Manumission Negro Joseph from Ann Ridgely

Know all men by these presents that I Ann Ridgely of Kent County in the State of Delaware from motives of benevolence and humanity; Have manumitted and hereby do manumit, and set free from slavery, my negro man slave, Joseph, aged about twenty six years On Condition, however, that he the said Joseph forthwith bind himself by indenture, to serve me my executors, administrators or assigns for and during and untill the full end and time of five years next ensuing from the date of these presents, And I do hereby give grant and release unto the said Joseph all my right, title and claim of, in, and to his person labour and service, and of, in, and to, the estate and property which he may hereafter acquire or obtain, excepting only his service in manner and during the term, above mentioned. In Witness whereof I the said Ann Ridgely have hereunto set my hand and seal this 17th day of September in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred & six. Ann Ridgely {seal}

Signed, sealed and Delivered in the presence of John Lowber.

Kent County State of Delaware to wit} Ss. Be it remembered that on the 17th day of september, in the year of our Lord one Thousand eight hundred and six. Ann Ridgely party to the above manumission personally appeared before me, one of the Justices of the peace for said County, and acknowledged the above to be her act and Deed. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and  seal the day and year aforesaid. John Lowber {seal}

Since the execution of the within manumission, negro Joseph named in the said manumission hath indentured himself to serve me my executors administrators and assigns, in the presence and with the approbation of John Lowber Esquire (with whom the said Indenture is now lodged) for the term of five years from this day. Witness my hand this 17th September 1806.

Test. John Lowber. Ann Ridgely

A True copy recorded, examined and compared with the original this 17th day of September 1806. William P. Russel Recorder.

Delaware, U.S., Land Records, 1677-1947, Kent County, Roll 789, Image 544, Book I, Vol 2, Page 371

Transcribed 17 Jun 2024 by Nancy Maliwesky