Abraham Veghte (1791-1865)

Name

Abraham Veghte (1791-1865)

Identifier

NJS-PER-00019

Given Name

Abraham

Family Name

Veghte

Birth Date

May 24, 1791

Death Date

June 29, 1865

Sex

Male

Description

Abraham Veghte (1791-1865) was a farmer from Griggstown in Franklin Township, Somerset County, NJ. According to the 1830 federal census for Franklin Township, Abraham Veghte's household consisted of 5 free white persons, 2 enslaved men between the ages of 24 and 35, and 3 persons who were listed as "free colored persons" under the age of 23. The 3 young persons listed as "free" were probably actually "slaves for a term" who awaited their emancipation under New Jersey's gradual abolition program. Since the federal census did not have a category of "slave for a term," these young people would have been listed as "free" belying the reality of their life in bondage.

In December 1838, Abraham Veghte purchased a 20-year-old enslaved man named Mark Harris Jr. from James Neilson (1784-1862) for $20. Under the terms of the sale, Mark Harris Jr. was bound to serve Abraham Veghte for a partial term of 4 years and 7 months. Mark Harris Jr. was a "slave for a term" and would become eligible for emancipation once he attained the age of 25.

Spouse of

Gertrude Nevius Veghte

Catharine DuBois Veghte

Same As

Abraham Veghte (Find a Grave)

Source Resource

https://records.njslavery.org/api/items/1236

Source Site

https://records.njslavery.org/s/doc/page/home

Occupation

Agriculture, Husbandry, and Forestry

Contributor

Jesse Bayker