Switzerland County Black Residents

The following are transcriptions of black residents found in Switzerland County, Indiana probate and court records.

See also Black Residents of Indiana

Additional transcriptions:

Switzerland County Probate Record Volume A, 1827-1834, p. 44.

In the name of God, Amen. I, Jonathan Lewis of the County of Switzerland State of Indiana, being in a low State of health, but of Sound Mind, do make ordain this my last Will & Testament as follows (Viz) My body I wish to have a Christian burial, my soul I commit to the God who gave it, my funeral expences [sic] and all other lawful debts I direct first to be paid. I give bequeath one dollar a piece to the following persons (Viz) Jessey Lewis, Joseph Lewis, Rebechcah Elles, Abraham Lewis, Hester Green, Ann Miles, Susannah Elles, Rachel Miles, Isaac Lewis, Polly Christy, Sally Bristo, Martha Lewis, Lovey Lewis, James Lewis & Elizabeth Lewis. I also give bequeath all the ballance [sic] of my personal property & moneys to my mother Sally Lewis, also I give bequeath one negro man named Arch to said Sally Lewis my mother. I do appoint and ordain my truly friend Isaac Lewis Executor of this my last Will and Testament Authorizing him conveyances & do all such other acts as may be necessary and agreeable to Law in the premises. In Testimony hereof therunto Set my hand & affix my Seal this 3rd day of February 1826.

Jonathan Lewis {Seal}

Ralph N. Wykoff}
Cornelius A. Voris} [witnesses]

[Will admitted on 27 March 1826.]

Switzerland County Probate Order Book, 1831-1837, p. 7.

May 1831

Comes Thomas Armstrong and prays that Charles Henderson of Switzerland County be and he is hereby appointed Guardian of the Person and property or estate of Pomp a boy of color aged about seventeen years, who was brought to Vevay by a certain Jacob R Evertson late of Vevay, said Pomp is said to be a native of the state of New York. On said Charles Henderson entering into bond and security as the law directs with Thomas Armstrong his security in the sum of one hundred dollars within ten days after rising of this court.

Switzerland County, Indiana, Circuit Court Order Book J, p. 211.

Switzerland County, SS.
Be it Remembered that on the 1st day of March AD 1839 Fanny Burton a woman of Colour filed in the office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of said County, a Certificate which reads in the words and figures following to wit.

Indiana Switzerland County Sct
I hereby Certify that Fanny Burton a woman of colour was permitted by me to come from Virginia to this state, so that she may enjoy her freedom. The Clerk of the aforesaid County and State is hereby authorized to issue her papers. Given under my hand this 28th day of February 1839.
James Harwood

Switzerland County, Indiana, Circuit Court Order Book J, p. 206.

State of Indiana, Switzerland County} SS.
Be it rembred [remembered] that on the 20th day of February AD 1839 Molly Emery a Woman of Color filed in the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of said County The following Certificate Viz:

Indiana, Switzerland County to wit}
This is the certify that Molly Emery a woman of colour has been from a child my own property, and I have permitted her to come from Virginia to This State in order That she may enjoy her freedom. The Clerk of The aforesaid County is hereby authorized to issue papers to that effect.

Given under my hand This 20th day of February 1839.
James Harwood

Switzerland County, Indiana, Circuit Court Order Book J, p. 317.

Switzerland County SS.

Be it remembered that on the 8th day of June AD 1839, Archibald Lewis a person of colour filed in the office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of said County, a Certificate of his freedom which Certificate reads in the words and figures following to wit:

This is to certify that on the 4th day of October in the year One thousand eight hundred and thirty, that I Sarah Lewis of Pleasant township Switzerland County and State of Indiana, did on the same day in the town of Vevay according to law, Liberate and set free one negro man by the name of Archibald, said Archibald being my property previous to said date, according to the laws of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and I further certify that by said liberation, I relinquished all my right and claim to his services, and by said act I fully intended, that he said Archibald should enjoy all and every privelege, that free people of colour, did enjoy under the constitution and laws of this Commonwealth or State of Indiana.

Given under my hand Seal this 23rd day of April 1832.
[Signed] Sarah [her X mark] Lewis {Seal}