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Our View
Looking back
While it may not be a past that is particularly
pretty, it is one that is meaningful and to be
remembered.
Next week, the Rappahannock Historical Society members will play host to some very special visitors.
Former descendants of Catherine “Kitty” Payne, a slave, wilfbe here to pay homage to this lady by visiting the jail where she was held for several months with her children.
Catherine “Kitty” Payne, bom into slavery in 1816 in Rappahannock County, was manumitted in 1843 by her owner, Mary Maddox. Mary Maddox moved with Kitty and her children to Adams County, PA. Months later, Mary Maddox moved back to Rappahannock County and Kitty and her family moved to Bendersville shortly thereafter.
Freedom was Short-lived, however. Samuel Maddox, Jr., the nephew of Samuel and Mary Maddox, was to inherit the property upon Mary Maddox’s death. He claimed rights to the slaves.
In 1845, Samuel Maddox, Jr. and four hired men kidnapped Kitty and her children and brought them back to Rappahannock County.
Quakers of Bendersville witnessed the kidnapping and tried to chase them but never caught up with them. These same Quakers helped hire a Virginia attorney to fight for her freedom.
For 300 days, Kitty and her children were held in the Rappahannock County Jail while the trial dragged on and Samuel Maddox, Jr. was billed for their room and board.
Eventually, Samuel, Jr. relinquished his claim to Kitty and her children and they returned to Adams County, PA where Kitty and her children were split up. Kitty later married Abraham Brian, a free black man in Gettysburg but he would not let her bring her children to live with them.
Kitty Payne died in 1850 possibly of a broken heart according to descendants. Her children thrived and lived full lives.
The Rappahannock Historical Society will host Kitty Payne’s descendants and introduce them to areas of the county that were important in her story.
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