Gift (Baker/Kershaw)

On July 12, 1845, Araminta Kershaw and Lauretta Martin acknowledged receipt of “one certain negroe slave named Sam” from Richard F. Baker “and we do each and both of us exonerate and acquit the said Richard F. Baker of all obligation whatever that he may have been under for the maintenance and support of Araminta Kershaw.” Witnessed by Isabella Bradwell, J.S. Bradwell, Clk. Recorded on July 18, 1845, on J.S. Bradwell. 

Below this deed was one in which Richard F. Baker gifted Sam to Araminta Kershaw “in consideration of the friendship and regard which I have toward my sister Araminta Kershaw.” Witnessed by J.S. Bradwell, Clerk, and S.A. Fraser, J.I.C.L.C. Recorded on July 15, 1845, by J.S. Bradwell, Clk. 

Following that deed was one dated July 12, 1845, in which Araminta Kershaw gave Sam to Lauretta Martin on condition that “if the above named Lauretta Martin, her heirs executors administrators and assigns shall in a decent respectable and comfortable manner furnish to the said Araminta Kershaw, during her natural life, house lodging, clothing and the ordinary comforts of life, then this bargain and sale to be and remain firm and valid otherwise the said negro Sam is to revert and become the property again of the said Araminta Kershaw, and it is further agreed upon, between the parties that should complaint arise among them as to the understanding and meaning of these presents, then the said disagreement shall be refered to and adjudicated by three disinterested friends of the parties. Witnessed by Isabella Bradwell, J.S. Bradwell, J.I.C.L.C. Recorded on July 15, 1845, by J.S. Bradwell, Clk. [NOTE: Araminta Kershaw signed by mark, indicating that she was illiterate.]