Hi, My 4th great grandfather, Samuel Brothers was born (abt. 1758) at Pasquotank VA or taken to Pasq
It is believed that John (born about 1720) and Richard Brothers (born about 1718) who once lived in Perquiman N.C. moved to Pasquotank (aka Nansemond) in 1738. Their ancestors came from Devon, England, it is this family line that I believe were the slave owners of my 4th great grandfather Samuel and his family.
In 1783 Samuel Brothers gained his freedom along with Betsy his wife (she was from Willis Wilkinson's plantation, along with her two children) and sailed on the Ship Ariel to St. John (a part of the Province of Nova Scotia in 1783) They are listed in the Book of Negroes. Samuel fought for the English in the Ethiopian Regiment (1775-1776) and then perhaps the regiment called The Black Pioneers (aka Black Dragoons).
Also, it appears that Samuel Brothers may have lived on Willis Wilkinson's plantation as it states in the Book of Negroes that he left from Willis Wilkinson's place; perhaps because he was married to Betsy and perhaps at that time they were both indentured on the Wilkinson place.
Answers
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Hi Carolyn, I've spent the last two days trying to find something that would possibly indicate where Samuel was actually born, but haven't come up with anything concrete. I do note that many of the descendants referred to themselves as African in the Canadian records. I would think since Samuel got his freedom circa 1783 when he about 25 years old, it would seem more likely his father may have been born in Africa, rather than Samuel. You have done a superb job with your research. Hopefully more records will surface in the future. Thank you for using the FamilySearch Community.
Happy New Year! Carol
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Hi, Carol, thank you for trying to come up with some further answers. I too believe that Samuel most likely was born in VA and his father and or grandfather born in Africa. Yet, I am still keeping in mind that on July 9, 1860 - The schooner Clotilda (often misspelled Clotilde) was the last known U.S. slave ship to bring captives from Africa to the United States, arriving at Mobile Bay, on or about July 9, 1860, with 110–160 slaves. This is why I cannot be 100% sure or rule out that Samuel Brothers was born in Africa and transported to the USA. I may never come to know this answer on this side of the veil, but do look forward to knowing more in the future.
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Hi, Carol, thank you for trying to come up with some further answers. I too believe that Samuel most likely was born in VA and his father and or grandfather born in Africa. Yet, I am still keeping in mind that on July 9, 1860 - The schooner Clotilda (often misspelled Clotilde) was the last known U.S. slave ship to bring captives from Africa to the United States, arriving at Mobile Bay, on or about July 9, 1860, with 110–160 slaves. This is why I cannot be 100% sure or rule out that Samuel Brothers was born in Africa and transported to the USA. I may never come to know this answer on this side of the veil, but do look forward to knowing more in the future.
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