Paul, Rene (fl. 1843) [Deed of manumission for slave Ophelia]
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC08564.03 Author/Creator: Paul, Rene (fl. 1843) Place Written: St. Louis, Missouri Type: Manuscript document signed Date: 2 January 1843 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 31.5 x 19.5 cm. Order a Copy
Document signed by Rene Paul emancipating his slave Ophelia on the condition that she remain as a servant. "...hereby do manumit and let free from slavery, my negro girl O'phelia, aged about three years, on condition...Ophelia...shall remain with me as a servant, until the said Ophelia shall attain the age of eighteen years." If Paul should die within that time, Ophelia will be freed from servitude. States he brought Ophelia's mother Makelia. Signed by three witnesses. Approved and certified by the St. Louis Circuit Court and signed by the clerk, John Ruland. Docketed by clerk on a separate quarter page.
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.