Indian Phoebe – 30 Years to Freedom with Bob Vernon

September 1, 2022

Bob Vernon will present the story of Phoebe, an Indian, and her struggle to regain her freedom

In 1752 12-year old Phoebe, an Indian, was sold as a slave in Albemarle County. She petitioned for her freedom and in 1760 an Albemarle jury restored her liberty. However, probably through appeals, she and her children remained enslaved and she petitioned again in 1780 and 1783. The presentation will detail her life as a slave, her release in 1790, and the fate of her children. Documents discovered reveal her surname, the tribe of which she was a member, and the date and location of her death. This documentation will be used to request a state historical marker honoring her long struggle for freedom.

Next Meeting:

  • Virginia Emigrants to Liberia with Jane Aisles and Deborah Lee
    October 3, 2024 The new Virginia Emigrants to Liberia website, launched last fall with a relational database derived from manuscript ship lists, contains data on more than 3900 emigrants, white colonization supporters, full citations, and links to hundreds of illuminating letters and other documents. Content developers Deborah Lee and Jane Ailes will give a tour
    Read More

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