Bet Witt (bef. 1808 - aft. 1821)

Born before 1808 in Virginia, United States [uncertain]

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Biography

Bet Witt is a part of US Black heritage.

Bet was born before 1808 (estimated from the year of her first pregnancy). She is mentioned in the will of David Witt Sr., which was drafted in 1816. Bet, sometimes also called Betty, passed to David's wife, "Sally," Sarah (Abney) Witt on his death in September, 1818. David Witt's will states "Item, after the death of my wife, Sally Witt, I give and devise to my eldest son Dennett Witt a negro man named London and a negro girl Bet and her increase to him and his heirs forever." Bet was present in Sarah's household until 1821. Sarah's son, Burgess Witt, made a statement to the court regarding his father's will in 1850. In it, he reported that "in 1821, the girl Betty commenced breeding and became a charge and the old woman Hannah being constantly engaged waiting on and attending to the said Sally. It was soon apparent that said Sally had not reserved enough to support herself and the old woman Hannah, and the woman Betty and her children. In consideration whereof she surrendered the woman Betty and children to Dennett Witt by way of reducing her expenses." Bet passed away some time after 1821.

Slave Owners

1. David Witt Sr.
   
   
2. Sarah (Abney) Witt
   
   
3. Dennett Abney Witt
   
   

Note regarding the place holder LNAB being used for Bet: It is unknown if Bet had additional slave owners prior to the Witt family. The Witt name is being used currently as a place holder surname for Bet.

Sources

• *Will of David Witt Sr., including response from son, Burgess Witt, when sister Malinda (Witt) Wade brought the will in a case to Chancery Court, which mentions Bet and her transfer to David and Sarah's oldest son, Dennett Abney Witt. https://www.lva.virginia.gov/chancery/full_case_detail.asp?CFN=125-1850-029#img