New Jersey Slavery Records

Joe, aged 32, was manumitted by George McAroy of South Amboy, Middlesex County, New Jersey. South Amboy township is listed on the certificate of manumission; other historical records indicate that George McAroy resided in the community of Cranberry within the said township (present-day Cranbury). The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseer of the Poor of South Amboy (Matthias Rue) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Robert McChesney, John L. Anderson) on September 11, 1809. The document stated that Joe 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. On the same day, George McAroy executed a deed of manumission for Joe, signing the document by his X mark. This deed was witnessed by his son George McAroy and Anna Anderson. The deed mentioned that Joe was 32 years old. These manumission documents were recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on September 14, 1809.

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 45 Child: Silas Mother: Lyvia, also known as Zilphe Enslaver of mother and child: Richard Lake Location: South Brunswick, NJ Birth date: September 12, 1809 Reported date: April 18, 1811 Clerk: William Philips Deare The document indicates that the enslaver was a farmer.

Dolly Frost, aged 30, was manumitted by George Yard of East Windsor, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of East Windsor (Jonathan Brown, Charles South) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (John James, Andrew Rowan) on October 11, 1809. The document stated that Dolly Frost 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 October 14, 1809.

On October 15, 1809, a 16-year-old Black girl named Nelly ran away from her enslaver Amey (Amy) Cheston of Stony Brook, near Princeton, New Jersey. ----- Transcript of the source document: "10 DOLLARS REWARD. RANAWAY from the subscriber on the 15th instant, a Negro Girl, named Nelly, 16 years of age. Stout built, rather short, yellow complexion, long Indian hair, curled before, bold, but rather down looking. Had on a white gown, light shawl, straw bonnet, and black shoes; also took with her a green umbrella with a fringe. Whoever will take up said girl, and return her to her mistress living near Stoney-Brook, two and a half miles this side of Princeton, shall receive the above reward. AMEY CHESTON. October 24, 1809."

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 38 Child: Grace Mother: Cate Scot Enslaver of mother and child: Mary Minto Location: Princeton, NJ Birth date: October 16, 1809 Reported date: March 24, 1810 Clerk: William Philips Deare

Somerset County birth records of enslaved children contain the following record: Book B, Page 92 Child: George Mother: Jenney Father: Tom Enslaver of mother and child: John Frelinghuysen Location: Millstone Birth date: 6 November 1809 Reported date: 15 May 1828 Clerk: Isaac Southard The birth record did not list a locality; however, other historical sources indicate that John Frelinghuysen was living at his late father's homestead in Millstone (then in Hillsborough township) at the time of this event, and it can be presumed that the child was born there. The same birth registration record also mentioned George's siblings Rachel, Jane, and Arch.

An enslaved man named Will performed construction labor for the first permanent building for Queen's College (later Rutgers). The building is now known as Old Queens. Will's enslaver Jacob Dunham hired out Will to the college to work at the construction site. Around November 1809, Will worked on the building's masonry. On November 30, 1809, Abraham Blauvelt, chairman of the Queen's Building Committee, recorded a payment for $39.88 to Jacob Dunham for Will's labor on the masonry. Blauvelt's accounting record does not provide further details, but based on the cost of labor, one might estimate that the payment of $39.88 was for at least a month and a half of work.

Sussex County Births of Enslaved Children microfilm contains the following record: Child: Cate Mother: Bets Enslaver of mother and child: Richard Wesbrooks Location: Sussex County (Locality not listed) Birth date: December 10, 1809 Clerk: not listed, presumed Johnson The birth record is written out on a thin strip of paper that appears to have been ripped away from a larger sheet, and on the reverse side there is some writing in a different hand that seems unrelated to the birth of Cate. The reverse says, "Wantage 13th June 1814 Dear Sir please to be so good as to Deliver to Mr Killgore the Executors the boy" and then cuts off. The enslaver may have written the birth record on the back of an old letter that he no longer needed. Although the start of the letter on the reverse side seems unrelated to Cate, the fact that the old letter is dated 13 June 1814 suggests that Richard Wesbrooks waited at least four and a half years before reporting Cate's birth to the County Clerk.

Philis was manumitted by Joseph Laing of Piscataway, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of Piscataway (Edward Griffith, Ephraim Runyon) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Samuel Fitz Randolph (1741-1811), John F. Randolph) on December 21, 1809. The document stated that Philis 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. Philis's exact age was not recorded in the document. This manumission was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on January 2, 1810.

In 1810, a Black man named Daniel Clark (also called Benjamin Clark) was sold, given, or transferred by his original enslaver Jenifer Taylor to Ignatius Taylor in Kent County, Delaware. Whether this transfer was the result of a sale or another arrangement is uncertain. This transfer of ownership is mentioned in a manumission deed that was filed for Clark years later in 1824 after Clark ran away to New Jersey and bought his own freedom from Ignatius Taylor. The relevant passage from the manumission deed, which was signed by Ignatius Taylor, reads as follows: "Daniel Clark otherwise called Benjamin Clark a black man Slave born in the county of Kent in the State of Delaware in the month of November in the year of our Lord one thousand Seven hundred and Eighty one the Slave of Jenifer Taylor and by him given & delivered to me the Subscriber sometime about the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and ten"

Robert Kennedy of Greenwich Township, Sussex County (now in Warren County), wrote his will on January 5, 1810. The will mentions Robert Kennedy's wife Elizabeth, who was the mistress of the household. The will is lengthy and outlines details related to land and real estate. Five enslaved people were mentioned by name. The three people mentioned here as man Dave, woman Dine (written here as Dian) and the boy Dave were a family, a couple with child (as can be inferred from a birth certificate for the boy Dave on file with the Sussex County Clerk). The boy Dave was eligible for emancipation at age 25 under New Jersey's gradual abolition law, and Robert Kennedy provided $50 for him to receive at the time of emancipation on the condition that the boy would serve Kennedy's heirs faithfully until age 25. The reward of $50 would be given at the discretion of Kennedy's heirs. Also mentioned in the will were Joe and Silve, bequeathed to Kennedy's daughter Kittura. The following is a transcript of the will section that mentions enslaved people: "I give my son Robert Henry Kennedy my negro man Dave and my negro wench Dian when her mistress is done with her and my young negro Dave allowing my son if he is a faithful servant to pay him fifty dollars when he is free but if he is not a good and faithfull servant, so that he can keep him until he is free I leave him nothing. ... I will that my daughter Kittura C. Kennedy have my neagro Jo, and my wench Silve."

Somerset County birth records of enslaved children contain the following record: Book A, page number: 93 Child: Rosetta Mother: name not listed Enslaver of mother and child: John Van Horne Location: Montgomery Birth date: 19 Jan 1810 Reported date: 3 Oct 1810 Clerk: Samuel Swan (Somerset County Clerk)

On January 22, 1810, Sarah Wetherill and Benjamin Griggs, acting as administrators for the estate of the late Vincent Wetherill of Cranbury, Middlesex County, New Jersey, advertised several enslaved Black people for sale, including two Black men, a 14-year-old Black girl, and several smaller children. ----- Transcript of the source document: "TO BE SOLD, AT PUBLIC VENDUE, ON the 5th of February next, at the late Dwelling House of Vincent Wetherill, dec. near Cranbury, Horses, Cows, Young Cattle, a large Yoke of Oxen, Sheep and Hogs, a genteel Coaches and Harness, a handsome Gig and Harness almost new, Corn in Crib, Green Grain in the ground, Rye in the sheaf, Cider and Cider Spirits, two Farm Wagons and Farming Utensils.—Household and Kitchen Furniture, consisting of Feather Beds and Bedding; two valuable eight day Clocks, also at private sale a number of Blacks among which are two negro men in their prime, one negro girl of 14 years of age, the rest smaller. SARAH WETHERILL, Admin'rx. Benjamin Griggs, Administrator. Jan. 22, 1810. 70-2w."

Sussex County Births of Enslaved Children microfilm contains the following record: Child: Dina Mother: Sefy Enslaver of mother and child: Manuel Van Ethan Location: Sandyston, NJ Birth date: 24 Jan 1810 Recorded date: 20 Feb 1810 Clerk: John Johnson

Somerset County birth records of enslaved children contain the following record: Book A, Page 88 Child: Johnson Mother: Eve Enslaver of mother and child: Daniel La Tourrette Location: Bridgewater Birth date: 25 January 1810 Reported date: 19 March 1810 Clerk: Samuel Swan

Somerset County birth records of enslaved children contain the following record: Book A, page number: 99 Child: Sabrina Mother: Hannah Father: Pompey Enslaver of mother and child: Mary Loop (Lupp) Location: New Brunswick (that part of the city located in Franklin township, Somerset County) Birth date: 2 Feb 1810 Reported date: 24 Apr 1811 Clerk: Samuel Swan (Somerset County Clerk) The clerk did not write down the father's name in Book A on p. 99. However, the original loose birth certificate specifically states that Hannah was "Sabina and Pompey's third child," thus indicating that Pompey was the father of Hannah and of Hannah's older sisters Queen and Rachel.

Sussex County Births of Enslaved Children microfilm contains the following record: Child: Eve Mother: Racheal Enslaver of mother and child: Robert Allison Location: Oxford Township, NJ Birth date: 8 Feb 1810 Recorded date: 8 April 1811 Clerk: John Johnson

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 57 Child: George Mother: Dinah Enslaver of mother and child: Joseph Barron Location: Woodbridge, NJ Birth date: February 10, 1810 Reported date: May 30, 1816 Clerk: William Philips Deare

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 53 Child: Charles Mother: Charlotte Enslaver of mother and child: Ann Parker, widow Location: City of New Brunswick, in the Township of North Brunswick, NJ Birth date: March 7, 1810 Reported date: June 18, 1814 Clerk: William Philips Deare

Sussex County Births of Enslaved Children microfilm contains the following record: Child: Mary Mother: Phillis Enslaver of mother and child: Lydia Westbrook Location: Sussex County (locality not specified) Birth date: 15 March 1810 Recorded date: 15 Jan 1811 Clerk: John Johnson

Sussex County Births of Enslaved Children microfilm contains the following record: Child: William Mother: Peage (the mother's name is somewhat unclear) Enslaver of mother and child: Thomas Lewis Location: Wantage, NJ Birth date: March 17, 1810 Recorded date: July 17, 1828, in Book of Births folio 31 Clerk: David D. Chandler

Sussex County Births of Enslaved Children microfilm contains the following record: Child: Jeffery Mother: Dinah Enslaver of mother and child: Wilhelmus Fredenburgh Location: Sussex County (locality not specified) Birth date: 25 March 1810 Recorded date: 31 Dec 1810 Clerk: John Johnson The same slip of paper also listed the births of Adam and Peggy, who were enslaved by another man, Everett Van Auken. The document does not state the relationship between Van Auken and Fredenbergh.

Edward Wales, aged 21 to 40, was manumitted by William Manning of Piscataway, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of Piscataway (Edward Griffith, Ephraim Runyon) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (John F. Randolph, George Boice Jr.) on April 9, 1810. The document stated that Edward Wales 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 April 19, 1810.

Ned Didmus was manumitted by Charles Barclay 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 (John Bastedo, Nathaniel Hunt) on April 9, 1810. The document stated that Ned Didmus 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. Ned Didmus's exact age was not recorded in the document. This manumission was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on June 28, 1810.

Sussex County Births of Enslaved Children microfilm contains the following record: Child: Fillas Mother: Hannah Enslaver of mother and child: Johannes D. Westbrook Location: Sandyston, NJ Birth date: 11 April 1810 Recorded date: 23 May 1810 Clerk: John Johnson

In April 1810, Overseers of the Poor of Franklin, Somerset County, published a notice seeking to bind out nine Black female children, i.e. to place them as indentured servants into white households until age 21. These girls were abandoned to the Overseers pursuant to the abandonment provision of New Jersey's gradual abolition law, which allowed enslavers to take 1-year-old infants away from their enslaved mothers and give them up to the Overseers of the Poor to be treated as paupers. The Overseers announced that any individual who wanted to take a Black child as an indentured servant could come forward and apply to take the child away. The notice listed the age of each girl, but did not provide the children's names. The names of the two Overseers of the Poor were listed as David Nevius and John P. Nevius. Note that the abbreviation "do." in the source document means "ditto," meaning "the same as above." In other words, the line "1...4...0...do." means 1 child of 4 years and 0 months old. ----- Transcript of the source document: "Notice is hereby given, THAT the following female abandoned black children of the township of Franklin, county of Somerset, born after the 4th day of July 1804, in said township, will be put out according to law on application to the overseers of said township, viz. 2 of 4 years and 3 months old, 1 ... 4 ... 0 ... do. 1 ... 3 ... 5... do. 3 ... 3 ... 4 ... do. 2 ... 3 ... 3 ... do. David Nevius, } John P. Nevius } Overseers of the poor. April 13, 1810. 81-4w.pd."

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 41 Child: Ellen Mother: Margaret Lawrence Enslaver of mother and child: John Rattoone Location: Perth Amboy, NJ Date of birth: May 1810 Reported date: October 16, 1810 Clerk: William Philips Deare The exact date of the child's birth is not listed on the birth certificate, only the month and year.

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 44 Child: Sobinas Mother: Hannah Enslaver of mother and child: Andrew McDowell Location: South Brunswick, NJ Birth date: May 2, 1810 Reported date: March 1, 1811 Clerk: William Philips Deare

Nance, a 20-year-old black woman, ran away from enslaver William Rue on May 12, 1810, in the vicinity of Spotswood, Middlesex County (approximately 8 miles south of New Brunswick). Nance was literate and her enslaver suspected that she forged a pass to facilitate her escape. William Rue offered a reward of $25 for Nance's return. ----- Transcript of the source document: "Twenty-five Dollars Rward. Ran away from the subscriber on Saturday the 12th, instant, a NEGRO WOMAN, named Nance, about twenty years old, a yellow and rough skin, short and thick, she can read, and write a tolerable good hand, and is probable she may have forged a pass for herself. She wore a white Leghorn bonnet, and took with her a variety of clothing, so that her dress cannot be described. The above reward and all reasonable expenses shall be paid any person who may apprehend said wench, and return her, or secure her so that her master may get her again. WILLIAM RUE Near Spottswood, May 21, 1810. 3 wp-21"

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 46 Child: Hannah Mother: Fanny Enslaver of mother and child: Peter Quick Location: South Amboy, NJ Birth date: May 17, 1810 Reported date: October 24, 1811 Clerk: William Philips Deare The document indicates that the enslaver was a farmer.

On Sunday night May 27, 1810, Nell (also known as Bets) ran away from her enslaver John P. Poillon in Staten Island. The enslaver placed an ad offering a reward of 15 dollars for Nell in the New Jersey newspaper called the Guardian, Or, New-Brunswick Advertiser. ----- Transcript of the source document: "Fifteen Dollars Reward. Ran away from the subscriber, on Sunday last, a negro woman by the name of Nell, and has also called herself Bets, about 32 years old, an Indian looking mulatto, a square built wretch of middling size and has a scar on her upper lip, had on a black chip bonnet and callico gown, brought up to all kinds of house work, the above reward and reasonable charges shall be paid any person who may apprehend said wench and return her, or secure her so that her master gets her again. JOHN P. POILLON. Richmond County, Staten Island, May 28 1810."

On June 3, 1810, a 28-year-old Black man named Tone ran away from his enslaver Benjamin Griggs, who lived near Cranbury, Middlesex County, New Jersey. ----- Transcript of the source document: "30 Dollars Reward. RANAWAY on the evening of the 3d of this month, a NEGRO MAN, named Tone, about 28 years of age, 5 feet 5 inches high, slim built, yellow complexion; had on when he went away a brown coat, nankeen pantaloons, black hat and shoes; and took other clothes with him. Whoever will take up said runaway and return him to his master, living near Cranberry, or secure him in any gaol so that he gets him again, shall receive the above reward and all reasonable charges. BENJAMIN GRIGGS. Cranberry, N.J., June 4, 1810. 89-3w."

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 43 Child: Phillis Mother: Gin Enslaver of mother and child: Isaac Williamson Location: North Brunswick, NJ Birth date: June 10, 1810 Reported date: January 8, 1811 Clerk: William Philips Deare The document indicates that the enslaver was a farmer.

Catharine, aged 24, was manumitted by Eve 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, Henry Silvers) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Andrew Rowan, Ralph Sansbury) on June 23, 1810. The document stated that Catharine 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. Eve Schenck signed the deed of manumission by her X mark, indicating that she was illiterate and could not write her name. These manumission documents were recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on July 24, 1810.

On 27 June 1810, a Black man named Jack Leake signed an agreement with William Garrison and Ruth Leake Garrison (William's wife) pertaining to Jack's son John, who was 14 years old at this time. The agreement stipulated that John, who had been born into slavery, would serve the Garrisons for another 10 years from the date of the agreement, and that he would be set free on 27 June 1820 at the age of 24. The agreement was signed in Deerfield, Cumberland County. The Garrisons were the heirs of Nathan Leake Esquire (Ruth's father), who had died in 1790, freeing Jack by his will. While Jack had been free since 1790, Jack's wife and children remained the property of the estate of Nathan Leake, and Jack worked throughout his life to secure freedom for his family. This indenture agreement with a promise to manumit John was one of the documents that helped secure freedom for Jack's sons. The agreement effectively changed 14-year-old John's status from a slave for life into the status of an indentured servant or apprentice. Along with his freedom at the end of his term at age 24, John was to receive clothing apparel and a holiday suit. ----- Transcript of the source document: "A Memorandon of an Agreement made this 27th Twenty Seventh day of June one Thousand Eight Hundred and ten 1810 Between William Garrison & Ruth his wife of the Township of Deerfield in the County of Cumberland State of New Jersey of one part and Jack Leake of County and State aforesaid of the other part — Witnesseth that Whereas John the Son of Said Jack Leake and Hannah his wife negros Slaves - of Nathan Leake Esqr decd and that the said John was Born a slave and is now the property of said William Garrison and Ruth his Wife the heirs of Nathan Leake Esqr decd and as the said John is now this day fourteen years of age and now living with said William Garrison and Ruth his wife; Now these are to certify that the said William Garrison and Ruth his wife both agree with the said Jack Leake to set the said John his Son free when he Shall arrive to the age of Twenty four years old which will be in the year of our Lord one Thousand Eight Hundred and Twenty 1820 and at the expiration of said term to give to said John one suit of apparel set for Holiday ware beside his usual wareing cloaths. To which Terms the said Jack Leake acknowledged himself to be fully content and satisfied as witness our hands the day and year first above mentioned. William Garrison Ruth Garrison Jack Leake X his mark In the presence of Hetty Lummis Hannah Leake For Jack to Keep [verso] Artical of agreement between Wm Garrison & wife and Jack Leake June 27th 1820 John Leak will be free"

Somerset County birth records of enslaved children contain the following record: Book A, page number: 123 Child: Robert Mother: name not listed Enslaver of mother and child: J. B. Teisseire Location: Somerset County (locality not specified) Birth date: 4 Jul 1810 Reported date: 15 Jun 1813 Clerk: Samuel Swan (Somerset County Clerk) The birth certificate recorded in Book A does not list the locality, but John B. Teisseire was known as a resident of Princeton in Montgomery township, and it is likely that the child was born there.

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children Book contains the following record: Page: 45 Child: Robert Mother: Lydda Enslaver of mother and child: Joseph Burlew Location: South Amboy, NJ Birth date: July 5, 1810 Reported date: May 17, 1811 Clerk: William Philips Deare The enslaver signed by his mark (illiterate) and his occupation was noted as farmer.

Sussex County Births of Enslaved Children microfilm contains the following record: Child: Lab Mother: Ginn Enslaver of mother and child: Nathaniel Martin Location: Sussex County (Locality not specified) Birth date: July 11, 1810 Clerk: Clerk not specified, presumed John Johnson Nathaniel Martin was known as one of the early settlers of Wantage Township, and it is possible that the child was born in that township. However, the birth record only lists Sussex County and does not list a locality.

Around August 1810, Aaron ran away from his enslaver Asher Borden of Allentown, NJ, and went to New York (where he would eventually be captured). Information about Aaron's escape from Allentown comes from a runaway ad published later when Aaron made another escape attempt from a different location. See subsequent events in Aaron's life for further details and links to related people.

Tabitha was manumitted by Elizabeth Barron of Woodbridge, Middlesex County, New Jersey. On the manumission documents, her name was listed as Tabathy or Tabb. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of Woodbridge (Ezekiel Ayers, Isaac Clarkson) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Benajah Mundy, Ephraim Harriot) on August 11, 1810. The document stated that Tabathy 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. Her exact age was not recorded in the document. Elizabeth Barron signed a deed of manumission for Tabb on September 12, 1810, in the presence of witnesses James Edgar and Martha Edgar. These manumission documents were recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on September 14, 1810.

Sussex County Births of Enslaved Children microfilm contains the following record: Child: Bri[gs?] Mother: Bet Dunkins Enslaver of mother and child: George Armstrong Location: Hardwick Township Birth date: August 21, 1810 Recorded date: May 13, 1820 Clerk: Green

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 41 Child: Nancy Mother: Phillis Enslaver of mother and child: Bernard S. Judah Location: North Brunswick, NJ Birth date: August 23, 1810 Reported date: November 17, 1810 Clerk: William Philips Deare

Somerset County birth records of enslaved children contain the following record: Loose Certificates Part I, Series 4, Item 27 Recorded by the County Clerk in: Book A, Page 154 Child: Rach Mother: Bet Enslaver of mother and child: Peter Voorhees Location: Somerset County (locality not specified) Birth date: 24 August 1810 Reported date: 20 March 1815 Clerk: Samuel Swan The same document also reported the birth of Rach's older sister Bet, who was born in 1808.

On August 25, 1810, an enslaved man named Tom ran away from Elijah Hunt of Princeton, New Jersey. ----- Transcript of the source document: "40 Dollars Reward. RAN AWAY from the subscriber on the evening of the 25th inst. a MULATTO SLAVE named TOM, about 19 years of age, 5 feet 10 inches high, very light complexioned, spare and slender person, thin visage and rather handsome face. Roman nose, slow of speech, and embarrassed in his delivery, had on and took with him a dark colored homespun cloth coat, tow and linen trowsers (the filling of a ley color, and warp the color of flax) one corduroy and one nankeen pair of trowsers, four shirts (two of tow & linen, two of finer texture.) Whoever will apprehend said Slave, and deliver him to the subscriber near Princeton, or secure him in any jail in this state shall receive the above reward and all reasonable charges. ELIJAH HUNT. Princeton, August 28, 1810. 3-97"

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 43 Child: Jane Mother: Jane Enslaver of mother and child: Thomson Stelle Location: Piscataway, NJ Birth date: August 28, 1810 Reported date: February 8, 1811 Clerk: William Philips Deare The following is a complete transcript of the document: "Jane / This is to certify that my Mulatto wench named Jane a slave was brought to bed on the twenty eighth day of August last with a female child who she named Jane. Piscataway February 8th, 1811 } Thomson Stelle Recd Febry 8th, 1811 & recorded "

Aaron was captured in New York after running away from his enslaver Asher Borden of Allentown, NJ. The escape occurred around August 1810. The date of Aaron's subsequent capture is uncertain. Information about Aaron's escape from Allentown and his capture in New York comes from a runaway ad published later when Aaron made another escape attempt from a different location. See subsequent events in Aaron's life for further details and links to related people.

On September 11, 1810, enslaver Elijah Hunt signed a covenant promising to free his enslaved man named Cato after a period of 9 years from this date. Cato was about 21 years old when this agreement was made. Although the original covenant has not been found, information about this document was recorded when Cato was manumitted in 1819 by the executors of the estate of Elijah Hunt, who was by then deceased. The manumission deed filed in Middlesex County in 1819 stated: "Elijah Hunt late of the Township of North Brunswick in the County of Middlesex New Jersey dec'd, did in his lifetime by writing under his hand & seal covenant & bind himself on the 11th Sept. 1810 to manumit and set free his Negro Slave Cato in nine years from the date thereof, which term hath now expired." Although Elijah Hunt died in North Brunswick in 1818, he had been a resident of South Brunswick Township in the early 1810s. Thus, the original covenant was most likely signed in South Brunswick.

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 45 Child: Hester Mother: Ann Enslaver of mother and child: Isaac Cotheal Location: Woodbridge, NJ Birth date: September 12, 1810 Reported date: May 23, 1811 Clerk: William Philips Deare The document indicates that the enslaver was a farmer. This certificate lists Woodbridge township as the location. A different birth certificate submitted by Isaac Cotheal for Hester's older sister Jane indicated that Cotheal was a resident of Bonhamtown in Woodbridge township; it can be inferred that Hester was also born in the vicinity of Bonhamtown.

Somerset County birth records of enslaved children contain the following record: Book A, Page 144 Child: Mary Parents: certificate says "slave Black Parents," but names were not listed Enslaver of mother and child: David Kirkpatrick Location: Bernards Birth date: 19 September 1810 Reported date: 29 August 1814 Clerk: Samuel Swan This certificate was submitted by David Kirkpatrick Jr. in 1814 shortly after the death of his father David Kirkpatrick Sr. Although this fact is not mentioned explicitly in the document, it can be presumed that David Kirkpatrick Sr. was the original enslaver of Mary and her parents because he was the head of the household when Mary was born in 1810. After David Sr.'s death in 1814, David Jr. inherited his father's homestead in the Mine Brook area of Bernards township and became the head of the household and, presumably, the new legal owner of Mary and her parents.

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 42 Child: Cate Mother: Dinah Enslaver of mother and child: Runyon Barkelew Location: North Brunswick, NJ Birth date: September 20, 1810 Reported date: December 24, 1810 Clerk: William Philips Deare

Stephen, aged 33, was manumitted by Elisha Coriell of Piscataway, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The deed of manumission for Stephen was signed by Elisha Coriell on October 9, 1810, in the presence of witnesses Ephraim Runyon and Zedekiah B. Coddington. The document was notarized by Justice of the Peace George Boice on December 12, 1810, and recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on December 18, 1810.

Jane was manumitted by Garret Snediker 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 October 10, 1810. The document stated that Jane 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. Jane's exact age was not recorded in the document. This manumission was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on April 6, 1812.

Sussex County Births of Enslaved Children microfilm contains the following record: Child: Tom Mother: name not listed Enslaver of mother and child: Elijah Warne Location: Mansfield, NJ Birth date: 15 Oct 1810 Recorded date: 18 Dec 1810 Clerk: John Johnson

Sussex County Births of Enslaved Children microfilm contains the following record: Child: Peggy Mother: name not listed Enslaver of mother and child: Evert Vn Auken Location: Sussex County (locality not specified) Birth date: 2 Nov 1810 Recorded date: 31 Dec 1810 Clerk: John Johnson The document also mentions that the same woman (whose name is not listed) gave birth to a son named Adam (Peggy's brother) on December 18, 1808. The locality was not specified on this birth certificate; however, other county documents indicate that the enslaver lived in Newton, thus it may be inferred that the child was born in Newton.

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 45 Child: James Mother: Nanny Enslaver of mother and child: James Parker Enslaver's primary residence: Perth Amboy, Middlesex County, NJ Location of child's birth: Middletown Point, Monmouth County, NJ Birth date: November 4, 1810 Reported date: May 10, 1811 Clerk: William Philips Deare Note that the birth record says that the child was born in Middletown Point (present-day Matawan), Monmouth County, even though the enslaver's primary residence was listed as Perth Amboy in Middlesex County.

Sussex County Births of Enslaved Children microfilm contains the following record: Child: Mary Mother: Name not listed Enslaver of mother and child: Samuel D. Westfall Location: Sussex County (Locality not specified) Birth date: November 6, 1810 Recorded date: October 3, 1811 Clerk: name not listed, presumed John Johnson Although the place of birth was not listed on the document, enslaver Samuel DeWitt Westfall was known to be a resident of Montague. Thus it can be inferred that the child was born there.

Jane was manumitted by Rebecca Edgar of Woodbridge, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The deed of manumission was executed by Rebecca Edgar on November 9, 1810, in the presence of James Paton and Ichabod Potter. The deed stated that Jane was aged 24 at that time. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of Woodbridge (Lewis Kelly, Isaac Clarkson) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Ichabod Potter, Richard Marsh) on January 3, 1812. The document stated that Jane 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 January 9, 1812.

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 49 Child: David Mother: Catharine Evans Enslaver of mother and child: Samuel Force Location: Woodbridge, NJ Birth date: January 7, 1811 Reported date: August 8, 1812 Clerk: William Philips Deare The document indicates that the enslaver was a riding chain maker.

Somerset County birth records of enslaved children contain the following record: Child: Dinah 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: January 12, 1811 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.

Sussex County Births of Enslaved Children microfilm contains the following record: Child: Charles Mother: name not listed Enslaver of mother and child: James Ryerson Location: Sussex County (Newton, NJ) Birth date: 13 Jan 1811 Recorded date: 3 May 1812 Clerk: John Johnson

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 46 Child: Eveline Mother: Dinah Enslaver of mother and child: Randolph Hunt Location: South Amboy, NJ Birth date: January 19, 1811 Reported date: October 21, 1811 Clerk: William Philips Deare The document indicates that the enslaver was a miller.

On January 25, 1811, a Black man named Lewis, aged 20, ran away from his enslaver Joseph W. Hegeman of Princeton, New Jersey. The enslaver immediately issued a runaway ad offering a reward of 10 dollars for Lewis's capture. Two weeks later, Joseph W. Hegeman issued an updated runaway ad for Lewis, noting that Lewis had been seen in Trenton after his escape. The enslaver supposed that Lewis would probably try to go to Philadelphia or Baltimore. Transcript of the original ad from the Trenton Federalist, January 28, 1811, p. 3: "10 DOLLARS REWARD. RANAWAY from the subscriber on the 25th inst., a NEGRO MAN named Lewis, about 20 years old; had on when he went away, a brown short coat, white tow trousers and glazed hat — he took with him a wool hat and black broad cloth coat. Whoever will secure him in any gaol in the state or deliver him to the subscriber shall receive the reward. JOSEPH W. HEGEMAN Princeton, Jan. 25, 1811." Transcript of the updated ad from the Trenton Federalist, February 11, 1811, p. 4: "10 DOLLARS REWARD. RANAWAY from the subscriber on the 25th of inst. a NEGRO MAN named Lewis, about 20 years old; had on when he went away, a mixed homespun round about, and jacket of the same, white tow trousers and glazed hat-he took with him a wool hat, black broad broad cloth coat, and a pair of old velvet pantaloons patched with black cloth. He is rather inactive and not much inclined to work. He has been in Trenton, and will probably go to Philadelphia, or Baltimore. Whoever will secure him in any gaol in the state or deliver him to the subscriber, shall receive the reward. JOSEPH W. HEGEMAN Princeton Jan. 25, 1811. 22-tf."

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 81 Child: Letty Mother: Jane Enslaver signed: Austin D. Blackwell Location: Mapletown, NJ Birth date: February 1, 1811 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"

Sussex County Births of Enslaved Children microfilm contains the following record: Child: Simon Mother: Dina Enslaver of mother and child: Thomas Stewart Location: Sussex County (locality not specified) Birth date: 14 Feb 1811 Recorded date: 26 Nov 1811 Clerk: John Johnson This birth certificate does not specify the locality. However, other records show that Thomas Stewart was a resident of Greenwich (now in Warren County), and it can be inferred that Simon was born there.

Sussex County Births of Enslaved Children microfilm contains the following record: Child: Dine Mother: Phebe Enslaver of mother and child: William Carter Location: Greenwich Township, NJ Birth date: 16 Feb 1811 Recorded date: 26 Nov 1811 Clerk: John Johnson

Somerset County birth records of enslaved children contain the following record: Book A, page number: 99 Child: Jane Mother: name not listed Enslaver of mother and child: Peter Cortelyou Location: Somerset County (locality not specified) Birth date: 23 Feb 1811 Reported date: 8 May 1811 Clerk: Samuel Swan (Somerset County Clerk)

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 50 Child: Dianna Mother: Lewshe Enslaver of mother and child: Robert Coddington Location: Woodbridge, NJ Birth date: March 1, 1811 Reported date: September 9, 1812 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: 61 Child: George Mother: Bett Enslaver of mother and child: Thomas Edgar Location: Woodbridge, NJ Birth date: March 7, 1811 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.

Somerset County birth records of enslaved children contain the following record: Loose Certificates Part I, Series 2, Item 61 Recorded by the County Clerk in: Book A, Page 98 Child: Bet Mother: Jude Enslaver of mother and child: Peter Voorhees Location: Not listed Birth date: 9 March 1811 Reported date: 18 April 1811 Clerk: Samuel Swan Although the township is not listed on this certificate, a related birth certificate for Jude's other daughter Kate indicated that Peter Voorhees resided in Montgomery.

Somerset County birth records of enslaved children contain the following record: Loose Certificates Part I, Series 4, Item 8 Recorded by the County Clerk in: Book A, Page 153 Child: Charles Mother: Eve Enslaver of mother and child: Job Stockton Location: Montgomery Birth date: 17 March 1811 Reported date: 24 January 1815 Clerk: Samuel Swan

Flouver was manumitted by Henry Qulick 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 (John Bastedo, Joseph McChesney) on April 8, 1811. The document stated that Flouver 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. Flouver's exact age was not recorded in the document. This manumission was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on December 10, 1811.

George was manumitted by the last will and testament of Isaac Van Dike (Van Dyke) of South Brunswick, Middlesex County, New Jersey, who died in 1803. For reasons that are unclear, Matthew Van Dike (the executor of Isaac Van Dike's estate) appeared in court twice with George to complete the manumission process, with a 7-year gap between these court appearances. The original certificate of manumission for George had been issued on April 9, 1804 (see related event for details). The second certificate of manumission was signed on April 8, 1811, by the Overseers of the Poor of South Brunswick (Andrew McDowell, Thomas Wetherill) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (John Bastedo, Joseph McChesney). The document stated that George 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. George's exact age was not recorded in the document. This manumission certificate was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on April 16, 1811. It is unclear whether George attained freedom in 1804 or was held in bondage until 1811 when the second certificate of manumission was issued.

Lydia was manumitted by John Wyckoff 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 (John Bastedo, Joseph McChesney) on April 8, 1811. The document stated that Lydia 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. Lydia's exact age was not recorded in the document. This manumission was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on June 11, 1811.

Vilet was manumitted by Hector Bloomfield of Woodbridge, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of Woodbridge (Isaac Clarkson, Ezekiel Ayers) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Benajah Mundy, Richard Marsh) on April 8, 1811. The document stated that Vilet 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. Vilet's exact age was not recorded in the document. It appears Hector Bloomfield was illiterate as he signed a deed of manumission by his X mark, witnessed by Henry Freeman and Moses Freeman. This manumission was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on May 7, 1811.

Sussex County Births of Enslaved Children microfilm contains the following record: Child: Prime Mother: Dine Decker Enslaver of mother and child: Bow Decker Location: Sussex County (Locality not listed) Birth date: April 23, 1811 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.

Sussex County Births of Enslaved Children microfilm contains the following record: Child: Tom Mother: Fam Enslaver of mother and child: Cornelius P. Westbrook Location: Sandyston, Sussex County, NJ Birth date: 25 April 1811 Recorded date: 18 May 1811 Clerk: John Johnson

Somerset County birth records of enslaved children contain the following record: Book A, Page 100 Child: Robert Mother: name not listed Enslaver of mother and child: John Van Horne Location: Montgomery Birth date: 1 May 1811 Clerk: Samuel Swan This birth certificate did not list the township where the child was born, but another certificate submitted by John Van Horne recorded his place of residence as Montgomery township. Thus, it can be inferred that Robert was likely born in that area.

Sussex County Births of Enslaved Children microfilm contains two separate birth records for Isaac, son of Peggy, submitted years apart. The original birth certificate was submitted by his first enslaver, David Van Deren, 7 months after Isaac was born, and was filed by County Clerk John Johnson. The following is a transcript of the original certificate from microfilm image 411: "Born of the body of my Slave Peggy on the 4th day of May 1811 - a male child named Isaac - the Clerk of Sussex is required to record the same - David VnDeren NB. The child is a molatta" Then, in February 1825, when Isaac was 13 years old, another certificate was submitted for him by his second enslaver John VanDeren, who also simultaneously filed delayed records for Isaac's siblings Mungo and Juliann. This certificate was filed by County Clerk Ephraim Green. The following is a transcript of the later certificate from microfilm image 367: "This will certify that my Black boy named Isaac son of my slave Peg was born the first Day of May 1811 then the Property of David VnDeren Esqr John VanDeren" It has been inferred that the date of birth written in the original certificate is the more accurate date.

Primus, aged 35, was manumitted by the last will and testament of Samuel Fitz Randolph (1741-1811) of Piscataway, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The will was written on February 21, 1811. The executors of Samuel Fitz Randolph's estate (James T. Dunn, John Smalley) brought Primus 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 (Edward Griffith, Ephraim Runyon) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (John F. Randolph, George Boice) on May 7, 1811. The document stated that Primus was examined in court and met the eligibility requirements for manumission in New Jersey, i.e. the person was 21 to 40 years old and was "sound in mind and not under any bodily incapacity" of obtaining a livelihood. This manumission was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on May 7, 1811. Another man named Lesor, aged 39, was manumitted at the same time. Additionally, Samuel Fitz Randolph's will stipulated that an enslaved man named Charles should be manumitted when he reached age 30.

Sesor, aged 39, was manumitted by the last will and testament of Samuel Fitz Randolph (1741-1811) of Piscataway, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The will was written on February 21, 1811. The executors of Samuel Fitz Randolph's estate (James T. Dunn, John Smalley) brought Sesor 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 (Edward Griffith, Ephraim Runyon) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (John F. Randolph, George Boice) on May 7, 1811. The document stated that Sesor was examined in court and met the eligibility requirements for manumission in New Jersey, i.e. the person was 21 to 40 years old and was "sound in mind and not under any bodily incapacity" of obtaining a livelihood. This manumission was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on May 7, 1811. Another man named Primus, aged 35, was manumitted at the same time. Additionally, Samuel Fitz Randolph's will stipulated that an enslaved man named Charles should be manumitted when he reached age 30.

Somerset County birth records of enslaved children contain the following record: Book A, page number: 115 Child: Sam Mother: name not listed Enslaver of mother and child: Rev. Peter Labagh Location: Somerset County (locality not specified) Birth date: 17 May 1811 Reported date: 7 Sep 1812 Clerk: Samuel Swan (Somerset County Clerk) The township was not listed on the birth certificate, but the Rev. Peter Labagh was well-known as the pastor of the Harlingen Reformed Church in Montgomery township. Thus, it can be inferred that the child was born in that area.

Sussex County Births of Enslaved Children microfilm contains the following record: Child: Sam Mother: Name not listed Enslaver of mother and child: John Linn Location: Hardiston Township Birth date: May 19, 1811 Recorded date: January 15, 1812 Clerk: Johnson

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 46 Child: Elenor Mother: Hannah Enslaver of mother and child: Abraham Dunham Location: Piscataway, NJ Birth date: May 24, 1811 Reported date: October 15, 1811 Clerk: William Philips Deare The document indicates that the enslaver was a farmer.

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. Note that the name of the person being manumitted was transcribed as "Nences Fisher" in one place and "Nenus Fisher" in another section of the document. The manumission was performed jointly by Abigail Stokes and John Stokes. Although this document does not clarify the relationship between Abigail and John Stokes, other manumission records indicate that Abigail was the widow of a man named Jacob Stokes, and John Stokes was one of the heirs and co-executors of the estate of Abigail's deceased husband. GLOUCESTER COUNTY DOCUMENT NUMBER: 36 TRANSCRIPT: Gloucester County to wit. We do hereby Certify that on this sixth Day of June one thousand Eight hundred and Eleven John Stokes - and Abigail Stokes - of the township of Newton and 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 said county their Slave, Name Nences Fisher, 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. Isaac Webster ) Joseph Middleton ) Overseers of the Poor Benjamin Burrough) Joseph Sloan ) Justices of the Peace [Verso] Certificate of the Freedom of Nenus Fisher Recorded in the Clerks Office of Gloucester County Lib A of manumission June 10, 1812 Recorded C. Ogden Clk

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 47 Child: Doias Mother: Phillis Enslaver of mother and child: Isaac Payne Location: Woodbridge, NJ Birth date: June 7, 1811 Reported date: March 3, 1812 Clerk: William Philips Deare The document indicates that the enslaver was a farmer.

A copy of the manumission deed for Robert appears in Middlesex County records on p. 161. The deed was originally issued on May 20, 1791, when Robert was near one year old. In this document, enslaver Elijah Pound of Middlesex County promised Robert freedom when he attained age 21, which would be on June 9, 1811. The document was witnessed by Esther Pound and Jean Runyon. On November 3, 1812, Jean Fitz Randolph (late Jean Runyon), acknowledged the authenticity of the document before judge John Fitz Randolph, who notarized a copy of the document. This document was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) two years later on December 13, 1814. The locality is not listed in the document related to Robert, but local history records show that the Pound family as well as the parties who witnessed and acknowledged the document are associated with Piscataway. The following is a transcript of the document as recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk: "I Elijah Pound of the County of Middlesex and State of New Jersey do hereby set free from Bondage my black boy named Robert when he shall arrive at twenty one years which will be on the ninth day of the sixth month Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and eleven and do for my self my executors and administrators release unto the said black boy Robert all my right and all claim whatsoever as to his person or to any estate he may acquire hereby declaring the said black boy Robert absolutely free without any interruption from me or any person claiming under me. - In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this twentieth day of the fifth month in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety one.- Sealed and delivered in the presence } of Esther Pound - Jean Runyon } Elijah Pound I Jane Randolph late Jane Runyon do solemnly declare and affirm that I saw Elijah Pound the grantor of this writing sine and seal this instrument and seal it for the yous and purpos therein contained. Done before me this third day of November 1812 John F. Randolph Justice } Jean Fitz Randolph"

Cuff, aged 27, was manumitted by Samuel Willet 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 (Asa Runyon, Joseph McChesney) on June 12, 1811. The document stated that Cuff was examined in court and met the eligibility requirements for manumission in New Jersey, i.e. the person was 21 to 40 years old and was "sound in mind and not under any bodily incapacity" of obtaining a livelihood. This manumission was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on June 12, 1811.

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 49 Child: Lusy Ann Mother: Sor [or Sov?] Enslaver of mother and child: James Bennet Location: North Brunswick, NJ Birth date: July 25, 1811 Reported date: May 27, 1812 Clerk: William Philips Deare

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 47 Child: Sam Mother: Jane Enslaver of mother and child: Elijah Hunt Location: South Brunswick, NJ Birth date: July 25, 1811 Reported date: December 23, 1811 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: Samuel Mother: Sophia Enslaver of mother and child: James Stoll Location: Sussex County (locality not specified) Birth date: 1 August 1811 Recorded date: 25 January 1825 Clerk: David D. Chandler

The following birth 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 document certified the births of Biddy's two children: Mary Ann and her brother Paul. Note that, although these documents were filed in Gloucester County, the Waterford area where these births took place is now part of Camden County. GLOUCESTER COUNTY DOCUMENT NUMBER: 6 TRANSCRIPT: Gloucester County ss I William Tod of the Township of Waterford County of Gloucester, New Jersey do by these, presents Certify that on the third day of August A D 1811 Was born of the Body of Biddy, a Black Woman and slave to the Subscriber a "Female Slave "Child" named Mary Ann this time above Nine Years and Four Months In Witness Whereof I have hereunto Set my hand this thirteenth day of December A D 1820 Willm Tod Gloucester County ss William Tod of the Township of Waterford County of Gloucester New Jersey do by these presents Certify that on the [...] day of August A D 1818 Was Born of the Body of Biddy, a Black Woman and slave to the subscriber a Male Child Named Paul aged at this time about Two Years and four Months In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand this thirteenth day of December A D 1820 Willm Tod [Verso] Certificate of the birth of two Slaves to Wm. Tod. Recd Decem 13 1820 and recorded in the Clerks Office at Woodbury Lib A of Manumissions folio 14 J. J. Foster, Clk.

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 46 Child: Stephen Mother: Martha Enslaver of mother and child: Ann Kearny Location: Perth Amboy, NJ Birth date: August 16, 1811 Reported date: November 23, 1811 Clerk: William Philips Deare Ann Kearny signed the birth certificate in the presence of witness Cornelius L. Hardenbergh.

Jack, aged 37, was manumitted by John N. Simpson 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 (Asa Runyon, John F. Randolph) on September 7, 1811. 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. This manumission was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on September 7, 1811.

Mark Harris Sr. and Ambo were married on September 8, 1811, by Rev. Joseph Clark of the First Presbyterian Church of New Brunswick. A notation in the pastor's register of marriages for 1811 reads thus: "Sept. 8 Mark a black man belonging to Capt. Taylor, to Ambo a [black] woman [belonging to] Col. John Neilson $2.50"

Sussex County Births of Enslaved Children microfilm contains the following record: Child: Charles, listed as "an illegitimate male child named Charls" Mother: Silvah Enslaver of mother and child: Elijah Everitt Location: Sussex County (Locality not listed) Birth date: September 20, 1811 Recorded date: May 27, 1812 Clerk: Johnson The notation that Charles was "an illegitimate child" was unusual. Birth certificates of enslaved children usually (though not always) listed the mother's name, but they rarely addressed the question of paternity. Although the locality is not listed, Elijah Everitt was known to be the owner of a mill property located on the Pequest River in the present-day area of Huntsville in Green Township, Sussex County (at that time, the village was known as Pettit's Mill and was within the boundaries of Hardwick Township). It can be inferred that the child was born in that village.

Cato was manumitted by John Crowell of Woodbridge, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of Woodbridge (Lewis Kelly, Isaac Clarkson) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Ichabod Potter, Benajah Mundy) on September 23, 1811. The document stated that Cato was examined in court and met the eligibility requirements for manumission in New Jersey, i.e. the person was 21 to 40 years old and was "sound in mind and not under any bodily incapacity" of obtaining a livelihood. Cato's exact age was not recorded in the document. This manumission was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on September 27, 1811.

Hager was manumitted by John Jaques of Woodbridge, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of Woodbridge (Lewis Kelly, Isaac Clarkson) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Ichabod Potter, Benajah Mundy) on September 23, 1811. The document stated that Hager 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. Hager's exact age was not recorded in the document. This manumission was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on October 4, 1811.

Jess was manumitted by Joseph Clarkson of Woodbridge, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of Woodbridge (Lewis Kelly, Isaac Clarkson) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Ichabod Potter, Benajah Mundy) on September 23, 1811. The document stated that Jess 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. Jess's exact age was not recorded in the document. This document was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on June 10, 1813.