1789 - Guy to Ben, et al - Northampton Co, VA

1789 - Guy to Ben, et al - Northampton Co, VA

04/14/1789

13

To all to whom these presents shall come Greeting: I Betsey Guy of the County of Northampton and State of Virginia, from full persuasion that freedom is the natural right of all men, I do hereby manumit and set absolutely free all the negroes that I am possessed of, to wit: Ben, negro man forty six years of age; Frank, negro woman thirty two years of age; black Mary, woman twenty eight years of age; yellow Mary, twenty five years of age; Luke, man twenty one years of age; Solomon, boy eighteen years of age; Judah, girl sixteen years of age; Nanny, girl thirteen years of age; Leah five years of age; Jacob, boy four years of age; Shadrack, boy two years of age; Anada, ten months old; and Natt, boy four days old; so that henceforth they the afore named negroes shall be deemed, adjudged, and taken as and for free people, that is to say, Ben, Frank, black Mary, yellow Marh, and Luke from this day; and Solomon, Judah, Nanny, Leah, Jacob, Shadrack, Anada and Natt when they shall arrive to twenty one years of age to be at liberty to act for themselves without the let, hindrance, or molestation of me or any person or persons claiming or to claim by, from, or under me forever. In testimony whereof I do hereto set my hand and affix my seal this 8th day of December one thousand seven hundred and eighty eight.
Sealed & delivered in the presence of Betsey Guy (seal)
John Stratton Jun’r, Thomas Parramore Jun’r

At a court held for Northampton County the 14th day of April 1789. This deed of emancipation was proved to be the act and deed of Betsey Guy party thereto by the oaths of John Stratton Jun’r and Thomas Parramore Jun’r witnesses thereto and ordered to be recorded.
Ex’d Test Wm Stith C.N.C.

DC 22:301

Deed