1800 - Cosby to Jane (Jenny) Kearn, et al - Middlesex Co, VA
Manumission Item Data Item Type Metadata
Date
12/22/1800
Manumitter
Manumitted
Number of Persons
5
Text of Freedom Document
Whereas by deed bearing date the 29th day of July 1794, which is of record in this court, I Overton Cosby did emancipate and set free my negro woman called Jenny, called Jane Kearn, and her two daughters Nancy Lightfoot Kearn and Carthagena Kearn, together with all the future increase of them or either of them, with the reservation of their services as slaves during the term of my natural life, and being desirous to secure to them, as well as my mulatto man called George, privileges I wish them to enjoy. Know all men by these presents that I Overton Cosby of the Town of Urbanna, and County of Middlesex, for the foregoing reasons, and for divers other good causes and considerations, me thereunto moving, do by these presents emancipate and set free my negro woman Jenny otherwise called Jane Kearn and her daughter Carthagena Kearn, Nancy Lightfoot Kearn, otherwise Berry, with her son Overton Cosby Berry, and my faithful and affectionate mulatto man called George, meaning & intending that the persons before mentioned and all and every of them shall be emancipated and enjoy their freedom from the day of this writing in as full and ample a manner as if they and every of them had been born free. In testimony whereof I the said Overton Cosby have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this fourteenth day of December 1800.
Acknowledged in Overton Cosby (seal)
the presence of
John Crew Junior
Peter Kem Junr
At a court held for Middlesex County at the courthouse in Urbanna on Monday the 22nd day of December 1800. This deed of emancipation from Overton Cosby to his slaves Jane, Nancy & her child Overton, Carthagena and George was acknowledged by said Overton Cosby to be his act & deed & ordered to be recorded.
Teste, O. Cosby
Truly recorded Teste
O. Cosby CMC
Acknowledged in Overton Cosby (seal)
the presence of
John Crew Junior
Peter Kem Junr
At a court held for Middlesex County at the courthouse in Urbanna on Monday the 22nd day of December 1800. This deed of emancipation from Overton Cosby to his slaves Jane, Nancy & her child Overton, Carthagena and George was acknowledged by said Overton Cosby to be his act & deed & ordered to be recorded.
Teste, O. Cosby
Truly recorded Teste
O. Cosby CMC
Record Location
DB 12:75
Document Type
Deed
Notes
The first three named individuals preiously mentioned in the 1794 deed DB 11:202, but adds a boy named Overton Cosby Berry, and a man named George
Files
Collection
Citation
“1800 - Cosby to Jane (Jenny) Kearn, et al - Middlesex Co, VA,” Manumission Project, accessed December 16, 2025, https://manumissionproject.omeka.net/items/show/2634.