Browse Items (616 total)

Run away from Philip Livingston [unnamed African man]

1752-11-06
Livingston, Philip

Philip Livingson Runaway ad for unnamed African man.jpg
Slaveholder and slave trader Philip Livingston offers a reward of three dollars for the capture of an African man who escaped from Livingston in New York City. The man does not speak any Dutch or English, suggesting that he was only recently brought…

Run away...Nell, who formerly belonged to Robert J. Livingston

1753-04-23
Kingsland, Isaac

A black woman named Nell ran away from slaveholder Isaac Kingsland in Bergen County. Her master's ad mentions that Nell formerly belonged to Robert J. Livingston, a New York merchant. Isaac Kingsland describes the clothing Nell wore and took with her…

Charter of a College to be erected in New-Jersey by the name of Queen's College

1770
Rutgers University

1770 Charter pg1.jpg
The second charter of Queen's College was issued on March 20, 1770, by William Franklin, the Colonial governor of New Jersey. It is under this charter that Rutgers has since existed.

The front page of the charter is presented here.

The…

A Narrative of the Most Remarkable Particulars in the Life of James Albert Ukawsaw Gronniosaw, an African Prince, As related by Himself

1772
Gronniosaw, James Albert Ukawsaw

Gronniosaw title page.png
Ukawsaw Gronniosaw, alias James Albert, was a formerly enslaved man who wrote and published his autobiography in England in 1772. In his autobiography, he describes how he was captured in Africa, brought to the Caribbean and then to New York, and…

James Albert Ukawsaw Gronniosaw obituary

1775-10-02

1775-10-02-chester-chronicle-obit.jpeg
Obituary reporting the death of Ukawsaw Gronniosaw also known as James Albert. He died on September 28, 1775, in Chester, England.

Receipt issued to Colonel John Neilson recording the sale of an enslaved black man who was taken from the enemy in war

1777-11-30
Bullman, Thomas

Neilson B2 F4A Bullman receipt front.jpg
In this Revolutionary War era document, Thomas Bullman records that he received 55 pounds from Colonel John Neilson (1745-1833) for the sale of an enslaved black man. The name of this black man is not recorded here, but the receipt mentions that the…

Letter to his father Col. Johannes Hardenbergh

1777-12-06
Hardenbergh, Jacob Rutsen

JacobRHardenbergh-to-his-father-1777-Dec-6.jpg
Jacob Rutsen Hardenbergh (1736-1790) mentions an enslaved man in a letter to his father Col. Johannes Hardenbergh (1706-1786).

Jacob Rutsen Hardenbergh was one of the chief founders of Queen's College (later Rutgers) and served as the school's…

Receipt issued to Jacob Van Dike related to Harry, a Black man carried away by followers of the British army

1782-06-17
Dunn, James

NJS-SRC-00654.jpg
Receipt issued to Jacob Van Dike and signed by James Dunn, Joseph Thickstun, David Dunham. For a transcript of this document and additional information about Harry, Jacob Van Dike, and the other people involved, see the New Jersey Slavery Records…

Bill of sale for Flora, Phillis, and Ann, sold to John Neilson

1787-01-31
Bleecker, Anthony L.

Bill of sale for Flora.jpg
Anthony L. Bleecker sells to John Neilson an enslaved woman named Flora and her two female children Phillis and Ann for 120 New York pounds.

THREE DOLLARS REWARD [runaway ad for apprentice James Gilman]

1792-05-01
Bloomfield, John

http://scarletandblackproject.com/fileupload/1792-05-01-brunswic-gazette-gilman-p4.jpg
A 16-year-old apprentice named James Gilman ran away from his master John Bloomfield at Woodbridge on January 30, 1792. Gilman was seen leaving Boye's tavern in the village of Quibbletown (present-day New Market area in Piscataway) and going toward…

TO BE SOLD, A Young healthy likely NEGRO WOMAN

1792-05-01

http://scarletandblackproject.com/fileupload/1792-05-01-brunswic-gazette-sale-woman-p3.jpg
A slaveholder around New Brunswick seeks to sell a young black woman, aged 20, together with her 14-month-old daughter. The slaveholder is not named in the ad, and the prospective buyers are asked to apply to the printers of the Brunswic Gazette…

Ten Dollars Reward [runaway ad for Robin and Sam]

1792-05-01
Robinson, Alexander

http://scarletandblackproject.com/fileupload/1792-05-01-brunswic-gazette-robin-sam-p1.jpg
Two black men, Robin and Sam, ran away from slaveholder Alexander Robinson at Belment Farm, near Morristown, on April 9, 1792. Robin was 50 years old and Sam was younger, but his precise age is not mentioned in the newspaper notice. Alexander…

Eight Dollars Reward [runaway ad for Sam]

1792-05-01
Stevenson, James

http://scarletandblackproject.com/fileupload/1792-05-01-brunswic-gazette-sam-p3.jpg
Sam, an 18-year-old black man, ran away from slaveholder James Stevenson (Queen's College graduate, class of 1789). Sam escaped from Amwell, Hunterdon County, on April 24, 1792. James Stevenson offers a reward of $8 for Sam's capture.

WHEREAS Deborah Obart, my wife has frequently eloped

1792-05-01
Obart, George

http://scarletandblackproject.com/fileupload/1792-05-01-brunswic-gazette-obart-p4.jpg
George Obart issues a public notice that his wife Deborah Obart frequently runs away from home; he warns people in Middlesex County not to extend credit to his wife. This notice was published in a New Brunswick newspaper, but the location of Obart's…

Ten Dollars Reward [runaway ad for Will]

1792-10-17
Fleming, James

Fleming 1792 Ten Dollars Reward.jpg
Will, an enslaved black man, aged 28 years, ran away from Shrewsbury, Monmouth County, NJ. His master James Fleming offers a reward of 10 dollars for his capture.

Sixteen Dollars Reward [runaway ad for Minn]

1792-11-07
Abel, Jacob

Abel 1792 Sixteen Dollars Reward.jpg
Minn, a 30-year-old black man, ran away from his master Jacob Abel of Easton (Northampton County, Pennsylvania) on October 15, 1792. Minn may have gone to his father's home in Trenton. Jacob Abel posts a reward of $16 for Minn's capture in the…

TO BE SOLD, The TIME of a NEGRO BOY

1792-11-14

1792-11-14 To be sold time of a negro boy.jpg
A slaveholder in Trenton seeks to sell a 15-year-old black boy in a private sale. The boy is supposed to be manumitted at age 30 and has approximately 15 years left to serve. The slaveholder is not named in the ad, and the prospective buyers are…

STOP THE RUNAWAY! [Will Rigg]

1793-01-23
Dunant, Edward

1793-01-23 Stop the runaway.jpg
Will Rigg, an indented black man, ran away from his master Edward Dunant of Philadelphia on January 12, 1793. In the following week, Will Rigg has been seen at Trenton, Princeton, and Flemington, where he is well known to residents. Edward Dunant…

TO BE SOLD, A healthy young NEGRO WENCH and her MALE CHILD

1793-01-23
Tindall, William

1793-01-23 To be sold.jpg
William Tindall of Trenton seeks to sell a young black woman and her son. He also offers to sell a 3-year-old black girl until she is approximately 15 years old. It is unclear whether the girl should become free or return to Tindall's household as a…

SIXTEEN DOLLARS REWARD [runaway ad for Stephen]

1793-05-22
Wescoat, Richard

1793-05-22 Sixteen dollars reward.jpg
Stephen, a 20-year-old enslaved man, ran away from his master Richard Wescoat, of Great Egg-Harbour, Gloucester County, in May of 1793. Richard Wescoat describes Stephen as a "mulatto slave" and offers a reward of $16 for Stephen's capture.

To be SOLD at Private Sale...NEGRO WENCH...with a likely male child

1793-10-23
Haskell, Samuel

http://scarletandblackproject.com/fileupload/1793-10-23-guardian-haskell-p1.jpg
Samuel Haskell seeks to sell a black woman, aged 20, together with her 18-month-old son in a private sale.

To be Sold at Private Sale. A NEGRO WENCH...also a Negro Boy

1793-10-23
Story, William

http://scarletandblackproject.com/fileupload/1793-10-23-guardian-story-p4.jpg
William Story seeks to sell a black woman, aged 27, and a black boy aged 8, in Matchiponix (now usually spelled Matchaponix) in Middlesex County.

For want of Employ, will be Sold Cheap...Negro Girl

1793-10-23
Vickers, Mary

http://scarletandblackproject.com/fileupload/1793-10-23-guardian-vickers-p4.jpg
The administrators of the estate of Thomas L. Vickers in New Brunswick seek to sell a 17-year-old black girl. The administrators are Moses Scott, John Bray, and Mary Vickers.

DRY GOODS...Cholwell wants to purchase a Negro Boy

1793-10-23
Cholwell, Jacob

http://scarletandblackproject.com/fileupload/1793-10-23-guardian-cholwell-p1.jpg
Jacob Cholwell, a proprietor of a dry good store on Albany Street in New Brunswick, seeks to purchase a black boy from 8 to 12 years of age.

Letter to Robert Finley regarding the sale of an enslaved man named Jef

1794-02-25
Neilson, John

Neilson to Finley 1.jpg
Colonel John Neilson (1745-1833) writes to Robert Finley asking him about the possible purchase of an enslaved man owned by a Mr. Mattison in Princeton for the price of 90 pounds. Neilson inquires about the skills and habits of the enslaved…

Letter in reply to John Neilson regarding the sale of an enslaved man named Jef

1794-02-27
Finley, Robert

Finley to Neilson 1.jpg
A letter detailing Robert Finley's account of speaking with Samuel Snowden and Mr. Mattison about an enslaved man named Jef. The letter mainly details Jef's personal qualities and skills, as Neilson wishes to purchase Jef but has no prior account of…

Eight Dollars Reward [runaway ad for William Wilson, Indian apprentice]

1794-06-18
Pearson, Job

1794-06-18 Eight Dollars Reward.jpg
William Wilson, an Indian apprentice, ran away from his master Job Pearson in Trenton. His master offers eight dollars reward for Wilson's capture. Wilson was seen passing through New Brunswick on his way to New York.

Three Dollars Reward [runaway ad for Hannah and her daughter Peggy]

1794-06-18
Law, James

1794-06-18 Three Dollars Reward.jpg
Hannah an enslaved black woman, aged 22, ran away with her 2-year-old daughter Peggy and took a large bundle of clothing. Her master James Law (from Delaware Works) offered a 3 dollar reward for Hannah's capture.

Delaware Works was a mill property…

THREE POUNDS REWARD [runaway ad for Cato]

1794-07-03
M'Kissick, William

1794-07-03-anj-federalist-cato-p4.jpg
A black man named Cato, aged 33, ran away from slaveholder William M'Kissick near Pluckemin, Somerset County. William M'Kissick offers a reward of 3 pounds for Cato's capture and mentions that Cato formerly belonged to Col. Philip Van Horne near…

TO BE SOLD. A HEALTHY, likely Negro girl

1794-11-11

http://scarletandblackproject.com/fileupload/1794-11-11-guardian-sale-girl-p3.jpg
A slaveholder in the New Brunswick area seeks to sell a 14-year-old black girl in a private sale. The slaveholder is not named in the ad, and the prospective buyers are asked to apply for more information to the printer of the local newspaper…

Account book, 1794-1809

1794/1809
Blauvelt, Abraham

Blauvelt-Account-Book-spine.jpg
Abraham Blauvelt used this account book to record the expenses of the Queen's College Building Committee from July 6, 1808, to March 30, 1810. Blauvelt was the chairman of said committee and oversaw the construction of the college's first permanent…

TO BE SOLD, a healthy NEGRO MAN

1795-10-26
Bloomfield, Samuel

http://scarletandblackproject.com/fileupload/1795-10-26-genius-of-liberty-bloomfield-p4.jpg
Samuel Bloomfield of Woodbridge seeks to sell a 25-year-old black man in a private sale.

WANTED TO PURCHASE, Two active Negro Boys

1795-10-26
Brush, T.

http://scarletandblackproject.com/fileupload/1795-10-26-genius-of-liberty-brush-p3.jpg
New Brunswick merchant Timothy Brush seeks to purchase two black boys at his Intelligence Office.

FOR SALE, A LIKELY, HEALTHY NEGRO WENCH

1795-10-26

http://scarletandblackproject.com/fileupload/1795-10-26-genius-of-liberty-woman-p4.jpg
A slaveholder in the New Brunswick area seeks to sell a 35-year-old black woman. The slaveholder is not named in the ad, and the prospective buyers are asked to apply for more information to the printer of the local newspaper Genius of Liberty, &…

Bill of sale for Tony

1798-04-24
Read, Thomas

IMG_6792.jpg
Thomas Read and Moses Scott (on behalf of Archibold Read) sold a man named Tony to John Neilson for $100.

Certification of Tony’s consent to be sold to John Neilson for 5 years

1798-04-24
Phillips, Elijah

IMG_6797.jpg
Elijah Phillips, a judge of the Middlesex County Court of Common Pleas, certifies that an enslaved man named Tony consents to be sold to John Neilson.

Ten Dollars Reward [runaway ad for unnamed man]

1798-05-24
Trimmer, John

1798-05-24 Ten Dollars Reward (Genius of Liberty).jpg
Slaveholder John Trimmer issues a notice that an enslaved man ran away from him on April 22, 1798, in Dutch Valley (present-day Long Valley area, Morris County). Trimmer describes the fugitive as a "mulatto man" but does not mention his name. Trimmer…

FOR SALE, A LIKELY NEGRO GIRL

1799-05-28

http://scarletandblackproject.com/fileupload/1799-05-28-guardian-sale-girl-age19-p1.jpg
A slaveholder in the New Brunswick area seeks to sell a young black woman, age 19. The slaveholder is not named in the ad, and the prospective buyers are asked to apply for more information to the printer of the local newspaper Guardian, or, New…

FOR SALE, THE time of an indented NEGRO GIRL

1799-05-28

http://scarletandblackproject.com/fileupload/1799-05-28-guardian-sale-girl-age16-p1.jpg
A master in the New Brunswick area seeks to sell 2 years of a black girl's labor. The girl is 16 years old and is an indentured servant with 2 years left on her indenture term. The seller is not named in the ad, and the prospective buyers are asked…

Thirty Dollars Reward [runaway ad for Tom]

1799-12-10
Throckmorton, William

1799-12-10 Thirty Dollars Reward.jpg
Tom, a black man, ran away from slaveholder William Throckmorton in South Amboy on August 25, 1799. Tom is about 25 years old. His master offers a reward of 30 dollars for Tom's return and notes that Tom was seen on the road to Trenton, possibly on…

TAKEN UP [pickup notice for John]

1799-12-31
Drake, Henry

1799-12-31 TAKEN UP ((Trenton) New Jersey State Gazette.jpg
John, a 16-year-old black boy, was captured and held at the state penitentiary in Trenton in December of 1799 as a runaway. Henry Drake, the marshall of the prison, posts a pickup notice about John's capture and requests John's master to pick him up…

Portrait of John Henry Livingston (1746-1825)

1800

ZIM-0033-Livingston.jpeg
Portrait of John Henry Livingston (1746-1825), who served as the fourth president of Queen's College from 1810 to 1825, by an unidentified American artist.

In custody in Middlesex gaol, the following negro men [pickup notice for Adam Hill, Henry Hall, and Isaac Harmone]

1800-01-07

http://scarletandblackproject.com/fileupload/1800-01-07-guardian-hill-hall-harmone-p3.jpg
Three black men, Adam Hill, Henry Hall, and Isaac Harmone, were captured and committed to jail in New Brunswick as suspected runaways. The keeper of the Middlesex county jail publishes a notice stating that the three men will be sold by the jailer if…

FOR SALE By the subscriber, a Negro wench

1801-03-27
Hardenbergh, Jacob Rutsen

Guardian 1801-03-27 p4 For Sale...Negro wench...Jacob R. Hardenbergh (5213).jpg
Jacob R. Hardenberg (Queen's College trustee and son of the college's first president) advertises a 35-year-old black woman for sale in Somerville. The ad was first issued on December 16, 1800, and ran for at least 3 months until March 1801 in…

FOR SALE, A BLACK MAN

1801-03-27
Bunyan, James

http://scarletandblackproject.com/fileupload/1801-03-27-guardian-sale-man-p1.jpg
James Bunyan of Princeton seeks to sell a young black man, age 18, for a 10-year term for 80 pounds cash.

TWO NEGROMEN [pickup notice for Matthew Fairfax and Levi Brown]

1801-03-27
Keenon, Peter

http://scarletandblackproject.com/fileupload/1801-03-27-guardian-keenon-p4.jpg
Two black men, Matthew Fairfax and Levi Brown, were captured and committed to jail in New Brunswick as suspected runaways on January 1, 1801. Peter Keenon, the keeper of the prison of Middlesex county, publishes a notice stating that the two men will…

Ten Dollars Reward [runaway ad for Lenor Dunnam]

1802-01-19
Brown, David

1802-01-19 Ten Dollars Reward.jpg
Lenor Dunnam, a black woman aged 22, ran away from slaveholder David Brown in Gloucester County on November 14, 1801. The slaveholder offers a reward of $10 for her capture. This notice was published recurrently in the Trenton Federalist newspaper at…

Eight Dollars Reward [jailbreak notice for Jack]

1802-01-19
Wrighter, David

1802-01-19 Eight Dollars Reward.jpg
On January 2, 1802, Jack, an enslaved black man, escaped from the jail in Trenton where he was held on charges of theft from his master Amos Moore. Jack was about 20 years old. Jail keeper David Wrighter offers a reward of $8 for Jack's return.

Manumission of Sarah by slaveholder Andrew Kirkpatrick

1802-07-03
Middlesex County Clerk

Manumission Book page 035 Sarah.jpg
Slaveholder Andrew Kirkpatrick manumitted a woman named Sarah on July 3, 1802. Sarah was between 21 and 40 years old, and her exact age was not recorded by the court. The Middlesex County Book of Manumissions and Removals contains one record related…

Birth record for Katy or Catharine, daughter of Hannah, reported by slaveholder Abraham Dunham

1805-04-04
Middlesex County Clerk

Births 01 Abraham Dunham.jpg
Slaveholder Abraham Dunham reports that Hannah, an enslaved woman, gave birth to daughter Katy or Catharine on November 27, 1804. For more about Abraham Dunham (1750-1826) and the many people that he enslaved, see our New Jersey Slavery Records…

Birth record for Rachel, daughter of Hanna, reported by slaveholder Jacob Van Dike

1805-04-11
Middlesex County Clerk

Births 02 Jacob Van Dike.jpg
Slaveholder Jacob Van Dike reports that Hanna, an enslaved woman, gave birth to daughter Rachel on October 16, 1804. For more about Jacob Van Dike (1754-1827) and the people that he enslaved, see our New Jersey Slavery Records database.

Birth record for Dinah, daughter of Rose, reported by slaveholder George Farmer

1805-08-12
Middlesex County Clerk

Births 05 George Farmer.jpg
Slaveholder George Farmer reports that Rose, an enslaved woman, gave birth to daughter Dinah on January 30, 1805.

Birth record for Phebe-Gertruda, daughter of Nancy, reported by Gertrude Parker for the estate of James Parker Sr.

1805-10-05
Middlesex County Clerk

Births 08 James Parker estate.jpg
Gertrude Parker, Executrix for the estate of James Parker, reports that an enslaved woman named Nancy gave birth to daughter Phebe-Gertruda on April 27th, 1805.

Birth record for Aaron, reported by slaveholder Elijah Voorhies

1805-12-11
Middlesex County Clerk

Births 13 Elijah Voorhies.jpg
Slaveholder Elijah Voorhies reports that an enslaved woman in his household gave birth to a boy named Aaron on March 19, 1805. The name of the mother is not mentioned in the record.

Birth record for Martha, daughter of Susan, reported by slaveholder Michael Garrish

1806-02-04
Middlesex County Clerk

Births 16 Michael Garrish.jpg
Slaveholder Michael Garrish reports that Susan, an enslaved woman, gave birth to daughter Martha on December 27, 1805.

Birth record for Sal, daughter of Florough, reported by slaveholder Matthew Van Dike

1806-05-17
Middlesex County Clerk

Births 19 Matthew Van Dike.jpg
Slaveholder Matthew Van Dike reports that an enslaved woman named Florough gave birth of a girl named Sal on December 8th, 1805.

Birth record for Deyaun, reported by Jacob Vandevanter

1807-05-20
Middlesex County Clerk

Births 22 Jacob Vandevanter.jpg
Slaveholder Jacob Vandevanter Sr. reports that an enslaved female child named Deyaun was born in his household on September 4, 1806. The mother's name is not listed in this record.

Birth record for Phillis, daughter of Patty, reported by slaveholder James Schureman

1807-07-29
Middlesex County Clerk

Births 23 James Schureman.jpg
Slaveholder James Schureman reports that Patty, an enslaved woman, gave birth to daughter Phillis on May 1, 1807.

Birth record for Bristor, son of Hanna, reported by slaveholder Jacob Van Dike

1807-08-18
Middlesex County Clerk

Births 24 Jacob Van Dike.jpg
Jacob Van Dike reports that Hanna, an enslaved woman, gave birth to son Bristor on January 22, 1807.

Letter to Col. Henry Van Dike concerning a donation of land for Queen's College from the estate of James Parker Sr.

1807-10-16
Parker, James

James Parker letter to Henry Van Dike.pdf
On October 16, 1807, James Parker Jr. (1776-1868) writes to Col. Henry Van Dike to confirm Parker's intention to transfer a plot of land in New Brunswick to the Queen's College Board of Trustees. Parker describes the five-acre plot of land in detail.…

Deed between Gertrude Parker, executrix of James Parker Sr.'s estate and the Board of Trustees of Queens College

1808-04-08
Somerset County Clerk

Scan Apr 25, 2018 at 12.37 PM.pdf
This deed conveys 6.29 acres of land bounded by Somerset Street, George Street, and two future streets (later College Avenue and Hamilton Street).

Birth record for Bob, son of Abb, reported by slaveholder Matthias Vanderveer

1808-06-06
Middlesex County Clerk

Births 30 Matthias Vanderveer.jpg
Slaveholder Matthias Vanderveer reports that Abb, an enslaved woman, gave birth to a son Bob on March 26, 1807.

Birth record for Joseph, son of Nanny, reported by slaveholder James Parker

1808-08-20
Middlesex County Clerk

Births 31 James Parker.jpg
Slaveholder James Parker reports that an enslaved woman named Nanny gave birth to son Joseph on January 16, 1808.

Record of payment to Jacob Dunham, $5.06 for labor of his negro on the foundation (Old Queens Building construction, entry 15)

1808-09-28
Blauvelt, Abraham

Blauvelt-Account-Book-1R-Dunham-payment15.jpg
On September 28, 1808, Abraham Blauvelt recorded a payment for $5.60 to Jacob Dunham “for labor of his negro.” This payment was for "foundation" work.

This is entry number 15 on page 1 of Blauvelt's account book. Blauvelt was the chairman of the…

Birth record for Quash, son of Teen, reported by slaveholder Reuliff Voorhees

1808-10-11
Middlesex County Clerk

Births 31 Reuliff Voorhees.jpg
Slaveholder Reuliff Voorhees, reports that Teen, an enslaved woman, gave birth to son Quash.

Birth record for Sarah Ann, daughter of Hannah, reported by slaveholder Elizabeth Vandeventer

1809-03-28
Middlesex County Clerk

Births 32 Elizabeth Vandeventer - Sarah Ann.jpg
Slaveholder Elizabeth Vandeventer, reports that Hannah, an enslaved woman, gave birth to daughter Sarah Ann on May 17, 1808.

(Hannah gave birth to two daughters on May 17, 1808. See related birth record for Sarah Ann.)

Birth record for Julia Ann, daughter of Hannah, reported by slaveholder Elizabeth Vandeventer

1809-03-28
Middlesex County Clerk

Births 32 Elizabeth Vandeventer - Julia Ann.jpg
Slaveholder Elizabeth Vandeventer, reports that Hannah, an enslaved woman, gave birth to daughter Julia Ann on May 17, 1808.

(Hannah gave birth to two daughters on May 17, 1808. See related birth record for Sarah Ann.)

Manumission of Abraham Glasgow by slaveholder Andrew Kirkpatrick

1809-05-01
Middlesex County Clerk

Manumission Book page 083 Abraham Glasgow certificate.jpg
Slaveholder Andrew Kirkpatrick manumitted a man named Abraham Glasgow on May 1, 1809. Kirkpatrick and Glasgow appeared in court on April 29, 1809. The county officials examined Abraham Glasgow’s certificate of baptism to confirm that he was between…

FOR SALE, the time of a BLACK WOMAN

1809-07-13

http://scarletandblackproject.com/fileupload/1809-07-13-guardian-woman-p4.jpg
A master in the New Brunswick area seeks to sell 4 years of labor of a young black woman. The woman is 20 years old and has 4 years left to serve on her indenture. The seller is not named in the ad, and the prospective buyers are asked to apply for…

A BLACK BOY NINE years old...for sale

1809-07-20

http://scarletandblackproject.com/fileupload/1809-07-20-guardian-sale-boy-p3.jpg
A slaveholder in New Brunswick seeks to sell a 9-year-old black boy. The slaveholder is not named in the ad, and the prospective buyers are asked to apply for more information to the printer of the local newspaper Guardian, or, New Brunswick…

A NEGRO WOMAN FOR SALE

1809-07-20

http://scarletandblackproject.com/fileupload/1809-07-20-guardian-sale-woman-p4.jpg
A slaveholder in the New Brunswick area seeks to sell a black woman, aged 26. The slaveholder is not named in the ad, and the prospective buyers are asked to apply for more information to the printer of the local newspaper Guardian, or, New Brunswick…

Birth record for Nicholas, son of Dinah, reported by slaveholder James DeHart

1809-08-12
Middlesex County Clerk

Births 35 James De Hart.jpg
Slaveholder James DeHart reports that Dinah, an enslaved woman, gave birth to son Nicholas on March 22, 1808.

Record of payment to Jacob Dunham, $39.88 for his negro's services doing masonry (Old Queens Building construction, entry 130)

1809-11-30
Blauvelt, Abraham

Blauvelt-Account-Book-6L-Dunham-payment130.jpg
On November 30, 1809, Abraham Blauvelt recorded a payment of $39.88 to Jacob Dunham for "his negro's" services. This payment was for "masonry" work.

This is entry number 130 on page 6 of Blauvelt's account book. Blauvelt was the chairman of the…

Birth record for Hannah, daughter of Dinah, reported by slaveholder Charity Dean

1810-05-17
Middlesex County Clerk

SCUA-MC-Births-40-Dinah.jpg
Slaveholder Charity Dean reports that Dinah, an enslaved woman, gave birth to daughter Hannah on March 30, 1809. The birth certificate was recorded by Middlesex County Clerk, William P. Deare, on May 17, 1810.

Twenty-five Dollars Rward [runaway ad for Nance]

1810-05-31
Rue, William

http://scarletandblackproject.com/fileupload/1810-05-31-guardian-rue-p3.jpg
Nance, a 20-year-old black woman, ran away from slaveholder William Rue on May 12, 1810, in the vicinity of Spotswood, Middlesex County (approximately 8 miles south of New Brunswick). Nance is literate and her master suspects that she forged a pass…

A Negro Man For Sale

1810-05-31
Taylor, Hariot

http://scarletandblackproject.com/fileupload/1810-05-31-guardian-man-p3.jpg
Hariot Taylor of Perth Amboy seeks to sell a 30-year-old black man belonging to the estate of Joseph Taylor. Buyers can also apply to John Heard of New Brunswick for information.

One Cent Reward [runaway ad for apprentice Dennis Oglesby]

1810-05-31
Coon, William

http://scarletandblackproject.com/fileupload/1810-05-31-guardian-oglesby-p4.jpg
Apprentice Dennis Oglesby ran away from his master William Coon near Middlebrook on April 4, 1810. Coon offers a nominal reward of one cent for Dennis Oglesby's capture. The runaway notice does not mention Oglesby's race or color or any identifying…

Fifteen Dollars Reward [runaway ad for Nell, alias Bets]

1810-05-31
Poillon, John P.

http://scarletandblackproject.com/fileupload/1810-05-31-guardian-fifteen-p3.jpg
Nell, also known as Bets, a 32-year-old black woman, ran away from slaveholder John P. Poillon of Staten Island in May of 1810. John P. Poillon offers a reward of $15 for Nell's return.

This notice was issued on May 28, 1810.

FOR SALE, a healthy and active negro girl

1810-05-31

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A slaveholder in New Brunswick seeks to sell a 10-year-old black girl for $100. The slaveholder is not named in the ad, and the prospective buyers are asked to apply for more information to the printer of the local newspaper Guardian, or, New…

Birth record for James, son of Nanny, reported by slaveholder James Parker

1811-05-10
Middlesex County Clerk

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Slaveholder James Parker reports that Nanny, an enslaved woman, gave birth to son James on November 4, 1810.

Marriage record for Ambo and Mark Harris

1811-09-08
Clark, Joseph

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Marriage record for Mark and Ambo dated September 8, 1811. The record indicates that Mark was a black man enslaved to Captain (Benjamin) Taylor, and Ambo was a black woman enslaved to Col. John Neilson. The Rev. Joseph Clark, pastor of the First…

Birth record for Democrat, son of Hanna, reported by slaveholder Jacob Van Dike

1812-03-13
Middlesex County Clerk

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Slaveholder Jacob Van Dike reports that Hanna, an enslaved woman, gave birth to son Democrat on March 7, 1812.

Birth record for Ellen, daughter of Caty, reported by slaveholder Mary Deare

1812-12-09
Middlesex County Clerk

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Slaveholder Mary Deare reports that Caty, an enslaved woman, gave birth to daughter Ellen in March 1812. The precise date of birth is omitted from the record; only the month has been recorded by the clerk.

Birth record for Clara, daughter of Ambo, reported by slaveholder John Neilson

1812-12-19
Middlesex County Clerk

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Slaveholder John Neilson reports that an enslaved woman named Ambo gave birth to daughter Clara on September 14, 1812.

Birth record for Peter, son of Hannah, reported by slaveholder Abraham Blauvelt

1813-03-01
Middlesex County Clerk

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Slaveholder Abraham Blauvelt (Queen's College alum 1789 and long-time trustee) reports that Hannah, an enslaved woman, gave birth to son Peter on January 29, 1812.

FOR SALE, Or to be exchanged for a black Girl, A NEGRO BOY

1814-01-20

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A slaveholder around New Brunswick seeks to sell an 8-year-old black boy in a private sale or to exchange the boy for a black girl. The slaveholder is not named in the ad, and the prospective buyers are asked to apply to the printers of the Fredonian…

Twenty Dollars Reward [runaway ad for Peat]

1814-01-20
Vanderveer, Garret G.

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Peat, a 25-year-old black man, ran away from slaveholder Garret G. Vanderveer, living within 6 miles of Monmouth Court House (in present-day Freehold, Monmouth County). Peat escaped on December 8, 1813. Garret G. Vanderveer offers a reward of $20 for…

Bill of Sale for Teunis, to James Neilson

1814-04-20
Baldwin, Joseph

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Joseph Baldwin sold a 26 year old man named Teunis to James Neilson for $175.

Birth record for Maria, daughter of Charlotte, reported by slaveholder Ann Parker

1814-06-18
Middlesex County Clerk

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Slaveholder Ann Parker reports that an enslaved woman named Charlotte gave birth to daughter Maria on July 5, 1812.

Birth record for Charles, son of Charlotte, reported by slaveholder Ann Parker

1814-06-18
Middlesex County Clerk

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Slaveholder Ann Parker reports that an enslaved woman named Charlotte gave birth to son Charles on March 7, 1810.

Receipt to John Neilson for the sale of a black girl Grace

1814-08-04
Clark, Margaret

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John Neilson served as an administrator for the estate of Rev. Joseph Clark after he died. This receipt shows that Neilson sold an enslaved woman named Grace to a Mr. Linn for $150 on behalf of Clark’s estate.

100 DOLLAS REWARD [runaway ad for Joe]

1814-10-27
Duncan, John

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A black man named Joe, aged 32, ran away from slaveholder John Duncan on July 4, 1814, in the vicinity of Cranbury Neck in Cranbury Township, Middlesex County. John Duncan offers a reward of $100 for Joe's capture.

This notice was first issued on…

Receipt to James Neilson for the purchase of Elizabeth

1815-01-23
Van Arsdalen, Abraham

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Receipt issued to James Neilson (1784-1862) for a purchase of an enslaved woman named Elizabeth.

Elizabeth was previously enslaved by John Powers. The receipt indicates that Elizabeth was sold because John Powers was in debt to Staats Van Deursen…

100 Dolls. Reward [runaway ad for Cato]

1815-03-16
Farmer, George

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Two black men, named Leven and Cato, both aged approximately 23 years, ran away from slaveholder George Farmer on November 22, 1814. George Farmer offers a reward of $100 for their capture and describes the men's clothing and physical features in…

Ten Dollars Reward [jailbreak notice for Rachel]

1815-03-16
Farmer, George

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Rachel, a 20-year-old black woman, escaped from the Middlesex County jail in New Brunswick on the night of January 15, 1814. George Farmer, owner of the Belle Vue estate across the river from New Brunswick (in present-day Highland Park) offers a…

For Sale. AT her own request, a strong, healthy NEGRO WOMAN

1815-03-16

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A slaveholder in the New Brunswick area seeks to sell a black woman, aged 25, who is a slave for life. The slaveholder is not named in the ad, and the prospective buyers are asked to apply for more information to the printer of the local newspaper…

FOR SALE, A NEGRO MAN, slave for life...likewise his son

1815-03-16

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A slaveholder in the New Brunswick area seeks to sell a black man, aged 30, who is a slave for life, and the man's son, who is 7 or 8 years old. The slaveholder is not named in the ad, and the prospective buyers are asked to apply for more…