Susannah Mallory — purchased her freedom

 
Creator(s):
Smith, Thomas
Contributor(s):
Mallory, Susannah
Title:
Deed of emancipation, Court held for Norfolk County, Virginia
Publication/Origin:
Norfolk County, Virginia: 19 July 1803
Description:
This deed attests that Thomas Smith used Susannah Mallory’s own money to purchase her freedom from attorney Charles King Mallory of Elizabeth City County, Virginia. Susannah Mallory paid sixty dollars to emancipate herself. Some enslaved persons in Virginia were permitted by their masters to earn money from work done on their personal time, including hiring out their labor. Smith notes he acted only as her “Friendly agent,” and he resigns any legal right to her service. Susannah was then about fifty-five years old.
Citation:
Smith, Thomas, Deed of emancipation, Court held for Norfolk County, Virginia, Norfolk County, Virginia: 19 July 1803, Lisa Unger Baskin Collection, Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University. Accessed March 29, 2024, https://exhibits.library.duke.edu/exhibits/show/baskin/item/4083