Henrico in Henrico County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Aggy's Freedom Suit
Photographed By Bernard Fisher, August 10, 2019
1. Aggy's Freedom Suit Marker
Inscription.
Aggy's Freedom Suit. . An African American woman, known only as Aggy, was enslaved at Ryland Randolph's Turkey Island plantation at the time of his death in 1784. Randolph's will provided for freedom and support for Aggy and her children, but the administrators of his estate denied the provisions of the will, keeping her in bondage. While still enslaved, Aggy became an early civil rights pioneer when she was named as a complainant in a chancery suit filed in Henrico County Court claiming her right to freedom under the provisions of Ryland's will. In 1790, a decree absolute issued by the court ordered that "Aggy and her two children, Sylvia Anderson and Alexander Philip… be emancipated and recover their freedom."
An African American woman, known only as Aggy, was enslaved at Ryland Randolph's Turkey Island plantation at the time of his death in 1784. Randolph's will provided for freedom and support for Aggy and her children, but the administrators of his estate denied the provisions of the will, keeping her in bondage. While still enslaved, Aggy became an early civil rights pioneer when she was named as a complainant in a chancery suit filed in Henrico County Court claiming her right to freedom under the provisions of Ryland's will. In 1790, a decree absolute issued by the court ordered that "Aggy and her two children, Sylvia Anderson and Alexander Philip… be emancipated and recover their freedom."
Erected 2019 by County of Henrico. (Marker Number HC-44.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Women. A significant historical year for this entry is 1790.
Location. 37° 23.703′ N, 77° 14.965′ W. Marker is in Henrico, Virginia, in Henrico County. Marker is at the intersection of New Market Road (Virginia Route 5) and Malvern Hill Lane, on the right when traveling east on New Market Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Henrico VA 23231, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as
Credits. This page was last revised on June 26, 2021. It was originally submitted on August 10, 2019, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 259 times since then and 15 times this year. Last updated on February 8, 2021, by Bob Lehr of Henrico, Virginia. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on August 10, 2019, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.
