They Had Names

African Americans in Early Records of Liberty County, Georgia

Liberty County Estate Inventory & Division – William Anderson

Location: Liberty County, Georgia
Deceased: Anderson, William
Date Sworn: 1835-03-02
Appraisers: Charles West, Thomas Quarterman, B.A. Busby
Estate Administrator: Joseph Jones
Court Officer: John Dunwoody [Dunwody], J.I.C.L.C.
Date Recorded: 1835-04-28
Recording Official: Thomas J. Shepard, Clk.
Total Value of Property Appraised: $3175
Value of enslaved persons: $3175
Comments: David Anderson, son of William Anderson, had applied for a division of the “negro slaves belonging to his father’s estate” because he had come of age. The appraisers stated that on March 6, 1835, all 73 slaves were “exhibited” to them, and amounted in value to $21,576. David Anderson then drew 1/6th of them, amounting to 10 people valued at $3175. Only the names of these 10 individuals were listed:

Harry500
Mary375
Dinah400
Shadrac300[alt: Shadrach or Shadrack]
Harry250
Abram150
Tobey450[alt: Toby]
Leah350
John50
Die350[alt: Dye]

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 K, pp. 227-8. Image #155-6 (Link: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C3QP-T9KZ-X?cat=292358)