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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.

Thursday, October 16, 2014

Emancipation of Milla by William Knapp (1802)

by William Knapp

Volume 15, Page 389
Signed: September 1, 1802
Recorded: October 3, 1802     

State of Connecticut Fairfield County ss In Greenwich This may certify
that application has been made to us the subscribing authority Justices of peace in
and for Fairfield County by William Knapp of said Greenwich expressing his desire 
to emancipate his negro woman Milla, and according to the Statute Law of this 
State entitled "an Act in addition to and alteration of an act concerning Indian 
Mullato and negro servants and slaves." We have enquired, examined and 
find the said Milla to be a healthy person and between the age of twenty five 
and forty five years of age and have personally examined the said Milla who 
wishes to be made free as aforesaid. We therefore hereby certify 
that the said Milla is a person proper to be emancipated agreeable 
to said Statute Law. Given under our hands and test of office the 30th day of 
June 1802.                                                                         Ebenezer Mead
                                                                                                                     Justices of peace
                                                                                           Gilbert Close


Know all men by these presents that on reviewing the above certifi-
cate I the subscriber William Knapp of Greenwich in Fairfield County and 
State of Connecticut  Do give, grant, emancipate and make free and set at liberty
the said negro woman Milla free and clear from me, my heirs, and every  
other person or persons claiming her the said Milla from or under me or them 
from the date hereof the said Milla is permitted to go for herself and be
a slave to no person and to transact her own business. In witness whereof 
I have hereunto set my hand and seal the 8th day of September 
Anno Domini  1802.
Elizabeth Knapp                                                   William Knapp    L.S.
William Marshall                                     

Rec'd to record October 13, AD 1802
and recorded by me Jabez Fitch  Register

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