They Had Names

African Americans in Early Records of Liberty County, Georgia

Gift (Mell to McFail)

Enslaved Persons Named: Phebe, Thomas, Spencer, Clara, Sarah, Bob, Hannah

William H. Mell, Fulton County, gave to his daughter, Valeria Ellen McFail, wife of James O. McFail, on 11 June 1860 “the following named negro slaves, and their future increase, viz: Phebe and her children herein named Thomas, Spencer, Clara, Sarah, Bob and Hannah,” to be held for her sole and separate use by her trustee, John P. Mell, free from the control of her husband. If she dies, they go to her children; if no children, to be divided among her brothers and sisters and any children of deceased siblings. Recorded on 27 March 1861 by Jesse Brewer, Clerk. 

Source: Family Search.org. Liberty County Superior Court “Deeds and mortgages, 1777-1920; general index to deeds and mortgages, 1777-1958,” Film: Deeds & Mortgages, v. O-P 1854-1870,” Record Book P, p. 163 (image #453). (Link: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C3QP-RSPL-M?i=452&cat=292358)