CONTENT WARNING
Materials in the Library of Virginia’s collections contain historical terms, phrases, and images that are offensive to modern readers. These include demeaning and dehumanizing references to race, ethnicity, and nationality; enslaved or free status; physical and mental ability; and gender and sexual orientation.
Context
In 1801, following Gabriel's failed slave rebellion, the Virginia General Assembly decreed that county commissioners of the revenue were to return a complete list of all free Black men and women in their districts on an annual basis. The list was to contain their name, gender, residence, and trade of each person. A copy of the list was to be posted on the door of the county court houses to inform the general public of the free Black people in their counties. If a registered free Black person moved to another county, then magistrates there could issue a warrant for them unless they were employed. Otherwise, the person would be jailed as a vagrant.
Free Black people were given certificates that they were required to carry on their person at all times. Lucy Jarvis was born free in York County. She received this certificate in York County, but relinquished it when registering in Henrico County a few months later. Later in her life, Lucy Jarvis Pearman Scott moved with her husband, William C. Scott, to Ohio and then to Canada.
Citation: Lucy Jarvis Pearman Scott, Freedom Paper, 1848, Registrants and Freedom Papers, 1845–1865, Free Negro and Slave Records, Henrico County, Library of Virginia
Free Black people were given certificates that they were required to carry on their person at all times. Lucy Jarvis was born free in York County. She received this certificate in York County, but relinquished it when registering in Henrico County a few months later. Later in her life, Lucy Jarvis Pearman Scott moved with her husband, William C. Scott, to Ohio and then to Canada.
Citation: Lucy Jarvis Pearman Scott, Freedom Paper, 1848, Registrants and Freedom Papers, 1845–1865, Free Negro and Slave Records, Henrico County, Library of Virginia
Standards
VUS.8, US1.8, CE.1, GOVT.1 , GOVT. 2
Suggested Questions
Preview Activity
Scan It: Scan the transcribed document. What words or phrases stand out to you? Why?
Post Activities
Current Connections: Although Lucy and her parents had never been enslaved, they were bound by the requirement to carry identification papers stating their free status. Can connections can be made to today’s society? If so, what?
Take a Stand: As Lucy (an adult, married, Black female), write an argument to be delivered to the Virginia General Assembly arguing against the need to carry such identification papers. As a member of the General Assembly, write a response to such an argument. Does this identification paper protect free Black people? Explain.
Scan It: Scan the transcribed document. What words or phrases stand out to you? Why?
Post Activities
Current Connections: Although Lucy and her parents had never been enslaved, they were bound by the requirement to carry identification papers stating their free status. Can connections can be made to today’s society? If so, what?
Take a Stand: As Lucy (an adult, married, Black female), write an argument to be delivered to the Virginia General Assembly arguing against the need to carry such identification papers. As a member of the General Assembly, write a response to such an argument. Does this identification paper protect free Black people? Explain.