Higginbotham.aka.Carey-VA-1830-3 Descendants of HIGGINBOTHAM Slave ---------------------------------------- Just received a fascinating compilation of records about Archibald HIGGINBOTHAM, aka Archy CAREY, a freed slave of Thomas HIGGINBOTHAM (son of Captain John HIGGINBOTHAM and Rachel BANKS; grandson of John HIGGINBOTHAM and Frances RILEY). I received this from a co-worker (a HIGGINBOTHAM of African American descent). We have always called each other "cuz" and it now appears we have a lot in common. The material I received included a stack of photocopies of old census and tax records. I look forward to putting this into a GEDCOM format. I have not checked yet but am sure I will cooberate many of the records my grandfather could not positively connect to our tree. What I have read and transcribed so far: This project traces the family of Archibald HIGGINBOTHAM, a slave freed by Thomas HIGGINBOTHAM, son of John HIGGINBOTHAM, Jr. and Rachel BANKS, grandson of John HIGGINBOTHAM and Frances RILEY who imigrated to Goochland, now Amherst Co., VA in the early 1700's. The Name and Family of HIGGINBOTHAM The surname HIGGINBOTHAM is generally believed to be derived from the residence of its first bearers at a place called HIGGINBOTTOM, in the neighborhood of Marple and Macclesfield, East Cheshire, England. It is generally agreed that the name itself was first given to the "bottom, or hollow depression in the land, where HIGGIN or HICKIN resided". Some historians, however, maintain that the name is of German origin and a corruption of the name ICKENBAUM, meaning "an oak tree". There has been several spellings of the name in England and early America but HIGGINBOTHAM is the most often used in America. ---------------------------------------- Slave Owners John HIGGINBOTHAM and his wife Frances RILEY came from Ireland to Virginia in the early 18th century, bringing with them numerous children. The family settled in Goochland County, there where several other children were born, one of them being named John. Captain John HIGGINBOTHAM married a Rachel BANKS in1767. To this union several children were born one of them being Thomas HIGGINBOTHAM. Thomas HIGGINBOTHAM died in 1834 leaving no children, but he did have a considerable estate. Thomas appeared to be a kind and generous slave owner. ---------------------------------------- History of Slavery In 1691 the assembly of Virginia prohibited the manumission of slaves unless they were transported out of the colony. It also prohibited interracial marriages and ordered the illegitimate mixed race children of white women bound for 30 years. By 1723 the freeing of slaves were prohibbited except in cases where they had rendered some public service, such as foiling a slave revolt. Despite the efforts of the legislative assembly, white women continued to bear children by African Americans. It appears that they were the primary source of the increse in the free African American population along with the slave master bearing children with his slave girls. Many of these white servants may have been the common-law wives of slaves since they had several mixed race children. While some free blacks owned slaves and were accepted in white society, others married slaves and socialized with slaves. In 1793 the Assembly passed a law which all but eliminated the ability of slaves to earn their freedom by ordering that the frame stock of slaves shall be seized and sold by the church wardens of the parish and the profit thereof applied to the use of the poor of said parish. About half a million, almost one seventh of the blacks of this country, were free prior to the emancipation in 1865. It isbelieved that a considerable number of blacks were owners of slaves and insome cases controlled large plantations. In 1830 the free blacks had about reached their highest mark as a distinct class. The free Negro element in Virginia was always relatively large. In 1790-1800 Virginia led all the states in the number of free Negroes. ---------------------------------------- The Beginning: Archibald (CAREY) HIGGINBOTHAM Archey was a one time hack driver in the neighboring city of Lynchburg, VA, who acquired considerable property in Lynchburg and in Amherst Co. Letter located in The Virginia State library in Richmond, VA, dated May 1830. Archey Carey a free man of color has called on a number of gentlemen and exibited unquestionable testimonials of a fair character from gentlemen of Lynchburg, VA. In consequences of which the gentlemen in of this state have agreed so far as they have been consulted that as long as his conduct compares with his recommendations that they will not enforce the law against him.The substance of the law is that after 20 days notice he must leave the state or will be subject to pay $500 dollars and be sold for a term not over 10 years. Thomas L. Stevens ---------------------------------------- Virginia State Library, Richmond, VA dated May 20, 1830. Archer Carey a man of colour the bearer of this note was emancipated a few years ago by Thomas Higginbotham on account of his uniform good conduct while a slave being compelled to leave this state on account of the severity of the law relative to free Negroes is now in pursuit of a home. It is carnally hoped that all good citizens will permit him to travel about and through the country until he can fine a place suitable for him to settle on and protect him in any way they would any other good citizen. Ammon Hancock ---------------------------------------- The Virginia State Library, Richmond, VA dated May 20, 1830. The said Archy to remain in the state of Virginia and if that cannot be done to permit him to remain in the county of Amherst or if that would be deem unwise to allow him a reasonable time to dis.......or his......collect the....removal which would require...like five years. They respectfully ask that the.... ---------------------------------------- The Virginia State Library, Richmond, VA dated may 21, 1830. Archy Cary is compelled to seek residence out of Virginia in consequence of the laws of this state not allowing free persons of color, who have acquired their freedom to remain in it. He visits North Carolina for the purpose of obtaining residence there. After which it is his object to return here, where he has valuable property and accommodations and settles with his business. Archy will of all with whom he may meet. I have known him from boyhood. There is not an honest or more upright man under the sun. He is exemplary in all his deportment ... humble and obliging...inducing traits that is...sympathy in his behalf for the to seek a home amongst strangers. In leaving Lynchburg Archy carries with him this good wishes of all who know him. James Saunders ---------------------------------------- The Virginia State Library, Richmond, VA dated Dec 11, 1831 Archy Carey I take this method to inform you that I intend carrying on the ____ & manufacturing business in this place next year to considerable extent. I consequently shall want several good ____ on Rollins. I shall want Wesley & no other land if you can procure him for me Wesley promise me to return. I shall expect him shortly to do, as I want him very much. Wesley informed me that you had a manufacturing service that you wished to sell. If you have no one-____get me ____too at a fair price. I will take ___ & pay you the money for ____ on delivery. I want you to write me immediately on receipt of this & inform me whether you can get me 2 acres on the ____you have & what ____& by so doing confer a ___ forever on me. I also ___no ___ if you can get me a good ___ I want it for years. & what time Wesley will be back 26. I expect this on this next week to collect of bail the ___you left with me I will secure this whole of good debts if possible. I should like very much if you would move toMilton to live as I can furnish you with a house & lot and employment. I think much to your advantage at I shall carry in the business for some years very intensively. John H. Crochett ---------------------------------------- The Virginia State Library, Richmond, VA. Dated 1/2/1832 TO:Archy Carey in Milton, North Carolina Archy I have had an offer of $800 for your house & lot and wish you write me word by return mail whether you will take the price or not. My opinion is that you take the price. Property is low here of every description and your property will decline in value renting it to such as have been renting it. Ammon Hancock ---------------------------------------- The Virginia State Library, Richmond, VA Dated 11/22/1832 Mr. Archy Carey, I am told that you own a piece of vacant ground adjoining the Brick Factory of Mr. James Mongam that you are disposed to sell. If you will take a fair price for it in cash I will buy about thirty feet of that part of the lot which immediately yours Mr. Mongam line and lying between his Brick factory and the little white house now occupied by Marlin the painter. If you wish to sell, let me know the lowest price you will take in cash for thirty feet lying in this place I have described or for this whole ground between the shop and the House and if your price is not too high I will buy it off you and pay the cash for it. Let me here from you on the subject directly. Geo Williams ---------------------------------------- The Virginia State Library, Richmond, VA Dated Dec 17, 1833 To Colonel Harrison Dear sir, In reply to yours of this date regarding the charactor of Archy Carey (a free man of colour) I have to say that I purchased him when he was about 8 or 10 years of age; and that I owned him for many years, during which time he behaved himself much properly, and finding him to be an honest, and faithful servant. I was induced to set him free, since which time I have heard no complaints against him for misconduct. If this along will avail Archy any thing before the Legislature you are at liberty to use it. With respect, Tho Higginbotham ---------------------------------------- The Virginia State Library, Richmond, VA Dated Dec 27, 1833 Archibald Carey petitions the State of Virginia to allow him to remain in the state. The Honorable the Speaker and the members of the Legislature of Virginia the Undersigned petitioners respectfully represent that they are informed and believe that Archy known by the name of Archy Higginbotham or Archy Carey is a free man of color, and emancipated by Thomas Higginbotham and who is now residing in the county of Amherst and the State of Virginia is a person of good charactor, honest deportment and without exception in his behavior, he is regarded by all who know him as a respectable worthy man. he has by honest labor acquired real estate in Lynchburg of considerable value and a tract of land of considerable value in the County of Amherst he is deemed by all acquaintances as not only harmless in disposition and conduct, but praiseworthy and he is justly esteemed by all who know him he has a wife and children and the undersigned regard it as a hardship that he should be compelled to leave the State of Virginia, or if compelled to leave it, they think it right that a reasonable time should be allowed him to dispose of his estate, collect its proceeds and make provisions for his removal. The undersigned therefore respectfully petition your Honorable Body to permit by law the said Archy to remain in the State of Virginia and if that cannot be done to permit him to remain the county of Amherst or if that should be deemed unwise to allow him a reasonable time to dispose of his estate. Collect the proceeds and prepare for removal, which would require something like five years. They respectfully ask that the most liberal indulgences and relief should be extended to him the Legislature and as is duly bound they will ever pray. (This petition was signed by 135 persons and attached to it was several corroborating letters of support.) ---------------------------------------- The Virginia State Library, Richmond, VA. Dated Dec 27, 1833 The undersigned citizens of Lynchburg in Virginia take pleasue in testifying to the respectability and good conduct of Archy Carey, a man of color. He has lived in this place from his boyhood and there has never been the slightest imputation against his character. He has, within the last five or six years obtained his freedom; but the laws of our State forbid his residence within its jurisdiction. We therefore recommend him, from our confidence in his integrity and good moral Conduct, as worthy of the patronage and support, in whatever line of business he may adopt for a livlihood, of those amongst whom his destiny may throw him. He has been employed here for the last ten years or more, as a hack driver; and in that Capacity stands higher than anyone else who has ever lived in this heart of the world. (Numerous citizens in the area of Amherst and Lynchburg signed the document.) ---------------------------------------- The Legislature's response to Carey's petition: Petition to remain rejected - Petition for time to sell property reasonable. (From book "Strangers in Their Midst. The Free Black Population of Amherst County, Virginia.") ---------------------------------------- Contributed by: "Misterhigg" Misterhigg@aol.com By way of: "Hewick" hewick@oasisonline.com