They Had Names

African Americans in Early Records of Liberty County, Georgia

Liberty County Will — Gideon Dowse


Will Summary (published 1964)

Gideon Dowse of Liberty County. Last Will and Testament dated October 2, 1789; probated February 16, 1790. Gives to son Hugh Dowse, to son Samuel Dowse, daughter Susannah Dowse; to cousin Margaret Dunham. Certain lands to sons Hugh, Samuel and Gideon Dowse. It is directed that 500 acres in Glynn County be sold and proceeds invested in about 300 acres in Liberty County and the land given to son Samuel. Gives to son Gideon Dowse 400 acres being testator’s home-place; and to son, Hugh, 300 acres being the remainder of the home-place; to son Samuel lot 86 in Sunbury. Son, Gideon, to be the guardian of son Samuel who is a minor. The daughter Susannah to receive her legacy when she is 18 or marries. Residue of estate to said three sons and daughter Susannah. Executors: Son, Gideon Dowse, and John Elliott, William Quarterman, Thomas Bradwell. Witnesses: William Way, Samuel Lines, Joel Walker, Jr. Probated on oath of Walker.

Slave names left out of the original summary:

To son Samuel Dowse: “four young negroes by name Joe, Maria, Nanny and Dick.”

To daughter Susannah Dowse: “in lieu of land, my wench known by the name of Yellow Mag, her child Jemima, with their future issue.”

Find the original (complete) will online at:

Ancestry.com:

https://www.ancestry.com/interactive/8635/005759431_00001?backurl=https%3a%2f%2fsearch.ancestry.com%2fsearch%2fdb.aspx%3fdbid%3d8635%26path%3d&ssrc=&backlabel=ReturnBrowsing#?imageId=005759431_00024

FamilySearch.org:

“Georgia Probate Records, 1742-1990,” images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L93L-P9FH?cc=1999178&wc=9SYT-PT5%3A267679901%2C268032901 : 20 May 2014), Liberty > Wills, appraisements and bonds 1790-1850 vol B > image 24 of 689; county probate courthouses, Georgia.

1964 Summaries From: “Georgia Court-House Records – Liberty County,” 1964 quarterly issues of The Georgia Genealogical Magazine, Folks Huxford, Editor. Published Under the Auspices of The Wiregrass Georgia Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution.