I would be remiss to not mention the slaves that the Ferneyhoughs would have had during the 18th and 19th centuries. This isn’t to say that slaves were not present at Sligo prior to the Ferneyhoughs it’s just that the majority of our research has focused on the family who owned and operated Sligo for the longest period of time.
In 1783 we know of Edmund Hollinger, the son of Barbara Hollinger a free woman, who is indentured to John Ferneyhough Sr. for training in coach making. I realize he is not a slave but I wanted to mention him all the same. By 1788 Edmund has turned 21. By 1806 it is verified under oath that Edmund is a free man and has appropriately served his apprenticeship.
In 1799 we know that there is one runaway slave named Daniel. I plan to write what we know about his story in a separate blog post.
In the early 1800s we have the names of Cornelius, Anderson, and Sally (listed as mulatto).
In 1823 to 1824 the names of the slaves along with most of their ages are as follows: Mary (25); Joice (18); Betty (9); William (7); James (4); Aaron (2); Reuben.
In 1833 the names of the slaves along with their ages (and in two instances their trade) are as follows: James (blacksmith) (45); Sally (cook) (35); Mary (16); Join (10); Juddy (12); Jim (7); Scipio (3); Bell (4); William (1).
I am trying desperately to not confuse you by throwing out so many different dates but I also want to be sure that my information is corroborated by actual documentation. So, from the 1829 plat we know that there were at least four buildings on the property: The dwelling, a kitchen, a carriage shop, and a smith shop. With that being said, we know that by 1860 Sligo is 44 acres (according to John Ferneyhough Jr.s’ will). None of the plats mention slave quarters despite the fact that we know there are slaves.
In the 1860 United States Census Slave Schedule in Spotsylvania County we know that John Ferneyhough Jr. owned 16 slaves ranging in age from 1 year old to 35. I do not know how any of these 16 slaves relate to the aforementioned slaves listed by name because no names are given, just their ages and sex.
We also know the names of slaves thanks to varying documents such as John Ferneyhough Jr.’s will (1860) which leaves “one negro man named George,” a “negro boy named ‘Ned’,” and a “negro woman Corinna” to a daughter-in-law. Also, in the 1937 Works Progress Administration (WPA) of Virginia Historical Inventory we learn of an old slave referred to as “Uncle Isaac” who attempted to save some of the Ferneyhough’s belongings from the Union soldiers. The WPA also states that the Union soldiers burned “all but one of the out-buildings” and threw many of the Ferneyhough’s belongings in the well.
After the Civil War I cannot say what happened to the slaves or where they went. However, on one of my many walks along the Rappahannock River Heritage Trail in downtown Fredericksburg I happened to stop and read an informational sign about the slaves of Fredericksburg during the Battle of Fredericksburg. It states that “many slaves saw opportunity in the resulting chaos (of the arrival of the Union army across the river at Falmouth)…(and) thousands of…African-Americans left their homes, seeking their own freedom through the Union lines.”
If anyone has more information to share about the slaves at Sligo I would love to hear from you. Especially any descendants or further information of their stories since so little is known.
Bringing Back Sligo 
7 thoughts on “Slavery at Sligo”
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DeWayne Ketchum
Ms. Tepaske, I’m DeWayne Ketchum. My father was Leonard Hollinger. We are descendants of James Hollinger, born around 1794. I believe he is one of the sons of Barbara Hollinger, who was mentioned in your article. I would like to speak with you and exchange information that might enhance my genealogy and our historical knowledge. My phone number is 484 716-1795
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Stan Colson
TO: Dewayne Ketchum
Fm: Stan Colson
RE: THe Hollinger Family
I am researching Sarah/Sally Hollinger who married a slave of James Hunter of Essex County who called himself Samuel Troy. I know her mother was Barbara Hollinger, and would like to know more about her. By the way, when the Troy Family were free and moved to Cincinnati, they were involved in the Underground Railroad there. Can give you a lot on Sarah but not James, but hope we can connect. The Troy-Hollinger story is fascinating. One of their descendants was a Negro League Baseball player in the 1940s, and his daughter, my friend, wrote a biography about him. You can reach me at aasmktg@yahoo.com.
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Lauren Tepaske
Mr. Colson, I have forwarded your message to Mr. Ketchum in hopes that you can connect. Good luck and best wishes, Lauren
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doonert
Lauren,
Some initial ancestry research revealed that I am a descendant of the Ferneyhoughs through John Jr. and Sallie Magruder. With the help of Google, I discovered your blog and am so very grateful! A major impetus for starting to bark up this tree was wanting to learn of any connections in the generations of my ancestry to the institution of slavery, and to potentially ask big questions about reconciliation and peacemaking. And so I am curious – have you learned any more about those enslaved by the Ferneyhoughs at Sligo and their descendants? Thank you so much for the hours you poured into this history, and for bringing it to life for a stranger like me in ways that are a real gift. Best to you and yours,
Tim Dooner (King of Prussia, PA)
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doonert
Lauren,
Hello! Some initial ancestry research has revealed that I am a descendent of the Ferneyhoughs through John Jr. and Sallie McGruder, and some subsequent Googling brought me to your blog. One impetus for starting to bark up this tree is wanting to learn of any connections to the institution of slavery within the generations of my ancestry so that my family and I could then ask important questions about reconciliation and peacemaking. And so I am most curious, if in the years since making this particular post, you have learned anything more about the identities and descendants of those who were enslaved by the Ferneyhoughs. I would be most appreciative of anything you are able to share. Thank you so much for the countless hours you poured into this history, and for sharing it in ways that bring it to life for grateful strangers like me!
Tim Dooner – King of Prussia, PA
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Lauren Tepaske
Mr. Dooner,
It’s so nice to hear from you and I absolutely applaud you for your research and reasoning. Sligo was such a big part of my life and it continues to be, which I love. Unfortunately, I never did find out much more about the slaves of Sligo. I have heard from ancestors of Barbara Hollinger who was a free woman in the city of Fredericksburg. Her son, Edmund, was indentured to John Ferneyhough, Sr. However, in regards to the slaves I have very little information. I do have contact with other folks who are Ferneyhough descendants and I could pass on your information if you would like. Perhaps they have found something in their own research. If ever someone reaches out that I feel may be who you are looking for I will surely send them your way. Good luck with your search!
Lauren Tepaske
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