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In 1995 I published my first book 'Chains Unbound: Slave Emancipations in Greenwich, Connecticut.' My original intention was for it to be used as an educational resource. This is an online companion site that I've created, especially for those of you utilizing online resources and smartphones. I've also included additional items and news articles not found in the 1995 edition. Jeffrey Bingham Mead, Historian and Author. October 13, 2014.

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Emancipation of Jack by Ambrose Reynolds (1801)


by Ambrose Reynolds
Volume 15, Page 323
Signed: August 18, 1801
Recorded: September 3, 1801

State of Connecticut Fairfield County ss In Greenwich This may
certify that application has been made to us the subscribing  Authority
Justices of the peace in and for Fairfield County by Ambrose Rey-
holds of said Greenwich expressing his desire to emancipate his
negro man Jack. And according to the Statute  Law of this State En-
titled "An Act in addition to and alteration of an act concerning 
indian, mulatto and negro servants, and slaves." We have enquired, 
examined and find the said Jack to be a healthy person and 
between the age of twenty five and forty five years of age and
have personally examined the said Jack who wishes to be made 
free and emancipated as aforesaid. We therefore certify
that the said Jack is a proper person to be made free and emanci-
pated agreeable to said Statute Law. Given under our hands and 
test of Office the 18th day of August 1801.  Ebenezer Mead           Justice of peace 
                                                                       Gilbert Close              Justice of peace 
                                      
                                                                                                                                                                             
Know all men by these presents that on receiving 
the above certificate I the Subscribers of Greenwich in the County
of Fairfield and State of Connecticut do hereby give, grant, emancipate
and make free and set at liberty the said negro man free and clear 
from me, my heirs, and from every other person or persons claiming 
him from or under us or them and from the date hereof the said 
Jack is permitted to go for himself and be a slave to no person and 
my hand and seals this day of August 1804.
Andrew Mead                                    Ambrose Reynolds     L.S.
Isaac Smith

Rec'd to record September ye 3d AD 1801
and recorded by me Jabez Fitch  Register. 

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