New Kent Charles City Chronicle

News for New Kent County and Charles City County, Virginia | November 13, 2024

Honoring first Black sheriff in the North

By Community Member | October 24, 2024 9:08 pm

A historical marker was placed in honor of Stephen Bates at Shirley Plantation on Oct. 12 in Charles City County. The marker honors Bates, who began his life on the property as an enslaved domestic worker, was able to escape north to Vermont and become the first Black sheriff in the North. Descendants from across the country attended the ceremony, including Larry Schuyler, who is the great-grandson of Bates.