They Had Names

African Americans in Early Records of Liberty County, Georgia

Estate Settlement (Maxwell/Young)

Enslaved Persons Named: Quash, Betty, Kingston, Silvia, Bella, Joe, Dina, Bob, Peter, Bristol, Nelly, Christian, Glover’s Bess, Harry, March, James, Boswain, Titus, Button, Charles, Doublin

“Negroes given by Will of Mrs. Mary Maxwell to Mrs. Elizabeth Young”

1. Quash, 70 pounds

2. Betty, 55 pounds

3. Kingston, 30 pounds

4. Silvia [alt: Sylvia], [no value listed]

5. Bella, 55 pounds

6. Joe [no value listed]

7. Dina, 35 pounds

8. Bob, 70 pounds

9. Peter, 65 pounds

10. Bristol, 70 pounds

11. Nelly, 36 pounds

18. Christian, 100 pounds

13. Glover’s Bess, 45 pounds

14. Harry, 30 pounds

15. March, 65 pounds

16. James, 50 pounds

17. Boswain [poss. Boatswain], 40 pounds

18. Titus, 40 pounds

19. Button, 40 pounds

20. Charles, 40 pounds

21. Doublin [alt: Dublin], 25 pounds

“Belfast 24th March 1775 The above are the Names of such Negroes as fell to the lott of Elizabeth Young, conform to the Will of Mrs. Mary Maxwell deceased.”

[Signed by] James Maxwell, Wm. [William] Maxwell

Recorded on November 2, 1778. 

[NOTE: The next recorded deed involved a petition by Elizabeth Young regarding her claim to the estate of Thomas Young. No details given about the estate, and not clear if it related to the deed above.]

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. A-B 1777-1793,” Record Book  A, 1777-1783, p. 128-9. Image #77 (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSLZ-FPR6?i=76&cat=292358)