1789 - Meritt to Suckey, et al - Brunswick Co, VA

1789 - Meritt to Suckey, et al - Brunswick Co, VA

04/27/1789

8

I Henry Meritt of Brunswick County after mature deliberation and agreeable to our Bill of Rights am persuaded that no law moral or divine gives me a right to the life and property of my fellow Creatures and to fulfill the injunction of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ by doing to all men as I would be done unto, Do set free from bondage to following negroes (to wit) Suckey, Mariah, and her three children (viz) Harry, Bob, and Caty also Jimmy, Mingo and Peter them and their increase forever and do for myself my heirs Executors & declare the same to be absolutely free without any persons claiming any right or title by or under me and as several of the above named negroes are yet in their non age it is my request and desire to have the care and instruction of them till they arrive at full age which will happen as follows.
Suckey and Mariah is free as soon as this is recorded. Harry is free January the first 1808. Bob is free January the first 1809. Caty is free November thirtieth 1807. Jimmy is free January the first 1793. Mingo is free January the first 1795 and Peter is free December the twenty fifth 1804. At which periods the same shall go out without any person or persons claiming by or through me. Witness my hand and seal this twenty eighth day of February Domino 1789.
N.B. In case of my death then Jimmy and Mingo to be immediately free and Peter to be free the first January 1796.
Teste Henry Meritt (seal)
Jesse Nicholson
John Paup
Thomas Forth

Brunswick County Court the 27th day of April 1789. This deed was proved by the oaths of Jesse Nicholson and Thomas Forth witnesses thereto and ordered to be recorded.
Teste

DB 14:474

Deed