On 16 April 1862, Congress passed an act abolishing slavery in the District of Columbia. Owners were required to file a schedule of slaves with the court, which issued certificates of freedom. On 12 July 1862, another act permitted absentee or minor owners and slaves themselves to file for certificates of freedom. Elizabeth Gilter, a "brown" woman, twenty-eight years of age, states that she is owned by Elizabeth Gunnel, of Fairfax Court House, Virginia. She seeks her freedom.
Or you may view all people.
Repository: National Archives, Washington, D. C.
