London Witt (bef. 1800)

Born before 1800 in Virginia, United States [uncertain]

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Biography

London was likely born before 1800, as estimated by the fact he was deemed a man when David Witt's will was written in 1816. London was a slave held by David Witt and referenced in his will, to be inherited upon his death first by his wife, Sarah "Sally" Witt, and then by his eldest son, Dennett Witt: "Item after the death of my wife Sally Witt I give and devise to my eldest son Dennett Witt a negro man named London."

When the will is later contested, David and Sarah's son, Burgess Witt, reports to the court, "in 1820 the said Sally, widow of said David surrendered nearly the entire estate of her husband for sale and distribution among her children..." so if London were alive at that time he would have been transferred to Dennett.

Slave Owners

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

Note regarding the place holder LNAB being used in this profile: It is unknown if there were additional slave owners prior to the Witt family. The Witt name is being used currently as a place holder surname.

Note regarding age: In 1820, the US Census shows Dennett Witt holding one slave between the ages of 14 and 25, and one slave between the ages of 26 and 44, either of which could be London, if the 1820 dispersal of most of David Witt's estate had occurred prior to the census. If so, given that London must have been at least 16 when the will was written in 1816 but that he would not be older than 44 years of age, his possible birth year should fall between 1776 and 1800. Sarah still had some of the slaves in her possession at the time of the 1820 census, though not all, and had one male slave between the ages of 14 to 25, which could have been London. In any case, it is likely his transfer took place that year, as only Hannah and Bet remained in Sarah's household past 1820.

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. https://www.lva.virginia.gov/chancery/full_case_detail.asp?CFN=125-1850-029#img
• "United States Census, 1820," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33SQ-GYYY-25H?cc=1803955&wc=3L7F-44F%3A1586984702%2C1586987621%2C1586984616 : 16 July 2015), Virginia > Nelson > Not Stated > image 14 of 16; citing NARA microfilm publication M33, (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.).