Meshack Africa (abt. 1735 - aft. 1796)

Born about 1735 in Africa [uncertain]

Died after 1796 after about age 61 in St. Brides Parish, Norfolk, Virginia, United States

Biography

Meshack Africa is a part of US Black heritage.

Meshack was born about 1735. He passed away after 1796, as that is the last official record he is seen on.

Names

First seen as "Africa" as a taxable "negroe" in James Wilson's household in Edmunds Bridge District of Norfolk County. He is called "Affrica, a free negro" in 1768. He is called "Free Africa" in 1772, "FN Africa" in 1773 and "Meshack Africa" in 1774 and 1775. Using "Meshack Africa" as his name.

Freedom

"Africa" and his wife "Nell" were freed by James Wilson in his will with the approval of the governor and council of Virginia in 1761.

Seen in Records

Meshack is seen on the following records on these dates:

1751 through 1759 -- as a taxable "negroe" (along with wife Nell) in the household of James Wilson in the Edmunds Bridge District of Norfolk County

1761 -- freed in the will of James Wilson

1767-1780 -- as taxable "free negroes" (along with wife) in the Edmunds Bridge District

18 Aug 1768 -- ordered to post bond of 50 pounds by Norfolk County Court

1783 through 1796 -- taxable in St Brides Parish, Norfolk County

1787 -- was taxable on son Meshack

1790, 1792 through 1795 -- charged with 2 tithes

Family

Meshack and Nell were the parents of Meshack and Trimagin, and likely the parents of Kader, Sally/Sarah, Wright, and Wilson.

Sources

• Heinegg, Paul. Free African Americans of North Carolina, Virginia, and South Carolina from the Colonial Period to about 1820. 5th Edition. Baltimore, Maryland : Clearfield Company, 2005. Volume 1, page 33.

The following references are from Heinegg's book:

• Wingo, Elizabeth. Norfolk County Tithables 1751-1765.
• Wingo, Elizabeth. Norfolk County Tithables 1766-1780.
• McIlwaine, H. B. Executive Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia.
• Norfolk County Court Orders, 1768.
• Personal Property Tax Lists, Norfolk County.