Laws of 1817, Chapter 137. Chapter 137 of the New York laws of 1817 contained a provision freeing every child born of a slave in the state who was born after July 4, 1799. This was, however, a gradual process. All such children "shall remain the servant of the owner of his or her mother" until age 28 (for males) or age 25 (for females). Every child born of a slave after this act was passed was also legally owned by the mother's owner until age 21. According to the terms of the law, all slaves were to be free by 1827.

Identifier
NYSA_13036-78_L1817_Ch137_p2

Date Original
March 31 1817

Language
English

Source
New York State Archives. New York (State). Dept. of State. Bureau of Miscellaneous Records. Enrolled acts of the State Legislature. Series 13036-78. Laws of 1817, Chapter 137, Section 4.

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