John Tyler & Slavery
President Tyler was one of thirteen U.S. presidents who owned slaves. He adopted his father’s view that Americans inherited slavery from British colonial rule and were therefore not responsible for fixing the “necessary evil” of slavery. Tyler advocated the diffusion theory, that the expansion of slavery into U.S. territories would lead to its eventual end. He joined the Virginia Colonization Society, an organization which promoted the voluntary migration of free Blacks to the African country of Liberia. John Tyler died in 1862 during the Civil War having been elected to the Confederate Congress and never manumitting any of his slaves.
Julia Gardiner Tyler was seven years old when slavery officially ended in New York in 1827. Members of the Gardiner family had enslaved Native Americans and Africans and their descendants since the late 17th century on Gardiner’s Island. In 1853, Julia authored a widely-read defense of slavery published in The New York Tribune, which she wrote in response to a call for abolition led by the Duchess of Sutherland.
Judge John Tyler's will included a list of his slaves. Some of these men and women were still at Sherwood Forest in 1862.
About 6-7 small houses composed the Sherwood Forest Slave Quarter which was burned during the Civil War; it's location forgotten to time. In 1978, Mrs. Harrison Tyler purchased a cottage from another property to preserve a rapidly disappearing type of 19th-century plantation architecture.
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1820 U.S. Census: John Tyler enslaved 24 people at Greenway in Charles City County, Virginia.
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1830 U.S. Census: John Tyler enslaved 29 people at Greenway in Charles City County, Virginia.
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1840 U.S. Census: John Tyler enslaved 14 people in Williamsburg, James City County, Virginia.
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1844: Julia Tyler reports, “There are between sixty and seventy slaves…” at Sherwood Forest in Charles City County, Virginia.
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1850 U.S. Census: John Tyler enslaved 46 people at Sherwood Forest in Charles City County, Virginia.
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1852: Eben Horsford writes, “The slaves are about 60 in number…” at Sherwood Forest in Charles City County, Virginia.
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1860 U.S. Census: John Tyler enslaved 43 people at Sherwood Forest in Charles City County, Virginia.
Information on the enslaved at Sherwood Forest has been limited due to the destruction and loss of President Tyler's papers during the Civil War. What is known has been compiled from surviving letters, census data, and freedman bureau records. Research into the lives of the dozens of men, women, and children enslaved by the Tyler family, at Sherwood Forest and elsewhere, is ongoing.
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Learn Their Story
Aggy | Alexander Black | Allen Black | Andrew | Ann Eliza | Betsy | Burwell Armistead, Jr. | Burwell Armistead, Sr. | Christiana | Claiborne | Edy | Eliza Black | Ellen Black | Fanny Hall | Fanny Johnston | George | Henry Armistead | Henry Black | Henry | James Hambleton Christian | Jerry Short | Jesse Black | John Short | Joseph Black | Louisa Short | Lucy Black | Maria Armistead | Martha Short | Mary Black | Nancy | Ned | Patsy Bresly | Peter Hall | Randall Black | Roscius Short | Rosetta | Tazewell | Thaddius Black | Tony Hall | Victoria Short | Washington Short | William Short, Jr. | William Short, Sr.
Aggy
John Tyler sold Aggy and her daughter Christiana to his brother-in-law, Dr. Henry Curtis, in 1816. [1] The name Aggy also appears in Judge John Tyler’s 1813 Inventory, along with her unnamed child.[2] Given the timeframe, it is possible that President John Tyler inherited Aggy and her child, Christiana, from his father’s estate.
[1] Bill of Sale, 1 Jan. 1816, Henry Curtis Papers, Virginia Historical Society.
[2] Inventory of Judge John Tyler, Charles City County Will Book 2 (1808-1824), Library of Virginia, pp. 260-262.
Alexander Black
Alexander was married to Eliza Black. This may be the same Eliza listed in the Freedmen’s Bureau at Fort Monroe in 1865. John Tyler’s second wife, Julia Gardiner Tyler, wrote the following description of Eliza and Alexander’s marriage in 1846:
“In my next letter I will try and give Margaret an account of Eliza’s wedding, who is now Mrs. Alexander Black. It happened on Saturday night and was the greatest frolic—such a feast, and such an excellent parson as Taz made—and such fiddling and dancing, playing on the bones and triangle. It was very grand in the eyes of the company, which numbered very large.” [1]
Julia refers to her sister Margaret and her step-son Tazewell “Taz” Tyler in this excerpt. Alexander may have lived at a different plantation from Sherwood Forest.
[1] Julia Gardiner Tyler to Juliana Gardiner, 10 Feb. 1846, Tyler Family Papers, Group A. Special Collections Research Center, College of William & Mary.
Allen Black
Allen Black is listed under Eliza Black’s household on the 1870 Census for Elizabeth City County, Virginia. [1] His age is recorded as 14 on the census, his occupation is listed as “oysterman,” and he is probably one of Eliza Black’s children. Based on this information, Allen would have been about 6 years old when Eliza Black left Sherwood Forest in Charles City with five of her children, all under the age of 15, in May 1862. [2] Read about Eliza Black to learn more about her escape from bondage.
[1] 1870 U.S. Census, Elizabeth City County, retrieved from FamilySearch.org, https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MFLR-1T2.
[2] Julia Gardiner Tyler to Commanding Officer, U.S. Forces at Jamestown and Williamsburg, 30 May 1862, Transcripts, Sherwood Forest Plantation Foundation, Charles City County, Virginia.
Andrew
John Tyler mentions Andrew in a letter describing the arrival of Christmas presents at Sherwood Forest in 1855: “Time was scarcely given the wagon to reach the door before it had been seized upon, and, with the assistance of Andrew, was placed in the dining room.” [1]
Andrew also appears in a letter from 1851 in which Julia Tyler describes a demonstration of mesmirism at Sherwood Forest:
“…he gave several examples of his own ability to perform experiments [of mesmirism] when a suitable subject could be found. I was very desirous to see a successful experiment if possible and brought forward Rosetta and Andrew but they proved more stupid than nervous and in twenty minutes fixing of the eye upon one object went to sleep.” [2]
Andrew most likely worked inside the house. It is unclear from these references whether Andrew was an enslaved or free servant.
[1] John Tyler to Margaret Gardiner, 25 Dec. 1855, in The Letters and Times of the Tylers, vol. 2, edited by Lyon G. Tyler, Whittet & Shepperson, 1884-96, p. 523.
[2] Julia Gardiner Tyler to Juliana Gardiner, 2 May 1851, Transcripts of Tyler Family Letters, Sherwood Forest Plantation Foundation, Charles City County, Virginia.
Ann Eliza
John Tyler wrote about wanting to sell an enslaved woman named Ann Eliza in 1827 in order to finance his trip to Washington as a newly elected member of the Senate and to pay for a tutor for his children. [1]
The details of Tyler’s decision to sell Ann Eliza are uncertain, as are the details of her life and story. She was not the only person Tyler separated from family and friends by sale; he also sold at least four other people: Aggy, Christiana, Henry, and Ned.
[1] John Tyler to Henry Curtis, 23 Nov. 1827, John Tyler Papers, Library of Congress.
Betsy
John Tyler mentioned Betsy in a letter from 1817 to his first wife, Letitia Christian Tyler: “I dined on yesterday at the President's…I had much rather dine at home in our plain way, notwithstanding you complain so much of Betsy, than to dine with them.” [1] Betsy was likely the enslaved cook for the Tylers. Her name also appears in Judge John Tyler’s 1813 Inventory, which suggests that John Tyler may have inherited Betsy from his father’s estate.
[1] John Tyler to Letitia Christian Tyler, 1 Feb. 1817, in The Letters and Times of the Tylers, vol. 1, edited by Lyon G. Tyler, Whittet & Shepperson, 1884-96, p. 289.
Burwell Armistead, Jr.
During the Civil War, the Tylers’ neighbor, William Clopton, wrote that U.S. General Wild placed Burwell, Jr. and another enslaved man named Claiborne in charge of Sherwood Forest when Julia Tyler escaped to New York. [1] In 1864, David Gardiner Tyler also mentioned that “Burwell Jr and his wife together with Claiborne Randolph and Lucy are at Sherwood.” [2] James A. Semple, a Tyler relative, also reported that “Little Burwell and his wife (one of Clopton’s women)” were among those living at Sherwood Forest during the Civil War in 1864. [3]
Burwell Armstead, age 34, appears on the 1870 census for Charles City County alongside Eliza, age 23, and Rebecca, age 50. Burwell’s occupation is listed as laborer. [4] This Burwell could be the son of the older man named Burwell Armistead, Sr. who was Julia’s gardener and coachman before Peter Hall. Burwell Armistead lists his parents as Burwell and Maria Armistead in a marriage license from Charles City County in 1876. This younger Burwell’s marriage status was listed as “W” for widow, and his new wife was named Louisa Ann Bowman, age 23. [5] Read more about Burwell, Sr. and Maria Armistead.
[1] William Clopton to Julia Gardiner Tyler, 2 Aug. 1864, Transcripts of Tyler Family Papers, Sherwood Forest Plantation Foundation, Charles City County, Virginia.
[2] David Gardiner Tyler to Julia Gardiner Tyler, 6 Sep. 1864, Transcripts of Tyler Family Papers, Sherwood Forest Plantation Foundation, Charles City County, Virginia.
[3] James A. Semple to Julia Gardiner Tyler, 10 Sep. 1864, Transcripts of Tyler Family Papers, Sherwood Forest Plantation Foundation, Charles City County, Virginia.
[4] Entry for Burwell Armistead and Louisa Ann Bowman, Genealogical Databases: Charles City County Marriage Database, Richard M. Bowman Center for Local History, Charles City County, Virginia.
[5] 1870 U.S. Census, Charles City County, Virginia, retrieved from FamilySearch.org, https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MFLL-YF1.
Burwell Armistead, Sr.
Burwell was the enslaved coachman and gardener at Sherwood Forest prior to 1855. [1] When Julia and John Tyler retired to Sherwood Forest in 1845, Burwell created the graveled circle and pathway that carriages used to enter the property and reach the main house. [2]
A person named Burwell appears on the 1813 Inventory of President Tyler’s father, Judge John Tyler. It is possible that this Burwell could be the same person who was enslaved at Sherwood Forest between 1845 and 1865.
A Freedmen’s Bureau record indicates that Burwell’s last name was Armistead (also spelled Armstead). His former enslaver was John Tyler, and his former residence was Charles City County. His age is recorded as 80. Beside Burwell’s name is a woman named Mary (also written as Maria in other Freedmen’s Bureau records) Armistead, age 65, who could be the same Maria enslaved at Sherwood Forest. [3] She was likely Burwell’s wife, and a marriage record for Burwell Armistead, Jr. supports this further: Burwell, Jr. lists his parents as Burwell and Maria Armistead in 1872 in Charles City County. [4]
[1] Julia Gardiner Tyler to Margaret Gardiner Beeckman, 12 Nov. 1855, Transcripts of Tyler Family Papers, Sherwood Forest Plantation Foundation, Charles City County, Virginia.
[2] Tazewell Tyler to Julia Gardiner Tyler, 2 Sep. 1845, Box 7, Folder 3, Tyler Family Papers, Group A, Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, College of William & Mary.
[3] Virginia Freedmen’s Bureau Field Office Records, 1865-1872, “Census Returns for Colored Population of Princess Anne County,” retrieved from FamilySearch.org, https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HT-DZR9-ZQ6?from=lynx1UIV7&i=25.
[4] Entry for Burwell Armistead and Louisa Ann Bowman, Genealogical Databases: Charles City County Marriage Database, Richard M. Bowman Center for Local History, Charles City County, Virginia.
Christiana
John Tyler sold Christiana and her mother, Aggy, to his brother-in-law, Henry Curtis, in 1816. [1] Christiana is likely the child listed alongside Aggy in Judge John Tyler’s 1813 inventory. [2] Based on this information, Christiana was probably born around 1810.
[1] Bill of Sale, 1 Jan. 1816, Henry Curtis Papers, Virginia Historical Society.
[2] Inventory of Judge John Tyler, Charles City County Will Book 2 (1808-1824), Library of Virginia, pp. 260-262.
Claiborne
Claiborne lived at Sherwood Forest during the Civil War and cultivated his own crops on the land during this period. When Julia Gardiner Tyler escaped to New York, Union forces placed a group of enslaved men including Claiborne, Randall, and Burwell, Jr. in charge of the plantation. Julia’s neighbor, William Clopton, described Claiborne in 1864:
“…the place [was] put in possession of Old Claiborne and Burwell by (Gen.) Wild with directions that what is there they are not to allow anyone to have. They have bedsteads and have taken the carts wagons cows and everything and huddled them around them at the quarters…The negroes have eaten all the sheep that were left and the hogs and are now going on upon the neighbor's stock…” [1]
[1] William Clopton to Julia Gardiner Tyler, 2 Aug. 1864, Transcripts of Tyler Family Papers, Sherwood Forest Plantation Foundation, Charles City County, Virginia.
Edy
Edy was a woman enslaved at Sherwood Forest. Julia Gardiner Tyler referred to her daughter, also named Julia, and Edy in a letter from 1859: “One of the dresses was seized upon directly by Julia for Mammy Edy - of course. The other I shall give Nancy in the spring as best suited to her.” [1] The person named Edy mentioned in Julia’s 1859 letter could be the same Edy recorded in Judge John Tyler’s 1813 Inventory. She is listed with her child. [2]
[1] Julia Gardiner to Juliana Gardiner, 8 Dec. 1859, Tyler Family Papers, Group A. Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, College of William & Mary.
[2] Inventory of Judge John Tyler, Charles City County Will Book 2 (1808-1824), Library of Virginia, pp. 260-262.
Eliza Black
The earliest mention of Eliza is in a letter from February 1846, when Julia Tyler wrote about the marriage of Eliza to a man named Alexander Black:
“In my next letter I will try and give Margaret an account of Eliza’s wedding, who is now Mrs. Alexander Black. It happened on Saturday night and was the greatest frolic,—such a feast, and such an excellent parson as Taz made—and such fiddling and dancing, playing on the bones and triangle. It was very grand in the eyes of the company, which numbered very large.” [1]
About twenty years after Eliza’s marriage in 1846, Eliza likely fled Sherwood during the Civil War with five of her children, her nephew, two men, and a free Black woman. In a letter from 1862, Julia wrote the following to a U.S. Commanding Officer:
“…two men, a woman with her five young children, the eldest a boy of fourteen, the youngest a child in the arms, and a boy, her nephew, also of fourteen—with a free Negro, in whom charity alone…for her friendless condition, had induced me to give a home, left my service secretly in the night, on Saturday last, the women carrying with them, besides their own property, much valuable clothing stolen from my own and my children's wardrobe, in which the slave woman, as my supposed faithful maid and seamstress, was entrusted with the key, and had always access. They were missed in the morning of Sunday last and traced to the river shore, where it was discovered they had stolen two boats belonging to my neighbors... The utter want of principle on the part of the women in particular, not only in their betrayal of my confidence but in their committal of theft, leads me to hope you will think it proper, if not to return them to me, at least to arrest and punish them according to their desserts…” [2]
Although Julia does not name the individuals who escaped in this letter, and we therefore cannot be certain to whom she refers, Eliza Black and her family match the description best based on available information. Records from the Freedmen’s Bureau in 1865 list Eliza Black, Ellen Black, Joseph Black, Mary Black, and Thadious Black as persons dependent on government rations at Fort Monroe, Virginia. Their former residence is listed as Charles City County and their former owner is listed as John Tyler. Unfortunately, the Freedmen’s Bureau records do not include the ages of each person, nor do we know the relation between these individuals. Their common last name and place of origin, however, suggests some familial connection. [3]
The 1870 census for Elizabeth City County (now part of Hampton) lists Eliza Black as the head of her household. On this record, her age is listed as 40 and her occupation is “seamstress,” which matches Julia Gardiner Tyler’s description of the enslaved woman who escaped from Sherwood Forest. The 1870 census also lists Allen (age 14), Ellen (age 4), Henry (age 23), and Thadeus (age 18) under Eliza Black’s household. [4]
Lastly, a woman named Eliza is listed as the mother of a child named Thomas, born in 1854, according to the Charles City County Birth Register, although this could very well be a different Eliza. [5]
[1] Julia Gardiner Tyler to Juliana Gardiner, 10 Feb. 1846, Tyler Family Papers, Group A. Special Collections Research Center, College of William & Mary.
[2] Julia Gardiner Tyler to Commanding Officer, U.S. Forces at Jamestown and Williamsburg, 30 May 1862, Transcripts, Sherwood Forest Plantation Foundation, Charles City County, Virginia.
[3] The Freedmen's Bureau in Virginia, Names of the Destitute Freedmen Dependent Upon the Government in the Military Districts of Virginia, edited by Elizabeth Cann Kambourian, Heritage Books, Bowie, MD, 1997.
[4] 1870 U.S. Census, Elizabeth City County, retrieved from FamilySearch.org, https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MFLR-1TV.
[5] Transcript of Charles City County Birth Register, Richard M. Bowman Center for Local History, Charles City County, Virginia.
Fanny Hall
Fanny Hall appeared in Tyler letters for more than 20 years. She is one of three enslaved people mentioned in John Tyler’s will: “I desire also that my wife will take good care of my faithful servants William Short and Fanny Hall so that their old age may be rendered comfortable…” [1]
Fanny Hall was Julia Gardiner Tyler’s maidservant, and she first appeared in Tyler Family letters in 1844 while Julia was living at the White House. Julia sometimes referred to her as “Aunt Fanny.” [2] Fanny Hall was married to Tony Hall, who died from cancer in 1845. [3]
In one letter, John Tyler describes Fanny as “[Julia’s] right hand in all that relates to her chamber.” [4] Fanny Hall accompanied Julia on her travels around Virginia and possibly to New York, although it was a free state by that time. [5]
In 1845, Fanny accompanied Julia and John to Old Point Comfort, Virginia during a storm. Julia wrote, “The first thing I did as I ran from the room was to seize the cage and place it in the hands of Fanny with the strict injunction she must save the bird’s life with hers if possible.” [6]
The following excerpt from a letter from Julia to her mother in 1859 is likely about Fanny Hall:
“Aunt Fanny says I must send her thanks and her love to Master David, and to you. She tells me to say she did not think he thought so much of her but now she is convinced he does, or he wouldn't have troubled himself to send her Tobacco. She is very well and often comes into the house to inquire when I have heard from you all.” [7]
Fanny accompanied John and Julia Tyler to Washington, D.C. in February 1861 for the failed Peace Conference that occurred just before the start of the Civil War. [8]
Fanny was present at John Tyler’s death. Julia recollected, “…none of the family could dissuade me from going direct to Richmond; and so, with old nurse, Fanny, and the baby, I arrived at the Exchange Hotel...” Julia also says that she “bathed [John Tyler’s] head and chest with spirits, while the nurse hushed the little one [Pearl].” [9]
Fanny was a notable figure among formerly enslaved people at Sherwood during the Civil War. Julia’s neighbor, William H. Clopton, reported, “Old Fanny was the leader in tearing down the curtains and gathering things up generally…” [10]
A Black woman named Fanny Hall appears on the 1880 census for Princess Anne County on the same page as Victoria Short Brown, who may be the same Victoria Short enslaved at Sherwood Forest. Read more about Victoria Short here. [11]
[1] Transcript of the last will and testament of John Tyler, 10 Oct. 1859, Transcripts of Tyler Family Papers, Sherwood Forest Plantation Foundation, Charles City County, Virginia.
[2] Margaret Gardiner to Julia Gardiner Tyler, 31 Oct. 1844, Transcripts of Tyler Family Papers, Sherwood Forest Plantation Foundation, Charles City County, Virginia.
[3] Julia Gardiner Tyler to Juliana Gardiner, 1845, 15 Jul. 1845, Tyler Family Papers, Group A. Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, College of William & Mary.
[4] John Tyler to Elizabeth Tyler Waller, 18 Oct. 1845, Library of Congress.
[5] Leahy, Christopher. President without a Party, LSU Press, 2020, p. 354. Margaret Gardiner to Alexander Gardiner, no date, Transcripts of Tyler Family Papers, Sherwood Forest Plantation Foundation, Charles City, Virginia.
[6] Julia Gardiner Tyler to Margaret Gardiner, 29 Jun. 1845, Tyler Family Papers, Group A. Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, College of William & Mary.
[7] Julia Gardiner Tyler to Juliana Gardiner, Dec. 1, 1859, Transcripts of Tyler Family Papers, Sherwood Forest Plantation Foundation, Charles City County, Virginia.
[8] Seager, Robert. And Tyler Too, McGraw-Hill, 1963, p. 453.
[9] Julia Gardiner Tyler, in The Letters and Times of the Tylers, vol. 2, edited by Lyon G. Tyler, Whittet & Shepperson, 1884-96, pp. 671-672.
[10] William H. Clopton to Julia Gardiner Tyler, 2 Aug. 1864, Transcripts of Tyler Family Papers, Sherwood Forest Plantation Foundation, Charles City County, Virginia.
[11] 1880 U.S. Census, Princess Anne County, Virginia, retrieved from FamilySearch.org, https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MCR9-7X7.
Fanny Johnston
Fanny Johnston likely worked in the house as an enslaved domestic servant. While we do not know much about her life, Julia recorded a detailed description of her last moments before she died in 1851. Julia mentions two other enslaved women in the following letter: Fanny Hall (referred to as Fanny in this letter) and Nancy.
“…Fanny Johnson has departed this life, taken I hope from all further trouble and suffering. She died at length a victim of dropsy which attacked her whole frame altho’ she has had to be constantly waited upon and attended to all winter she has retained her strength to go around either in her room or downstairs and we had to restrain her appetite - an hour before her death she walked across the room and on going back to bed said to Fanny ‘I will take my pipe by and by when you can come up again and now take all the pillows from under my head and let me lie down, and cover me up for I feel rather cold.’ She never spoke again, and when Fanny came directly to tell me that Fanny J. must either be a great deal better or worse from her request to be laid low at the head I immediately said - run back and call Nancy (who had taken Fanny's place) to raise her head whether she wishes it or not or else she will I fear suffocate. Fanny went back and found Nancy had endeavored to raise her again but she prevented her by shaking her head and pressing it back. Fanny however fulfilled my directions and as she raised her she expired. Every attention had been paid her and everything has been done for her in sickness and health that could be done otherwise - she would have died years ago - her infirmities have been so various and so great...” [1]
[1] Julia Gardiner Tyler to Juliana Gardiner, 2 Jul. 1851, Tyler Family Papers, Group A. Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, College of William & Mary, copy.
George
John and Julia Tyler’s son, Gardiner Tyler, wrote to his maternal grandmother in the winter of 1857 about an enslaved man named George who was supposedly going to build him a sleigh. [1]
[1] David Gardiner Tyler to Juliana Gardiner, 6 February 1857, Tyler Family Papers, Group A, Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, College of William and Mary.
Henry Armistead
In 1844, numerous newspapers reported the death of President John Tyler’s enslaved servant, referred to in various accounts as “Henry” or “Armistead.” Read about him in an article from the White House Historical Association, excerpted below.
“…There is another documented enslaved individual—President Tyler’s valet—though there is some confusion over his actual name. Contemporary accounts refer to him as either “Armistead” or “Henry”; another possibility may be that his name was actually Henry Armistead. Regardless, he appears in the news as one of the six victims of the tragic explosion aboard the USS Princeton on February 28, 1844. New Jersey Congressman George Sykes, who was on board the Princeton, described him as “the president’s servant…a stout black man about 23 or 24 years old and lived about an hour after” the accident. While Sykes doesn’t give a name, he did mention that “the blackman’s” coffin was made of cherry, and “the president’s servant was buried by the coloured persons—and his relations—the next day.” [1]
[1] Costello, Matthew. “The Enslaved Households of President John Tyler,” White House Historical Association, 3 Jan. 2020, https://www.whitehousehistory.org/the-enslaved-households-of-president-john-tyler.
Henry Black
Henry Black is listed under Eliza Black’s household on the 1870 Census. His occupation is listed as “Servant in House,” and his age is recorded as 23, which means he would have been about 15 when Eliza escaped from Sherwood Forest. [1] Henry could be Eliza’s oldest son or her nephew, whose ages Julia Gardiner Tyler lists as about 14 years old in 1862, or he could be another relative who joined Eliza later on. [2] View the page on Eliza Black to read an excerpt of Julia’s letter describing Eliza’s escape from Sherwood Forest in 1862 with her five young children, her nephew, two Black men, and one free Black woman. A Henry Black born in Charles City County enlisted in Co. D, 1st United States Colored Cavalry at Norfolk, Virginia, in 1863. He stated his occupation as “Waiter” and may be this same Henry Black. [3]
[1] 1870 U.S. Census, Elizabeth City County, retrieved from FamilySearch.org, https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MFLT-4TG.
[2] Julia Gardiner Tyler to Commanding Officer, U.S. Forces at Jamestown and Williamsburg, 30 May 1862, Transcripts, Sherwood Forest Plantation Foundation, Charles City County, Virginia.
[3] Compiled service records, U.S. National Archives.
Henry
In 1852, a formerly enslaved man named Henry returned to Sherwood Forest after Tyler sold Henry for allegedly running away sometime during Tyler’s presidency. By the time Julia wrote about Henry’s reappearance, he had purchased his own freedom in Georgia after finding financial success as a barber there.
“…I have been wanting a barber to take hold of Gardie's hair for some time…Who should come than to relieve me and explain the mischief as it could be, but a professed and scientific barber, no other than our runaway Henry, whom perhaps you remember in Washington - certainly Margaret does. He has become the smartest looking fellow in his line, black or white that I know of. His whole appearance is that of a handsome Spaniard of fashion and style - mustaches, gold chain, Dossuth hat, rings etc. He had been to Washington and the business of his trip is to obtain manumission papers which cannot be got in the State of Georgia. Through his industry, economy, and popularity - in his profession (as he styles it) he has been able not only to pay large wages to his master but at last to buy his freedom. He was determined to get to Sherwood he said to see and talk to his master - on meeting him he could not restrain his tears - and said he had felt ever since the time of his arrest and departure he never could be a contented man or die happy unless the time should come when he might see and talk with his master once again. He staid but a day and left with the intention of repeating his visit one of these days. He made a long explanation to the P. that his intention had been misjudged - acknowledging errors but declared he had never intended to act the rogue - and only wished to be wherever his master was - and when he observed he was to be left at Sherwood he made a bold effort to get back to Washington. The P examined him and his papers very closely and suspiciously but was finally convinced by Henry that all was right. If he had not had some vouchers with him the P would have considered it proper to have arrested him and placed him in jail. He is going to continue his profession in Georgia. Gardie's and Tazewell's hair passed under his scissors and he clipped away with all a genuine barber's skill.” [1] Note: Julia refers to John Tyler as “the P” (short for “the President”) in correspondence with her family.
According to genealogist Judith Ledbetter of the Richard M. Bowman History Center, this Henry may be the same Henry Tyler who is recorded as living in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1860 until at least 1863 when he registered for the draft. [2] His inferred wife was named Rhoda, and her birthplace is listed as Maryland. By 1870, the couple was living in Cambridge City, Indiana. [3]
[1] Julia Gardiner Tyler to Juliana Gardiner, June 18, 1852, Tyler Family Papers, Group A. Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, College of William & Mary, copy.
[2] 1860 U.S. Census, Cincinnati, Ohio.
[3] 1870 U.S. Census, Cambridge City, Indiana. See PDF provided by email to Frances Tyler by Judith Ledbetter.
Jerry Short
Jerry Short is listed as the father of Victoria Short on her marriage record from October 23rd, 1865. [1] Jerry was likely one of the sons of Louisa and William Short, Sr. If that is the case, John Tyler sold Jerry according to a transcript of Roscius Short’s deposition from 1902 when applying for his pension. [2]
[1] Virginia Marriages, 1785-1940, retrieved from FamilySearch.org, https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XR4N-SFJ?from=lynx1UIV7.
[2] Anderson, Leslie. “Roshus Shorts, Company H,” 1st Colored Cavalry, https://1stuscoloredcavalry.wordpress.com/2018/12/24/roshus-shorts-company-h/.
Jesse Black
Jesse Black is listed as the father of Thaddius Black father on Thaddius' marriage record, and Eliza Black is listed as Thaddius’ mother. [1]
Jesse Black's name is listed on the 1870 census adjacent to the Tyler household at Sherwood Forest, indicating that his place of residence was quite close to Sherwood in the years following the Civil War. [2]
Jesse Black died in Charles City on “24 Dec. 1893 of heart failure at 60 years old, death reported by his son Thaddius Black.” [3]
[1] Virginia Marriages, 1785-1940, retrieved from FamilySearch.org, https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XRH5-XZF.
[2] 1870 U.S. Census, Charles City County, Virginia, retrieved from FamilySearch.org, https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MFLL-S5L.
[3] 80% Heaven Bound: Deaths and Burials in Charles City County, compiled by Sherry Brown Tyler for the Charles City County Historical Society, 2000, p. 527.
John Short
Roscius Short mentions his brother John in his deposition for his pension application in 1902. By that time, John had passed away. John may have lived in Washington, D.C. with his brother Washington Short. John Short’s parents were William Short, Sr. and Louisa Short, and John probably worked inside the house. [1]
[1] Anderson, Leslie. “Roshus Shorts, Company H,” 1st Colored Cavalry, https://1stuscoloredcavalry.wordpress.com/2018/12/24/roshus-shorts-company-h/.
Joseph
Joseph received aid from the Freedmen’s Bureau in Fort Monroe in 1865 with Eliza Black, who may have been his mother. His former owner is listed as John Tyler of Charles City, Virginia. [1] He is not listed in Eliza’s household in the 1870 Census for Elizabeth City County, Virginia.
[1] The Freedmen's Bureau in Virginia, Names of the Destitute Freedmen Dependent Upon the Government in the Military Districts of Virginia, edited by Elizabeth Cann Kambourian, Heritage Books, Bowie, MD, 1997.
Louisa Short
John Tyler biographer Robert Seager believed that Louisa was an enslaved woman who worked in the house and was a seamstress for the Tylers. [1] Louisa was probably married to William Short, Sr., and she was probably the mother of Jerry Short, John Short, Roscius Short, Washington Short, and William Short, Jr. [2]
John Tyler wrote the following letter to his daughter in 1843, which mentions Louisa:
“I am very anxious to have a blacksmith and should be willing to part with Washington but if I can hear of a servant that would suit you… I will purchase him for you – I think that Louisa’s William, would make a good servant and if you choose to try your hand with him you can do so – He is a fine boy – and all of Wm Shorts children have a turn for the House – I will willingly my dear daughter pay the hire of a servant maid for you and I think you would do well to procure one of your Aunt Douglas’s – Either Delilah or Maria would suit you if you could get them. Besides it is no trifling matter to have a nurse who is a good seamstress.” [3]
Julia Gardiner Tyler writes about Louisa and Victoria Short in the following excerpt from a letter to her mother about her first child, David Gardiner “Gardie” Tyler:
“His gums sometimes somewhat annoy him and I expect he must soon have teeth cutting through. Louisa’s child, which is two days the younger, has nearly four- that is, two are entirely through and two others about to cut. Her name is Victoria Short and is formally presented to D. Gardiner Tyler as his Christmas present.” [4]
Based on Victoria Short’s 1865 marriage record and the 1870 census, Louisa Short was likely the grandmother of Victoria Short rather than her mother. [5]
Louisa appears in Freedmen’s Bureau records in Princess Anne County, Virginia. Her former owner is listed as John Tyler and her former residence is listed as Charles City, Virginia. Victoria Short lived in Princess Anne County in 1870, and Louisa appears under her household. [6]
[1] Seager, Robert. And Tyler Too: A Biography of John and Julia Tyler, McGraw-Hill, 1963, p. 300.
[2] Anderson, Leslie. “Roshus Shorts, Company H,” 1st Colored Cavalry, https://1stuscoloredcavalry.wordpress.com/2018/12/24/roshus-shorts-company-h/.
[3] John Tyler to Elizabeth Tyler Waller, 16 Jan. 1843, David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University.
[4] Julia Gardiner Tyler to Juliana Gardiner, 28 Dec. 1846, Tyler Family Papers, Group A. Special Collections Research Center, College of William & Mary.
[5] Virginia Marriages, 1785-1940, retrieved from FamilySearch.org, https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XR4N-SFJ?from=lynx1UIV7.
[6] Virginia, Freedmen’s Bureau Field Office Records, 1865-1872, retrieved from FamilySearch.org, https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HT-DZR9-ZXN?from=lynx1UIV7&i=16. 1870 U.S. Census, Princess Anne County, Virginia, retrieved from FamilySearch.org, https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MFGQ-1MV.
Lucy Black
Lucy was the spouse of Randall Black, listed in his household in the 1870 Census for Charles City. Her age is reported as 67. [1] She may have been enslaved with Randall at Sherwood Forest, since “Randall’s wife” is mentioned in a letter from Tyler’s son-in-law, James A. Semple. [2] In 1864, David Gardiner Tyler wrote that “Burwell Jr and his wife together with Claiborne Randolph and Lucy are at Sherwood.” [3] It is possible that there might have been multiple people named Randall/Randolph and Lucy at Sherwood Forest.
Lucy is also listed on the Creek Plantation section of the inventory created upon the death of John Minge, Sr. in 1829. Collier Minge inherited the Creek Plantation and later sold it (and other properties) to John Tyler, who renamed the land Sherwood Forest. It is likely that John Tyler purchased some of Collier Minge’s slaves, including Randolph and Lucy, along with the property. [4]
[1] 1870 U.S. Census, Charles City County, Virginia, retrieved from FamilySearch.org, https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MFLL-SP6.
[2] James A. Semple to Julia Gardiner Tyler, 1864, Transcripts of Tyler Family Papers, Sherwood Forest Plantation Foundation, Charles City County, Virginia.
[3] David Gardiner Tyler to Julia Gardiner Tyler, 6 Sep. 1864, Transcripts of Tyler Family Papers, Sherwood Forest Plantation Foundation, Charles City County, Virginia.
[4] Copy of John Minge, Sr.’s 1829 Inventory, Richard M. Bowman Center for Local History, Charles City County, Virginia. John Minge, Sr. died in 1829: https://ancestors.familysearch.org/en/LZN5-RG8/john-minge-1770-1829.
Maria Armistead
Julia wrote that a woman named Maria worked in the dairy at Sherwood in 1846: “...and Maria, the dairy woman, has got me a fine supply of butter for the winter - the nicest you ever saw in taste and appearance...” [1]
Maria was likely an enslaved cook at Sherwood Forest. David Gardiner Tyler, Julia and John Tyler’s oldest son, mentioned Maria in a letter from 1864. He wrote that he enjoyed his “own cooking more than I did that of old Maria at Sherwood.” [2]
It is probable that Maria was married to Burwell Armistead, Sr. since Burwell and Maria appear together in Freedmen’s Bureau records in Princess Anne County after the Civil War. Their last name appears as “Armstead” and “Ormstead” depending on the record. One record identifies their former enslaver as John Tyler and their former residence as Charles City County. [3] However, it is possible that there may have been multiple women named Maria who worked at Sherwood Forest.
In addition, Burwell Armistead, Jr. lists his parents as Burwell and Maria in his marriage record from 1876. [4]
[1] Julia Gardiner Tyler to Margaret Gardiner, 29 Oct. 1846, Tyler Family Papers, Group A. Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, College of William & Mary, copy.
[2] David Gardiner Tyler to Julia Gardiner Tyler, 16 Sep. 1864, Box 15, Folder 1, Tyler Family Papers, Group A, Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, College of William & Mary.
[3] Virginia Freedmen’s Bureau Field Office Records, 1865-1872, “Census Returns for Colored Population of Princess Anne County,” retrieved from FamilySearch.org, https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HT-DZR9-ZQ6?from=lynx1UIV7&i=25.
[4] Entry for Burwell Armistead and Louisa Ann Bowman, Genealogical Databases: Charles City County Marriage Database, Richard M. Bowman Center for Local History, Charles City County, Virginia.
Martha Short
Martha Short is listed as the mother on Victoria Short's marriage record from October 23, 1865. [1] Martha was probably married to Jerry Short, one of the sons of Louisa and William Short, whom John Tyler sold according to a transcript of Roscius Short’s deposition from 1902 when applying for his pension. [2]
Julia’s description of Victoria Short as “Louisa’s child” rather than “Martha’s” in an 1846 letter also indicates that Martha may have been sold along with Jerry and his brothers, or she may have passed away shortly after Victoria’s birth. [3]
[1] Virginia Marriages, 1785-1940, retrieved from FamilySearch.org, https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XR4N-SFJ?from=lynx1UIV7.
[2] Anderson, Leslie. “Roshus Shorts, Company H,” 1st Colored Cavalry, https://1stuscoloredcavalry.wordpress.com/2018/12/24/roshus-shorts-company-h/.
[3] Julia Gardiner Tyler to Juliana Gardiner, 28 Dec. 1846, Tyler Family Papers, Group A. Special Collections Research Center, College of William & Mary.
Mary Black
Mary may have been one of the children who left Sherwood with the seamstress who was likely Eliza Black. Mary received aid from the Freedmen’s Bureau in Fort Monroe alongside Eliza, Ellen, Joseph, and Thadious Black in 1865. [1] This record does not indicate her age, but she was probably born in the 1850s based on Julia Gardiner Tyler’s description of the children who escaped Sherwood Forest in May 1862: “the eldest a boy of fourteen, the youngest a child in the arms.” [2] Mary is not included on the 1870 census under Eliza Black’s household.
[1] The Freedmen's Bureau in Virginia, Names of the Destitute Freedmen Dependent Upon the Government in the Military Districts of Virginia, edited by Elizabeth Cann Kambourian, Heritage Books, Bowie, MD, 1997.
[2] Julia Gardiner Tyler to Commanding Officer, U.S. Forces at Jamestown and Williamsburg, 30 May 1862, Transcripts of Tyler Family Papers, Sherwood Forest Plantation Foundation, Charles City County, Virginia.
Nancy
In 1851, Julia Gardiner Tyler mentioned Nancy in a letter describing Fanny Johnston’s death:
“…She never spoke again, and when Fanny came directly to tell me that Fanny J. must either be a great deal better or worse from her request to be laid low at the head I immediately said - run back and call Nancy (who had taken Fanny's place) to raise her head whether she wishes it or not or else she will I fear suffocate. Fanny went back and found Nancy had endeavored to raise her again but she prevented her by shaking her head and pressing it back. Fanny however fulfilled my directions and as she raised her she expired…” [1]
Nancy was probably the mother of a girl born in November 1856 at Sherwood Forest. Her child’s name is not recorded, but the mother’s name is listed as Nancy. [2] In addition, Nancy may have had other children whose births were not recorded.
Julia mentioned Nancy again in 1859. Julia wrote, “One of the dresses was seized upon directly by Julia for Mammy Edy - of course. The other I shall give Nancy in the spring as best suited to her.” Julia refers to her daughter, Julia, in this letter. [3]
Finally, Nancy appears in Julia’s recollection of John Tyler’s last hours alive. Julia had a dream in which John Tyler looked “pale and ill. I remarked it to Nancy, the maidservant, who had come in to assist me in dressing...” Julia says that after this dream, she awoke very distressed and Nancy came into her room to tell her it was time to depart. Julia says that Nancy “knew I had looked forward with pleasure to making the visits to my friends, and begged I would not be influenced by my dream, saying: ‘You know, mistress, dreams always go by contraries;’ but none of the family could dissuade me from going direct to Richmond; and so, with old nurse, Fanny, and the baby, I arrived at the Exchange Hotel...” [4] Unfortunately, Julia does not mention Nancy’s last name in her correspondence, which makes it difficult to search for Nancy in records.
[1] Julia Gardiner Tyler to Juliana Gardiner, Jul. 2, 1851, Group A. Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, College of William & Mary, copy.
[2] Transcript of Charles City County Birth Register, 1853-1861, Richard M. Bowman Center for Local History, Charles City County, Virginia.
[3] Julia Gardiner Tyler to Juliana Gardiner, 8 Dec. 1859, Tyler Family Papers, Group A. Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, College of William & Mary.
[4] Julia Gardiner Tyler, in The Letters and Times of the Tylers, vol. 2, edited by Lyon G. Tyler, Whittet & Shepperson, 1884-96, pp. 670-671.
Ned
In 1857, John Tyler sold Ned to a man named William L. Day who lived in Spotsylvania County, Virginia—almost 100 miles away. [1] Christopher Leahy writes in his biography of Tyler that “…Day paid $1,200 for Ned, a figure indicating that he considered the enslaved man valuable, perhaps because he was of an age and possessed the physical strength to make him what was known as a ‘prime field hand’ or because he possessed certain skills.” [2] Ned’s sale may have been the result of Tyler’s financial insecurity, as was the case when he sold Ann Eliza.
[1] William L. Day, receipt from John Tyler for slave sale, 28 Feb. 1857, Personal Papers Collection, Library of Virginia.
[2] Leahy, Christopher. President without a Party: The Life of John Tyler, LSU Press 2020, p. 388.
Patsy Bresly
Julia Gardiner Tyler’s free Black servant, Celia Johnson, wrote about Patsy Bresly in 1864 when she returned to Sherwood Forest during the Civil War. Celia had accompanied Julia to New York, but probably returned to Charles City to be with her family. Celia reported the state of things at Sherwood Forest to Julia:
“I arrived at home on Monday the 14th last and hasten to reply according to request. I found all well at home and they were delighted to see me. I have just returned from Sherwood and have carefully looked over the house and find that everything has been destroyed,—one or two tables I think are whole—they are the ends of dining tables. Burwell’s wife says she has saved two carpets for you. Burwell says you must come on as soon as you can, as he is very anxious to see you, and says you must tell Miss Julia to bring his wife a dress. Aunt Patsy Bresly desires me to ask you to bring her two pairs of shoes at $24 a pair 5’s & 6’s and one pair low quarter shoes No. 7 and they will pay you when you arrive.” [1]
Julia Gardiner Tyler scholar, Rebecca Lallier, believes that Patsy Bresly was probably “part of the network of exchange the Gardiners [and Tylers] always had.” [2] It is unclear from Celia Johnson’s letter whether Patsy was enslaved or free.
[1] Celia Johnson to Julia Gardiner Tyler, 16 Nov. 1864, Transcripts of Tyler Family Papers, Sherwood Forest Plantation Foundation, Charles City County, Virginia.
[2] Rebecca Lallier to Frances Tyler, email message, 21 Apr. 2021.
Peter Hall
Peter Hall is one of three enslaved people mentioned in President Tyler’s will: “I give and bequeath to my wife all our horses and carriages along with my man Peter Hall as her coachman and any one of the boys she may select the footman or outrider…” [1]
John Tyler gave Peter to Julia as her coachman to replace an aging enslaved man named Burwell in 1855:
"The President has relieved me of old Bundle [Burwell] and given me Peter for a gardener and coachman.” [2]
Peter Hall had a child named James Hall with Minerva, a woman enslaved by the Major family at Oak Hill Plantation, located across the road from Sherwood Forest. [3] Peter Hall may have been literate, since the Major Family Papers located at the Rockefeller Library in Colonial Williamsburg contain a letter signed by Peter Hall to a cousin defending his wife Minerva. [4]
[1] Transcript of the last will and testament of John Tyler, 10 Oct. 1859, Transcripts of Tyler Family Papers, Sherwood Forest Plantation Foundation, Charles City County, Virginia.
[2] Julia Gardiner Tyler to Margaret Gardiner, 12 Nov. 1855, Transcripts of Tyler Family Papers, Sherwood Forest Plantation Foundation, Charles City County, Virginia.
[3] Entry for James Hall and Harriet Ann Harrison, Genealogical Databases: Charles City County Marriage Database, Richard M. Bowman Center for Local History, Charles City County, Virginia.
[4] Charles City County Historical Society Newsletter, No. 11, June 1997, p. 11.
Randall Black
Although there may have been multiple enslaved people named Randall or Randolph at Sherwood, we believe Randall Black was the blacksmith for the Tylers and was also a skilled deer hunter. Julia Gardiner Tyler mentioned Randall and his skill as a marksman in three letters, each about a year apart.
In December 1846, Julia Gardiner Tyler wrote, “We have feasted upon venison this autumn and now again have more on hand which Randall, our blacksmith, has supplied us with by his gun’s good aim.” [1] In November 1847, Julia wrote, “Randall is charmed with his gun - as I have been with all my things that arrived by the Marietta B…” [2] And lastly, Julia described an occasion on which Randall and John Tyler hunted deer together: “Randall sent up word this morning that he should start a deer for 'Massa David' and accordingly he and the P- have gone on the chase. Two deer crossed the lower field just previous to their starting and as I have heard a gun fired a moment since I think they may have encountered them. Perhaps D- will after all carry home a harvest of venison.” [3] Julia refers to her brother, David Lion Gardiner, in this letter. In many letters, Julia refers to John Tyler as “the P-” short for “the President.”
During the Civil War, Randall Black likely stayed at Sherwood and was left in charge by General Wild. James A. Semple, a neighbor, reported in 1864 that “Little Burwell and his wife, Claiborne and his wife and Randall and his wife have returned to Sherwood and in connection with some free negroes have a tolerable crop of corn.” [4]
Tyler biographer Robert Seager wrote in 1863 that General Wild’s correspondence indicated that “‘three colored men (two old and one middle-aged) with their families, said to be claimed by Mrs. Tyler as her servants, who now live as they have done for many years upon the estate of the late Mr. Tyler… have cultivated some portion of the estate and I suppose desire to reap where they have sown.’” [5] General Wild’s letter provides more evidence that three men, who were likely Randall Black, Claiborne, and the younger Burwell, remained at Sherwood Forest after Julia sailed to New York in 1863.
The 1870 U.S. Census lists a “Randal Black,” born about 1805, whose age in 1870 would have been about 65, with an inferred spouse named Lacy/Lucy Black, and whose occupation was “laborer.” [6]
Randolph Black died in April 1875.
“Death Register: colored male died at ‘Sherwood Forest’ of old age, age 86 years - son of Douglas BLACK - death reported by D.G. Tyler, friend (He was one of the founders of Parrish Hill Baptist Church and was likely buried there [in an unmarked grave].)” [7]
In 1859, Randall may have been involved in a lawsuit. Randall likely sold cornmeal to a free man named James Brown:
“2nd Count and the jurors aforesaid upon their oath aforesaid do further present that the said James Brown, to wit in the month and year aforesaid, in the County aforesaid, three other bushels of Indian cornmeal, of the value of three dollars, of the goods and chattels of the said John Tyler, by one negro man slave named Randal, the property of the said John Tyler, and acting as his miller, then lately before feloniously stolen, taken and carried away, of him the said Randal, then and there feloniously did buy and receive, he the said James Brown, then and there, well knowing the said mentioned good and chattels to have been feloniously stolen, taken and carried away, against the peace and dignity of the Commonwealth of Virginia.” [8]
Randolph may have had assistance writing two letters to Julia Gardiner Tyler in 1866 and 1867, since the later letter references the former and the handwriting and spelling of Randall’s name differs between the two letters. As such, it is likely that Randall was not literate. The letters reveal that he was born in the “Orchard Cut” on the Creek Plantation and indicate that he had been living there when John C. Tyler was monitoring Sherwood Forest during the Civil War. [9]
[1] Julia Gardiner Tyler to Alexander Gardiner, 24 Dec. 1846, Tyler Family Papers, Group A. Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, College of William & Mary, copy.
[2] Julia Gardiner Tyler to Alexander Gardiner, 18 Nov. 1847, Tyler Family Papers, Group A. Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, College of William & Mary, copy.
[3] Julia Gardiner Tyler to Alexander Gardiner, 15 Dec. 1848, Transcripts of Tyler Family Papers, Sherwood Forest Plantation Foundation, Charles City, Virginia.
[4] James A. Semple to Julia Gardiner Tyler, 1864, Transcripts of Tyler Family Papers, Sherwood Forest Plantation Foundation, Charles City County, Virginia.
[5] Seager, Robert. And Tyler Too, 1963, p. 491.
[6] 1870 U.S. Census, Charles City County, Virginia, retrieved from FamilySearch.org, https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MFLL-SPD.
[7] 80% Heaven Bound: Deaths and Burials in Charles City County, compiled by Sherry Brown Tyler for the Charles City County Historical Society, 2000, p. 323.
[8] Commonwealth v. Brown Grand Jury Presentment, Nov. 1859, printed in Charles City County Historical Society Newsletter.
[9] Randolph Black to Julia Gardiner Tyler, 21 Aug. 1866, Tyler Family Papers, [Group A], Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, College of William & Mary; Randal Black to Julia Gardiner Tyler, 11 Mar. 1867, Tyler Family Papers, [Group A], Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, College of William & Mary.
Roscius Short
Roscius (Roshus, Rusher, Charles) Short probably escaped from Sherwood Forest in the 1860s and joined Co. H, 1st U.S. Colored Cavalry during the Civil War. In his pension application from 1902, Roscius states that he was born in Charles City, his parents were William and Louisa Short, and his former owner was John Tyler. In this same source, Roscius states that he often went by the name Charles because it was more common than Roscius or Rusher. He died at the National Soldiers Home in Hampton, Virginia and was buried at the Hampton National Cemetery. [1]
Julia Gardiner Tyler wrote a letter regarding Roscius’ attempt to emancipate himself. In late December 1855, Roscius ran away from Sherwood to Richmond, where he was eventually apprehended. Julia wrote,
“A gentleman…brought the message for us concerning our runaway from the chief of police [of Richmond]. The fellow drank pug [?] during the Christmas holidays as they always do John [John Tyler, Jr.] reprimanded him for something he replied saucily, John struck him with his fist the fellow took an attitude for a fight when John fell upon him to pummel him well when he turned and ran out the front gate and was not thereafter heard of until we received the notice of his lodgment in jail in Richmond. The day after he left which was a day or two after Christmas the P. got a notice to the watch in Richmond placing them on the look out and also the steamboat captains…It is William's son Roscuis [sic] who has got himself into this trouble by getting drunk. He will have had punishment enough before he sees home again to disgust him with traveling.” [2]
John Tyler’s son, Lyon G. Tyler, likely authored an article that describes Roscius’ defiance of an overseer named Hogan at Sherwood Forest in the 1850s. The article claims that Hogan attempted to harm Roscius by locking him inside the barn and threatening to whip him. The article claims that Tyler dissolved the scene and then went to see his neighbor, Mr. Selden, at his plantation. Tyler supposedly said, “Ha! ha! Selden, did you ever know of such a fool as my overseer Hogan? Lock himself up in a barn with my man Roscius. Why, sir, he might just as well have locked himself in a cage with a roaring, raging lion; ha! ha! did you ever hear the like?” The article reports that Tyler subsequently fired Hogan. [3]
Charles City historian Judith Ledbetter believes that Roscius may have been one of the two enslaved men who aided a free woman, an enslaved woman (who may have been Eliza Black), and six children in their escape from Sherwood Forest during the Civil War. Ledbetter elaborates, “I don’t think this was a simple slipping away in the dark. My sense is that it probably was a harrowing journey and it would not have succeeded without Roscius’ experience, physical strength and courage.” Judith notes that there was a Confederate Cavalry of 88 men stationed at the Charles City Courthouse, located just three miles from Sherwood. The escape was dangerous and required extreme care from each person, and Roscius’ documented defiance of an overseer, his attempt to run away after an altercation with John Tyler, Jr., and his decision to join the U.S.C.T. all point to Roscius’ immense resilience and capability. [4]
Roscius had a daughter named Rosa Brown. Rosa had a daughter named Thelma, and both were members of St. Cyprian’s Episcopal Church in Hampton. [5]
[1] Anderson, Leslie. “Roshus Shorts, Company H,” 1st Colored Cavalry, https://1stuscoloredcavalry.wordpress.com/2018/12/24/roshus-shorts-company-h/.
[2] Julia Gardiner Tyler to Juliana Gardiner, 25 Jan. 1856, Transcripts of Tyler Family Papers, Sherwood Forest Plantation Foundation, Charles City County, Virginia.
[3] “A Planter’s Pride In His Slaves,” William & Mary Quarterly, Apr. 1915 (most likely authored by Lyon Gardiner Tyler), pp. 225-226.
[4] Judith Ledbetter, email message to Frances Tyler, 10 Sep. 2020.
[5] Judith Ledbetter, email message to Frances Tyler, 19 Aug. 2022.
Rosetta
Rosetta was an individual enslaved by Alice Tyler Denison, one of John Tyler’s daughters with Letitia Christian Tyler. John Tyler gave Rosetta to Alice as a gift, which was a common practice among families in the south.
Numerous articles mention the lawsuit which resulted in Rosetta’s emancipation. Following Alice’s death, her husband, Rev. Henry Denison, sent Rosetta on a journey from Kentucky to Virginia in 1855. On the trip to Virginia, Rosetta passed through Ohio, which was a free state. Despite rampant protest from supporters of the fugitive slave law, local abolitionists near Cincinnati advocated for Rosetta’s freedom and successfully secured it. [1]
Julia Gardiner Tyler scholar, Rebecca Lallier, believes Rosetta’s last name was Armistead. Rosetta Armistead may be the same Rosetta named in a letter in 1851. In the letter, Margaret Gardiner describes a “mesmerism” in which the Tyler family forced two enslaved persons to participate. [2] Rosetta most likely worked inside the house, and the articles describing her emancipation (if these are the same person) claims she was the nurse to Alice Tyler Denison’s daughter.
[1] Articles detailing her emancipation printed in The Liberator, Boston, MA, April 13, 1855; The Triweekly, Washington, DC, April 14, 1855; Richmond Dispatch, Richmond, VA, April 2, 1855; Anti-Slavery Bugle, Lisbon, OH, May 5, 1855; Kentucky Daily Courier, April 17, 1855; and Louisville Courier Journal, February 28, 1857 (Noting Rosetta has had a child, of unknown father).
[2] Julia Gardiner Tyler to Juliana Gardiner, 2 May 1851, Transcripts of Tyler Family Letters, Sherwood Forest Plantation Foundation, Charles City County, Virginia.
Tazewell
Tazewell was a child born at Sherwood Forest to an enslaved woman named Elsy on March 24th, 1854. [1] Another record indicates that this child died the following year on December 1st, 1855, apparently from severe burns. The cause of death is reported as “Burnt.” [2]
[1] Transcript of Charles City County Birth Register, 1853-1861, Richard M. Bowman Center for Local History, Charles City County, Virginia.
[2] Transcript of Charles City County Death Register, 1855, Richard M. Bowman Center for Local History, Charles City County, Virginia.
Thaddius Black
Thaddius Black appeared on the Freedmen’s Bureau records alongside Eliza Black in 1865. [1] In addition, “Thadeus” Black was listed under Eliza Black’s household on the 1870 U.S. Census for Elizabeth City, Virginia. His age was 18, and his occupation was “oysterman.” [2]
A marriage record from 1872 in Elizabeth City County for Thaddius Black and Maria Hill lists Eliza and Jesse Black as Thaddius’ parents. His age is 22 on the record, making his birth year about 1850. This marriage record lists Thaddius’ place of birth as Elizabeth City County, which may be an error since the person named Thaddius Black who was enslaved at Sherwood would have been born in Charles City. [3]
We have also found a record for a Thaddius Black who reported his father, Jesse Black’s, death in Charles City in 1893. [4] Jesse Black had a younger stepson also named Thadeus living in his household in 1880 in Charles City. This other Thadeus Black may have reported Jesse Black’s deathin 1893, or Thaddius may have returned to Charles City after seeking refuge in the Hampton area during and after the Civil War. [5]
[1] The Freedmen's Bureau in Virginia, Names of the Destitute Freedmen Dependent Upon the Government in the Military Districts of Virginia, edited by Elizabeth Cann Kambourian, Heritage Books, Bowie, MD, 1997.
[2] 1870 U.S. Census, Elizabeth City County, Virginia, retrieved from FamilySearch.org, https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MFLR-1TK.
[3] Virginia Marriages, 1785-1940, retrieved from FamilySearch.org, https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XRH5-XZX.
[4] 80% Heaven Bound: Deaths and Burials in Charles City County, compiled by Sherry Brown Tyler for the Charles City County Historical Society, 2000, p. 527.
[5] 1880 U.S. Census, Charles City County, Virginia, retrieved from FamilySearch.org, https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MCP5-G5Z.
Tony Hall
Tony Hall was the husband of Fanny Hall. He may have been the father of Peter Hall. In May 1845, Tony Hall passed away from cancer. [1]
In July 1845, Julia Gardiner Tyler described the burial service conducted for “Tony (Fanny's husband),” which John and Julia Tyler attended:
“No event of any importance has occurred since I last wrote and my letter will, I am afraid, again be a short & uninteresting one. But yet last Sunday I suppose was classed in the calendar of our people as the day of a very important and interesting event - Mr. Levell our young pastor came ‘to bury Tony’ as the servants express it - that is, he came to perform the burial service for poor Tony, (Fanny’s husband) several weeks after he had been laid in the ground. (He died of a cancerous infection). Mr. L. followed us from church and dined with us. In the afternoon as soon as the sun would admit we went to the grave to cause a respect for the scene by our own presence. A large concourse gathered together of slaves from other plantations. Mr. L. commenced with a psalm in which they all joined in excruciating discord. After the conclusion of the discourse they desired to continue the ceremony their own way. Of course we remained on the ground through that too. It became really a strange scene - one among them was a Baptist preacher. They all closed around him and to his prayer to do for them and to give them this thing and that, two or three voices I heard say in the most fervent and anxious tones - ‘Yes, yes, do pray!’ These words and the movements to and fro of their bodies showed very plainly they had perfect faith, but the effect at the same time was very ludicrous. ‘Yes, yes do pray’ has become a by-word with me whenever any of us propose to do anything.” [2]
Julia refers to William Thomas Leavell, Rector of Westover Parish Church, in this excerpt. The register kept by William Thomas Leavell contains further evidence of this event in an entry for a burial service on July 13, 1845 at Sherwood Forest. Leavell does not mention the name of the persons buried, but rather writes “3 cold [colored] - 1 old & 2 children.” [3] This entry indicates that an older adult, who was likely Tony, and two children were buried on the property at Sherwood Forest in 1845. The exact location of their burial site is not known.
[1] Julia Gardiner Tyler to Margaret Gardiner, 6 May 1845, Tyler Family Papers, Group A. Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, College of William & Mary.
[2] Julia Gardiner Tyler to Juliana Gardiner, 15 Jul. 1845, Tyler Family Papers, Group A. Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, College of William & Mary.
[3] William Thomas Leavell, Register, 1839-1899, Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia.
Victoria Short
According to a letter written by Julia Gardiner Tyler, Victoria Short was an enslaved woman born at Sherwood Forest on July 14, 1846. When Victoria was six months old, John and Julia Tyler presented Victoria to their son, David Gardiner “Gardie” Tyler, who was just two days older than Victoria, as his Christmas present:
“His gums sometimes somewhat annoy him and I expect he must soon have teeth cutting through. Louisa’s child, which is two days the younger, has nearly four- that is, two are entirely through and two others about to cut. Her name is Victoria Short and is formally presented to D. Gardiner Tyler as his Christmas present.” [1]
Julia refers to Victoria as “Louisa’s child” in this letter, which may mean she was Louisa’s daughter or grandchild. However, Victoria lists her parents as Jerry and Martha Short on her marriage certificate in 1865, suggesting that Louisa was probably not Victoria’s mother. Victoria married Simon Brown, and the two had a number of children together in the Virginia Beach area. [2]
A woman named Victoria Shorts appears in Freedmen’s Bureau records between 1865-1872 for Norfolk, Virginia. In another record from the Freedmen’s Bureau records for Princess Anne County, Victoria Shorts’ name is beside an entry for a “child not named yet.” Their birthplace is recorded as Charles City and their former owner is listed as John Tyler. [3]
Victoria and Simon Brown appear in the 1870 and 1880 censuses for Princess Anne County, Virginia. [4]
[1] Julia Gardiner Tyler to Juliana Gardiner, 28 Dec. 1846, Tyler Family Papers, Group A. Special Collections Research Center, College of William & Mary.
[2] Virginia Marriages, 1785-1940, retrieved from FamilySearch.org, https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XR4N-SFJ?from=lynx1UIV7.
[3] Freedmen’s Bureau Ration Records, 1865-1872, retrieved from FamilySearch.org, https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2QL-FMBQ?from=lynx1UIV7. Virginia, Freedmen’s Bureau Field Office Records, 1865-1872, retrieved from FamilySearch.org, https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FP21-9YS.
[4] 1870 U.S. Census, Princess Anne County, Virginia, retrieved from FamilySearch.org, https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MFGQ-1MV. 1880 U.S. Census, Princess Anne County, Virginia, retrieved from FamilySearch.org, https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MCR9-7XG?from=lynx1UIV7.
Washington Short
In 1843, John Tyler wrote to his daughter, Elizabeth Tyler Waller, about an enslaved person named Washington: “I am very anxious to have a blacksmith and should be willing to part with Washington but if I can hear of a servant that would suit you… I will purchase him for you…” [1] Roscius Short’s deposition for his pension application identifies one of his brothers whom John Tyler sold as Washington Short. [2] Based on Roscius’ deposition, Washington Short would have been the child of Louisa and William Short, Sr.
[1] John Tyler to Elizabeth Tyler Waller, 16 Jan. 1843, David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University.
[2] Anderson, Leslie. “Roshus Shorts, Company H,” 1st Colored Cavalry, https://1stuscoloredcavalry.wordpress.com/2018/12/24/roshus-shorts-company-h/.
William Short, Sr.
William Short is one of three enslaved people mentioned in President Tyler’s will.
“I desire also that my wife will take good care of my faithful servants William Short and Fanny Hall so that their old age may be rendered comfortable...I invest her also with the authority to sell and dispose of any slave or slaves who may prove refractory, either reinvesting in others, or after such manner as she may deem most conduscive to the interest of my estate…” [1]
William Short served in the War of 1812 alongside John Tyler, and he may be the man named William who is counted in the 1813 inventory of Judge John Tyler (President John Tyler’s father). [2] If this is the case, William Short likely lived and worked at all of John Tyler’s households. William Short, Sr. was the father of Roscius Short and William Short, Jr. He was also the father of Jerry, John, and Washington Short, whom John Tyler may have sold. [3]
Julia Gardiner Tyler refers to William as Mr. Short in a letter describing the enslaved folks’ reaction to her new portrait: “Mr. Short says ‘It is very graceful, but Missus is before that even.’” [4] John and Julia Tyler’s son, Lyon G. Tyler, wrote an article in which he refers to William Short as the head butler at Sherwood Forest. [5]
[1] Transcript of last will and testament of John Tyler, 10 Oct. 1859, Transcripts of Tyler Family Papers, Sherwood Forest Plantation Foundation, Charles City County, Virginia.
[2] John Tyler to John A. Martin, 26 Sep. 1851, Tyler Family Papers, Group A. Special Collections Research Center, College of William & Mary. Will and Inventory of John Tyler, 3 Jan. 1813, Charles City Will Book 2 (1808-1824), Library of Virginia.
[3] John Tyler to Elizabeth Tyler Waller, 16 Jan. 1843, David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University. Julia Gardiner Tyler to Juliana Gardiner, 25 Jan. 1856, transcripts of the Tyler Family Papers, Sherwood Forest Plantation Foundation, Charles City County, Virginia. Anderson, Leslie. “Roshus Shorts, Company H,” 1st Colored Cavalry, https://1stuscoloredcavalry.wordpress.com/2018/12/24/roshus-shorts-company-h/.
[4] Julia Gardiner Tyler to Juliana Gardiner, 24 Nov. 1848, Gardiner Family Papers, Transcripts of Tyler Family Papers, Sherwood Forest Plantation Foundation, Charles City, Virginia.
[5] “A Planter’s Pride In His Slaves,” William & Mary Quarterly, Apr. 1915 (most likely authored by Lyon Gardiner Tyler), pp. 225-226.
William Short, Jr.
William Short, Jr. was the son of Louisa and William Short, Sr. John Tyler described William Short, Jr. in the following letter to his daughter in 1843:
“I am very anxious to have a blacksmith and should be willing to part with Washington but if I can hear of a servant that would suit you… I will purchase him for you – I think that Louisa’s William, would make a good servant and if you choose to try your hand with him you can do so – He is a fine boy – and all of Wm Shorts children have a turn for the House – I will willingly my dear daughter pay the hire of a servant maid for you and I think you would do well to procure one of your Aunt Douglas’s – Either Delilah or Maria would suit you if you could get them. Besides it is no trifling matter to have a nurse who is a good seamstress.” [1]
[1] John Tyler to Elizabeth Tyler Waller, 16 Jan. 1843, David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University.