Andrew, Eliza and Daniel
This is the last will and testament of Charles Black (1796-1853), son of John Black (1755-1845) and nephew of William Black, namesake of the Town of Blacksburg, Virginia. Charles died 1853 and his will was proved in Montgomery County, by Rice D. Montague, Clerk.
Quote: “I give her [my beloved wife Rhoda Black] my negro woman Eliza to dispose of all as suits her, and my two boys Daniel and Andrew I desire that she will dispose of Daniel and Andrew to my sons John & Edward, on condition that they pay to Kezia Francisco $750.00. dollars and to Ann T. Black $550.00 dollars.”
Rhoda McDonald Black (1805-1859), wife and mother of Keziah Black Francisco (1830-1903), Ann Taylor “Nannie” Black (1837-1903), John Black A. (1831-1899), and Edward Black (1835-1912).
Much of Charles and Rhoda Black’s land becomes part of Virginia Tech campus after the death of Charles and Rhoda.
George Mills, Servant
George Mills is noted as “After the war an old servant George Mills by name….” in Nannie Francisco Porter’s , daughter of Keziah Black Francisco.
The 1850 Slave Schedule for Montgomery County does not name the people held against their will and provide a documentation of the slave owners. Charles Black’s will notes three people, a woman and two men, not four as noted below. No proof yet, but perhaps Eliza is the one listed female. Daniel and Andrew are likely one of these three people.
Alexander Black is the brother of Charles Black.
In 1853, one of Charles Black’s enslaved men reportedly died from apoplexy. This explains why his will only mentioned two men and one woman.
Gathering African American History 