They Had Names

African Americans in Early Records of Liberty County, Georgia

Liberty County Estate Inventory – Alexander Martin

Location: Liberty County, Georgia
Deceased: Martin, Alexander
Date Sworn: 1839-12-28
Appraisers: James S. Bradwell, Thomas Q. Cassels, Simeon S. Moody
Estate Administrator: Lauretta Martin
Court Officer: E. Stacy, J.I.C.L.C.
Date Recorded: 1840-01-03
Recording Official: E. Way, Clerk
Total Value of Property Appraised: only enslaved people appraised
Value of enslaved persons: $6120
Comments: Lots drawn as follows:

1 – Mr. John E. Mann
2 & 4 – Mrs. Lauretta Martin
3 – Miss Mary Martin
5 – Mr. Murphy M. Martin

EnslavedValueDesc.Lot
Die600
5
Bob350“Old Bod” [SIC, spelled Bob in the division]4
Neger650“Neger Sen.”, also “Old Neger”1
Hagar450
1
Bob300“Bob Jun’r”, also “Young Bob”3
Sam700
4
Bess600
2
Neger500“Neger Jun’r”, also “Young Neger”3
Bram450
5
Israel400
3
Shadrach375
2
Jim300
2
Matilda250
4
Mily100[alt: Miley]1
Marlbro100[alt: Marlboro, Marlborough]5

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. K-L 1831-1842,” Record Book L, 1838-1842, pp. 154-5. Image #405-6 (Link: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C3QP-T9KJ-B?i=404&cat=292358)

These antebellum estate inventories and appraisals generally included all the deceased person’s “property,” including enslaved persons. Only those names are documented here for historical and genealogical purposes. Anyone interested in the actual property owned by the deceased may find it at the link at the bottom of the page. Names are listed in the original order, as this often gives very valuable information about family groupings or the age of children (who may be listed in age order).