New Jersey Slavery Records

Rachel, aged 24, was manumitted by Anna Manning of Piscataway, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of Piscataway (Samuel Stelle and Ephraim Runyon) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Samuel Drake and George Boice) on October 15, 1814. The document stated that Rachel was examined in court and met the eligibility requirements for manumission in New Jersey, i.e. the person was 21 to 40 years old and was "sound in mind and not under any bodily incapacity" of obtaining a livelihood. The deed of manumission was also executed on October 15, 1814, by Anna Manning. These documents were recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on October 21, 1814. Additional details not mentioned in the manumission documents: Anna Manning was the widow of William Manning, who died on September 26, 1814, and who was the previous legal owner of Rachel. William Manning's will stipulated that Rachel should stay with Anna Manning until Rachel reached age 25. At age 25, Rachel was to be liberated. Rather than waiting until Rachel turned 25 as stipulated in the will, Anna Manning proceeded to manumit Rachel days after William Manning's will was proved by the court. Three other manumissions related to William Manning's estate were filed on the same day. See related events for William Manning's will and the manumissions of Jacob, Tom, and Hetty.

Tom, aged 22, was manumitted by Thomas Manning and William B. Manning, beneficiaries and executors of the estate of William Manning. They brought Tom to court to complete the process and obtain a certificate of manumission. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of Piscataway (Samuel Stelle and Ephraim Runyon) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Samuel Drake and George Boice Jr.) on October 15, 1814. The document stated that Tom 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. The deed of manumission was also executed on October 15, 1814. The certificate was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on October 21, 1814, and the deed was recorded on November 11, 1814. Although William Manning's will stipulated that Tom should be liberated on May 1, 1818, Thomas Manning and William B. Manning proceeded to manumit Tom immediately after they took over the estate rather than waiting until 1818. Tom also was supposed to receive $100 from the estate at the time of manumission, per William Manning's will. Three other manumissions related to William Manning's estate were filed on the same day. See related events for William Manning's will and the manumissions of Rachel, Jacob, and Hetty.

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 55 Child: Eliza Mother: Pegg Enslaver of mother and child: John LaTourrette Location: Piscataway, NJ Birth date: October 21, 1814 Reported date: May 1, 1815 Clerk: William Philips Deare The document indicates that the enslaver was a miller.

Sussex County Births of Enslaved Children microfilm contains the following record: Child: Thomas Mother: Yan Enslaver of mother and child: Henry Price Location: Sussex County (Locality not specified) Birth date: October 25, 1814 Recorded date: March 7, 1817 Clerk: Ephraim Green Jr This birth certificate does not specify the locality; however, other documents indicate that Henry Price was a resident of Frankford, and it can be inferred that the child was likely born there.

Somerset County birth records of enslaved children contain the following record: Book A, page number: 210 Child: Betty Mother: name not recorded Enslaver of mother and child: Ann Frelinghuysen Location: Somerset County (location not specified) Birth date: 5 Nov 1814 Reported date: 1 April 1818 Clerk: Samuel Swan Although the locality was not mentioned on this birth certificate, other county records indicate that Ann Frelinghuysen was a resident of Hillsborough. Thus, it can be inferred that the child was born in that township.

Cato and Leven ran away from their enslaver George Farmer, whose Belle Vue estate was located on the Raritan River opposite New Brunswick in Middlesex County (then part of Piscataway, estimated to be in present-day Highland Park). They ran away together on November 22, 1814. Their enslaver issued a notice offering a reward of 100 dollars for their capture the next day. ----- Transcript of the source document: "100 Dolls. Reward RANAWAY from the subscriber on the night of the 22d nst. two negro men, LEVEN and CATO, about 23 years of age—Leven is a stout fellow, quite black, about 5 feet 9 inches high a sour, cross looking fellow, stoops considerable in walking, speaks as though he had something in his mouth hot eating, and his accent is somewhat yankee, he having lived a number of years in the Lake country, in the town of Scipeo—had on when he left this, a new coating roundabout, drab coloured jacket, woolen shirt white, an old light coloured linsey trowsers, much patched with cloth of darker colour, very thick shoes, nearly new, and grey mixed stockings. Cato is a light coloured fellow, with many scars about his face, among which is a natural mark on his right cheek, just below the eye, near 1 3-4 of an inch long, and about half or 3-4 of an inch wide, about 5 feet 5 or 6 inches high, pleasant looking and speaking fellow; had on when he went away a coattee of mixed linsey, and trowsers of the same, trowsers much patched with brown, shoes much worn, vest swansdown, black and white striped, patched with blue, a boy's castor hat, small in the brim, much worn.—Whoever takes up said negroes, and secures them in any gaol, or delivers them to the subscriber, shall be entitled to the above reward and reasonable charges, or fifty dollars for either of them. GEORGE FARMER. Belle Vue opposite New-Brunswick, November 23, 1814. 7-tf."

Five enslaved people were mentioned by name in the last will and testament of James Edgar of Woodbridge, written on December 20, 1814. The will was proved a month later on January 19, 1815, shortly after James Edgar's death. The people mentioned were Mariann, Lett, Cato, Jake, and Suck. Marianne's age at this time was 17, as can be inferred from her manumission certificate filed several years later. The ages of the other individuals mentioned are uncertain. The executors of the will were James Edgar's sons Thomas and Samuel. His wife Mary Edgar is also mentioned in the will. The following is a copy of the will abstract, as published in the Calendar of Wills, Vol. 13, 1814-1817. "1814, Dec. 20. Edgar, James, of Woodbridge Twsp., Middlesex Co.; will of. Wife, Mary, 1/2 of all household goods (the clock excepted); 1 horse, 3 cows, 6 sheep, riding chair and harness, provisions, grains; service of my negro girl, Mariann; use of 1/2 the dwelling house, garden and barns, firewood; $20 yearly for life to be paid by son, Thomas; also 1/4 of profits of sales of grains raised by son, Samuel, in lieu of dower. Son, Thomas, the plantation on which he lives adjoining Henry Freeman, Marsh Noe; 1/2 of salt meadow purchased of Samuel Brewster. Son, Samuel, part of homestead including my dwelling house, barns, etc., adjoining John Vanhorne, the school land, Isaac Prawl (25 acres); lot adjoining same; other 1/2 of salt meadow; the negro man, Cato and woman, Lett; the new farm wagon and the clock, (after death of my wife); also use of land devised to my daughter, Betsey, until death of my wife, subject to bequests to his mother as aforesaid. Daughter, Polly Herriot, for life, use and benefit of 2 lots now occupied by her, as purchased of James Paton and William F. Manning and at her death all of same to her female children equally; all the articles now in her possession which I purchased of administrators of Smith Herriot. Daughter, Sally Freeman, lot (formerly Nathaniel Heards), adjoining James Paton, Marsh Noe. Daughter, Betsey, 50 acres adjoining Samuel’s lands, having possession thereof after death of her mother; 1/2 household goods and the negro girl, Mariann, until she is 21 at which time she is to be freed. Residue after debts are paid, to wife. Negroes, Jake and Suck, to be freed when 30. Executors—sons, Thomas and Samuel. Witnesses—Marsh Noe, Abraham Lee, Ichabod Potter. Proved Jan. 19, 1815. 1815, Jan. 19. Inventory, $1,589.98; made by Jonathan Freeman, Abraham Lee. Includes shoemaker’s tools, bench and leathers. File 10537 L."

Somerset County Register of Black Children, Manumissions, and Removals, Book A, Page 151, contains a manumission record for Phillis, who was released from slavery on 28 December 1814 in Basking Ridge, Bernards township. Phillis was manumitted by Robert Finley. The manumission document states that Phillis was an adult between 21 and 40 years old, but the exact age was not recorded. The document was entered into the book by the County Clerk (Samuel Swan) on 3 January 1815. The manumission record was signed by the Overseers of the Poor for the township (Andrew Smalley and Joel Dayton) and Justices of the Peace for Somerset County (Edward Lewis and Joseph Annin).

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 70 Child: Derinda Mother: Violet Enslaver of mother and child: Jonathan Rowland Location: Woodbridge, NJ Birth date: January 2, 1815 Reported date: April 8, 1823 Clerk: William Philips Deare The birth certificate stated that the enslaver was a farmer and that the child's name was "Derinda alias Belinda." The same document also reported the birth of her brother Robert.

Elizabeth, a Black woman, was sold by the Middlesex County sheriff at a public auction as a result of a lawsuit. It appears that Elizabeth's enslaver John Powers was indebted to Staats Van Deursen (treasurer of Queen's College). Staats Van Deursen brought a lawsuit against John Powers, and a Writ of Execution was issued ordering the sheriff to sell Elizabeth at public auction. Sheriff Abraham Van Arsdalen sold Elizabeth to James Neilson (trustee and benefactor of Queen's College, later Rutgers University) on January 3, 1815, for the sum of 250 dollars. On January 23, 1815, James Neilson paid the sheriff for the sale and took possession of Elizabeth, as shown in a receipt issued by the sheriff on that date. --- The following is a transcript of the receipt: "Rec'd New Brunswick 23d January 1815 from Mr. James Neilson two hundred & fifty Dollars in full payment of a certain Negro Woman named Elizabeth, belonging to the personal estate of John Powers, sold by me on the 3d day of January Inst by Writ of an Execution at the suit of Staats Van Deursen which negro I do hereby deliver to his possession. $250 Abrm Van Arsdalen Sheriff"

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 69 Child: Harry Mother: Jenny Father: Enos Enslaver of mother and child: Thomas C. Brown Enslaver of father: John Brown Location: Middlesex County, NJ [probably Woodbridge] Birth date: January 5, 1815 Reported date: December 11, 1822 Clerk: William Philips Deare The birth certificate does not list a specific place of residence within Middlesex County for Thomas C. Brown and the enslaved mother Jenny and infant Harry. However, other county records indicate that John Brown (the enslaver of Harry's father Enos) lived in Woodbridge, and several other Brown family members were known to reside in Woodbridge as well. Thus, Woodbridge is the probable location of Harry's birth.

Enslaver Daniel Predmore of Frankford, Sussex County, New Jersey, who died in July 1815, wrote his will about six months before his death in January 1815. Daniel mentioned a Black woman named Elizabeth, her two children (names not listed), and also a person named Francis. Daniel bequeathed them to his wife Sarah Elizabeth Predmore née Case. Note that the Black woman Elizabeth had an infant named Harry born in May 1815. Harry is not one of the two children mentioned in the will, since it was written five months before his birth. Harry also became the property of Daniel Predmore's widow. Will abstract, as published on p. 339 in the Calendar of Wills, Vol. 13: "1815, Jan. 22. Predmore, Daniel, Sr., of Frankford, Sussex Co.; will of. Wife, Elizabeth, use of plantation whereon I live, with firewood from any of my other lands; also 2 horses, 2 cows, 6 sheep, 1 wagon, 1 plow, harrow, sled, harness, riding chair, 2 beds and bedding and other household goods as may be sufficient, and other provision for her comfort during widowhood; also service of negro woman, Elizabeth and her two children and Francis. Executors to sell mill and lot of 40 acres, or to rent at their discretion. At death or marriage of wife, all estate, real and personal to be sold. Out of proceeds, debts to be paid. To children of my daughter, Elizabeth (wife of Gilbert Ingersoll), $150 to be divided between them as they come to age. Residue to be divided among my children, Daniel, Joshua, Benjamin, Joseph, Peter, Sarah (wife of John Frazer), Mary (wife of Peter Case, Jr.), the sons having two shares to the daughters’ one. Executors—wife, Elizabeth, sons, Daniel and Joshua. Witnesses— Henry Washer, William C. Washer, Howell Marsh. Proved July 31, 1815. 1815, Aug. 22. Inventory [not totaled]; made by Jacob Strader, Henry Couse. File 1618 S."

Jack, aged 27, was manumitted by John Guild of North Brunswick, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseer of the Poor of North Brunswick (Moses Guest) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Asa Runyon and Thomas Hance) on February 24, 1815. The document stated that Jack 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. The deed of manumission was executed on February 24, 1815, by John Guild. These documents were recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on February 24, 1816.

Sussex County Births of Enslaved Children microfilm contains the following record: Child: Martin Mother: Dine Dewitt Enslaver of mother and child: Bow Decker Location: Sussex County (Locality not specified) Birth date: March 21, 1815 Recorded date: November 29, 1821 Clerk: Green The place of birth was not specified on the certificate, but Bowdewine Decker was a well-known resident of Wantage, and it can be inferred that the child was born there.

Charles Smith, aged 25, was manumitted by Court Voorhees Jr. of West Windsor, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of West Windsor (Henry Dye and John C. Schenck) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (William Tindall and Andrew Rowan) on March 27, 1815. The document stated that Charles Smith 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. The deed of manumission was executed on March 27, 1815; the enslaver signed his name as Court Voorhees Jr. These documents were recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on June 3, 1815.

Lester, aged 39, was manumitted by John Tindall, yeoman, of West Windsor, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of West Windsor (Henry Dye and John C. Schenck) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (William Tindall and Andrew Rowan) on April 1, 1815. The document stated that Lester 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. The deed of manumission was executed on April 1, 1815, by John Tindall. These documents were recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on June 3, 1815.

Friday, aged 38, was manumitted by John G. Schenck of West Windsor, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of West Windsor (Henry Dye and John C. Schenck) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Andrew Rowan and William Tindall) on April 5, 1815. The document stated that Friday 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. The deed of manumission was executed on April 5, 1815, by John G. Schenck. These documents were recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on June 8, 1815.

Jack, aged 32, was manumitted by Court Voorhees of West Windsor, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of West Windsor (Henry Dye and John G. Schenck) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Andrew Rowan and William Tindall) on April 5, 1815. The document stated that Jack 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. The deed of manumission was executed on April 5, 1815, by Court Voorhees. These documents were recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) two years later on June 11, 1817.

The Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children Book contains a record for a child named Joseph Jennings on page 72. The child was born on April 15, 1815. This birth certificate is incomplete: the name of the enslaver was not recorded, and the names of the parents were not recorded either. The record only says, "Joseph Jennings was born April 15th in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & fifteen." It appears that the clerk (William P. Deare) made this notation in the book sometime between January and May of 1824.

Cyrus was manumitted by John Scott of South Brunswick, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of South Brunswick (Andrew McDowell and Thomas Wetherill) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Nathaniel Hunt and John Bastedo) on April 15, 1815. The document stated that Cyrus 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. Cyrus's exact age was not recorded in the document. This document was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on August 3, 1815.

Cyrus was manumitted by Samuel Groenendyke of South Brunswick, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of South Brunswick (Andrew McDowell and Thomas Wetherill) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Nathaniel Hunt and John Bastedo) on April 15, 1815. The document stated that Cyrus 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. Cyrus's exact age was not recorded in the document. This document was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on April 27, 1815.

Richard Vullentine was manumitted jointly by Jemima Smith and Anna Smith of South Brunswick, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of South Brunswick (Andrew McDowell and Thomas Wetherill) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Nathaniel Hunt and John Bastedo) on April 15, 1815. The document stated that Richard Vullentine 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 Vullentine's exact age was not recorded in the document. This document was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on February 24, 1816.

Charles was manumitted by John Fitz Randolph of Piscataway, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of Piscataway (Ephraim Runyon and Samuel Stelle) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (George Boice Jr. and Asa Runyon) on April 17, 1815. The document stated that Charles 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's exact age was not recorded in the document. The deed of manumission was executed on April 17, 1815, by John Fitz Randolph. These documents were recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on April 27, 1815.

Dine was sold by the executors of the estate of the Rev. Joseph Clark (late pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of New Brunswick) in 1815 to George Farmer. Clark had left his estate to wife Margaret Clark (who died shortly after him in 1814) and his children, naming several prominent members of his church as executors of his will. The executors of the estate advertised the sale of two black women (aged about 24 and 17) in the local newspaper the Fredonian starting in April 1814. Dine was the younger of the two women. It took approximately a year for the executors to complete Dine's sale. George Farmer (of the Belle Vue estate in Piscataway) paid 75 dollars for Dine to John Neilson (one of the executors of the estate). On April 17, 1815, John Neilson delivered the payment of 75 dollars for the sale to Hannah, the daughter of the late Joseph Clark. This was part of Hannah's inheritance. Hannah Clark issued John Neilson a receipt for the money. The following is a transcript of the receipt: "New Brunswick 17th April 1815 Received from John Neilson seventy five dollars received by him as Excr of the est. of Revd. Docr Jos. Clark from George Farmer for black girl Dine sold by the Executor to the said Geo Farmer Hannah Clark"

Sussex County Births of Enslaved Children microfilm contains the following record: Child: Robert Mother: Bettey Father: Nun Enslaver of mother, father, and child: Abraham Shaver Location: Sussex County (locality not specified) Birth date: 4 May 1815 Recorded date: 15 May 1815 Clerk: John Johnson The locality within Sussex County is not specified in this document. However, other historical records indicate that enslaver Abraham Shaver was the owner of the Shafer Grist Mill in Stillwater. Thus it can be inferred that the child was born in Stillwater.

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 56 Child: George Mother: Mariah Enslaver of mother and child: John F. Randolph Location: Middlesex County, NJ Birth date: May 6, 1815 Reported date: July 5, 1815 Clerk: William Philips Deare The birth certificate does not list a specific location within Middlesex County; however, other historical documents show that John Fitz Randolph and the enslaved woman Mariah resided in Piscataway.

Sussex County Births of Enslaved Children microfilm contains the following record: Child: Henry Mother: Liz Enslaver of mother and child: Elizabeth Predmore, widow Location: Sussex County (Locality not specified) Birth date: May 9, 1815 Recorded date: November 27, 1815 Clerk: Green Note that the date written on the back of the certificate by the County Clerk says filed Nov. 27, 1814, but this is judged to be a mistake. The front of the certificate says the child was born in May 1815, and, additionally, Mrs. Predmore became a widow in July 1815 (she would not have sent in a document as a widow in 1814). The certificate does not specify a locality, but the Predmores were known to be residents of Frankford, where Elizabeth's late husband Daniel died shortly before this certificate was filed. Thus it can be inferred that the child was born in Frankford.

Sussex County Births of Enslaved Children microfilm contains the following record: Child: Julian Mother: Name not listed Enslaver of mother and child: John Boyd Location: Sussex County (Locality not listed) Birth date: May 12, 1815 Recorded date: October 1, 1815 Clerk: Johnson The back of the birth certificate identifies the enslaver as "Revd John Boyd." The Rev. John Boyd pastored two churches in Sussex County: the Yellow Frame Presbyterian Church and the Newton Presbyterian Church. Thus, although the locality is not listed on this birth certificate, we can infer that Julian was likely born at Boyd's homestead which was located in the vicinity of the Yellow Frame Church in the area of present-day Fredon, NJ.

Sussex County Births of Enslaved Children microfilm contains the following record: Child: Jane Mother: name not listed Enslaver of mother and child: Ralph Hunt Location: Hardwick Birth date: 20 May 1815 Recorded date: 16 Aug 1815 Clerk: name not listed

On May 25, 1815, Cornelius C. Vermeule sold Prince to John Neilson (1745-1833) for 150 dollars. Prince was about 23 years old at this time. The buyer and seller both lived in New Brunswick, NJ. The terms of the Bill of Sale suggest that there was some prior indenture agreement between Prince and Cornelius C. Vermeule that set September 1, 1819, as the expected manumission date for Prince. Vermeule sold Prince to Neilson for the remainder of Prince's "unexpired time" which was listed as 4 years, 3 months, and 6 days. The Bill of Sale was signed in the presence of witness John Guild.

Adam (or Addom) was manumitted by James Morgan of South Amboy, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of South Amboy (John Perrine and David Smith) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Robert McChesney and Samuel Pitney) on May 29, 1815. The document stated that Adam 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. Adam's exact age was not recorded in the document. This document was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on October 20, 1815.

Cate, aged 35, was manumitted by John G. Schenck of West Windsor, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseer of the Poor of West Windsor (Henry Dye) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Moses Morris and Ralph Sansbury) on June 7, 1815. The document stated that Cate 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. The deed of manumission was executed on June 7, 1815, by John G. Schenck. These documents were recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on April 29, 1816.

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 81 Child: Sam Mother: Jane Enslaver signed: Austin D. Blackwell Location: Mapletown, NJ Birth date: January 20, 1814 Reported date: November 17, 1830 Clerk: T. S. Van Arsdalen The record also contains the names and dates of birth for the child’s 5 siblings. Note that this document was submitted by enslaver Austin D. Blackwell in 1830, many years after Jane’s children were born. Although this is not mentioned in this document, Austin was too young to have been Jane’s enslaver at the time when the children were born, and it can therefore be inferred that Austin’s father Thomas Blackwell (the head of the Blackwell household) was Jane’s original enslaver during her childbearing years. It appears that Thomas failed to report the children’s births as the law required, and Austin finally submitted birth records to the Middlesex County Clerk in 1830, five years after his father’s death. Note that the date “November 8th 1820” that appears in the transcript below is likely an error made either by Austin Blackwell or by the County Clerk, considering that two other dates on the document indicate that it was signed in November 1830 (not 1820), and the document appears in the Clerk’s book on page 81 alongside other records from 1830. The following is a complete transcript of the document: "Charles was born September 6th 1809 Letty was born February 1st 1811 Alexander was born May 29th 1812 Sam was born January 20th 1814 Phebe was born June 8th 1815 Sally was born August 10th 1817 all of the same mother Jane Dated November 8th 1820 Austin D. Blackwell I do hereby certify that the above names is taken from the family record Dated Mapleton November 17th 1830 Austin D. Blackwell Recd November 22, 1830 & recorded by T. S. Van Arsdalen Clerk"

Somerset County birth records of enslaved children contain the following record: Child: Mary Mother: Betty Original enslaver of mother and child: the widow Lemetje Van Neste Delayed birth registration filed by new enslaver: John J. Schenck Location: Somerset County (Locality not listed) Birth date: June 12, 1815 Reported date: April 9, 1818 Clerk: Samuel Swan John J. Schenck filed a delayed birth registration for Betty's three children Dinah, Rompey, and Mary in 1818, after the death of Schenck's mother-in-law Lemmetye Van Neste (deceased 1816). The delayed birth registration indicated that the children were "born at the widow Lemetje Van Neste's." Although the township was not listed on the birth certificate, Lemmetye Van Neste and John J. Schenck were both known to be residents of Hillsborough, and it can be assumed that the children were born there.

Cornelious, aged 33, was manumitted by Joseph Barron of Woodbridge, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of Woodbridge (Thomas Edgar and Richard Marsh) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Andrew Elston and Richard Marsh) on June 20, 1815. The document stated that Cornelious 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 document was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on September 25, 1815.

Enos was manumitted by James Paton of Woodbridge, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of Woodbridge (Nathan Bloomfield and Richard Marsh) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Ephraim Harriot and James Eugene Parker) on July 21, 1815. The document stated that Enos 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. Enos's exact age was not recorded in the document. The deed of manumission was executed on July 21, 1815, by James Paton. These documents were recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on August 3, 1815.

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 61 Child: Merrell Mother: Bett Enslaver of mother and child: Thomas Edgar Location: Woodbridge, NJ Birth date: July 27, 1815 Reported date: April 10, 1818 Clerk: William Philips Deare The certificate does not indicate the child's sex. The document notes that the enslaver was a farmer. See related birth events for Bett's other children, which were reported in the same document.

Around September 1815, a young Black man named Elisha, who was enslaved by John Tucker of Rahway, was jailed for stealing. The jail mentioned in the source probably refers to the Middlesex County jail, which was located in New Brunswick. ----- Transcript of the source document: "Fifty Dollars Reward. RAN AWAY from the subscriber on the night of the 27th ult. a negro man named ELISHA, purchased on the 9th September of John Tucker, Esq. of Rahway, at that time in jail for stealing—about 21 years of age, 5 feet 9 or 10 inches, pretty black, large eyes, tolerably good looking fellow, rather slender made, very lazy. Had on when he went away light colored fulled linsey coatee, under jacket and trowsers of cloth nearly black, trowsers much worn and patched, mixt grey stockings, odd, one footed with yard of a darker color, old linen shirt, and an old hat. Whoever takes up said negro and delivers him to me shall have the above reward. George Farmer. Belle Vue, opposite New Brunswick, February 1, 1816."

A Black man named Elisha was sold by his enslaver, John Tucker of Rahway, to George Farmer on September 9, 1815. George Farmer had an estate called Belle Vue across the Raritan River from New Brunswick (in the vicinity of present-day Highland Park). Information about the sale comes from a runaway ad that George Farmer published the following year when Elisha ran away from him. At the time of the sale, Elisha was in jail for stealing. The jail location was not specified in the source, but it most likely refers to the Middlesex County jail, which was in New Brunswick.

Sussex County Births of Enslaved Children microfilm contains the following record: Child: Isaac Mother: name not listed Enslaver of mother and child: John A. Johnson Location: Sussex County Birth date: September 10, 1815 Recorded date: February 23, 1816 Clerk: Clerk not listed, presumed Ephraim Green The township is not listed on this birth certificate; however, another birth certificate submitted by John A. Johnson several years later listed him as a resident of Independence township. Thus, it can be inferred that the child was likely born in that township. In addition to the clerk's notations regarding the filing of the birth certificate, the back of the paper contains some writing that appears unrelated to the child, i.e. the name "Joseph Green" written out three times and the word "Philadelphia."

Silva, aged 39, was manumitted by Aaron Hassert of North Brunswick, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseer of the Poor of North Brunswick (Moses Guest) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Asa Runyon and Thomas Hance) on September 30, 1815. The document stated that Silva 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. The deed of manumission was executed on September 30, 1815, by Aaron Hassert. These documents were recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on September 30, 1815.

Somerset County Register of Black Children, Manumissions, and Removals, Book A, Page 169, contains a manumission record for William Field, who was released from slavery on 14 October 1815 in Basking Ridge, Bernards. William Field was manumitted by Robert Finley. The manumission document states that William Field was an adult between 21 and 40 years old, but the exact age was not recorded. The document was entered into the book by the County Clerk (Samuel Swan) on 7 November 1815. The manumission record was signed by the Overseers of the Poor for the township (Jacob Burtt and Daniel Cooper) and Justices of the Peace for Somerset County (Joseph Annin and Edward Lewis).

On October 15, 1815, an indentured Black man named Cornerlius Sinco, or Cornelius Bloomfield, ran away from Benjamin Crow in Woodbridge, Middlesex County, New Jersey. ----- Transcript of the source document: "Twenty Dollars Reward. RAN AWAY from the subscriber on Sunday the the 15th October last, a black indented apprentice named CORNELIUS SINCO, but frequently calls his name Cornerlius Bloomfield. He is about 19 years old, much addicted to strong drink and chewing tobacco. Had on when he went away a pair of tow trowsers and shirt, yellow nankeen west-coat and fustian colored roundabout jacket and rorum hat. All persons are forewarned harboring or trusting him on my account. Whoever will take up said boy and return him to me, or secure him in the jail of New Brunswick shall receive the above reward and reasonable charges. BENJAMIN CROW. Woodbridge, Nov. 16."

The following manumission record from Gloucester County was transcribed by the Historical Records Survey Project of the Works Progress Administration. The transcript was originally published in 1940 in the book titled Transcriptions of Early County Records of New Jersey: Gloucester County Series Slave Documents. The transcript is reproduced below as it appeared in that book. The manumission documents for 21-year-old Rin or Marinda Holland were filed by Joseph O. Clark, who performed the manumission in his capacity as the administrator of the estate of Rebecca Blackwood (widow of Samuel Blackwood, and daughter-in-law of Joseph Blackwood Esq). The manumission deed provides additional information about Marinda Holland's life trajectory from her birth into slavery in Joseph Blackwood's home until her manumission by Rebecca Holland's estate. The documents were filed in Deptford. TRANSCRIPT: [DOCUMENT 38] Know all men by these presents that Whereas Joseph Blackwood Esq late of the County of Gloucester in the State of New Jersey by a certain writing under his hand and seal duly Executed and bearing date the 14th day of July A D 1800 Therin did Grant Bargain and Sell unto his son Samuel Blackwood and to his heirs and Assigns A Certain Negro Girl named Rin or Marinda who was Born a Slave to the said Joseph Blackwood and the said Samuel Blackwood became so seized of said Negro Slave died seized of the same, And Whereas Rebecca Blackwood Widow and Administratrix of the said Samuel Blackwood Having taken the said Negro Girl at the appraisement of her Husbands Estate Whereby she became the property of the said Rebecca Blackwood who also died seized of the said Slave and Whereas Joseph O. Clark having obtained letters of Administration of the Estate of said Rebecca Blackwood agreeably to Law and Whereas the said Negro Slave now aged about Twenty one years of age was Appraised to him at Fifty Dollars and the said Joseph O. Clark having taken the said negro at the appraisement for the purpose of Manumiting and Setter her Free Now Know ye that I Joseph O. Clark having procured from the overseer of the poor of the township of Debtford and two of the Justices of the peace of said County of Gloucester Certificates agreeably to an Act of the Legislature of said State in such cases made and provided Certifying that the said Negro Girl is a proper subject for Manumition agreeably to the provisions of said Act as by the said Certificate will appear Do hereby in pursuant to the Laws of the State of New Jersey in such cases Made And provided amd by those presents Doth Manumit and Set Free from Slavery the said Negro Girl Named Rin or Marinda Aged about twenty one Years in Witness whereof I the above named Joseph O. Clark hath to these presents set my hand and Seal the twentieth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifteen 1815 Joseph O. Clark (Seal) Signed Sealed and Delivered In the presence of Thomas Hendry Marmaduke Wood Gloucester ss Be It Remembered that on the twentieth day of November A D Eighteen hundred and fifteen before me the Subscriber one of the Judges of the Inferior Court of common pleas of said County personally Appeared the within Named Joseph O. Clark and Acknowledged that he signed sealed and Delivered the within deed of Manumition, to and for the uses and purposes therein Mentioned. Acknowledged the Day and year above written before Jacob Glover [DOCUMENT 39] 1815 20 Nov [Verso] Deed of Manumission for Marina Holland Recd Novemr 20th 1815 and recorded in the Clerks office of Gloucester County in Lib W folio 310 of Deeds Thos. Hendry Clk Acknowledgement .50 Recording ,5o $1.00 Gloucester County to Wit We do hereby Certify that on this twentieth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifteen Joseph O. Clark of said County Brought before us two of the overseers of the poor of the township of Debtford and two of the Justices of the peace of said County his Slave Named Rin or Marinda Holland who on View and Examination appears to be sound in mind and not under any Bodily incapacity of obtaining a Support and also is not under the age of twenty one years nor above the Age of Forty years in Witness Whereof we have hereunto set our hands the day and year above written John Shivers ) Overseers of the poor Thomas T. Sparks ) of the township of Debtford Thomas Hendry ) Justice of the peace Marmaduke Wood ) in and for the County of Gloucester

Sussex County Births of Enslaved Children microfilm contains the following record: Child: Two female children, names not listed Mother: Amey Enslaver of mother and child: James Hopkins Location: Sussex County (locality not specified) Birth date: 21 Nov 1815 Recorded date: 4 Jan 1816 Clerk: not listed, presumed Ephraim Green Jr. This appears to be a birth certificate for Amey's twin daughters, since only one birth date is listed in the document. The names of the children were not recorded. The following is a full transcript of the source document: Front: "The Clerk of Sussex County will please to record the birth of two female children born of a negro slave belonging to me named Amey born the 21 November A.D. 1815. James Hopkins" Back: "Birth of two blacks filed 4 Jany 1816 97/w"

Flora was manumitted by Peter Noe of Woodbridge, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of Woodbridge (Nathan Bloomfield and Thomas Edgar) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Andrew Elston and Richard Marsh) on November 23, 1815. The document stated that Flora 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. Flora's exact age was not recorded in the document. This document was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on October 31, 1818.

Henry was manumitted by Jacob Fitz Randolph of Woodbridge, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of Woodbridge (Nathan Bloomfield and Thomas Edgar) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Andrew Elston and Richard Marsh) on November 23, 1815. The document stated that Henry 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. Henry's exact age was not recorded in the document. This document was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on October 31, 1818.

Somerset County birth records of enslaved children contain two records for Joseph, son of Flora, enslaved by John Joline, innkeeper in Princeton. The certificates were submitted 7 years apart. According to these certificates, Joseph's birthday was either 3rd or 5th of January 1816. The conflicting information is as follows. Book A, page 180, has a birth certificate for Joseph (listed as Joe) and another certificate for his brother Dick. This page says Joe was born on 5 January 1816. The certificate was signed by John Joline on 13 April 1816 and was recorded in the book on 16 April 1816 by Samuel Swan (clerk). Book A, page 301, has a birth registration for Joseph and his three siblings Dick, Lewis, and Samuel. This page says that Joseph was born on 3 January 1816. The certificate was signed by John Joline on 6 January 1823 and was recorded in the book on 20 February 1823 by Isaac Southard (clerk).

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 58 Child: Sidney Mother: Rose Enslaver of mother and child: Joseph Marsh Location: Perth Amboy, NJ Birth date: January 5, 1816 Reported date: May 1, 1816 Clerk: William Philips Deare

Mark Stout, aged 25, was manumitted by Garret Story of West Windsor, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseer of the Poor of West Windsor (Henry Dye) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Andrew Rowan and William Tindall) on January 23, 1816. The document stated that Mark Stout 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. The deed of manumission was executed on January 23, 1816, by Garret Story. These documents were recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on July 20, 1816.

On the night of January 27, 1816, a 21-year-old Black man named Elisha ran away from George Farmer's Belle Vue estate, located around the area of present-day Highland Park, across the Raritan River from New Brunswick. ----- Transcript of the source document: "Fifty Dollars Reward. RAN AWAY from the subscriber on the night of the 27th ult. a negro man named ELISHA, purchased on the 9th September of John Tucker, Esq. of Rahway, at that time in jail for stealing—about 21 years of age, 5 feet 9 or 10 inches, pretty black, large eyes, tolerably good looking fellow, rather slender made, very lazy. Had on when he went away light colored fulled linsey coatee, under jacket and trowsers of cloth nearly black, trowsers much worn and patched, mixt grey stockings, odd, one footed with yard of a darker color, old linen shirt, and an old hat. Whoever takes up said negro and delivers him to me shall have the above reward. George Farmer. Belle Vue, opposite New Brunswick, February 1, 1816."

Dick, aged 33, was manumitted by Dowe D. Williamson of North Brunswick, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseer of the Poor of North Brunswick (Moses Guest) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Asa Runyon and Thomas Hance) on February 9, 1816. The document stated that Dick 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. The deed of manumission was executed on February 9, 1816, by Dowe D. Williamson.

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 69 and 70 Child: Susan Mother: Dinah Enslaver of mother and child: John DeBow Location: North Brunswick, NJ Birth date: February 13, 1816 Reported date: January 29, 1823 Clerk: William Philips Deare The document indicates that the enslaver was a farmer.

Sussex County Births of Enslaved Children microfilm contains the following record: Child: Jin Mother: not listed Enslaver of mother and child: Everett Van Auken Location: Newton, NJ Birth date: 6 April 1816 Recorded date: 5 August 1825 Clerk: David D. Chandler The enslaver signed by his mark and is presumed to be illiterate.

Benjamin was manumitted by James Randolph of Piscataway, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of Piscataway (Samuel Stelle and Ephraim Runyon) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Samuel Drake and George Boice) on April 8, 1816. The document stated that Benjamin 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. Benjamin's exact age was not recorded in the document. The deed of manumission was executed on April 8, 1816, by James Randolph. These documents were recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on May 6, 1816.

Dine, aged 30, was manumitted by Nathaniel Britton of South Brunswick, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of South Brunswick (Andrew McDowell and John Barricklo) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Nathaniel Hunt and John Bastedo) on April 8, 1816. The document stated that Dine 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 document was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on August 21, 1820. The deed of manumission was executed on April 8, 1816, by Nathaniel Britton in the presence of witnesses John P. Bergen and John Voorhees. On October 24, 1820, Nathaniel Britton appeared before Judge Nicholas Booraem to acknowledge his signature on this deed. The deed was recorded by Clerk Deare on June 14, 1821.

Eff, aged 27, was manumitted by William Cafferty of East Windsor, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of East Windsor (John Hammell and Charles South) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Andrew Rowan and John James) on April 8, 1816. The document stated that Eff 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. The deed of manumission was executed on April 8, 1816, by William Cafferty. These documents were recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on May 8, 1816.

Jack was manumitted by John Smalley Jr. of Piscataway, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of Piscataway (Ephraim Runyon and John Dayton) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Samuel Drake and George Boice) on April 8, 1816. The document stated that Jack 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's exact age was not recorded in the document. The deed of manumission was executed on April 8, 1816, by John Smalley Jr. These documents were recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on April 12, 1816. Smalley's brother-in-law James T. Dunn manumitted a man named Tom on the same day.

Peg was manumitted by Joseph Stelle of Piscataway, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of Piscataway (Ephraim Runyon and Samuel Stelle) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Samuel Drake and George Boice) on April 8, 1816. The document stated that Peg 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. Peg's exact age was not recorded in the document. The deed of manumission was executed on April 8, 1816, by Joseph Stelle. These documents were recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on May 4, 1816.

Philip Freeman, aged 34, 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 (Nathan Bloomfield and Thomas Edgar) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Benajah Mundy and Richard Marsh) on April 8, 1816. The document stated that Philip Freeman 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. The deed of manumission was executed on May 10, 1816, by Isaac Freeman. These documents were recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on June 11, 1816.

Tom was manumitted by James T. Dunn of Piscataway, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of Piscataway (Ephraim Runyon and John Dayton) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Samuel Drake and George Boice) on April 8, 1816. The document stated that Tom 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. Tom's exact age was not recorded in the document. The deed of manumission was executed on April 8, 1816, by James T. Dunn. These documents were recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on April 18, 1816. Dunn's brother-in-law John Smalley Jr. manumitted a man named Jack on the same day.

Somerset County Register of Black Children, Manumissions, and Removals, Book A, Page 180, contains a manumission record for Harry, who was released from slavery on 11 April 1816 in Hillsborough. Harry's primary enslaver, Lawrence Van Derveer, was deceased at this time, and the manumission was performed by Henry Brokaw and Henry Van Derveer, who acted on behalf of the estate of Lawrence Van Derveer. The manumission document states that Harry was an adult between 21 and 40 years old, but the exact age was not recorded. The document was entered into the book by the County Clerk (Samuel Swan) on 16 April 1816. The manumission record was signed by the Overseers of the Poor for the township (Henry Brokaw and Peter D. Vroom) and Justices of the Peace for Somerset County (John H. Disborough and David Nevius).

Somerset County birth records of enslaved children contain the following record: Loose Certificates Part I, Series 4, Item 38 Recorded by the County Clerk in: Book A, Page 187 Child: Kate Mother: Jude Enslaver of mother and child: Peter Voorhees Location: Montgomery Birth date: 25 April 1816 Reported date: 2 November 1816 Clerk: Samuel Swan

Thomas, aged 31, was manumitted by Asher Pyatt and Reuben Drake, the executors of the will of Ephraim Pyatt of Piscataway, NJ, deceased. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of Piscataway (Ephraim Runyon and John Dayton) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Samuel Drake and George Boice) on May 2, 1816. The document stated that Thomas 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. The deed of manumission was executed on May 2, 1816, by Asher Pyatt and Reuben Drake. These documents were recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on October 17, 1816.

Somerset County birth records of enslaved children contain the following record: Book A, Page 249 Child: Anthony Mother: Sarah Enslaver of mother and child: John P. Dumont Location: Hillsborough Birth date: 15 June 1816 Reported date: 7 September 1819 Clerk: Samuel Swan

Eliza Harris was born on July 2, 1816, in New Brunswick, the daughter of Ambo and Mark Harris Sr. Ambo's enslaver John Neilson reported Eliza's birth to the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare). The following is a transcript of Eliza's birth record in the County Clerk's register: "I certify that Eliza, Daugr of Ambo, my colourd servant woman (by Mark her husband) was born in New Brunswick 2d day of July 1816. - New Brunswick County of Middlesex State of New Jersey. - John Neilson - Received May 3d 1820. Recorded by Deare Clk"

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 86 Child: Francis Stout Mother: Jane Enslaver of mother and child: Asher Applegate Location: East Windsor, NJ Birth date: July 9, 1816 Reported date: August 9, 1836 Clerk: Nicholas Booraem The birth registration was delayed by twenty years and did not occur until after the deaths of the original enslaver Asher Applegate and his wife Sarah Applegate. Executor Abijah Applegate signed the birth certificate on August 9, 1836, on behalf of the estate of his father Asher Applegate. The birth certificate did not note whether the child was male or female, and it is assumed that Francis was a male child based on the name, but this has not been definitively confirmed (and the name written could also be Frances).

Sussex County Births of Enslaved Children microfilm contains the following record: Child: Charles Mother: Nance Enslaver of mother and child: Abraham Shaver Location: Stillwater Birth date: July 12, 1816 Recorded date: January 10, 1817 Clerk: Green Other historical records indicate that enslaver Abraham Shaver was the owner of the Shafer Grist Mill in Stillwater. Thus it can be inferred that the child was born in Stillwater. The same slip of paper contained a separate birth record for Ester, daughter of Betty.

Sussex County Births of Enslaved Children microfilm contains the following record: Child: Ester Mother: Betty Enslaver of mother and child: Abraham Shaver Location: Stillwater Birth date: July 17, 1816 Recorded date: January 10, 1817 Clerk: Green Other historical records indicate that enslaver Abraham Shaver was the owner of the Shafer Grist Mill in Stillwater. Thus it can be inferred that the child was born in Stillwater. Although this birth record does not list Ester's father, it can be inferred that her father was a man named Nun, Betty's husband who was the father of Ester's older brother Robert. The same slip of paper contains a separate birth record for Charles, son of Nance.

On July 18, 1816, Princeton professor Elijah Slack advertised the sale of a 19-year-old Black girl. In addition to Slack, John N. Simpson of New Brunswick and Samuel Leake of Trenton were listed as points of contact for the sale. ----- Transcript of the source document: "For Sale, A NEGRO GIRL, Nearly 19 years of age. She is well versed in all kinds of house work, and is a very good spinster. It is believed she will particularly suit a farmer. She is a slave. For terms enquire of John N. Simpson, Esq. New Brunswick—Samuel Leake, Esq. Trenton—or of the subscriber in Princeton. ELIJAH SLACK. July 18. 3tp"

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 85 Child: Elizabeth Mother: Catherine Father: James Scott Enslaver of mother and child: Mary Scott Location: South Brunswick, NJ Birth date: August 1, 1816 Reported date: May 4, 1835 Clerk: Nicholas Booraem Enslaver Mary Scott signed this document in 1835 in New Brunswick, but she noted that she previously resided in South Brunswick. Elizabeth was 18 years old by the time the enslaver submitted this birth registration. Presumably Elizabeth had been born in South Brunswick. The document also contained an unusual note, stating "I gave said child to her father James Scott & his wife." The following is a complete transcript of the document: "Elizabeth I Mary Scott late of the Township of South Brunswick in the County of Middlesex do hereby certify that a female Negro child named Elizabeth was born of a Negrow woman named Catherine a slave belonging to me on the first day of August one thousand eight hundred and sixteen, and that I gave said child to her father James Scott & his wife. New Brunswick May 4th 1835 Mary Scott Received August 4th 1835 & Recorded by N. Booraem Clk"

The following manumission record from Gloucester County was transcribed by the Historical Records Survey Project of the Works Progress Administration. The transcript was originally published in 1940 in the book titled Transcriptions of Early County Records of New Jersey: Gloucester County Series Slave Documents. The transcript is reproduced below as it appeared in that book. GLOUCESTER COUNTY DOCUMENT NUMBER: 41 TRANSCRIPT: Gloucester County to wit We do hereby Certify that on this twenty Day of August Eighteen hundred and Sixteen Eligah Smith of Township of Grate Eggharbour in the said County of Gloucester brought before us two of the overseers of the poor of the Said Township and two the Justice of the peace of Said County his slave Named Christian Cox who on view and Examination appears to us to be Sound in mind and not under any bodily incapacity of Obtaining a Support and also is not under the age of twenty one years, not above the age of Forty years in Witness whereof wee have unto set our hand the day and year above written Edward Risley ) Overseer of the poor of the Township Enoch [his X mark] Smith) of Eggharbour Thomas Somers ) Justices of peace in Said County of John Sharp ) Gloucester [Verso] Christian Cox Certificate for her Freedom Jany 7th Paid 75/100 Christian Cox Manumission Recd. Jany 7th 1817, and Recorded in the Clerks Office Gloucester County in Lib. G. folio 330 of deeds. Hendry Clk

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 58 Child: Emmy Mother: Dorcas Enslaver of mother and child: Nathan Bloomfield Location: Woodbridge, NJ Birth date: September 12, 1816 Reported date: January 15, 1817 Clerk: William Philips Deare The document indicates that the enslaver was a farmer.

Benjamin Taylor sold Mark (Mark Harris Sr.) to James Neilson for $200 on October 15, 1816. The buyer and seller both lived in New Brunswick, NJ. William P. Deare and Joseph Dunn signed the bill of sale as witnesses. The bill of sale describes the enslaved man as a "mulatto slave" and does not list Mark's last name. Other archival documents indicate that Mark's family name was Harris. Mark was approximately 25 years old at this time. As part of the slave sale contract, James Neilson promised to manumit Mark "at the expiration of five years from the date 12 March 1816." The mention of the 5-year term suggests that Mark probably entered into a 5-year agreement with Benjamin Taylor and was promised his freedom before he was sold to James Neilson. Five years prior to this sale event, Mark Harris Sr. married to Ambo, an enslaved woman in the Neilson household. Ambo and Mark Harris had several children together. When James Neilson purchased Mark Harris, the Harris family was unified in the Neilson household, and Mark could come live with his wife and children who also served the Neilsons. --- The following is a complete transcript of the bill of sale: [FRONT PAGE] Know all men by these presents, that I Benjamin Taylor Junr of the city of New Brunswick in the state of New Jersey, Mariner, for the sum of two hundred dollars to me in hand paid by James Neilson of the city and State aforesaid, Merchant, have and do bargain and sell unto the said James Neilson his executors administrators and assigns my mulatto slave called and known by the name Mark aged about twenty five years; To have and to hold the said slave Mark to the said James Neilson his executors administrators and assigns forever; and I have this day delivered the said slave into the posesion of the said James Neilson and I do warrant and will defend the said James Neilson in the peaceable posesion of said slave against me and all persons whatsoever. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this fifteenth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixteen. Benjn Taylor Sign sealed & delivered in the presence of } Wm P. Deare [BACK PAGE] I do hereby covenant and engage to and with the written named Benjn Taylor Jnr his executors administrators & assigns that at the expiration of five years from the date 12 March 1816 I will manumit and set free the written named Mark from slavery and servitude. —Witness my hand & seal this fifteenth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixteen. James Neilson Sign sealed & delivered in the presence of } Joseph Dunn

Henny was sold by her enslaver John Tennent Woodhull of Freehold, Monmouth County, NJ, around November 1816 as punishment for what Woodhull described as "improper conduct," which may have included acts of resistance against enslavement. The name of the buyer is uncertain. Henny's new place of residence would be about 5 or 6 miles away from Woodhull's household. This sale separated Henny from her 8-year-old son Curtis who would remain at Woodhull's. ----- Transcript of the source document: "150 Dollars Reward. RANAWAY from the Subscriber, on the morning of the 12th instant, a NEGRO MAN, named Stephen, 23 or 24 years old, about 5 feet 8 or 9 inches high, of nearly a black complexion, pleasant countenance and manners, and handsome large eyes. Had on a homespun roundabout coat and jacket, and pantaloons of dark grey cloth, also a surtout coat of nearly a black colour, much worn, with a cape buttoned under the collar and easily taken off. Also, on the 2d of January, a BOY named, Curtis, about 8 years old, yellow complexion, a handsome make, has a large scar on one of his arms, between the elbow and shoulder, occasioned by a burn. Had on an old homespun roundabout coat and waistcoat, new trousers of dark olive, and a new wool hat. Said boy had permission to go see his Mother the distance of five or six miles, and was seduced away by her, they having both eloped together. Said WOMAN, named Henny, is 29 or 30 years old, of a dark yellow complexion, good looking, and very large and fleshy — was sold about two months since by the subscriber for improper conduct, and it is believed she has also seduced the man Stephen -- he having left a wife and children behind. She has a great variety of clothing. There is little or no doubt of their being altogether. Whoever will take up said runways, and lodge them in any jail of the United States, so that the subscriber can get them, shall be entitled to 150 dollars. If taken separately 75 dollars will be given for the Man, 37 1-2 for the Boy, and 37 1-2 for the Woman. JOHN T. WOODHULL Freehold, Monmouth co. N.J. January 14th, 1817. 34-3w"

The following manumission record from Gloucester County was transcribed by the Historical Records Survey Project of the Works Progress Administration. The transcript was originally published in 1940 in the book titled Transcriptions of Early County Records of New Jersey: Gloucester County Series Slave Documents. The transcript is reproduced below as it appeared in that book. The manumission was performed by Dr. Samuel Harris, who was a well-known physician with an office on Cooper Street and Front Street in Camden. Note that the manumission document lists Newton Township because, at this time, Camden was part of Newton Township in Gloucester County (this was before Camden was incorporated as a separate municipality and before Camden County was established). Dr. Samuel Harris was the son of the deceased Dr. Isaac Harris Sr of Pittsgrove, Salem County, who is also mentioned in this document. Note that the age of Selena, the woman being manumitted, is not mentioned in the manumission document. She is presumed to be about 35 years old at this time, based on the instructions left by Dr. Isaac Harris Sr in his will, written in 1807, which stated that Selena should be freed at age 35 after serving the decedent's wife, Nancy Harris, during Nancy's widowhood. Nancy Harris was not involved in the manumission process, and it is unclear how long she lived as a widow after Dr. Isaac Harris Sr passed away. It is uncertain how Selena ended up with Dr. Samuel Harris in Camden, but as he was one of Dr. Isaac Harris Sr's heirs, it can be presumed that he would be entitled to Selena's services if Nancy died (or got remarried) before Selena reached age 35. GLOUCESTER COUNTY DOCUMENT NUMBER: 40 TRANSCRIPT: State of New Jersey Gloucester County, to wit, We do hereby Certify that on the Sixteenth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixteen, Doctor Samuel Harris of the Township of Newton in said County of Gloucester brought before us, two of the overseers of the poor of said Township and two of the justices of the peace of the said County, a female Slave the property of Isaac Harris Sen. late of the County of Salem, Physician, deceased, named Selena, who on view and examination, appears to us to be sound in mind, and not under any bodily incapacity of obtaining a support, and also is not under the age of twenty one years, nor above the age of forty years. In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands the day and year above written. Andrew Jenkins ) Overseers of the Poor of the said Isaac Webster ) Township of Newton. Rich. M. Cooper ) Justices of the Peace in and for the said Joel Gibbs ) County of Gloucester [Verso] Manumission Doct. Saml. Harris Receivd December 17th 1816 and Recorded in the Clerks Office of Gloucester County in Lib AA folio 431 of deeds. T Hendry Clk 15/100 Dr. Sam'l Harris

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 61 Child: Zopher Mother: Bett Enslaver of mother and child: Thomas Edgar Location: Woodbridge, NJ Birth date: December 5, 1816 Reported date: April 10, 1818 Clerk: William Philips Deare The document indicates that the enslaver was a farmer. See related birth events for Bett's other children, which were reported in the same document.

Peter, aged 25, was manumitted by Phineas Mundy of Woodbridge, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of Woodbridge (Nathan Bloomfield and Richard Marsh) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Andrew Elston and Benajah Mundy) on December 7, 1816. 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. The deed of manumission was executed on December 9, 1816, by Phineas Mundy. The deed of manumission was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on December 13, 1816 (p. 190); and the certificate of manumission was recorded by Deare the next year on November 3, 1817 (p. 211).

Sussex County Births of Enslaved Children microfilm contains the following record: Child: Cid Mother: Pat Enslaver of mother and child: George Bowlby Location: Sussex County (Locality not listed) Birth date: December 25, 1816 Reported date: May 24, 1820 Clerk: Green

On December 28, 1816, 17-year-old Charles Thompson ran away from Abraham Woodruff in Trenton, New Jersey. Woodruff published a runaway ad that described Charles Thompson as "an apprenticed Mulatto Boy." It is uncertain, based on this document, whether Charles Thompson had been born free or enslaved. Note that the term apprentice traditionally referred to a free-born youth who entered into a long-term labor agreement with a tradesman with the goal of learning a skilled trade. However, enslavers in New Jersey sometimes used the term apprentice to describe Black boys who were born into slavery and who were promised freedom at some future date after many years of service. This differed from a traditional apprenticeship, and Black people in this situation could still be bought and sold. ----- Transcript of the source document: "Five Dollars Reward. RANAWAY from the subscriber, on Saturday the 28th ult. an apprenticed Mulatto Boy, named Charles Thompson, seventeen years old, about five feet, three inches high, has a very remarkable stutter in his speech, thick lips, wore a black coattee single breasted, gray pantaloons, and black fur hat. Whoever secures said runaway in any of the jails of the United States, so that the subscriber may find him shall be entitled to the above reward, and if brought home, all reasonable charges. ABRAHAM WOODRUFF Trenton, Jan. 6, 1817. 32-4w"

Charles lived with Edmund Burk of Trenton as a hostler (a stableman taking care of horses), prior to working for Barnt DeKlyn. Information about Charles's employment comes from a runaway ad posted by Barnt DeKlyn in 1818. The ad appears to imply that Charles was a free Black man, but his freedom status is uncertain. ----- Transcript of the source document: "Twenty Dollars Reward. RAN AWAY from the subscriber on the night of the 24th and 25th inst. a Mulatto or Yellow Woman, named Tine, or commonly so called; her clothes cannot be described as she had a variety with her, and may change her dress. She took with her a feather bed, bedstead, & c. and went off with a black man, who called himself Charles while in the employ of the subscriber, but may answer to some other name. The woman is of middle size, neither tall nor stout, quick spoken, and very pert in making answers to any question. The black man is of middling stature, smart and active, brought up as a house servant and lately lived with Mr. Edmund Burk of Trenton has hostler. Any person who will apprehend her and confined her in any jail in the state, so that the subscriber can get her again, shall receive above reward. BARNT DEKLYN. Trenton, June 27, 1818. 9.3w"

Joseph Annin sold a Black woman named Sarah Green to the Rev. Robert Finley, the pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Basking Ridge, Bernards Township, Somerset County, New Jersey. The exact date of the sale is uncertain. It took place sometime before April 1817. A bill of sale for Sarah Green has not been found, but the sale is mentioned in a manumission deed for Sarah Green, which was signed by Robert Finley on 17 April 1817. In that document, Finley noted that he intended to manumit and set free "a woman of colour lately purchased of Joseph Annin."

On January 5, 1817, a 21-year-old man named Bob ran away from enslaver John W. Stiles in Elizabethtown, Essex County in New Jersey (now Elizabeth, Union County). ----- Transcript of the source document: "Fifty Dollars Reward. RANAWAY from the subscriber, living near Elizabeth-Town, Essex County, New Jersey, on Sunday the 5th inst. A Black Boy, named BOB, twenty-one years of age, about five feet eight or nine inches high, well made, thick lips, under jaw projecting & sulky look, of a yellowish complexion, had on when he went away a blue roundabout coat and pantaloons, an old hat and coarse shoes with uppers cut whole and lacing up before. The above reward will be given to any person returning him to the subscriber. JOHN W. STILES January 9, 1817. 3-33wp."

Hanah, aged 37, was manumitted by Hezekiah Smith of Piscataway, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The deed of manumission was executed on January 6, 1817, by Hezekiah Smith. Rune F. Randolph and George Boice served as witnesses. This document was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on January 7, 1817.

On January 8, 1817, David Schenck ran away from his enslaver Joseph Campbell in Hackettstown, New Jersey. David Schenck was a Black young man aged nearly 18 years old. ----- Transcript of the source document: "Five Dollars Reward. RANAWAY from the Subscriber, on the 8th inst. a BLACK BOY, named David Schenck, he wore a coat and pantaloons of drab coloured home-made cloth, and a yellow swansdown jacket; the boy is of small stature, nearly eighteen years old. Whoever will take up said boy, and so detain him that the subscriber may get him again, shall receive the above reward and all reasonable expenses. All persons are hereby forbidden to harbour or employ him. JOSEPH CAMPBELL Hackettstown, N. Jersey. Jan. 11th, 1817 35-3w"

On January 12, 1817, three Black people ran away together from the area of Freehold, Monmouth County: Stephen (age 23 or 24), Curtis (age 8), and Curtis's mother Henny (age 29 or 30). A notice of their escape was issued by John Tennent Woodhull, who was the enslaver of Stephen and Curtis, and the former enslaver of Henny. Woodhull had sold Henny two months prior for some perceived misconduct (which probably included acts of resistance against enslavement), and the runaway ad did not specify who was her new enslaver or where she currently resided, although it mentioned that she now lived about 5 or 6 miles away from Woodhull's household where her 8-year-old son remained. The boy Curtis was given permission to go see his mother, and he never returned to Woodhull's house. Stephen went missing at the same time. Woodhull believed that Henny was the mastermind behind the escape and offered a reward of $150 for the return of all three fugitives. ----- Transcript of the source document: "150 Dollars Reward. RANAWAY from the Subscriber, on the morning of the 12th instant, a NEGRO MAN, named Stephen, 23 or 24 years old, about 5 feet 8 or 9 inches high, of nearly a black complexion, pleasant countenance and manners, and handsome large eyes. Had on a homespun roundabout coat and jacket, and pantaloons of dark grey cloth, also a surtout coat of nearly a black colour, much worn, with a cape buttoned under the collar and easily taken off. Also, on the 2d of January, a BOY named, Curtis, about 8 years old, yellow complexion, a handsome make, has a large scar on one of his arms, between the elbow and shoulder, occasioned by a burn. Had on an old homespun roundabout coat and waistcoat, new trousers of dark olive, and a new wool hat. Said boy had permission to go see his Mother the distance of five or six miles, and was seduced away by her, they having both eloped together. Said WOMAN, named Henny, is 29 or 30 years old, of a dark yellow complexion, good looking, and very large and fleshy — was sold about two months since by the subscriber for improper conduct, and it is believed she has also seduced the man Stephen -- he having left a wife and children behind. She has a great variety of clothing. There is little or no doubt of their being altogether. Whoever will take up said runways, and lodge them in any jail of the United States, so that the subscriber can get them, shall be entitled to 150 dollars. If taken separately 75 dollars will be given for the Man, 37 1-2 for the Boy, and 37 1-2 for the Woman. JOHN T. WOODHULL Freehold, Monmouth co. N.J. January 14th, 1817. 34-3w"

Samuel Lane was one of the founding members of the African Association of New Brunswick, and his name appears on the first list of subscribers in January 1817. Lane was enslaved at this time. He received a permission slip from enslaver Andrew Kirkpatrick to join the organization. The following is a transcript of the permission slip signed by Andrew Kirkpatrick: "I do hereby give permission to my man Sam to become a member of and to attend the African Society in the city of New Brunswick, and to join them in all such things as shall be lawful and necessary, and at the same time consistent with his condition as a slave.

 15 Jan. 17. And Kirkpatrick"

Mark Harris Sr. was among the founding members of the African Association of New Brunswick in 1817, and his name appears on the first membership roll in the association's minute book. He received permission from enslaver James Neilson to join the association. The following is a transcript of the permission slip written by James Neilson: "New Brunswick 21 Jan: 1817 I certify that I approve of the African Association of New Brunswick & give Mark Harris a Colored man belonging to me, liberty to join the same. James Neilson" Mark would continue to be a member of the organization until 1821.

Lewis, aged 31, was manumitted in South Amboy, Middlesex Country, New Jersey. Two different enslavers were named in the documents manumitting Lewis: Obadiah Burlew and Joseph Cottrell, both of South Amboy. The relationship between the two enslavers is unclear. The certificate of manumission for Lewis was issued on February 22, 1817. The certificate was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of South Amboy (David Smith and John Perrine) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (David Bowne and Samuel Pitney). This certificate stated that Obadiah Burlew of South Amboy was Lewis's enslaver and that Obadiah Burlew appeared with Lewis before these officials to obtain the certificate authorizing the manumission. The document stated that Lewis 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 document was recored by Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on February 27, 1817, on page 192 of the county manumission book. Six weeks later, a man named Joseph Cottrell of South Amboy signed a deed of manumission for Lewis on April 9, 1817, where Cottrell relinquished all rights to Lewis's service and declared Lewis a free man. The deed was witnessed by Joseph I. Voorhees and Justice of the Peace Thomas Hance. This deed acknowledged that Lewis had previously received a certificate that named Obadiah Burlew as Lewis's legal owner. The deed stated "I Joseph Cottrell of the Township of South Amboy in the County of Middlesex New Jersey have and by these presents do absolutely and entirely emancipate and set free my negro slave named Lewis aged about thirty one years [the said Lewis being of sound mind and body as appears by the certificate of David Smith and John Perrine Overseers of the Poor of the township of South Amboyd in said County and David Bowne and Samuel Pitney Justices of the Peace of said County duly recorded in Middlesex Clerks office in Book of Manumissions folio 192 being there described as the slave of Obadiah Burlew]." However, the deed did not explain the situation or the relationship between Obadiah Burlew and Joseph Cottrell. This is unusual because the enslaver named in the certificate of manumission and the enslaver named in the deed of manumission should typically be one and the same person. This deed was recorded by Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on April 9, 1817, on page 194 of the county manumission book.

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 62 Child: Jacob Mother: Hannah Enslaver of mother and child: Stelle Fitz Randolph Location: Piscataway, NJ Birth date: February 27, 1817 Reported date: August 3, 1818 Clerk: William Philips Deare The document indicates that the enslaver was a farmer.

On March 1, 1817, the Rev. Abraham Beach, an Episcopalian minister who had a farm near New Brunswick, gave permission to an enslaved Black man named Cato to join the African Association of New Brunswick. Cato's permission slip was preserved in the organization's manuscript collection. Cato's name also appears on the organization's membership roll for 1817 (in the minute book for the association). Evidently, Rev. Abraham Beach also joined the association as a patron, and his name appears on the membership roll as well. Transcript of the permission slip: "My coloured servant Cato hath my permission to become a member of the African Association of New Brunswick Abrm Beach 

1st March 1817."

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 77 Child: Nancy Mother: Hannah Enslaver of mother and child: Edward T. Stelle Location: Middlesex County, NJ Birth date: March 2, 1817 Reported date: February 1, 1828 Clerk: James F. Randolph The birth certificate does not list a specific location within Middlesex County. Other county records for Edward T. Stelle indicate that he was a resident of Piscataway, and thus it is possible that Nancy's place of birth was Piscataway.

Sussex County Births of Enslaved Children microfilm contains the following record: Child: Mungo Mother: Peg Enslaver of mother and child: John VanDeren Location: Sussex County (locality not specified) Birth date: 14 March 1817 Recorded date: 19 February 1825 Clerk: Greene The birth of Mungo's younger sister Juliann was reported on the same slip of paper.

Somerset County birth records of enslaved children contain the following record: Book A, Page 191 Child: Hannah Mother: name not listed Enslaver of mother and child: Augustus R. Taylor Location: New Brunswick (Franklin Township side of the city) Birth date: 18 March 1817 Reported date: 1 May 1817 Clerk: Samuel Swan At the time of this event, the western portion of the City of New Brunswick was still considered part of Franklin Township in Somerset County. Today, the entire city is considered to be part of Middlesex County.

Charlotte, aged 35, was manumitted by Ann Parker of North Brunswick, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseer of the Poor of North Brunswick (Thomas Hance) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Asa Runyon and John Outcalt) on March 21, 1817. The document stated that Charlotte 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. The deed of manumission was executed on March 21, 1817, by Ann Parker. Ann Parker described herself as "Dowager" in the deed. These documents were recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on March 21, 1817.

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 59 Child: Charles Mother: Betty Enslaver of mother and child: George Y. Brewster Location: Woodbridge, NJ Birth date: March 30, 1817 Reported date: April 28, 1817 Clerk: William Philips Deare The document indicates that the enslaver was a farmer.

A removal certificate authorizing enslaver Henry T. Bell to remove Maria, an enslaved woman aged 21 years and 7 months, from the state of New Jersey was issued by the Court of Common Pleas of Middlesex County on April 11, 1817. The certificate was signed by two judges (Thomas Hance and John Outcalt). The document stated that Maria was examined by the judges and consented to move with Henry T. Bell from New Brunswick, NJ, to New York City. The certificate was recorded by the County Clerk (William P. Deare) on April 12, 1817.

Somerset County Register of Black Children, Manumissions, and Removals, Book A, Pages 191-192, contain a manumission record for Sarah Green, who was released from slavery on 17 April 1817 in Basking Ridge, Bernards. Sarah Green was manumitted by Robert Finley. The manumission document notes that Sarah Green was the wife of a free man named George Green, and that Robert Finley had recently purchased Sarah from a man named Joseph Annin. The document states that Sarah Green was an adult between 21 and 40 years old, but her exact age was not recorded. The document was entered into the book by the County Clerk (Samuel Swan) on 1 May 1817. The manumission record was signed by the Overseers of the Poor for the township (Nathan Dalglish and John Jobs) and Justices of the Peace for Somerset County (Edward Lewis and George Anderson).

On April 27, 1817, two brothers named Lewis (or Lue) and Thomas ran away from their enslavers in Somerset County. A runaway notice for the men was issued by their enslavers four days later offering a reward of $80 for their capture. According to the ad, their enslavers were David Nevius and Albert P. Voorhees; however, the ad does not actually specify which enslaver was related to Lewis and which one to Thomas. ----- Transcript of the source document: "80 Dollars Reward. RANAWAY from the subscribers, living in Somerset county, New Jersey, on Sunday the 27th of April last, two NEGRO MEN, the one named Lue or Lewis, 26 years of age, about 5 feet 10 or 11 inches high, rather of a yellowish cast, had on when he went away a roundabout coat and pantaloons of drab colour, somewhat worn, coarse shoes, and stockings. The other named Thomas, about 24 years of age, 5 feet 5 or 6 inches high, rather yellowish, also had on a blue coattee, swansdown vest striped, black pantaloons, black fur hat, took with him two pair of shoes, the one coarse and the other fine, and some summer clothes. These Negroes are brothers. The above reward will be given to any person that will take up the said runaways or secure them in gaol, so that the subscribers may get them again, with reasonable expenses, or 40 dollars for either of them. DAVID NEVIUS, ALBERT P. VOORHEES May 1, 1817. 89-6w"

Thomas, aged 28, was manumitted by David Clarkson of South Brunswick, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of South Brunswick (Andrew McDowell and John Barricklo) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Moses Morris and Samuel R. Hamilton) on April 28, 1817. The document stated that Thomas 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. The deed of manumission was executed on April 28, 1817, by David Clarkson and was witnessed by Jane Maddock and Samuel R. Hamilton. These documents were recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on May 2, 1817.