WHAT HAPPENED TO LUCY'S SON?
An introduction to archival research
This program was made possible by a
grant from the New Jersey Council for the Humanities, a state partner of the National
Endowment for the Humanities.
What are archives?
Peter D. Vroom Family papers, MC 1006. Rutgers New Brunswick Special Collections. Box 1 folder 5
front
back
1. Research tools (free) (Google, ChatGPT, Familysearch) 2. Contacting archivists3. Visiting archives (laptop, phone or camera, paper, pencil only) 4. Photos and note taking (title, box, folder number)
Contacting an archivist
Locating a collection
Check out the finding aid
View the instructions as a video
Finding aid to the Peter D. Vroom Family Papers:
Security
- leave coat and bag in a locker'
- bring only laptop and phone or camera
- your laptop and notebook may be checked when you leave
Boxes and folders, call slips
Folder with folder number and title
Peter D. Vroom Family papers, MC 1006. Rutgers New Brunswick Special Collections. Box 1 folder 5
front
back
front top
Whereas a certain coloured woman named Lucy who was born a slave, was by her master Henry Van Middleswart regu- larly manumitted according to law, and by a written agreement between her and Peter D. Vroom, sen(io)r. dated the first day of May 1823, did consent and agree to become the co- venant servant of the said Peter D. Vroom for the time mentioned in the said agreement. And whereas on the 22 January 1824, her son Abraham Tromp was born...
front bottom
Now these ... Now these presents do witness and testify, that the said Lucy, by and with the consent of the said Peter D. Vroom Sr. (manifested by his becoming a party to these presents) hath, and by these presents doth put forth and bind her said son Abraham Tromp as an apprentice and servant unto Peter D. Vroom Jr. the present governour of the state of New Jersey, until he shall attain the full age of twenty-one years; during all which time the said apprentice and servant...
back top
...his said master shall diligently and faith- fully serve, and all his lawful commands cheerfully, and readily obey and fulfill; and the said Peter D. Vroom doth by these presents promise and agree to find and provide the said apprentice and servant with every ne- cessary, suitable and proper for a person in his situation, and during that term aforesaid to teach, or cause him to be taught to read proper- ly in the Bible...
back top
...his said master shall diligently and faith- fully serve, and all his lawful commands cheerfully, and readily obey and fulfill; and the said Peter D. Vroom doth by these presents promise and agree to find and provide the said apprentice and servant with every ne- cessary, suitable and proper for a person in his situation, and during that term aforesaid to teach, or cause him to be taught to read proper- ly in the Bible...
back bottom
..and at the expiration of the said term to provide him with a new suit of clothing suitable to his station in life, and to furnish him with a Bible.
In witness whereof the said parties have hereunto set their hands and seals the twentieth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty. 1830. Sealed and delivered in the presence of John P. Vroom Peter D. Vroom Jr. Peter D. Vroom Sr. Lucy her X mark
Agreement between a colored woman named Lucy, Peter D. Vroom, Sr., and Peter D. Vroom, Jr., November 20, 1830. Missoury Historical Society, Slaves and Slavery Collection
Indenture at the Missouri Historical Society digitized here
Using ChatGPT
Explain the term "Indenture" in the context of slavery in New Jersey. Provide sources.
1859 certification
"This is to certify that the above named Abraham Tromp remained with me under this Indenture until he became twenty one years of age, when his full term of service expired. Dated October 14, 1859. P. D. Vroom
Vroom archives
Where are the papers of NJ Governor Peter Dumont Vroom?
1. NJ Historical Society, Newark 2. Rutgers University Special Collections 3. Columbia University Rare Books & Manuscript Library 4. Several institutions that hold individual letters from Vroom (listed)
Lucy's manumission
Deed of Manumission of Lucy by Henry I. Van Middleswarth on April 1, 1823, Somerset County Register of Black Children and Manumissions, Book B, Page 3 (digitized by New Jersey Slavery Records)
Know ye all men by these presents that I, Henry I. Van Middlesworth of the Township of Hillsborough in the County of Somerset & State of New Jersey, for and in consideration of the faithful service of my female negro slave named Lucy aged about twenty two years, and for divers other good causes & considerations me hereunto moving, have emancipated manumitted & set free, & by these presents do manumit emancipate and set free, the aforesaid female slave named Lucy. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the first day of April in the year of Our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty three. Henry Van Middlesworth Sealed & delivered in presence of P. D. Vroom Jr.
(1)
(2)
Questions
Lucy was a free woman. Why did she bind her son ans an indentured servant?
Questions
What contract did she sign? What was a covenant servant?
ChatGPT alert!
Link to 2nd chat
Link to 3rd chat
(1)
(2)
Questions
Again: what was a covenant servant?
Questions
Why the name Abraham Tromp?Who was his father?
Lucy x | Abraham Tromp
???
Baptism records
Baptism records published in the Somerset County Historical Quarterly
List of members of the Reformed Dutch Church of Millstone (Hillsborough)
map of Somerset county, 1850. Library of Congress
Peter D. Vroom Sr.
Group baptism of 'servants' of members of the Dutch Reformed Church, Somerville, Oct 19, 1822 Somerset Historical Quarterly (1912) Vol 5, 307
Vroom homestead on the Raritan, 1815
Federal census for John P. Vroom, Hillsborough, 1830
Deed of Manumission of Nat by John P. Vroom on June 4, 1834, Somerset County Register of Black Children and Manumissions, Book B, Page 3 (digitized by New Jersey Slavery Records)
Deed of Manumission of Nat by John P. Vroom on June 4, 1834, Somerset County Register of Black Children and Manumissions, Book B, Page 3 (digitized by New Jersey Slavery Records)
To all to whom these presents shall come, Greeting. It is hereby made known that on this 4th day of June 1834 I John P. Vroom of the township of Bridge- water in the county of Somerset aforesaid have liberated manumitted and set free my male negro slave named Nat of the age of thirty or thereabouts and I do hereby liberate manumit and set free my said slave and discharge him from all manner of service or demand of service to be hereafter made either by me or any other person claiming by from or under me. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year before mentioned. Signed, sealed and delivered in the presence of Wm. P. Gaston, John P. Vroom
Baptism, marriage, and member register of the First Reformed Church of Raritan, Somerville, NJ, 1699-1839 (Archives of the Reformed Church in America)
"Marriage of the blacks" 1805-1821
1831: Peter Dumont Vroom Sr. dies
1834: John P. Vroom manumits Nat
1836: John P. Vroom dies
1838: Aelche (Aletta) Veghte Vroom dies
Questions
What happened with Lucy? What happened to the girl and to Nat? Did Peter Vroom Sr., John P. Vroom and his wife leave a will?
New Jersey State Archives, Trenton NJ
Microfilms in drawer
Bond against Henry and John van Middleswarth for $662.87
Microfilm reader at the State Archives in Trenton
last page inventory P. D. Vroom Sr.'s estate
Black woman 5 years service now sick, before valued at $30.59
Census for Bridgewater, NJ 1840
Peter D. Vroom, white: 3 people 30-49, 1 male 10-14; 1 female 15-19 black: 1 free male and 1 free female between 10-23 (Abraham and sister?)
New Jersey Historical Society, Newark
Guide to the Peter D. Vroom, Governor of New Jersey and U.S. Congressman, Collection 1783-1890 (bulk 1820-1870) MG 20
Fomdomg aod tp tje
Questions
- What happened to Abraham as an indentured servant 1830-1845?
- What happened to Lucy in 1831, 1836 and 1838?
- Was the free Black girl in Vroom Jr.'s household in 1840 Abraham's sister? What happened to her?
- Is there information about Abraham needing a certification in 1859 that he finished his service?
Guide to the Peter D. Vroom, Governor of New Jersey and U.S. Congressman, Collection 1783-1890 (bulk 1820-1870) MG 20
What would you look at?
Click on the icon on the top right to view a PDF of the finding aid. Highlighted in yellow is what we requested
Taking notes at the reading room of the NJ Historical Society:
Letter from James Mann, Somerville, to P.D. Vroom Jr, Trenton on November 12, 1831 about his father's deteriorating health: "Lucy remains about the same"
Letterbooks in the finding aid to the George Washington Papers, Library of Congress
If only Vroom kept letterbooks like George Washington...
Abraham Van Tromp = Abraham Tromp ???
Federal Census, Princeton NJ, 1880 Abr. Van Trump, M(ulatto) 55, boarder, single, seaman place of birth: self NJ / father NJ / mother NJ
FamilySearch full text search
first Presbyterian church chronological list of communicant members, 1795-1877
Rev. William Drew Robeson I (1844–1918)
Witherspoon Street Presbyterian Church, Princeton
Princeton Theological Seminary - Special Collections
First Presbyterian Church of Princeton Session Minutes, 1822-1847
Betsey Stockton, ca. 1798-1865
"Names of the coulered members of the Princeton Presbyterian church" starting with Betsey Stockton.
First Presbyterian Church of Princeton Minutes, Jan 17, 1846 Princeton Theological Seminary, Special Collections
Jan 17 1846 Session Met, constituted with prayer Present B. S. Rice Moderator Daniel Bourne and Stephen Alexander Elders Joseph Innes and Abraham Van Tromp were received on Examination and Perry Thompson, who had been for some years under Susp- ension, was restored to the Communion of the Church Concluded with prayer
Dutch names of members of color
Flora Voorhees David Van Tyne Flora Van Tyne Cecilia Van Tyne Sarah Vroom Betsy Van Horn Matthias Van Horn Rosanna Beekman
suspended 1842 restored 1843
National Archives
National Archives
Fold3
Fold3
V | 99 | U.S.C.T. Abraham Van Tromp Pvt., Co. K, 15 Reg’t La. Inf. (Col’d)* Appears on Company Muster Roll for Aug 27 to Oct 31, 1863. Present Remarks: Recruited by Capt E. S. Rigney at Brashear City, La on the ___ day of October 1863. Rejected by the Surgeons at New Orleans La on the 30 day of Oct 1863.” Not carried on Rolls of 99… + Entry except Remark cancelled by ??? *This organization subsequently became Co. K, 99 Reg’t U. S. Col’d Infantry.” Copyist signature at bottom.
CCMSR record for Abraham Van Tromp, 1863 at Fold3
More information about CMSR records
transcribed by ChatGPT!
Index card to Rendezvous Reports in New York for Abraham Van Tromp. November 9, 1849 (Fold3)
Musterroll for the USS Vincennes, 1850 (Fold 3)
Abraham Van Tromp in the Civil War and Navy records = our Abraham??
Research room at the National Archives
Here are detailed instructions to follow when you visit NARA or write an archivist!!
How can I find out if the Princeton “Abr Vantrump, 55, seaman, mulatto” is the same man?
ChatGPT alert !!!
USS Vincennes in Disappointment Bay, Antarctica, ca Jan-Feb 1840 (Wikimedia)
Crew Members on USS Miami, ca. 1864–1865 Navy History and Heritage Command
Footnotes in history books
Peter D. Vroom's certification on Abraham Tromp's 1830 indenture, 1859
Seaman’s Protection Certificate for Samuel Fox, August 12, 1854, Library of Congress
death certificate for Abraham Van Tromp, 1883, New Jersey State Archives
US Black Heritage Project, Wikitree profile for Abraham Van Trump
Questions
- Can we find out more about Lucy?
- Will we ever know more about Abraham's father?
- What about the girl who may have been his sister?
New Jersey Slavery Records, Rutgers University
US Black Heritage Project, Wikitree
list of church members of the First Presbyterian Church of Princeton, 1845-46
Sarah Frances VanTrump Martin (1825 - 1905)
Research and presentation: Helene van Rossum Narration: Davie-Lyn Jones Evans With thanks to Christie Lutz, Rutgers Special Collections and University Archives Ella Jordan-Smith, Columbia Rare Books and Manuscripts library Elizabeth Palitto, Reformed Church in America Archives, New Brunswick Pat Romagna, NJ State Archives James Amemasor, New Jersey Historical Society Lydia Andeskie, Princeton Theological Seminary Special Collections Miyako Jones, Wikitree US Black Heritage Project Janet Demcoe, Wikitree US Black Heritage Project Shirley Satterfield, Princeton Presentation made with Genially www.genially.com
WHAT HAPPENED TO LUCY'S SON?
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Transcript
WHAT HAPPENED TO LUCY'S SON?
An introduction to archival research
This program was made possible by a grant from the New Jersey Council for the Humanities, a state partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
What are archives?
Peter D. Vroom Family papers, MC 1006. Rutgers New Brunswick Special Collections. Box 1 folder 5
front
back
1. Research tools (free) (Google, ChatGPT, Familysearch) 2. Contacting archivists3. Visiting archives (laptop, phone or camera, paper, pencil only) 4. Photos and note taking (title, box, folder number)
Contacting an archivist
Locating a collection
Check out the finding aid
View the instructions as a video
Finding aid to the Peter D. Vroom Family Papers:
Security
Boxes and folders, call slips
Folder with folder number and title
Peter D. Vroom Family papers, MC 1006. Rutgers New Brunswick Special Collections. Box 1 folder 5
front
back
front top
Whereas a certain coloured woman named Lucy who was born a slave, was by her master Henry Van Middleswart regu- larly manumitted according to law, and by a written agreement between her and Peter D. Vroom, sen(io)r. dated the first day of May 1823, did consent and agree to become the co- venant servant of the said Peter D. Vroom for the time mentioned in the said agreement. And whereas on the 22 January 1824, her son Abraham Tromp was born...
front bottom
Now these ... Now these presents do witness and testify, that the said Lucy, by and with the consent of the said Peter D. Vroom Sr. (manifested by his becoming a party to these presents) hath, and by these presents doth put forth and bind her said son Abraham Tromp as an apprentice and servant unto Peter D. Vroom Jr. the present governour of the state of New Jersey, until he shall attain the full age of twenty-one years; during all which time the said apprentice and servant...
back top
...his said master shall diligently and faith- fully serve, and all his lawful commands cheerfully, and readily obey and fulfill; and the said Peter D. Vroom doth by these presents promise and agree to find and provide the said apprentice and servant with every ne- cessary, suitable and proper for a person in his situation, and during that term aforesaid to teach, or cause him to be taught to read proper- ly in the Bible...
back top
...his said master shall diligently and faith- fully serve, and all his lawful commands cheerfully, and readily obey and fulfill; and the said Peter D. Vroom doth by these presents promise and agree to find and provide the said apprentice and servant with every ne- cessary, suitable and proper for a person in his situation, and during that term aforesaid to teach, or cause him to be taught to read proper- ly in the Bible...
back bottom
..and at the expiration of the said term to provide him with a new suit of clothing suitable to his station in life, and to furnish him with a Bible.
In witness whereof the said parties have hereunto set their hands and seals the twentieth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty. 1830. Sealed and delivered in the presence of John P. Vroom Peter D. Vroom Jr. Peter D. Vroom Sr. Lucy her X mark
Agreement between a colored woman named Lucy, Peter D. Vroom, Sr., and Peter D. Vroom, Jr., November 20, 1830. Missoury Historical Society, Slaves and Slavery Collection
Indenture at the Missouri Historical Society digitized here
Using ChatGPT
Explain the term "Indenture" in the context of slavery in New Jersey. Provide sources.
1859 certification
"This is to certify that the above named Abraham Tromp remained with me under this Indenture until he became twenty one years of age, when his full term of service expired. Dated October 14, 1859. P. D. Vroom
Vroom archives
Where are the papers of NJ Governor Peter Dumont Vroom?
1. NJ Historical Society, Newark 2. Rutgers University Special Collections 3. Columbia University Rare Books & Manuscript Library 4. Several institutions that hold individual letters from Vroom (listed)
Lucy's manumission
Deed of Manumission of Lucy by Henry I. Van Middleswarth on April 1, 1823, Somerset County Register of Black Children and Manumissions, Book B, Page 3 (digitized by New Jersey Slavery Records)
Know ye all men by these presents that I, Henry I. Van Middlesworth of the Township of Hillsborough in the County of Somerset & State of New Jersey, for and in consideration of the faithful service of my female negro slave named Lucy aged about twenty two years, and for divers other good causes & considerations me hereunto moving, have emancipated manumitted & set free, & by these presents do manumit emancipate and set free, the aforesaid female slave named Lucy. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the first day of April in the year of Our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty three. Henry Van Middlesworth Sealed & delivered in presence of P. D. Vroom Jr.
(1)
(2)
Questions
Lucy was a free woman. Why did she bind her son ans an indentured servant?
Questions
What contract did she sign? What was a covenant servant?
ChatGPT alert!
Link to 2nd chat
Link to 3rd chat
(1)
(2)
Questions
Again: what was a covenant servant?
Questions
Why the name Abraham Tromp?Who was his father?
Lucy x | Abraham Tromp
???
Baptism records
Baptism records published in the Somerset County Historical Quarterly
List of members of the Reformed Dutch Church of Millstone (Hillsborough)
map of Somerset county, 1850. Library of Congress
Peter D. Vroom Sr.
Group baptism of 'servants' of members of the Dutch Reformed Church, Somerville, Oct 19, 1822 Somerset Historical Quarterly (1912) Vol 5, 307
Vroom homestead on the Raritan, 1815
Federal census for John P. Vroom, Hillsborough, 1830
Deed of Manumission of Nat by John P. Vroom on June 4, 1834, Somerset County Register of Black Children and Manumissions, Book B, Page 3 (digitized by New Jersey Slavery Records)
Deed of Manumission of Nat by John P. Vroom on June 4, 1834, Somerset County Register of Black Children and Manumissions, Book B, Page 3 (digitized by New Jersey Slavery Records)
To all to whom these presents shall come, Greeting. It is hereby made known that on this 4th day of June 1834 I John P. Vroom of the township of Bridge- water in the county of Somerset aforesaid have liberated manumitted and set free my male negro slave named Nat of the age of thirty or thereabouts and I do hereby liberate manumit and set free my said slave and discharge him from all manner of service or demand of service to be hereafter made either by me or any other person claiming by from or under me. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year before mentioned. Signed, sealed and delivered in the presence of Wm. P. Gaston, John P. Vroom
Baptism, marriage, and member register of the First Reformed Church of Raritan, Somerville, NJ, 1699-1839 (Archives of the Reformed Church in America)
"Marriage of the blacks" 1805-1821
1831: Peter Dumont Vroom Sr. dies
1834: John P. Vroom manumits Nat
1836: John P. Vroom dies
1838: Aelche (Aletta) Veghte Vroom dies
Questions
What happened with Lucy? What happened to the girl and to Nat? Did Peter Vroom Sr., John P. Vroom and his wife leave a will?
New Jersey State Archives, Trenton NJ
Microfilms in drawer
Bond against Henry and John van Middleswarth for $662.87
Microfilm reader at the State Archives in Trenton
last page inventory P. D. Vroom Sr.'s estate
Black woman 5 years service now sick, before valued at $30.59
Census for Bridgewater, NJ 1840
Peter D. Vroom, white: 3 people 30-49, 1 male 10-14; 1 female 15-19 black: 1 free male and 1 free female between 10-23 (Abraham and sister?)
New Jersey Historical Society, Newark
Guide to the Peter D. Vroom, Governor of New Jersey and U.S. Congressman, Collection 1783-1890 (bulk 1820-1870) MG 20
Fomdomg aod tp tje
Questions
Guide to the Peter D. Vroom, Governor of New Jersey and U.S. Congressman, Collection 1783-1890 (bulk 1820-1870) MG 20
What would you look at?
Click on the icon on the top right to view a PDF of the finding aid. Highlighted in yellow is what we requested
Taking notes at the reading room of the NJ Historical Society:
Letter from James Mann, Somerville, to P.D. Vroom Jr, Trenton on November 12, 1831 about his father's deteriorating health: "Lucy remains about the same"
Letterbooks in the finding aid to the George Washington Papers, Library of Congress
If only Vroom kept letterbooks like George Washington...
Abraham Van Tromp = Abraham Tromp ???
Federal Census, Princeton NJ, 1880 Abr. Van Trump, M(ulatto) 55, boarder, single, seaman place of birth: self NJ / father NJ / mother NJ
FamilySearch full text search
first Presbyterian church chronological list of communicant members, 1795-1877
Rev. William Drew Robeson I (1844–1918)
Witherspoon Street Presbyterian Church, Princeton
Princeton Theological Seminary - Special Collections
First Presbyterian Church of Princeton Session Minutes, 1822-1847
Betsey Stockton, ca. 1798-1865
"Names of the coulered members of the Princeton Presbyterian church" starting with Betsey Stockton.
First Presbyterian Church of Princeton Minutes, Jan 17, 1846 Princeton Theological Seminary, Special Collections
Jan 17 1846 Session Met, constituted with prayer Present B. S. Rice Moderator Daniel Bourne and Stephen Alexander Elders Joseph Innes and Abraham Van Tromp were received on Examination and Perry Thompson, who had been for some years under Susp- ension, was restored to the Communion of the Church Concluded with prayer
Dutch names of members of color
Flora Voorhees David Van Tyne Flora Van Tyne Cecilia Van Tyne Sarah Vroom Betsy Van Horn Matthias Van Horn Rosanna Beekman
suspended 1842 restored 1843
National Archives
National Archives
Fold3
Fold3
V | 99 | U.S.C.T. Abraham Van Tromp Pvt., Co. K, 15 Reg’t La. Inf. (Col’d)* Appears on Company Muster Roll for Aug 27 to Oct 31, 1863. Present Remarks: Recruited by Capt E. S. Rigney at Brashear City, La on the ___ day of October 1863. Rejected by the Surgeons at New Orleans La on the 30 day of Oct 1863.” Not carried on Rolls of 99… + Entry except Remark cancelled by ??? *This organization subsequently became Co. K, 99 Reg’t U. S. Col’d Infantry.” Copyist signature at bottom.
CCMSR record for Abraham Van Tromp, 1863 at Fold3
More information about CMSR records
transcribed by ChatGPT!
Index card to Rendezvous Reports in New York for Abraham Van Tromp. November 9, 1849 (Fold3)
Musterroll for the USS Vincennes, 1850 (Fold 3)
Abraham Van Tromp in the Civil War and Navy records = our Abraham??
Research room at the National Archives
Here are detailed instructions to follow when you visit NARA or write an archivist!!
How can I find out if the Princeton “Abr Vantrump, 55, seaman, mulatto” is the same man?
ChatGPT alert !!!
USS Vincennes in Disappointment Bay, Antarctica, ca Jan-Feb 1840 (Wikimedia)
Crew Members on USS Miami, ca. 1864–1865 Navy History and Heritage Command
Footnotes in history books
Peter D. Vroom's certification on Abraham Tromp's 1830 indenture, 1859
Seaman’s Protection Certificate for Samuel Fox, August 12, 1854, Library of Congress
death certificate for Abraham Van Tromp, 1883, New Jersey State Archives
US Black Heritage Project, Wikitree profile for Abraham Van Trump
Questions
New Jersey Slavery Records, Rutgers University
US Black Heritage Project, Wikitree
list of church members of the First Presbyterian Church of Princeton, 1845-46
Sarah Frances VanTrump Martin (1825 - 1905)
Research and presentation: Helene van Rossum Narration: Davie-Lyn Jones Evans With thanks to Christie Lutz, Rutgers Special Collections and University Archives Ella Jordan-Smith, Columbia Rare Books and Manuscripts library Elizabeth Palitto, Reformed Church in America Archives, New Brunswick Pat Romagna, NJ State Archives James Amemasor, New Jersey Historical Society Lydia Andeskie, Princeton Theological Seminary Special Collections Miyako Jones, Wikitree US Black Heritage Project Janet Demcoe, Wikitree US Black Heritage Project Shirley Satterfield, Princeton Presentation made with Genially www.genially.com