Use Restrictions

The copyright interests in this collection have been transferred to the James Madison University Special Collections Library. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).

Access Restrictions

Collection open to research. Researchers must register and agree to copyright and privacy laws before using this collection. Please contact Research Services staff before visiting the James Madison University Special Collections Library to use this collection.

Preferred Citation

[identification of item], [box #, folder #], Bill of Sale for Enslaved Girl Edny from J. Vanderveer to Mr. Ellison, July 1, 1858, SC 0016, Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA.

Acquisition Information

James Madison University Special Collections Library acquired this document at auction from Cohasco, Inc in January 2016.

Bio/Historical Note

The document, dated July 1, 1858, describes Edny simply as a "Negro Girl…aged about sixteen years." As such, Edny was likely born into slavery at or around 1842. Her monetary value, as established by enslaver J. Vanderveer, was $550.00. As this bill of sale documents, Edny was then sold to a Mr. Ellison. No further information is available about Edny or her enslavers.

Scope and Content

The Bill of Sale for Enslaved Girl Edny from J. Vanderveer to Mr. Ellison, dated July 1, 1858, is a handwritten receipt documenting the sale of Edny, a sixteen-year-old enslaved girl, by J. Vanderveer to a Mr. Ellison. Edny's monetary value is documented as $550.00; payments were made to Vanderveer in five installments. The note details a guarantee of Edny's health, namely her eyesight.

Arrangement

One document housed in a legal folder.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

• Bills of sale
• Cohasco, Inc.
• Edny
• Slave bills of sale