Howdy - thought you folks would like to see this one, all by itself. It is by far, the most unique abstract I've come across, and well worth sharing. David NJ Archives Vol XXXIX, Calendar of Wills No. 10, pp. 311, 312: 1798, Nov. 2. MINGO, [a black man], of Upper Freehold Twsp., Monmouth Co., yeoman; will of. "My parents, Brister and Amy, both belonged to Edmond BAINBRIDGE, of Maidenhead Twsp, Hunterdon Co., and after the decase of my lawful master I became the property of his son, Abraham BAINBRIDGE, who sold me to Richard COCHORON of Somerset Co., and in time of the Revolutionary contest, the said COCHORON went to the British, and according to the law then, forfeited his estate and I being part thereof was sold by the States and bought by a certain John PEESHANK, of Hunterdon Co., who sokd me to [hole in paper] -- HORSFIELD, of Hunterdon Co., and the said HORSEFIELD sold me for a certain sum of money which was paid him in full by James COMBS, Isaac IVINS and Job CLEVENGER; all of said state; and I, MINGO, paying the same back to them, the said, James COMBS, Isaac IVINS and Job CLEVENGER, as fully appears by their receipt of discharge, clearly establishes me on the permanent bottom of Freedom, and that Freedom being ratified and confirmed further by my paying taxes since the time of my being Free, as the White free subjects doth. I had a sister named CLOE, whose husband's name was FRANK, who bought the said CLOE, his wife, of Isaac ANDERSON, then living near Princeton; also I have another sister named NELLY who was carried by her mistress, who married Thomas BILES, into Pennsylvania. My real and personal estate to be equally divided between the children of my sisters, CLOE and NELLY, and should sister NELLY, be alive she is to have an equal share with her children. At present my sister CLOE's children are in a state of bondage, and if any of them, by being in a 'state of bondage,' cannot enjoy the free and sole use of their legacy; their share, whether male or female, to be equally divided amongst the legatees, that can claim their share. If any of the men die before 21 years, or if any of the women die before 18 years, they cannot have any claim or share." Executors - the Meeting, called Robins, in the County of Monmouth. Witnesses - Joel CHESHIRE, Joseph RIDGWAY, Thomas RIDGWAY. Proved Feb. 1, 1802. Lib. 39, p. 511. 1801, Dec. 16. At a meeting held in the Robins Meeting House, on said date, Edward TAYLOR and Samuel CRAFT, were appointed executors of the said MINGO's will. Minutes signed by John COOMBS, Jr., Elijah FIELD, George CRAFT, Sr., William SATTERTHWAITE, Jr., George WILLIAMS, Jediah HANCE, Joel CHESHIRE. 1802, Jan. 29. Inventory, L685.1.4 1/2; made by James COMBS and Samuel IMLAY. File 8500 M. ---------------------------------------------------------------- This message was sent using IMP, the Internet Messaging Program.