They Had Names

African Americans in Early Records of Liberty County, Georgia

Liberty County Will – Allen D. Floyd

[Begin transcript – spacing added for readability]

In the name of God Amen!

I Allen D. Floyd of the State of Georgia and Liberty County being of sound mind and memory and considering the uncertainty of this frail and transitory life, do therefore make, ordain, publish and declare this to be my last will and testament, that is to say first after all my lawful debts are paid and discharged, the residue of my estate real and personal I give and bequeathe and dispose of as follows to wit:

To my nephew Thomas Andrew Floyd and Allen E. Floyd the land and appurtenances situated thereon known and described as the farm and tract on which I now reside situate lying and being in the State and County above named containing one thousand and six acres.

To my nephew Alexander Washington Floyd one tract of [land] situate lying and being in Bryan County and State aforesaid and on the Canouchie River containing five hundred and fifty acres.

To aforesaid Thomas Andrew Floyd my negro woman Ann and her four children viz Caroline aged six years Elen aged about five a boy about three years, Richmond a boy about 7 months old. The mother of said children being herself about 23 years old. The above named negro property is to be held and owned together with the labour and profits therefrom and from the increase or issue of the same by the said Thomas A. Floyd during his natural life and to go to his children if any, if not to his lawful heirs and it is further my will that the above named negro woman and children with the income of the same shall not be held liable to or sold for the payment of any contract or debts of the said Thomas A. Floyd that may be made prior to or subsequent to his possession of the same.

Also to my nephew Allen E. Floyd, my negro boy Henry about age twenty one years his wife Dianah [or Deanah] aged fifteen years and infant child boy Sam which he the said A.E. Floyd is to hold and use in case of the above named negro property during his natural life and then said property to go to his children if any and if none it is to go to his next lawful heirs and it is my will that as aforesaid the said three negroes together with their increase shall not be held liable to or sold for any debts or contracts that may accrue against said Allen E. Floyd either prior or subsequent to his possession of the same.

To my brother Andrew Floyd my negro boy Mingo aged twenty one years his wife Nancy aged twenty seven years.

To my brother Jesse Floyd my negro man John, aged about fifty which he is to own and possess during his natural life and at his death or in case thereof then the said negro man John is to return to my nephew Thomas Andrew Floyd.

To Thomas A. and Allen E. Floyd aforesaid I give my negro woman Abby aged thirty six together with all my stock consisting of hogs and cattle. Also three mules and plantation tools. Also my brother Jesse Floyd, my bay horse aged six years old.

Likewise I make constitute and appoint my brother Jason Floyd and Thomas A. Floyd (nephew) to be executors of this my last will and testament hereby revoking all former wills by me made.

In witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal the twenty fourth day of November in the year of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and fifty five.

[Signed] A.D. Floyd

The above instrument was subscribed by the said Allen D. Floyd in our presence and acknowledged by him to each of us and he at the same time published and declared the above written instrument so subscribed to be his last will and testament and we at the testatory request and in his presence have signed our names as witnesses hereunto and written opposite our names our respective places of residence.
Asa Warnell Signed L.C.
B. W. Rustin signed L.C.
I.S. Warnell Signed L.C.
Recorded this 25 Feby 1856 W.P. Girardeau O.L.C.
Recorded this 25th February 1856
W.P. Girardeau O.L.C.
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Probated by witness of Asa Warnell and B.W. Rustin on 14 January 1856.
Also includes oath of Jason Floyd and Thomas A. Floyd to acct as executors of the will and appraisers of the estate, sworn 14 January 1856.

For original will: “Georgia Probate Records, 1742-1990,” images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-993T-XTLP?cc=1999178&wc=9SB7-6T5%3A267679901%2C268014801 : 20 May 2014), Liberty > Miscellaneous probate records 1850-1863 vol C and L > image 149 of 703; county probate courthouses, Georgia.