Examination of Mrs. Elizabeth Tappen
Dutchess County fs. The examination of Elizabeth Tappen
taken upon oath before us the 29th Decr 1810 respecting
Margaret ^ Smith a woman of colour living with Jessee Oakley,
says that about the year 1803 a Mullato man by the
name of Ben Smith who called himself a free man
bound the above named Margaret Smith by indenture
to the deponent to serve for the term of eight years,
which time she has since served. Her mother was also
present when the indenture was executed. She also
called herself a free woman, her husband alledged
he purchased her freedom but did not say at what
time. The girl was then about ten years old, her
mother died some time since, and her father left
Poughkeepsie about 5 or 6 years ago and it is believed
that he resides in New York __
Sworn before us the
29 Decr 1810
Peter R Maison
Wm Emott } Elizabeth Tappen

Examination of Jessee Oakley_
Dutchess County fs. The examination of Jessee Oakley
taken upon Oath before us the 29th Decr 1810 respecting
Margaret Smith a woman of colour living at his
house, says _ that said Margaret Smith now living
in his family went abroad on Christmas holiday,
and on her return the next day was unwell, and is
now confined to her bed, and being unable to
labour, and having no visible property he re-
quests that measures may be taken for her support
as is usual in such cases _ Jesse Oakley
affirmed before us the
29 Decr 1810
Peter T Maison
Wm Emott — }