Ned, an African American man residing in Bute County, North Carolina, was enslaved by John Thornton. In May 1768 Ned and another enslaved man named Daniel came before the local freeholders court, where they were accused of poisoning Daniel's enslaver William Williamson. The motive and means of poison was not recorded. The court found Ned guilty and sentenced him to execution by hanging. Thornton later received compensation for Ned's death. Any further records regarding this individual have not been located.