They Had Names

African Americans in Early Records of Liberty County, Georgia

Deed of Gift (Bennett/Burnley)

Enslaved Persons Named: Lucy, Venus

On August 5, 1789, William Bennett, planter of Chatham County, gifted to “my loving stepson, Thomas Burnley,” planter of Liberty County, “Two Negroes called Lucy and Venus.” Witnessed by William Jones, Alexander Kieth, Thomas Finch. On February 19, 1790, at Little Ogechee, Alexander Keith appeared before a Justice of the Peace to probate the signatures. Recorded in Liberty County Superior Court on July 27, 1790. 

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 B, 1787-1793, p. 303. Image #431 (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSLZ-FGMR?i=430&cat=292358)