Bourbon County,
KY Court Orders
Transcribed by Jerry Taylor.
This is a work in progress
Located in the Bourbon Co., KY Court Orders are numerous
emancipation orders that were not listed in the Deeds of Manumission Book.
(See
Deeds of Manumission Abstracts) In an effort
to assist African Americans researching their enslaved ancestors the process is
now underway to abstract the manumissions located in the court orders. These
emancipation orders give such information as owner, person(s) being freed, date being freed and on occasion a description of the freed person along with
other pertinent information. It was originally planned to completely
transcribe all of the manumissions among the court orders, but since it has been
determined that there are possibly hundreds of emancipations among the orders a
new course of action of building an index with an abstraction of each would be
better suited for this task. In
situations where an order gives added information or is determined to be unique
in some respect, that order will be transcribed in it's entirety and posted.
Among the transcriptions there will also be an occasional order that does not
pertain to an emancipation, but pertains to African Americans and as such added
among the transcriptions. This is a work in progress, as these orders are
transcribed these pages will be updated regularly.
To view the Emancipation Order Abstracts
click here
Bourbon Co., KY Court Order Book C
January
Court 1801
Page 174 & 175
Emancipation of
Hannah by Andrew Rogers
An instrument in writing under the hand and seal of Andrew
Rogers manumitting and setting at liberty a certain negro slave in his
possession was produced into court and acknowledged by the said Andrew Rogers
and ordered to be recorded as follows to wit, To all whom these presents may
come know ye that I Andrew Rogers of the County of Bourbon and State of
Kentucky have manumitted and set at liberty one negro girl named Fanny aged six
months when she arrives at the age of twenty one years. Witness my hand and
seal this nineteenth day of January one thousand eight hundred and one” Andrew
Rogers L. S.
January Court 1801
Page 175
An instrument in writing under the hand
and seal of Barton W. Stone certain Negro
Slaves now in his possession was acknowledged in open court by said Stone and
ordered to be recorded as follows to wit “Know all men by these presents that I
Barton W. Stone of Bourbon County and State of Kentucky being fully convinced
unconditional slavery is inconsistent with the principals of Christianity as
well as of civil liberty do emancipate my two negroes Ned
and Lucy in manner following Viz Ned now about thirty years of age shall be
free in two years from the date hereof – and Lucy, now about twelve years of
age, shall be free in ten years from the date hereof – given under my hand this
nineteenth day of January eighteen hundred and one. “ signed ~Barton W. Stone~
Whereupon it is ordered that the said Negro Slaves be
manumitted and set free entirely.
March Court 1804
Page 388
Emancipation of Harry by
Jesse Hilt
An instrument in writing under the hand and seal of Jesse
Hilt emancipating a negroe man named Harry was provided in court and
acknowledged by said Jesse by his act and Deed, hand and seal, which was ordered
to be recorded to wit, “Being convinced of the injustice of holding in a state
of slavery our fellow creatures, I do hereby emancipate and set free a black man
by the name of Harry and do for myself my heirs Executors Administration and
Assigns renounce all right, title and claim to to the said Harry from this 19th
day of March 1804 as witness my hand and seal Jesse Hilt (L.S.)
Whereupon it is ordered that the negroe man Harry be
emancipated and set at liberty.
January Court 1807
Page 640
Emancipation of
Lucy by
Alexander Brown
An instrument in writing given under the hand of Alexander
Brown emancipating and setting at liberty a negro woman named Lucy now in his
possession was produced into court and proved by the oaths of David Purviance
Jeremiah Frame William Henry witnesses thereto ordered to be recorded to wit
“Whereas I Alexander Brown County of Bourbon State of Kentucky hold in my
possession as my property a black woman named Lucy aged about 31 years and it is
my will and desire that she should be free and live with her husband who is a
free man. I hereby do declare that she shall hereafter be free and entirely
released from the claim of me my heirs & all other persons whatsoever. Given
under my hand and seal this 26th day of December 1806. “Signed”
Alexander his X mark Brown [seal] Teste David Purviance Jeremiah Frame William
Henry Whereupon it is ordered that the said negroe slave be emancipated & set
entirely free.
January Court 1808
Page 716
Emancipation of
Solomon by Martin Hilt
A Deed of manumission Martin Hilt, to negroe man Solomon was
acknowledged in open court by said Hilt and thereupon admitted to be recorded as
follows to wit “Territory north west of the river Ohio is to certify to all whom
it may concern that Solomon the bearer hereof has resided for six months in the
aforesaid territory and I do hereby acknowledge his freedom and that he is no
longer under any incumbrance whatsoever but fully emancipated Given under my
hand and seal this the 24th day of august 1802 Martin Hilt L. S.
Signed sealed delivered in the presence of Ambrose Ramone
Samuel Nelson
Bourbon Co., KY Court Order Book D
March Court 1808
Page 7
Emancipation of
Edward “Ned”
McGuire by Alexander Barnett
Instrument of writing under the hand and seal of Alexander
Barnett emancipation and setting free at liberty a negroe man named Ned now in
his possession was produced into court and acknowledged by the said Alexander
Barnett and ordered to be recorded to wit, I do hereby manumit and set at
liberty my negroe man now in my possession who calls himself Edward McGuire but
is called and known by the name of Ned about 35 years of age and I do hereby
release said Negroe from every claim which I or my heirs ever had or now have to
his services. In witness hereof I hereunto signed my hand and affixed my seal
this 21st day of March 1808 “signed” Alexander Barnett [seal] Teste
John Trimble” Whereupon it is ordered that the said negroe man slave be
emancipated and set entirely free.
April Court 1808
Page 16
Emancipation of Derry by Samuel
Henderson
This instrument in writing under the hand and seal of Samuel
Henderson emancipating and setting at liberty a negroe man named Derry now in
his possession, was produced into court and acknowledged by the said Samuel
Henderson and order it to be recorded, to wit, Whereas I Samuel Henderson
Caneridge in the County of Bourbon am now possessed in my own right of one
negroe man slave named Derry aged about thirty five years and it being my desire
to emancipate and completely manumit said Slave agreeably to law – Now I do by
these presents hereby emancipate, manumit and forever set free and discharge the
said negroe slave from all claims of me or any of my legal representatives to
enjoy his freedom as free from bondage and involuntary servitude as any persons
of colour are allowed to do by the laws of this commonwealth and desire that
this manumission may be affixed to the Records of the County Court of Bourbon In
testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this
eighteenth day of April one thousand eight hundred and eight “signed” Samuel
Henderson [seal] Attested by “B Mills” “M Peterwood” Whereupon it is ordered
that the said Negroe Slave be emancipated and set entirely free.
April Court 1808
Page 17
Emancipation of
Augustin by
Andrew Rogers
Instrument in writing under the hand and seal of Andrew
Rogers emancipating and setting free a negroe boy named Augustin now in his
possession was produced into court and acknowledged by the said Rogers and
ordered to be recorded as follows to wit, Know all men by these presents that I
Andrew Rogers _____ town of Paris Bourbon County state of Kentucky doth by
these presents manumit and set free at liberty a negroe or mullatto boy named
Augustin aged 1 year be free when he arrives at the age of twenty five years
witness my hand and seal the 18th day of April 1808 “signed” Andrew
Rogers [seal] Teste Peter Sharer John Neal ______
Whereupon it is ordered that Negroe Boy be emancipated and
set entirely free.
July Court 1808
Page 37
Emancipation of
Esther,
Stephen, Phebe, John, Jenny & Jacob by Henry Wilson
(Note: Index entry does not
have slaves named individually but instead as Zimmerman)
Deed of manumission from Henry Wilson Senr in favour of the
following Mullattos (viz) Esther, Stephen, Phebe, John, Jenny and Jacob was
produced in court acknowledged by the said Wilson and ordered to be recorded as
follows “to wit” “Know all men by these Presents that Henry Wilson Senr of the
County of Bourbon, and State of Kentucky do hereby manumit and set at full
liberty the following named Mullatto Slaves in the following manner, to wit, my
negroe woman named Esther I do by manumit and set at liberty from this date, and
my Mullatto Boy Stephen aged seventeen years the 16th day of May 1808
my Mullatto Girl Phebe, aged eight years the 4th of October 1807 my
Mullatto Boy John six years old 2nd of July 1808 my Mullatto Girl
Jenny seven years of old the 26th of March
1808 and my Mullatto boy Jacob born the 2nd of September 1805. I do hereby manumit and set at full liberty the above
mentioned Mullatto’s namely the aforesaid Stephen, Phebe, John, Jenny and Jacob
when they shall arrive at the full age of twenty one years hereby relinquishing
all claim, or demand by me, my Heirs _____ against them when arrived at the
aforesaid age of twenty one years given under my hand and seal this 4th
day of July 1808 “Henry [his X mark] Wilson Senr” [seal]
Whereupon it is ordered that the said mullattoes be
emancipated and set entirely free
September Court 1808
Page 44
Emancipation of
Mosy by
Alexander Brown dec.
Deed of Manumission from David Purvience, Jeremiah Frame and
William Henry Executors of the last Will and Testament of Alexander Brown
deceased, to negroe Moses emancipating and setting at liberty said negroe now in
their possession was produced in Court and examined and acknowledged by Jeremiah
Frame and William Henry proved by the oaths of John G. Brown and James Brown the
subscribing witnesses thereto as to the execution of David Purviance the third
executor named in said Will, and thereupon ordered to be recorded as follows
Whereas it is provided by the Last Will and Testament of Alexander Brown
deceased bearing date October the 29th 1795. That his negroe man
named Mosy shall continue in servitude for the space of ten years from the date
of said Last Will and Testament and if he behaves well and labours faithfully
during that time he shall thereafter be free. We the executors of the said Last
Will and Testament do hereby certify that we believe, the said negroe man named
Mosy is entitled to his freedom according to the true and intent and meaning And
we do hereby manumit and set him free given under our hands & seals this 30th
day of August 1808 “David Purviance” [seal] Jeremiah Frame [seal] William Henry
[seal] “Teste” John G Brown James Brown Where it is ordered that the said negroe
man Slave be emancipated and set entirely free.
September Court 1809
Page 152
Emancipation of
Dinah by
Peter Fleming
An instrument of writing under the hand and seal of Peter
Fleming emancipating and setting at liberty a negroe woman named Dinah now in
his possession was produced into court and acknowledged by the said Peter
Fleming and ordered to be recorded to wit, I hereby manumit free and set at
liberty my negroe woman Dinah aged about thirty years to be forever free from me
and my heirs. Witness my hand and seal this 4th day of September 1809
“Signed” Peter Fleming [seal] Attest William Rogers Whereupon it is ordered that
the said Negroe Woman Slave be emancipated and set entirely free.
September Court 1809
Page 161
Emancipation of
Emanuel by
James Spencer
An instrument of writing under the hand and seal of James
Spencer emancipating and setting at liberty a negroe man named Emanuel now in
his possession was produced into court and acknowledged by the said James
Spencer and ordered to be recorded to wit, Know all men by these presents that I
James Spencer for good cause in _____ unto moving have manumitted and set
entirely free my negroe man Slave named Emanuel and I hereby acquit and
discharge said negroe slave from all and every obligation which he is under in
law or otherwise to serve me or my heirs. In testimony whereof I have set my
hand and seal this 4th day of September 1809 “Signed” James Spencer
[seal] Whereupon it is ordered that the said negroe man Slave be emancipated and
set entirely free.
September Court 1809
Page 162
Emancipation of
Robert by
Alice Jones
An instrument of writing given under the hand and seal of
Allice Jones emancipation and setting at liberty a negroe Boy named Robert now
in her possession was produced into court the last July term and proved by the
oaths of Richard Biddle and Joseph Jones subscribing witnesses thereto but was
omitted to be recorded therefore the same now produced which is ordered to be
recorded to wit “Bourbon County Set. Be it remembered that on the twenty fourth
day of July Anno Domini eighteen hundred I Alice Jones of the county aforesaid
have emancipated a negroe slave named Robert aged three years. And for me and my
heirs do acknowledge and confirm said emancipation according to the true intent
and meaning thereof. In witness whereof I have hereunto sign my hand and
affixed my seal the day and year above written “Signed” Alice Jones [seal]
Signed and sealed in the presence of us Richard Biddle Joseph Jones Whereupon
it is ordered that the said Negroe boy Slave be emancipated and set entirely
free.
September Court 1809
Page 170 & 171
Emancipation of
Kate by John
Porter and John Deatley
An instrument of writing given under the hands and seals of
John Porter emancipating and setting at liberty a Negroe Slave Womannamed Kate
now in their possession was produced into court and acknowledged by the said
Porter and Deatley and ordered to be recorded to wit, Know all men by these
presents that we John Porter and John Deatley of Bourbon County and State of
Kentucky for and in consideration of the faithful services here before rendered
by negroe woman Kate formerly the property of William Porter Senr now deceased
we do by these presents liberate, manumit and free the said negroe woman Cate
from slavery and all claim or others of us or our heirs may have upon her
forever Witness our hands and seals this fifth day of September 1809 “Signed”
John Porter [seal] John Deatley [seal] Teste John Black Henry Buchham Whereupon
it is ordered that the said Negroe Slave be manumitted upon the said John Porter
and John Deatley entering into bond in the penalty of L 100. Conditioned for the
said negroe slave from becoming charitable upon the County Whereupon the said
parties entered into bond agreeable to the said order.
September Court 1809
Page 203
Emancipation of
David by
Thomas McClanahan
An instrument in writing given under the hand and seal of
Thomas McClanahan Jonr emancipating and setting at liberty a negroe man slave
named David was produced in court and proved by the oath of Thomas McClanahan Jr
and ordered to be recorded as follows to wit, These are to certify that I have
this day discharged my man David to act and do for himself from this day hence
forward myself nor heirs shall have no control over him as a Slave as witness my
hand this thirteenth day of May eighteen hundred and eight “Signed” Thomas his X
mark McClanahan Sen Teste Thomas McClanahan jr Peggy Johnston Whereupon it is
ordered that the said negroe Slave be manumitted upon William Johnston entering
into bond in the penalty of L 150 conditioned for preventing the said negroe
slave from becoming chargeable upon the County Whereupon the said Johnston
entered into bond agreeable to the said order.
March Court 1810
Page 240
Emancipation of
Doll by
Thomas Lilly
An instrument in writing given under the hand & seal of
Thomas Lilly emancipating and setting at liberty a negroe woman slave named Doll
now in his possession was produced in court and proved according to law by oaths
of Benjamin Batterton and Luke Hanson witnesses thereto ordered to be recorded
to wit, Know all by these presents that Jno Thomas Lilly Senior of Bourbon
County State of Kentucky have this last day of January eighteen hundred & ten
Voluntarily and of choice liberated or emancipated, a negroe slave Woman named
Doll and do by these presents free her the said the said negroe slave Doll of
all and every claim or claims whatsoever from myself my heirs and all other
claim or claims whatsoever. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand
and seal this thirty first day of January eighteen hundred ___ “Signed” Thomas
Lilly [seal] In presence of Testat Benjamin Batterton Luke Hanson.
Whereupon it is ordered that said negroe woman slave be
emancipated and set entirely free.
January Court 1811
Page 339
Emancipation of
Anthony by
James Howard
An instrument in writing given under the hand and seal of
James Howard emancipating and setting at liberty a negroe man slave named
Anthony now in his possession was produced in court acknowledged by the said
Howard and ordered to be recorded as follows to wit, Know all men by these
presents that I James Howard of the County of Bourbon State of Kentucky do
hereby manumit and entirely set free from servitude a certain negroe man slave
named Anthony aged about forty two years said negroe man having been in my
possession thirteen years and I do fully and completely release and ____ the ___
man from servitude from me my heirs executors and administration and all persons
claiming by ____ under of them In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand
and affixed my seal this 7th day of January 1811 “Signed” James Howard [seal]
Whereupon it is ordered that said negroe man slave be
manumitted and set entirely free.
January Court 1811
Page 343
Emancipation of
Samuel by
John Selby
An instrument in writing given under the hand and seal of
John Selby emancipating & setting at liberty a negroe man slave named Samuel now
in his possession was produced in court and acknowledged by the said Selby and
ordered to be recorded as follows to wit, Know all men by these presents that I
John Selby of Bourbon County Commonwealth of Kentucky have for good sundrys and
considerations me thereunto moving this present day have emancipated my negroe
man slave named Samuel aged twenty four years at ___ court and formerly by these
presents do ratify the said emancipation of said slave against all claims of all
persons ____ In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 7th
day of January 1811 “Signed” John Selby [seal] Witness present Richard Biddle
John Frame
Whereupon it is ordered that the said negroe man slave be
manumitted and set entirely free.
January Court 1811
Page 353 & 354
Emancipation of
Jack by
Thompson Barlow
An instrument in writing given under the hand and seal of
Thompson Barlow emancipating and setting at liberty a negroe man Slave now in
his possession named Jack was produced into court and acknowledged by the said
Barlow as his Act and Deed and ordered to be recorded as follows to wit This
Deed witnessed that I Thompson Barlow of the County of Bourbon do by these
presents manumit and set free from me my heirs Executors and Administrations my
negroe man Slave Jack a man of colour about forty eight years of age And pray
the Deed of emancipation may be recorded Witness my hand and seal this eighth
day of January 1811 “Signed” Thompson Barlow [seal] Whereupon it is ordered
that negroe Man Slave be emancipated and set entirely free, upon the said Barlow
entering into Bond in the Penalty of $200 conditioned to prevent the Negroe Man
Slave from becoming Chargeable to this County which is done accordingly.
February Court 1811
Page 362 & 363
Emancipation of
Peg & Harry
by William Steele
An instrument in writing given under the hand and seal of
William Steele emancipation and setting at liberty a negroe woman slave named
Peg and a negroe boy slave named Harry now in his possession was produced in
court & acknowledged by the said Steele and ordered to be recorded as follows to
wit, Know all men by these presents that I William Steele of Bourbon County do
emancipate and set free my negroe woman named Peg now about thirty years of age
and I do further emancipate and set free at the age of twenty six when he shall
arrive thereto, my negroe boy named Harry the son of said Peg the said boy being
now five years old, and I ___ this deed of manumission ___ be duly recorded. In
witness thereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 4th day of
February 1811 William Steele [seal] acknowledged in open court
Whereupon it is ordered that said slaves be manumitted and
set entirely free upon the said Steeles ___ into bond in the penalty of three
hundred dollars with Robert Trimble his surety which is done accordingly.
February Court 1811
Page 365
Emancipation of
William Duley by Hugh McIlvain & Hugh Brent
An instrument in writing given under the hands and seals of
Hugh McIlvain and Hugh Brent emancipating and setting at liberty a negroe man
slave named William Duley now in their possession was produced into court and
acknowledged by the said McIlvain and Brent as their act and deed and ordered to
be recorded as follows to wit, Know all men by these presents that we Hugh
McIlvain and Hugh Brent both of the county of Bourbon and state of Kentucky for
and in the consideration of the sum of three hundred dollars cash in hand paid
by William Duley a negroe man slave We hereby do emancipate, liberate and free
the said William Duley as fully and completely as we are authorized to do by
virtue of an act of assembly in such cases made and provided. Given under our
hands and seals at Paris Kentucky the fourth day of February in the year of our
Lord eighteen hundred and eleven “Signed” H McIlvain [seal] “Signed” Hugh Brent
Whereupon it is ordered that said slave be manumitted and set
entirely free upon the said Hugh McIlvain and Hugh Brent entering into bond with
Robert Trimble their security in the penalty of three hundred dollars
conditioned that said slave may not become chargeable to the county thro age or
infirmary which is done accordingly.
July Court 1811
Page 406 & 407
Emancipation of
Ben by James
Wright of Bourbon Co., KY formerly of Botetourt Co. Virginia
An instrument in writing given under the hand and seal of
James Wright emancipating and setting at liberty a Negroe Man Slave named Ben
now in his possession was produced into court and acknowledged by said Wright
and ordered to be recorded as follows to wit Whereas I James Wright of the
County of Bourbon State of Kentucky, formerly the County of Botetourt State of
Virginia, did by a Deed of Manumission bearing date of 13th day of
September 1791 manumit my negroe boy Ben (among others) at the age of twenty one
years And whereas it is uncertain when he will arrive at that Now Know know all
men by these presents that the said negroe boy Ben be free from me my heirs,
Executors, Admins, and applied from and after the last day of March which will
be in the year of one thousand eight hundred and ten; and that it is hereby
acknowledged that on that day he will have attained full age, and further, if
the said boy Ben remains with & serves me until the time last mentioned, I will
give him a young mare or filly either the one which came of my old mare born or
the one which came of my old mare Fly at my election Witness my hand and seal
this 2nd day of March 1809 “Signed” James Wright [seal] Att. Jas
Lyaham Wm Mitchell Whereupon it is ordered that Negroe Man Slave be emancipated
and set entirely free.
December Court 1811
Pages 447, 448, 449
Emancipation of
Sam,
Charlotte, Ben, Milly and Jane by James Wright of Bourbon Co., KY formerly of
Botetourt Co. Virginia
An authenticated copy of an instrument in writing from under
the hand and seal of James Wright attested in the clerks office of the county
court of Botetourt and state of Virginia emancipating and setting at liberty the
following negroe slaves then in the possession of said A Negroe man named Sam, a
Negroe woman named Charlotte, a Negroe boy named Ben, a girl named Milly and one
other named Jane who produced into court and being Re acknowledged by the said
James Wright was ordered to be recorded as follows to wit, I James Wright of
Botetourt County in Virginia being convinced in my own judgment that it is
contrary to the principal of chariety namely to hold our fellow creatures in
bondage slavery do hereby manumit and set absolutely free negroe man named Sam
from after the first day of October which will be in one thousand seven hundred
ninety five so that he hereunto adjudged and taken for a free person that is to
say that the said Samuel from the date before named to be at his own disposal
and at liberty to act for himself without any hindrance or molestation from me
my heirs, assignees or any person or persons claiming or to claim from by or
under me forever. Also a negroe woman named Charlotte from this day and a
negroe boy named Ben a negroe girl named Milly and one other named Jane when
they personally come of lawful age. And I do hereby forever renounce all claim
to and claims to the said negroes except as before accepted both for myself my
heirs assignees forever accordingly hereby certify my desire that the above
manumission be recorded for the court agreeable by law in confirmation of which
I have hereunto set my and seal this 13th day of September seventeen
hundred and ninety one. “Signed” James Wright [seal] At September Botetourt
court 1791 the above instrument in writing acknowledged in court by the said
James Wright and on his motion ordered to be recorded a copy.  Teste H Bowyer
Virginia ___ tests forgoing is ___ received from the records of the county to
all of Botetourt Virginia in February [seal] Whereof I have conveyed deputy
clerk of said county court have thereunto subscribed my name and offered the
public seal of said office this tenth day of November in the year of our Christ
1805 court of the commonwealth the ____ “Signed” Bowyer.”
The said James Wright then produced into court a certificate
from under his hand and seal certifying that Milly the negroe girl mentioned in
the forgoing copy is twenty one years of age, which being acknowledged by the
said James Wright was ordered to be recorded as follows to wit, I James Wright
of Bourbon County Kentucky, formerly of Bottertourt County of Virginia do hereby
make known and certify that Milly a woman of colour daughter of Charlotte both
of whom are named in a certain deed of manumission executed by me and recorded
in the County Court of Bottertourt aforesaid hereby I hereby set free and
emancipated the said Charlotte And also the said Milly when the said Milly
should arrive at the years of twenty one an lawful age is now twenty one years
of age and entitled to her freedom according to said deed of manumission. Given
under my hand and seal this 13th day of November 1811. ____ with the
words when the said Milly before signed “Signed” James Wright [seal] Attest
William Wright
Whereupon it is ordered that the said negroe slave Milly be
emancipated and set entirely free.
January Court 1812
Page 460
Emancipation of
Clear/Chloe
by Mary Foreman
An instrument of writing under the hand and seal of Mary
Foreman emancipating and setting free at liberty a negroe woman named Clear was
produced in open court and proved according to law by the oaths of Isaac
Clinkenbeard and Frances Culbertson subscribing witnesses thereto and was
ordered to be recorded as follows to wit, “These are to certify to all whom it
may concern that I Mary Foreman widow of John Foreman deceased of the County of
Bourbon State of Kentucky for good and lawful causes now hereunto moving, at
this day set at liberty a certain negroe woman named Clear, which was left to me
by my deceased husband during my maternal life as with it appears in his last
will and testament ___ the above named woman having married? her freedom. I do
by these presents forever release her from my service my home executors
administration and assignee and from all and every person or persons whatever
and further it is to be understood that her two children that she has had since
the demise of my husband named McCl.and Edward, with all the children she may
have hereafter are finally and forever free from me my heirs estate admin
assignee and from all and every person or persons whatever claiming the same”
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this sixth day of
January 1812 “signed” Mary Foreman [seal] Signed in presence of John
Clinkbenbeard Francis Culbertson.
Whereupon it is ordered that the said negroe woman slave
named Chloe be emancipated and set entirely free.
January Court 1812
Page 461
Emancipation of Frederick by
Martha Collins, Foster Collins, John Davis, Peter Turney & Rawson Spiers
An instrument in writing given under the hands and seals of
Martha Collins, Foster Collins, Rawson Spiers, John Davis and Peter Turney
emancipating and setting at liberty a negroe man Slave named Frederick now in
their possession was produced in open court and proved according to law by the
oath of William Buckhamon and James D. Gibbons them being witnesses thereto as
to the signature of Martha Collins and was acknowledged by the said Foster
Collins and Rawson Spiers John Davis and Peter Turney as their hand and deed and
ordered to be recorded as follows to wit “Know all men by these presents that
one Martha Collins Foster Collins Rawson Spiers John Davis and Peter Turney have
manumitted and set at liberty and do by these presents emancipate and set Negroe
man Frederick free from any claim which we or our heirs ever had or hereafter
may have to his services. In testimony whereof we have hereunto set our hands
and seals this sixth day of January 1812 “Signed” Martha her X mark Collins (LS)
Foster Collins (LS) Rawson Spiers (LS) John Davis (LS) Peter Turney (LS) Signed
sealed and delivered in the presence of Wm Buchanan and James D. Gibbons
Wherefore it is ordered that said Negroe man Slave named
Frederick be emancipated
and set entirely free, the said Foster Collins Rawson Spiers John Davis and
Peter Turney having entered into and acknowledged a bond in the penalty of fifty
pounds with John G. Martin their security conditioned for preventing the said
slave from becoming chargeable to the county.
January Court 1812
Page 462
Emancipation of
Adam by
Isaac Clinkenbeard
An instrument of writing given under the hands and seals of
Isaac Clinkenbeard emancipating and setting at liberty a negroe man slave named
Adam now in his possession was produced in open court and acknowledged by said
the Isaac Clinkenbeard an ordered to be recorded as follows to wit, “Know all
men by these presents that I Isaac Clinkenbeard of the county of Bourbon and
State of Kentucky for de… good causes ___ hereunto moving do by these presents
emancipate and set at liberty a certain negroe man named Adam and do hereby
release all right and title of every kind which I have to the services of said
slave. Given under my hand and seal this sixth day of January one thousand
eight hundred and twelve “signed” Isaac Clinkenbeard [seal]
Whereupon it is ordered that the negroe man slave named Adam
be emancipated and set entirely free, the said Isaac Clinkenbeard having entered
into hand with in the penalty of fifty pounds, with Frances Culbertson, his
security, conditioned for presenting said slave from becoming chargeable to the
county.
March Term 1812
Page 481
Emancipation of
George and
his wife Sue by William Routt
An instrument of writing given under the hands and seals of
William Rout emancipating and setting at liberty a negroe man and woman slave
now in his possession named George and was produced into court and being
acknowledged by the said Routt as his act and deed and ordered to be recorded as
follows to wit, “Know all men by these presents that I William Routt of Bourbon
County, State of Kentucky have this day manumitted and set free from servitude
two certain negroes the property of myself to wit Negroe George, about fifty
years of age and his wife about the same age In witness whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and seal this ___ day of March 1812 “signed” William Routt [seal]
Atteste Wm Garrison John Shane
Whereupon it is ordered that the said negroes George and Sue
be emancipated and set entirely free the said Routt having executed and
acknowledged bond with John Paton and John Henry his securities in the penalty
of five hundred dollars conditioned for presenting the said slaves from becoming
chargeable to this county thro age or infirmary.
June Court 1812
Page 507 & 508
Emancipation of
Jacob by
Elijah Howard
An instrument of writing under the hand and seal of Elijah
Howard emancipating and setting at liberty a negroe Boy Slave now in his
possession named Jacob was produced into court and after being acknowledged by
the said Howard as his act and deed was ordered to be recorded as follows to
wit,
Know all men by these presents that I Elijah Howard and
Elizabeth Howard his wife have for Sundry good causes and conditions an
thereunto moving, set free and manumitted a negroe boy named Jacob aged two
years and eight months and eighteen days old that he was born on the tweluth day
of September eighteen hundred and nine which said manumission is to take place
when the said Jacob arrives at the age of twenty five years of age, which time
will be fully complete and in did on the tweluth day of September eighteen
hundred and thirty four, and at the expiration of said term of time all and each
of us do forever quit claim to any further service of said boy for executors and
our heirs and the said manumission herein is pressed to be granted to the said
boy Jacob, will warrant against all said persons claiming under us or either of
us or our heirs, executors, to an against the claim of all persons, whatever.
In testimony whereof we have hereunto set our hands and seals this first day of
June, Anno Domini, eighteen hundred and twelve 1812 “Signed” Eligah Howard
[seal] Elizabeth Howard [seal] Signs and acknowledged before Rich Biddle
Whereupon it is ordered that said slave be emancipated and
set entirely free.
Bourbon Co., KY Court Order Book E
March Court 1814
Page 194 & 195
Emancipation of
Absalom
Porter by Benjamin Mills
An instrument in writing under the hand and seal of Benjamin
Mills emancipating and setting at liberty a molatto man slave named Absalom was
produced into court and being acknowledged by said Mills ordered to be recorded
as follows to wit Whereas a molatto slave named Absalom now held by me was
devised to be free by the Last Will and Testament of John Porter deceased his
former owner but owing to the debts against the estate of said Decedent he could
not obtain his freedom by virtue as said wile as it stands recorded in the
Clerks Office of Bourbon and said slave was sold by virtue of execution of
Daniel Duncan against said Porter from the Bourbon Circuit Court and I became
the purchaser and have since held him Now I Benjamin Mills of the Town of Paris
and County of Bourbon do hereby manumit, , emancipate and forever set
free said slave Absalom aged about twenty six years five feet eight inches high
of a yellow complexion with some freckles appearing on his countinance and do
hereby declare him free from me my heirs and all persons claiming under me and
by the name of Absalom Porter do hereby declare him forever free – Witness my
hand and seal this seventh day of March one thousand eight hundred and fourteen
“signed” B Mills [seal]
Whereupon it is ordered that the said slave Absalom Porter be
emancipated and set entirely free.
June Court 1814
Page 246
Emancipation of
Sally
Hickman by Alexander Hickman
An instrument in writing given under the hand and seal of
Alexander Hickman emancipating and setting at liberty a negroe woman slave named
Sally was produced into court and being acknowledged by said Alexander to be his
act and deed is ordered to be recorded as follows to wit Whereas my wife Sally
Hickman a coloured woman was purchased by myself from John Lathram for which
said woman Sally I have his said Lathrams bill of sale bearing date the ninth
day of March 1812, in which said bill of, he said Lathram warrants and depends
the property in and unto said woman Sally and her issue to me forever – now I do
hereby manumit and set free Sally declaring her and her issue (should) she ever
have any forever free and released from the claim of myself and all other person
or persons whatever claiming by through or under me. M Witness whereof I
hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this sixth day of June 1814. “Signed”
Alexander his X mark Hickman [seal] Attest W Rogers Joel Prewitt
Whereupon it is ordered that said Sally be emancipated and
set free – the said Alexander having executed and acknowledged bond with William
Rogers and David Jamison his security in the penalty of one hundred dollars
conditioned for the support and maintenance of said Sally in case she be liable
to become chargeable on the county.
February 5th 1815 Court
Page 389 & 390
Emancipation of
Bill and
Easter by Rachel Owings (wife of John Owings dec’d)
An instrument in writing given under the hand and seal of
Rachel Owings emancipating and setting at liberty two negro slaves named Bill
and Easter was this day produced into court, proved by the oath of Cathrine and
James Wills witnesses thereto to be act & deed of said Rachel and ordered to be
recorded as follows to wit After a duly consideration of my deceased husbands
Will and agreeably to his Will by Richard Owings which is my deceased husband, I
do freely and voluntarily after my death agreeable to my Dec’d husband Richard
Owings Will set free two negroes namely Bill and Easter, which I beg and crave
that no other instrument of writing hereafter should be of any effect except
this alone also that I desire and request that the same may be recorded and the
same to forever to stand stable and strong Given under my hand and seal this
third day of January 1805 signed sealed and delivered in the presence of us
“Signed” Rachel her X mark Owings [seal] – Saml Cartwright – tet Wm Phillips.
Catherine Wills James Wills – Whereupon it is ordered that the said negro slave
Esther be emancipated and set free – James Wills __ and acknowledged bond in the
penalty of two hundred dollars – conditioned to prevent said slave from becoming
chargeable to this county
April 3rd 1815
Court
Page 401 & 402
Emancipation of
Betty by
Absalom Porter
An instrument in writing given under the hand and seal of
Absalom Porter emancipating and setting at liberty a negro woman slave named
Betty was acknowledged in open court by said Absalom and ordered to be recorded
as follows to wit Whereas Absalom Porter a free person of colour have purchased
Betty a negro woman slave formerly belonging to Samuel Harris deceased and
directed by his will to be sold to me for a certain sum of money therein
mentioned which sum I have paid and wish to emancipate said negro woman slave,
she being my mother, I do by these presents manumitted and set free from all
slavery forever the said negro Betty she being a black woman and being about
forty years of age – witness my hand and seal this third day of April in the
year of our Lord eighteen hundred and fifteen “Signed” Absalom his X mark
Porter Whereupon it is ordered that the said Betty be emancipated and set free.
Division of Slaves belonging to
Elijah Paston
May 1st 1815 Court
Page 411
The commissioners appointed to divide the slaves of Elijah
Paston among his heirs and legal representatives returned their report into the
court in the following to wit
Bourbon County March the 1st 1814 agreeably to an
order of the court to us directed we this day proceed to divide the slaves of
Elijah Paston deceased and being first sworn before a magistrate of this county
we proceed as follows:
One negro man named Jerry
$300.00
One negro woman Kissy
$250.00
One negro girl Vinia
$250.00
One negro boy Paul
$350.00
One negro boy Joe
$118.75
One negro girl Winney
$118.75
One negro girl
Jude $86.00
Aggregate $1625.50
Each childs
part
$118.75
We have allotted to Sampson P Paston a girl named Winney at
$118.75
And to Levi Paston a boy named
Joe $118.75
The balance of the legatee being of age sets the balance of
negroes to Samuel Paston one of the legatees – Signed Saml J Dawson, John
Hedges, Charles Landers, _ Robt Scott
Whereupon it is ordered that said division stand and be
established between the said heirs forever.
(Note: Samuel and William Paston were executors of the estate
as noted in a following entry)
Bourbon Co., KY Court Order Book F
Page 149 - April 6, 1818
Emancipation of Molly by Humphrey Marshall
Deed of
manumission from Humphrey Marshall to negro Molly was produced into Court and
acknowledged by said Marshall and ordered to be recorded as follows, to wit:
Know all men by these presents that I Humphrey Marshall of Bourbon County by
this deed made this sixth day of April, eighteen hundred and eighteen do
liberate, emancipate and make free a light complected negro woman by name Molly,
heretofor my slave and now resident in Frankfort. In Testimony whereof I have
hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year above written.
Signed, H.
Marshall
Commonwealth Causes
Page 184 & 185
Commonwealth against
Moses a
Negro man slave the property of Lydia Smith
Charged with Murder and
Manslaughter
The attorney for the Commonwealth presented into court an
information against the said Moses for murder & manslaughter in the
words following to wit, “Commonwealth of Kentucky Bourbon County George M.
Bagler attorney for the Commonwealth in said county informs the worshipful
county court that on the 17th day of July 1818 in the county
aforesaid that Moses a negro man the slave of Lydia Smith not having the fear of
God before his eyes but being moved & seduced by the instigation of the Devil at
said County with force and ____ in and upon one James a negro man the property
of Humphrey Lyons in the place of said previously and willfully and of his
malice afore thought did make and assault and that the said negro man a slave
Moses with a certain large substance called a stone weighing two pounds and of
the value and of the color of one cent which he the said Moses then and there
had and held in his right hand then and there feloniously willfully and of his
malice aforethou’t did throw strike thrust cut hard enough and penetrate giving unto him the said James then and
there with the said stone or hard substance upon his head one mortal wound the
length of two inch and of the depth of one half inch of which said wound at the
county aforesaid the said James did languish and continued so to languish by
reason of said mortal
wound given as foresaid by him the said Moses until the 26th
day of July 1818 when the said James so languishing as aforesaid did die and so
the said attorney informs the court that the said negro man (a slave Moses, him
the said James in manner and form aforesaid feloniously and willfully and of his
malice aforethought did kill and murder him the said James contrary to the
statute made and provided in such cases against the
form and dignity of the Commonwealth of Kentucky” and the said Moses was
thereupon was led to the law in custody of the Jails and it being demanded of
him whether he was guilty or not guilty, he pleaded not guilty, and for his
trial put himself upon God and his Country and the attorney in behalf of the
Commonwealth Whereas, whereupon came also a Jury to wit, William Wharton James
Delay Charles Howard Joseph Slusher Ralph J….y Nicholas Bryan Mason _____ James
Bartten Harln Branham William Gaines Zephaniah Rolintt Robert Boles who being
duly elected tried and sworn the truth to speak of and upon the promises and
having heard the evidence upon their oath do say that the said Moses is not
guilty of the murder and manslaughter whereof he is charged – and nothing
further appearing or being alleged against him it is ordered that the said
prisoner be discharged.
Emancipation of Cyrus by
Thomas Respass
Page 185
An instrument of writing given under the hand and seal of
Thomas Respass emancipating and setting at liberty a negro boy slave named Cyrus
was produced into court and being acknowledged by the said Thomas Respass to be
his act & Deed was ordered to be recorded as follows, to wit, Know all men by
these presents that I Thomas Respass of the County of Fayette and State of
Kentucky have this day sold a negro boy by the name of Cyrus to Joseph Nancy
(his father for and in consideration of three hundred dollars in hand paid to
the said Thos Respass the receipt which the said Respass doll hereby acknowledge
and will for himself his heirs Executors Administrator and all and every other
person or persons warrant and forever defend against all and every other claim
whatsoever and that the said boy Cyrus now about eight years old is to be and
shall be free from all claims or demand from any person or persons whatever at
the age of twenty one as witness my hand & seal this twenty sixth day of June
one thousand eight hundred & four “Signed” Thos Respass [seal] acknowledged in
presence of Matthew Caldwell and John Caldwell Whereupon it is ordered that the
said negro boy Cyrus be emancipated and set entirely free.
Emancipation of
Rachel by William Garrard
Page 419
An instrument in writing under the hand and seal
of William Garrard in emancipating and setting at liberty a negro woman a slave
named Rachel was acknowledged in open court by the said Garrard and ordered to
be recorded as follows to wit, Know all men by these presents that I William
Garrard of the town of Paris County of Bourbon do by these presents emancipate
and set at liberty my negro woman slave named Rachel age nineteen years, she
having by the will of ? Carter late deceased, been given to my wife Susan
Garrard, late, and at the time of such gift, Susan Peers, until she was of age
to liberate. And has been set at liberty by me since March last altho she has
not yet attained to the age at which it is usual to liberate Which slave I now
declare to be free and emancipated from the claims of myself and my said wife
and all person claiming from or under either of us. In witness whereof I have
hereunto set my hand and seal this fifth day of March 1821. Signed Will Garrard
jr
Whereupon it is ordered that said negro slave
woman be emancipated and set free.
Court Order Book K
Emancipation of
Harry
Richardson
December 3rd 1832
Page 119
A Deed of manumission from Robert Bowles to Harry Richardson
a man of color, liberating said Harry from servitude was produced into open
court and acknowledged by said Bowles as his Act & Deeds & the same is ordered
to be recorded – It is ordered to be certified that Harry Richardson a mulatto
aged 39 years is five feet ten & one half inches high & weighs at this time one
hundred and sixty pounds.
Free Born - Allen Tucker
January 7th 1833
Page 132
Allen Tucker, a Negro man aged
twenty two years in Nov last. M___ for a certificate and Wm Tucker being sworn
states that the said boy why born free and thereupon it is certified to all whom
it may concern that he is a free man. John Joseph
Indenture of Lewis by Jesse
Hall
February 4th 1833
Page 139
On the motion of Jesse Hall
ordered that Lewis – boy of colour age 14 years with the ___ of his mother given
be bound out to him for five years to learn the business of farming who ___ ____
agreeably by law.
Sally Bound out to James
Allen
September 2nd
1833
Page 213
On motion of James Allen ordered that Sally a poor child of
Colour be bound out to him who executed indenture agreeably to law.
Mariah Bound out to James
Allen
September 2nd
1833
Page 213
On motion of James Allen ordered that Mariah a poor child of
Colour be bound out to him who executed indenture agreeably to law.
Apprenticeship of William
Barlow
October 7th 1833
Page 227
On motion of Karatis T Ellis ordered that William Barlow of
color age fifteen years the twentieth day of February last be bound out to him
to learn the business of Blacksmith who executed indenture agreeably by law.
Apprenticeship of George
Nelson
October 7th 1833
Page 244
On motion of Jefferson McCormick ordered that George Nelson
of colour age seventeen years the first day of August last be bound out to him
to learn the business of Blacksmith who executed indenture agreeably by law.
Emancipation of
Elijah, Daniel, Davie & Charlotte by Charles
Landers Dec'd
October 8th 1833
Page 267
The Executors of Charles Landers Dec’d said to come into
court the following named persons of colour liberated by the ____ of ____
Landers to wit Elijah a man thirty six years dark color five feet nine three
fourths inches high well made with no particular marks about him.
Daniel a man aged about thirty three years five feet ten and
a half inches high of a dark color, with a small cut on his under lip and one on
the back of his left hand and no other particular mark. He is well made.
David a man aged about twenty six years five feet ten and a
half inches high dark color no particular marks well made.
A woman named Charlotte five feet eight and a
half inches high twenty years of age dark color, well made and no particular
marks about her.
Free Born -
Dorcas Talbot, daughter of Dinah
emancipated by Wm Talbott
November 4th 1833
Page 291
Dinah a bright copper colored woman provided satisfactory proof
that she is the same woman emancipated by the charter of Wm Talbott Dec'd she is
five feet two inches high she also provided proof that her child Dorcas Talbott
born 6 mar 1832 was free born, the child is the same color as her mother.
Free Born - Jenny & Jesse
Henry
December 2nd 1833
Page 301
Satisfactory proof has been made to the court that the
following children of Adie gril a free woman of colour was born free. Jenny was
born in May of 1826 and Jesse Henry was born in April 1829.
Ann Mariah Lewis to be Bound
Out
April 7th 1834
Page 360
On motion of Thomas Wright ordered that Ann Mariah Lewis a
girl of colour aged 11 years the 23rd day of January last be bound
out to him who executed indentures agreeably by law.
Aaron Lewis to be Bound Out
April 7th 1834
Page 360
On motion of Wm Collins ordered that Aaron Lewis a boy of
colour aged 11 years the 25th day of January last be bound out to
him who executed indentures agreeably by law.
Aaron Lewis to be Bound Out
April 7th 1834
Page 360
On motion of Wm Collins ordered that Henry Lewis a boy of
colour aged 14 years the 25th day of December last be bound out to
him who executed indentures agreeably by law.
Margaret to be Bound Out
September 1st
1834
Page 400
On motion of George Boulder ordered that Margaret a girl of
colour aged 3 years the 17th day of July last be bound out to him to
learn the business of housewifery who executed indenture agreeably by law.
November 3rd 1834
Oath of Emancipation of
Chloe
Page 425
John Laughlin of lawful age being sworn states that he is
well acquainted a negro woman slave emancipated by Robert Luckie in 1805
thereupon on motion ordered that she ____ came to obtain from the clerk a copy
of the Deed of emancipation.
Free Born - Levi, Alford &
Julian Haden, children of Chloe
Page 425 & 426
Satisfactory proof being made it is ordered that it be
certified to all whom it may concern that Levi Haden a negro man aged twenty six
years, six foot 2 ¼ inches high, slender made, a scar on the back of his left
hand, dark complexion, was born free, that Alford Haden a negro man aged 24
years 5 feet 7 ½ inches high small scar on fore finger of right hand was born
free, that Julian Haden a negro man age 19, five feet 9 inches high scars on
his left hand dark complexion ____ ____ was born free - proved YJ Laughlin to
be the children of Chloe & ___ since she was liberated.
Certificate of Emancipation - Jacob ?ines
November 3rd 1834
Page 426 & 427
Satisfactory proof made to this court that Jacob _ines
(possibly Hines) a negro man aged 25 years five foot 8 ¼ inches high with a
small scar on his upper lip is the same boy that was liberated by Elijah Howard
ordered that the clerk do copy & deliver to said boy the said deed of
emancipation from said Howard.
UNKNOWN Book,
microfilm #
18309 from KDLA
Emancipation of Jacob by William and ? Nunn
Transcribed by Kellie Scott
Know all men by these presents that we____Nunn and William Nunn are here and
firmly bound unto the Commonwealth of KY in the just and full summ of $100
current money to the payment of which well and truly to be made we and each
of us bind ourselves and every of our heirs Executors and Administrators
jointly by and_____ firmly by these presents sealed with our seals and dated
1-5-1835 The condition of the above obligation is such that whereas the
____ _____ has this day by deed of manumission acknowledged and recorded in
the County Court of Bourbon emancipated and set free a negro man named
Jacob. Now if the sadi____ and William Nunn shall keep the said negor from
becoming chargeable to the publick by age or infirmity and shall _______
said county, the above obligation to be void else to remain in full
force.. William Nunn ( seal)
(This is probably the emancipation listed in Court Order Bk K,
Pg 451 from Jlai Nunn to Jacob and also listed in the
Deed of Manumission Book.)
Bourbon County Court Order Book O
Emancipation of Annica by the Will of William Dinwiddie, July
3, 1848
Satisfactory proof being made in open Court that Annica a woman
of color is the same woman set free by the will of William Dinwiddie, the Clerk
is ordered to grant her a certificate of freedom and append them to the
following description, She is of black complexion, a scar on the back of her
head about the size of half a dollar, full of hair, about 4 feet 4 inches high,
She having executed bond with John Harp her security in the penalty of $500
conditioned to prevent her becoming a charge to any County in this Commonwealth.
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