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Titus

first name
Titus
last name
gender
male
birth, death year
-- , --
first, last year in records
1752, 1767
confidence level
confirmed identity
freed status (year freed)
enslaved
enslaver(s)
Ashley, Jonathan;
location(s)
Deerfield, MA  
place of origin

Bio

The Reverend John and Dorothy Ashley of Deerfield, Massachusetts enslaved three people: Jin (Jenny) Cole, her son Cato, and Titus. Ashley purchased Jin and Cato in 1738. He bought Titus from the Reverend Samuel Kendall of New Salem, Massachusetts, and sold him ten years later, in 1760. Both Cato and Titus performed mainly agricultural labor. Ashley also made money by renting them out to work for other local farmers. Both men served in the French and Indian Wars (1754-1763). 

A  May 21, 1767 Deerfield church record notes that, "Titus Negro Confes'd the Sin of Stealing, Lying & disobedience to his Master." However, as there were several men in Deerfield at this time with that name, it is unclear to which Titus this entry concerns.

Primary Source Entries for Titus

Entry Source Vol Name Date entry id
• Rev'd Mr. Ashley Cr by Titus & Cato 1 Day Cutting Wood Dr. Thomas Williams Day Book Volume 5 1759 Apr 7 108
• Rev'd Mr. Ashley Cr by Titus & Cato 1/2 Day Cutting Wood Dr. Thomas Williams Day Book Volume 5 1759 Apr 7 1609
• Titus Ashley Elihu Ashley Account Book Volume 2 1746 1843
• Titus Mr Ashleys Negro Dr to Sundrys 6 0 - 2 Elijah Williams Account Book Volume 2 1753 Oct 27 2239
• Titus Mr Ashleys Negro Dr to 3 square needles - 1 - 3 Elijah Williams Account Book Volume 2 1753 Dec 20 2240
• Titus Mr Ashleys Negro Cr to a Broom - - 8 - Elijah Williams Account Book Volume 2 1754 Mar 23 2255
• Titus Mr Ashleys Negro Dr to cash 1 - 1 - 3 Elijah Williams Account Book Volume 2 1754 Jun 24 2242
• Titus Mr Ashleys Negro Dr to 19 of Rhum - 1 4 - Elijah Williams Account Book Volume 2 1754 Jun 24 2241
• Titus Mr Ashleys Negro Cr by a Days Husking - 2 - Elijah Williams Account Book Volume 2 1754 Jul 11 2258
• Titus Mr Ashleys Negro Cr by Bottoming a Chair - - 8 Elijah Williams Account Book Volume 2 1754 Jul 11 2256
• Titus Mr Ashleys Negro Cr by 3 Do - 2 - Elijah Williams Account Book Volume 2 1754 Jul 11 2257
• Titus Mr Ashleys Negro Dr to 3 yds of Gartering - 1 1 . 2 Elijah Williams Account Book Volume 2 1755 Jun 17 2247
• Titus Mr Ashleys Negro Dr to Lined a handkerchief 2 8 Elijah Williams Account Book Volume 2 1755 Jun 18 2248
• Titus Mr Ashleys Negro Cr by bottoming 6 Chairs 4 6 2 Elijah Williams Account Book Volume 2 1755 Jun 18 2260
• Titus Mr Ashleys Negro Cr by Cash 1 1 3 Elijah Williams Account Book Volume 2 1755 Jun 18 2259
• Titus Mr Ashleys Negro Dr to Rhum - - 8 - Elijah Williams Account Book Volume 2 1755 Sep 15 2249
• Titus Mr Ashleys Negro Dr To Sundrys 1/2d 1 2 Elijah Williams Account Book Volume 2 1755 Dec 13 2250
• Titus Mr Ashleys Negro Cr by bottoming 2 chairs 1 - 7 - Elijah Williams Account Book Volume 2 1756 Feb 19 2261
• Titus Mr Ashleys Negro Dr to 1 pt Rhum / 8d - - 8. Elijah Williams Account Book Volume 2 1756 Feb 19 2251
• Titus Mr Ashleys Negro Dr to 1 pt Do /8d To 5 Nedles / 1/4 - - 9 - 1 Elijah Williams Account Book Volume 2 1756 Mar 31 2243
• Titus Mr Ashleys Negro Dr to 1/2 pt Rhum - - 5. Elijah Williams Account Book Volume 2 1756 Apr 21 2244
• Titus Mr Ashleys Negro Dr to 1 Jill Rhum - - 3 Elijah Williams Account Book Volume 2 1756 Apr 26 2245
• Titus Mr Ashleys Negro Cr By pd simn Burt - - 11 Elijah Williams Account Book Volume 2 1756 May 18 2262
• Titus Mr Ashleys Negro Dr to 1 qt Do Elijah Williams Account Book Volume 2 1756 May 18 2246
• Titus Mr Ashleys Negro Dr to Rhum 6d - 0 6 Elijah Williams Account Book Volume 2 1756 Aug 12 2252
• Titus Mr Ashleys Negro Dr to Rhum 6 - 0 6 Elijah Williams Account Book Volume 2 1756 Sep 8 2253
• Titus Mr Ashleys Negro Dr to 1 dram 1d 1/2 Rhum 1/5 To Rhum 1/5 Elijah Williams Account Book Volume 2 1758 Mar 15 2254
• Titus Ashley Dr to 1 worsted Cap .18/ Crr by Cash 8/ Elijah Williams Day Book Sept 15, 1751- Oct 15, 1753; Volume 3 1752 Apr 2017
• Dan el Nash Dr to 10/ Dd Titus Ashley Elijah Williams Day Book Sept 15, 1751- Oct 15, 1753; Volume 3 1752 Apr 2018
• Titus Ashley Dr to 1 point Rhum Elijah Williams Day Book Sept 15, 1751- Oct 15, 1753; Volume 3 1752 Dec 2019
• Titus Negro Dr to 2 yd Red Shaloon 0.5.7.0 to 20 needles of silk 5.2 }0.6.0.2 Elijah Williams Day Book Oct 22, 1753 - Dec 25, 1754; Volume 4 1753 Oct 26 930
• Titus Dr to 3 square needels Elijah Williams Day Book Oct 22, 1753 - Dec 25, 1754; Volume 4 1753 Dec 20 1743
• Titus Dr to 3 square needles Elijah Williams Day Book Oct 22, 1753 - Dec 25, 1754; Volume 4 1753 Dec 20 995
• Titus Ashley Dr 1 Broom 8d Elijah Williams Day Book Oct 22, 1753 - Dec 25, 1754; Volume 4 1754 Mar 23 588
• Titus Mr Ashleys Negro Dr to 1 qt of Rhum Elijah Williams Day Book Oct 22, 1753 - Dec 25, 1754; Volume 4 1754 Jun 24 931
• Titus Cr by bottoming a chair Elijah Williams Day Book Oct 22, 1753 - Dec 25, 1754; Volume 4 1754 Jul 22 1744
• Titus Mr Ashley Dr to 3 yds of gartering @ /4 1/2 Elijah Williams Day Book Jan 11, 1755 - Nov 20, 1755; Volume 5 1755 Jun 17 715
• Titus Negro Dr to a lining Handkerchief 2/8, Cr by 1/1 3/4 Elijah Williams Day Book Jan 11, 1755 - Nov 20, 1755; Volume 5 1755 Jun 18 742
• Titus Ashley Negro Dr to 1 Jill of Rhum to 1/2 pint Do Elijah Williams Day Book Jan 11, 1755 - Nov 20, 1755; Volume 5 1755 Sep 15 929
• Titus Ashley Dr to 1pt NE Rhum /7, to 1lb Lead /7 Elijah Williams Day Book Nov 21, 1755 - May 10, 1756; Volume 6 1755 Dec 13 790
• Titus Negrow Dr To 1 pt Rhum /8, Cr by Bottoming 2 Chairs 1/7 Elijah Williams Day Book Nov 21, 1755 - May 10, 1756; Volume 6 1756 Feb 19 619
• Titus Ashley Dr To 5 Nedles / 1/4 Elijah Williams Day Book Nov 21, 1755 - May 10, 1756; Volume 6 1756 Mar 31 1835
• Mr. Ashley Titus To 1 pt Rhum /8 Elijah Williams Day Book Nov 21, 1755 - May 10, 1756; Volume 6 1756 Mar 31 589
• Titus Ashley Dr to 1 Jill Rhum /3 Elijah Williams Day Book Nov 21, 1755 - May 10, 1756; Volume 6 1756 Apr 26 2218
• Titus Ashley Dr to 1 Jill Rum /3 Elijah Williams Day Book Nov 21, 1755 - May 10, 1756; Volume 6 1756 Apr 26 775
• Titus Ashley Dr To 1 qt. Rhum 1/4, Cr By pd Simn Burt /11 Elijah Williams Day Book May 11, 1756 - Sept 27, 1756; Volume 7 1756 May 18 981
• Simn Burt Dr To pd Titus Ashley /11 Elijah Williams Day Book May 11, 1756 - Sept 27, 1756; Volume 7 1756 May 18 529
• Mr Ashley Dr To 2 pr of Red Vamps for Shoes, Cr by Titus 1 Day 2/ Elijah Williams Day Book Sept 27, 1756 - March 5, 1757; Volume 8 1756 Oct 14 1667
• Mr Ashley Dr To 2 pr of Red Vamps for Shoes, Cr by Titus 1 Day 2/ Elijah Williams Day Book Sept 27, 1756 - March 5, 1757; Volume 8 1756 Oct 14 985
• Titus Negro Dr. to a Dram 1 1/2 Elijah Williams Day Book Dec 14, 1757-Jan 22, 1765 1757 Mar 15 807
• Titus Negro Dr to 1 qt Rhum 1/5 Elijah Williams Day Book Dec 14, 1757-Jan 22, 1765 1758 May 30 705
• Titus Negro Dr to 1 qt Rhum 1/5 Elijah Williams Day Book Dec 14, 1757-Jan 22, 1765 1758 Jun 10 704
• Titus Negro Dr to 1/2 Point Rhum Elijah Williams Day Book Dec 14, 1757-Jan 22, 1765 1758 Jun 14 954
• Titus Negro Dr to 1 point Rhum Elijah Williams Day Book Dec 14, 1757-Jan 22, 1765 1759 Jan 11 961
• Titus Negro Dr 1/2 pt Rhum 6d Elijah Williams Day Book March 7, 1757 - Oct 15, 1757; Volume 9 1757 Aug 12 978
• Titus Mr Ashley Negro Cr by 7_ lb Tobacco 2/, Dr a Gill Rum /31/2 Elijah Williams Day Book March 7, 1757 - Oct 15, 1757; Volume 9 1757 Sep 7 768
• [1761-1766] [Charges for tailoring and rum partly by cash and by farm labor, presumably by Cato/Titus] John Russell Account Book 1763 - 1791, Vol 1 1761 1033
• [1761-1766] [Charges for tailoring and rum partly by cash and by farm labor, presumably by Cato/Titus] John Russell Account Book 1763 - 1791, Vol 1 1761 340
• Ebenezer Barnard - Debtor ... to 3 days thrashing of Titus Jonathan Ashley Account Book Records 1752-1778 1752 Feb 45
• Titus thrashed 3 days for Ebenr Barnard Jonathan Ashley Account Book Records 1752-1778 1753 Feb 44
• An account of Work Done for [?] [?] and what [? ? ?] august mowed 3 Days for Thom. Dickinson Jonathan Ashley Account Book Records 1752-1778 1755 Aug 42
• An account of Work Done for [?] [?] and what [? ? ?] august mowed [?] 2 Days for Samuel Dickinson Jonathan Ashley Account Book Records 1752-1778 1755 Aug 41
• 1755 August Titus mowed one Day and raked hay another for T. Bardwell Jonathan Ashley Account Book Records 1752-1778 1755 Aug 40
• mowed one Day for Samuel Childs Jonathan Ashley Account Book Records 1752-1778 1755 Aug 43
• [Samuel Bardwell - Debtor 1755-and 6] Jon.[?] Making Titus Shoes 1-0-0 Jonathan Ashley Account Book Records 1752-1778 1755 Aug 62
• An account of Work Done for [?] [?] and what [? ? ?] mowed 1 Day for John Nims Jonathan Ashley Account Book Records 1752-1778 1755 Sep 2 55
• [Samuel Bardwell - Debtor 1755-and 6] to Titus thrashing a Day 0-16-0 Jonathan Ashley Account Book Records 1752-1778 1755 Oct 13 52
• [Samuel Bardwell - Debtor 1755-and 6] to Titus and Cato thrashing half a day 0-13-0 Jonathan Ashley Account Book Records 1752-1778 1755 Oct 28 53
• [Samuel Bardwell - Debtor 1755-and 6] to Titus and Cato thrashing half a day 0-13-0 Jonathan Ashley Account Book Records 1752-1778 1755 Oct 28 17
• Childs Lieut Debtor oct. 1755 to one Days work of Cato--Tuesday--Wednesday Titus & Cato 1/2 a day--Thursday Titus & Cato--friday Titus & Cato Monday Titus -2-2-2 Nov 7 to Titus thrashing a day Jonathan Ashley Account Book Records 1752-1778 1755 Oct 54
• [Lt. Childs debtor acct. 1755] to Titus threshing a day Jonathan Ashley Account Book Records 1752-1778 1755 Nov 7 51
• Samuel Bardwell -1755-&6 Debtor to Titus work 2-0-0 Jonathan Ashley Account Book Records 1752-1778 1755 61
• to Titus thrashing 1/2 a day 0-7-0 Jonathan Ashley Account Book Records 1752-1778 1756 Jan 46
• to Titus 2 Days thrashing 1-10-0 Jonathan Ashley Account Book Records 1752-1778 1756 Dec 3
• [Lt. Childs debtor acct. 1755] to 4 Days work of Titus Jonathan Ashley Account Book Records 1752-1778 1756 66
• Lt. Field - debtor to 2 Days Titus thrashing 1-10-0 Jonathan Ashley Account Book Records 1752-1778 1756 59
• to Titus a Days work 0-15-0 Jonathan Ashley Account Book Records 1752-1778 1757 Apr 1734
• Debtor to Titus a days mowing [ ? ] Jonathan Ashley Account Book Records 1752-1778 1757 Sep 57
• to Titus Mowing a Day 1-0-0 Jonathan Ashley Account Book Records 1752-1778 1757 63
• [Lt. Field - debtor] to 3 or 4 Days Titus thrashing 2-5-0 Jonathan Ashley Account Book Records 1752-1778 1757 58
• July 1758 Abijah Prince Debtor to Brot [brought] from page 37 13-15-0July 24 Debtor to Titus and Catos Haying a day 1-10-0[July 25] to a Load of wood Jonathan Ashley Account Book Records 1752-1778 1758 Jul 91
• July 1758 Abijah Prince Debtor to Brot [brought] from page 37 13-15-0July 24 Debtor to Titus and Catos Haying a day 1-10-0[July 25] to a Load of wood Jonathan Ashley Account Book Records 1752-1778 1758 Jul 4
• July 1758 Abijah Prince Debtor to Brot [brought] from page 37 13-15-0July 24 Debtor to Titus and Catos Haying a day 1-10-0[July 25] to a Load of wood Jonathan Ashley Account Book Records 1752-1778 1758 Jul 48
• [Abijah Prince acct.] to bringing my mare over - to Catos Crossing to mill to my going to the falls to Titus going to mill to Cato and Titus going to the falls to my going to Greenfield Jonathan Ashley Account Book Records 1752-1778 1759 Mar 5
• [Abijah Prince acct.] to bringing my mare over - to Catos Crossing to mill to my going to the falls to Titus going to mill to Cato and Titus going to the falls to my going to Greenfield Jonathan Ashley Account Book Records 1752-1778 1759 Mar 50
• [Abijah Prince acct.] to bringing my mare over - to Catos Crossing to mill to my going to the falls to Titus going to mill to Cato and Titus going to the falls to my going to Greenfield Jonathan Ashley Account Book Records 1752-1778 1759 Mar 92
• Debtor ? to Titus Days mowing Jonathan Ashley Account Book Records 1752-1778 1759 Jun 49
• Debtor to Titus' days work 0-2-0 Jonathan Ashley Account Book Records 1752-1778 1759 Jul 47
• to Titus and Cato Spreading flax Jonathan Ashley Account Book Records 1752-1778 1759 Sep 56
  [Photocopied - (account of Titus's and Cato's carting of wood after Jonathan Ashley's parishoners decided they were not going to supply it. Jonathan Ashley Account Book Records 1752-1778 1759 65
  [Photocopied - (account of Titus's and Cato's carting of wood after Jonathan Ashley's parishoners decided they were not going to supply it. Jonathan Ashley Account Book Records 1752-1778 1759 20
• [Samuel Dickinson acct.] Debtor to 2 Days Titus mowing 2-0-0 Jonathan Ashley Account Book Records 1752-1778 -- 60
• Samuel Dickinson acct. To Titus mowing a day to pay for mowing at [ ? ] 1-0-0 Jonathan Ashley Account Book Records 1752-1778 -- 64
• [Notations about labor of Titus and Cato at field work, Asa Childs Dr] Jonathan Ashley Account Book Single 1752 Feb 11 23
• [Notations about labor of Titus and Cato at field work, Asa Childs Dr] Jonathan Ashley Account Book Single 1752 Feb 11 71
• to 2 days thrashing of Titus [Eleazer Barnard acct.] Jonathan Ashley Account Book Single 1752 Feb 68
• Titus thrashed 3 days for Ebenr Barnard Jonathan Ashley Account Book Single 1753 Feb 70
• [? Crosby acct. shoemaker?] to Titus thrashing a day 0-16-0 Jonathan Ashley Account Book Single 1755 Oct 13 75
• [? Crosby acct. shoemaker?] to Titus and Catos husking half a day 0-13-0 Jonathan Ashley Account Book Single 1755 Oct 28 30
• [? Crosby acct. shoemaker?] to Titus and Catos husking half a day 0-13-0 Jonathan Ashley Account Book Single 1755 Oct 28 76
• Debtor to Titus work 2-0-0 [Samuel Bardwell ? acct.] Jonathan Ashley Account Book Single 1755 83
• Samuel Dickinson acct. Debtor to 2 Days Titus Mowing 2-0-0 Jonathan Ashley Account Book Single 1755 82
• Lieut. Childs Debtor Friday Titus & Cato Jonathan Ashley Account Book Single 1755 88
• [Loose paper between Pp. 14 & 15]: ...mending Titus shoe... Catos shoes 0-19-0 ...making Titus Shoes 1-0-0 Jonathan Ashley Account Book Single 1755 79
• Lieut. Childs Debtor Wednesday Titus & Cato _ a day Jonathan Ashley Account Book Single 1755 84
• Lieut. Childs Debtor Thursday Titus & Cato Jonathan Ashley Account Book Single 1755 35
• Lieut. Childs Debtor Friday Titus & Cato Jonathan Ashley Account Book Single 1755 36
• Lieut. Childs Debtor Thursday Titus & Cato Jonathan Ashley Account Book Single 1755 87
• Lieut. Childs Debtor Wednesday Titus & Cato _ a day Jonathan Ashley Account Book Single 1755 33
• [Loose paper between Pp. 14 & 15]: ...mending Titus shoe... Catos shoes 0-19-0 ...making Titus Shoes 1-0-0 Jonathan Ashley Account Book Single 1755 38
• [? Crosby acct. shoemaker?] to Titus thrashing _ a day 0-7-0 Jonathan Ashley Account Book Single 1756 Jan 72
• [Abijah Prince account - 1756 - copied herewith. References to Titus and Cato] Jonathan Ashley Account Book Single 1756 100
• Lt. [?] Field Debtor to 2 Days Titus thrashing 1-10-0 Jonathan Ashley Account Book Single 1756 78
• Lieut. Childs Debtor to 4 Days work of Titus Jonathan Ashley Account Book Single 1756 37
• Samuel Dickinson acct. To Titus Mowing a Day 1-0-0 Jonathan Ashley Account Book Single 1757 Jun 73
• Debtor to Titus a days mowing 1-0-0 ?refering to Abijah Prince? Jonathan Ashley Account Book Single 1757 Sep 77
• Lt. [?] Field Debtor to 3 or 4 Days Titus thrashing 2-5-0 Jonathan Ashley Account Book Single 1757 80
• Samuel Dickinson acct. To Titus mowing 1 day...1-0-0 Jonathan Ashley Account Book Single 1758 81
• ? Sharp Caleb Debtor on June 1759 to Titus Days mowing Jonathan Ashley Account Book Single 1759 Jun 74
  [Ashley, now expected to get his own fire wood, lists th time Titus and Catoput into getting it. Copy herewith. (Approx. 86 loads)] Jonathan Ashley Account Book Single 1759 Dec 67
  [Ashley, now expected to get his own fire wood, lists th time Titus and Cato put into getting it. Copy herewith. (Approx. 86 loads)] Jonathan Ashley Account Book Single 1759 Dec 22
• [Account of Titus' farm work for local men Copy herewith.] Jonathan Ashley Account Book Single 1759 85
  [Account of Titus' farm work for local men Copy herewith.] Jonathan Ashley Account Book Single 1759 86
• Childs Lieut Debtor oct. 1755 to one Days work of Cato--Tuesday--Wednesday Titus & Cato 1/2 a day--Thursday Titus & Cato--friday Titus & Cato Monday Titus -2-2-2 Nov 7 to Titus thrashing a day Jonathan Ashley Account Book 1755 Oct 13
• by Titus to hoe corn one day and half 0-12-0 Joseph Barnard Account Book Joseph Barnard Account Book 1737-1785 1745 Apr 1182
• Mr Ashley Cr by Titus a Day to Cut Stalk a Day Joseph Barnard Day Book 5/1737 - 8/1785 1756 Sep 1238
  Jonathon Ashley pays part of his debt to Dr. Wms by Titus mowing Hoyt's plain Source Unknown 1758 Sep 20 1603
  Titus and Cato half day cutting wood Source Unknown 1759 Apr 7 1604
  Titus and Cato half day cutting wood Source Unknown 1759 Apr 7 1606
• to mending Titusos Shoes 0-7-0 Zadock Hawks Account Book 1757-1790 1757 Oct 1350
• to souling Titus pumps 0-17-0 Zadock Hawks Account Book 1761-1780 1760 Sep 624
• African Americans in Deerfield who Served in the French and Indian War/s Sheldon, George. History of Deerfield Single 1758 1573

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