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Henry County (Va.) Judgments (Freedom Suits), 1773-1831. Local government records collection, Henry County (Va.) County Court Records. The Library of Virginia, Richmond, Va. 23219.
These items came to the Library of Virginia in a transfer of court papers from Henry County.
Henry County was named for Patrick Henry, who was the first governor of the commonwealth of Virginia. It was formed from Pittsylvania County in 1776. The county court first met on 20 January 1777. Part of Patrick County was added later in 1858. The county seat was previously in Martinsville but has been moved near Collinsville.
Slaves could sue for emancipation if they were descendant(s) of a free female ancestor, typically a Native American (Hening Statutes, volume 2, p.170.)
Henry County (Va.) County Judgments (Freedom Suits), 1773-1831, consist of two freedom suits: Hannah~ alias Hannah Fender or Fendley vs. John Marr and a writ of habeas corpus petition filed by Robert Bird.
Additional Henry County court records can be found at the Library of Virginia.