Free man of color William Lewis asks for permission to remain in Alabama. Lewis explains in his petition that after the death of her owner, his wife, a slave, was taken to Alabama. Lewis followed her there. He notes that they have been married ten years and that he is skilled in the "Carpenter's and House-joiner's business." He adds that he has "always demeaned himself humbly and respectfully toward all persons, having been taught that the only way to pass through life smoothly was to attend to his own business." Affidavits by several white residents of the county attest to William Lewis's impeccable moral character and industriousness.
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Repository: Alabama Department of Archives and History, Montgomery, Alabama
