On the occasion of her marriage in 1818, John Morris Sr. deeded to his daughter, Eliza Morris Hill, a trust estate of slaves for herself and "lawful issue, if any." Morris, his two sons and his two granddaughters charge that Eliza's husband, John P. Hill, sold three of the slaves to George Hairston Sr. shortly after the couple moved to Henry County in 1821. George Hairston then "sold, or pretended to sell" the slaves to Robert Hairston "in whose possession they now are." The petitioners further represent that the said Eliza Hill "has as yet no issue, and that there is little, or no probability that she ever will have any;" such being the case, the slaves should revert back to Morris and his heirs upon her death. The petitioners ask that George Hairston Sr. and Robert Hairston be prevented from "removing, conveying away, selling or otherwise disposing of the said slaves" until the matter can be heard in the equity court. They also ask that the court "protect, and secure the interest of your orators in the said" slaves.
Or you may view all people.
Repository: Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia
