New York State Comptroller's Office Payment Authorization to Treasurer for Support and Maintenance of Children Born to Slaves…

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Overview of the Records

Repository
New York State Archives
222 Madison Avenue
Albany, NY 12230
Summary
Abandoned children of slaves were to be supported at the state's expense by the local overseers of the poor. This series consists of a warrant to pay the Overseers of the Poor of the Town of Mamaroneck for the support and maintenance of children born of slaves and abandoned by their respective masters, as well as a signed statement that the money was received by the overseer.
Title
Payment authorization to treasurer for support and maintenance of children born to slaves in the Town of Mamaroneck
Quantity
0.1 cubic feet; 1 item
Bulk Dates
Series Number
B1718
Creator
Administrative History

A law of 1799 (Chapter 62) entitled "An Act for the Gradual Abolition of Slavery" stated that any child born to a slave in New York State after July 4, 1799, would be free but would remain the servant of his mother's master until, if male, he reached his 28th birthday; if female, her 25th birthday. Within a year of the child's birth, the master had the right to abandon all claims to his service by filing a certificate of abandonment with the town clerk. Abandoned children of slaves were to be supported at the state's expense by the local overseers of the poor.

Scope and Content Note

This series consists of a warrant to pay the Overseers of the Poor of the Town of Mamaroneck for the support and maintenance of children born of slaves and abandoned by their respective masters. A signed statement that the money was received by the overseer is included.

Alternate Formats Available

This series has been digitized in its entirety and is available in State Archives Digital Collections.

A0827Series A0827, Audited accounts of payments made by overseers of the poor for support of children born to slaves, 1799-1820, contains records of the payments authorized by this series.

Acquisition Information

This payment authorization was transferred by the New York State Library in 1977.

Access Restrictions

There are no restrictions regarding access to or use of this material.

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