1756 Will of New York Slave Owner Abraham Van Horne, Transferring Ownership of Slaves

Slavery, Will

DS - Document Signed

The 1756 will of Abraham Van Horne transferring ownership of two slaves to his wife on the event of his death. 7 pages. 12.5" x 15". Bound by green string. Dated March 11th, 1756. Van Horne (1708-1756) was a prosperous slave owner in Colonial New York. In this will, written shortly before his death, Horne writes "I bequeath unto my beloved wife Catherine Van Horne the use and possession of all my Household Goods (plate and furniture) as also my negro man Slave Called Cadjo and my Negro Woman Slave Called Flora for and during the term of her natural life." In this sentence, Horne moves on seamlessly from bequeathing plates and furniture to transferring lifetime ownership of two human beings, symbolizing the slave's total lack of personhood in the chattel system. Folded vertically. Toned, with some foxing throughout. In good condition overall.

Item #18697

Price: $2,250.00