Trial of Jim and Isaac (slaves of Samuel Champion) September 13, 1831 – Southampton Court

 

Jim and Isaac were remanded to Southampton County and tried by a Southampton County Court of Oyer and Terminer on September 22.

 

 

 

At a Called Court of Oyer and Terminer held for Sussex County at the Courthouse on Friday the 2nd day of September 1831 for the trial of Solomon a negro man Slave the property of Nancy Sorrley of the County, Preston and Nicholas negro men slaves the property of Hannah Williamson of the County, Jim and Isaac negro men slaves the property of Samuel Champion of this County, Fed and Shadrack negro men slaves the property of Ann Key of this County, Boson and Frank negro men slaves the property of William Peters of this County, Booker a negro man slave the property of Samuel A. Raines of the County and Squire a negro man slave the property of George Goodwyn of this County charged with having uttered, used and spoken seditious words and threats to conspire and rebel and to assist and aid the blacks to murder the whites of this Commonwealth.

 

Present William Parham, William Thornton, Henry L. Harrison, Robert Eldridge, & Robert Key, Gent. Justis.

 

For reasons appearing to this Court the trials of the aforesaid prisoners are adjourned to Monday the twelfth day of the present month.

 

William Parham, J.P.

 

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[September 12]

 

The trial of the prisoners Preston, Nicholas, Solomon, Shadrack, Jim, Isaac, and Boston for reasons appearing to the Courts is continued until tomorrow.

 

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[September 13]

 

James and Isaac negro men slaves the property of Samuel Champion of this County the bar in custody of the Jailer of this County and having William H. Brodnax Esquire assigned as counsel to defend him on this behalf. Pleaded not guilty to the charge and for their trial putteth themselves upon God and this Court.

 

The Court after hearing the evidence being divided in opinions as to which of the prisoners were guilty of the offense of which they stand charged in this County and unanimously of opinion that the said offence was committed in the County of Southampton they do therefore remand the said prisoners to Jail to be carried from thence before some Justices of the Peace for the County of Southampton.