This is from 1784
State Records of North Carolina, Volume 24, Page 639, Chapter LXX
An Act for Enfranchising Ned Griffin, Late the Property of William Kitchen.
I. Whereas, Ned Griffin, late the property of William Kitchen, of Edgecombe County, was promised the full enjoyments of his liberty, on condition that he, the said Ned Griffin, should faithfully serve as a soldier in the continental line of this State for and during the term of twelve months; and whereas the said Ned Griffin did faithfully on his part perform the condition, and whereas it is just and reasonable that the said Ned Griffin should receive the reward promised for the services which he performed;
II. Be it therefore Enacted by the authority of the same, That the said Ned Griffin, late the property of William Kitchen, shall forever hereafter be in every respect declared to be a freeman: and he shall be, and he is hereby enfranchised and forever delivered and discharged from the yoke of slavery; any law, usage or custom to the contrary thereof in anywise notwithstanding.
RECOGNIZING OUR PRIDE IN THIS VETERAN, HE IS DEPICTED IN THE FIRST PANEL IN THE MURAL ON THE COLONIAL THEATER WALL.
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