In earliest record found thus far, she was an enslaved girl in the household of Don Tomas Commyns, Sr.
Born about 1813. Race is recorded as negra.
Bill of Sale: 8 January 1824 – Sold by Tomas Commyns, Jr. (as Executor of the estate of his father, Tomas Commyns, Sr.) to Francisco Commyns, also a son of Tomas, Sr. (Don Tomas died in 1819). Juana was sold with another enslaved woman; Francisco paid $610 for both of them. Juana was described as being about 11 years old. (Escambia Co. [FL] Deeds A/518)
Deed: 25 August 1853 – Inherited by Angeline Commyns, widow of Francisco Commyns, as part of her share of his estate. (Escambia Co. [FL] Deeds B/344)
Bill of Sale: 9 November 1853 – Angeline sold Juana to William B. Davis (her son-in-law) “for the sole use and benefit” of his son, Francis Commyns Davis. The deed described Juana as 47 years old – she would have been about 40 – and of light complexion. The deed stipulated that if William or Francis were to ever put her up for sale, that heirs of Francisco Commyns would have first preference to purchase her for the asking price. (Escambia Co. [FL] Deeds L/215)
Bill of Sale: 18 August 1854 – William B. Davis sold Juana (spelled “Wanna”) to Willis Sturdivant, as part of a large lot of property and slaves. (Escambia Co. [FL] Deeds L/336)