SLAVE PAPER - AUTOGRAPH DOCUMENT SIGNED 01/03/1862 - HFSID 33456

SLAVERY: SLAVE PAPER
Commission to divide Slaves from the estate of the deceased Henry Smith.
Autograph Document Signed: "Zd S. Cook" as Judge, 2½p, 8x12. Wilcox County, Alabama, 1861 November 20. In part: "Whereas, the estate of Henry Smith decd. (of which Sarah Smith and James Stein are the Admx. & Admin. in this Court) is possessed of certain personal property in Slaves, and named, as follows, to wit: Sam, Mary, Margaret Elbert, Maria, Reana & three children, Silvey, Emily, Nat, Viny, Chany, Jane & three children, Wesley, Susan & two children, Mary, Washington, Jerry, Dick, Yellow Jerry, Dave, John, Green, Jess, Sarah & two children, Hanah, July, Harry, Henry, Stephen, Amos, Elvira & two children, Milly & two children, and some other children and other personal property...which property has been directed by due decree of said Court, to be divided...." Cook has also signed twice on docket on verso. This probate document divides the Slaves from the estate of the deceased Henry Smith between his widow, Sarah Smith, and William and Martha Luckie. At the time, Slaves were considered property and could be bought and sold or used as collateral. Just eight months previous to these proceedings, the Civil War had begun -- largely over the slavery dispute. On January 1, 1863, little over a year after this document was signed, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, freeing the slaves of the Confederate states. Lightly browned at folds and docket panel. 2 pinhead-size holes at cross-folds, ½-inch separation and tackhead-size hole at mid-horizontal fold. 2 pinhead-size holes at blank area at upper horizontal fold of integral leaf. Chipped at lower margin of docket panel, slight paper loss is matted over on front, can only be seen on verso when hinge is opened. Overall, fine condition. Framed in the Gallery of History style: 31x19.