New Jersey Slavery Records · Search · Rutgers Scarlet and Black

1717, Phebe, Sale

On June 3, 1717, Shoball Smith sold an enslaved Black woman named Phebe to Samuel Smith for the sum of 50 pounds. A partial transcript of the sale record appears in the 1873 book Woodbridge and Vicinity by Joseph W. Dally on page 185: "Records of the sale of Africans are frequently found in MSS. relating to the town. The following, bearing date June 3d, 1717, is written in Liber B, folio 100: 'Know all men by these presents yt I, Shoball Smith, of Woodbridge, In ye County of Midd[lese]x In ye provence New East Jersey, for and In Consideration of ye sum of fifty pound Currant Silver money, of ye sd provence, to me In hand paid by Samuel Smith of ye Same place, yeoman of ye town and provence aforesd—do bargain, sell, allineat and Deliver one Negro woman Named Phebe to sd Samll Smith, for him, his heirs and assigns,' etc."

1730, Ukawsaw Gronniosaw, Sale

According to Ukawsaw Gronniosaw's autobiography, the Rev. Theodorus Jacobus Frelinghuysen purchased Gronniosaw from his former enslaver named Vanhorn for 50 pounds. As the result of this sale, Gronniosaw moved from Vanhorn's household in New York City to Frelinghuysen's home in Raritan, New Jersey. See p. 12 in Gronniosaw's book: "Mr. Freelandhouse, a very gracious, good Minister, heard it, and he took a great deal of notice of me, and desired my master to part with me to him. He would not hear of it at first, but, being greatly persuaded, he let me go, and Mr. Freelandhouse gave £50. for me."

1747, Ukawsaw Gronniosaw, Manumission

According to Ukawsaw Gronniosaw's autobiography, the Rev. Theodorus Jacobus Frelinghuysen manumitted Gronniosaw in his will and also left him 10 pounds. At the time of Frelinghuysen's death around 1747, Gronniosaw had been enslaved in the Frelinghuysen household for nearly two decades. After his manumission, Gronniosaw continued working for the Frelinghuysen family as a servant for several years. See p. 18-19 in Gronniosaw's book: "my temporal comforts were all blasted by the death of my dear and worthy Master Mr. Freelandhouse, who was taken from this world rather suddenly: he had but a short illness, and died of a fever. I held his hand in mine, when he departed; he told me he had given me my freedom. I was at liberty to go where I would.--He added that he had always pray'd for me and hop'd I should be kept unto the end. My master left me by his will ten pounds, and my freedom."

1752, Nell, Transfer

According to an April 1753 runaway ad, Nell was previously enslaved by "Robert J. Livingston, Merchant in New York," and by 1753 was enslaved by "ISAAC KINGSLAND of Saddle River, in Bergen County, East New Jersey." From this source, we can infer that Nell was transferred from one enslaver to the other at some point before April 1753, likely sold from one man to the other. The date and details of the sale or transfer are not known.

1752, Unnamed African man [Livingston], Freedom seeking (Resistance)

In November 1752, slave trader Philip Livingston offered a reward of 3 pounds for the capture of an African man who escaped from Livingston in New York City. The man did not speak any English or Dutch (the primary European languages in eighteen-century New York) because he was only recently brought to New York City from Africa. This incident took place 14 years before Philip Livingston would became a charter trustee of Queen's College. The advertisement offered a description of the man's African hairstyle: "his hair or wool is curled in locks, in a very remarkable manner." Livingston also referred to the man as a "a very likely lusty fellow." In eighteenth-century America, the term "likely" meant good looking, while the term "lusty" meant healthy and vigorous. Thus the words "a very likely lusty fellow" suggest that the freedom seeker was a strong and healthy man in the prime of his life. Livingston supposed that the freedom seeker made his way toward the woods near Harlem, which was at that time a small village north of New York City on the Island of Manhattan (the Harlem area has since then been incorporated into New York City as a neighborhood north of Central Park). The following is a transcript of the advertisement from the New-York Gazette issue of November 6, 1752: "Run away from Philip Livingson [sic], of New York, on the 28th of October last; a Negro Man, lately imported from Africa, his Hair or wool is curled in locks, in a very remarkable manner; he is a very likely lusty fellow, and cannot speak a word of English, or Dutch, or any other language but that of his own country. He was seen last Monday on New York Island, and is supposed now to be in the Woods near Harlem. whoever takes up said Fellow, and delivers him to his said master shall receive THREE POUNDS as a reward, from PHILIP LIVINGSTON."

1753, Nell, Freedom seeking (Resistance)

On April 12, 1753, a Black woman named Nell ran away from enslaver Isaac Kingsland of Saddle River, in Bergen County, New Jersey. She took with her many articles of clothing when she left. Kingsland published a runaway ad offering a reward of forty shillings for Nell's capture and return. The ad mentioned that Nell was previously enslaved by Robert Livingston, a merchant in New York. It also noted that Nell had "three Diamonds in her face, one on each side and the other on her Forehead," likely referring to facial markings representing Nell's cultural heritage. Below is the full text of the ad as it appeared in the April 23, 1753, issue of the newspaper New-York Gazette, or, the Weekly Post-Boy: "Run away the 12th Instant April, from ISAAC KINGSLAND of Saddle River, in Bergen County, East New Jersey, a Negro Wench named Nell, who formerly belonged to Robert J. Livingston, Merchant in New York: she is a tall slim Wench, has three Diamonds in her face, one on each side and the other on her Forehead: had on and taken with her when she went away, three Petticoats, one is an old quilted one, and the other two homespun, one striped and the other mixed a blue and white striped short gown, a bluish homespun Waistcoat, and an Ozenbrigs shirt, with Homespun sleeves, a short blue cloke, a new pair of Blue Stockings, a pair of old crooked shoes, and several other Things too tedious to mention. These are therefore to Forewarn all Masters of Vessels and others, of carrying off, concealing or harbouring said Wench, as they will answer it at their peril with the utmost Rigour of the Law· Whoever takes up the foremention'd Negroe, and secures her in any Goal, so that her master can have her again, shall have Forty Shillings reward, and all reasonable charges paid by ISAAC KINGSLAND."

1763, Phill, Freedom seeking (Resistance)

Phill, a Black woman or girl, ran away from Samuel Hallett of Hallett's Cove (present-day Astoria, Queens, New York) around June 1763. Her age at the time of this event is unknown. Phill's primary enslaver was James Neilson of New Brunswick, New Jersey, and it is unclear how long Phill was living with or working for Samuel Hallett in New York prior to her escape. A runaway advertisement offering a reward of twenty shillings for Phill's capture and return was published in the newspaper called The New-York Gazette, or, the Weekly Post-Boy on June 16, 1763. In addition to Samuel Hallett and James Neilson, the ad mentioned that Phill could be brought to James Abeel in New York if she was captured. James Abeel was the husband of James Neilson's niece Gertrude Neilson Abeel, and evidently he was ready to assist James Neilson in capturing Phill. The full text of the runaway ad follows below: "RUN away, last Night, from Samuel Hallett, of Hallett's Cove, a Negro Girl, named Phill, belonging to James Neilson, Esq; of New-Brunswick, about five Feet high, well made, and pretty Black. Whoever will take up and secure the said Wench, or bring her to said Hallett, or James Abeel, in New-York, or to her said Master, at New-Brunswick, shall receive TWENTY SHILLINGS Reward, and all reasonable Charges, by either of the above mentioned Persons."

1772, Ukawsaw Gronniosaw, Autobiography

Ukawsaw Gronniosaw published his autobiography in approximately 1772 in England where he lived by this time as a free man. In his book, he recounted the details of his life, including his years in slavery in the Raritan River Valley in New Jersey. The title of the book is: A Narrative of the Most Remarkable Particulars in the Life of James Albert Ukawsaw Gronniosaw, an African Prince, As related by Himself. This is one of the earliest autobiographies published by a formerly enslaved person.

1775, Ukawsaw Gronniosaw, Death

Ukawsaw Gronniosaw died on September 28, 1775, several years after publishing his autobiography where he recounted his life in slavery in the home of the Rev. Theodorus Jacobs Frelinghuysen in the Raritan River Valley in New Jersey. Gronniosaw was approximately 65 to 70 years old when he died. The following is the complete text of Gronniosaw's obituary published on October 2, 1775, in the newspaper called Chester Chronicle, or, Commercial Intelligencer: "On Thursday died, in this city, aged 70, James Albert Ukawsaw Gronniosaw, an African prince, of Zoara. He left the country in the early part of his life, with a view to acquire proper notions of the Divine Being, and the worship due to Him. He met with many trials and embarrassments, was much afflicted and persecuted. His last moments exhibited that cheerful serenity which, at such a time, is the certain effect of a thorough conviction of the great truths of Christianity. He published a narrative of his life."

1776, Harry, Capture

An archival document from 1782 notes that a Black man named Harry, who was enslaved by Jacob Van Dike, had been "carried off by the followers of the British army" in 1776. The circumstances of this event are uncertain, and it is unclear whether Harry was taken by the Loyalists against his will or left with them willingly to escape from his enslaver. It appears that Harry was then with the British troops for several years before he was captured and returned to his enslaver. The exact location of this event is uncertain, but it was likely in the area of Middlesex County or Somerset County as this is the area associated with Jacob Van Dike's family in the Revolutionary Era. This information comes from a receipt issued in 1782 when Harry was returned to his enslaver Jacob Van Dike. Harry was an adult, but his exact age was not mentioned in the document.

1777, Unnamed Black man [Hardenbergh], Mention

Rev. Jacob Rutsen Hardenbergh (1736-1790), first president of Queen's College (later Rutgers), mentioned a Black man in a letter to his father Col. Johannes Hardenbergh (1706-1786) written on December 6, 1777. The letter was sent from Hardenbergh's parsonage in Raritan (present-day Somerville), and was likely sent to Rosendale, NY, where his father lived. Written in Dutch, the letter states "Schrijve dese wynige in haast, wijl de neger gereet maakt om af te gaan." The English translation is: "Writing these words in a hurry while the negro is getting ready to leave." These words most likely refer to an enslaved Black man who was working at Hardenbergh's parsonage at this time; the man's name is not recorded.

1777, Unnamed Black man captured from the enemy [Neilson], Sale

On November 30, 1777, Thomas Bullman issued a receipt to Colonel John Neilson (1745-1833) for 55 pounds for the sale of an enslaved Black man at public auction. The name of this Black man was not recorded on the receipt, but the document mentioned that the man was "taken from the enemy" and then sold at public vendue (i.e. auction). The receipt was issued in Elizabethtown. Neilson probably became the man's new legal owner; however, the receipt does not clarify whether Neilson purchased the man for himself or for someone else. Other archival documents from the Revolutionary War era in the Neilson Family Papers indicate that John Neilson bought and sold enslaved people during the war for himself and for others. This document was issued during the Revolutionary War, and the Black man mentioned had been captured by the New Jersey militia from the enemy, i.e. from a Loyalist enslaver. During the war, the New Jersey militia routinely captured enslaved men and women who belonged to Loyalist enslavers in New York and New Jersey. The Patriots typically sold these enslaved persons to the highest bidder at a public auction to raise money for the war effort. --- The following is a full transcript of the receipt: [FRONT] Elizh Town }  Novr 30th 1777 } Receiv’d of Col John Neilson Fifty-five Pounds for a negro Man taken from the the Enemy & Sold Of Publick Vendue this Day —  Thos. Bullman   Rec-d 30th Novr. 1777 of Col Neilson Four pounds four Shillings for 2 Handkerchiefs. bougt. at Vendue by Col Runyon  Thos. Bullman  [BACK]  Bullman paid  For Negro & handfs  30 Nov 1777

1780, Unnamed Black child [Bray], Sale

In December 1780, John Bray of Raritan Landing, NJ, placed an advertisement in the Trenton newspaper New Jersey Gazette seeking to sell a 32-year-old Black man, his 24-year-old wife, and their 15-month old child. Bray stated that he would prefer "to sell them together" but that "a few miles separation will not prevent the sale." Thus the family may have been separated as a result of this proposed sale. A complete transcript of the advertisement from the December 20, 1780, issue of the New Jersey Gazette follows: "To be SOLD cheap, By the Subscriber, A NEGRO MAN about thirty-two-years of age, a negro woman about twenty-four, with a child of fifteen months, not for any fault, but want of employ. They being man and wife would make it most agreeable to sell them together; however a few miles separation will not prevent the sale. Any person inclining to purchase will receive satisfactory accounts of their characters by applying to JOHN BRAY. Raritan Landing, Dec. 11, 1780."

1780, Unnamed Black man [Bray], Sale

In December 1780, John Bray of Raritan Landing, NJ, placed an advertisement in the Trenton newspaper New Jersey Gazette seeking to sell a 32-year-old Black man, his 24-year-old wife, and their 15-month old child. Bray stated that he would prefer "to sell them together" but that "a few miles separation will not prevent the sale." Thus the family may have been separated as a result of this proposed sale. A complete transcript of the advertisement from the December 20, 1780, issue of the New Jersey Gazette follows: "To be SOLD cheap, By the Subscriber, A NEGRO MAN about thirty-two-years of age, a negro woman about twenty-four, with a child of fifteen months, not for any fault, but want of employ. They being man and wife would make it most agreeable to sell them together; however a few miles separation will not prevent the sale. Any person inclining to purchase will receive satisfactory accounts of their characters by applying to JOHN BRAY. Raritan Landing, Dec. 11, 1780."

1780, Unnamed Black woman [Bray], Sale

In December 1780, John Bray of Raritan Landing, NJ, placed an advertisement in the Trenton newspaper New Jersey Gazette seeking to sell a 32-year-old Black man, his 24-year-old wife, and their 15-month old child. Bray stated that he would prefer "to sell them together" but that "a few miles separation will not prevent the sale." Thus the family may have been separated as a result of this proposed sale. A complete transcript of the advertisement from the December 20, 1780, issue of the New Jersey Gazette follows: "To be SOLD cheap, By the Subscriber, A NEGRO MAN about thirty-two-years of age, a negro woman about twenty-four, with a child of fifteen months, not for any fault, but want of employ. They being man and wife would make it most agreeable to sell them together; however a few miles separation will not prevent the sale. Any person inclining to purchase will receive satisfactory accounts of their characters by applying to JOHN BRAY. Raritan Landing, Dec. 11, 1780."

1782, Harry, Capture

On June 17, 1782, enslaver Jacob Van Dike paid 8 pounds and 9 shillings proclamation money of New Jersey for the capture and return of a Black man named Harry. The men who captured and returned Harry were James Dunn, Joseph Thickstun, and David Dunham. The three of them issued a receipt to Jacob Van Dike for the money they received. The receipt mentioned that Harry had been "carried off by the followers of the British army" in 1776 and that he was lately "apprehended with a detachment of the British army." Evidently, Harry was with the British troops for several years from 1776 to 1782. It is unclear whether Harry was taken by the Loyalists against his will or left with them willingly to escape from his enslaver. The exact location of this event is uncertain, but it was likely in the area of Middlesex County or Somerset County as this is the area associated with Jacob Van Dike's family in the Revolutionary Era. The men who apprehended Harry also hailed from Middlesex County. Harry's exact age was not mentioned in the document.

1785, Isabel, Will

The will of the Rev. Israel Read (pastor of the Bound Brook Presbyterian Church) was written on December 1, 1785, in Piscataway, NJ. The will abstract mentions several enslaved persons, including "negro girl named Isabel" who would be bequeathed to Israel Read's daughter Mary. Isabel's age at the time of this event is not known.

1785, Jean, Will

The will of the Rev. Israel Read (pastor of the Bound Brook Presbyterian Church) was written on December 1, 1785, in Piscataway, NJ. The will abstract mentions several enslaved persons, including Jean, who was described by Read as an "Old negro wench." This suggests that she was in her 40s or possibly older at the time the will was written. The will promised Jean "her freedom" upon the death of the pastor. Israel Read died in 1793, 8 years after writing his will, and the will was proved on February 8, 1794, in Somerset County. Whether Jean was still alive in 1794 and whether she attained freedom is uncertain. New Jersey law prohibited enslavers from officially manumitting elderly Black persons lest they become a public charge. It seems the executors of Read's estate could not have legally manumitted Jean after the pastor's death, although unofficial arrangements for her senior years could have been made in accordance with Read's wishes.

1785, Tony, Will

The will of the Rev. Israel Read (pastor of the Bound Brook Presbyterian Church) was written on December 1, 1785, in Piscataway, NJ. The will abstract mentions several enslaved persons, including a man named Toone (referred to as Tony in other archival documents): "Negro man, Toone, to be kept by sons." The sons of Israel Read were named Thomas and Archibald.

1786, Cato, Transfer

A runaway ad for Cato, published in 1794 by enslaver William M'Kissick of Pluckemin, Somerset County, noted that Cato "formerly belonged to the late Col. Philip Van-Horne, near Middle-Brook." Thus we can infer that Cato was sold or otherwise transferred from Philip Van Horne (or from Van Horne's estate after his death in 1786) to William M'Kissick. The date of this event is approximate, and the sale or transfer may have occurred sometime before or after 1786.

1787, Ann, Sale

Anthony L. Bleecker, a merchant in New York City, sells to John Neilson an enslaved woman named Flora and her two female children Phillis and Ann for 120 New York pounds. The Bill of Sale was signed by Anthony L. Bleecker on January 31, 1787 and was witnessed by Leon Bleecker and Jas. Bleecker.

1787, Bell, Manumission

William Livingston manumitted Bell and her son Lambert in October 1787. The manumission took place in Elizabeth, NJ. Livingston, who increasingly embraced abolitionist ideas after the Revolution, noted that he made the decision to manumit Bell and Lambert due to his "regard for the natural liberties of mankind" and that he aimed to "set the example" for other enslavers in the hopes that his "voluntary manumission of Slaves, may have any influence on others." The following is a transcript of the Bill of Manumission signed by William Livingston in October 1787: "October [1 – 31] 1787 Know all Men by these presents that I William Livingston of the Borough of Elizabeth in the County of Essex & State of New Jersey, in consideration of my regard for the natural liberties of mankind, & in order to set the example as far as my voluntary manumission of Slaves, may have any influence on others have manumitted emancipated and set at Liberty & Do by these presents manumit emancipate & set at Liberty a certain Negro woman slave called Bell and also her male child called Lambert both born in my family in a state of slavery & do hereby release acquit & discharge the said Bell and her child from any services to me or my representatives as fully & effectually to the extent & purposes whatsoever as if they had been born first free. It witness thereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this [ ] day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred & eighty seven."

1787, Flora, Sale

Anthony L. Bleecker, a merchant in New York City, sells to John Neilson an enslaved woman named Flora and her two female children Phillis and Ann for 120 New York pounds. The Bill of Sale was signed by Anthony L. Bleecker on January 31, 1787 and was witnessed by Leon Bleecker and Jas. Bleecker.

1787, Lambert, Manumission

William Livingston manumitted Bell and her son Lambert in October 1787. The manumission took place in Elizabeth, NJ. Livingston, who increasingly embraced abolitionist ideas after the Revolution, noted that he made the decision to manumit Bell and Lambert due to his "regard for the natural liberties of mankind" and that he aimed to "set the example" for other enslavers in the hopes that his "voluntary manumission of Slaves, may have any influence on others." The following is a transcript of the Bill of Manumission signed by William Livingston in October 1787: "October [1 – 31] 1787 Know all Men by these presents that I William Livingston of the Borough of Elizabeth in the County of Essex & State of New Jersey, in consideration of my regard for the natural liberties of mankind, & in order to set the example as far as my voluntary manumission of Slaves, may have any influence on others have manumitted emancipated and set at Liberty & Do by these presents manumit emancipate & set at Liberty a certain Negro woman slave called Bell and also her male child called Lambert both born in my family in a state of slavery & do hereby release acquit & discharge the said Bell and her child from any services to me or my representatives as fully & effectually to the extent & purposes whatsoever as if they had been born first free. It witness thereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this [ ] day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred & eighty seven."

1787, Phillis Neilson, Sale

Anthony L. Bleecker, a merchant in New York City, sells to John Neilson an enslaved woman named Flora and her two female children Phillis and Ann for 120 New York pounds. The Bill of Sale was signed by Anthony L. Bleecker on January 31, 1787 and was witnessed by Leon Bleecker and Jas. Bleecker.

1790, Robert, Birth

Robert was born on June 9, 1790. His enslaver at the time of his birth was Elijah Pound, who was associated with Piscataway, NJ.

1791, Robert, Agreement (Legal)

On May 20, 1791, when Robert was near 1 years old, Elijah Pound of Middlesex County made a promise to manumit Robert upon the boy attaining age 21 (which was the legal minimum age to be eligible for manumission). Elijah Pound recorded this promise in the form of a deed of manumission, a copy of which appears in the Middlesex County Clerk's Book of Manumissions. According to the deed, Robert would attain age 21 on June 9, 1811. The document was witnessed by Esther Pound and Jean Runyon. This document was recorded by the County Clerk decades later when Robert was an adult. On November 3, 1812, Jean Fitz Randolph (late Jean Runyon), acknowledged the authenticity of the document before judge John Fitz Randolph, who notarized a copy of the document. Then, two years later, a copy of the deed was entered into the Book of Manumissions by Clerk William P. Deare on December 13, 1814, on page 161. The locality is not listed in the document related to Robert, but local history records show that the Pound family as well as the parties who witnessed and acknowledged the document are associated with Piscataway. The following is a transcript of the document as recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk: "I Elijah Pound of the County of Middlesex and State of New Jersey do hereby set free from Bondage my black boy named Robert when he shall arrive at twenty one years which will be on the ninth day of the sixth month Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and eleven and do for my self my executors and administrators release unto the said black boy Robert all my right and all claim whatsoever as to his person or to any estate he may acquire hereby declaring the said black boy Robert absolutely free without any interruption from me or any person claiming under me. - In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this twentieth day of the fifth month in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety one.- Sealed and delivered in the presence } of Esther Pound - Jean Runyon } Elijah Pound I Jane Randolph late Jane Runyon do solemnly declare and affirm that I saw Elijah Pound the grantor of this writing sine and seal this instrument and seal it for the yous and purpos therein contained. Done before me this third day of November 1812 John F. Randolph Justice } Jean Fitz Randolph"

1792, Minn, Freedom seeking (Resistance)

Minn, a 30-year-old black man, ran away from his enslaver Jacob Abel of Easton (Northampton County, Pennsylvania) on October 15, 1792. Minn may have gone to his father's home in Trenton. Jacob Abel posted a reward of $16 for Minn's capture in the Trenton newspaper New-Jersey State Gazette. The following is a complete transcript of the runaway ad as published in the November 7, 1792, issue of the New-Jersey State Gazette: "SIXTEEN DOLLARS REWARD. RANAWAY from his master at Easton, on Monday the 15th inst. a negro man named MINN, about 30 years of age, five feet ten inches high; had on when he went away, a long bottle green coat, spotted velvet vest, and striped nankeen trowsers, much given to spirituous liquors : said negro's father lives in Trenton, and it is supposed he has directed his course that way.—Whoever takes up above described runaway and will secure him in any gaol, so that the subscriber may get him again, shall be entitled to the above reward with the addition of reasonable charges. JACOB ABEL. Easton, Northampton, Oct. 24, 1792. ¶ 7 3w"

1792, Robin, Freedom seeking (Resistance)

Two Black men, Robin and Sam, ran away from enslaver Alexander Robinson at Belment Farm, near Morristown, on Monday, April 9, 1792. Robin was 50 years old and Sam was younger, but Sam's precise age was not mentioned in the newspaper notice. On April 14, 1792, Alexander Robinson issued a runaway notice offering a reward of $10 for their capture. The following is a complete transcript of the runaway ad as published in the May 1, 1792, issue of the Brunswick Gazette: "Ten Dollars Reward. RUN away from the subscriber on Monday the 9th current, two negro men, the one called Robin and the other called Sam. Robin is an old man of 50 years and upwards, 5 feet 6 inches high, had on when he went away, a great coat of purple colour, and an old beaver hat, one of his thumbs quite sore.—The other called Sam, had on when he went away, a large blue coat, and a brown short coat with overalls of the same, much marked with small pox, his height is about 5 feet 9 inches. Whoever will bring them to the subscriber, living in Morris-Town, or secure them in any gaol shall have the above reward and all reasonable expenses. ALEXANDER ROBINSON Belment Farm April 14, 1792. 90"

1792, Sam, Freedom seeking (Resistance)

Sam, an 18-year-old Black man, ran away from enslaver James Stevenson of Amwell, Hunterdon County, on April 24, 1792. James Stevenson published a runaway ad offering a reward of $8 for Sam's capture. The ad provided a description of Sam's appearance, scars, and clothing. The following is a transcript of the ad: "Eight Dollars Reward. RAN away from the subscriber the 24th inst. a Negro Boy named Sam, eighteen years of age, five feet six or seven inches high, had on when he went away, a wool hat, sailor coat, waistcoat, and trowsers, all grey linsey, stript linsey shirt, grey stockings, old shoes, a remarkable scar on one of his legs; any person apprehending said negro and securing him so that his master may get him again, shall receive the above reward and all reasonable charges paid by me, JAMES STEVENSON. Amwell, Hunterdon County, April 27, 1792."

1792, Sam, Freedom seeking (Resistance)

Two Black men, Robin and Sam, ran away from enslaver Alexander Robinson at Belment Farm, near Morristown, on Monday, April 9, 1792. Robin was 50 years old and Sam was younger, but Sam's precise age was not mentioned in the newspaper notice. On April 14, 1792, Alexander Robinson issued a runaway notice offering a reward of $10 for their capture. The following is a complete transcript of the runaway ad as published in the May 1, 1792, issue of the Brunswick Gazette: "Ten Dollars Reward. RUN away from the subscriber on Monday the 9th current, two negro men, the one called Robin and the other called Sam. Robin is an old man of 50 years and upwards, 5 feet 6 inches high, had on when he went away, a great coat of purple colour, and an old beaver hat, one of his thumbs quite sore.—The other called Sam, had on when he went away, a large blue coat, and a brown short coat with overalls of the same, much marked with small pox, his height is about 5 feet 9 inches. Whoever will bring them to the subscriber, living in Morris-Town, or secure them in any gaol shall have the above reward and all reasonable expenses. ALEXANDER ROBINSON Belment Farm April 14, 1792. 90"

1792, Will, Freedom seeking (Resistance)

Will ran away from his enslaver James Fleming of Shrewsbury, NJ, on Tuesday, September 25, 1792. The following is a complete transcript of the runaway ad that James Fleming published on October 17, 1792, in the New Jersey Gazette: "TEN DOLLARS REWARD. Runaway from the subscriber, living in Monmouth county, township of Shrewsbury, on Tuesday the 25th ult. a negro man named WILL : Had on when he went away, a homespun gray coat and light blue vest, an old felt hat, and [undecipherable] trousers—he is about 28 years of age, and about five feet four inches high, and has a scar on his chin.—The above reward will be paid to any person who will apprehend said runaway, and secure him in any gaol, whereby his master may get him again. JAMES FLEMING. Shrewsbury township, Oct. 17, 1792 ¶ 6 3w"

1793, Jef, Sale

Mr. Mattison of Princeton sold Jef to one Mr. Kelsey for the sum of 90 pounds when Jef was aged approximately 21 or younger. Subsequently, the sale was reversed and Jef was returned to Mattison's household at the request of Mr. Mattison's wife. The date of this sale event is unknown, but it occurred sometime before February 24, 1794, when Robert Finley of Princeton mentioned this situation in a letter to his friend Col. John Neilson of New Brunswick. Neilson had asked Finley about the possibility of purchasing Jef for 90 pounds. Finley wrote to Neilson about Jef: "He was once sold to Mr. Kelsey for the sum mentioned in your letter but taken back at the request of his present Mistress."

1793, Stephen, Freedom seeking (Resistance)

Stephen, aged 20, ran away from his enslaver Richard Wescoat at Great Egg-Harbour on or about Sunday, May 19, 1793. The enslaver published a runaway notice for Stephen offering a reward of 16 dollars for his capture, describing him as a "Mulatto Slave," and noting that Stephen broke into a trunk and took some bank notes and coins before he left. The following is the complete transcript of the runaway advertisement published by Richard Wescoat in the newspaper New-Jersey State Gazette on May 22, 1793: "SIXTEEN DOLLARS REWARD. RAN away from the subscriber, living at Great Egg-Harbour, Gloucester county on Sunday night last, a Mulatto Slave, about twenty years of age; had on when he went away a white shirt, new ticklenburgh trousers, blue sailor۪s jacket, wool hat, shoes with plated buckles; he is very much pitted with small-pox, a short chunky fellow, of a sour countenance, and goes by the name of Stephen. He broke open a trunk and stole two ten dollar Bank Notes, five Spanish milled dollars, and some small pieces of silver. Whoever takes up the said slave, and brings him back to his master, or secures him in any gaol so that he may be got again, shall leave the above reward and all resonable charges. RICHARD WESCOAT May 20, 1793. 37 3w"

1793, Will Rigg, Freedom seeking (Resistance)

Will Rigg, an indented Black man, ran away from Edward Dunant of Philadelphia on January 12, 1793. He was subsequently seen in Princeton, Trenton, and Flemington, where he was well known to the local residents. The following is a complete transcript of the runaway ad published by Edward Dunant in the January 23, 1793, issue of the New-Jersey State Gazette: "STOP THE RUNAWAY! ABSCONDED on the 12th instant, an indented black man named WILL, but calls himself WILL RIGG, after a former master. He lately belonged to Caesar Trent, a negro in Princeton—is a likely active fellow, pleasant countenance, about five feet five inches high, has a defect in one of his legs, wears a false queu and his hair frized at the temples—speaks good English—had on a round hat, blue surtout with white metal buttons, a light drab cloth coat with covered buttons, a corduroy waistcoat, fustian breeches, rib'd worsted stockings much darn'd, and large white metal buckles in his shoes—he is well known at Trenton, Princeton and Flemington, and has been seen at these places with a bundle, the contents unknown.—Any person apprehending the said fellow and bundle, and conveying them to the subscriber at Philadelphia, shall receive a reward of EIGHT DOLLARS, and all reasonable charges—and those who harbour or conceal him, may rely on being prosecuted. EDWARD DUNANT Philadelphia, January 19, 1793 20 5w"

1794, Cato, Freedom seeking (Resistance)

Cato, aged 33, ran away from enslaver William M'Kissick of Pluckemin, Somerset County, NJ, in 1794. William M'Kissick published a notice offering a reward of 3 pounds for Cato's capture and mentioning that Cato formerly belonged to Col. Philip Van Horne of Middle-Brook. The runaway ad is found in the July 3, 1794, issue of the Arnett's New-Jersey Federalist, a newspaper published in New Brunswick. However, the ad probably ran in the paper for several months prior to this issue. Unlike other runaway ads published in this time period, the ad did not list the date when William M'Kissick first issued his notice. The ad mentioned that Cato ran away on "Friday the 18th ult." meaning the 18th of the previous month. The most recent "Friday the 18th" before this newspaper issue occurred in April of 1794. Thus, it is reasonable to infer that Cato ran away on April 18, 1794, and that M'Kissick first published his ad in May, then continued to pay for the ad for months while he searched for Cato. The following is the complete transcript of the runaway ad published on June 3, 1794, in Arnett's New-Jersey Federalist: "THREE POUNDS REWARD. RAN-AWAY, on Friday the 18th ult. from the subscriber living near Pluckemin, Somerset county, New-Jersey, a NEGRO MAN named CATO, 33 years of age, about 5 feet 10 or 11 inches high, squints much and is very near sighted; had on a light coloured coatee, waistcoat and overalls of the same, but he may change his dress, having taken with him a variety of cloathing. He formerly belonged to the late Col. Philip Van-Horne, near Middle-Brook. Whoever secures said Negro, that his master may have him again, shall receive the above reward and all reasonable charges paid, by WILLIAM M'KISSICK. 28tf"

1794, David, Sale

On December 15, 1794, Gilbert T. Snowden purchased an enslaved man named David from one Abraham Dean of Middlesex County, NJ. It appears that Snowden purchased David with the intention of liberating him. Four months after the sale, Snowden manumitted David, signing a deed of manumission on April 20, 1795. The information about David's sale comes from this deed of manumission, which was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk in the Book of Manumissions and Removals on May 27, 1808 (p. 75).

1794, Hannah, Freedom seeking (Resistance)

Hannah ran away from her enslaver James Law of Morrisville, Pennsylvania, around June 1, 1794. She took her 2-year-old daughter Peggy with her. After her escape, Hannah was seen in Trenton, New Jersey. James Law, who was associated with the Delaware Works mill property in Morrisville, published a runaway notice offering a reward for Hannah's capture. The following is the complete transcript of the runaway ad published by James Law in the June 18, 1794, issue of the Trenton newspaper New-Jersey State Gazette: "Three Dollars Reward. ABSCONDED from the service of the subscriber last Sunday morning, a Negro Wench, near 22 years of age, named Hannah, five feet high or thereabouts, has a scar under one of her jaws : She took with her her child about two years old, named Peggy, and a large bundle of wearing apparel. She has been seen lurking about Trenton. The above reward shall be paid to any person who will apprehend and bring them to JAMES LAW, at the Delaware Works. June 2, 1794 (91 3w.)"

1794, Jef, Sale

Correspondence between Col. John Neilson of New Brunswick and the Rev. Robert Finley of Princeton in February 1794 discussed Neilson's plans to purchase Jef from Mr. Mattison of Princeton for the sum of 90 pounds. It is unclear whether this sale was ever finalized. In a letter sent on February 25, 1794, Neilson asked his friend Finley to discreetly find out information about Jef's skills and character. Neilson sought information from someone other than Mr. Mattison and hoped to get an honest assessment of Jef's personality and habits. On February 27, 1794, Finley sent a reply saying that he had asked around and obtained information from Samuel Snowden, who had lived with Mattison and was well acquainted with Jef. The name Samuel Snowden mentioned by Finley in the letter likely refers to the Rev. Samuel Finley Snowden (1767-1845), a Presbyterian minister who was studying theology in Princeton at the time and would become the pastor of the Princeton church in 1795. Finley's letter described Jef as a healthy and sober young man 21 years of age. Jef was skilled at tending a kitchen garden and had limited experience managing horses—an activity that he seemed to like. Finley also noted that Jef routinely left the household at night because he was lonely at Mattison's home. Most likely, this means that Jef was separated from his family at Mattison's and had to go outside of the household in order to see his loved ones. This was a common situation for enslaved young adults in New Jersey who often experienced isolation in white households and were at a considerable distance from their own family members. For the full transcript of the two letters, see the linked source documents.

1794, Peggy, Freedom seeking (Resistance)

Hannah ran away from her enslaver James Law of Morrisville, Pennsylvania, around June 1, 1794. She took her 2-year-old daughter Peggy with her. After her escape, Hannah was seen in Trenton, New Jersey. James Law, who was associated with the Delaware Works mill property in Morrisville, published a runaway notice for Hannah and Peggy. The following is the complete transcript of the runaway ad published by James Law in the June 18, 1794, issue of the Trenton newspaper New-Jersey State Gazette: "Three Dollars Reward. ABSCONDED from the service of the subscriber last Sunday morning, a Negro Wench, near 22 years of age, named Hannah, five feet high or thereabouts, has a scar under one of her jaws : She took with her her child about two years old, named Peggy, and a large bundle of wearing apparel. She has been seen lurking about Trenton. The above reward shall be paid to any person who will apprehend and bring them to JAMES LAW, at the Delaware Works. June 2, 1794 (91 3w.)"

1795, David, Manumission

David was manumitted by Gilbert Tennent Snowden (1766-1797), a minister of a Presbyterian church in Cranbury, Middlesex County, New Jersey. On April 20, 1795, Snowden executed a deed of manumission to set David free. The document stated that Snowden had purchased David four months prior on December 15, 1794, from Abraham Dean of Middlesex County. The deed was witnessed by Jonathan Combs and Thomas McDowell. On October 15, 1806, Thomas McDowell appeared before judge Nathaniel Hunt and acknowledged the authenticity of the deed he had witnessed a decade prior. A copy of the deed (along with judge Hunt's notarization) was then recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on May 27, 1808.

1795, Gabriel, Manumission

The Middlesex County Book of Manumissions and Removals contains a copy of a document signed by Joseph Freeman Sr. (1709-1797), promising to manumit an enslaved man named Gabriel after the decease of Joseph Freeman Sr. and his wife Susannah Freeman. This document was originally signed on March 10, 1795, and witnessed by Joseph Freeman Jr. and Enos Freeman. On February 15, 1808, Enos Freeman appeared before judge Henry Freeman and acknowledged the authenticity of the document. The document was then recorded into the book by the Middlesex County Clerk on February 27, 1808. The following is a transcript of Joseph Freeman Sr.'s 1795 document: "I Joseph Freeman in the County of Middlesex and State of New Jersey this tenth day of March in the year of our Lord Christ one thousand seven hundred and ninety five do certify that after the decease of me and my wife Susannah, that my negro man Gabriel shall be set free. In Witness I have hereunto set my hand and seal. - Joseph Freeman" Joseph Freeman Sr. died in 1797. The date of death of his wife Susannah Freeman is uncertain. Whether and when Gabriel attained freedom is uncertain. It is likely that Gabriel attained freedom by 1808. However, a copy of the requisite manumission certificate for Gabriel (which would typically be issued by the Justice of the Peace of Middlesex County) has not been found in the book.

1797, Sojourner Truth, Birth

Sojourner Truth was born into bondage in Swartekill (near present-day Rifton), a hamlet in Hurley, Ulster County, New York. Her birth name was Isabella. Her parents were James and Betsy Baumfree, who were enslaved to Johannes Hardenbergh Jr. (1729-1799). Following New York law, Isabella inherited her mother's condition of unfreedom and was at the time of her birth deemed a slave of Johannes Hardenbergh Jr. ESTIMATING THE DATE OF SOJOURNER TRUTH'S BIRTH: The exact date of her birth is not known. Many secondary sources list her approximate year of birth as 1797. Comparing her book, The Narrative of Sojourner Truth (narrated to Olive Gilbert and first published in 1850), with archival sources that document the events of her childhood suggests that she may have been born in 1798 or in the first half of 1799. EXAMINING PASSAGES FROM THE NARRATIVE OF SOJOURNER TRUTH: "THE subject of this biography, Sojourner Truth, as she now calls herself, but whose name originally was Isabella, was the daughter of James and Betsey, slaves of one Col. Ardinburgh, Hurley, Ulster County, N. Y. Sojourner does not know in what year she was born, but knows she was liberated under the act of 1817, which freed all slaves who were forty years old and upward. Ten thousand slaves were then set at liberty. Those under forty years of age were retained in servitude ten years longer, when all were emancipated." (Narrative of Sojourner Truth, p. 13) In 1799, New York State began to gradually abolish slavery. The Act for the Gradual Abolition of Slavery went into effect on July 4, 1799. The law stipulated that a daughter born to an enslaved mother after July 4, 1799, would not inherit the condition of permanent enslavement, but rather would become free after serving her mother's master for 25 years (sons had to serve for 28 years before they could become free). Evidently, Sojourner Truth did not benefit from this law. We know Truth inherited her mother's condition of enslavement, and thus we must assume that Truth was born before July 4, 1799. As Truth's narrative recalls, she expected to gain freedom under the Gradual Emancipation Law of 1817, which stipulated that enslaved individuals born before July 4, 1799, would be emancipated on July 4, 1827. "Of her first master, she can give no account, as she must have been a mere infant when he died; and she with her parents and some ten or twelve other fellow human chattels, became the legal property of his son, Charles Ardinburgh." (Narrative of Sojourner Truth, p. 13) Truth recounted that she was an infant when Johannes Hardenbergh Jr. passed away. Johannes Hardenbergh Jr. passed away in 1799. "Isabella and Peter, her youngest brother, remained, with their parents, the legal property of Charles Ardinburgh till his decease, which took place when Isabella was near nine years old." (Narrative of Sojourner Truth, p. 17) "At this memorable time, Isabella was struck off, for the sum of one hundred dollars, to one John Nealy, of Ulster County, New York; and she has an impression that in this sale she was connected with a lot of sheep. She was now nine years of age, and her trials in life may be dated from this period. She says, with emphasis, 'Now the war begun.'" (Narrative of Sojourner Truth, p. 26) Truth recalled being sold at auction at the age of 9, a sale that was precipitated by the death of her second enslaver Charles Hardenbergh. This is one of the most vivid memories of her childhood. Charles Hardenbergh died in early 1808.

1798, Dick Highman, Manumission

Dick Highman was manumitted by Frederick Buckalew of South Amboy, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The deed of manumission was signed on April 10, 1798, by Frederick Buckalew in the presence of witnesses James Voorhees, Samuel Applegate, and John Rhodes. This document was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on September 8, 1819, over 21 years after it was originally signed by the enslaver. Frederick Buckalew appeared before Judge Robert McChesney on September 4, 1819, to authenticate the original document and acknowledge that he had signed it.

1798, Jenne, Manumission

Jenne, aged 21 to 35, was manumitted by Joseph Freeman of Woodbridge, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of Woodbridge (Matthew Freeman, John Conway) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Henry Marsh, Ichabod Potter) on March 10, 1798. The document stated that Jenne was examined in court and met the eligibility requirements for manumission in New Jersey, i.e. the person was aged between 21 and 35 years old and was "sound in mind and not under any bodily incapacity" of obtaining a livelihood. This manumission was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on May 9, 1803.

1798, Tony, Sale

On April 24, 1798, Thomas Read and Archibald Read sold a Black man named Tony to John Neilson of New Brunswick, NJ, for a term of 5 years. John Neilson paid 100 dollars for Tony (50 dollars to each of Tony's two sellers). Tony was an adult at this time, but his age was not recorded in the relevant documents. The sellers were the sons of the late Rev. Israel Read (late long-time pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Bound Brook in Somerset County), and they had inherited Tony from their father when he passed away in 1793. Where exactly Tony lived between 1793 and this sale in 1798 is unclear. The Read brothers grew up in Bound Brook, but Dr. Thomas Read lived in Montgomery County in upstate New York in 1798. He personally came to New Brunswick to sign the sale documents. Archibald Read probably also lived outside of the area by 1798 because he did not personally appear at the sale. Archibald had the executor of his father's estate, Dr. Moses Scott, sign the documents and accept the payment on his behalf. As the result of this sale, Tony would go to live with John Neilson in New Brunswick. Two archival documents pertaining to the sale were preserved in the Neilson Family Papers. Both documents were dated April 24, 1798. In the documents, the sellers' family name is variously spelled Read or Reed, and the name of the enslaved man is variously written as Tony or Tone. The first document is an indenture for Tony, an agreement between the sellers Thomas Read and Archibald Read (signed by Moses Scott on Archibald's behalf) and the buyer John Neilson. This indenture was witnessed by Judge Elijah Phillips and Joseph W. Scott. The indenture stated that Tony was sold for a period of 5 years from the date of the sale. The indenture did not explicitly state what would happen to Tony after the 5-year term, but it said that Thomas and Archibald "divest themselves of all right & title in the said negro man Tony." This seems to imply that Tony was supposed to gain freedom at the expiration of the 5-year term in 1803 and would not return to the Read family. The second document is a certification of Tony's consent to be sold to John Neilson for the 5-year term. This certification was signed by Elijah Phillips, Judge of the Common Pleas for Middlesex County, who noted that Tony personally appeared before him and agreed to the terms of the sale. See the linked sources for the complete transcripts of the documents.

1798, Unnamed man [Trimmer], Freedom seeking (Resistance)

Enslaver John Trimmer issued a notice that an enslaved man ran away from him on April 22, 1798, in Dutch Valley (present-day Long Valley area, Morris County). Trimmer described the runaway as a "mulatto man," but did not mention his name. Trimmer offered a reward of $10 for the runaway's capture. The following is the complete transcript of John Trimmer's runaway ad, as it appeared in the May 24, 1798, issue of the Morristown newspaper Genius of Liberty: "Ten Dollars Reward. RAN AWAY from the subscriber on the night of the 22nd inst. a Mulatto Man, about five feet high, pretty stout and thick-set, had on when he went away, a bottle-green, tight-bodied coat, scarlet jacket, thickset breeches, and a forum hat not much worn; supposed to have carried a small bundle with him. Whoever will apprehend said mulatto fellow, and confine him in any gaol in this state, or return him to his master, shall have the above reward. (49,tf,1dp.) JOHN TRIMMER. Dutch Valley, Morris County, April 23."

1799, John, Capture

John, a French-speaking Black boy aged 16, ran away from his enslaver Mr. Reausseau in New York. The exact date of his escape is not known, and it is uncertain how long he was on the run. On Friday, December 6, 1799, he was captured and jailed in Trenton. Henry Drake, Marshal for the city of Trenton, issued a notice of John's jailing in the Trenton newspaper New-Jersey State Gazette on December 10, 1799. Below is a transcript of the notice as it appeared in the December 31, 1799, issue of the paper: "TAKEN UP AND committed to gaol on Friday last, a French Negro Boy, by the name of JOHN, about 16 years of age, five feet 5 inches high, well built; has on a blue cap, mixed colored coat, brown pantaloons and half-boots—Says he is from New-York, and that his master lived near the New-Gaol, by the name of Reausseau, formerly of Jeremie in St. Domingo.—His owner is desired to send for him, pay charges and take him away, within four weeks, or he will be sold to pay charges. HENRY DRAKE, Marshal. Trenton, Dec. 10, '99. 41-4w."

1799, John, Freedom seeking (Resistance)

John, a French-speaking Black boy aged 16, ran away from his enslaver Mr. Reausseau in New York. The exact date of his escape is not known, and it is uncertain how long he was on the run. By December 6, 1799, he was apprehended and jailed in Trenton.

1799, Sojourner Truth, Transfer

In 1799, when Sojourner Truth was an infant, her first enslaver Johannes Hardenbergh Jr. (1729-1799) died. Johannes Hardenbergh Jr.'s son Charles Hardenbergh inherited Sojourner Truth and her parents James and Betsey Baumfree as part of the Hardenbergh estate. At the time of this event, Sojourner Truth's name was Isabella. RELEVANT PASSAGE FROM THE NARRATIVE OF SOJOURNER TRUTH: "Of her first master, she can give no account, as she must have been a mere infant when he died; and she with her parents and some ten or twelve other fellow human chattels, became the legal property of his son, Charles Ardinburgh." (p. 13)

1799, Tom, Freedom seeking (Resistance)

Tom, a Black man aged 25 or 26, ran away from enslaver William Throckmorton of Spotswood on August 25, 1799. Tom was seen on the road to Trenton, and may have been heading to Pennsylvania. Throckmorton placed a runaway notice offering a 30 dollar reward for Tom's capture three days after Tom left. The ad was still running in the papers in December 1799, suggesting that Tom was likely still at large. The following is the transcript of the runaway ad by William Throckmorton as published in the Trenton newspaper New-Jersey State Gazette on December 10, 1799: "Thirty Dollars Reward. RUNAWAY from the subscriber on Sunday 25th inst. Living in Spotswood, South-Amboy township, county of Middlesex, state of New-Jersey, a Negro Man named TOM, 25 or 26 years old; five feet six or seven inches high, dark complexion, thick lips, bushy hair, which he sometimes wears tied and his ear lock platted, had on, when he went away, a long striped nankeen coat, tow trousers and castor hat. Whoever will take up the said Negro, and secure him in any gaol or deliver him to his master, shall receive the above reward, with reasonable charges paid by WILLIAM THROCKMORTON. N. B. It is supposed he has gone into Pennsylvania, as he was seen on the road to Trenton. August 28, 1799."

1800, Dick Laing, Manumission

Dick Laing was manumitted by Isaac Laing of Woodbridge, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of Woodbridge (Richard Wright, Ezekiel Ayers) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Henry Marsh, Ichabod Potter) on May 10, 1800. The document stated that Dick Laing was examined in court and met the eligibility requirements for manumission in New Jersey, i.e. the person was 21 to 40 years old and was "sound in mind and not under any bodily incapacity" of obtaining a livelihood. Dick Laing's exact age was not recorded in the document. This manumission was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk on May 14, 1800. Harry Laing and Huff Laing were manumitted on the same day by other Laing relatives in what appears to be a group manumission undertaken by the Laing family of Woodbridge.

1800, Harry Laing, Manumission

Harry Laing was manumitted by Thomas Laing of Woodbridge, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of Woodbridge (Richard Wright, Ezekiel Ayers) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Henry Marsh, Ichabod Potter) on May 10, 1800. The document stated that Harry Laing was examined in court and met the eligibility requirements for manumission in New Jersey, i.e. the person was 21 to 40 years old and was "sound in mind and not under any bodily incapacity" of obtaining a livelihood. Harry Laing's exact age was not recorded in the document. This manumission was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk on May 14, 1800. Dick Laing and Huff Laing were manumitted on the same day by other Laing relatives in what appears to be a group manumission undertaken by the Laing family of Woodbridge.

1800, Huff Laing, Manumission

Huff Laing was manumitted by Harry Laing of Woodbridge, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of Woodbridge (Richard Wright, Ezekiel Ayers) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Henry Marsh, Ichabod Potter) on May 10, 1800. The document stated that Huff Laing was examined in court and met the eligibility requirements for manumission in New Jersey, i.e. the person was 21 to 40 years old and was "sound in mind and not under any bodily incapacity" of obtaining a livelihood. Huff Laing's exact age was not recorded in the document. This manumission was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk on May 14, 1800. Dick Laing and Harry Laing were manumitted on the same day by other Laing relatives in what appears to be a group manumission undertaken by the Laing family of Woodbridge.

1800, Jack Randolph, Manumission

Jack Randolph was manumitted by Daniel Moore of Woodbridge, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of Woodbridge (Richard Wright, Ezekiel Ayers) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Henry Marsh, Ichabod Potter) on May 10, 1800. The document stated that Jack Randolph was examined in court and met the eligibility requirements for manumission in New Jersey, i.e. the person was 21 to 40 years old and was "sound in mind and not under any bodily incapacity" of obtaining a livelihood. Jack Randolph's exact age was not recorded in the document. This manumission was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on June 22, 1812.

1800, Peter Randolph, Manumission

Peter Randolph was manumitted by Rune F. Randolph of Piscataway, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of Piscataway (Edward Griffith, David Coriell Jr.) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Alexander Dunn, Samuel F. Randolph) on February 11, 1800. The document stated that Peter Randolph was examined in court and met the eligibility requirements for manumission in New Jersey, i.e. the person was 21 to 40 years old and was "sound in mind and not under any bodily incapacity" of obtaining a livelihood. Peter Randolph's exact age was not recorded in the document. This manumission was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk on February 12, 1800.

1800, Phebe Merrill, Manumission

Phebe Merrill was manumitted by Hugh Davids of Woodbridge, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of Woodbridge (Richard Wright, Ezekiel Ayers) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Henry Marsh, Ichabod Potter) on May 10, 1800. The document stated that Phebe Merrill was examined in court and met the eligibility requirements for manumission in New Jersey, i.e. the person was 21 to 40 years old and was "sound in mind and not under any bodily incapacity" of obtaining a livelihood. Phebe Merrill's exact age was not recorded in the document. This manumission was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk almost 3 years later in the spring of 1803.

1800, Simon Lot, Manumission

Simon Lot was manumitted by Henry Shotwell of Woodbridge, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of Woodbridge (Richard Wright, Ezekiel Ayers) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Henry Marsh, Ichabod Potter) on May 10, 1800. The document stated that Simon Lot was examined in court and met the eligibility requirements for manumission in New Jersey, i.e. the person was 21 to 40 years old and was "sound in mind and not under any bodily incapacity" of obtaining a livelihood. Simon Lot's exact age was not recorded in the document. This manumission was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on February 22, 1803.

1800, Unnamed Black woman [Hardenbergh], Appeal (Resistance)

Jacob Rutsen Hardenbergh Jr. (1768-1841) advertised a 35-year-old black woman for sale in Somerville, NJ. The ad was first issued on December 16, 1800, and ran for at least 3 months until March 1801, in the local New Brunswick newspaper called the Guardian, Or, New-Brunswick Advertiser. Hardenbergh was the Secretary of the Board of Trustees of Queen's College (later Rutgers) at the time when he placed this ad. The ad noted that the woman was a cook and was being "sold for no other reason than being dissatisfied with the place of her master’s residence." This suggests a possible act of resistance on the part of the woman; perhaps she appealed to Hardenbergh to sell her to a more favorable location so she could be closer to family. Hardenbergh grew up in Somerville (at the historic site now known as the Old Dutch Parsonage), but he moved to New Brunswick in the late 18th century, and perhaps his move disrupted this woman's family life. The following is a transcript of the ad, as printed in the March 27, 1801, issue of the newspaper: "FOR SALE BY the subscriber, a Negro wench, of about thirty five years of age, a good cook, sober and honest, sold for no other reason than being dissatisfied with the place of her master’s residence. Apply to JACOB R. HARDENBERGH. Somerville, Dec. 16, 1800."

1800, Unnamed Black woman [Hardenbergh], Sale

Jacob Rutsen Hardenbergh Jr. (1768-1841) advertised a 35-year-old black woman for sale in Somerville, NJ. The ad was first issued on December 16, 1800, and ran for at least 3 months until March 1801, in the local New Brunswick newspaper called the Guardian, Or, New-Brunswick Advertiser. Hardenbergh was the Secretary of the Board of Trustees of Queen's College (later Rutgers) at the time when he placed this ad. The ad noted that the woman was a cook and was being "sold for no other reason than being dissatisfied with the place of her master’s residence." This suggests a possible act of resistance on the part of the woman; perhaps she appealed to Hardenbergh to sell her to a more favorable location so she could be closer to family. Hardenbergh grew up in Somerville (at the historic site now known as the Old Dutch Parsonage), but he moved to New Brunswick in the late 18th century, and perhaps his move disrupted this woman's family life. The following is a transcript of the ad, as printed in the March 27, 1801, issue of the newspaper: "FOR SALE BY the subscriber, a Negro wench, of about thirty five years of age, a good cook, sober and honest, sold for no other reason than being dissatisfied with the place of her master’s residence. Apply to JACOB R. HARDENBERGH. Somerville, Dec. 16, 1800."

1801, Cato Stone, Manumission

Cato Stone was manumitted by Thomas Edgar, one of the executors of the estate of William Stone (1700–1788). The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of Woodbridge (George Harrison, Ezekiel Ayers) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Ichabod Potter, Jeremiah Manning) on June 13, 1801. The document stated that Cato Stone was examined in court and met the eligibility requirements for manumission in New Jersey, i.e. the person was 21 to 40 years old and was "sound in mind and not under any bodily incapacity" of obtaining a livelihood. Cato Stone's exact age was not recorded in the document. This manumission was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on June 17, 1801. The certificate of manumission described Cato Stone as "slave named Cato Stone late a slave of the said William Stone decd [deceased] and by his will left to be set free." The abstract of the will of William Stone (published in the Calendar of Wills, Vol. 7, 1786-1790) does not mention any enslaved persons; however, it is possible that the abstract is incomplete. The will was written on August 24, 1787, and William Stone died circa September 1788. Thirteen years passed between the death of William Stone and the manumission of Cato Stone.

1801, Dianna Lewe, Manumission

Dianna was manumitted by Jeremiah Manning of Woodbridge, Middlesex County, New Jersey. Her name was recorded in the manumission document as "Dianna Manning or rather Luwee" as well as "Lewee." Her certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of Woodbridge (George Harrison, Ezekiel Ayers) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (James Bonney, Ichabod Potter) on June 13, 1801. The document stated that Dianna was examined in court and met the eligibility requirements for manumission in New Jersey, i.e. the person was 21 to 40 years old and was "sound in mind and not under any bodily incapacity" of obtaining a livelihood. Dianna's exact age was not recorded in the document. This manumission was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on July 18, 1801, on page 25 of his Book of Manumissions. Additionally, the circumstances surrounding Dianna's manumission are mentioned on page 323 of the same book, in the 1820 certificate related to the manumission of Peter Lewe. See Peter's manumission event for details.

1801, Dick, Manumission

Four enslaved people named Dick, Joseph, Margaret, and Tone, all aged 21 to 40, were manumitted by Jacob F. Randolph of Woodbridge, Middlesex County, New Jersey, on December 28, 1801. Each certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of Woodbridge (Ezekiel Ayers, George Harrison) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Henry Marsh, James Bonney). The documents stated that the enslaved persons were examined in court and met the eligibility requirements for manumission in New Jersey, i.e. each person was 21 to 40 years old and was "sound in mind and not under any bodily incapacity" of obtaining a livelihood. These four manumissions were recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk on May 10, 1802.

1801, Gilbert Wallace, Manumission

Gilbert Wallace was manumitted by Samuel Minor of East Windsor, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of East Windsor (Joshua Ely, Jonathan Brown) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Robert Willson, Jonathan Combs) on April 23, 1801. The document stated that Gilbert Wallace was examined in court and met the eligibility requirements for manumission in New Jersey, i.e. the person was 21 to 40 years old and was "sound in mind and not under any bodily incapacity" of obtaining a livelihood. Gilbert Wallace's exact age was not recorded in the document. This manumission was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on May 23, 1803. East Windsor was part of Middlesex County at this time, but it would later become part of Mercer County in 1838.

1801, James, Manumission

James was manumitted by John Marsh of Woodbridge, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of Woodbridge (George Harrison, Ezekiel Ayers) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (James Bonney, Henry Marsh) on November 19, 1801. The document stated that James was examined in court and met the eligibility requirements for manumission in New Jersey, i.e. the person was 21 to 40 years old and was "sound in mind and not under any bodily incapacity" of obtaining a livelihood. James's exact age was not recorded in the document. This manumission was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on November 23, 1801.

1801, Joseph, Manumission

Four enslaved people named Dick, Joseph, Margaret, and Tone, all aged 21 to 40, were manumitted by Jacob F. Randolph of Woodbridge, Middlesex County, New Jersey, on December 28, 1801. Each certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of Woodbridge (Ezekiel Ayers, George Harrison) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Henry Marsh, James Bonney). The documents stated that the enslaved persons were examined in court and met the eligibility requirements for manumission in New Jersey, i.e. each person was 21 to 40 years old and was "sound in mind and not under any bodily incapacity" of obtaining a livelihood. These four manumissions were recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk on May 10, 1802.

1801, Margaret, Manumission

Four enslaved people named Dick, Joseph, Margaret, and Tone, all aged 21 to 40, were manumitted by Jacob F. Randolph of Woodbridge, Middlesex County, New Jersey, on December 28, 1801. Each certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of Woodbridge (Ezekiel Ayers, George Harrison) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Henry Marsh, James Bonney). The documents stated that the enslaved persons were examined in court and met the eligibility requirements for manumission in New Jersey, i.e. each person was 21 to 40 years old and was "sound in mind and not under any bodily incapacity" of obtaining a livelihood. These four manumissions were recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk on May 10, 1802.

1801, Richard Little, Manumission

Richard Little was manumitted by Garret Schenck of West Windsor, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of West Windsor (Mr. Morford, Elijah Voorhees) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Daniel Agnew, William Tindall) on May 16, 1801. The document stated that Richard Little was examined in court and met the eligibility requirements for manumission in New Jersey, i.e. the person was 21 to 40 years old and was "sound in mind and not under any bodily incapacity" of obtaining a livelihood. Richard Little's exact age was not recorded in the document. This manumission was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on July 17, 1801. West Windsor was part of Middlesex County at this time, but it would later become part of Mercer County in 1838.

1801, Sharper Roberson, Manumission

The Freeman family of Woodbridge, Middlesex County, New Jersey, manumitted two enslaved people on November 30, 1802. Sylvia Bloomfield was manumitted by Israel Freeman. Sharper Roberson (or Robertson), aged 38, was manumitted by Rheuben Freeman at the same time. The certificate of manumission for Sharper Roberson was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of Woodbridge (Ezekiel Ayers, George Harrison) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (James Bonney, Ichabod Potter) on November 30, 1801. The document stated that Sharper Roberson was examined in court and met the eligibility requirements for manumission in New Jersey, i.e. the person was 21 to 40 years old and was "sound in mind and not under any bodily incapacity" of obtaining a livelihood. This manumission certificate was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on June 10, 1802. A decade later, on April 29, 1811, the Middlesex County Clerk also recorded a copy of the original deed of manumission, which had been signed by Reuben Freeman on November 30, 1801, in the presence of Ichabod Potter and Matthias Freeman.

1801, Sylvia Bloomfield, Manumission

The Freeman family of Woodbridge, Middlesex County, New Jersey, manumitted two enslaved people on November 30, 1802. Sylvia Bloomfield was manumitted by Israel Freeman. Sharper Roberson was manumitted by Rheuben Freeman at the same time. The certificate of manumission for Sylvia Bloomfield was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of Woodbridge (Ezekiel Ayers, George Harrison) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (James Bonney, Ichabod Potter) on November 30, 1801. The document stated that Sylvia Bloomfield was examined in court and met the eligibility requirements for manumission in New Jersey, i.e. the person was 21 to 40 years old and was "sound in mind and not under any bodily incapacity" of obtaining a livelihood. Sylvia Bloomfield's exact age was not recorded in the document. This manumission was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on June 10, 1802.

1801, Tone, Manumission

Four enslaved people named Dick, Joseph, Margaret, and Tone, all aged 21 to 40, were manumitted by Jacob F. Randolph of Woodbridge, Middlesex County, New Jersey, on December 28, 1801. Each certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of Woodbridge (Ezekiel Ayers, George Harrison) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Henry Marsh, James Bonney). The documents stated that the enslaved persons were examined in court and met the eligibility requirements for manumission in New Jersey, i.e. each person was 21 to 40 years old and was "sound in mind and not under any bodily incapacity" of obtaining a livelihood. These four manumissions were recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk on May 10, 1802.

1802, Frank, Manumission

Frank was manumitted by Solomon Marsh of Woodbridge, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of Woodbridge (Ezekiel Ayers, Francis Everitt) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Henry Marsh, James Bonney) on April 20, 1802. The document stated that Frank was examined in court and met the eligibility requirements for manumission in New Jersey, i.e. the person was 21 to 40 years old and was "sound in mind and not under any bodily incapacity" of obtaining a livelihood. Frank's exact age was not recorded in the document. This manumission was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk on May 10, 1802.

1802, Jack Fisher, Manumission

Jack Fisher was manumitted by Isaac Freeman of Woodbridge, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of Woodbridge (Ezekiel Ayers, Francis Everitt) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Henry Marsh, Ichabod Potter) on October 13, 1802. The document stated that Jack Fisher was examined in court and met the eligibility requirements for manumission in New Jersey, i.e. the person was 21 to 40 years old and was "sound in mind and not under any bodily incapacity" of obtaining a livelihood. Jack Fisher's exact age was not recorded in the document. This manumission was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on February 18, 1803. At the same time, Isaac Freeman also manumitted a woman named Martha Fisher.

1802, Martha Fisher, Manumission

Martha Fisher was manumitted by Isaac Freeman of Woodbridge, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of Woodbridge (Ezekiel Ayers, Francis Everitt) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Henry Marsh, Ichabod Potter) on October 13, 1802. The document stated that Martha Fisher was examined in court and met the eligibility requirements for manumission in New Jersey, i.e. the person was 21 to 40 years old and was "sound in mind and not under any bodily incapacity" of obtaining a livelihood. Martha Fisher's exact age was not recorded in the document. This manumission was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on February 18, 1803. At the same time, Isaac Freeman also manumitted a man named Jack Fisher.

1802, Richard, Manumission

Richard was manumitted by Miles Smith of Piscataway, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of Piscataway (David Coriell Jr., Edward Griffith) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Abraham Schuyler, Elijah Phillips) on September 14, 1802. The document stated that Richard was examined in court and met the eligibility requirements for manumission in New Jersey, i.e. the person was 21 to 40 years old and was "sound in mind and not under any bodily incapacity" of obtaining a livelihood. Richard's exact age was not recorded in the document. This manumission was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on November 1, 1802. Richard was described in the manumission certificate as a "servant" rather than "slave." The use of the term "servant" here suggests that Richard likely negotiated a limited term indenture agreement with Miles Smith at the conclusion of which Richard expected to gain his freedom.

1802, Samson Jeters, Manumission

Joseph Hutchinson of East Windsor, Middlesex County, New Jersey, manumitted two enslaved men on April 8, 1802. The names of the men who were manumitted were Samson Jeters and Thomas Wildes. The certificate of manumission for Samson Jeters was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of East Windsor (Joshua Ely, Jonathan Brown) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Jonathan Combs, Robert Willson) on April 8, 1802. The document stated that Samson Jeters was examined in court and met the eligibility requirements for manumission in New Jersey, i.e. the person was 21 to 40 years old and was "sound in mind and not under any bodily incapacity" of obtaining a livelihood. Samson Jeters's exact age was not recorded in the document. This manumission was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on October 18, 1802. East Windsor was part of Middlesex County at this time, but it would later become part of Mercer County in 1838.

1802, Sarah, Manumission

Sarah was manumitted by Andrew Kirkpatrick (1756-1831) of North Brunswick, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseer of the Poor of North Brunswick (John Van Nuis) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Abraham Schuyler, Elijah Phillips) on July 3, 1802. The document stated that Sarah was examined in court and met the eligibility requirements for manumission in New Jersey, i.e. the person was 21 to 40 years old and was "sound in mind and not under any bodily incapacity" of obtaining a livelihood. Sarah's exact age was not recorded in the document. This manumission was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on July 7, 1802. Andrew Kirkpatrick was a prominent Queen's College / Rutgers trustee and benefactor.

1802, Shelote, Manumission

Shelote was manumitted by Aruhan F. Randolph of Piscataway, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of Piscataway (Edward Griffith, David Coriell Jr.) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Samuel F. Randolph, Alexander Dunn) on August 6, 1802. The document stated that Shelote was examined in court and met the eligibility requirements for manumission in New Jersey, i.e. the person was 21 to 40 years old and was "sound in mind and not under any bodily incapacity" of obtaining a livelihood. Shelote's exact age was not recorded in the document. This manumission was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on September 10, 1802.

1802, Solomon Laing, Manumission

Solomon Laing was manumitted by Isaac Laing Jr. of Woodbridge, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of Woodbridge (Ezekiel Ayers, Francis Everitt) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Henry Marsh, James Bonney) on April 20, 1802. The document stated that Solomon Laing was examined in court and met the eligibility requirements for manumission in New Jersey, i.e. the person was 21 to 40 years old and was "sound in mind and not under any bodily incapacity" of obtaining a livelihood. Solomon Laing's exact age was not recorded in the document. The manumission certificate was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on May 10, 1802. The related deed of manumission signed by Isaac Laing Jr. was later recorded by the County Clerk on January 20, 1803.

1802, Thomas Titus, Agreement (Legal)

An enslaved Black man named Thomas Titus and his enslaver Gerardus Beekman made an agreement that Beekman would manumit Titus after 15 years of service. The term of the agreement began on March 1, 1802, and was supposed to end on March 1, 1817. It is uncertain whether a written agreement was created at the time of the original negotiation; it was probably a verbal agreement. Beekman mentioned this agreement in his last will and testament (which he wrote in 1814) to ensure that if Beekman died before Titus's term was over, the enslaver's heirs would have to honor the agreement. Beekman eventually manumitted Titus in 1818.

1802, Thomas Wildes, Manumission

Joseph Hutchinson of East Windsor, Middlesex County, New Jersey, manumitted two enslaved men on April 8, 1802. The names of the men who were manumitted were Samson Jeters and Thomas Wildes. The certificate of manumission for Thomas Wildeswas signed by the Overseers of the Poor of East Windsor (Joshua Ely, Jonathan Brown) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Jonathan Combs, Robert Willson) on April 8, 1802. The document stated that Thomas Wildes was examined in court and met the eligibility requirements for manumission in New Jersey, i.e. the person was 21 to 40 years old and was "sound in mind and not under any bodily incapacity" of obtaining a livelihood. Thomas Wildes's exact age was not recorded in the document. This manumission was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on October 18, 1802. East Windsor was part of Middlesex County at this time, but it would later become part of Mercer County in 1838.

1803, Betty, Will

Jacob Van Dike mentioned Betty in his will, which he wrote in 1803. The will stipulated that two women, Betty and Jenny, should be liberated and should also receive clothes, bed, and bedding, and a spinning wheel. Van Dike also directed his executors to invest 800 dollars in a bond or some security and to pay the annual interest to Betty and Jenny for the rest of their lives in equal shares. Van Dike died in 1809, six years after writing his will. Below is the relevant passage from the will: "Whereas my Negro Woman Betty and Jenny have served me with fidelity and attention and have at all times behaved themselves both to me and my family with decency and respect, therefore it is my will and I do hereby order and direct that they be made free and set at liberty immediately after my decease and I do hereby give and bequeath unto each of them her freedom accordingly. I also give and bequeath unto each of them her wearing apparel her bed and bedding and her spinning wheel; I also order and direct that eight hundred dollars of the proceeds of my estate be placed on loan or good security and that the interest thence arising be paid to my said Negro women Betty and Jenny in equal moieties or shares for and during their respective natural lives."

1803, Broffo Bowles, Manumission

Broffo Bowles was manumitted jointly by John Combs and Lewis Combs of South Amboy, Middlesex County, New Jersey, on May 3, 1803. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of South Amboy (Matthias Rue, William Toan) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (John Combs, Jacob Suidam) on May 3, 1803. The document stated that Broffo Bowles was examined in court and met the eligibility requirements for manumission in New Jersey, i.e. the person was 21 to 40 years old and was "sound in mind and not under any bodily incapacity" of obtaining a livelihood. Broffo Bowles's exact age was not recorded in the document. This manumission was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on May 4, 1803. Note that the clerk's copy of the certificate of manumission lists one of the manumitters as John Combs and also lists one of the Justices of the Peace as John Combs. It is not entirely clear whether these are two different men, the same man, or an error on the part of the clerk.

1803, Charles Hawkins, Manumission

Charles Hawkins was manumitted by Abel Slayback and Jesse Slayback of West Windsor, New Jersey, on January 27, 1803. It appears that Abel Slayback and Jesse Slayback jointly held legal ownership over Hawkins, and they appeared jointly before the court in order to manumit Hawkins. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of West Windsor (John Jones, Elijah Voorhees) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Jonathan Combs, Daniel Agnew) on January 27, 1803. The document stated that Charles Hawkins was examined in court and met the eligibility requirements for manumission in New Jersey, i.e. the person was 21 to 40 years old and was "sound in mind and not under any bodily incapacity" of obtaining a livelihood. Charles Hawkins's exact age was not recorded in the document. This manumission was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on February 5, 1803. West Windsor was part of Middlesex County at this time, but it would later become part of Mercer County in 1838.

1803, George Hawkins, Manumission

George Hawkins was manumitted by Robert Davison of South Brunswick, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of South Brunswick (Thomas McDowell, John Davison) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Nathaniel Hunt, Andrew McDowell) on December 14, 1803. The document stated that George Hawkins was examined in court and met the eligibility requirements for manumission in New Jersey, i.e. the person was 21 to 40 years old and was "sound in mind and not under any bodily incapacity" of obtaining a livelihood. George Hawkins's exact age was not recorded in the document. This manumission was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on December 22, 1803.

1803, Hannah, Birth

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 1 Child: Hannah Mother: Hipzibeth Enslaver of mother and child: Rizpah Leforge Location: Piscataway, NJ Birth date: October 29, 1803 Reported date: December 31, 1804 Clerk: William Philips Deare

1803, Hannah, Will

Jacob Van Dike mentioned Hannah in his will, which he wrote in 1803. The will stipulated that a man named James and a woman named Hannah "shall have the liberty of choosing their own masters" and that they could only be sold in a private sale, and not at an auction. Below is the relevant passage from Van Dike's will: "My Negro Man James whom I hold for a term of years only and my Negro Woman Hannah shall have the liberty of choosing their own masters, provided they shall do so within three months after my death and that in no case they shall be sold at public outcry or vendue, but only at a private sale." Van Dike died in 1809, six years after writing his will.

1803, James, Will

Jacob Van Dike mentioned James in his will, which he wrote in 1803. The will noted that James was enslaved to Van Dike "for a term of years only," meaning that James was supposed to become free after some agreed-upon term of years. The will stipulated that James and a woman named Hannah "shall have the liberty of choosing their own masters" and that they could only be sold in a private sale, and not at an auction. Below is the relevant passage from Van Dike's will: "My Negro Man James whom I hold for a term of years only and my Negro Woman Hannah shall have the liberty of choosing their own masters, provided they shall do so within three months after my death and that in no case they shall be sold at public outcry or vendue, but only at a private sale." Van Dike died in 1809, six years after writing his will.

1803, Jenny, Will

Jacob Van Dike mentioned Jenny in his will, which he wrote in 1803. The will stipulated that two women, Betty and Jenny, should be liberated and should also receive clothes, bed and bedding, and a spinning wheel. Van Dike also directed his executors to invest 800 dollars in a bond or some security and to pay the annual interest to Betty and Jenny for the rest of their lives in equal shares. Van Dike died in 1809, six years after writing his will. Below is the relevant passage from the will: "Whereas my Negro Woman Betty and Jenny have served me with fidelity and attention and have at all times behaved themselves both to me and my family with decency and respect, therefore it is my will and I do hereby order and direct that they be made free and set at liberty immediately after my decease and I do hereby give and bequeath unto each of them her freedom accordingly. I also give and bequeath unto each of them her wearing apparel her bed and bedding and her spinning wheel; I also order and direct that eight hundred dollars of the proceeds of my estate be placed on loan or good security and that the interest thence arising be paid to my said Negro women Betty and Jenny in equal moieties or shares for and during their respective natural lives."

1803, John Wycoof, Manumission

John Wycoof was manumitted by Henry Shotwell of Woodbridge, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of Woodbridge (Ezekiel Ayers, Francis Everitt) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Jeremiah Manning, Henry Marsh) on April 11, 1803. The document stated that John Wycoof was examined in court and met the eligibility requirements for manumission in New Jersey, i.e. the person was 21 to 40 years old and was "sound in mind and not under any bodily incapacity" of obtaining a livelihood. John Wycoof's exact age was not recorded in the document. This manumission was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on April 15, 1803.

1803, Peter, Manumission

Peter was manumitted by Joseph Freeman of Woodbridge, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of Woodbridge (Francis Everitt, Ezekiel Ayers) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Phineas Manning, Jeremiah Manning) on April 11, 1803. The document stated that Peter was examined in court and met the eligibility requirements for manumission in New Jersey, i.e. the person was 21 to 40 years old and was "sound in mind and not under any bodily incapacity" of obtaining a livelihood. Peter's exact age was not recorded in the document. This manumission was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on May 9, 1803.

1803, Robert Campton, Manumission

Robert Campton (or Compton) was manumitted jointly by Thomas Grant, Catherine Grant, John Grant, and Ebenezer Grant of North Brunswick, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseer of the Poor of North Brunswick (John Van Nuis) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Abraham Schuyler, Elijah Phillips) on December 21, 1803. The document stated that Robert was examined in court and met the eligibility requirements for manumission in New Jersey, i.e. the person was 21 to 40 years old and was "sound in mind and not under any bodily incapacity" of obtaining a livelihood. Robert's exact age was not recorded in the document. This manumission was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on March 19, 1804.

1803, Saul, Manumission

Saul was manumitted by Joseph Barron of Woodbridge, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of Woodbridge (Francis Everitt, Ezekiel Ayers) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Phineas Manning, Jeremiah Manning) on April 11, 1803. The document stated that Saul was examined in court and met the eligibility requirements for manumission in New Jersey, i.e. the person was 21 to 40 years old and was "sound in mind and not under any bodily incapacity" of obtaining a livelihood. Saul's exact age was not recorded in the document. This manumission was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on June 14, 1803.

1804, Aaron, Birth

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 7 Child: Aaron Mother: Kate Enslaver of mother and child: John Van Nuis Location: North Brunswick, NJ Birth date: December 12, 1804 Reported date: September 11, 1805 Clerk: William Philips Deare

1804, Cate, Birth

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 6 Child: Cate Mother: Lydia Enslaver of mother and child: Joseph Buckalew Location: South Amboy, NJ Birth date: November 28, 1804 Reported date: August 4, 1805 Clerk: William Philips Deare The enslaver signed by his mark (illiterate) and his occupation was noted as farmer.

1804, Catharine, Birth

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 1 Child: Catharine Mother: Hannah Enslaver of mother and child: Abraham Dunham Location: Piscataway, NJ Birth date: November 27, 1804 Reported date: April 4, 1805 Clerk: William Philips Deare The document indicates that the enslaver was a farmer. The following is a complete transcript of the document: "Katy or Catharine I Abraham Dunham of the township of Piscataway in the County of Middlesex, Farmer, certify that Katy or Catharine a negro female child was born of my slave Hannah on the twenty seventh day of November last. Witness my hand this fourth day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and five. Abrm Dunham Recorded April 4th 1805."

1804, Clarabela, Manumission

Clarabela was manumitted by Josiah Skilton of West Windsor, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of West Windsor (Henry Dye, J Harrison) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Daniel Agnew, William Holmes) on April 20, 1804. The document stated that Clarabela was examined in court and met the eligibility requirements for manumission in New Jersey, i.e. the person was 21 to 40 years old and was "sound in mind and not under any bodily incapacity" of obtaining a livelihood. Clarabela's exact age was not recorded in the document. This manumission was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on April 23, 1804. West Windsor was part of Middlesex County at this time, but it would later become part of Mercer County in 1838.

1804, Cuff, Manumission

Cuff was manumitted by Abraham Smalley of Piscataway, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of Piscataway (Edward Griffith, David Coriell Jr.) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Samuel F. Randolph, David Dunham) on August 27, 1804. The document stated that Cuff was examined in court and met the eligibility requirements for manumission in New Jersey, i.e. the person was 21 to 40 years old and was "sound in mind and not under any bodily incapacity" of obtaining a livelihood. Cuff's exact age was not recorded in the document. This manumission was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on September 17, 1804.

1804, Dinah, Birth

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 12 Child: Dinah Mother: Elizabeth Enslaver of mother and child: William Lupardus Location: Piscataway, NJ Birth date: December 26, 1804 Reported date: February 22, 1805 Clerk: William Philips Deare The mother is referred to as "slave Elizabeth otherwise called Bett." The document indicates that the enslaver was a farmer.

1804, Eliga, Birth

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 7 Child: Eliga Mother: Mary Enslaver of mother and child: Thomas Smith Location: South Amboy, NJ Birth date: December 13, 1804 Reported date: September 9, 1805 Clerk: William Philips Deare

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