According to an attorney currently practicing in Bladen County, the term "free trader" means that the husband is granting the wife the privilege of conveying or mortgaging property without his signature. The husband is dropping dower rights, called in the 19th century, "dower and courtesy". Jim Hershman Bill Obrochta wrote: > Someone asked me about the meaning of a phrase that appears on a document in > his family's possession. In this 1877 deed from Bladen County, NC, a man > grants his wife "free trader" status. What does this mean? > > Bill > > To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe, please see the instructions > at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-hist.html To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe, please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-hist.html