Tom Harris (bef. 1712)

Born before 1712 in Virginia [uncertain]

Died [date unknown] in Virginia [uncertain]

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Biography

Tom Harris is a part of US Black heritage.

Tom was born sometime prior to 1712, when he was bequeathed in the will of Robert Harris to his son, Matthew Harris, along with two other slaves, Betty and Dick.

"Item I give to my Son Mathew Harris three Negroes viz Dick, Betty & Tom & their increase to him & his heirs for Ever and I do further give to my Son Mathew all my Household Stuff, that is to say, Beddin [bedding], Puter [pewter], Ironware & all other Necessarys [sic] that are on the Plantation where he the sd [said] Mathew now lives."^[1]

While Robert's will was written in 1712, he did not die until autumn of 1716, and it is unknown if Tom remained in Robert's possession until his death or if he was transferred to Matthew earlier (as the plantation had been).

The date of Tom's death is unknown at the time of this writing. He probably died in Virginia, as the Harris family continued to reside there until well into the 1800s.

Slave Owners

1. Robert Harris
2. Matthew Harris

Note regarding the place holder LNAB being used: This surname is being used currently as a place holder surname until it can be determined what surname this person used.

Sources

1. ↑ Probate: "Virginia, U.S., Wills and Probate Records, 1652-1900"
   Deeds, Orders, Wills, 1633-1710; Orders, Wills, 1709-1732; Wills and Inventories, 1732-1811; Author: Virginia. County Court (York County)
   Ancestry Sharing Link - Ancestry Record 62347 #2096550 (accessed 11 June 2022)
   Robert Harris probate.