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  • 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."

  • 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.

  • 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."

  • 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."

  • 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.

  • 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, 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.

  • 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, 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.)"

  • 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, 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.

  • 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)

  • 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, 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, 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, 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, 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.

  • 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, 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.

  • 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, 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, 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."

  • 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, 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, Hannah Oakham, Manumission

    Hannah Oakham was manumitted by Mary Minto of West Windsor, Middlesex County, New Jersey. West Windsor was part of Middlesex County at this time, but it would later become part of Mercer County in 1838. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of West Windsor (J Harrison, Henry Dye) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Daniel Agnew, William Holmes) on October 13, 1804. The document stated that Hannah Oakham 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. Hannah Oakham's exact age was not recorded in the document. This manumission was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on January 19, 1805. Middlesex County records also include the deed of manumission signed by Mary Minto on November 28, 1804, and witnessed by Thomas P. Johnson. This document described Hannah as "negro woman slave named Hannah Oakham wife of Richard Oakham a free black man." The records contain a note explaining that the Oakhams purchased Hannah's freedom for the price of 50 pounds. Mary Minto had already received most of the purchase money for Hannah Oakham's freedom, but Hannah still owed 19 weeks of wages. As a free woman, Hannah would continue working for Mary Minto without receiving wages until the purchase price was fully paid off. Hannah's agreed-upon wages were 2 shillings and 6 pence per week. At this rate, her debt to Mary Minto would be paid off on April 10, 1805. The wages over the 19-week period from November 28, 1804, to April 10, 1805, would amount to 2 pounds 7 shillings and 6 pence. After April 10, 1805, Hannah could begin receiving cash wages for her work. The following is a transcript of the note attached to Hannah Oakham's manumission records: "Note all the purchase money which was to be paid Mrs Minto, to wit fifty pounds, is paid except the wages of Hannah till the tenth day of April next at two shillings and six pence per week. dated Nov. 28th, 1804. Thos. P. Johnson Witness"

  • 1804, Hetty, Birth

    Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 4 Child: Hetty Mother: Letty Enslaver of mother and child: James Edgar Location: Woodbridge, NJ Birth date: December 2, 1804 Reported date: July 20, 1805 Clerk: William Philips Deare The document indicates that the enslaver was a farmer.

  • 1804, Jude, Manumission

    Jude was manumitted by Hector Bloomfield of Woodbridge, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of Woodbridge (Israel Thornal, Lewis Kelly) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Ephraim Harriot, Benajah Mundy) on April 9, 1804. The document stated that Jude 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. Jude's exact age was not recorded in the document. This manumission was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on April 10, 1804.

  • 1804, Kate, Birth

    Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 6 Child: Kate Mother: Ginn otherwise called Jane Enslaver of mother and child: Richard Hollow Location: Piscataway, NJ Birth date: July 9, 1804 Reported date: August 17, 1805 Clerk: William Philips Deare The document indicates that the enslaver was a farmer.

  • 1804, Lenah, Manumission

    Lenah was manumitted by William Patterson 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 2, 1804. The document stated that Lenah 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. Lenah's exact age was not recorded in the document. This manumission was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk on July 3, 1804.

  • 1804, Lenar, Birth

    Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 2 Child: Lenar Mother: Hager Enslaver of mother and child: John O. Jaques Birth date: December 5, 1804 Reported date: April 15, 1805 Clerk: William Philips Deare The birth certificate does not list a specific location within Middlesex County. However, other archival records indicate that John O. Jaques was a resident of Woodbridge.

  • 1804, Lydia, Birth

    Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 2 Child: Lydia Mother: Rebeckah Enslaver of mother and child: Thomas Wetherill Location: South Brunswick, NJ Birth date: July 17, 1804 Reported date: May 1, 1805 Clerk: William Philips Deare

  • 1804, Margaret, Birth

    Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 5 Child: Margaret Mother: Jenny Enslaver of mother and child: William Bayles Location: South Brunswick, NJ Birth date: October 24, 1804 Reported date: August 16, 1805 Clerk: William Philips Deare The mother is listed as Jenny alias Jane. The document notes that William Bayles is a farmer.

  • 1804, Pat, Birth

    Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 9 Child: Pat Mother: Maria Enslaver of mother and child: Robert Davison Location: South Brunswick, NJ Birth date: November 13, 1804 Reported date: November 5, 1805 Clerk: William Philips Deare The document indicates that the enslaver was a farmer.

  • 1804, Rachel, Birth

    Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 2 Child: Rachel Mother: Hanna Enslaver of mother and child: Jacob Van Dike Location: Ten Mile Run, NJ Birth date: October 16, 1804 Reported date: April 11, 1805 Clerk: William Philips Deare The following is a complete transcript of the document: "Rachel This is to certify that I Jacob Van Dike of Ten Mile Run of the Southward of New Brunswick in the County of Middlesex and State of New Jersey had a negro female child born the sixteenth day of October one thousand eight hundred and four by my negro woman named Hanna, the aforesaid child is named Rachel. As Witness my hand this eleventh day of April 1805. -- Jacob Van Dike Recorded April 11th 1805 "

  • 1804, Sarah, Birth

    Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 1 Child: Sarah Mother: Sarah Enslaver of mother and child: Ephraim Martin Location: New Brunswick, NJ Birth date: October 1, 1804 Reported date: February 25, 1805 Clerk: William Philips Deare Both the child and mother are named Sarah.

  • 1804, Stineche, Birth

    Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 6 Child: Stineche Mother: Sarah Enslaver of mother and child: Abraham Bergen Location: South Amboy, NJ Birth date: December 7, 1804 Reported date: September 5, 1805 Clerk: William Philips Deare The document indicates that the enslaver was a miller.

  • 1805, Abigail, Birth

    Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 4 Child: Abigail Mother: Margaret Enslaver of mother and child: originally Oakey Vanosdol, then purchased by William Tindall shortly after birth Location listed: West Windsor, NJ (residence of William Tindall) Birth date: January 20, 1805 Reported date: July 20, 1805 Clerk: William Philips Deare The document, which was submitted by William Tindall, Esq., indicates that William Tindall recently purchased the mother and child from Oakey Vanosdol, shortly after the birth of Abigail. William Tindall listed his residence as West Windsor (which was part of Middlesex County in this period). Although the place of residence of the original enslaver Oakey Vanosdol is not listed in the birth certificate, other historical records locate him in Somerset County; thus it is probable that the child was born in Somerset County. The following is a complete transcript of the document: "Abigail/ I William Tindall of the township of West Windsor in the County of Middlesex, Esquire, certify that Abigail a female black child was born of Margeret a female then slave of Oakey Vannosdoll, and that I am now entitled to the service of the said mother and child by purchase and that the said Abigail is this day six months old. - Witness my hand this twentieth day of July Eighteen Hundred & five. Wm. Tindall Recorded 22d July 1805"

  • 1805, Abigail, Sale

    A birth registration submitted by William Tindall on July 20, 1805, to the Middlesex County Clerk indicates that William Tindall recently bought a woman named Margaret and her infant daughter Abigail from Oakey Vanosdol. The sale took place sometime between the birth of Abigail circa January 20, 1805, and the filing of the birth registration six months later. See the related birth event for a transcript of the relevant document.

  • 1805, Charlot, Birth

    Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 21 Child: Charlot Mother: Dill Enslaver of mother and child: William Toan, Esquire Location: South Amboy, NJ Birth date: November 8, 1805 Reported date: October 29, 1806 Clerk: William Philips Deare

  • 1805, Charlotte Titus, Birth

    Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 20 Child: Charlotte Mother: Sarah Enslaver of mother and child: Gerardus Beekman Location: South Brunswick, NJ Birth date: December 11, 1805 Reported date: August 14, 1806 Clerk: William Philips Deare The document indicates that the enslaver was a farmer. The father's name is not listed on on the birth certificate, however, other historical documents indicate that Thomas Titus was the husband of Sarah and father of her children.

  • 1805, Dinah, Birth

    Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 5 Child: Dinah Mother: Rose Enslaver of mother and child: George Farmer Location: Piscataway, NJ Birth date: January 30, 1805 Reported date: August 12, 1805 Clerk: William Philips Deare The following is a complete transcript of the document: "Dinah / I George Farmer of the township of Piscataway in the County of Middlesex New Jersey, Farmer, certify that Dinah a female child was born of my slave Rose on the thirtieth day of January last past.-- Witness my hand this twelfth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and five. -- George Farmer Recorded 12th August 1805."

  • 1805, Elizabeth, Birth

    Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 12 Child: Elizabeth Mother: Esther Enslaver of mother and child: John I. Craig Location: West Windsor, NJ Birth date: February 3, 1805 Reported date: November 28, 1805 Clerk: William Philips Deare The document indicates that the enslaver was a farmer. This birth certificate only lists West Windsor Township and does not provide further details about the location. The location of the event is inferred from other records that indicate John I. Craig was at this time the owner and resident of Prospect Farm in Princeton.

  • 1805, Fan, Birth

    Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 10 Child: Fan Mother: Eff Enslaver of mother and child: Daniel H. Disborough Location: South Amboy, NJ Birth date: March 22, 1805 Reported date: November 11, 1805 Clerk: William Philips Deare

  • 1805, Fan, Birth

    Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 15 Child: Fan Mother: Bet Enslaver of mother and child: Wiliam Cortleyou Location: South Brunswick, NJ Birth date: April 9, 1805 Reported date: January 8, 1806 Clerk: William Philips Deare The document indicates that the enslaver was a farmer.

  • 1805, Fanny, Birth

    Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 13 Child: Fanny Enslaver of mother and child: Abel Slaback Location: West Windsor, NJ Birth date: July 16, 1805 Reported date: December 11, 1805 Clerk: William Philips Deare The names of the mother and father were not recorded on this birth certificate.

  • 1805, Fanny, Birth

    Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 21 Child: Fanny Mother: Phillis Enslaver of mother and child: Sarah Dunn Location: Piscataway, NJ Birth date: November 22, 1805 Reported date: September 19, 1806 Clerk: William Philips Deare

  • 1805, Florah, Birth

    Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 17 Child: Florah Mother: Mary Enslaver of mother and child: Aaron Hassert, Esquire Location: City of New Brunswick, North Brunswick Township, NJ Birth date: June 18, 1805 Reported date: February 25, 1806 Clerk: William Philips Deare

  • 1805, Gin, Birth

    Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 16 Child: Gin Mother: Lary Enslaver of mother and child: Stephen Barkelew Location: North Brunswick, NJ Birth date: September 27, 1805 Reported date: January 29, 1806 Clerk: William Philips Deare

  • 1805, Harriet Job, Birth

    Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 1 Child: Harriet Job Mother: Ruth Job Enslaver of mother and child: John R. Fisher Location: East Windsor, NJ Birth date: June 14, 1805 Reported date: March 1, 1806 Clerk: William Philips Deare A copy of the same exact record also appears on page 17 of the book.

  • 1805, Heziah, Manumission

    Heziah, aged 23, was manumitted by Philip Brown Jr. of Woodbridge, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The certificate of manumission for "slave named Hezi" was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of Woodbridge (Lewis Kelly, Francis Everitt) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Henry Freeman, Ephraim Harriot) on November 25, 1805. The document stated that Hezi 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 was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on March 8, 1808, on p. 70 of the Book of Manumissions and Removals. Additionally, p. 87 of the Book of Manumissions and Removals contains a copy of the deed of manumission for "Negro woman Heziah, of about the age of twenty three years" signed by Philip Brown on January 1, 1806, and witnessed by Ichabod Potter and Daniel Toms. The deed of manumission was received and recorded in the book by the clerk on September 13, 1809.

  • 1805, Johannah, Birth

    Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 11 Child: Johannah Enslaver of mother and child: Mary Ellis Location: Middlesex County, NJ Birth date: February 15, 1805 Reported date: November 14, 1805 Clerk: William Philips Deare The names of the mother and father were not recorded on this birth certificate.

  • 1805, Jude, Birth

    Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 14 Child: Jude Mother: Margaret Enslaver of mother and child: Garline Ockerman Location: North Brunswick, NJ Birth date: December 2, 1805 Reported date: December 25, 1805 Clerk: William Philips Deare The document indicates that the enslaver was a farmer.

  • 1805, Keziah, Birth

    Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 3 Child: Keziah Mother: Hester Enslaver of mother and child: Campyon Cutter Location: Woodbridge, NJ Birth date: February 16, 1805 Reported date: May 28, 1805 Clerk: William Philips Deare

  • 1805, Lucrita, Birth

    Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 15 Child: Lucrita Mother: Betty Enslaver of mother and child: Simeon Drake Location: Perth Amboy, NJ Birth date: June 12, 1805 Reported date: January 7, 1806 Clerk: William Philips Deare

  • 1805, Lydia, Birth

    Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 15 Child: Lydia Mother: Violet Enslaver of mother and child: William Lawson Location: North Brunswick, NJ Birth date: July 6, 1805 Reported date: January 2, 1806 Clerk: William Philips Deare The document indicates that the enslaver was a merchant.

  • 1805, Margaret, Sale

    A birth registration submitted by William Tindall on July 20, 1805, to the Middlesex County Clerk indicates that William Tindall recently bought a woman named Margaret and her infant daughter Abigail from Oakey Vanosdol. The sale took place sometime between the birth of Abigail circa January 20, 1805, and the filing of the birth registration six months later. See the related birth event for a transcript of the relevant document.

  • 1805, Martha Richards, Manumission

    Martha Richards was manumitted jointly by Samuel Berrien (c. 1766-1830) and his wife Ann Berrien (d. ca 1833) of East Windsor, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of East Windsor (John Smith, Jonathan Brown) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (John James, Andrew Rowan) on July 20, 1805. The document stated that Martha Richards 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 Richards's exact age was not recorded in the document. This manumission was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on September 11, 1805. East Windsor was part of Middlesex County at this time, but it would later become part of Mercer County in 1838.

  • 1805, Nelly Stevens, Manumission

    Nelly Stevens was manumitted by Daniel Turner 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 June 1, 1805. The document stated that Nelly Stevens 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. Nelly Stevens's exact age was not recorded in the document. This manumission was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on June 1, 1805, on p. 59 in the Book of Manumissions and Removals. A deed of manumission signed by Daniel Turner on June 1, 1805, appears separately on p. 80 in the same book. This document indicates that Nelly was "now the wife of John Stevens." It was recorded by the clerk on September 16, 1808.

  • 1805, Phebe-Gertruda, Birth

    Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 8 Child: Phebe-Gertruda Mother: Nancy Enslaver of mother and child: Gertrude Parker, Executrix of the estate of James Parker Sr. Location: Perth Amboy, NJ Birth date: April 27, 1805 Reported date: September 27, 1805 Clerk: William Philips Deare The following is a complete transcript of the document: "Phebe-Gertruda / I do hereby certify that a female child called Phebe-Gertruda was born of a black woman called Nancy belonging to the estate of James Parker dec’d. On Saturday the twenty seventh day of April last. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand at Perth Amboy in the County of Middlesex this twenty seventh day of September one thousand eight hundred and five. Gertrude Parker Executrix of James Parker decd Recorded Oct. 5th 1805."

  • 1805, Phebe, Birth

    Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 11 Child: Phebe Mother: Gin Enslaver of mother and child: Samuel Karr Location: South Brunswick, NJ Birth date: February 14, 1805 Reported date: November 18, 1805 Clerk: William Philips Deare The document indicates that the enslaver was a farmer.

  • 1805, Rachel, Birth

    Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 8 Child: Rachel Mother: Lydia Enslaver of mother and child: John Wicoff Location: South Brunswick, NJ Birth date: January 24, 1805 Reported date: October 18, 1805 Clerk: William Philips Deare

  • 1805, Rachel, Birth

    Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 17 Child: Rachel Mother: Dine Enslaver of mother and child: John Bastedo Location: South Brunswick, NJ Birth date: April 15, 1805 Reported date: March 12, 1806 Clerk: William Philips Deare

  • 1805, Roset, Birth

    Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 7 Child: Roset Mother: Chloe Enslaver of mother and child: George I. Bergen Location: East Windsor, NJ Birth date: January 13, 1805 Reported date: September 14, 1805 Clerk: William Philips Deare The document indicates that the enslaver was a shopkeeper.

  • 1805, Sarach, Manumission

    Sarach was manumitted by Ann Duncan of South Brunswick, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of South Brunswick (Andrew McDowell, Thomas Wetherill) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Nathaniel Hunt, John Bastedo) on April 8, 1805. The document stated that Sarach was examined in court and met the eligibility requirements for manumission in New Jersey, i.e. the person was aged between 21 and 40 and was "sound in mind and not under any bodily incapacity" of obtaining a livelihood. Sarach's exact age was not recorded in the document. This manumission was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on April 20, 1806.

  • 1805, Sarah, Birth

    Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 19 Child: Sarah Mother: Jude Enslaver of mother and child: Mary Boice Birth date: November 13, 1805 Reported date: June 6, 1806 Clerk: William Philips Deare The enslaver signed the document by her mark, indicating that she was illiterate. The specific location in Middlesex County was not mentioned in this document; however, other historical evidence indicates that Sarah was born in Mary Boice's household in Piscataway.

  • 1805, Susan Drake, Birth

    Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 11 Child: Susan Drake Mother: Kate Enslaver of mother and child: William Bullus Location: Woodbridge, NJ Birth date: March 4, 1805 Reported date: November 16, 1805 Clerk: William Philips Deare The document indicates that the enslaver was a farmer.

  • 1806, Charlotte, Birth

    Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 19 Child: Charlotte Mother: Margaret Enslaver of mother and child: John Rattoone Location: Perth Amboy, NJ Reported date: May 15, 1806 Clerk: William Philips Deare The child's date of birth is conspicuously missing from the record, with blank spaces left where the date and month should be, like so: "on the ____ day of ____ last past." It can be inferred that Charlotte was born circa 1806 or 1805. The words "last past" suggest that Charlotte was born within the preceding 12 months. By law, birth certificates had to be filed within one year of the child's birth, although enslavers were often tardy with the birth registration process. The mother's name is listed as Margaret, without a last name. Other county records indicate that Margaret's family name was Lawrence or Lawrance.

  • 1806, Deyaun, Birth

    Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 22 Child: Deyaun Enslaver of mother and child: Jacob Van Devanter Sr. Location: Piscataway, NJ Birth date: September 4, 1806 Reported date: May 21, 1807 Clerk: William Philips Deare The names of the mother and father were not recorded on this birth certificate. The location specified was "Piscataway Township, Middlesex County near Bound brook."

  • 1806, Dinah, Manumission

    Dinah, aged 30, was manumitted by John Manley 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 (Thomas Hill, Thomas Hance) on May 19, 1806. The document stated that Dinah 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 was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on May 19, 1806.

  • 1806, Elizabeth, Manumission

    Elizabeth was manumitted by the last will and testament of Ephraim Martin (1733-1806). Her certificate of manumission was issued in North Brunswick, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The certificate was signed by the Overseer of the Poor of North Brunswick (John Van Nuis) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Thomas Hill, Phineas Manning) on March 8, 1806. The document stated that Elizabeth 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. Elizabeth's exact age was not recorded in the document. This manumission was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on March 17, 1806.

  • 1806, Jane Brown, Birth

    Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 77 Child: Jane Brown Mother: Dina Enslaver of mother and child: Benjamin A. Brown Location: Woodbridge, NJ Birth date: November 2, 1806 Reported date: February 4, 1828 Clerk: James F. Randolph

  • 1806, Martha, Birth

    Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 22 Child: Martha Mother: Sarah Enslaver of mother and child: Guisbert Sutphen Location: South Brunswick, NJ Birth date: June 26, 1806 Reported date: March 27, 1807 Clerk: William Philips Deare The document indicates that the enslaver was a farmer.

  • 1806, Nance, Birth

    Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 23 Child: Nance Mother: Cate Enslaver of mother and child: John Wetherill Location: South Brunswick, NJ Birth date: August 24, 1806 Reported date: May 23, 1807 Clerk: William Philips Deare

  • 1806, Nancy, Birth

    Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 27 Child: Nancy Mother: Phebe Enslaver of mother and child: John Croes Location: New Brunswick, NJ Birth date: September 20, 1806 Reported date: February 3, 1808 Clerk: William Philips Deare The record notes that John Croes is "Rector of Christ Church in the City of New Brunswick."

  • 1806, Phillis, Birth

    Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 32 Child: Phillis Mother: Pat Enslaver of mother and child: John Davison Location: South Brunswick, NJ Birth date: April 13, 1806 Reported date: March 9, 1809 Clerk: William Philips Deare

  • 1806, Sarah, Manumission

    Sarah was manumitted by the last will and testament of Ephraim Martin (1733-1806). Her certificate of manumission was issued in North Brunswick, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The certificate was signed by the Overseer of the Poor of North Brunswick (John Van Nuis) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Thomas Hill, Phineas Manning) on March 8, 1806. 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 March 17, 1806.

  • 1806, Susan, Birth

    Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 16 Child: Susan Mother: Hagar Enslaver of mother and child: Jacob C. Ten Eyck Location: Princeton in West Windsor, NJ Birth date: December 21, 1806 Reported date: February 10, 1806 Clerk: William Philips Deare The document indicates that the enslaver was an innkeeper at Princeton in the township of West Windsor.

  • 1807, Bet, Birth

    Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 30 Child: Bet Mother: Han Enslaver of mother and child: Abraham Dunham Location: Piscataway, NJ Birth date: September 20, 1807 Reported date: August 10, 1808 Clerk: William Philips Deare The mother's name was recorded as "Han." Other birth records submitted by Abraham Dunham for her children indicate that her name was Hannah.

  • 1807, Hannah, Birth

    Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 25 Child: Hannah Mother: Delilah Enslaver of mother and child: David Chambers Location: Middlesex County, NJ Birth date: May 31, 1807 Reported date: November 14, 1807 Clerk: William Philips Deare The specific location within Middlesex County was not listed on this birth certificate.

  • 1807, Hester Richison, Manumission

    Hester Richison, aged 38, was manumitted by Sarah Appleget of East Windsor, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseer of the Poor of East Windsor (Jonathan Brown) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Andrew Rowan, John James) on April 17, 1807. The document stated that Hester Richison 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 was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on May 13, 1807. East Windsor was part of Middlesex County at this time, but it would later become part of Mercer County in 1838.

  • 1807, Jane, Birth

    Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 28 Child: Jane Mother: Tabitha Enslaver of mother and child: Elizabeth Barron Location: Woodbridge, NJ Birth date: June 10, 1807 Reported date: March 5, 1808 Clerk: William Philips Deare

  • 1807, Knelly, Birth

    Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 25 Child: Knelly Mother: Bett Enslaver of mother and child: Abraham Coriell Location: Piscataway, NJ Birth date: May 5, 1807 Reported date: December 1, 1807 Clerk: William Philips Deare The document indicates that the enslaver was a farmer.

  • 1807, Margaret, Birth

    Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 30 Child: Margaret Mother: Jane Father: John Still Enslaver of mother and child: James Edgar Enslaver of father: Asher Still Location: Woodbridge, NJ Birth date: February 10, 1807 Recorded by the clerk on: June 17, 1808 Clerk: William Philips Deare

  • 1807, Margaret, Manumission

    Margaret was manumitted jointly by John Dunham and his wife Ruth Dunham (late Ruth Stelle) 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 Randolph, John F. Randolph) on June 4, 1807. The document stated that Margaret 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 was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on June 13, 1807. County records also include a copy of the deed of manumission for Margaret, signed by John Dunham and Ruth Dunham (by her mark) on July 3, 1807. The deed of manumission stated that Margaret was "aged twenty one years and more" at the time of manumission, leaving some ambiguity about Margaret's exact age. It is possible that Margaret was just over the age of 21 (born around 1786) or she could have been significantly older than 21 at the time of her manumission. The deed of manumission was witnessed by David Oliver and Benjamin Runyon and notarized by judge Asa Runyon.

  • 1807, Maria, Birth

    Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 51 Child: Maria Mother: Esther Enslaver of mother and child: John I. Craig Location: West Windsor, NJ Birth date: December 28, 1807 Reported date: January 28, 1813 Clerk: William Philips Deare The document indicates that the enslaver was a farmer. This birth certificate only lists West Windsor Township and does not provide further details about the location. The location of the event is inferred from other records that indicate John I. Craig was at this time the owner and resident of Prospect Farm in Princeton.

  • 1807, Mary Ann, Birth

    Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 41 Child: Mary Ann Mother: Margaret Lawrence Enslaver of mother and child: John Rattoone Location: Perth Amboy, NJ Birth date: December 12, 1807 Reported date: October 16, 1810 Clerk: William Philips Deare

  • 1807, Mary, Manumission

    Bristol, aged 33, and his wife Mary, aged 25, were manumitted by Erkuries Beatty (1759-1823) of West Windsor, Middlesex County, New Jersey. A joint certificate of manumission was issued for Bristol and Mary, signed by the Overseers of the Poor of West Windsor (J Harrison, Henry Dye) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Wm Tindall, Rh Sansbury) on October 13, 1807. This manumission was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on October 22, 1807.

  • 1807, Phillis, Birth

    Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 23 Child: Phillis Mother: Patty Enslaver of mother and child: James Schureman, Esquire Location: North Brunswick, NJ Birth date: May 1, 1807 Reported date: July 29, 1807 Clerk: William Philips Deare

  • 1807, Rachel, Manumission

    Rachel, aged 37, was manumitted by Matthew Freeman of Woodbridge, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of Woodbridge (Ezekiel Ayers, William Flatt Jr.) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Benajah Mundy, David Turvey) on May 11, 1807. The document stated that Rachel 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 was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on June 12, 1807.

  • 1807, Roxanna, Birth

    Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 26 Child: Roxanna Mother: Tene Enslaver of mother and child: John Hill Location: North Brunswick, NJ Birth date: July 30, 1807 Reported date: January 26, 1808 Clerk: William Philips Deare The document indicates that the enslaver was a glover.

  • 1807, Sall, Birth

    Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 39 Child: Sall Mother: Maria Enslaver of mother and child: John V. Dean Location: South Brunswick, NJ Birth date: September 3, 1807 Reported date: April 5, 1810 Clerk: William Philips Deare

  • 1807, Sarah, Birth

    Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 26 Child: Sarh Mother: Margret Enslaver of mother and child: Samuel Baush Location: North Brunswick, NJ Birth date: September 16, 1807 Reported date: January 18, 1808 Clerk: William Philips Deare