The Enslaved People of Captain John Robertson Burtwell.

Subject

Enslaved People

Description

A series of documents pertaining to the enslaved people of Capt. John R. Rurtwell and wife Martha Dickinson Wade.

Burtwell was a steamboat captain before the Civil War and was a colonel in the Confederate Army.
1. The 1850 Lauderdale County, Alabama slave census enumerated Florence steamboat Capt. John T. Burtwell (1835-1873) as having 10 enslaved people, 2 males and 8 females. One male was 10 years old, and Black, while the other was a Black who was 27 years old. The women ranged in age from 2 years old to 45, and two were Mulatto.

2. A July 29, 1856 wanted poster for a runaway slave couple of Lauderdale county, Alabama, Primus and Amanda McVay.

"$100 Reward!!

"Ranaway, from the subscriber, Sunday night, 27th inst., a dark Mulatto man named Primus McVay, sometimes called Mack, is about 35 years of age, weighs about 160 pounds, has a scar on his face, also a scar on the end of his fore finger caused by a felon, has been employed on several Tennessee River Steamboats as a Cook.

"Also,

"His wife Amanda,a likely bright Mulatto, aged about 24 years, has a large prominent nose and large eyes, has lost several of her upper front teeth. It is supposed they have taken one or two Trunks containing their clothing, etc.

"They have probably obtained a forged pass or may be assisted by some white person in getting to a free State.

"For their apprehension and confinement in jail so that I can get them I will give the above reward."

"John T. Burtwell

"Florence, Ala., July 29, 1856."

The original document is owned by the son of white Burtwell descendent Ric Miller. It was discovered folded up in a book inherited down through the family.

Nothing further is known of Primus and Amanda McVay at this time.
3. In the 1860 Lauderdale County, Alabama slave census 18 enslaved people were enumerated at the Burtwell home, 7 males and 11 females, ranging in age from 2 years to 61 years, and living in two slave houses.

Source

1. 1850 US Federal Census--Slave Schedules, Lauderdale County, Alabama.
2.
3. 1860 US Federal Census--Slave Schedules, Lauderdale County, Alabama.

Publisher

1. Ancestry Library Edition.
2. Florence-Lauderdale Public Library
3. Ancestry Library Edition.

Date

1856-07-29

Contributor

Lee Freeman

Rights

Images are available for educational and research purposes. This image may not be reproduced for commercial purposes without the express written consent of the copyright holder. It is the responsibility of the interested party to identify the copyright holder and receive permission.

Format

Jpeg

Language

English

Type

Still Image

Files

Burtwell 1850 Slave Census p 1065.jpg
Primus and Amanda McVay Reward Poster.jpeg
Burtwell 1860 Slace Census p 203 A..jpg

Collection

Enslaved People

Citation

“The Enslaved People of Captain John Robertson Burtwell.,” Shoals Black History, accessed October 5, 2024, https://shoalsblackhistory.omeka.net/items/show/1322.