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Thomas Gilman Freedom Papers

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Despite California’s status as a free state, many Southern gold miners brought slaves with them to work the diggings during the Gold Rush. This presented an opportunity, as some of these men and women were able to purchase their freedom. Thomas Gilman (1830-1911) purchased his freedom for $1,000 in 1852. Born into slavery in Tennessee, Gilman was brought to California in 1850 to work in the gold mines near Shaw’s Flat. Within two years he earned enough money to free himself. He spent the rest of his life in Tuolumne County, mining and farming, until he passed away in 1911.

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G. B Gilman to Thomas Bill of Sale

Recorded June 27 AD 1853 at 8h AM Book A Vol 2 page 84 David Adams Recorder

Last edit almost 5 years ago by California State Library
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Know all men by these present, that whereas I J. B. Gillman, a Citizen of the County of Greene and State of [Tennessee], being the owner of a negro Stave called Thomas, of dark complection. Which by the constitution and laws of the state of [Tennessee] said negro, Thomas is a Stave for life to the said J B Gillman his heir or apiyi [assignee]; Now for and in consideration of the sum of One Thousan Dollars to me the said J B Gillman in hand paid by the said Slave Thomas, I have this day contracted with said Thomas, Slave as afore said for the said sum of One Thousan Dollars to [said] in hand paid as aforesaid, by the said Slave Thomas as aforesaid, liberated and released the said Stave from further Servitude or bondage, in testimory whereof I have here unto Set my hand and Seal at Shaws Flats in the County of Tuolumne and State of California this 17th day of August 1852. J. B. Gilman

Signed Sealed and delivered in presences of C K Gillespie Jacob P. Stuart

State of California Tuolumne County if on this 27th day of June AD 1853 before me Recorder in and for said county personally appeared J B Gillman to one Known to be the person described in and who executed the foregoing instrument who acknowledged to me that he executed the Same freely and Voluntarily for other uses and purposes therein mentioned. In tistimony whereof I have here unto Set my hand and Seal of ofice the day and year first above in this certificate written. David Adams Recorder

Last edit almost 5 years ago by California State Library
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I do hereby certify thaat the foregoing documend has been recorded in Book A Vol 2 page 84 of county record on this 27th day of June AD 1853

David Adams Recorder

Last edit almost 5 years ago by California State Library
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F.D. NICOL ATTORNEY AT LAW HALL'S BUILDING Washington street

Sonora, Cal., Sept 8 1885

Thos. Gilman

My dear sir -- I find in Chas Clark's effects a note against you for $25 and interest. If possible you will oblige us by paying as we desire to close the Estate up as soon as possible. We will waive all interesh.

Only yours -

F.D. Nicol

Last edit almost 5 years ago by California State Library
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Bill of Sale

Last edit over 4 years ago by California State Library
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