They Had Names

African Americans in Early Records of Liberty County, Georgia

Bill of Sale (Graham/Robarts)

Enslaved Persons Named: Old George, Isaac, Carpenter George, Peter, Charlotte, Diana, Mary, Patty, John, Stephen

On August 29, 1822, Duncan Graham sold to William Robarts for $3850 “for ten negro slaves, named Old George, Isaac, Carpenter George, Peter, Charlotte, Diana, Mary, Patty, John and Stephen, and the issue of the females.” Robarts paid $50 in cash and the rest in two promissory notes.

Written below the deed was the following: “Whereas Mr. Duncan Gaham has this day sold ten negro slaves to Mr. William Robarts, and one of them has absconded, namely, Old George, it is agreed by and between the said Duncan Graham & William Robarts that if the said Wm. Robarts shall not obtain possession of the said Old George by the first day of January 1824 he shall be entitled to a credit on his note, payable in January 1824, of the sum of four hundred dollars and interest thereon from the first of January 1823. In witness whereof the said parties have hereunto set their hands and seals this 29 August 1822.”

Recorded in Liberty County Superior Court on September 10, 1822.

On May 27, 1824, the following was recorded: “William Robarts to Duncan Graham } Mortgage of ten slaves recorded in Book I pages 5 & 6 on the 10th of September 1822. Recd the full amount of the within notes, and I acknowledge the within mortgage to be fully settled. Riceboro 27 May 1824. [Signed] Duncan Graham. Witness J.W. Roberts.

Recorded in Liberty County Superior Court on May 27, 1824.

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. H-I 1816-1831,” Record Book I, 1822-1831, p. 5-6. Image #303-4 (Link: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CS42-SSRF-Z?cat=292358)

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. H-I 1816-1831,” Record Book I, 1822-1831, p. 97. Image #350 (Link: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CS42-SSRZ-B?cat=292358)