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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 Isaac by Dr. Elisha Belcher (1807)

by Dr. Elisha Belcher
Volume 16, Page 390
Signed: April 13, 1807
Recorded: April 13, 1807     
State of Connecticut Fairfield County ss In Greenwich, This may certi-
fy that application has been made to us the Subscribing Authority Justices 
of the peace in and for Fairfield County by Doctor Elisha Belcher of 
said Greenwich expressing his desire to emancipate his negro man Isaac and 
according to to the Statute Law of this State entitled "an Act in addition to 
and alteration of an act concerning Indian, Molatto and negro Servants 
& Slaves." We have enquired, examined and find the said Isaac to be a 
healthy person, & between the age of twenty five and forty five years, and 
have personally examined the said Isaac who wishes to (be) made free and
emancipated as aforesaid. We therefore hereby certify that the said Isaac
is a proper person to be made free and emancipated agreeable to said Statute 
Law of this State. Given under our hands and test of Office the 13th 
day of April 1807.
.                                                                   Ebenezer Mead
                                                                                                Justices of peace
                                                                    Gilbert Close


Know all men by these presents that on receiving the above 
certificate the Subscriber Elisha Belcher of said Greenwich in Fairfield 
County and State of Connecticut  Do give, grant, emancipate and make free 
and set at liberty the said negro Isaac from and clear from me my heirs and every  
other person or persons claiming him for or under me or them, and from
the date hereof he the said Isaac is permitted to go for himself and be 
a slave to no person and to transact his own business. In witness whereof 
I have hereunto set my hand and seal the 13th day of 
April 1807.                                                   Elisha Belcher   L.S.
Jonathan Hobby
Gilbert Peck
Rec'd to record April ye 13, AD 1807
and recorded by me Jabez Fitch  Register

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