Slave Owners
Seventeen years ago, I discovered an entry in the "17 Day Books of Dr. Benjamin Van Kirk", indicating he treated slaves belonging to the Sortor family. This was my first indication that any of our ancestors were slave owners. I have never found anything indicating how our ancestors treated their slaves. I assume that they were treated well based on the fact that some of them were freed upon the death of their owners. The following members of the family have been identified as slave owners.

Hendrick Sortore, b. , d. 1793. Hendrick directed in his will dated 3 August 1793, that his wife Rebecca should be awarded: 3 milch [sic] cows, 6 sheep, necesary household furniture, negro man Dick, and use and privileges of house while a widow.

Jacob Sortore, b. , d. 1819. Jacob directed in his will, dated 1 August 1810, that his slaves be set free immediately upon his decease.

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