Know all men by these presents, That I Benjamin Blackiston the younger of Duck Creek Cross Roads, Kent County, in the State of Delaware have, and by these presents do hereby manumit Liberate, and set free from Slavery the following Negroes in form following to wit Jacob Attix, negro on the first Day of January One thousand, eight Hundred, and ten; Abraham Attix negro on the first day of January One Thousand, eight Hundred, and Seventeen; Richard Ranger negro on the first Day of January One Thousand, Eight Hundred, and seventeen; and Mark Lamb negro on the first day of January One thousand, eight Hundred and Nineteen; after which said terms respectively the said Negroe’s Shall be at perfect liberty to enjoy all the previleges, and advantages of free negroes and free Mulattoes in this State, – But it is to be understood that I do hereby retain to my self my Heirs, executors Administrators or assigns the services of the said Jacob until the said First day of January One thousand Eight Hundred and ten. The said Abraham until the first day of January One thousand, eight Hundred, and seventeen. The said Richard Ranger until the first day of January One thousand, eight Hundred, and seventeen. And Mark Lamb until the first Day of January One Thousand eight Hundred, and Nineteen. In Witness whereof I have hereto set my Hands & Seal this Seventeenth day of July in the Year of our Lord One thousand, eight Hundred. Benja. Blackiston Jun {seal}

Sealed, and Delivered, In presence of, Wm Hale. Hugh Torbert

State of Delaware Kent County }  On the seventeenth day of July Eighteen Hundred Benjamin Blackiston the with in named Grantor Came before me the subscriber one of the Justices of ^the Peace, in, and for said County and State afsd. and acknowledged the within Instrument to be his act, and deed and the negroes; therein named to be free and Liberated at the Times therein Expressed. Given under my Hand and Seal the Day and year above written. John Cole

A True Copy, Attest Simon W. Wilson Recorder

Delaware, U.S., Land Records, 1677-1947, Kent County, Roll: 788, Image 201, Book F, Vol 2, Page 271. Ancestry: https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/61025/images/31303_221875-00200?pId=2438478

Transcribed 13 Sep 2024 by Nancy Maliwesky