In 1821, in his last will and testament, Tennessean Alexander M. Nelson stipulated that his slave Phillis should be manumitted when she reached age thirty-five, and any children she might have when they reached ages twenty-seven (for females) and thirty (for males). Phillis was set free in 1841 but died on her way to Liberia. Phillis's daughter Harriett is now over twenty-seven but is being held as a slave by Nelson's son, Alexander Nelson. Harriett believes that Nelson "does not intend ever to restore her to her freedom unless compelled by legal process." Harriet sues for her freedom. There is some urgency, she says, because Nelson plans to move from Alabama to Arkansas or Texas. In related petitions, Harriett's siblings also sue for their freedom. One of her sisters, Julia or Juliet, also sues on behalf of her two daughters, Roena and Phillis.
Or you may view all people.
Repository: Shelby County Archives, Columbiana, Alabama
