Enslaved People Named in Wills: Enslaved by Michael Price (1718-1802, father) and Michael Price (1748-1839, son)

Michael Price (1718-1802) Will

Michael Price wrote his will on 11 June 1802, witnesses by Abram Trigg and John Gardiner. James Patton Preston and his sons, Jacob and Henry Price were his executors. The will was proved on 09 July 1802. According to the 1788 Tax list, Michale was taxed for two enslaved people.

Summary

  • Son David inherited an enslaved woman named Nall for $200.
  • Son Michael inherited a small girl, Lizey for $50
  • Son Jacob inherited Will, paying $133
  • Perry inherited Clary with her “increase.”

Michael Price (1748-1839) Will

Michael Price wrote his will on 12 March 1835. witnessed by Jacob Shell, Jacob Harless, and Samuel Smith. The executors were Alexander Price (son), David Keister, Phillip Harless, and Peter Keister, proved on 12 March 1839. According to the 1788 Tax list, Michale held no enslaved people.

Summary

  • Wife, Esther Francisco Price inherited Liz and her two children, Maria and Ben. Upon Esther’s death she may “dispose” of Maria and/or Ben, but Liz was to be retained by the family. Liz was given the choice of which child she would become property.
  • Son Alexander inherited David and Sam.

Livey was alive in 1802 and was passed to Michael Price’s son, also named Michael. When Michael Price died in 1839, a woman named Liv and her two children, Maria and Ben, were mentioned in his estate. After his death, Liv was inherited by Esther Francisco Price, who was living with her son, Alexander Price.

Further research is needed to trace the lives of those held in bondage by the early Price family.

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