The Bivens Family

Ancestors of Gary Ridgway, the Bivens family held several individuals as slaves. We found these on the 1870 U.S. Federal Census as well as probate records:

Rebecca Bivens, b. ca 1858 in Mississippi; possible owner was Andrew Jackson Bivens in 1860; She lived with Thomas Bivens, his son in 1870, listed as adopted.

The following slaves were sold as part of the estate of Joseph German, who died in 1858, in Monroe County, Mississippi:

• Henry, b. ca 1847, sold to William T. Gordon

• Orange (unknown what gender or age) sold to J. M. Nolan

• Lucinda sold to Nancy J. Stafford

• Children Carter (boy) and Martha as well as adult Nancy sold to James Alexander

• Nelson (b. ca 1820), Orrah (female), and child Hardy sold to William M. Osburn.

• Hartwell (male) sold to Samuel Golson/Folson

• Sandy (man), Aggie (female) and children Jackson and Catherine sold to Susannah Morris, daughter of Joseph German

• Matilda and child (no name) and Frances (female) sold to Jean/Jane German (wife of Joseph)