Petition #11680301

• Norfolk County, Virginia. filing started December 7, 1803.
• Court: Legislative
• Salutation: To the Honorable the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Virginia

Abstract

Married in 1802 to Lydia Bright, Benjamin Butt Jr. was absent on business when his wife gave birth to a baby. To his "inexpressible Grief and astonishment" the infant "proved to be a mulatto." Lydia admitted her relationship with "negro Man Slave named Robin" belonging to the estate of Charles Stewart, deceased. The husband seeks a divorce.

Result: Reasonable, reported.

• Number of petition pages: 3
• Related documents: Depositions, Ivy Holstead, Nancy Butt, Anna Murdan, Benjamin Butt, 31 October 1803; Affidavit, Elizabeth Holstead, ca. 1803; Bill of Divorce, 2 June 1803
• Pages of related documents: 5

3 people are documented within petition 11680301

• 1 Enslaved
• 1 Petitioner
• 1 Other

Or you may view all people.

Citation information

Repository: Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia

• Legislative Petitions

Subjects

• Divorce
• Interracial relationships
• Illegitimacy