This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: waroper Surnames: Ellyson, Roper Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/surnames.roper/1891/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Amongst the Virginia State Library's "Lost Records Localities Collection, 1674-1948" is an extant Deed of Manumission by John ELLYSON dated 07 Jan 1783 granting emancipation to sixteen slaves: "Peter, Lucy,Tamer, Cate, Frank, Milia, Robert, Daniel, Roper, Elizabeth, Amey, Jemima, Sarah, Mary, Jane, and William." Since an image of this document is available online at the web site of the Virginia State Library within the digital collections, I am NOT going to undertake a complete transcription here. However, the document begins: "I John Ellyson of New Kent County being persuaded that Freedom is the Natural Right of all man kind and that it is my Duty to do unto others as I would desire to be done by in the like situation and having under my care sixteen negroes of the following names Vizt. Peter, Lucy, Tamer, Cate, Frank, Milia, Robert, Daniel, Roper, Elizabet, Amey, Jemima, Sarah, Mary, Jane & William I hereby Emancipate and Set free all and every of the above named Slaves ..." This deed was proved at the Court for New Kent held on 13 Feb 1783. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board. <br>