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Freed blacks living in the South prior to the Civil War had to carry their freedman's papers with them at all times to make sure that they would not be caught and sold back into slavery. These papers were issued by the state, and provided proof that they were free. The freedman's papers that you are about to read were owned by Jonas Pope, Dr. Manassa Pope's father.

State of North Carolina
Northampton County

This may certify that Jonas Pope the bearer hereof a free person of colour was borned the first day of February Eighteen hundred and twenty seven according to the family record is of bright yellow complexion five feet nine inches high in shoes with a scar on the great toe of his right foot cut by an axe: is a carpenter by trade & of good habits industrious. He the said Jonas Pope is of free parentage to the best of my knowledge and belief as I have been personally acquainted with his grand mother & mother & father for twenty five years or more and they sustained a good character during that time, so far as I have heard. This the 6th day of October 1851

State of North Carolina
Northampton County

I, John B. Odom clerk of the court of pleas and Quarter Sessions for Northampton County and state aforesaid, do certify that Jordan Beale and James Martin, whose names appear on the foregoing certificate, are and were at the time of signing the same two of the acting Justices of the Peace in and for the county & state aforesaid, duly commissioned and qualified according to law. And that their signatures appear to be genuine.

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State of North Carolina
Northampton County

I, William Barrow, chairman of the court of pleas and Quarter Sessions for Northampton County state aforesaid, do certify that John B. Odom, whose name appears to this foregoing certificate is and was at the time of signing the same the acting clerk of our said court, duly Elected and Qualified - that his certificate above is in due form of Law and that full faith and credit are due to his official acts as such.

Questions for Reading 2

1. What does this document tell you about Dr. Pope's father?

2. Why did Jonas Pope have to carry his freedman's papers with him? Why was it important that they include a detailed physical description of him? Why do you think he was required to carry three different documents?

3. Think back to Reading 1, the Pope family history. For what important purpose did Dr. Pope use his father's freedman's papers?

Reading 2 is from the Pope Family Papers, #5085, Southern Historical Collection, the Library of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.