In doing research on the family of Edward Moss (grandson of William Moss
and son of James Moss of York County), I went to the estate administration
of John Chisman, father of James's wife, Catherine, and from whom Catherine
inherited 4 slaves in 1758. These 4 slaves were part of a larger group of
21 slaves who were then divided among James' and Catherine's 3 children
(John, Anne and Edward) after James's death in 1762.

In the description of the men and boys included in the appraisement of the
slaves is the term "man-boy", which, in all of my years of studying probate
inventories, I do not remember seeing. For example, the first two
individuals listed are "Ben a Negro Man Shoemaker L50/Ben a Man-Boy L40."

My assumption is that Ben, the shoemaker, is an adult at least 30 years
old, while Ben, the "Man-Boy", is an older teenager--young adult. There are
two other individuals who are described as "Man Boy", with approximately
the same value, in the appraisal list.

I would be interested in knowing of other uses of this terminology, perhaps
other period usages, and also whether my assumption is correct.

Thanks!

Martha Katz-Hyman
Curator
Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation
Williamsburg, Virginia

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