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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 Peg by Benjamin Woolsey Lyon (1800)

by Benjamin Woolsey Lyon
Volume 14, Page 460
Signed: April 12, 1800
Recorded: April 12, 1800

State of Connecticut Fairfield County ss In Greenwich 
This may certify that application has been made to us the subscrib-
er Justices of the peace in and for Fairfield County by Benja-
min Woolsey Lyon of said Greenwich expressing his desire to emanci-
pate and make free his negro girl Peg. And according to the Statute  
Law of this State, entitled "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 Peg to be a healthy 
person and between the age of twenty five and forty five years of 
age, and have personally examined the said Peg who wishes to be made 
free and emancipated as aforesaid. We therefore certify that 
the said Peg is a proper person to be made free and emancipated 
agreeable to said Statute Law. Given under our hands and test of Office 
this 12th day of April Anno Domini 1800.  
                                                        Jabez Fitch  Justice of peace   
                                                        Ebenzr Mead  Justice of peace 
                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                                                             
Know all men by these presents that on receiving the above certi-
ficate I the Subscriber Benjamin Woolsey Lyon of Greenwich in the 
County of Fairfield and State of Connecticut Do hereby give, grant, 
emancipate, make free and set at liberty the said negro slave Peg
free and clear from me and my heirs and from every other person or persons 
claiming her from or under them. And from the date hereof said Peg
is permitted to go her own business. In witness whereof I have hereunto set
my hand and seal the 12th day of April Anno Domini 1800.
Signed, sealed & delivered                                    Benjamin W. Lyon    L.S.
Ebenzr Mead
Jabez Fitch
                                                     Rec'd to record April 12th AD 1800
                                                     And recorded by me Jabez Fitch  Register.

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