The 1812 Emancipation Document for Three Slaves of the Gay Family

Cert.Eben.Willm.Gay.emancipate.slaves.Ti.Genny.Dinah

The members of Suffield Academy’s American Studies class (2012-13) transcribed this document.  Please “comment” below the post if you have a suggestion for a word or phrase in our transcription.  We also invite your insights or reflections about this document.

Transcription:

We the subscribers, civil authority of the town of Suffield, on the application of the Rev. Ebenezer Gay and William Gay both of said town, owners of Ginny Dinah and Titus black Persons and born slaves to their late Father, the Rev. Ebenezer Gay deceased, have [emancipated] said slaves and find each of them to be in health, under the age of forty five years, and over the age of twenty five years and that they are desirous of being made free and hereby [satisfied] our approbation of their being manumitted by their said owner. Dated at Suffield the 11th Day of May
AD10112

Asahel Hatheway

Thaddeus Leavitt

We the subscribers, owner of Ginny Dinah and Titus who were born slaves to our late father Ebenezer Gay deceased, having received a certificate from Thaddeus Leavitt and Asahel Hatheway [both] of Suffield Justice of the Peace for Hartford County approbating the same have [emancipated] and set at Liberty said Ginny Dinah and Titus- I hereby discharge them and each of them from any claim we may have to their Persons, in services, in [writing] we have [demonstrated] our hand. The 11th Day of May Anno Domini (AD) 1812

Ebenezer Gay Jr.

WM Gay

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