| Name | Age | Color or Race | Sex | Role in document |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thomas Casper | Male | trustee of grantor | ||
| William J. Th. Drake | Male | other | ||
| Willie Bridges | Male | other | ||
| Elizabeth Bridges | Female | grantor | ||
| Judy | Black ("negro") | Female | enslaved | |
| Esther | Black ("negro") | Female | enslaved | |
| Gus | Black ("negro") | Male | enslaved | |
| Justin | Black ("negro") | Male | enslaved |
Marriage Contract. William J. Th. Drake and Elizabeth Bridges intend to marry. Elizabeth is the widow of Willie Bridges, and inherited land, enslaved people and other property when her husband died. The enslaved are: Judy, Esther, Gus and Justin, and they belonged to Willie Bridges before his death. No further information in the document about their ages and relationships. This contract is intended to keep Elizabeth’s title to her property as if she were a “feme sole”, by transferring control of the property and enslaved to Thomas Casper as Trustee. Property and people are to be for the sole use of Elizabeth, and William Drake pledges that he and his heirs will “offer no obstruction or hindrance” to the agreement. Elizabeth retains the ability to use the property “for necessities for her support”, and to exchange the property listed for other property. Although technically there are three parties in this agreement, only William Drake signed it. Signed December 9, 1847 and presented in February Court 1848.
