The Fate of the Slaves of William T. Gaulding
- Catherine Gauldin
- 2 hours ago
- 10 min read
The chancery suit known as Gaulding v. Woodall began in the Pittsylvania County Court as a dispute over the estate of William T. Gaulding, deceased. His children—Andy, Samuel, Moses, Thomas, Jabez, Docia, and Elizabeth Gaulding—filed the original bill against Elizabeth Woodall, widow of a man named Woodall, and against James Elliott and his wife Nancy (formerly Nancy Gaulding). The case centered on the proper division of William T. Gaulding’s land, slaves, and any lifetime “advancements” he had made to his children.
The court first heard the case on October 18, 1841. After reviewing the bill and answer, it ordered that commissioners be appointed to among other things divide the remaining slaves equally among the Gaulding children if possible, and if not, the slaves were to be sold at public auction. This document is a record of what happened to those enslaved people after the death of William T. Gaulding.
The following is from a transcription of the CHANCERY CAUSES: HEIRS OF WILLIAM T. GAULDING v ELIZABETH WOODALL, WIDOW, ETC, (1) 1852-023, Pittsylvania County, Transcribed from the original by Catherine L. Gauldin, 2026. This document may be viewed at https://1drv.ms/w/c/7f8e08beef04f4cb/IQBjSRrF05DRSJSV-dCYzK-qAf_Q76GZzhRzHNpmReLEMzY?e=iys6Y7 Please give credit to Catherine L. Gauldin for editing and transcribing the original images.
Slaves were included in the estate distribution
When a Virginian died in the early nineteenth century, the enslaved people they owned were treated as part of the estate and distributed according to long‑established probate law. In the early 1840s, this process followed a predictable pattern. First, the widow received her dower share, traditionally one‑third of the enslaved people for her lifetime use. These individuals did not become her property; instead, they reverted to the estate upon her death. Commissioners appointed by the county court attempted, when possible, to assign family groups to the widow, though the law did not require them to preserve kinship ties. (2)
The remaining enslaved people were then evaluated to determine whether they could be divided equitably among the heirs. Commissioners appraised each individual, assigning monetary values based on age, health, and skills. Younger adults were valued most highly, while elderly or infirm individuals were appraised at lower amounts. If the group could be divided so that each heir received a roughly equal share of value, the commissioners allotted individuals or family groups accordingly. (3)
1842-1843 Inventory of Enslaved people
143_1852_023_0285.pdf
Eliz Woodall receive $45 for keeping the negroes within mention
J.S.J.
26 – 1842
This refers to 143_1852_023_0284
143_1852_023_0268.pdf
Account ...of negroes belonging to the Children & heirs of Wm. T. Gaulding decd 18 Nov. 1841
Person named Negroes named
Saml Harris Jenny & child Clay $31.70
Jno A Price Franky a girl $31.00
Britton Baines Mary (do) $31.00
Saml Bair Ann (do) $21.00
Eliz Woodall Phebe (do) $19.00
Henry P. Fuller Isham a boy $50.00
Same George (do) $31.00
W. B. Millner Abraham (do) $10.05
Tho Boaz Charles (do) $10.20
Saml Gaulding Dicy a girl $1.00
Andy Gaulding Judy (do) $1.00
Amt Hine payable 25 Dec 1842 $236.95
By this amt ...Eliz Woodall for keeping Sarah & her children Elisha & Sampson till 25 Dec 1842 $30.00
Amt $206.95
The document records the sale or valuation of enslaved individuals belonging to the children and heirs of Wm. T. Gaulding, deceased, dated November 18, 1841.
It lists the names of buyers and the names of the enslaved individuals, along with the prices for each:
Saml Harris purchased Jenny & child Clay for $31.70
Jno A Price purchased Franky (a girl) for $31.00
Britton Baines purchased Mary (a girl) for $31.00
Saml Bair purchased Ann (a girl) for $21.00
Eliz Woodall purchased Phebe (a girl) for $19.00
Henry P. Fuller purchased Isham (a boy) for $50.00 and George (a boy) for $31.00
W. B. Millner purchased Abraham (a boy) for $10.05
Tho Boaz purchased Charles (a boy) for $10.20
Saml Gaulding purchased Dicy (a girl) for $1.00
Andy Gaulding purchased Judy (a girl) for $1.00
The total amount payable by December 25, 1842, is $236.95.
An additional amount ($30.00) is allowed to Eliz Woodall for keeping Sarah and her children Elisha & Sampson until December 25, 1842.
The final amount after this deduction is $206.95
Based on the account from 1, it appears that heirs of Wm. T. Gaulding were able to purchase enslaved individuals at prices that seem lower than typical auction values. For example, several enslaved people were listed at $31.00, $21.00, $19.00, and even $1.00, which are notably low compared to average auction prices for enslaved adults and children during the 1840’s.
It was not uncommon for heirs to have the opportunity to purchase estate assets—including enslaved people—at private sales or at prices below market value, especially if the goal was to keep the family together or avoid public auction. Executors sometimes allowed heirs to "buy in" at appraised values, which could be lower than competitive auction prices. This practice was often justified as a way to settle the estate efficiently and maintain family control over assets. However, the prices listed here (especially $1.00 for some individuals) are unusually low and may reflect special arrangements, undervaluation, or symbolic pricing for certain heirs, possibly to keep families together or fulfill specific bequests.
143_1852_023_0269.pdf
Account (hive?) of negroes the 26th day of Dec 1842 for the year 1842
Tho S. Jones Isham a boy $42.00
Same George (do) $32.00
John Harvey Abraham (do) $15.00
Jefferson Dalton Franky a girl $24.50
Britton Bainay Mary (do) $27.00
Drury Blain Ann (do) $18.00
Saml Gaulding Dicy (do) $5.00
A.H. Morrison Judy (do) $4.00
Amt payable 25 Dec 1843 $182.20
By this amt to be paid Eliz Woodall for keeping Sarah & her children Elisha & Sampson $45.00
Nett $138.20
143_1852_023_0270.pdf
Account ..of negroes The 27th Dec 1843 for the year 1844
Thos S. Jones John a boy $32.00
Henry P. Fuller George (do) $30.00
Jno Harvey Abraham (do) $14.00
Tho Boaz Charles (do) $12.25
Jno S May Franky a woman $28.00
W. Nawton Mary (do) $20.25
Tho S Jones Ann a girl $24.00
Wesley Gauldin Dicy (do) $5.00
A.H. Moorman Judy (do) $4.00
Amt payable 25 Dec 1844 $169.50
By this amt allond Eliz Woodall for keeping Sarah & 4 children Jo, Clary, Sampson & Elisha 1844 $34.75
Nett amt $134.75
143_1852_023_0272.pdf
Accon Hines of negroes for year 1843, 43 & 44 belonging to the children of Wm. T. Gaulding decd
Amt due 25 Dec 1842 $234.95
do due 25 Dec 1843 $183.20
do due 25 Dec 1844 $169.50
Here’s a breakdown of what the entries mean:
Amt due 25 Dec 1842 $234.95: This is the amount recorded as due on December 25, 1842.
do due 25 Dec 1843 $183.20: "do" means "ditto," so this is the amount due on December 25, 1843.
do due 25 Dec 1844 $169.50: Again, this is the amount due on December 25, 1844.
These amounts likely represent either the appraised value, income, or some form of accounting related to the enslaved individuals for each year, as managed for the heirs of Wm. T. Gaulding.
Sale at the Pittsylvania Courthouse 1844
If the enslaved people could not be fairly divided as was the case here the court ordered a public auction. This was a common outcome in Virginia estates, especially when heirs lived in different states or when the enslaved population was small. The proceeds from the sale were then divided among the heirs according to their legal shares. Commissioners also accounted for any enslaved people previously given to children during the decedent’s lifetime, known as advancements, to ensure that the final distribution was balanced.
“Nancy Elliott wife of James Elliott is not a child of the said Wm T Gaulding Decd nor in any manner entitled to share in his state and being further satisfied that the slaves of the said Wm T Goulding cannot be divided in kind doth therefore adjudge order and decree that Thomas Jones who is hereby appointed a commissioner for that purpose proceed after advertising the time and place of sale at the most publick places in the neighbourhood for four weeks to sell at public auction at Pittsylvania Courthouse on some Court day on a credit of six months all the remaining slaves belonging to the estate of the said Wm T Goulding taking from the purchasers bonds with undoubled security payable to himself as Commissioner & make report of his proceedings woods herein to this Court in order that a final decree may be made It is ordered that the Court be adjourned till tomorrow morning half after nine O’clock Norborn M Talferio Samuel Wood At a Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery Continued & held for the County of Pittsylvania at the courthouse thereof on Saturday the 2nd day of November 1844..”
143-1852-023-0256.pdf
Account Sale of Slaves belonging to the estate of William T. Gaulding -- at Pittsylvania Court House on the 16 day of Decmr 1844 on a credit of Six months by decree of the Court
A slave auction in Virginia in the early 1840’s
A slave auction in Virginia in the early 1840s followed a familiar and deeply exploitative pattern. The sale was publicly advertised through courthouse postings, handbills, or local newspapers. On the day of the auction, buyers gathered at a courthouse yard, tavern, or plantation. Before bidding began, prospective purchasers inspected the enslaved people, evaluating physical condition, age, and skills. The auctioneer then called individuals or family groups forward, selling them to the highest bidder. Terms of sale varied—some buyers paid cash, while others purchased on short‑term credit secured by bonds. After the sale, the auctioneer or clerk recorded the buyer’s name, the purchase price, and a description of the enslaved person, filing these records with the court as part of the estate settlement. Enslaved people were typically taken by their new owners immediately or shortly thereafter.
This legal and commercial framework forms the backdrop for the October 1841 decree in the Gaulding estate, which initiated the formal division of the property, guaranteed the widow’s lawful portion, required commissioners to determine whether the enslaved people could be divided or must be sold, and mandated a full accounting of prior advancements so that the final distribution would be equitable. The decree reflects the standard probate procedures of antebellum Virginia and illustrates how enslaved people were systematically appraised, divided, or sold as part of estate administration.
For sale of a man Isham bought by W.H. Hall who gave a bond with Henry H. Fersuson by Security for $500.00
" 1 negro woman Mary bought by George Townes who gave William H. Tunstall as his Security for $462.00
"1 negro woman Franky bot by William Orender who gave John Jones as his security for $451.00
" 1 negro boy George bot by Pleasant S. Gardner who gave Henry H. Ferguson as his Security for $440.00
" 1 negro boy Abraham bot by Jno. Booth for $357.50
" 1 " do Charly bot by Same for $360.50 who gave Thomas Dudley as his Security $718.00
" 1 negro woman Ann bot by Tho S. Jones for $415
" 1 do girl Judy bot by same for $299.96
" 1 do do Chany bot by same for $311.00
" 1 do woman Sally & her 2 children Sampson & Sisha bot by Same for $570.00, who gave John Jones as his Security $1435.96
" 1 negro girl Dicy bot by Grief D. Scales who gave David Echols as his Security for $303.00
" 1 negro boy Joseph bot by Robt A Carter who gave Edward J Carter as his Security for $289.00
Amt Sale $4598.96
Pursuant to the amend decree after due advertising the time & place of Sale I proceed to sell the Slaves, Therein directed as Stated above amounting in the whole to Four Thousand five hundred & ninety eight dollars & ninety six cents all which is respectfully Submitted.
Tho. S. Jones Comsr.
143_1852_023_0266.pdf
Account Sale of negroes by Tho S Jones, Commr at Pitts. Co House 16 Dec 1844 belonging to the children & heirs of W.T. Gaulding decd on a credit of six months
Wm. H Hill Isham a man $500
Pleasant S. Gardner George $440
Jno Booth Abraham $357.50
Sam Charles $360.50
Ro A Carter Joseph $289.00
Wm D Or--den Frankey a woman $457.00
George Towney Mary (do) $462.00
Tho S. Jones Ann (do) $415.00
Grief D. Seaty Dicy (do) $303.00
Tho S. Jones Judy (do) $299.96
Same Clany (do) $211.00
Same Sally & her children $510.00
(Sampson & Elisha)
Amt Sale on 16th June 1845 $4598.96
143_1852_023_0267.pdf
Acco: Sale of
negroes 16 Dec 1844
belonging the Heirs
of Wm. T. Gaulding dcd
Due 16 June 1845 $4598.96
To put these valuations into the proper perspective, here is the sale price for each individual sold, converted into modern currency value. From this viewpoint it is easy to see that the greater portion of the wealth of William T. Gaulding and later of his heirs lay in the number of people he claimed ownership of.
Below is each sale price converted using the same multiplier (×38):
Person | 1840s Price | Modern Equivalent |
Isham (man) | $500.00 | $19,000 |
Mary (woman) | $462.00 | $17,556 |
Franky (woman) | $451.00 | $17,138 |
George (boy) | $440.00 | $16,720 |
Abraham (boy) | $357.50 | $13,585 |
Charly (boy) | $360.50 | $13,699 |
Ann (woman) | $415.00 | $15,770 |
Judy (girl) | $299.96 | $11,398 |
Chany (girl) | $311.00 | $11,818 |
Sally + 2 children | $570.00 | $21,660 |
Dicy (girl) | $303.00 | $11,514 |
Joseph (boy) | $289.00 | $10,982 |
The total sale price of $4,598.96 in the early 1840s equals roughly $170,000–$185,000 in modern dollars. This reflects the economic reality that enslaved people were valued as long‑term labor assets, not consumer goods, and therefore their modern equivalents must be calculated using capital‑value methods rather than inflation alone.
Their names preserved
Although the record of sale preserves only their names, ages, and prices, it does not tell us what became of Isham, Mary, Franky, George, Abraham, Charly, Ann, Judy, Chany, Sally, Sampson, Sisha, Dicy, or Joseph after they were absorbed into new households. Once dispersed through auction, they disappear into the silence that surrounds most enslaved lives in nineteenth‑century Virginia. We do not know where they were taken, whether their families were separated, or what their daily lives were like on the Gaulding estate before the sale. Yet the names recorded here ensure that they are not lost entirely. Even in the absence of fuller stories, the preservation of their identities allows them to be remembered, acknowledged, and recognized as individuals whose lives mattered, despite the system that sought to reduce them to property.
Works Cited
1. Edited and transcribed by Catherine L. Gauldin, 2026. Chancery Causes: Heirs of William T. Gaulding v Elizabeth Woodall, Widow, etc. [Online] https://1drv.ms/w/c/7f8e08beef04f4cb/IQBjSRrF05DRSJSV-dCYzK-qAf_Q76GZzhRzHNpmReLEMzY?e=iys6Y7 .
2. Deyle, Steven. Carry Me Back: The Domestic Slave Trade in American Life (Oxford University Press, 2005), pp. 78–110.
3. Bancroft, Frederic. Slave Trading in the Old South (1911; reprint, University of South Carolina Press, 1996), pp. 145–170.
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