Manumission Negroes Nelly & others From Ezekiel Riggs

Know all men by these presents that I Exekiel Riggs of Kent County and State of Delaware for divers good causes and considerations me hereunto moving do hereby Manumit enfranchise and absolutely set Free the following black people (or Negroes) At the time hereafter mentioned and first, Nelly aged about twenty years to be Free and at her Liberty on the second day of August eighteen hundred and six Grace to be free & at her liberty the 25th day of next December and Leah aged about fourteen years to be free and at her liberty the second day of June one thousand Eight hundred and Eleven & Lonon aged about twelve years to be free and at his liberty the second day of June one thousand eight hundred and fifteen & Peter aged about Two years to be free and at his liberty the second of June one thousand Eight hundred & twenty seven And I the aforesaid Exekiel Riggs do hereby Warrant and defend the liberty and freedom of the afour mentioned black people from the lawfull claim of me my heirs Executors Admtrs and every other person claiming by from or under me In Testamony whereof I do hereby set my my hand and affix my seal this twenty fifth day of February One thousand Eighteen hundred and five 1805. Ezekiel Riggs {seal}

Witness Present Elias Shockley. Molton Rickards.

State of Delaware Kent County } I do hereby Certify that Elias Shockley and Molton Rickards Witnesses to the within Manumission of Negroes Nelly, Grace Leah, London and Peter. Personally appeared before me James Millichop one Of the Justices of the peace in and for the said county and on their solemn affirmations proved the execution thereof by Ezekiel Riggs of the county afsd. On the twenty fifth day of February Eighteen hundred and five and their attestation and subscription thereto. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal at my office in Milford. This 24th day of February 1806. Jas. Millechop

A True Copy recorded and compared with the Original this eleventh day of March Anno Domini 1808. Attest William P. Russel Recr.

Delaware, U.S., Land Records, 1677-1947, Kent County, Roll 790, Image 172, Book K, Vol 2, Page 214

Transcribed 24 Mar 2024 by Nancy Maliwesky