Kent County in the State of Delaware: Whereas I Holaday Smith of the County and State afsd. Do think it oppressive and contrary to the principals of Christianity to hold Negroes in Slavery for life do therefore Mancipate and set at Liberty an Freedom (in the manner and Terms hereafter mentioned too Negros that is now in Bondage to me Vizt. Dinah and her child Toy aged one year the 19th of September last, my intention is and it is Confirmed by these presents that my Negro Woman Dinah be free an at her Liberty at the expiration of Seven Years from the day of these presents forever, and that my Negro Child Toy be free and at his Liberty when he arrives at the age of Twenty five years, then his freedom forever, that boath of them be free Citizens of the Delaware State each at the time and times herein before appointed according to the intent and meaning hereof, and the said Holliday Smith doath Grant the Absolute freedom and Liberty of the said Negros (as above mentioned Unto them the said Negroes and there heirs forever, and against him the said Holady Smith his Heirs Executors Administrators or assigns, and against all manner of Persons lawfully Claiming any Wright or claim thereto by or under him, Will warrant and forever Defend by these Presents In Witness, whereof I have hereunto set my Hand and fixed my seal this 29th day of January 1795. Holaday Smith {seal}

Signd seald and Delivered in the presents of John Thomas, Th. Saulsburry.

A True Copy test Simon Wilmer Wilson Recorder.

Delaware, U.S., Land Records, 1677-1947, Kent County, Roll 787, Image 441, Book E, Vol 2, Page 156. Ancestry: https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/61025/images/31303_221874-00440?pId=2436927

Transcribed 18 Sep 2024 by Nancy Maliwesky