Wolfert Katz

Wolfert Katz, the largest slave-owner in the colonies of Berbice, Essequebo and Demerara with 2,000 slaves in 1826 according to John Innes.

Married Susan Barclay, the daughter of Simon Fraser and Maria Barclay and granddaughter of Hugh Fraser of Craigscorrie.  The marriage broke down in acrimony, Wolfert Katz placing an advertisement in the Times to deny responsibility for her debts in 1829.

Susan Barclay Katz identifed Maria Barclay Katz as her only lawful daughter born in wedlock.  However, there were at least four other children of Wolfert Katz identified in the compensation records: William, Ellen, Susanna and George.

T71/885 British Guiana claim no. 21 (Belair).

http://www.spanglefish.com/slavesandhighlanders/index.asp?pageid=179634 [accessed 10/08/2012].

Report from the Select Committee on the commercial state of the West India colonies PP 1831-2 Vol. 20 (381) Evidence of John Innes, p. 68. And for a statement by the ‘Planters and Managers in the employ of W. Katz’ of the ‘treatment of Negroes, and system of Management adopted and acted upon by order of…W. Katz’ see pp. 68-70.