I James MEver of Murderkill Hundred in Kent County, and State of Delaware, yeoman, for diverse Considerations me especially moving, I do promise and engage for my self my Heirs Executors and Administrators that if my Negroe man named Sharper otherwise called Sharp, (who my Father by his Will bequeathd me) Shall well and faithfully serve me for the full Term of Four years to Commence this day that at the full end of the said Term of four years he the said Sharper or Sharp ^shall absolutely be Free and at his full Liberty to all intents and purposes from me, my Heirs Executors administrators and Assigns and that he shall be at Liberty to enjoy the same advantages as other freemen of his Collour, are entitled to, and if it should so happen that I should die before he said Sharp shall have served the said Term of four years, then and in that case he the said Sharper or Sharp Shall be Immediately free and at full Liberty from my Heirs Executors Administrators or Assigns, and Shall be at full Liberty to enjoy the same advantages as tho I was living and he served out the said four years. And I do further declare that it is my intent and meaning that this Instrument of writing shall be a Sufficient discharge for him the said Sharper or Sharp in either Case. Witness my Hand and Seal this Twenty sixth day of August, anno domini Seventeen Hundred and Eighty nine. 1789. James McEver his mark {seal}

Signed Sealed & Delivered in presence of John McEver, Timothy McEver.  

A True Copy Test Simon W. Wilson Recordr.

Delaware, U.S., Land Records, 1677-1947, Kent County, Roll 785, Image 560, Book A, Vol 2, Page 134. Ancestry: https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/61025/images/31303_221872-00559?pId=2434770

Transcribed 3 Oct 2024 by Nancy Maliwesky