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1717-06-03 Sale: PhebeOn 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."
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1730 Sale: Ukawsaw GronniosawAccording 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."
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1742-07-30 Sale: YorkTheodorus Van Dyck, a New York City merchant, sold a Black man named York to Hendrick Van Dyck, yeoman, on July 30, 1742, for the sum of 30 pounds. York was about 50 years old at the time of the sale. The sale was witnessed by two men, one named Tobias (last name illegible) and the other John Hastier, a prominent New York City silversmith who was known to use enslaved labor in his shop. ----- Transcript of the source document: "Know all men by these Presents, That I Theod'os [Theodorus] Van Dyck of the City of New York merch for and in Consideration of the sum of Thirty pounds Current money of the province of New York to me in hand paid at and before the Ensealing and Delivery of these presents by Hendrick Van Dyck of Kings County in the province of New York yeoman. The receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge, and my self to be therewith fully satisfied and paid, and thereof and Every part thereof Do hereby acquit and discharge the said Hendrick Van Dyck his Executors adm'ors [administrators] and assignes. Have granted bargained and sold and by these presents do fully clearly & absolutely part bargain and sell unto the said Hendrick Van Dyck one Negro man Named York aged about fifty years. To Have & to Hold the s'd [said] negro man York unto him the said Henrick Van Dyck his Executors administrators and assignes for ever. And I the said Theod'os [Theodorus] Van Dyck for my self my Executors and administrators and assignes do Covenant promise and grant to and with the said Hendrick Van Dyck his Executors administrators & assignes to waviant and Defend the sale of the above named Negro man against all persons whatsoever. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 30th day of July one thousand Seven Hundred and forty two. Sealed and Delivered} Theodorus Van Dyck in the presence of} John Hastier Tobias [? yck]"
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1747 Manumission: Ukawsaw GronniosawAccording 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."
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1752 Transfer: NellAccording 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.
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1752-10-28 Freedom seeking: Unnamed African man [Livingston]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."
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1753-04-12 Freedom seeking: NellOn 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."
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1756-05-06 Baptism: Rachel, Mary, Margaret, Robert Johnson, BellaRachel and her children were all baptized together on May 6, 1756, at Christ Church in Shrewsbury. ----- Transcript of the source document: "[1756] May 6 | Rachel | An adult Negro servant belonging to Miss Isabella Kearny | Shrewsbury | Priv. 6 | Mary } 6 | Margaret } Robert | Johnson } 6 | Bella } Children of the above Rachel | Ditto"
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1763-06-15 Freedom seeking: PhillPhill, 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."
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1766-08 Baptism: Dinah, Daniel, Chloe, PhillisFour Black children named Dinah, Daniel, Chloe, and Phillis, all enslaved by Isabella Kearney, were baptized at the Christ Church in Shrewsbury in August 1766. The names of the children's parents were not recorded in the church register. At the time of this event, Isabella Kearney was the proprietor of a farm in the area of Marsh's Bog (present-day Farmingdale), Monmouth County, NJ, and it can be inferred that the children lived there.
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1769-06-10 Freedom seeking: Ben, JackOn June 10, 1769, two young Black men named Ben and Jack together escaped from their enslavers. Ben was enslaved by Leffert Waldron of Three Mile Run and Jack was enslaved by Ernestus Van Harlingen of Millstone. Two days later, the enslavers submitted a runaway ad to the New-York Journal newspaper, jointly offering a reward for Ben and Jack. ----- Transcript of the source document: "June 12, 1769 Run-away on Saturday the 10th of this Instant, from Leffert Waldron, at the 3 Mile Run, near New Brunswick, a yellowish Negro, named Ben, about 19 years old, about 5 feet 2 inches high, bushy Hair, speaks both low Dutch and English: Had on when he went away, a brown homespun Coat, with white Metal buttons, new homespun breeches, Felt Hat and sundry other Clothes. Also, at the same time, run away, a Negro Fellow, from Ernestus Van Harlingen, at Millstone, in the County of Somersett, at the Court-House, named Jack, about 21 years old, about 5 feet 9 inches high, well built, also yellowish, speaks both Dutch and English: Had on when he went away, a blue coat, brown jacket, half worn Leather Breeches and Felt Hat. Whoever will take up said Negroes and secure them so that their Masters may have them again, shall have Six Dollars reward if taken within the Province and Seven Dollars if taken without the Province, or half for each, paid by us. Leffert Waldron and Ernestus Van Harlingen."
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1772 Autobiography: Ukawsaw GronniosawUkawsaw 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.
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1775-09-28 Death: Ukawsaw GronniosawUkawsaw 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."
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1776 Capture: HarryA receipt found in the Van Dike Family Papers, 1711–1838 (MC 505), 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 went 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 1776 event is uncertain, but it probably took place around Ten Mile Run or Rocky Hill; this is the area where Jacob Van Dike lived in the 18th century.
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1777-11-30 Sale: Unnamed Black man captured from the enemy [Neilson]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
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1777-12-06 Mention: Unnamed Black man [Hardenbergh]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.
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1780-12-11 Advertisement: Unnamed Black man, woman, and child [Bray]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. The following is a complete transcript of the advertisement as it appeared in the December 20, 1780, issue of the newspaper: "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."
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1782 Capture: HarryOn 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 where Harry was captured is uncertain, and no location is listed on the receipt. Harry's enslaver Jacob Van Dike lived around the area of Ten Mile Run and Rocky Hill.
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1782-03 Freedom seeking: JackOn March 9, 1782, James Parker wrote a letter to be advertised in the New Jersey Gazette noting that Jack, an enslaved man about thirty-five years old, had run away from Parker. Parker offered three pounds to anyone who could bring Jack back to him. ----- Transcript of the source document: "Run Away a Negro Man named Jack, about thirty-five years old, straight and well-limbed and about five feet ten inches high, very white even teeth, has holes in his ears understands the coopers trade and can talk French; had on a striped woolen shirt, a clothcolored jacket and waistcoat much worn and patched, a pair of buckskin breeches almost new and stained in the seat by riding bareback, grey stockings and shoes newly soaled took with him a homespun coat, buttons covered with same and lined with blue, a jacket and breeches of homespun dimity a white linen shirt and pair of new shoes. Whoever apprehends the said Negro and delivers him to the subscriber or secures him in any gaol so that he may be had again, shall be paid three Pounds and reasonable charges by James Parker. Pitts Down, Hunterdon County, March 9, 1782."
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1785-12-01 Will (of Israel Read): Tony, Isabel, JeanThe will of the Rev. Israel Read (pastor of the Bound Brook Presbyterian Church) was written on December 1, 1785, in Piscataway, NJ. Israel Read died 8 years later in 1793, and the will was proved on February 8, 1794, at Somerset. The will mentions several enslaved persons by name, including Toone (referred to as Tony in other archival documents), Isabel, and Jean. Note that Jean was described as an old woman and was granted "her freedom" in the will. 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. 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. The following is a copy of the will abstract as published in the Calendar of Wills, Vol. 8, 1791-1795: "1785, Dec. 1. Read, Rev. Israel, of Piscataway, Middlesex Co.; will of. Son, Thomas, one silver pint mug, 5 silver table spoons and 4 1/2 of residue of personal property. Son, Archibald, one silver server, one silver sugar cup and the other 1/2 of residue of personal property. Daughter, Mary, negro girl named Isabel, 2 feather beds, one silver teapot, 2 silver canasters, one silver cream pot, 6 silver tea spoons, all china and other household furniture; also the annual interest in the widow’s fund in Philadelphia, while single. Library to be sold and divided between the 2 sons. Lands in Somerset Co. and other realty to be sold and proceeds divided between the 3 children. Old negro wench, Jean, her freedom. Negro man, Toone, to be kept by sons. Executors—friends, Dr. Moses Scott and Matthias Baker, Esq. Witnesses—David Kelly, Anthony Cosad, Aaron Coon. Proved Feb. 8, 1794, at Somerset. 1794, Feb. 7. Inventory, £304.9.8; made by Abraham Staats and James Van Duyn. Lib. 33, p. 442; File 948R."
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1786 Transfer: CatoA 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.
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1787-01-31 Sale: Flora, Ann, Phillis NeilsonAnthony 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.
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1787-10 Manumission: Bell, LambertWilliam 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."
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1790-06-09 Birth: RobertRobert was born on June 9, 1790. His enslaver at the time of his birth was Elijah Pound, who was associated with Piscataway, NJ.
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1791-05-09 Advertisement: Black girlMary Nevill of New Brunswick advertised the sale of a 14-year-old Black girl in 1791. ----- Transcript of the source document: "A WENCH FOR SALE, TO BE SOLD, A likely, active NEGRO GIRL, Of about fourteen years of age, Enquire of MARY NEVILL. New-Brunswick, May 9, 1791. 24I 3w"
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1791-05-20 Agreement: RobertOn 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"
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1792-04-09 Freedom seeking: Robin, SamTwo 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"
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1792-04-24 Freedom seeking: SamSam, 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."
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1792-09-25 Freedom seeking: WillWill 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"
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1792-10-15 Freedom seeking: MinnMinn, 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"
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1793 Sale: JefMr. 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."
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1793-01-04 Freedom seeking: SamA Black boy named Sam, aged 18 or 19, ran away from his enslaver Winant Winant of Staten Island (Richmond County), New York, on January 4, 1793. ----- Transcript of the source document: "Ten Dollars REWARD. RAN away from the subscriber on the 4th instant, a Negro Boy, named Sam, about 18 or 19 years of age, had on when he went away, a new greyish mixt cloth coat and waist-coast, light coating trowsers, with strings in his shoes, and had two has, he was about five feet six inches high, spare built and light complexion. Whoever will take up said negro, and bring him to the subscriber shall receive the above reward, and all reasonable charges. WINANT WINANT. Staten-Island, Jan. 5, 1793. 10 3"
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1793-01-12 Freedom seeking: Will GriggsWill, 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. Two versions of a runaway advertising related to Will were published in New Jersey newspapers in Trenton and New Brunswick. One listed his name as "Will Rigg," but this is believed to be a typographical error. The other version of the ad listed his name as "Will Grigg" which is presumed to be the correct version and appears to be a reference to the Griggs family name. ----- Transcript of: Edward Dunant, "Stop the RUNAWAY!," Guardian, Or, New-Brunswick Advertiser, January 23, 1793: "Stop the RUNAWAY! ABSCONDED on the 12th inst. an indented Black man named WILL, but calls himself Will Grigg, after a former master. He lately belonged to Caesar Trent, a Negro in Princeton; is a likely, smart and pleasant countenanced fellow, about 5 feet 5 inches high, has a defect in one of his Legs, wears a false cue, 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, ribbed worsted hose much darned, 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 12-3t" ----- Transcript of: Edward Dunant, "STOP THE RUNAWAY!," New-Jersey State Gazette, January 23, 1793: "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"
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1793-05-19 Freedom seeking: StephenStephen, 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"
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1794-02 Sale: JefCorrespondence 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.
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1794-04-18 Freedom seeking: CatoCato, 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"
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1794-06-01 Freedom seeking: Hannah, PeggyHannah 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.)"
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1794-12-15 Sale: DavidOn 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).
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1795-01-22 Advertisement: Unnamed Black man miller, Unnamed Black woman cook [Stevenson]John Stevenson of Amwell, Hunterdon County, NJ, advertised the sale of two Black people, a man (age 22) and his wife (age 24). He was also selling a property with several mills about 3 miles away from Coryell's Ferry. The Black man mentioned was described as "an excellent miller" and likely lived and labored at Stevenson's mill property. The Black woman was a domestic worker and cook. ----- Transcript of the source document: "MILLS FOR SALE. To be SOLD at PRIVATE SALE, FIFTY-FIVE acres of excellent Land—30 acres of which is well timbered, 10 good watered meadow, and the remainder good arable land–lying on the main road leading from Ringo's Old Tavern (now Meldrum's) to Coryell's Ferry, being about three miles distant from each place. There are on said premises, a good stone dwelling house, barn and barracks; and excellent well of water at the door; a good grist-mill, and an excellent new two story stone fulling-mill, with two stocks and a full set of tools, sufficient for carrying on the business–the whole is in good repair. The grist-mill and plantation, exclusive of the fulling-mill, has rented for 75L per annum. An indisputable title will be given, and the conditions of sale made known, by application to the subscriber, and possession given the first of April next, or sooner if required. Also for Sale, A Negro Man and his Wife. The Negro man is 22 years of age, an excellent miller, and understands the farming business well. The negro woman is 24 years of age, understands all kinds of house work, and is an excellent cook. For further particulars inquire of JOHN STEVENSON. Hunterdon county, Amwell township, January 22, 1795. (26 4w.)"
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1795-03-10 Manumission: GabrielThe 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.
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1795-04-20 Manumission: DavidDavid 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.
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1797 to 1799 Birth: Sojourner TruthSojourner 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.
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1798-03-10 Manumission: JenneJenne, 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.
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1798-04-10 Manumission: Dick HighmanDick 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.
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1798-04-22 Freedom seeking: Unnamed man [Trimmer]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."
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1798-04-24 Sale: TonyOn 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.
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1799 Transfer: Sojourner Truth, James Baumfree, Elizabeth BaumfreeIn 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. The following is a copy of the relevant passage from her book 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)
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1799-04 Freedom seeking: AbnerAround the spring of 1799, a Black man named Abner ran away from Isaac Tunnell of Dagsborough, Delaware. Tunnell believed that Abner might have gone to Pennsylvania or New Jersey and placed an ad in a Trenton newspaper offering a reward for anyone who would apprehend and jail Abner anywhere in Delaware, Pennsylvania, or New Jersey. Tunnell wrote his ad on June 26, 1800, indicating that Abner was still at large more than a year after his escape. The ad was still running in the papers as of December 1800, suggesting that Abner continued to evade capture. ----- Transcript of the source document: "Thirty Dollars Reward. RANAWAY, a year ago last spring, a BLACK MAN, named Abner, about 40 years of age; 6 feet high; stout made, and has a small scar on one of his cheeks, occasioned by an inflamation proceeding from the tooth ach, which broke on the outside; he formerly belonged to Mr. Levin Dirickson. The above reward will be paid for securing the said servant in any jail in New-Jersey, Pennsylvania or Delaware until his master can get him again. ISAAC TUNNELL. Dagsborough, (state of Delaware) June 26, 1800. N.B. A letter put into any post-office, and directed as above will be duly received."
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1799-08-25 Freedom seeking: TomTom, 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."
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1799-11 Freedom seeking: Adam HillAdam Hill escaped from enslaver William McMurtrie of Philadelphia, PA, at some point in 1799 (or earlier) and ran to New Jersey. He was later apprehended around Middlesex County. See the related jailing event for Adam Hill for details.
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1799-11 Freedom seeking: Henry HallHenry Hall escaped from his enslaver and ran to New Jersey in 1799 (or earlier). The name of his enslaver and his point of origin is uncertain, and it may have been Maryland or Virginia (Chesapeake Bay area). He was later apprehended around Middlesex County. See the related jailing event for Henry Hall for details.
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1799-11 Freedom seeking: Isaac HarmoneA Black man named Isaac Harmone ran away from his enslaver in the area of Head of Elk (present-day Elkton), at the border of Maryland and Delaware around 1799 (or earlier). The name of his enslaver is uncertain. He ran to New Jersey. He was later apprehended around Middlesex County. See the related jailing event for Isaac Harmone for details.
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1799-12 Freedom seeking: JohnJohn, 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.
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1799-12-06 Jailing: JohnJohn, 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."
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1799-12-31 Jailing: Adam Hill, Henry Hall, Isaac HarmoneOn December 31, 1799, the keeper of the Middlesex County jail announced that three Black men were being held at the jail as suspected runaways. Their names were Adam Hill, Henry Hall, and Isaac Harmone, and they all hailed from different places. Adam Hill's enslaver was listed as "Wm. Mc. Mutrea" of Philadelphia, most likely referring to the Philadelphia merchant William McMurtrie. The names of the other men's enslavers were not reported. The jailkeeper noted that the three men would be sold if their enslavers did not come to take them away by January 21, 1800. ----- Transcript of the source document: "In custody in Middlesex gaol, the following Negro men, to wit: ADAM HILL, says he belongs to Wm. Mc. Mutrea of Philadelphia, 21 years old—Henry Hall, about six feet high, supposed to be about 26 years old, and some gentleman’s coach man or waiter, and from his dialect, judged to be from Maryland or Virginia.—Isaac Harmone, five feet six or seven inches high, very black, about 20 years old, says he lived at the Head of Elk, State of Delaware. The owners of the above negroes are requested to pay charges and take them away before the 21st of January ensuing, or they shall on that day be sold to defray expense and goal fees, at the city of New-Brunswick, and State of New-Jersey. December 31, 1799. 10-3"
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1800 Property destruction: CaesarThere is an anecdote about Caesar and his enslaver Elias Van Bunschooten that was included by William Henry Van Benschoten in his 1907 family history book. The author noted that the story was told to him by Mr. William De Witt, an octogenarian from Clove, an area in Wantage, NJ. The events described would have taken place when Elias Van Bunschooten lived in Wantage where he pastored the Clove Church from 1787 to 1815. The following text is a transcript of the relevant passage from the book on p. 39: “This is another story from the same source: the Domine had a privileged old slave as a gardener who was particularly fond of melons and always planted of them abundantly as well as of cucumbers for which his master had as great a liking. It had of late become a conviction with the Domine that melons were great 'make-thieves,' and so one day without a word he entered the garden and ruthlessly tore up the vines. Caesar spied him in the act: so to even up with his master, next morning early he pulled up the cucumber vines. When the Domine called him to account his plea was: ‘Tit for tat, butter for fat, Massa: my melons, your cucumbers!’ and the Domine had not a word further to say.”
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1800-02-11 Manumission: Peter RandolphPeter 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.
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1800-05-10 Manumission: Dick LaingDick 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.
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1800-05-10 Manumission: Harry LaingHarry 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.
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1800-05-10 Manumission: Huff LaingHuff 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.
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1800-05-10 Manumission: Jack RandolphJack 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.
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1800-05-10 Manumission: Phebe MerrillPhebe 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.
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1800-05-10 Manumission: Simon LotSimon 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.
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1800-11-14 Advertisement: Black girl in Sherman, Mershon, and Thomas's newspaperThe following item advertised the sale of a 12-year-old Black girl. The sale was to be brokered by the printers of the newspaper in Trenton. ----- Transcript of the source document: "FOR SALE, A smart healthy NEGRO GIRL, BETWEEN 12 and 13 years of age, has 11 years to serve, is capable of doing the work of a small family, and has had the small-pox. For further particulars enquire of the printers. Nov. 14, 1800. 91-tf"
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1800-12 Freedom seeking: Levi BrownLevi Brown escaped from his enslaver in Pennsylvania in 1800 (or earlier). The name of his enslaver is uncertain. He was later apprehended in Middlesex County, New Jersey. See the related jailing event for Levi Brown for details.
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1800-12 Freedom seeking: Matthew FairfaxMatthew Fairfax escaped in the Chesapeake region in 1800 (or earlier). He had a forged pass from Fairfax County, Virginia. He was later apprehended in Middlesex County, New Jersey. See the related jailing event for Matthew Fairfax for details.
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1800-12-02 Freedom seeking: PeterOn 2 December 1800, Peter, aged 35, escaped from enslaver John Stevenson of Amwell, NJ. ----- Transcript of the source document: "Twenty Dollars Reward. Ran-away from the subscriber, on Tuesday the 2d of this instant, a NEGRO MAN named PETER, about thirty years of age, five feet seven or eight inches high; had on a fox colored hat, light colored green coat, dark tight-bodied coat, swansdown vest, low trousers, all very much worn. Any person apprehending said negro, shall receive the above reward and reasonable charges, from JOHN STEVENSON Amwell, December 5, 1800. 93--tf."
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1800-12-16 Advertisement: Unnamed Black woman [Hardenbergh]Jacob Rutsen Hardenbergh Jr. (1768-1841) advertised a 35-year-old black woman for sale in Somerville, NJ. The ad was first submitted 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. 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." Note that some historians erroneously attribute this advertisement to Rutgers University's first president Jacob Rutsen Hardenbergh Sr. (1736-1790), but the president had died a decade before this ad was published. The person who placed this ad was the president's son. The son was an alumnus of Rutgers (then called Queen's College) and an active trustee of the school for decades; he served as the Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the college at the time when he placed this ad in 1800.
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1801-01-01 Jailing: Matthew Fairfax, Levi BrownOn January 1, 1801, two Black men were incarcerated in the Middlesex County jail in New Brunswick, NJ, on suspicion of being fugitives from slavery. Their names were Matthew Fairfax and Levi Brown. Two months later, on March 4, 1801, the keeper of the Middlesex County jail, Peter Keenon, issued a notice about the men and informed the public that they would be sold if their enslavers did not come forth to take them away by March 26. ----- Transcript of the source document: "TWO NEGROMEN, WERE Committed to my custody on the first day of January last, —MATTHEW FAIKFAX, black, about five feet eight inches high, and about 25 years old, speaks quick, and plays on the violin, had a forged pass, from Fairfax county in Virginia, and from his dialect, supposed to be from Maryland or Virginia. —LEVI BROWN, a mulatto, says he is from Pennsylvania, about five feet eight inches high, stout made, and about 20 years old, both say they have been brought up to the farming business —If they are not claimed by their masters on or before the 26th instant, they then will be sold to pay charges and goal fees. PETER KEENON, Keeper of the prison of Middlesex county New-Brunswick, New-Jersey, March 4, 1801. } 19--4w"
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1801-04-23 Manumission: Gilbert WallaceGilbert 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.
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1801-05-16 Manumission: Richard LittleRichard 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.
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1801-06-13 Manumission: Cato StoneCato 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.
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1801-06-13 Manumission: Dianna LeweDianna 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.
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1801-11-14 Freedom seeking: Lenor DunnomOn November 14, 1801, Lenor Dunnom ran away from her enslaver David Brown of Gloucester County, NJ. Six weeks later, Brown issued a runaway notice offering a reward of 10 dollars for Lenor Dunnom's return. ----- Transcript of the source document: "Ten Dollars Reward. RAN AWAY from the subscriber, on the 14th of November, a Negro Wench, named Lenor Dunnom, about 22 years of age, not very black, slender built, nimblefooted, one of her thumbs is larger than the other, caused by a felon; one of her eyes is smaller than the other, and has a scar on one of her cheeks. She had on and took with her, a black bonnet, pretty much worn, two callico short gowns, one plaid and the other stripped, and one white ditto one white muslin petticoat, one brown jonespining check't apron, three pair of stockings, 2 of which are white and one blue; one pair of calfskin pumps almost new and a bundle of clothes unknown. The above reward will be given for apprehending and securing the said runaway, if taken within 50 miles of this place, and reasonable charges if brought home. DAVID BROWN, jun. Gloucester county, N. Jersey, Dec. 31, 1801. 49 - 3w"
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1801-11-19 Manumission: JamesJames 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.
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1801-11-30 Manumission: Sharper RobersonThe 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.
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1801-11-30 Manumission: Sylvia BloomfieldThe 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.
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1801-12 Property appropriation: JackIn late 1801 or in the first week of 1802, Jack stole a red cow from his enslaver, Amos Moore. Information about this event comes from a jailbreak notice for Jack, published in 1802. The exact location of the incident with Amos Moore's cow is uncertain. This event may have occurred in Trenton or in a nearby community. ----- Transcript of the source document: "Eight Dollars Reward. BROKE gaol, on Thursday the 7th instant, Jack, a Negro slave, the property of Amos Moore, who stands charged with having privately taken and stolen from his said master, a red Cow; he is about twenty years of age, five feet and a half inches high, of a black complexion-Had on when he went away, a mixed coloured great coat, deep blue tight bodied do. blue vest and trousers, mixed blue stockings, old shoes, and an old hat. Whoever takes up said Negro, and delivers him to the subscriber, shall be entitled to the above reward and reasonable charges. DAVID WRIGHTER, Gaoler. Trenton, January 11, 1802. 50-3w"
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1801-12-28 Manumission: DickFour 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.
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1801-12-28 Manumission: JosephFour 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.
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1801-12-28 Manumission: MargaretFour 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.
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1801-12-28 Manumission: ToneFour 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.
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1802-01-02 Freedom seeking: HarryHarry ran away from his enslaver Lambert DeCamp on January 2 or 3, 1802. He ran from Rahway near the Bridgetown area (which was at that time considered part of Woodbridge, Middlesex County). His enslaver issued a notice a few days later offering a 10 dollar reward for Harry's capture. ----- Transcript of the source document: "Ten Dollars Reward RANAWAY on the 2nd or 3rd instant, from Mr. Lambert D Camp, living in Rahway, near Bridgetown, Middlesex County, a negro named HARRY about 21 years old, about 5 feet 9 or 10 inches high, stout male, middling dark complexion, with a scar on his left hand, occasioned by inoculation of the small-pox -- Had on and took with him, a new rorum hat, a great coat, tight coat, waistcoat and trousers, all home-spun, mixed black and white, and new; also a striped linen under waistcoat, also two pair of stockings, and two pair of shoes, one of calf skin, new; also a striped woolen shirt, blue and white, one do linen, white. Whoever will apprehend said negro, and deliver him to the subscriber, or confine him in any gaol so that he may be had, shall be entitled to the above reward and all reasonable charges by me. LAMBERT D CAMP Rahway, Middlesex County, Jan. 6, 1802. 31-3W"
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1802-01-03 Freedom seeking: LimusA Black man named Limus ran away from Thomas West Montgomery of Allentown, Monmouth County, NJ, on January 3, 1802. Five weeks later, his enslaver issued a notice offering a reward of 5 dollars for Limus's return. ----- Transcript of the source document: "Five Dollars Reward RANAWAY from the subscriber living in Allen-town, Monmouth county, on the 3d of January, 1802, a BLACK MAN named Limus; he is very black, about five feet, nine or ten inches high, slender, and very straight; bold spoken; had on, when he went away, a beaver hat two thirds worn, red sailor jacket, striped swansdown waistcoat, purple linsey trousers not fulled -- took with him a nankeen sailor jacket edged with red. Whoever will secure the said Negro, so that his master may get him again, shall receive the above reward and reasonable charges. T. W. Montgomery February 9, 1802 54-3w"
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1802-01-06 Jailing: JackJack was imprisoned in the Trenton jail for stealing a cow from his enslaver, Amos Moore. He arrived at the jail sometime before January 7, 1802. Information about this event comes from a jailbreak notice for Jack. It is uncertain how long he was in jail before he broke out. ----- Transcript of the source document: "Eight Dollars Reward. BROKE gaol, on Thursday the 7th instant, Jack, a Negro slave, the property of Amos Moore, who stands charged with having privately taken and stolen from his said master, a red Cow; he is about twenty years of age, five feet and a half inches high, of a black complexion-Had on when he went away, a mixed coloured great coat, deep blue tight bodied do. blue vest and trousers, mixed blue stockings, old shoes, and an old hat. Whoever takes up said Negro, and delivers him to the subscriber, shall be entitled to the above reward and reasonable charges. DAVID WRIGHTER, Gaoler. Trenton, January 11, 1802. 50-3w"
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1802-01-07 Freedom seeking: JackOn January 7, 1802, Jack escaped from jail in Trenton, NJ, where he was imprisoned for stealing a cow from his enslaver Amos Moore. The Trenton jailer David Wrighter published a runaway notice offering a reward for Jack's capture. ----- Transcript of the source document: "Eight Dollars Reward. BROKE gaol, on Thursday the 7th instant, Jack, a Negro slave, the property of Amos Moore, who stands charged with having privately taken and stolen from his said master, a red Cow; he is about twenty years of age, five feet and a half inches high, of a black complexion-Had on when he went away, a mixed coloured great coat, deep blue tight bodied do. blue vest and trousers, mixed blue stockings, old shoes, and an old hat. Whoever takes up said Negro, and delivers him to the subscriber, shall be entitled to the above reward and reasonable charges. DAVID WRIGHTER, Gaoler. Trenton, January 11, 1802. 50-3w"
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1802-03-01 Agreement: Thomas TitusA young 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. Titus was about 17 years old when the agreement was made. It is uncertain whether a written agreement was created in 1802; it may have been 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 freed Titus and filed manumission papers in Middlesex County in 1818. Beekman and Titus lived in South Brunswick.
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1802-04-08 Manumission: Samson JetersJoseph 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.
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1802-04-08 Manumission: Thomas WildesJoseph 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 Wildes 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 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.
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1802-04-20 Manumission: FrankFrank 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.
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1802-04-20 Manumission: Solomon LaingSolomon 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.
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1802-07-03 Manumission: SarahSarah 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.
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1802-08-06 Manumission: SheloteShelote 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.
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1802-09-01 Freedom seeking: RalphOn September 1, 1802, a 21-year-old Black man named Ralph ran away from his enslaver Appollo Woodward of Arney's Town, Upper Freehold township, Monmouth County, New Jersey. ----- Transcript of the source document: "Fifteen Dollars Reward. RAN away from the subscriber the 1st of September inst. a NEGRO MAN, named Ralph, about 21 years of age, short stout built, rather bow legged, wears his hair platted, and is remarkable, when in conversation, for alternately looking at and from the person with whom he converses; had on when he went away, a nankeen coattee, waistcoat and trousers, a straw hat lined with a bandanna handkerchief, and new shoes. Whoever will return said Negro to the subscriber, living near Arney's Town, Upper Freehold, Monmouth County, or secure him in any gaol so that he may be obtained again, shall receive the above reward and all reasonable. charges. APPOLLO WOODWARD. September 12, 1802. 85-3w"
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1802-09-14 Manumission: RichardRichard 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.
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1802-10-13 Manumission: Jack FisherJack 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.
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1802-10-13 Manumission: Martha FisherMartha 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.
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1803-01-27 Manumission: Charles HawkinsCharles 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.
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1803-04-11 Manumission: John WycoofJohn 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.
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1803-04-11 Manumission: PeterPeter 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.