New Jersey Slavery Records

On March 12, 1805, a 22-year-old Black man named Charles Johnson ran away from his enslaver Mahlon Ford, who lived in Morristown, Morris County, New Jersey. Charles left together with another Black man named David Solomons. David Solomons's freedom status is uncertain, but he was probably a free man of color who acted as an accomplice to Charles's escape. The runaway ad that described the two men did not mention any enslaver for David Solomons and did not offer a reward for his capture. ----- Transcript of the source document: "TWENTY DOL'S REWARD. RAN-away from the subscriber on the night of the 12th inst. a negro Man named CHARLES, (sometimes calls himself Charles Johnson.) He had on when he went away a blue superfine broadcloth coat, with a red cape, and white buttons; it is said he has ripped off the buttons; a white cattimere vest with yellow buttons, on each pocket flap; a dark mixed cloth overalls, and sailor jacket of the same; a flannel check shirt, and some linen ones; round fur hat old; a pair of white twilled, linen overalls, a white muslinet vest. He is very black, rather a down look; his eyes the whites of them very yellow, about 22 years old, about 5 feet 4 or 5 inches high, walks bad. He went in company with a yellow negro man named David Solomons, who wears a red sailor jacket and reddish brown pantaloons, a striped swansdown jacket. Whoever will secure the said Charles, so that I can get him again shall receive the above reward and all reasonable charges paid by me MAHLON FORD. Morris-Town, March 1805. 45-6w."

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 13 Child: Aaron Enslaver of mother and child: Elijah Voorhies Location: West Windsor, NJ Birth date: March 19, 1805 Reported date: December 11, 1805 Clerk: William Philips Deare The names of the mother and father were not recorded on this birth certificate. The following is a complete transcript of the document: "Aaron / West Windsor Township, Middlesex County. I the undernamed subscriber of the town and country afore said, on the 19th day of March last past had a male negro child born in my possession which I wish you to commit to record. His name is Aaron.-- Sir, yours, Elijah Voorhies. William Dier, Clk Recorded December 11th 1805"

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 10 Child: Jack Mother: Sylvia Enslaver of mother and child: Henry Guest Location: New Brunswick, NJ Birth date: March 19, 1805 Reported date: November 28, 1805 Clerk: William Philips Deare

On March 20, 1805, a 35-year-old Black man named York (also known as John Smack) ran away from enslaver Elijah Everitt of Sussex County. Elijah Everitt circulated a runaway ad offering a reward for York's capture. The ad noted that York was previously "the property of Joseph Gaston, Esq. dec.," meaning deceased. The name Joseph Gaston refers to Elijah Everitt's father-in-law, who died in 1804, leaving a mill property on the Pequest River to Elijah Everitt and his wife Martha Gaston Everitt. The mill property was located in a village now known as Huntsville within the boundaries of present-day Green Township. At the turn of the 19th century, the village was still generally known as Pettit's Mill (after a previous mill owner), and it was considered part of Hardwick Township. In the 1805 runaway ad for York, Elijah Everitt identified his place of residence as Hardwick, Sussex County. The runaway ad also indicated that York had skills as a carman and miller. It can be inferred that York lived at the Gaston/Everitt mill property in the Huntsville area and ran away from that place. ----- Transcript of the source document: "SIXTEEN DOLLARS REWARD. RAN AWAY on the 20th March, a Negro Man, named YORK, late the property of Joseph Gaston, Esq. dec. about 25 years of age, 4 feet 6 or 8 inches high and very stout. Had on, a fustian coatee & trowsers, rorum hat and pair of bootees, and took with him sundry other wearing apparel — It is supposed he will recommend himself as a carman or Miller and probably change his name to John Smack. He is thick lips, bowed knees, very talkative, full of compliments, and fond of company. Whoever will confine him in any jail, or secure him so that the subscriber may get him shall receive the above reward. ELIJAH EVERITT. Hardwick, Sussex C, Apl. 1, 1805. 44-3w."

Sussex County Births of Enslaved Children microfilm contains the following record: Child: Levie Allbright Mother: Name not listed Enslaver of mother and child: Elizabeth Hibbler Location: Sussex County (locality not specified) Birth date: 21 March 1805 Recorded date: 13 Dec 1805 Clerk: John Johnson The locality is not listed on this birth certificate. However, other county records indicate that Elizabeth Hibbler was a resident of Greenwich. Thus it can be inferred that the child was born in Greenwich.

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

Somerset County birth records of enslaved children contain the following record: Book A, page number: 7 Certificate number: 28 Child: Mary Mother: Mary Enslaver of mother and child: Jacob Van Doren Location: Bedminster Birth date: 24 Mar 1805 Reported date: 6 May 1805 Clerk: Joseph Doty

Somerset County birth records of enslaved children contain the following record: Book A, page number: 11 Certificate number: 46 Child: Will Mother: Sal Enslaver of mother and child: Frederick Stryker Location: Franklin Birth date: 26 Mar 1805 Reported date: 20 Aug 1805 Clerk: Joseph Doty

Somerset County birth records of enslaved children contain the following record: Book A, page number: 8 Certificate number: 33 Child: Johnson Mother: Kate Enslaver of mother and child: Susannah Lane Location: Montgomery Birth date: 27 Mar 1805 Reported date: 27 May 1805 Clerk: Joseph Doty

Somerset County birth records of enslaved children contain the following record: Book A, page number: 21 Certificate number: 72 Child: Susan Mother: Fillis Enslaver of mother and child: Isaac Davis Location: Franklin Birth date: 31 Mar 1805 Reported date: 20 Dec 1805 Clerk: Joseph Doty

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 7 Child: Franck Mother: Amey Enslaver of mother and child: Lucas Stryker Location: South Brunswick, NJ Birth date: April 6, 1805 Reported date: September 3, 1805 Clerk: William Philips Deare

Somerset County birth records of enslaved children contain the following record: Book A, page number: 16 Certificate number: 61 Child: twin girls Creet[?] and Rach Mother: Suk Enslaver of mother and child: George G. Hall Location: Bridgewater Birth date: 8 Apr 1805 Reported date: 10 Oct 1805 Clerk: Joseph Doty The name of the first twin girl is difficult to decipher.

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

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

William was manumitted by David Coriell of Piscataway, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The certificate of manumission was signed by two Overseers of the Poor of Piscataway (Edward Griffith and the aforementioned David Coriell) and two Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Samuel Randolph and David Dunham) on April 10, 1805. The document stated that William 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. William's exact age was not recorded in the document. This manumission was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on April 13, 1805.

Somerset County birth records of enslaved children contain the following record: Book A, page number: 7 Certificate number: 27 Child: Dick Mother: Phil Enslaver of mother and child: Barent Cornell Location: Montgomery Birth date: 11 Apr 1805 Reported date: 3 May 1805 Clerk: Joseph Doty

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

On April 20, 1805, a 60-year-old Black woman named Hannah ran away from her enslaver Simon Pyle, who lived in Freehold, Monmouth County. Compared with other freedom seekers in New Jersey, she was remarkably advanced in age when she ran away. She managed to evade capture for 5 weeks by the time Simon Pyle submitted a runaway ad notifying the public that Hannah had run away and warning people not to harbor or employ her. Pyle offered a nominal reward of 6 cents for Hannah's capture and return. ----- Transcript of the source document: "Six Cents Reward. RANAWAY from the Subscriber, living in Freehold township, Monmouth county, on the 20th of April, a black Woman named Hannah; she is about five feet seven inches high, sixty years of age; had on when she went away, a dark linsey short gown and petticoat. Whoever will take up said runaway and return her to her master shall receive the above reward but no charges paid. SIMON PYLE. All persons forbid harbouring or employing said runaway. May 27, 1805. 27 3w"

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

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 9 Child: Lewis Mother: Dinah Enslaver of mother and child: John Harrison Location: West Windsor, NJ Birth date: May 1, 1805 Reported date: November 4, 1805 Clerk: William Philips Deare The document indicates that the enslaver was a merchant.

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 18 Child: Tone Mother: Gin Enslaver of mother and child: Nathan Davis Location: South Amboy, NJ Birth date: May 2, 1805 Reported date: April 28, 1806 Clerk: William Philips Deare The document indicates that the enslaver was a farmer.

Somerset County birth records of enslaved children contain the following record: Book A, page number: 25 Certificate number: 88 Child: George Mother: Isabel Enslaver of mother and child: Leopal Ancelin Location: Montgomery Birth date: 4 May 1805 Reported date: 25 Jan 1806 Clerk: Joseph Doty

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 15 Child: Tom Mother: Cate Enslaver of mother and child: Margaret Casman, widow Location: South Amboy, NJ Birth date: May 6, 1805 Reported date: January 13, 1806 Clerk: William Philips Deare

Sussex County Births of Enslaved Children microfilm contains the following record: Child: George Mother: Name not listed Enslaver of mother and child: Charles Carter Location: Sussex County (locality not specified) Birth date: 12 May 1805 Recorded date: 26 Nov 1805 Clerk: John Johnson

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: 27/28 TRANSCRIPT: [DOCUMENT 27] We John Stokes and Jacob Stokes Executors of the Last Will and Testament of Jacob Stokes, late of the Township of Newton, in the County of Gloucester in the State of New Jersey, Yeoman, deceased, and Heirs at Law of the said Jacob Stokes, Do hereby set free from Bondage, Our two Negroes, late part of the said Estate, to wit Fanny Smothers Aged about twenty five Years, and Pero Fisher aged about twenty two years, and do for ourselves, our Executors, and Administrators, release unto the said Fanny, and Pero, all our right, and all claim whatsoever as to their persons, or to any Estate they or either of them may Acquire hereby declaring the said Fanny & Pero, absolutely free without any interruption from us, or any person claiming under us. In Witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands and Seals, the fourteenth day of May in the Year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and five, 1805 John Stokes (Seal) Jacob Stokes (Seal) Sealed and Delivered ) in the presence of us ) Thomas Redman ) Joseph Green ) [Verso] Be it Remembered that on the third day of October 1807. personally came before me James Hopkins Esq. one of the Judges of the inferior Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Gloucester; John Stokes one of the Grantors of the within written Manumission and Acknowledged that he Signed Sealed and Delivered the same for the uses and purposes therein contained; and also personally came before me Thomas Redman one of the within subscribers Witness, who being one of the people called Quakers, upon his Solemn Affirmation saith that he saw Jacob Stokes the other Grantor of the within Manumission Sign, Seal and deliver the same for the Uses & purposes, therein contained, and that Joseph Evens the other within subscribing witness was also present and subscribed his Name at the same time, Witness his Hand Taken and Affirmed the Day and ) Year above written ) Before me ) Thomas Redman Jos. Hopkins Manumission John Stokes & Jacob Stokes of Fanny Smothers & Pero Fisher [DOCUMENT 28] Gloucester County ss ) We do hereby Certify, that on this fourteenth day of May, in the Year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and five, John Stokes & Jacob Stokes of this Township of Newton, in the County aforesaid, Executors of the Last Will and Testament of Jacob Stokes late of Newton aforesaid, deceased, and Heirs at law of the said Jacob Stokes, brought before us, two of the Overseers of the Poor of said Township, and two of the Justices of the Peace of said County, their two Negro Slaves late the property of said Estate - to wit - Fanny Smothers & Pero Fisher, who on view and examination, appear to us, to be sound in mind and not under any bodily incapacity of obtaining a Support, and also are not under twenty one Years of Age, nor above thirty five. In Witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands the day and year above written. Joseph Evens ) Overseer of the Poor of the Isaac Webster ) said Township of Newton. Joseph Champion ) Justices of the Peace in & for John Clement ) the said County of Gloucester. [Verso] Certificate of the Freedom of Fanny Smothers & Pero Fisher. filed 8th October 1807 C Ogden Clk Recorded in the Clerks Office of Gloucester County in Lib A of manumission October 8th 1807 C Ogden Clk

Somerset County birth records of enslaved children contain the following record: Book A, page number: 8 Certificate number: 31 Child: Caroline Mother: Grace Enslaver of mother and child: Jacob Van Dike Location: Franklin Birth date: 20 May 1805 Reported date: 25 May 1805 Clerk: Joseph Doty Note that other contemporaneous records indicate that Jacob Van Dike lived in the area of Ten Mile Run (a community that lies at the border of Franklin Township, Somerset County, and South Brunswick, Middlesex County). Caroline may have been born in that area of Franklin Township.

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 13 Child: Isaac Mother: Gin Enslaver of mother and child: John Rattoone Location: Perth Amboy, NJ Birth date: May 24, 1805 Reported date: December 10, 1805 Clerk: William Philips Deare

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 3 Child: Ben Mother: Cate Enslaver of mother and child: Richard Field Location: Piscataway, NJ Birth date: May 25, 1805 Reported date: July 22, 1805 Clerk: William Philips Deare The document notes that Richard Field is a farmer and indicates the location as "Banks of the Raritan" in the Township of Piscataway.

On May 26, 1805, a 20-year-old Black man named Neptune ran away from his enslaver James Kearney, who resided in Middletown Point (now Matawan), Monmouth County, New Jersey. After his escape, he was seen on the road to Trenton together with a Black man named Philip; Philip was reportedly enslaved by the family of the late General David Forman. ----- Transcript of the source document: "Twenty Dollars Reward. RANAWAY on the 26th May, inst. a Negro Man named Neptune, aged about 20 years, about five feet 8 inches high, very black, flat big nose with very large nostrils, the white of his eyes shew a great deal, when he walks rolls very much, flat feet, which at times appear cramped, speaks English imperfectly, is acquainted with, and speaks the creole French, is an expert house servant, understands dressing hair, and has a slight knowledge of the farming business — Took with him one blue nankeen coatee, trousers of the same, a new Ticklenburgh shirt, tow trousers, striped muslin vest, a glazed hat, bootees and about 12 dollars. Whoever apprehends the said Negro, and lodges him in gaol, and gives information to the subscriber, shall be entitled to the above reward or will deliver him to me shall receive the above together with his reasonable expenses. JAMES KEARNEY, Monmouth county, Middletown township, near Middletown Point. N.B. He was seen on the road leading to Trenton, in company with a negro named Philip, who belongs to the estate of the late General Forman. May 30, 1805. 28 3w"

Somerset County birth records of enslaved children contain the following record: Book A, page number: 12 Certificate number: 47 Child: Jude Mother: Mae or Mass Enslaver of mother and child: Henry Brokaw Location: Hillsborough Birth date: 31 May 1805 Reported date: 2 Sept 1805 Clerk: Joseph Doty

Joe, a Black man enslaved by Mr. Van Orden of Preakness, Bergen County (now in Passaic County), died around June 1805 (or possibly earlier). He was allegedly murdered by Claus, who was a Black man and a close associate of his. According to the news reports that came out after Claus was convicted of murdering Joe, the cause of their conflict was Claus's jealousy and his suspicion that Joe had a love affair with Claus's wife. Claus never admitted to killing Joe. The following is a partial transcript of the article "Execution of Claus," True American, July 15, 1805: "On Friday the 28th of June last was executed at Hackensack, in New-Jersey, agreeably to the sentence of the Court, a negro man named Claus, for the murder of a black man named Joe, the property of a Mr. Vanorden, at Prakeness, in the county of Bergen. On this melancholy occasion there was a larger assemblage of persons of various descriptions collected together than have been witnessed for many years in this place. Throughout his whole life the culprit has sustained a character notoriously bad, a prominent trait was that of a cruel and vindictive spirit. The supposed cause of the murder was jealousy, proceeding from a suspicion of an amorous connection between the murdered and his (Claus's) wife—As there was no positive proof offered, he was convicted on the strongest presumptive evidence. There is reason to believe he has had an accomplice in perpetrating the horrid deed. He was unwilling to make any discovery, and persisted in denial of the charge. With insolent audacity he ascended the scaffold, betrayed no fear or dismay, and breathed his last without a struggle or a groan."

Nelly Stevens was manumitted by Daniel Turner of North Brunswick, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseer of the Poor of North Brunswick (John Van Nuis) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Abraham Schuyler, Elijah Phillips) on June 1, 1805. The document stated that Nelly Stevens was examined in court and met the eligibility requirements for manumission in New Jersey, i.e. the person was 21 to 40 years old and was "sound in mind and not under any bodily incapacity" of obtaining a livelihood. Nelly Stevens's exact age was not recorded in the document. This manumission was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on June 1, 1805, on p. 59 in the Book of Manumissions and Removals. A deed of manumission signed by Daniel Turner on June 1, 1805, appears separately on p. 80 in the same book. This document indicates that Nelly was "now the wife of John Stevens." It was recorded by the clerk on September 16, 1808.

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

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

A Black man named Claus was tried and convicted of murder. The trial took place at the Court of Oyer and Terminer, which met at the Bergen County courthouse in Hackensack, with Judge Pennington presiding. The murder victim was a Black man named Joe, who was enslaved by Mr. Van Orden of Preakness, Bergen County (in present-day Passaic County). According to the news reports that came out after Claus was convicted of murdering Joe, the cause of their conflict was Claus's jealousy and his suspicion that Joe had a love affair with Claus's wife. Claus never admitted to killing Joe and maintained that he was innocent. At the conclusion of the trial, around June 14, 1805, the jury deliberated for two hours and found Claus guilty. Claus was sentenced to death and was executed two weeks later on June 28, 1805, in Hackensack. The following is a partial transcript of the article "Execution of Claus," True American, July 15, 1805: "On Friday the 28th of June last was executed at Hackensack, in New-Jersey, agreeably to the sentence of the Court, a negro man named Claus, for the murder of a black man named Joe, the property of a Mr. Vanorden, at Prakeness, in the county of Bergen. On this melancholy occasion there was a larger assemblage of persons of various descriptions collected together than have been witnessed for many years in this place. Throughout his whole life the culprit has sustained a character notoriously bad, a prominent trait was that of a cruel and vindictive spirit. The supposed cause of the murder was jealousy, proceeding from a suspicion of an amorous connection between the murdered and his (Claus's) wife—As there was no positive proof offered, he was convicted on the strongest presumptive evidence. There is reason to believe he has had an accomplice in perpetrating the horrid deed. He was unwilling to make any discovery, and persisted in denial of the charge. With insolent audacity he ascended the scaffold, betrayed no fear or dismay, and breathed his last without a struggle or a groan."

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

On June 22, 1805, a young African man, aged 18, ran away from the Quarantine Ground in Staten Island. The Quarantine Ground refers to the site of the New York Marine Hospital, a facility where newly arrived ships were inspected by health officers and held for quarantine if communicable diseases, such as yellow fever or smallpox, were found on board. Enslaver Garrit Coffin, of the Fountain and Coffin store in Staten Island, issued a runaway ad for the young man, noting that he was a recent arrival from Africa and spoke very little English. The name of the young man was not listed in the runaway ad. ----- Transcript of the source document: "20 Dollars Reward. RAN AWAY on the 22d June last, from the Quarantine Ground, Staten-Island, a Negro Boy, about 18 years of age, 5 feet 4 inches in height, thick set, speaks very little English, has three marks on one of his cheeks, just between the eyes. Whoever will return said runway to the store of Fountain and Coffin, no. 9 South street or to Mr. Garrit Coffin, Staten-Island, shall have the above reward, and all reasonable charges paid. The above negro is an african. All persons are forbid harboring said boy at their perils. July 16, 1805."

Somerset County birth records of enslaved children contain the following record: Book A, page number: 19 Certificate number: 67 Child: Dean Mother: Maria Enslaver of mother and child: John P. Dumont Location: Hillsborough Birth date: 26 Jun 1805 Reported date: 21 Nov 1805 Clerk: Joseph Doty

Claus was executed on June 28, 1805, in Hackensack, where he was being held in the Bergen County jail during his trial for the murder of an enslaved man named Joe in Preakness. Two weeks after his conviction, Claus was executed by hanging in front of a large crowd of onlookers. Rev. James V. C. Romeyn, who had been visiting Claus in jail, addressed Claus before the execution and urged him to confess, but Claus maintained his innocence and denied killing Joe.

A 16-year-old Black boy, whose name is not known, ran away from Mr. Moore of Maidenhead, Hunterdon County (present-day Lawrence, Mercer County) in 1805 or earlier. He was later captured in the area of Newtown, Pennsylvania. See his jailing event for more details.

The Following Abandonment Certificate was submitted to the Overseer of the Poor of the Township of Piscataway: Child: Cate Mother: Jane Enslaver of Mother and Child: Richard Holtom Abandonment Certificate Date: July 1, 1805 Child’s Date of Birth: July 9, 1804 This certificate indicates that the enslaver abandoned all his legal rights and title to the child and gave up the child to the Overseer of the Poor to be bound out as a pauper.

Somerset County birth records of enslaved children contain the following record: Book A, page number: 29 Certificate number: 100 Child: Dinah (Dyne) Mother: Sarah Enslaver of mother and child: John Vermeule Location: Warren Birth date: 1 July 1805 Reported date: 1 April 1806 Clerk: Joseph Doty The child's name was written as "Dyne" in the loose birth certificate and as "Dinah" in the clerk's register Book A.

Sussex County Births of Enslaved Children microfilm contains the following record: Child: Pheby Mother: Name not listed Enslaver of mother and child: William Decker Location: Sussex County (locality not specified) Birth date: 4 July 1805 Recorded date: 26 Nov 1805 Clerk: John Johnson

On the 4th of July, 1805, a 16-year-old Black boy named Bob ran away from his enslaver Reuben Hunt of Maidenhead, Hunterdon County (present-day Lawrence, Mercer County). ----- Transcript of the source document: "Thirty Dollars Reward. RANAWAY from the subscriber, on Thursday the 4th instant, a Negro Boy named BOB, about 16 years old, five feet 8 inches high, stout built and remarkably bow legged. Had on, when he went away, an old broad cloth drab coatee, black tow shirt, short tow trousers, an old hat and shoes partly worne. Whoever will take up said runaway and return him to the subscriber, or confine him in any gaol in this state, shall receive the above reward. REUBEN HUNT Maidenhead. July 6, 1805. 32-3w"

On the night of the 4th of July, 1805, a Black girl named Dinah ran away from the house of her enslaver, Joseph Barron, who lived in Woodbridge, Middlesex County, New Jersey. Dinah was about 17 years old at this time. See later events in Dinah's life, which place her back at Joseph Barron's house. ----- Transcript of the source document: "TEN DOLLARS REWARD. RAN AWAY from the subscriber, on the night of the 4th of July, a negro girl named DINER, about 17 years of age, stout built, not very black, full face; had when she went away, 1 white muslin, 1 dark chintz & 1 light chintz gowns. I forewarn all persons hiring or harboring her. Any person delivering her to the subscriber, or will confine her in any gaol, so that the owner may get her again, shall receive the above reward, and all reasonable charges paid by JOSEPH BARRON. Woodbridge, N.J. July 5, 1805. 58-3w."

Sussex County Births of Enslaved Children microfilm contains the following record: Child: Pheabe Mother: Sue Enslaver of mother and child: Mary Kinsberg Location: Sussex County (locality not specifiec) Birth date: July 5, 1805 Recorded date: Date not listed Clerk: Johnson The location was not listed on the birth certificate. However, other county records indicate that Mary Kinsberg was associated with Hardwick, thus it can be inferred that the child was born in Hardwick.

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

Dick ran away his enslaver William Todd of Bedminster in Somerset County, NJ, on Sunday July 14, 1805. Todd published a a runaway ad for Dick, which mentioned that Dick had been previously enslaved by Dr. Blatchley in Morris County and David Frazer in Lebanon, Hunterdon County. ----- Transcript of the source document: "Ten Dollars Reward. RANAWAY from the subscriber, on Sunday the 14th instant, a Negro man named DICK about twenty one years of age, very black and somewhat pitted with the small pox in his face, about five feet seven or eight inches high and has a down look. Had on when he went away, a pair of coarse homespun copperas striped trousers, coarse shirt, swansdown vest, and a new pair of coarse shoes-- took along with him a pair of nankeen pantaloons, fine shirt and a dark mixed broadcloth coat; he was born in Morris county at Dr. Blatchley's and has lived a long time with David Frazer, Esq. at Lebanon. Whoever will take up the said negro, and secure him in any gaol so that the subscriber may get him, shall receive the above reward and all reasonable charges paid. WILLIAM TODD. Bedminster, Somerset County, July 16, 1805. 34-3w"

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

Martha Richards was manumitted jointly by Samuel Berrien (c. 1766-1830) and his wife Ann Berrien (d. ca 1833) of East Windsor, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of East Windsor (John Smith, Jonathan Brown) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (John James, Andrew Rowan) on July 20, 1805. The document stated that Martha Richards was examined in court and met the eligibility requirements for manumission in New Jersey, i.e. the person was 21 to 40 years old and was "sound in mind and not under any bodily incapacity" of obtaining a livelihood. Martha Richards's exact age was not recorded in the document. This manumission was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on September 11, 1805. East Windsor was part of Middlesex County at this time, but it would later become part of Mercer County in 1838.

Somerset County birth records of enslaved children contain the following record: Book A, page number: 25 Certificate number: 87 Child: Pompey Mother: Violet Enslaver of mother and child: John B. Teisseire Location: Princeton (Montgomery township) Birth date: 23 Jul 1805 Reported date: 23 Jan 1806 Clerk: Joseph Doty

Dinah, a 17-year-old Black girl who ran away from Joseph Barron in 1805, was eventually returned to Barron's household in Woodbridge, Middlesex County, New Jersey. This capture event is not discussed in any historical documents, but it is inferred from records that document Dinah's presence at Joseph Barron's house in 1806 and later. The exact date, place, and circumstances of Dinah's capture or return are unknown. Her escape (documented in a runaway ad that Joseph Barron published in the Centinel of Freedom newspaper) took place on the night of July 4, 1805. The following year, on December 20, 1806, Dinah gave birth to her son Saul at Barron's household (documented in Middlesex County birth records).

On August 8, 1805, a 16-year-old Black boy was imprisoned in Newtown, Bucks County, PA, on suspicion of being a runaway. The boy said he escaped from an enslaver named Mr. Moore who resided in Maidenhead (present-day Lawrence), New Jersey. The jailkeeper Patrick Hunter issued a notice on September 2, 1805, announcing that the boy would be sold if his enslaver did not come to take him away within 30 days. ----- Transcript of the source document: "A Negro Lad, ABOUT 16 years of age, was committed as a runaway to Newtown goal, on the 8th August. Said Negro said he belonged to ---- Moore, in Jersey, near Maidenhead. The said master is desired to come forward, pay charges, and take him away within 30 days, otherwise he will be sold out to pay expenses. PATRICK HUNTER, Gaoler Newton, September 2, 1805."

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 11 Child: Ellick Enslaver of mother and child: Jeremiah Manning Location: Piscataway, NJ Birth date: August 16, 1805 Reported date: November 25, 1805 Clerk: William Philips Deare The document indicates that the enslaver was a farmer. The names of the mother and father were not recorded on this birth certificate. However, another source document from 1806 reveals that the mother's name was Elizabeth and that the boy was also known as Alexander.

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 17 Child: Matt Mother: Lett Enslaver of mother and child: Dennis Field Location: Piscataway, NJ Birth date: August 18, 1805 Reported date: November 1, 1805 Clerk: William Philips Deare

On Monday evening, August 19, 1805, a Black man named Sam ran away from his enslaver Moses Jacques, who lived in Rahway, New Jersey. Sam was about 25 years old at this time. The runaway ad for Sam indicated that he had previously been enslaved by Benjamin Vincent in Paterson, New Jersey. ----- Transcript of the source document: "10 Dollars Reward. RAN AWAY from the subscriber on Monday evening last, a Negro Man, named SAM, formerly the property of Benjamin Vincent, of Patterson; he is about 5 feet 5 inches in height, rather black, 25 years old — he is well made and very active. Whoever will confine him in Newark jail, or any other in the State, and give information, so that he may be had, shall have the above rewards. MOSES JACQUES. N.B. All persons are forbid employing or harboring him at their peril. Rahway, Aug. 24, 1805. 66-3w."

Israel Miller of Hopewell, Cumberland County, signed a manumission deed freeing a Black man named Festus on 29 August 1805. Festus's age was not recorded in the document. The manumission deed was notarized the following year, on 17 April 1806, in front of Judge James B. Hunt. Additionally, a manumission certificate was entered by the County Clerk into Book B, page 3, on file at the Cumberland County Courthouse. ----- Transcript of the source document: "Know all men by these presents that I Israel Miller of the township of Hopewell in the County of Cumberland and the State of New Jersey hath mannimited and set free and by these presents do manimit and set free my male negro Slave named Festus, hence forward to be free and remain discharged from me my Heirs and assigns forever, in Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty ninth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and five Israel Miller [seal] Sealed and Delivered in the presence of John Miller junr Sally Miller April 17th 1806, personally appeared before me the subscriber one of the Judges of the inferior Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Cumberland in the State of New Jersey Israel Miller the within grantor and did acknowledge that he signed sealed and delivered the within deed of manimission as his act and deed for the uses and purposes within mentioned Acknowledged the day and year above written before me James B. Hunt [verso] Articles of Manimition Israel Miller to Festus === "

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 14 Child: Samuel Mother: Ann Enslaver of mother and child: David Harris Location: Piscataway, NJ Birth date: September 1, 1805 Reported date: December 20, 1805 Clerk: William Philips Deare The document indicates that the enslaver was a farmer.

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 18 Child: Abraham Mother: On Enslaver of mother and child: Jeremiah Van Devanter Location: Piscataway, NJ Birth date: September 13, 1805 Reported date: April 4, 1806 Clerk: William Philips Deare The document indicates that the enslaver was a farmer.

A young Black man named Dick. aged 18, ran away from his enslaver Kenneth Hankinson of Freehold, Monmouth County, NJ, on Sunday, September, 15th, 1805. Hankinson submitted a runaway ad for Dick to the Trenton Federalist newspaper the next day. Note that the last line of Hankinson's advertisement contains a typographical error. Although it says that it was submitted by the subscriber on "September 16th, 1804," the ad was, in fact, submitted and printed by the Trenton Federalist in September 1805. The issue of September 23, 1805, was the first issue where this ad appeared. ----- Transcript of the source document: "Forty Dollar Reward. RAN AWAY from the subscriber, living in Freehold Township, Monmouth county, New-Jersey, on Sunday the 15th inst. A negro man named DICK, of about eighteen years of age, about five feet eight inches high, squints more with one eye than the other, speaks quick and lisps, pretty black, short hair — can whistle and dance remarkably well, is very apt to wear his hat on one side of his head, his left knee joint will be found on examination not to bend as much as the other, caused by a gathering when a boy; he is very well dressed, and has a quantity of clothes with him. Whoever takes up said negro or secures him in any gaol in the United States and gives information thereof to his said master, shall be entitled to the above reward and all reasonable charges by Kenneth Hankinson. September 16th, 1804."

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 16 Child: Thomas Jefferson Mother: Lanah Enslaver of mother and child: John Duncan Location: South Brunswick, NJ Birth date: September 17, 1805 Reported date: January 25, 1806 Clerk: William Philips Deare The document indicates that the enslaver was a farmer.

Somerset County birth records of enslaved children contain the following record: Book A, page number: 26 Certificate number: 91 Child: Jacob Mother: Gin Enslaver of mother and child: Abraham Voorhees Location: Bridgewater Birth date: 25 Sep 1805 Reported date: 30 Jan 1806 Clerk: Joseph Doty

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 18 Child: Josiah Mother: Pat Enslaver of mother and child: John Vanneste Location: West Windsor, NJ Birth date: September 25, 1805 Reported date: April 9, 1806 Clerk: William Philips Deare

The Following Abandonment Certificate was submitted to the Overseer of the Poor of the Township of Piscataway: Child: Simeon Mother: Cate Enslaver of Mother and Child: Samuel Randolph Abandonment Certificate Date: September 26, 1805 Child’s Date of Birth: September 28, 1804 This certificate indicates that the enslaver abandoned all his legal rights and title to the child and gave up the child to the Overseer of the Poor to be bound out as a pauper.

On September 26, 1805, a Black man named Cuff, aged 23, ran away from his enslaver John Brown of Woodbridge, Middlesex County, New Jersey. Cuff was described by his enslaver as a "mulatto man" indicating that he was a person of mixed ancestry. ----- Transcript of the source document: "20 Dollars Reward. RAN AWAY from the subscriber, on Thursday, the 26th inst. a mulatto man named CUFF, about 23 years old, not far from 6 feet high, and very stout; had on a short dark colored coat, streaked copperas colored jacket, and tow trousers. He has a remarkable scar on the back part of his head, occasioned by a bile, on which there is no hair. Whoever will secure said negro man in any jail, and give information to his master so that he may get him again, shall have the above reward, and reasonable charges. JOHN BROWN. Woodbridge, Sept. 27, 1805. 70-3w*"

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

The Following Abandonment Certificate was submitted to the Overseer of the Poor of the Township of Piscataway: Child: Hannah Mother: Hepsebeth Enslaver of Mother and Child: Rizpah Leforge Abandonment Certificate Date: October 1, 1805 Child’s Date of Birth: October 30, 1804 This abandonment certificate indicates that the enslaver abandoned all her legal rights and title to the child and gave up the child to the Overseer of the Poor to be bound out as a pauper. Note that the original birth certificate for this child listed her birth date as October 29, 1804.

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 20 Child: Galon Mother: Phillis Enslaver of mother and child: David Dunham Jr., Esquire Location: Piscataway, NJ Birth date: October 5, 1805 Reported date: June 16, 1806 Clerk: William Philips Deare

Sussex County Births of Enslaved Children microfilm contains the following record: Child: Jim Mother: Di[?] (the mother's name begins with Di or De, but is not fully legible) Enslaver of mother and child: David Grimes Location: Sandyston, NJ Birth date: 20 Oct 1805 Clerk: John Johnson

On October 24, 1805, a Black woman named Grace ran away from her enslaver Thomas Barber of Greenwich, Sussex County (now in Warren County), New Jersey. ----- Transcript of the source document: "Ten Dollars Reward RANAWAY from the subscriber, living in Greenwich township, Sussex County, about three miles from Easton, on the night of the twenty-fourth of October, a NEGRO WOMAN named Grace, about twenty-seven years of age, of middle size with a flat nose and a scar across it, occasioned by a cut — has a dimple in each cheek, and her teeth out before; had on and took with her, three long gowns of calico and muslin, four petticoals, one drugged, one linsey, and two of dimity; five short gowns, three calico and two striped linen, with sundry articles such as stockings, hankerchiefs, hornet, &c. Whoever takes up said runaway and brings her to her master, or gives information so as her master may get her again, shall receive the above reward and all reasonable charges; or if brought to her master FIFTEEN DOLLARS wil be paid, and no charges. THOMAS BARBER. Greenwich, Sussex County, November 12, 1805."

On November 1, 1805, Isaac Anderson of Princeton advertised the sale of a Black woman and her two children, a boy aged 5 and a baby girl aged 1 year. ----- Transcript of the source document: "For Sale, In the pleasant and beautiful village of Princeton, about three hundred yards east of the Market, A BRICK HOUSE, fifty feet , two stories high, furnished complete, and standing on a lot of 150 feet, on the street, with about twelve acres of land in the rear, in a high state of cultivation, having 150 apple trees thereon; with a good English barn, stables, cow, and hav-houses, a good carriage-house, smoke and milk-house, and about 35 acres of meadow and plough land. Also, one FRAME HOUSE, two stories high, with four rooms on a floor, having a handsome office at each end, and a kitchen in the rear, with a good paled garden, well, &e. Likewise, nine other houses and lots of different dimensions, with some vacant lots ; and about 50 acres of wood land one and an half miles from the town. Any person willing to purchase may apply to the subscriber, who is ready to treat for the whole or any part thereof. A clear and indisputable title will be given, and payments made easy if required. ISAAC ANDERSON. Princeton, November 1, 1805. N.B. A negro woman with a male child, five years old; and one female do, one year old, for sale."

Somerset County birth records of enslaved children contain the following record: Book A, Page 100 Child: Cuffe Mother: Phillis Enslaver of mother and child: Rev. Robert Finley Location: Bernards Birth date: 2 November 1805 Reported date: 29 July 1811 Clerk: Samuel Swan The same birth certificate also lists the birth of Cuffe's younger brother Cyrus who was born in 1808. Rev. Robert Finley was the pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Basking Ridge at the time of these events.

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

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

On November 20, 1805, a Black man named Harry, aged 22, ran away from his enslaver Cornelius Vermeule of Bernardston, Somerset County, New Jersey. Cornelius Vermeule issued a runaway ad for Harry, which noted that Harry had a scar on his nose that was the result of violence from a former enslaver, who had broken Harry's nose. ----- Transcript of the source document: "25 Dollars Reward. RAN-AWAY from the subscriber, on Wednesday, the 20th November last, a NEGRO MAN, named HARRY, 22 years of age, about 5 feet 9 or 10 inches high, not very black, is rather slim; when spoken to has a down look, and a remarkable scar on his nose, between his eyes, the grissel has been broke by a stroke of a former master; had on when he went away a dark drab coattee, brown homespun jacket and trousers, and an old rorum hat. Whoever takes up said negro man, or secures him in any gaol, so that his master may get him again, shall have the above reward, and reasonable charges. CORNELIUS VERMEULE. Barnerdstown, Somerset County, } Dec. 9, 1805. } 80-3w*"

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

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 13 Child: Dick Mother: Violet Enslaver of mother and child: George McAroy Location: South Brunswick, NJ Birth date: November 23, 1805 Reported date: December 9, 1805 Clerk: William Philips Deare The record lists the township of South Brunswick as the location. More specifically, George McAroy was known to reside in the area of Cranberry (present-day Cranbury) in said township, and it can be inferred that Dick was born in that area.

Somerset County birth records of enslaved children contain the following record: Book A, page number: 28 Certificate number: 99 Child: Han Mother: Deon Enslaver of mother and child: Peter Wortman Jr. Location: Franklin Birth date: 25 Nov 1805 Reported date: 21 Mar 1806 Clerk: Joseph Doty

Heziah, aged 23, was manumitted by Philip Brown Jr. of Woodbridge, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The certificate of manumission for "slave named Hezi" was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of Woodbridge (Lewis Kelly, Francis Everitt) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Henry Freeman, Ephraim Harriot) on November 25, 1805. The document stated that Hezi was examined in court and met the eligibility requirements for manumission in New Jersey, i.e. the person was 21 to 40 years old and was "sound in mind and not under any bodily incapacity" of obtaining a livelihood. This manumission was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on March 8, 1808, on p. 70 of the Book of Manumissions and Removals. Additionally, p. 87 of the Book of Manumissions and Removals contains a copy of the deed of manumission for "Negro woman Heziah, of about the age of twenty three years" signed by Philip Brown on January 1, 1806, and witnessed by Ichabod Potter and Daniel Toms. The deed of manumission was received and recorded in the book by the clerk on September 13, 1809.

On Tuesday November 26, 1805, a 23-year-old Black man named Charles ran away from his enslaver William Van Ort, who lived near Monmouth Court House, i.e. in Freehold, Monmouth County, New Jersey. The enslaver published a runaway ad for Charles and mentioned that Charles had previously been enslaved by John Anderson, an innkeeper in Trenton. ----- Transcript of the source document: "Ten Dollars Reward. RANAWAY from the subscriber, living at Monmouth Court-house, New Jersey, on the night of Tuesday the 26th inst. a NEGRO MAN named Charles, 23 years old, about 5 feet 8 or 9 inches high, black complexion, thin visage, limps a little in walking, has a sore or lump under his right ear; Had on or took with him a rorum hat half worne, a brown broad cloth coat with yellow buttons, blue nankeen coat, two summer waistcoats, one spotted and the other striped, one pair homespun striped pantaloons of a lightish colour, buttoning at the bottom, a pair blue nankeen breeches, stockings and shoes. Whoever will take up said runaway and return him to the subscriber, or secure him in any goal in New Jersey, so that his master may get him again, shall receive the above reward and reasonable charges. All persons are forbidden harbouring or employing said Negro on the penalty of the law. WILLIAM VAN ORT. Monmouth, N.J. Nov. 28, 1805. 53-3w N.B. The said Negro lately belonged to Mr. John Anderson, innkeeper in Trenton."

Somerset County birth records of enslaved children contain the following record: Book A, page number: 31 Certificate number: 110 Child: Prime Mother: name not listed Enslaver of mother and child: Dinah Voorhees widow of Jaques Voorhees Location: Franklin Birth date: 30 Nov 1805 Reported date: 15 May 1806 Clerk: Joseph Doty

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

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 20 Child: Simeon Mother: Dinah Enslaver of mother and child: Joseph Morgan Location: Woodbridge, NJ Birth date: December 3, 1805 Reported date: August 29, 1806 Clerk: William Philips Deare The document indicates that the enslaver was a blacksmith.

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 14 Child: Oliver Mother: Margaret Enslaver of mother and child: Samuel Brush Location: North Brunswick, NJ Birth date: December 4, 1805 Reported date: December 23, 1805 Clerk: William Philips Deare The document indicates that the enslaver was a shopkeeper.

The Following Abandonment Certificate was submitted to the Overseer of the Poor of the Township of Piscataway: Child: listed as "Elizabeth or otherwise Bet" [appears to be an error, should say Dinah] Mother: Bet Enslaver of Mother and Child: William Lupardus Abandonment Certificate Date: December 6, 1805 Child’s Date of Birth: December 26, 1804 Note that there is a discrepancy between this abandonment certificate and the birth certificate that was filed earlier for this baby girl, the daughter of Bet. The birth certificate states that the mother's name is "Elizabeth otherwise called Bett", and the daughter born on December 26, 1804, is named Dinah. The abandonment certificate filed in December 1805, when the child was near one years old, states "My Negro Woman named Bet lay in with a female child on the 26th day of December last which child she called Elizabeth or otherwise Bet." Since the date of birth matches exactly, we can infer that these two documents refer to the same child. Most likely, the person who wrote out the abandonment certificate made a mistake and erroneously wrote in the mother's name (Elizabeth or Bet) in place of the child's (Dinah). The abandonment certificate was likely penned by the Overseer of the Poor himself. The text of the certificate is written in a different hand than William Lupardus's signature. This certificate indicates that the enslaver abandoned all his legal rights and title to the child and gave up the child to the Overseer of the Poor to be bound out as a pauper.

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

The Following Abandonment Certificate was submitted to the Overseer of the Poor of the Township of Piscataway: Child: Dinah Mother: Rose Enslaver of Mother and Child: George Farmer Abandonment Certificate Date: December 12, 1805 Child’s Date of Birth: January 30, 1805 This certificate indicates that the enslaver abandoned all his legal rights and title to the child and gave up the child to the Overseer of the Poor to be bound out as a pauper.

Somerset County birth records of enslaved children contain the following record: Book A, page number: 43 Certificate number: 151 Child: Queen Mother: Subina (Sabina) Enslaver of mother and child: Mary Lupp Location: New Brunswick (that part of the city located in Franklin township, Somerset County) Birth date: 20 Dec 1805 Reported date: 21 Mar 1807 Clerk: Joseph Doty This record in Book A does not list the child's father, but a different birth certificate later submitted for Queen's sister Hannah clarifies that Sabina was the wife of Pompey and that Pompey was the father of Sabina's three children.

A Black man named Jes ran away from his enslaver Thomas Sidman of Bloomfield, Essex County, New Jersey, in 1805. Jes ran away around Christmas time. His age at the time of his escape is uncertain. ----- Transcript of the source document: "ONE DOLLAR REWARD. RAN-AWAY from the subscriber about Christmas, a negro man, named JES, about 5 feet 5 inches high; had on when he went away a blue great coat, bound with blue, brown underclothes, &c. All persons are forbid harboring or employing said negro, as they will be dealt with as the law directs. THOMAS SIDMAN. Bloomfield, Feb. 6, 1806. 89-3w"

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 16 Child: Martha Mother: Susan Enslaver of mother and child: Michael Garrish Location: Piscataway, NJ Birth date: December 27, 1805 Reported date: February 4, 1806 Clerk: William Philips Deare The following is a complete transcript of the document: "Martha I Michael Garrish of the township of Piscataway in the County of Middlesex, New Jersey, shopkeeper, certify that Martha a female negro child was born of my slave Susan at the place aforesaid, on the twenty seventh day of December, Eighteen hundred & five. - Witness my hand this fourth day of February, Eighteen hundred & six. - Michael Garrish Recorded February 4th 1806"

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

According to the obituary of Clara Voorhees, published after her death in 1892, Clara and her twin sister Flora were sold by enslaver Matthew Rue of Scott's Corner to John Joline of Princeton circa 1806. The date of the sale is questionable, because the obit also mentioned that the girls (who were born in 1793) were 17 years old when they were sold, which would put the sale circa 1810 based on their age. John Joline reportedly wanted to buy only Flora, who was stronger and bigger than her sister, but Matthew Rue would only sell the sisters together. John Joline reportedly paid $350 for Flora and $150 for Clara.

The Following Abandonment Certificate was submitted to the Overseer of the Poor of the Township of Piscataway: Child: Mary Mother: Jane Enslaver of Mother and Child: Thomas Stelle Abandonment Certificate Date: February 3, 1806 Child’s Date of Birth (as listed on the abandonment certificate): March 2, 1805 Note that there is a discrepancy in the way Mary's birthday was recorded. Her birthday, as reported on her original birth certificate, was March 3, 1805. This certificate indicates that the enslaver abandoned all his legal rights and title to the child and gave up the child to the Overseer of the Poor to be bound out as a pauper.

The Following Abandonment Certificate was submitted to the Overseer of the Poor of the Township of Piscataway: Child: Samuel Mother: Ann Enslaver of Mother and Child: David Harris Abandonment Certificate Date: February 3, 1806 Child’s Date of Birth: September 1, 1805 This certificate indicates that the enslaver abandoned all his legal rights and title to the child and gave up the child to the Overseer of the Poor to be bound out as a pauper.

William was manumitted by Cortland L. Parker of Perth Amboy, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The certificate of manumission was signed by two Overseers of the Poor of Perth Amboy (James Compton, William Cross) and two Magistrates of the City of Perth Amboy (Recorder James Parker and Alderman John Angus) on March 1, 1806. The document stated that William 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. William's exact age was not recorded in the document. This manumission was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on March 11, 1806.

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 21 Child: Tom Mother: Nell Enslaver of mother and child: Hendrick Smock Location: Piscataway, NJ Birth date: March 4, 1806 Reported date: October 11, 1806 Clerk: William Philips Deare The document indicates that the enslaver was a farmer. His name is listed as "Henry Smock" at the beginning of the document and "Hendrick Smock" on the signature line.

The Following Abandonment Certificate was submitted to the Overseer of the Poor of the Township of Piscataway: Child: Ben Mother: Cate Enslaver of Mother and Child: Richard Field Abandonment Certificate Date: March 8, 1806 Child’s Date of Birth: May 25, 1805 This certificate indicates that the enslaver abandoned all his legal rights and title to the child and gave up the child to the Overseer of the Poor to be bound out as a pauper.

Elizabeth was manumitted by the last will and testament of Ephraim Martin (1733-1806). Her certificate of manumission was issued in North Brunswick, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The certificate was signed by the Overseer of the Poor of North Brunswick (John Van Nuis) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Thomas Hill, Phineas Manning) on March 8, 1806. The document stated that Elizabeth was examined in court and met the eligibility requirements for manumission in New Jersey, i.e. the person was 21 to 40 years old and was "sound in mind and not under any bodily incapacity" of obtaining a livelihood. Elizabeth's exact age was not recorded in the document. This manumission was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on March 17, 1806.

Sarah was manumitted by the last will and testament of Ephraim Martin (1733-1806). Her certificate of manumission was issued in North Brunswick, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The certificate was signed by the Overseer of the Poor of North Brunswick (John Van Nuis) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Thomas Hill, Phineas Manning) on March 8, 1806. The document stated that Sarah was examined in court and met the eligibility requirements for manumission in New Jersey, i.e. the person was 21 to 40 years old and was "sound in mind and not under any bodily incapacity" of obtaining a livelihood. Sarah's exact age was not recorded in the document. This manumission was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on March 17, 1806.

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 22 Child: Simon Mother: Hager Enslaver of mother and child: William DeGroot Location: Piscataway, NJ Birth date: March 10, 1806 Reported date: December 4, 1806 Clerk: William Philips Deare The document indicates that the enslaver was a farmer.