Manumission of slave, Lincoln, Mass., May 28, 1776

February is Black History month and in celebration of this event we will be highlighting some interesting items from our manuscript collection related to African American history and genealogy. The first is an original 18th century manumission of slave Cuff by his owner John Hoar of Lincoln, Mass., call number Mss A 6628.

An account of what happened to Cuff Hoar after receiving his freedom can be found in John C. MacLean’s book, A Rich Harvest: The History, Buildings, and People of Lincoln, Massachusetts (Lincoln Historical Society: 1987). MacLean’s research reveals Cuff changed his surname to Kneeland and appears to have remained in the Lincoln area. His marriage intention to Dinah Young of Sudbury was published in the town on 3 January 1781. Sudbury records show the couple married 1 February 1781. Their union was brief, as Cuff died on 11 March 1781 at Lincoln.

Cuff Kneeland is also mentioned in the online article by John C. MacLean, “Resources for Researching Massachusetts Slaveholders and Slaves.”

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Transcription of Manumission of slave, Cuff, Lincoln, Mass., <au 28. 1776 Know all men by these present that I  John Hoar of Lincoln in the county of Midlx  in the colony of Massachusetts Bay in New  England Gentleman  - in consideration  That my Negro man servant named Cuff  Hath been a good and faithfull Servant  Unto me – and he now desiring to be made  Free: I do therefore by these present for my  Self fully and absolutely free him and dis-  charge him the P. Cuff to act for himself  So long as he behaves and conducts himself  regularly and well – without the denial  or contradiction of me his P. master                   Witness my hand Lincoln may 28 1776 Benjamin Danforth        John Hoar Abijah Peirce