Slaves held by Matthew H. Harris
Location: Nelson, Virginia, United States
Surnames/tags: Slavery Black_Heritage
Matthew H. Harris grew up on a large, prosperous plantation worked by his father's many slaves. In time, he too became a slave holder, like his father and grandfather before him. He held slaves for many years.
No 1840 census has been found for Matthew H. Harris, or for his father. Matthew did not marry until 1841, so may have still been in his father's home in 1840.
The 1850 U.S. Federal Census Slave Schedule shows Matthew H. Harris holding 13 slaves. The document is badly water damaged and nearly all detail has been lost.
The 1860 U.S. Federal Census Slave Schedule shows Matthew H. Harris holding 19 slaves.
| 1860 U.S. Federal Census--Slave Schedule--Nelson County, 6 Aug 1860 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Name of Slave Owner: Matthew H. Harris | |||
| Number | Age | Sex | Color |
| 1 | 50 | M | B |
| 1 | 50 | F | B |
| 1 | 40 | M | B |
| 1 | 25 | M | B |
| 1 | 18 | M | B |
| 1 | 40 | F | B |
| 1 | 30 | F | B |
| 1 | 28 | F | B |
| 1 | 25 | F | B |
| 1 | 11 | M | B |
| 1 | 11 | M | B |
| 1 | 10 | F | B |
| 1 | 10 | M | B |
| 1 | 8 | F | B |
| 1 | 8 | F | B |
| 1 | 3 | F | B |
| 1 | 3 | F | B |
| 1 | 1 | F | B |
| 1 | 3/12 | M | B |
| Total Slaves: 19 | Slave Houses: 3 |
Three of the slaves that Matthew H. Harris owned were registered in the Virginia Slave Birth Index when they gave birth. They were Martha, who gave birth to Ann in March of 1853 and also gave birth to Joseph in May of 1860; Mourning, who gave birth to Champ in April of 1853; and Phoebe, who gave birth to Clifton in August of 1860.
It seems very likely the 3 month old infant boy in the 1860 Slave Schedule represents Joseph, son of Martha. The census was taken on the 6th of August, and Clifton's birth does not appear to have taken place yet, so one of the women of child bearing age likely represents Phoebe. Champ does not appear to be shown in the 1860 census, unless he has been listed as a 10 year old, rather than a 7 year old. Perhaps Ann is listed as an 8 year old.
Sources
- "United States Census (Slave Schedule), 1860", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:W2XP-THW2 : 16 October 2019), Matthew H Harris, 1860.
- "Virginia, Slave Birth Index, 1853-1866," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:WDK6-WG6Z : 4 February 2020), Ann Harris, Mar 1853; citing Birth, Nelson, Virginia, United States, Virgina State Library and Archives, Richmond; FHL microfilm 007849154.
- "Virginia, Slave Birth Index, 1853-1866," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:WDK6-WR2M : 4 February 2020), Joseph Harris, May 1860; citing Birth, Nelson, Virginia, United States, Virgina State Library and Archives, Richmond; FHL microfilm 007849154.
- "Virginia, Slave Birth Index, 1853-1866," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:WDK6-WGPZ : 4 February 2020), Champ Harris, Apr 1853; citing Birth, Nelson, Virginia, United States, Virgina State Library and Archives, Richmond; FHL microfilm 007849154.
- "Virginia, Slave Birth Index, 1853-1866," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:WDK6-WRZM : 4 February 2020), Clifton Harris, Aug 1860; citing Birth, Nelson, Virginia, United States, Virgina State Library and Archives, Richmond; FHL microfilm 007849154.
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