Slaves--Emancipation--Delaware--History--19th century

One handwritten document from George W. Morrison, a former U.S. Representative (D-New Hampshire), written February 16, 1861, freeing Ann Hart from slavery, effective April 6, 1863, and signed by Justices of the Peace Wm. P. Veach and Jms. Bradford.

The Waples Family Papers, spanning the dates 1753-1864, outline the family’s role in the economic development of Milton in Broadkill Hundred, Delaware. But the bulk of the collection, 1851-1864, focuses on Gideon B. Waples, beginning with the pre-Civil War period when he was a student at Delaware College. After he voluntarily left his studies, he became a farmer and businessman in southern Delaware; he also served as a political aide to two governors of Delaware during the Civil War.