Existing comment:
Deed of manumission, January 26, 1790
George Gardener of Surry County invoked the "natural rights of all mankind" as justification for emancipating five of his enslaved people. Rachel was manumitted immediately; Molly, David, Marget, and Isam remained under Gardener's guardianship until they reached the age of majority (21 for men, 18 for women). |