Hello DEP,

An example of what you stated may be seen in the freedom (manumission) papers for a 3rd great-grandfather of mine, Lewis Adams. His papers state he was to be freed "as of" the 15th of March 1813, he was 28 years of age at that time. His "alleged" three (3) children were to be freed at later dates, presumably when they reach the age of 21. (1827), (1830) & (1832). This is in the State of Kentucky, not Virginia, but I would imagine that the laws were similar, as Kentucky was a part of Virginia until Statehood in 1792.

Lewis Adams Freedom Papers. Click magnify glass icon to enlarge photo.
http://tinyurl.com/78mxrp8

Art Thomas

==================
DEP wrote:
"Check Virginia law at the time. I think you will find that slave owners could emancipate any man slave not less than age 21 and any woman slave not less than age 18, and no slave older than age 45."