They Had Names

African Americans in Early Records of Liberty County, Georgia

Used as Collateral (Stevens/Axson)

On February 10, 1851, Joseph L. Stevens, Liberty County, used as collateral on a promissory note of $1800 to Richard F. Axson, also of Liberty County “the following negro slaves to wit, Ned Simon Edmond [alt: Edmund] Lydia Elsey John and Daniel together with the future issue and increase of the female slaves also my plantation containing two hundred and sixty acres more or less and bounded as follows on the north by lands of John B. Mallard on the east by lands of Wm. [William] B. Fleming on the south by the publick road leading from Riceboro to Gravel Hill and the estate of Q. Way on the other sides of the road and on the west by lands of Wm. Q. Baker and Joseph Quarterman. Witnessed by John E. Fraser, J.S. Bradwell, C.S.C.L.C. Recorded on July 31, 1851.

[NOTE: Written on the deed was: “For and in consideration of the sum of five hundred dollars paid to me by J.L. Stevens the receipt whereof I hereby acknowledge I do hereby relinquish all right, title and interest to the within described tract or parcel of land conveyed to me by virtue of the within deed, and release the same from any claim I may possess in consequence thereof. I witness my hand this 3d March 1853. The relinquishment above not to affect in any manner the personal property contained in said deed. [Signed] Richard F. Axson. Witness W.Q. Baker. Recorded this 19th March 1853. S.A. Fraser, Clerk.”]

[Also written on the deed: “In consideration of the sum of six hundred dollars part of the principal of the within mortgage paid me on the 8th day of April 185? I hereby relinquish all my right and title & interest in the slave Edmond conveyed to me in said mortgage this relinquishmen by me of the said slave Edmond is confined to him alone and does not extend to or effect in any manner my claim to the other slaves named mentioned & indicated in this mortgage & conveyed by it to me by Joseph L. Stevens the mortgage balance now due on said mortgage is seven hundred dollars with interest from 8 April 1858.” Witnessed by W.P. Girardeau, S.A. Fraser, C.S.C.L.C.]

[Also: “Received Satisfaction in full this 23 January 1863 from John Stevens admor. Rich’d F. Axson. Entered this 11th Feby 1863. S.A. Fraser, 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. M-N 1842-1854,” Record Book N, pp. 295-6. Image #561-2 (Link: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C3QP-5Z7S?i=560&cat=292358)