This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: waroper Surnames: Roper, Wight, Wright Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/surnames.roper/1871/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Within Deed Book 2 of the Richmond Hustings Court, there appears to be a deed of emancipation of a slave named Peter ROPER, formerly owned by Jesse ROPER, by Hezekiah L. WIGHT or WRIGHT: This deed is abstracted at the Free African Americans site: "pp.523-4, Hezekiah L. Wight, for 45 pounds paid by my negro man slave Peter sometimes called Peter Roper about 25 years of age, purchased by me of Jesse Roper...do emancipate him. 16 January 1799. proved 11 February 1799." http://www.freeafricanamericans.com/virginiafreeafter1782.htm It seems that Mr. WIGHT allowed Peter to work, probably on the side, and earn money to emancipate himself. Even so, given that slaves routinely sold for hundreds of dollars, the amount Peter paid seems to be some token amount, though probably exceptionally difficult and time consuming for Peter to earn and save, a fraction of what he might sell for on the open market. 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>