1798 - Smith to Edward, et al - Powhatan Co, VA
Manumission Item Data Item Type Metadata
Date
03/21/1798
Manumitter
Number of Persons
11
Text of Freedom Document
Whereas I George Smith of Powhatan county being fully convinced the slavery in all its forms is contrary to good policy, that it is inconsistent with Republican principles, that it is a violation of our Bill of Rights which declares “that all men are by nature equally free” and above all that it is repugnant to the spirit of the Gospel which enjoins universal love and benevolence. In order therefore to do justice to my own feelings and to do justice to my fellow Creatures, I do hereby emancipate free and for myself and my heirs, relinquish all right, title and claim to the following persons after they arrive to the dates herein mentioned viz.
Edward, Matthew, John and Jamey to be free immediately
James the 2nd of March 1800
Jacob the 21st day of June 1810
Ann & her increase the 1st of August 1810
Fanney and her increase June 9th 1812
Rachel and her increase Feby 15th 1814
Julia and her increase Jany 1st 1816
Isaac December 9th 1817
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 21st day of February 1798.
Signed and sealed in presence of George Smith (seal)
James Smith
Peter Duley Subblett
Stephen Hubbard
At a court held for Powhatan County the 21st day of March 1798. This deed of emancipation from George Smith for certain negro slaves belonging to him the said Smith was presented in open court, acknowledged by him to be his act and deed, and ordered to be recorded.
Teste, Abner Crump CPC
Edward, Matthew, John and Jamey to be free immediately
James the 2nd of March 1800
Jacob the 21st day of June 1810
Ann & her increase the 1st of August 1810
Fanney and her increase June 9th 1812
Rachel and her increase Feby 15th 1814
Julia and her increase Jany 1st 1816
Isaac December 9th 1817
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 21st day of February 1798.
Signed and sealed in presence of George Smith (seal)
James Smith
Peter Duley Subblett
Stephen Hubbard
At a court held for Powhatan County the 21st day of March 1798. This deed of emancipation from George Smith for certain negro slaves belonging to him the said Smith was presented in open court, acknowledged by him to be his act and deed, and ordered to be recorded.
Teste, Abner Crump CPC
Record Location
DB 2:442
Document Type
Deed
Files
Collection
Citation
“1798 - Smith to Edward, et al - Powhatan Co, VA,” Manumission Project, accessed April 19, 2026, https://manumissionproject.omeka.net/items/show/1672.