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
>
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