11683314https://dlas.uncg.edu/petitions/petition/11683314VirginiaStaffordCounty1411833Legislativebill drawn0517Library of Virginia, Richmond, VirginiaForty-one citizens of Stafford County defend the Wharton family--William, Lemuel, Barney, Nancy, and Lewis--who had been nominally owned by John Cooke Sr., deceased. The Whartons "are all white persons in complexion and in fact," with only a remote ancestor on one side of the family being black. They are persons "of excellent character," have married with whites, and in their attitudes and "partialities are decidedly for the whites." One Wharton identified a slave stealer; another gave information leading to the capture of several runaways in New York City. The petitioners ask that the family be permitted to remain in Virginia.Purchase of freedomVirtually free (enslaved)Property owners (Black)State residency issues (FPOC)Freedom seekersEnticing (enslaved)Theft of enslaved