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 son William is now over thirty but is being held as a slave by Nelson's son, Alexander Nelson. William believes that Alexander Nelson "does not mean ever to restore him to his freedom unless compel'd by process of Law." William sues for his freedom. There is some urgency, he says, because Nelson plans to move from Alabama to Arkansas or Texas. In related petitions, William's siblings also sue for their freedom. One of William's 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
