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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

 

__Nunn and William Nunn

 

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.