William Pepperrell receipt for purchase of enslaved man, 1718
Item 22513 info
Maine Historical Society
Although most of William Pepperell's maritime cargo was merchant goods, his ownership of slaves and slave trade activities are well documented. This receipt noted the sale of "one negro man" named Seaser, about thirty five years old, sold by Sareth Mendum of Kittery to William Pepperell, "To have & to Hold Said Negro man on with all yd cloths to him belonging…to said Wm Pepperrell his heirs; & Assigns forever to his & there (their) only Proper Use Benefit & behalfe for Ever."
Slave owners commonly stripped enslaved people of their identities and dignity, renaming them after people in the Bible, figures in Greek and Roman mythology, or notables in history. In this case, Seasor was likely named after Roman statesman, Julius Caesar.
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