Know all men by these presents, I Joseph Whitbey of Duck Creek Hundred Kent County State of Delaware For divers good causes, thereunto movin have manumitted, and set free the Slave Negroes to be herein after mentioned and named as follows Viz Jacob aged Twenty seven years June last Past, and to be free the first day of January, One thousand Seven hundred and ninety nine. – Joseph aged Nineteen years April last Past and to be ___ April the second day in the year of our Lord One thousand Eight Hundred and four. _ Nathan aged Fifteen years the Sixteenth day of Decr. Last past, and to be free the Sixteenth day of Decemr. in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred, and seven. _ Marget aged ten years thirty first day of March last Past and to be free March thirty first day One thousand eight hundred and Six. _ James aged Nine years June last past, and to be free June the twenty eighth in the year of our Lord One thousand fourteen, hereby relinquis and yearling claim to or of the above named Negroes Slaves after they the said negroes shall arrive at the age or Periods as severally above mentioned from me my Heirs Executors Admrs and of all and every person or persons claiming by from or under me, as Witness my Hand and Seal this fourteenth day of Novr. In the year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred, and Ninety eight. Joseph Whitby {seal}

In Presence of Benjamin Simpson. John Cole.

Kent County State of Delaware } November 14th One Thousand, Seven hundred and Ninety eight, The Revd. Joseph Whitbey the within Grantor, Came before me one of the Justices of the Peace in and for said County & State aforesaid an Acknowledged, the within Instrument, to be his act and deed, and the within mentioned and named Negroes to be free, and Liberated at the Time there in 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 135, Book F, Vol 2, Page 205. Ancestry: https://www.ancestry.com/discoveryui-content/view/2438203:61025?ssrc=pt&tid=194514904&pid=302530018825

Transcribed 13 Sep 2024 by Nancy Maliwesky