Hi List, Here is the transcript of the James Sims Manumission Letter that Sherry photographed at the Nicholas County courthouse in Summersville. It was very difficult to read so I passed it on to David who I am working with. We are trying to sort through James' 15 children. He transcribed the second half for me. Marsha on the Nicholas Co. Mailing List visited the courthouse and copied most of the letter. As these old documents go three different people don't always come up with the same text word for word. David thought the date was 1835, I read 1836, and Marsha read 26th September 1836. I am expecting a photocopy of the original in the mail which may clear up the question of the date which is the most important part to me at the moment as we are trying to estimate James' year of death. We obtained the following: Know all men by these presents that I James Sims of the County of Nicholas in consideration of a large sum of money paid to me by my slave Isaac as for the additional considerations of his fidelity to me I have on this day manumitted and let him the said Isaac free. To remain and continue from hence forward to all intents and purposes entirely free and discharged from servitude to me my heirs and assigns forever. And for the purpose of removing any difficulty as to the identity of the said Isaac and to enable him to enjoy his Freedom in the most absolute and perfect manner. I also hereby certify and state that the said Isaac was born my slave, that he has resided with me up to this date that he is very black, his stature about five feet five inches, of slender make and about forty three years old, that he has had his right leg broken just above his ankle. In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand and seal this 26th day of September 1836. James Sims in the presence of ? ? Joseph ? John Huddleston Edward ? Bernerd Hendrick John Hill Would be interested in hearing from any Sims descendants. Cathy