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Peter

first name
Peter
last name
gender
male
birth, death year
circa 1709 , --
first, last year in records
1734, 1750
confidence level
confirmed identity
freed status (year freed)
enslaved
enslaver(s)
Dickinson, Thomas; Wells, Thomas;
location(s)
Deerfield, MA  
place of origin

Bio

According to the bill of sale, Peter was about 22 years old when Thomas Wells of Deerfield, Massachusetts purchased him in 1731, from John Cook of Windsor, Connecticut. In 1734, Peter and Wells's enslaved man, Adam, confessed wrongdoing before the church. Both men were baptized the following day. Peter was treated by Dr. Thomas Williams in 1749 and 1750. Wells's nephew, Thomas Dickinson (1718-1814) inherited his uncle's estate, including Peter, who was listed in Wells's probate inventory: "a flail 8d, Peter Negro £160, two bagg & a Portmanteau 4/9, Cyder 21/8..."



Primary Source Entries for Peter

Entry Source Vol Name Date entry id
• ...sell & Dispose of my Negro man Peter, (aged about Twenty Two years,) to him Said Thomas Wells... Deerfield, MA, Town Records Deerfield, MA, Town Records 5-VIII, Box 11, Folder A-1 1731 Nov 4 2390
• Mr Cooks Bill of Sale to Capt Wells 1731 of his "Negro Man Peter" Deerfield, MA, Town Records Deerfield, MA, Town Records 5-VIII, Box 11, Folder A-1 1731 Nov 4 2391
To Emp. Corrab [?] 10/ for Peter Dr. Thomas Williams Acct. Book 1749 Dec 24 913
2 visits Peter 1/4 Dr. Thomas Williams Acct. Book 1750 Oct 26 727
Peter Wells to a Cotton [check] 6/6, Cr by spaying a pig Elijah Williams Day Book Oct 22, 1753 - Dec 25, 1754; Volume 4 -- 932
• ...and Peter his Servant Confessed Sins of drunkeness & stealing and they were received into Charity with people" First Congregational Church of Deerfield, Massachusetts Single 1734 Jun 15 1022

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