1834-01-10 Will (of John Bray): Flora Ann
- Identifier
- NJS-EVE-00180
- Event Description
-
Will of John Bray of New Brunswick, Middlesex County, New Jersey, was signed on January 10, 1834, and proved on May 8, 1834, after the decease of John Bray.
John Bray mentioned Flora Ann in his will and provided an incentive to her to continue serving Bray's widow obediently. At this time, Flora Ann was a girl under the age of 21, but her exact age was not recorded. Under the Gradual Abolition Act of 1804, she was considered a slave for a term of years and was eligible for emancipation at age 21. John Bray's will stipulated that Flora Ann should receive $100 on her 21st birthday if she continued to serve "her mistress" (i.e. John Bray's widow Mrs. Ellen Bray) obediently until that time. The will stated that Flora Ann would not receive the money if Ellen Bray decided that Flora Ann had not been a good servant to her.
The following is a transcript of the relevant passage from John Bray's will:
"10. To my colored girl Flora Ann provided she remains with her mistress [Ellen Bray] until she attains the age of twenty one years (at which time she will be free) and her mistress will then say she has been a good servant (but not otherwise) I give the sum of one hundred dollars payable on the day she arrives to [that] age." - Event Type
- Will
- Date
- January 10, 1834
- Location of Event
- New Brunswick
- Primary Participants
-
Flora Ann
Person identifier: NJS-PER-00624
Role: Person Listed in Will
Age category: Young Adult
Status:
Enslaver(s) of this participant:
- John Bray (ca. 1751-1834)
- Ellen Tunison Bray
Verbatim description from source:
"my colored girl Flora Ann"
Comment: to serve wife Ellen Bray until legal age of emancipation (21), and to receive $100 at age 21 provided "her mistress will then say she has been a good servant (but not otherwise)" - Additional Participants
-
John Bray (ca. 1751-1834)
Person identifier: NJS-PER-00614
Role: Enslaver, TestatorEllen Tunison Bray
Person identifier: NJS-PER-00625
Role: Enslaver, Heir or Beneficiary
Comment: surviving spouse to keep Flora Ann - Record Contributor
- Jesse Bayker
