..."

October 2, 1860

"Ordered that Robert E Cowan be appointed surveyor of a new road this day established from the gate near Ezekiel Doughertys to the gate at the bridge and that he open the same with the following titheables to wit:...

...Alfred a slave of George Cowan."

"Ordered that Samuel Hargis be appointed surveyor of a new road this day established from the gate at the bridge to the second ford of the creek and that he open the same with the following titheables to wit:...

...Wm Hargis slaves Charles, Cyrus & Solomon..."

"Ordered that William Cromwell be appointed surveyor of a new road this day established from the second ford of the creek to A F Hendricks Mill and that he open the same with the following titheables to wit:...

...Samuel E Gilmers slaves Thomas & Commodore Vincent Brownings slaves Jack & Creigh and John Brownings slave Bill."

"Ordered that Leonard S Hargis be appointed surveyor of a new road this day established from Leonard Shoemakers house to said Shoemakers gate near Owen Stephens and that he open the same with the following titheables to wit:...

...Leonard Shoemakers slave Ben."

"Ordered that Hiram Howard be appointed surveyor of a new road this day established from the first or south branch in [...] that he open the same with the following titheables to wit:...

Hiram Howards slaves Andrew & Brice... and Johnson Howards slaves Sam[?] Man[?] and Anthony."

"Ordered that Tevis P Lee be appointed surveyof of the road in the room of Samuel Osborne and that he keep the same in repair with the following titheables to wit:...

Wm Osborn one slave George Goses slave Griff, Cloe Osborne's two slaves..."

November 8, 1860

"Ordered that... Martin a slave of Samuel E Gilmers be added to William Cromwells road list."

"Ordered that... two of Z N Gardners slaves be assigned to Alfred Slaughter's road list."

January 9, 1861

"Ordered that Alexander Milton be appointed surveyor of the road from Robert Fugates Mill to Bowmans cabin and that he keep it in repair with Robt Fugate's slaves George, Benjamin & William."

"Ordered that Joseph C Fugate be appointed surveyor of the road in the room of Samuel B Fugate and that he keep the same in repair with the following titheables to wit:...

Joseph C Fugates slaves Harry & Henry, James S Glenns slaves Bob and Herrald..."

"Ordered that James C Fugate be appointed surveyor of the road from Wm E Suttons to the Scott line leaving towards Nickelsville and that he keep the same in repair with the following titheables to wit:...

...S B Fugates slave Bill."

"Ordered that Charles B Jessee be appointed surveyor of the road in the room of Timothy S Jessee and that he keep the same in repair with the following titheables to wit:...

...Harvey a black boy, Peter a black boy..."

September 3, 1861

"Ordered that Thomas C M Alderson be appointed surveyor of the road in the room of John F McElhenney and that he keep the same in repair with the following titheables to wit:...

Jacob V Fulkerson's slave Jack Charles Carrell and his slaves Doke, Bill, Crockett & Cummings, Edward D Kernan's slaves Time & Bev, March G Carrell's slaves Siss, bill and Frank & John V Thomas & his slave Ed."

"Ordered that George Smith be appointed surveyor of the road in the room of John W Smith and that he keep the same in repair with the following titheables to wit:

Albert G Smiths slaves Ned & Garrett, Fielding Combs slave Nelson Wm Johnson & his slave Will and George Smiths slaves Ned Jim and Whig."

"Ordered that... Albert G Smith & his slave Moses, Campbell a free negro... Tabitha Cowan's slave Moses... I Vermillions slaves Simon & Wiley."

October 8, 1861

"Ordered that Ralph S Castle be appointed surveyor of the road in the room of Henry Dickenson and that he keep the same in repair with the following titheables to wit:...

...Robert Boyds slaves Sam Tode and Campbell, Henry Dickenson & his slaves [illegible]..."

"Ordered that... John Dickensons slave Reubin be added to Napoleon B Grays road list."

November 5, 1861

"Ordered that Thomas C M Alderson, Isaac Vermillion George Cowan and Richard H Lynch or any three of them... do view and appraise all the personal estate and slaves to them produced of Andy F Hendricks decd..."

February 13 1863

"To meet a requisition made on this county by the governor [illegible]

Ordered that Aaron H Nash furnish two male negroes, Wm. Hargis one male negroe, Saml E Gilmer one male negro, Chas. Carrell one male negroe, A F Hendricks, Estate four male negroes, A M. Ferguson one male negroe, Dale Carter two male negroes, Mrs. Elizabeth Ferguson one male negroe, Hiram Fullen two male negroes, John W Lampkin two male negroes, A. L. Hendricks three male negroes, Mary L Smith two male negroes, Chas A Smith three male negroes, Z N Gardner two male negroes O H Frick one male negroe, Holden Davis one male negroe, C C Dickenson one male negro Henry Dickenson two male negroes [illegible] two male negroes John Dickenson two male negroes A G Smith one male negroe, Isaac Vermillion one male negro, Vincent Browning one male negroe, Thadeus P Thomas one male negroe, said negro slaves to be able bodied and between the age of eighteen & forty five years of age; to be delivered at the courthouse on tuesday the 17th of February; on notice being give to the owners of the negroes above mentioned. The above number of negroe slaves are levied on by the court to work upon fortifications in order to meet a requisition made by the governor upon this county; Said slaves to be retained at Richmond for a period of sixty days."

"The court deeming Albert G Smith a fit and proper person recommend that he be appointed overseer of the slave laborers levied on by the court to work upon fortifications."

April 7, 1863

"Ordered that the clerk of this court make a register of Thomas Black a free negroe who was born free in this county and it appears to the satisfaction of the court that he is a dark copper color; 6 ft 4 inches high, scar on left ear, 21 years old."

September 13, 1863

"The court of Russell county having been summoned for the purpose of complying with a requisition of the Govnor upon the county of Russell for fifty negroes to wok on fortifications etc. met this day at the courthouse of said County.... The court after due consideration and reflection upon the subject decline for the present to act upon the subject, and beg leave respectively to assign the reasons which have influenced them to take that course, and hope they will be sufficient to influence the Gov. to release the county of Russell from the present requisition.

1st. This county is situated very near the lines both of Kentucky and Tennessee and in fact the county of Lee and the county of Wise in this State near to us are both partially overrun by the enemy. The negroes of this county can if they choose without difficulty run off and get into the enemies lines from the evidence before us we are satisfied that if this matter is proceeded with at this time it will result in services lost in that way.

2nd. The Army has been quartered upon this county during the whole of the present year. The hay crop of the county may be said to be entirely eaten up as is also the pastureage of the county, which has heretofore been the great reliance of the county for wintering stock, that being the case it is indispensable that the farmers of the county should save their fodder, which is now about matureing, furthermore owing to the serious drouth the corn crop of the county is a very short one, making it indespensable to seed heavy crops of small grain. The seasons for that is now upon us and the most of the white laborers of the county being already in the Army. The people could not without serious damage to the farming interest of the county spare the labour of the slaves. The court further appoints Dale Carter as their agent to go to Richmond and present their reasons to the Governor for their present action."

February 2, 1864

"The Governor of the Commonwealth of virginia having made a requisition on this County for forty slaves to work upon fortifications and other public defenses and the court then being in session all the acting justices having been summoned for other purposes, and a majority being present, it is therefore ordered that the following persons be appointed to assess the number of negroes in their respective magisterial districts between the age of eighteen and fifty five years..."

February 8, 1864
The court having met pursuant to adjournment all the acting justices having been summoned and a majority being present, and the Governor of this commonwealth having made a requisition upon this County for forty slaves to labor upon fortifications and other public defenses whereupon the court proceeded from the lists returned to the court by the agents appointed by the court to assess the number of slaves in the magisteial Districts for which they were appointed and from such lists make the following list containing the names of masters and number of slaves capable of performing ordinary labor & liable to work upon fortifications and other public defenses, in which the names of the masters is given and the number of such slaves as above described opposite their respective name, and which slaves are liable to work upon fortifications & other public defenses, commencing with the magisterial district No 1 and so on with each dist, to wit:

Dist No 1
Charles Carrell 3
Margaret G. Carrell 1
David Cowan 2
M. O. Hendricks 6
P. B. Henritze 1
Vincent Browning 1
Wm Hargiss 3
Leonard Shoemaker 1
Aaron L. Hendricks 12
Saml. E Gilmer 3
H. L. Ferguson 1
E. D. Kernan 1
Tabitha Cowan 1
Isaac Vermillion 1
Jas W Hendricks 1
Martin G Garrett 1
Daniel J Ayers 1
Andrew Ferguson Sr. 1

Dist No. 2
Hiram Fullen 4
Mary Ferguson (widow) 2
Elizabeth Johnson 2
Wm Samples 1
T. P. Thomas 2
Meshack White 1
E. R. Baylor 1
John Bradshaw
Isaac Johnson 2
John W Lampkin 2
Mrs. Mary Smith (widow) 2
John Lampkin jr 2
Chas Smith 3
Henry D Smith 2
Austin B Smith 1

No 3
Hiram Howard 2
Johnson Howard 2
Thomas W Davis
Z N Garnder 2
Lilbern Finney 1
Lewis Horton 1
Thos J Riley 1
John T Howard 2
M A Fletcher 1
A G Smith 1
John W Smith 1
Fielding Combs Sr 1
Wm Musick 1
Wilson E Campbell 1

No. 4
John Dickenson 4
Henry Dickenson 4
Jas. Dickenson 2
Aaron Gose 2
Thos. T. Dickenson 1
Aaron H Nash 1
Chas. H Dickenson 2
Stephen Banner 2
Cloe Osborn 2
G C Gose 2
Pleasant Horn 1
John Banner 1

No. 5
Jas. M Hanson 2
O. H. Frick 1
Thos T D P Dickenson 1
Able Alderson 3
Francis A Browning 1
Jas S Glenn 1
Henry D Burdine 1
Dr C Easterly (underage) 1
N. E. Burdine 1

No. 6
Robert Fugate 2
Wm Dorton 1
Polly Alexander 1
Robt Boyd 4
Holden Davis 1
Thos Gibson 1
Henry Dickenson 1
D Carter 3

For reasons appearing to the court, and upon evidence in court, it is considered by the court that following list of Negros between the age of 18 & 55 years be and are exempt from working upon fortification & other public defenses, they being in the opinion of the court physically disable to perform ordinary labor, the names of which slaves are written after that of their owner in the follow list,

Elizabeth Ferguson 1 named Jacob
Ira Reynolds 1 named Jessee
James A Leece 1 named Nathan
Nancy Gray 1 named Reubin
Martha S Carrell 1 named Sip
Saml Leece 1 named Frank
Andrew C Ferguson 1 named
Mary Ferguson widow 1 named Jacob
Meshack White 1 named Isaac
Thomas W Davis 1 named Saml
Hurt Moses 1 named Johnson
Z. N. Gardner 2 named Wilkerson & Caperton
Elizabeth Samples 1 named Isaac
P G Keen 1 named
A G Smith 2 Garrett & Kned
John W Smith 1 named Kned
Cullen Combs 1 named Isaac
E Ferrell 1 named Henry
Bruce & Fulkerson 1 named Harry
John Dickenson 1 named Henry
Henry Dickenson 1 named Wesley
Jas. Dickenson 1 named Wilson
Aaron H Nash 1 named Hens
George Banner 1 named Edmond
John R Hendricks 1 named Cam
O H Frick 1 named Charles
Saml. B Fugate 1 named William
Jas S Glenn 1 named Arel
Dr E S Fugate 1 named Alexander
John D Alderson 1 named William
George Banner 1 named Henson
N. E. Burdine 1 named Emmett
Robt Fugate 1 named
Holden Davis 1 named Isaac
Joseph Hackney 1 named Charles
Dale Carter 2 named Isaac & Kille
Cloe Osborn 1 named Scy
Thos J Riley 1 named John
Vincent Browning 1 named
E. D. Kernan 1 named
James W Hendricks 1 named
Andrew Ferguson 1 named
Archer Burke 1 named Ben
Joseph C Fugate 1 named

All of which were declared by the court to be unfit to labor on fortifications and other public defenses.
Ordered that court adjourns until nine oclock to morrow morning.
Geo. C. Gose

February 9, 1864

At a court continued and held for Russell County at the courthose on the 9th day of February 1864 The court proceeded to consider the requisition of the Governor of this commonwealth for forty slaves to work on Fortifications &c at Richmond and for that purpose first ascertained the true number of male slaves within the county between the ages of 18 & 55 cappable of performing ordinary labor and find the true number to be one hundred and thirty six one fifth of which would be twenty seven & one fifth instead of forty.

For this and other reasons which the court will respectfully state, The court suspends its further action upon the subject now in order to get an answer from the Governor upon the subject. The court most respectfully submits to the consideration of the executive whether or not the Gov will not in the excercise of his discretion exempt the County of Russell from furnishing a quota of slaves at this time and in doing so the court protests that they are well aware of the importance of promptly complying with said requisition under ordinary circumstances, But there are extraordinary circumstances bearing upon this subject some of which are that that the small pox has made its appearance in four different districts of this County covering the greater part of the area of the same. The collection of the slaves at this time would be dangerous and might produce serious consequences, moreover the county of Russell is on the border of the Confederacy and near the foot of the Cumberland mountain the Kentucky line. The slaves have already escaped and gone from here to some extent, and the agitation of this subject will we fear be attended with serious consequences in that way because the slaves in this county entertain a strong aversion generally to going to Richmond for any purpose, and upon both of the former occasions, when calls have been made upon this county for slaves, considerable numbers of them have attempted to escape to Kentucky, but were fortunately captured before reaching there.
The court further says that the Clinch valley in which this county is situated has been the camping ground of the southern army since the war commenced, and is destined to be so, till the war ends unless it is given up to the enemy and the loss of this valley must necessarily result in the loss of the Salt works, which are only twenty five miles from Russell courthouse. In view of this is it not all important to continue the Southern Army here and to produce here as much bread and meat as possible. The court further says that the furtility of this county is fine for both grain and grass, but that a large portion of the fields are to go uncultivated the next year, as the white laborers will be nearly all gone and if the few slaves yet among us are taken juding from the grat scarcity of provisions that now prevails both the Army and the people will shortly be compleed to draw their supplies from other quarter in fact the Army has already been compelled for want of supplies to withdraw from the county, and the people appear to be in a famine which is to last untill more supplies are made here.
This State of things has been brought about not by the ravages of the enemy as they have never been here but by the ordinary supplies of the army and the people. The small number of slaves aforesaid constitute the great majority of the able bodied laborers of the county, and they Governor will bee by the list herewith sent that they are owned in small numbers princiapply only one or two upon a farm and entirely owned by farmers, and in a majority of cases are the only laborers on the farms where they belong so that if they be taken away the result must in many instances be the entire cessation of farming operations on the farms from which they are taken as hireing laboreres is now almost entirely out of the question. Now in view of the cruel dearth of supplies for the army amost every where most respectfully the court would ask would it not advance the general defence of the whole country more and especially of this particular section of it to reserve the slaves of the county to cultivate the same, But the court assures the Executive that if he sees nothing in their views of this subject to change his course in relation to it, it is only necessary for him to signify it to the court and then his will shall be cheerfully carried out according to law. The court would further beg permission from the Executive to introduce to his consideration the two orders made by the preceeding Governor of the State and Engineer Stevens on this same subject which orders are endorses on the back of the former petition sent by the court to the Executive and the court further state that they were never called on for the slaves to go to the Saltworks after the date of the above orde, And the court stands adjourned until the ____ day of ____ to hear further from the Governor.
Geo. C. Gose

March 8, 1864

Alexander M Lee and others Plffts
vs.
The unknown heirs of Peggy McKinney & Others Defts
In Chy

This cause came on the 8th day of March 1864 to be again heard upon the papers heretorfore read as well as upon the report of J F McElhaney & Wm B Aston heretofore appointed commissioners to sell the land and slaves in the bill mentioned and there being no exception... did on the 2nd day of Nov, 1863, sell the land unto A M Lee for the sum of $4950, and the slaves to A M Lee & Cloe Osborn for the sum of $1000...

Ordered that C. Easterly who is charged with one male slave liable to labor on fortifications & other public defenses be exempt. It is ordered that his slave John be declared exempt he being under 18 years of age...

The Governor of this commonwealth having made a requistion on this county for slaves to labor on fortifications, and the court having been convened as the law directs on the 8th day of Feby last, all the justices having been summoned asked his excellency to exempt this county and adjourned over untill this day, untill they heard from the Governor and he refusing to exempt this county and having given notice to the court, It is therefore ordered the Sheriff of this county summon all the acting Justices to meet at the courthouse on next Monday the 14th day of this month, to apportion the slaves required from this county.

The Sergeant & Medical directors at Abingdon Virginia having made a requistion on this county for free negroes to attend at the Hospital in that place; it is therefore defered until the next monday in this month.


March 14, 1864

Present Geo C Gose, N. E. Burdine, Jas. M Bickley, Thomas T. Dickenson Jas Gent Thomas H. Lynch Joel Fields and Wilson Evans Gent.
The court having been summoned to allot the slaves required from this county to labor on fortifications; all the Justices having been summoned, For reasons appearing to teh court it is ordered that the following list of slaves be exempt from labor on fortifications &c the names of which slaves are written after that of their owner to wit

Fobert Fugate one boy named Benjamin
N. E. Burdine one boy named Samuel
Able Alderson one boy named Alexander
Stephen Banner one boy named Isaac
Johnson Howard one boy named Samuel
Lewis Horton one boy named Robert
Henry Dickenson one by named Abner
Isaac Johnson one boy named Andrew
Thomas Gibson one boy named Robert
Andrew Ferguson one boy named David
Isaac Vermillion one boy named Simon
All of which the court declare to be unfit for ordinary labor and therefore exempt the[m] from labor on fortifications & other public defenses.
The court after having declared all the exemptions as herein set out find that the following number of negroes liable to labor on fortifications and other public defenses which number is written opposite the name of their owners to wit

Charles Carrell 3
Martha G Carrell 1
John Browning 1
David Cowan 2
M. C. Hendricks 8
P B Henritze 1
Vincent Browning 1
Wm Hargis 3
Leonard Shoemaker 1
A L Hendricks 10
Saml. E. Gilmer 3
H D Ferguson 1
Tabitha Cowan 1
Jas W Hendricks 1
Martin G Garrett 1
Daniel J Ayers 1
Hiram Fullen 4
Mary Ferguson widow 2
Elizabeth Johnson 2
Wm Samples 1
T P Thomas 2
Meshack J White 1
E R Baylor 1
Isaac Johnson 1
John W Lampkin 2
Mrs. Mary Smith (widow) 2
John W Lampkin Jr 2
Chas A Smith 3
Henry D Smith 2
Austin B Smith 1
Hiram Howard 1
Johnson Howard 1
Z N Gardner 2
Lilbern Finney 1
Thos J Riley 1
John T Howard 2
M A Fletcher 1
A G Smith 1
John W Smith 1
Fielding Combs Sr 1
Wm Musick 1
Wilson E Campbell 1
John Dickenson 4
Henry Dickenson 3
Jos Dickenson 2
Aaron Gose 2
Thos T Dickenson 1
Aaron H Nash 1
Chas c Dickenson 2
Stephen Banner 1
Cloe Osborn 2
G C Gose 2
Pleasant Horn 1
John Banner 1
Jas M. Hanson 2
O H Frick 1
Thos T P Dickenson 1
Francis A Browning 1
Jas. S. Glenn 1
H D Burdine 1
Jas C Fugate 1
Wm Dorton 1
Polly Alexander 1
Robt Boyd 4
Holden Davis 1
Henry Dickenson 1
D Carter 1

The court after full examination finds the above list to contain the number of slaves in this county between the ages of 18 & 55 years able to work on fortifications and other public defenses.
The Governor of this commonwealth having made a requisition upon this county for forty able bodied male slaves between the ages of eighteen and fifty five years, and the court having been summoned as is provided by law; and petitioned the Governor release this county, which the Governor refused to do by giving the court information that the slaves from this county were needed at Saltville and would be delivered to the Engineer at that place, to labor on fortifications, and further information being received from the Engineers office at Doublen that the slaves were wanted at Saltville, and the court having been convened all the justices having been summoned. The requisition made being for forty slaves, and that being more than one fifth of the entire number of slaves between the ages specified, the law having prescribed that the number from any county shall not exceed one fifth of the number of male slaves therein between the ages specified, Whereupon the court having ascertained that the entire number of able bodied male slaves in the county, between the ages of eighteen and fifty five years, to be one hundred and twenty one, and found one fifth of that number to be twenty four and a fraction, Thus having found the number of slaves required from this county to be twenty four, proceeded to apportion the same by agreement and by lot, ratably among all the slave holders in the county is as to charge each slave holder as near as may be with the same proportion of his male slaves between the ages of eighteen and fifty five capable of performing ordinary labor, and find that the following owners of slaves send the numbers opposite their names, to wit

Robert Boyd 1
Wm Samples 1
Able Alderson 1
John Dickenson 1
Charles Carrell 1
A L Hendricks 2
Henry Dickenson 1
D Carter 1
G C Gose 1
M. O. Hendricks 2
Samuel E Gilmer 1
Aaron Gose 1
Martha G Carrell 1
James M Hanson 1
Wilson E Campbell 1
Cloe Osborn 1
Elizabeth Johnson 1
Hiram Fullen 1
Meshack White 1
E R Baylor 1
Mrs. Mary Smith 1
Henry D Smith 1

And it is further ordered that each slave holder who is named in the above list deliver to Wm Sample Sheriff of this county the number of able bodied slaves opposite their respective names, at Lebanon on the first day of April next, to be forwarded to Saltville and delivered to the Engineer or Confederate Authorities at that place, to be returne at the expiration of sixty days.
Ordered that Thomas Davis be appointed an overseer to oversee the slaves from this county to be sent to Saltville to labor on public defences, whereupon all the owners present agreed, to pay said Davis the sum of five dollars over and above what the Confederate government may pay him for each slave he had to send.
Ordered that John F McElhaney be appointed an agent to go to Saltville and make regulations and provisions for the reception of the slaves from this county to be sent to that place to labor on public defenses.

April 5, 1864

E. R Baylor, Meshack and John Dickenson having been required to furnish a slave apiece at Lebanon, to the Sheriff to labor on fortifications and having failed to do so for reasons appearing to the court they are hereby exempt from the penalties of the law imposing fines on them for such failure. Also Wilson E Campbell, and Robt Boyd are excused on account of small pox. Also Martha G Carrell did not bring up her slave, she is also exempt, by reason of her slave being sick.

September 6, 1864

A Deed, for land & slaves, from Nancy Hargis to Samuel Leonard, S F thomas J. Hargis bearing date the 5th day of September 1864 admited to Record on same day.

November 8, 1864

Ordered that Alexander Leece and his slave Nathan and a Free boy at his house and three slaves of Samuel Leece's be added to N B Grays Road list.

December 6, 1864

Ordered that Isaac Vermillion...be appointed Overseer of the turnpike from the courthouse to the bridge over big cedar creek and over the New Garden road from the barn at Little Cedar Creek to the foot of Copper Ridge and that he keep the same in Repair with the following hands,

P. B. Henritze and slave, Simon Slave of Isaac Vermillion, Moses slave of Tibitha Cowan, Two slaves of David Cowan, Slave of Isaac Gilmer...Mrs. Hendricks hands...Alfred & Henry, slaves of Mrs. Mary Cowan...

March 28, 1865

The Governor of this Commonwealth having made a requisition on this county for slaves to labor on fortifications and other public defenses, which was received and filed in the Clerk's office of this county on the 25th of March, whereupon all the Justices of this county were summoned to meet at the courthouse on this day to carry the same into effect which summons was returned executed and a majority having been present, For the purpose of carrying into effect the said requisition do hereby appoint: Thomas H. Lynch, James Bays, Alfred Slaughter, O. H. Frick, H. J. Dickenson and James H. Gibson, agents to ascertain the number of male slaves within their magesterial districts respectfully between the ages of Eighteen and Fifty five years, and report the same to this court on next saturday; and after further consideration adjourn untill Ten oclock next Saturday, in order to have the assistance of the attorney for the commonwealth. It is therefore ordered that court adjourn until 10 oclock next Saturday.
O. H. Frick

April 1, 1865

The court having met according to adjournment and ascertained a list of the slaves between the ages specified owned by the different persons in the County, liable to labor on fortifications and that number amounts to one hundred and twenty two slaves; including those who may be exempt from physical causes. And after some consideration the court by a majority of the Justices present, decided that it would be unwise to carry into effect the requisition for slave laborers to work on fortifications and other public defenses, the purpose for which this court met on the 28th day of March and adjourned from that day, until this the 1st day of April. And after deliberate consideration the court deems it bad policy to enforce said requisition for the purpose of making an effort to have said county exempt from sending their slaves to labor on fortifications &c adjourn until next Saturday the 22nd day of April 1865.
O. H. Frick

September 6, 1865

Ordered that Lafayette Gilmer be appointed surveyor of the road from the 2 mile post at widow Hendricks to the 4 mile post at Mary Brownings with the following tithables be assigned to work on said road

Chas. Hendricks colored...Windfield Hendricks colored, John Hendricks, colored...Martin Gilmer colored...Jake Browning colored John Browning colored Floyd colored, Jake colored...

Ordered that Joseph H Jessee be appointed surveyor from Reeds creek to Jessees Mill creek and the following tithables be assigned to work on said to wit...

Peter colored...Ross col. & Powell colored...

Ordered that James M Tate be appointed surveyor of the road from Jas M Tates to the Scott line and that the following tithables be assigned to work on said road to wit...

Harry and James colored.

Ordered that Noah Jessee be appointed surveyor of the road from Jefferson Jessees to the turnpike opposite Dale Carters and that the following tithables be assigned to work on said road to wit...

Harvey colored...

Ordered that Granville H Ferguson be appointed surveyor of the road from the forks of the road at Hendricks Old Store to the forks of the road East of Andrew Fergusons sen. and that the following tithables be assigned to work said road to wit...

Jake Black smith and colored boy working with him...William colored, Alfred colored, George colored...John colored...and Ned colored.

Ordered that Ezekiel B Garrett be appointed surveyor of the road from the forks of the road East of Andrew Fergusons sen. to the ford of the creek above A M Fergusons sen. and the following list of tithables be assigned to work said road to wit...

Mc Garrett colored...

Ordered that A C Ferguson be appointed surveyor of the road from the forks of the road East of Andrew Fergusons sen. to the ford of the creek at A M Fergusons sen. and the following list of tithables be assigned to work said road to wit...

William colored, David colored, John colored...

Ordred that John H S Fugate be appointed surveyor of the road from Robert B AStons to the widow Elizabeth Dortons lane and the following list of tithables be assigned to work said road to wit...

George (col) (Ben and Jake) colored...John colored...

Ordered that Caleb Hawkins be appointed surveyor of the road from the Old Courthouse to Masons Spring and that the following list of tithables be assigned to work said road to wit...

Isaac James & William Fugate colored...

Ordered that Edward D. K. Davis be appointed surveyor of the road from opposite the courthouse in Lebanon to the 2 mile post near Samuel Leece and the following list of tithables be appointed to work said road to wit...

William Carrell colored...Morgan colored...Samuel colored...William Carrell colored...and Isaac colored.

Ordered that George A. Pruner be appointed surveyor of the road from Glade Hollow to the turnpike and the following list of tithables be assigned to work on said road to wit

William Carrell colored Crockett colored, Nead colored, Tive colored George Kernan colored, James Smith colored, Aaron colored...Charles Gray colored...Scipio Carrell colored... and John Davis colored.

Ordered that Ralph S. Castle be appointed surveyor of the road from Robert. B. Astons to the old courthouse and the following list of tithables be assigned to work said road to wit

Samuel, Tod and Thomas Boyd colored...

Ordered that James A Painter be appointed surveyor of the road from James Dickenson's ford to the Branch East of Aaron Gose and the following list of tithables be assigned to work said road to wit

Arter, Peter and Edmond colored... Abner colored, Peter colored...

October 3, 1865

Ordered that Joseph C. Fugate be appointed surveyor of the road from his ridge field to branch at F. J. C. Fugates and that he keep the same in repair with the following hands...

Harry colored boy, James colored boy...

Ordered that Samuel Leece be appointed surveyor of the road from the 2 mile post on ____ to the [...] and that he keep the same in reapir with the following list of hands - be assigned to Samuel Leeces road list - ...

Rubin colored... Nathan colored...

Ordered that David Counts be appointed surveyor of the road from the Creek at Honakers Mills to Blacksford on Clinch River and that he keep the same in repair with the following list of hands

Andy Riley colored...

Ordered that John B. FUllen be appointed surveyor of the Loop road from the Salt works road to the upper end of that precinct and that he keep the same in repair with the following hands...

Reubin Fullen colored...Samuel Fullen and Jefferson Fullen colored men.

Ordered that John Banner be appointed surveyor of the road from Castlesrun to Mudstore at Bickleys Mill and that he keep the same in repair with the following hands...

Isaac Colored, Jake colored...Wyatte colored...Henson Banner colored...

Ordered that be added to Wm D Waggoners Road list the following hands

David Leece colored...Wm Carter (colored)...Tivis Black colored...

Ordered that Wesley Martin be appointed surveyor of the cross road leading from the Saltworks road above A. L. Hendricks by the baptist church to the Fincastle road and that he keep the same in repair with the following list of hands

Reece Thomas colored...

Ordered that John M E Fugate be appointed surveyor of the road from Robert B Astons to the widow Elizabeth Dortons lane and that he keep the same in repair with the following list of hands

...and George Benjamin Isaac and Harold colored boy at Fugates, John colored at M Dortons and Albert [...] colored boy at Alexanders.

Ordered that be assigned and added to James M Purcells road list the following hands

Isaac a colored boy, Granville a colored boy...

Ordered that John A Collins be appointed surveyor of the road from the forks of the road at James Blizards to dark hollow and that he keep the same in repair with the following list of hands...

Sam colored...

Ordered that the following hands be added to Joseph Jessees road list...Benjamin a colored boy.

October 4, 1865

Ordered that John J. Bickley be appointed surveyor of the road from Bickleys Mills to Wheelers Ford and that he keep the same in repair with the following hands...

George Banner and his colored hands...

November 7, 1865

Ordered that the following list of tithables be added to Lafayette Gilmers road list to wit...

Levi Gilmer colored...

Ordred that Shanon Dickenson colored...Robert Glenn colored...be added to N. A Fraleys road list to work on the road of which said Fraley is surveyor.

Ordered that John G Herdon be appointed surveyor of the road from Z N Gardners Mills to Hugh Johnsons in New Garden and that he keep the same in repair with the following list of tithables to wit...

...the following are colored hand Tine Kernan Hiram Garnder Isaac Samples and David Keen.

Ordered that F J C Fugate be appointed surveyor of the road from his house to the fork of the road near E. S. Fugate house and that ke keep the same in repair with the following list of tithables to wit...

Bob col. Emmit col. and Henry col.d.

Ordered that Harvey Long be appointed surveyor of the road from the River on the North side of Clinch River to the wido Jessees on Reeds valley and that he keep the same in repair with the following list of tithables to wit...

...and Briant and Peter colored.

Ordered that Leonard S. Hargis be appointed surveyor of the road running through the corner from the widow Shoemakers to the foot of Copper ridge and that he keep the same in repair with the following list of tithables to wit...

Benjamin colored boy... Samuel Sykes colored...

Ordered that Isaac B Fickle be appointed surveyor of the road from the Court House to the 2 mile post near Saml Leeces in the place of E D K Davis who is hereby removed, and that he keep the same in repair with the following list of tithables to wit...

...and colored boy at Hugh Fergusons...

Ordered that the following list of tithables be added to N A Fraleys road list to wit

Marter Dickenson colored, Shanon Dickenson col....

Ordered that Isaac Vermillion be appointed surveyor of the road from the Courthouse to the two mile post at the widow Hendricks and that he keep the same in repair with the following list of tithables to wit...

Jack colored...Moses Cowan col, Whig black...

Ordered that the following list of tithables be added to John Banner's road list to wit...

Randle colored, Ham colored...

Ordered that the following list of tithables be added to James A Pruners road list to wit...

...and Jarrett a colored boy.

Ordered that Major L Wallis be appointed surveyor of the road road in New Garden from Jacob Combs to E Ferrells the top of the mountain at E Ferrells, and that he keep the same in repair with the following list of tithables to wit...

...and E Ferrells colored hands at Ferrells Charles Ralph and Jessee.

November 8, 1865

Ordered that C. L. Dickenson be appointed surveyor of the public road from Jas. Dickensons ford to Hammons Still House branch and that he keep the same in repair with the following list of tithables to wit...

Wilson colored, Alexander Col. Christopher colored, Scott col....Edmon col, Alexander colored...Wilson colored, Wesley col...Henry col, Peter Gose col....

December 5, 1865

Ordered that the following list of tithables be added to Wm. Whites Road list to wit...

...Charles colored Jackson colored and Mikeil col...

Ordered that the following list of tithables be added to David Counts road list to wit...

John Riley colored...

Ordered that Charles Johnson be appointed surveyor of the new Garden from Honakers Mills to the old schoolhouse and that he keep the same in repair with the following list of tithables to wit:

Ed colored...

Ordered that Wm F Howard be appointed surveyor of the 4th precinct of the New Garden Road running Stillhouse branch to Benjamin Shoemakers and that he keep the same in repair with the following list of tithables to wit:

...and Andy colored.

Ordered that the following list of tithables be added to James M Dickensons road list to wit...

George, Harvey Clark and John colored.

Ordered that Henry D. Smith be appointed surveyor of the Turnpike road from the Cliff below his house to Col Edwin R Smiths and that he keep the same in repair with the following list of tithables to wit:

...Thomas Black colored & Elijah colored.

December 6, 1865

Ordered that the precinct of Road over which John A Garrett is surveyor be extended to the bridge at Samuel E Gilmers and that the following hands be added to his list to wit,

Ota a colored boy at A M Fergusons...

January 2, 1866

Ordered that A M Ferguson be appointed surveyor of the road from the Bridge at Samuel Gilmers to the forks of the road East of A M Fergusons house, which precinct is taken off of John A Garretts precinct and that he keep the same in repair with the following list of tithables to wit:

Ota colored...

February 6, 1866

Ordered that the following list of tithables be added to Joseph Fugates road list, to wit:

Wm Alderson col.

Ordered that the following list of tithables be added to F. J. C. Fugates road list, to wit:

...and Carrell colored.

Ordered that John D Alderson be appointed surveyor of the road from near Hansonville to N. E. Burdines on Moccasin and that he keep the same in repair with the following list of tithables to wit:

...Saml Alderson col....Sam Brown (col)...Chas Frick (colored)...Chas Wright (col)...

Ordered that John W. Smith be appointed surveyor of the road from the forks of a road above Kendricks stores to the widow Cooks in New Garden and that he keep the same in repair with the following list of tithables to wit:

Moses Smith of color, Brier Smith (col) colored boy at Campbells...Wm Combs (colored)...and Nelson Combs (colored).

Ordered that James H. Elliott be appointed surveyor of the second precinct in New Garden commencing at widow Cooks and running to hawky branch and that he keep the same in repair with the following list of tithables to wit:

...& Crocket Musick (colored).

February 7, 1866

Ordered that the following list of tithables be added to Isaac B Fickles road list, to wit:

...Harry (colored) & Rees a colored boy at E D Kernans.

March 6, 1866

Ordered that Meken Hurt be appointed surveyor of the precinct of Road in New Garden commencing at the River and ending at James Dyes precinct and that he keep the same in repair with the following list of tithables to wit:

Smith Johnson (col) Anthony (col)...

Ordered that James Dye be appointed surveyor of the precinct in New Garden commencing at a Rocky place ans Smith's fence and ending at the Pike and that he keep the same in repair with the following list of tithables to wit:

Smith Samuel (col)...

Ordered that John D Burnett be appointed surveyor of the precinct in New Garden commencing at the Still House Branch and ending at Benjamin Shoemakers and that he keep the same in repair with the following list of tithables to wit:

...Andy (col).

March 7, 1866

On the motion of Jasper N Malacote, who entered into and acknowledged his bond in the sum of twenty five hundred dollars with N B Gray and Aaron Hendricks as his security thereto conditioned as the law directs. It is therefore ordered that he be assigned as Guardian of Melvin Paris Marion Elbert Sarah and Margaret colored children formerly slaves of David Cowan deceased.

April 3, 1866

Ordered that Powel Gose col Harvy Jessee col... be added to Noah M Couches Road list.

Ordered that W. E. Campbell be appointed surveyor of the public road in New Garden from the forks of the Road near Kendricks old store house to Cooks Mills and that he keep the same in repair with the following list of tithables to wit:

...Moses Smith (col)...Wm Combs (cold)...and Nelson Combs (cold)

Ordered that... Ira (colored)... be added to E. S. Fugates road list.

May 8, 1866

Ordered that...James Dickenson (colrd) be added to C. C. J. Dickenson's Road List.

July 3, 1866

Ordered that...Zack a freeman be added to James Kelly's Road list.

August 7, 1866

Ordered that John D Alderson be appointed overseer of the Public Road from forks of Road at N. E Burdines to F. D. P. Dickensons Spring Branch, and that he keep the same in repair with the following list of tithables:

...William Beverly (colrd)...

Ordered that O. H. Frick be appointed surveyor of the Public Road from F. D. P. Dickensons Spring Branch to the turn Pike South of Hansonville and that he keep the same in repair with the following list of tithables:

...Charles Frick (colrd)...

September 4, 1866

Ordered that David White be appointed surveyor of the Public Road from the turnpike near Marion Dorton's shop to the top of Moccasion Ridge in Room of James a Miller & that he keep the same in repair with the following list of tithables:

...Abraham Alexander colored Albert Alexander (colrd)...

Ordered that James A Milton be appointed surveyor of the Public Road from the forks of the road at Bird Holt's to the turnpike road at R Fugate's and that he keep the same in repair with the following list of tithables:

...Jacob Alexander (colored) & Benjamin Fugate (colrd).

Ordered that J. C. Browning be appointed surveyor of the Public Road from the forks of the road at William Coopers to the cut on top of Moccasin Ridge to be kept in repair with the following list of tithables:

...Robt Gibson (colrd)...Tom Aston or Jones (colrd)...

Ordered that Joseph B Gilmer be appointed surveyor of the turnpike road from the Washington County line to the top of the Ridge west of Hansonville and that he keep the same in repair with the following list of tithables:

...Ben Pippin (colrd)...

October 2, 1866

Ordered that the following list of tithables be assigned Joseph S Litton Surveyor... A Godsey (colrd)...

November 6, 1866

Ordered that William F Jessee be appointed surveyor of the public road from a gate on the west end of said jessee's farm to the Moccasin road at N. E. Burdines and that he keep the same in repair with the following list of tithables to wit:

...Nelson kennedy colrd...Lilburn colrd...

November 7, 1866

And presented that Charles Alderson col. did on the ___ day of November 1866 in said county willfully and of his malice aforethough kill and murder one Alexander Alderson colord...
The presiding justice of this court this day issued a warrant from the bench to the sheriff of Russell County directed commanding him to apprehend Charles Alderson colrd and to bring him before him or some other Justice of the peace of this county to be tried for the offense of which he was presented by the Grand Jury this day, and there to remain untill he shall thence be discharged by a true [...] of law. Ordered that Whitley Thomas be appointed surveyor of the public road commencing at the Pike near Dr. E. D. Kernans leading by the mill to a gate Northwest of the widow Cowans and that he keep the same in repair with the following list of tithables to wit:

C Hargiss colrd Sy Hargiss colrd Solomon Hargiss colrd...

November 8, 1866

Ordered that S. W. Gibson be appointed surveyor of the road from the ford near James Dickenson's to a branch east of Aaron Gose's and that he keep the same in repair with the following list of tithables to wit:

...Abner Jessee colrd...

December 4, 1866

Ordered that...Jarrett Smith colrd, Clay Dickenson colored... be added to James M Dickenson's road list....

Charles Alderson (a man of color) who stands accused in this county of murder by him committed was this day set to the bar in custody of the Sheriff of this county, who plead not guilty to the presentment, and the attorney prosecuting for the commonwealth by consent of the Court saith that he will not prosecute further on behalf of the commonwealth... is ordered that he be discharged from his imprisonment.

Mack Hendricks and Nick Hendricks (men of color) who stand charged with a felony there committed in this county and within the jurisdiction of this court this that they did on the ___ day of November 1866 in said county feloniously steal take & carry away 3 Hats of the value of $4.50 each 3 pr Boots of the value of $8.00 each 1 piece calico supposed 12 yards value 25 cents per yard 1 pr socks of the value of .50c of the goods and chattels of Jehiel Jackson was this day set to the bar in custody of the Sheriff...

January 8, 1867

On the motion of J N Mallicote the court doth assign him guardian to Melvin, Paris, Sarah, Marean, etc. colord children formerly owned by David Cowan...

February 5, 1867

Ordered that Peter Kelly be appointed surveyor of the public road from Nashes ford to John Stinson and that he keep the same in repair with the following list of tithables...Eli Peters colrd Will Johnson Colrd...

Mack Honaker (of color) who stands charged with a felony...the attorney for the commonwealth by consent of the court saith that he will not proesecute said Mack Honaker. Therefore it is ordered that he be discharged from his imprisonment.

March 5, 1867

N. B. Bruce jailor of Russell County presented an account against the commonwealth of Virginia amounting to five dollars for receiving Whig Smith of color into Jail charged with Petit Larceny...

March 6, 1867

On motion of the attorney prosecuting for the commonwealth it is ordered that William Samples Sheriff of the county of Russell be summoned to appear here on the first day of the next term to show cause if any he can why he should not be fined for his contempt in failing to return according to law a certain summon which issued from the office of this Court commanding him to summon Charles Dickenson of color to appear before the court on the first day of said term to deliver an indictment found against him by the grand jury for an assault...

April 2, 1867

On motion of Lydda Bowan a woman of Color, the mother of Melvin & Paris Bowan infants children, of color. Thos. H. Lynch is appointed Guardian of said Infants.

Ordered that...Thomas Jessee col be added to A. M. Fergusons Road list.

Ordered that the following list of tithables be added to H. J. Dickenson's road list viz:

...James Edwards (of color)...Clay Dickenson (of color).

Ordered that O. H. Frick be appointed surveyor of the road from turnpike near Hansonville to the branch east of Thos. T. P. Dickenson's and that he keep the same in repair with the following list of tithables, viz:

...Thomas Wright colored, James Smith colored...

May 7, 1867

Ordered that...Henry Litton colored... be added to James H. Campbells road list.

Ordered that Spencer colored... be added to Creed Barton's road list.

Ordered that...Wm Snider colrd...be added to J. J. Dickenson's road list.

Ordered that the following list of tithables be assigned Hiram Ashbrook in lieu of his present list viz:

Crockett Carell col Jas Smith Colrd Aaron Smith (colrd)...John Davis colrd Commodore colrd Harry Colrd...Charles Flecher colrd...Whig Smith colord...

Ordered that the following list of tithables be assigned Wm White in lieu of his present list viz:

...Stratten Charles colrd Lewis colrd...Cordell Jackson colrd Elbert colrd...

Ordered that the following list of tithables be added to Isaac B Fickles road list viz:

Robert colrd Reeves colored...

June 4, 1867

Ordered that Peter Dickenson colord... be added to C. C. J. Dickensons road list.

June 5, 1867

The Grand Jury sworn in court on yesterday appeared in court according to their adjournment and withdrew from the bar to further consult upon their presentment, and after some time returned into court and presented...

An Indictment against Hays Gilmer colrd for petit Larceny, A true Bill. An Indictment aganst Whig Smith & Fanny Aston colored for petit Larceny, a true Bill...

July 2, 1867

Ordered that William Gilmer be appointed surveyor of the road over which Creed Barton is surveyor & that he keep the same in repair with the following list of tithables

...Whig Smith colored.

Ordered that the following list of tithables be added to John Banners road list viz

...Harve of color...Isaac Banner of color...

On motion of Anderson Dickenson of color who entered into and acknowledged a bond in the sum of fifteen hundred dollars together with Wm B ASton & A W Smith his securitys thereto conditioned as the law directs he is therefore authorized to celebrate the rites of Matrimony within the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Ordered that John T Lampkin be appointed surveyor of the public road from the old county road to Charles A Smith's Mill and that he keep the same in repair with the following list of tithables viz

...Joshua Gun colrd...

August 6, 1867

Commonwealth Plaintiff
vs
Charles Dickenson colored, Defendant

On an Indictment for an assault

The defendant in his own proper person came into court and with the assent of the court confessed judgement for a fine of fifty cents...

August 7, 1867

Ordered that George Banner be appointed surveyor of the public road from Castle's run to Temple hill and that he keep the same in repair with the following list of tithables viz

...Hanson Banner colrd...Ham colrd...

Carter Browning of color who stands indicted of Larceny for stealing goods and chattels of less value than fifty dollars was set to the bar in custody of the Sheriff of this court, thereof arraigned and pleaded not guilty to the indictment...the jury find the said Carter Browning guilty of petit larceny...It is therefore considered by the court that the said Carter Browning be imprisoned for the term of fifteen days in the Jail of this county...

September 4, 1867

Ordered that James M Moneyhun be appointed surveyor of the road from the old courthouse to Mason Springs and that he keep the same in repair with the following list of tithables viz

...James Dickenson colrd...

Ordered that Caleb Hawkins be appointed surveyor of the road from Camp Ground to Andrew Statzer's & that he keep the same in repair with the following list of tithables viz

...Alx Alderson colrd Beverly Cowan colrd...

September 5, 1867

Mack Garrett of color who stands charged with a felony by him committed in this county...it appearing to the court that the charges in said case are defective. It is therefore considered by the court that the warrant be quashed and that said prisoner be discharged.

October 8, 1867

Ordered that Wm L Garrett be appointed surveyor of the road over which John A Garrett is surveyor and that he keep the same in repair with the following list of tithables viz

...George Hendricks colored Jackson Garrett colored James Mc Garrett colored...

November 5, 1867

Ordered that...:Colored John Lee, Abraham Horan, Randale Lee, Samuel Lee, John Browning and Samuel Keith white be added to A. M. Lee's road list.

Ordered that...Ambrose Jennings colrd be added to Caleb Hawkins road list.

Ordered that...Joseph Lee col S. Lee colrd...be added to John T Grays road list.

November 7, 1867

Mack Garrett of color who stands indicted of a felony by him committed in the county...we the Jury find the defendant guilty and assess his term of confinement in the penitentiary to three years...

December 3, 1867

Ordered that...Isaac Banner colrd, Christopher Dickenson colrd Alx Nash colrd David Dickenson colrd...be added to John Banners road list.

December 4, 1867

COUNTY LAW ORDER BOOK


"At a Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery..."

December 9, 1863

"At a special term of the Circuit Court continued and held for Russell County at the Courthouse thereof on Wednesday the 9th day of December 1863
Present the same Judge as yesterday [John A. Campbell]

John Dickenson Appellant
vs.
The Justices of Russell Co Appellee
On a supersedeas

Holden Davis Appellant
vs.
The same Appellee
On a supersedeas

James Dickenson senr. Appellant
vs.
The same Appellee
On a supersedeas

Henry Dickenson Appellant
vs.
The same Appellee
On a supersedeas

Aron H. Nash Appellant
vs.
The same Appellee
On a supersedeas

Dale Carter Appellant
vs.
The same Appellee
On a supersedeas

O. H. Frick Appellant
vs.
The same Appellee
On a supersedeas

The Court having maturely considered the transcript of the record in these several causes is of opinion that there is error in the opinion of the County Court in not ascertaining the entire slave population of the County and that it further erred in arbitrarily requiring twenty four of the slave holders of the County to furnish the slaves called for by the Governor, and this Court is further of opinion that the Court below should have ascertained the entire slave population of the County and then have apportioned the requisitions ratably among all the slave holders of said county, throwing into classes when necessary the holders of one or a few slaves, and ascertaining by lot or by agreement between the parties, the slave or slaves to be furnished from such classed to fill said requisition. It is therefore considered by the Court that the judgement of the court below be reversed and annulled and that the appellants recover against the Appellees their costs in the prosecution of each of these appeals here expended. It is further ordered that each of these causes be remanded to the County Court to be there proceeded in according to the principles herein declared.