Miscellaneous Inventories, 1813-1817, is a bound volume kept by or for a member of the Ball family. The volume includes inventories of furniture, kitchen ware, clothing, and other household decorations such as candlesticks, bookcases, shades, looking glasses and crockery. The volume also includes a list of enslaved men, women and children divided by families.
An agreement regarding six enslaved persons bequeathed to Henry Hilliard Gooch's children. The names of the enslaved persons are Melisy, William, Amelia, Miles, Dave and John.
A list of 152 enslaved persons. Notations include the first names of each enslaved person, their role on the plantation and the name of their parent(s).
A list of lands and enslaved persons owned by John Ball which includes Back River Plantation, it's swamps, lands for cultivation, pine land, a carriage house, smoke house, overseer's house, store house, corn house, a cooper shop and twelve "negro" houses. The document also lists that there are four enslaved men above fifty years of age, eighteen enslaved men under fifty and above twelve, ten enslaved boys under the age of twelve, seven enslaved women above fifty years old, nineteen enslaved women under fifty and above twelve and twenty enslaved girls under twelve.
A list of enslaved women confined at Midway Plantation and tools left out by the enslaved person Marcus. The bottom of the document is a balance of tools at Kensington Plantation.
A list of 339 named enslaved persons at Comingtee/Stoke Plantation with associated figures identified as "quarts." Various names include the name of a parent and the location they work in such as "House."
The last will and testament of Elias Ball I in which he leaves Comingtee Plantation to his son Elias Ball II, tracts of land referred to as Dockum Plantation, land known as "Eveleigh's Land," the enslaved man "Sambo" and Lot No. 49 in Charlestown to his son John Coming Ball, money and the remainder of a lot in Charlestown to his daughter Eleanor Laurens, and a pew to his children at St. Phillips Church.
A list of enslaved children born between 1758-1763. Information includes the name of the enslaved child, their date of birth and occasionally, the name of their mother and father.
The last will and testament of John Coming Ball in which he leaves his plantation and other purchased land to his son Elias Ball, money for his daughters Elizabeth and Catharine, six hundred pounds "in lieu of two negros," tracts of land called "Three Mile Head" to Elias and John Ball, acres of land and "oak and hickory land" to his daughter Jane Ball. John Coming Ball leaves his wife Judith Ball tracts of land, horses, furniture and a "wench called Molly and her son." Makes notation on the division of enslaved persons among the Ball children. The enslaved persons are referenced as "Monimias" daughter Sally, a girl called Senah, Marcus, a girl called Silvia, and a boy called Pino. Makes a statement that the enslaved man and driver Sambo is to be free upon the death of John Coming Ball, given money yearly and is allowed to live on any plantation under the ownership of the Ball family.
1770-1779, 1780-1789, 1758, 1760-1769, 1800-1809, 1810-1819, 1790-1799, and 1759
Description:
A list of enslaved children born between 1758-1817. Information includes the name of the enslaved child, their date of birth and occasionally, the name of their mother and father.
1770-1779, 1760-1769, 1740-1749, 1750-1759, 1720-1729, and 1730-1739
Description:
The Ball Family Account and Blanket Book, 1720-1778, includes lists of purchases, expenses, blankets given out to enslaved persons, and names/ages of enslaved persons at Midway, Limerick, Comingtee and Kensington Plantations. The book includes a loose list of enslaved men with their place of birth and ages, ca. 1750, currently on exhibit at the South Carolina Historical Society Museum.
The last will and testament of Elias Ball II in which he divides Comingtee, Limerick and Kensington Plantations among his sons Elias Ball III, Isaac Ball and John Ball. He leaves his daughter Lydia Lot No. 49 in Charlestown and refers to the enslaved persons outlined in his late wife's will. Elias Ball II also leaves his pew in the middle aisle of St. Philips Church to his son Elias Ball III and bequeaths his "negro wench named Priscilla," "negro wench called Esther," "negro wench called Bena," negro wench named Auba" and any enslaved man upon their selection to his children. The will also outlines that Elias Ball II's executors are to purchase "young slaves" from time to time.
A letter from Elias Ball II at Comingtee Plantation to his son John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina discussing a shipment of cattle, the health of Edward Simons, a fight John had with Bob Simons resulting in a black eye, and the health of Elias Ball III's "house wench."
A torn letter written by Elias Ball III to his brother John Ball at Comingtee Plantation discussing leaving town, the "poor Dyana" who is ill and unable to nurse and having items sent from the store to the plantation.
A copy of the last will and testament of Judith Ball in which she leaves her son John Ball furniture and other household goods, her daughter Jane Ball furniture, china and "one negro man named Jacob, one negro wench Rinah" and "one other wench named Violet." Judith Ball leaves her daughter Eleanor Ball money, her son-in-law Elias Ball money and horses, her niece Esther Roberts money and the remainder of her estate to her children split evenly among them. The remainder of the will appoints Elias Ball and Robert Quash as executors.
The division of enslaved persons owned by Judith Ball. Information includes the names of the enslaved persons, their valuations, and the notation that the enslaved boys Almanza and Bob were exchanged.
An inventory and appraisement of the estate of Judith Ball, deceased, listing the names and valuations of the enslaved men, women, and children she owned.
A list of enslaved persons owned by Elias Ball II at Kensington and Comingtee Plantations. Information includes the names of the enslaved persons and date of birth.
A receipt for Dr. Sam McCormick from John Coming Ball for expenses such as a visit to Back River Plantation, and medicine or medical visits for the enslaved persons Marcus, Pompey, Violet's child, and Nelly.
Information on the purchase of the plantation on Back River which includes enslaved persons bought at a sale, number of acres and the notation that eighty-six enslaved persons are on the property, specifically twenty-six men, twenty-eight women and thirty-two children.
The appraisement, division and valuations of enslaved men, women and children at Kensington Plantation belonging to the late Elias Ball II to his sons Elias Ball III and John Ball. The other side of the document makes notations regarding the exchanges of enslaved persons between the brothers.
A letter from Eleanor Ball at Kensington Plantation to Henry Smith discussing her brother Elias Ball III in England, and an account of payments between Henry Smith and Eleanor Ball for her schooling and board. Also attached is a list of eighteen enslaved persons received by Elias Ball to deliver to Benjamin and Thomas Smith overseas. Includes the statement "the dangers of the sea & death excepted."
A copy of the last will and testament of Benjamin Garden in which he divides his estate among his remaining relatives. States that the enslaved men Radcliff and Tom be "shipped off and sold to the Spaniards or at the Bay of Honduras..." Garden also frees the enslaved man named Taunton from "all further servitude" and the house "wench" Alley stating it is "my wish to liberate her from all future slavery." Makes notation that the enslaved persons Abram, Sarah, "Statyrah" and Moses are to be sold, and names enslaved persons to be moved to other family plantations.
Copy of the last will and testament of John Coming Ball naming John Ball of Kensington Plantation and Elias Ball of Limerick Plantation as his executors, giving the "negro man Nat his freedom and all my wearing apparel," the enslaved women Hagar and her daughter Charlotte their freedom and that Charlotte should be given an education and "placed out" as an apprentice when she comes of age, the enslaved driver Jackey (son of Lucy) his freedom, and bequeaths to Mrs. Wilson any "negro girl" among the enslaved females.
A copy of the appraisement made at Back River Plantation which includes eighty-six enslaved persons. The list includes the valuations of the enslaved persons as well as the notation that the enslaved person Jackey is a driver. The remaining information for the appraisement is for household furniture, cattle, linen, tools, seeds, and grains.
A list of ninety-one enslaved persons owned by John Ball. The reverse side of the document contains lists of enslaved persons above fifty years old and under the age of twelve.
The Register of Enslaved Persons and Blanket Book, 1804-1821, is a bound volume kept by or for a member of the Ball family. The register contains lists of enslaved men, women and children given blankets at Midway, Limerick, Quinby, Hyde Park, Backriver and Jericho Plantations. Information also includes lists of enslaved children born on the plantations, the name of their mother, date of birth and date of death.
A letter from John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing John Ball Jr.'s health, a shipment of handkerchiefs, newspapers and letters, money for John's schooling, the death of Old. Mr. R. Lowndes and Old Nancy at Kensington Plantation, and that "the bad fever rages in this city."
An inventory of the enslaved persons belonging to the estate of Col. Benjamin Garden at Chessey Plantation. The document lists the names of the enslaved persons with notes on stock and those capable of field work or those not "fit for service."
An inventory of the enslaved persons belonging to the estate of Col. Benjamin Garden at Richfield Plantation. The front of the document is a list of enslaved men, women, and children with their ages. The back side of the document lists enslaved women at Bluefield Plantation.
A copy of the last will and testament of Elias Ball III in which he leaves his son John Ball his three plantations Pimlico, Kecklico and Mepshew and "all the negroes & slaves usually employed on, or belonging to the said plantations," his nephew John Ball, "the younger" Comingtee/Stoke and Strawberry Ferry Plantations and all the "negroes & slaves usually employed on, or belonging to the said plantations," a pew in St. Phillip's Church, and two enslaved families identified as Plenty (a Carpenter), his wife Clary, and their three children Nancy, Little Plenty and Cotto. The second family consists of Adonis, his wife Tamar, and their two children Scipio and August. Elias Ball III leaves his nephew Isaac Ball Limerick and Cypress Plantations, and "all the negroes & slaves usually employed on, or belonging to the said plantations." Makes notation concerning a deposit by a "free negroe man" named Nat Weaver who was employed as a driver and miller. Elias Ball III also leaves Isaac Ball the schooner called Strawberry "with all the negroes & slaves on board her." The remainder of the will leaves money and certain tracts of land, rentals and properties in Charleston to family members. Makes notation that upon Elias Ball's death, the enslaved woman Nancy "shall be emancipated from slavery" by Isaac Ball and is allowed to continue living in her current residence with provisions and money.
A list of enslaved persons at Limerick, Cypress, and Back River Plantation. There are 248 enslaved persons at Limerick, thirty-four at Cypress, and sixty-three at Back River for a total of 345 enslaved persons.
The Account Book of John Ball Sr., 1788-1812, is an unbound book containing financial accounts for clients such as Hyde Park Plantation overseer David Franklin and the freedman Robin. The account book also makes various references to enslaved persons named Almanza, Caesar, Daniel, Hercules, Mauney, Plimoth, Sampson and Terror.
A list of enslaved persons at Limerick, Jericho, and Back River Plantation. There are 254 enslaved persons at Limerick, forty at Jericho, and sixty-four at Back River for a total of 368 enslaved persons.
A list of enslaved persons at Limerick, Jericho, and Back River Plantations. There are 265 enslaved persons at Limerick, forty-three at Jericho, and sixty-four at Back River for a total of 372 enslaved persons.
Articles of Agreement between John Ball Jr. and Back River Plantation overseer John E. Moreton. The agreement includes that $220 is paid to Moreton, reasonings for dismissal, that Moreton and his family are allowed one cow, one horse and access to the crops, allowed to raise hogs and to have one "wench" to cook and wash, and one enslaved male and female child to serve Moreton's family.
A list of enslaved persons at Limerick, Quinby, and Jericho Plantations. There are 214 enslaved persons at Limerick, seventy-seven at Quinby, and ninety-nine at Back River for a total of 390 enslaved persons.
A list of enslaved persons at Limerick, Jericho, and Back River Plantations. There are 279 enslaved persons at Limerick, fifty-two at Jericho, and fifty at Back River for a total of 378 enslaved persons.
A list of enslaved persons at Limerick, Jericho, and Back River Plantation. There are 289 enslaved persons at Limerick, fifty-five at Jericho, and forty-eight at Back River for a total of 392 enslaved persons.
A list of enslaved persons at Limerick, Quinby, and Jericho Plantations. There are 212 enslaved persons at Limerick, seventy-six at Quinby, and 103 at Back River for a total of 391 enslaved persons.
A list of enslaved persons at Limerick, Quinby, and Jericho Plantations. There are 216 enslaved persons at Limerick, 114 at Quinby, and 102 at Jericho for a total of 437 enslaved persons.
Articles of Agreement between John Ball Jr. and Back River Plantation overseer Arthur McFarlane. The agreement includes that $250 is paid to McFarlane, reasonings for dismissal, that McFarlane and his family are allowed hogs, poultry, one horse and the milk of one cow, to have "a boy to wait on him and a woman to cook and wash for him." The agreement also includes McFarlane "taking care of the negroes; especially when sick-treating them when well with moderation and humanity-and is on no occasion to beat them with sticks-when necessary, always to correct them with switches."
Articles of agreement between John Ball Jr., executor of the estate of John Ball Sr., and Midway and Kensington Plantations overseer Britton Bunch. The agreement outlines John Ball Jr.'s agreement to pay Britton Bunch $200, to have the authority to discharge him, Britton Bunch's share of plantation cattle and crops, an agreement that John Ball Jr. will "let Britton Bunch have a boy to wait & a woman to cook & wash for him," Bunch's agreement to take care of the enslaved persons, especially when sick and with "moderation and humanity and on no occasion to beat them with sticks nor at any one time to inflict more than twenty stripes when necessary to correct them & then with switches.
Articles of agreement between John Ball Jr., executor of the estate of John Ball Sr., and Pimlico Plantation overseer Samuel Lynes. The agreement outlines John Ball Jr.'s agreement to pay Samuel Lynes $500 a year, to have the authority to discharge him, Samuel Lynes' share of plantation cattle and crops, an agreement that John Ball Jr. will "furnish Samuel Lynes with a woman to cook & wash and a boy and a girl to wait on his family," Samuel Lynes' agreement to take care of the enslaved persons, especially when sick and with "moderation and humanity and is on no occasion to beat or suffer them to be beat with sticks" and "when necessary always to correct with switches."
A letter from Ann Ball in Charleston to her husband John Ball at Comingtee Plantation discussing a letter from John Laurens, a shipment of wood, the health of Ann Ball's parents, requesting John Ball to "send up a servant," a visit from Lewis, Mrs. William's wishes of John Ball taking on the job of her trustee, and Eliza and Betsey suffering from a sore throat.
A letter from Ann Ball at Comingtee Plantation to her husband John Ball in Charleston discussing a visit from Mrs. "Tourner" and Mrs. Laurens, the cook Eliza "grunting and walking lame," word from Midway Plantation that Binah's son Pompey, living at Pimlico Plantation with his wife, has been sick, that "Little Judith" is suffering from a cold, and memorandums.
Correspondence on the purchase of a plantation along the Savannah River with 103 named enslaved persons and the sale of the plantation on behalf of the Duke of Argyle, Lord John Campbell, Sir Alexander Johnston, and Lady Louisa Johnston, to Charles W. Roger. The property was then sold to Langdon Cheves Sr.
A letter from Ann Ball at Comingtee Plantation to her husband John Ball in Charleston discussing a plan for shipping a chest figured out by Mordicia and Doctor Reads "bout."
A letter from Ann Ball in Charleston to her husband John Ball at Comingtee Plantation discussing Old Stepney arriving with letters from Aunt Waring and Ann Ball's mother, and their son Keating experiencing indigestion. The letter discusses the enslaved woman Binah who while performing the washing, walked off in. Ann Ball believes Binah was traveling to Comingtee Plantation to complain to John Ball. The enslaved woman Renah approached Ann Ball proclaiming that two white men had brought Binah back from the road and that the house towels were dirty. Ann Ball proceeds to write that in the drawing room she "whipped her across the shoulders two or three times- her astonishment almost made me laugh and so trifling was the punishment that persons in the next room knew nothing of it." The letter proceeds to state that Binah was brought to the workhouse where Ann Ball requested she be held in solitary confinement. The remainder of the letter discusses Mr. Lucas purchasing horses and Ann Ball's health.
A letter from Ann Ball in Charleston to her husband John Ball at Comingtee Plantation discussing the weather, a visit from Hammond, the behavior of Mr. McKnight, the election of a new overseer, "negro" houses, Ann Ball's declining health, a reference for an overseer from Ann Ball's brother, a visit from Mr. Brennan and his son, a remedy of whiskey and cayenne pepper for Adonis, Mordicia's hurting arm, the impending arrival of Ann Ball's parents, and keeping Dublin in Charleston longer than was planned.
A letter from Ann Ball in Charleston to her husband John Ball at Comingtee Plantation discussing the health of their son Keating, Eliza and her newborn child, placing Sylvy in the kitchen at the present time, Mary having been in the kitchen previously during Eliza's absence but is now sick, visits from Isaac Ball, Mr. Pinckney's horse throwing him off and suffering leg injuries, and Scipio returning from his rounds.
A medical account from Isaac Ball at Limerick and Quinby Plantations to Dr. Thomas Broughton for treating and prescribing medicine to enslaved persons.
A letter from Stoke Plantation overseer Thomas Finklea to John Ball in Charleston discussing the plantation fields, the enslaved man Pompey informing Finklea about a location where sheep were being butchered, Young Daniel having been found guilty of the butchering and "flogged," having Daniel "in limbo" but flogging him each day and night until he confesses who helped him, notes about the enslaved persons Old Dido, Stoke Violet, Ben, "Jerico Jack," Sander, Tenah, and Young Primus, and an inventory of cattle.
A letter from Quinby Plantation overseer John Paye to John Ball in Charleston discussing work done with the rice in "Thomas field," the "negroes" allowances, the number of bushels the enslaved adults and children have, and a visit from Dr. Edwards for "Cloey's" child. The last page of the letter discusses a situation with the enslaved man and cooper Gibby who, after being spoken to, told the overseer he would go into the woods and wait for John Ball to come home. The overseer writes that Gibby said, "he could take a thousand lashes from his master but nobody else."
Release for Hope Plantation, Charleston District, owned by William Elliot Morris and Anna E. Morris, with the names of eighty-five enslaved persons. The two enslaved men Isaac and John are described as "these are in town."
A letter from overseer John Jacob Ischudy to John Ball in Charleston discussing a shipment from John Ball of butter and rice and the "misconduct of Payne & Daphne. The letter goes on to discuss that Payne has been robbing Ischudy and that he believes Daphne is his accomplice. As a result of this discovery, Ischudy writes that Payne was "smartly punished" but has now fled to the woods. Ischudy is requesting to exchange Payne for another enslaved person. The letter ends with Ischudy describing enslaved persons as "such creatures. Their "natural dishonesty, lying, laziness & the constant necessity of having one's eye upon them, worry me & almost wear me out. Mrs. Ischudy is even more sick of them..."
A letter from overseer John Jacob Ischudy to John Ball in Charleston discussing the rectory, a move to "pine-land," Dublin bringing "Old Bobbel" to the rectory, a complaint of dysentery, the work of "Friday & his wife," a situation concerning the purchase of butter from Comingtee Plantation and Mrs. Ischudy's concerns over " a gathering in one of her breast."
The John Ball Plantation Account Book, 1812-1834, is an indexed account book kept by overseers at various plantations owned by the Ball family. Overseers named are John Cox, Arthur McFarland, Samuel Lynes, Alexander McKnight, Britton Bunch, John Dickson, Thomas Fincklea, James Coward, and John Page. Of particular interest are two different accounts, one with William Deas, referred to as a "Mulatto" and the other "Free Nancy," a free black woman at Limerick Plantation who was buying and trading rice and sugar.
A copy of the marriage contract between Sophie Lovell Cheves and Charles Thompson Haskell listing forty-four enslaved persons that Sophie Lovell Cheves is entitled to.
A letter from William Jones to Langdon Cheves Sr. discussing the enslaved man Harry and his wife Betty. The letter describes the couple as thoroughly attached and asks if Betty could be purchased by Cheves, sold to Jones in 1830, for the couple to be together. The reverse side of the letter is a copy of Cheves' response in which he agrees to purchase Betty.
A letter from William Jones to Langdon Cheves Sr. discussing the enslaved man Harry and his wife Betty. The letter discusses Harry's service with another slaveholder and Betty's great health.
A letter from Kensington Plantation overseer James Coward to John Ball at Comingtee Plantation discussing a medical visit from a doctor for an enslaved woman, a possible case of typhus, a situation with Old Marcus and a shipment of supplies.
A bill of sale for fifty-four enslaved persons sold by Hugh Rose, administrator of the estate and effects of Catherine Coffie, deceased. Rose sold the enslaved persons to Langdon Cheves Sr. for $14,812.75
A letter from Stoke Plantation overseer Thomas Finklea to John Ball in Charleston discussing the Midway rice, the enslaved persons Jack and Sena sending over supplies, missing cattle, having the enslaved man Jerry "switched" after finding two calf's feet in his garden, suggesting to "switch" "Sipion" and Sena so they are more attentive to their duties." Makes the notation, "I trust no negro...will lie & and steal" and that "Linder" lost her child.
A bill of sale for the enslaved woman Mary and her two "mollatto" children Lucy, aged three, and Sam, an infant. The enslaved family were sold from James L. Ross to R.A. Bowman for $600.
Two entries for the sale of sixteen enslaved persons for the "purpose of foreclosing a mortgage" from James Portell to Legrand Walker and the Bank of South Carolina. The names of the enslaved persons are listed as John, Pallace, Judy, Tommy, Lydia, Elsey, Isaac, Sylvia, Mary, Billy, Clora, Linah, Stephen, Maryann, Juno, and Ben.
A bill of sale for seven enslaved persons from Charles J. Colcock of the Bank of South Carolina to Langdon Cheves Sr. for $1,487.50. The names of the enslaved persons are Billy, Clora, Lena, Stephen, Maryann, Juno, and Ben.
A bill of sale for seven enslaved persons from William Smith to Langdon Cheves Sr. for $1,250. The names of the enslaved persons are Charles, Chloe, Amey, Simon, Henry, Flora, and Rosetta.
A letter from Stoke Plantation overseer Thomas Finklea to John Ball in Charleston discussing a shipment of snake root and butter, the work of the enslaved persons with the rice crops, repairing the "negro houses," the work of Bristol and Marcus, a list of sick enslaved persons (mostly children), the birth of an enslaved child, and an inventory of cattle.
