Records of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia Relating to Slaves, 1851-1863.

National Archives Microfilm Publication M433, Roll 3
“Manumission Papers, 1857-1863.”

To all whom it may concern. Be it known that I, Jacob Ross of Rockbridge County in the state of Virginia but now temporarily in the city and county of Washington in the District of Columbia for divers good causes and considerations me thereunto moving have released from slavery, liberated, manumitted and set free, and by these presents doth hereby release from slavery, liberate, manumit and set free my negro woman named Keziah, being of the age of forty two years and able to work and gain a sufficient livelihood and maintenance: and her the said negro woman named Keziah I do declare to be henceforth free, manumitted and discharged from all manner of servitude or service from my executors or administrators forever.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this seventh day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty seven.

Signed, Sealed and delivered Jacob Ross
in the presence of
Benjamin N. Brown
William R. Woodward

District of Columbia
County of Washington to wit:

Be it remembered that on this seventh day of October in the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty seven personally appeared Jacob Ross party of the aforegoing instrument of writing before me the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for the county aforesaid, and acknowledged the same to be his act and deed for the purposes in said deed mentioned.

Acknowledged before and certified by
Wm. R. Woodward J. P. {seal}