This moment in the life of John H. McIntosh comes to you from the pages of Alachua County Ancient Record Book/Deed Book B.
The document recounts the emancipation of three enslaved sisters—Bella, Maria, and Sue—by John H. McIntosh Jr. in Florida, dated October 11, 1833. McIntosh declares that these children are to be manumitted and acknowledges their emancipation, intending this act to be permanent for them and their descendants. The transaction involved a nominal payment of one dollar, highlighting the historical significance of this act during a time when enslaved individuals had considerable financial value. The call for additional information on John H. McIntosh Jr. suggests a quest for further insights into his life.
Ancient Record Book
Book B
Page 43-44
Territory of Florida
Alachua County
Whereas my father John H. McIntosh of Camden County Georgia did deliver to me in this Territory in the month of January Eighteen Hundred & Twenty Seven three Coloured female Slave Children, all of them sisters called Bella who is about Ten years of age, Maria, who is now about Eight years of age & the other who is called Sue who is now between six & seven years old, for the express & sole purpose and intention of having them emancipated & manumitted with their issue forever according to the laws of said Territory, and whereas I did declare & consider them, Emancipated and manumitted & their issue forever to all intents and purposes Though I did not at that time execute any instrument of writing to that effect and which might have been of record. Now Know all men By these presents that I John H. McIntosh Jr of Florida for and in consideration of the sum of one dollar to me in hand paid the receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge, hath agreed and declared to manumit & Emancipate & by these presents do agree and declared that the said three Coloured female Slave Children with their issue forever are manumitted and Emancipated. And I for myself my heirs executors and administrators will warrant and defend the manumission and emancipation of the said Children & their issue forever against any person or persons whatsoever
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal in Florida this 11th day of October Eighteen hundred & thirty three
Signed & Sealed Jno. H. McIntosh Jun’r (L.S.)
in presence of
G. HumphreysRecorded this Eleventh day of October AD 1833
Geo Center C.A.C.C.
In a time in Florida when the value of Slaves far exceeded any other “possession” this, in my opinion, was an execeptional act. Does anyone have any further information on John H. McIntosh Jr.?
Transcribed by Jim Powell Jr
J.K. “Buddy” Irby
Clerk
1999