They Had Names

African Americans in Early Records of Liberty County, Georgia

Marriage Contract (Phelps/McGowen)

Enslaved People Named: Swallow, Kneller, Ned, Penny, Lucy

On March 11, 1813, James C. Phelps, Liberty County, entered into a marriage contract with Amarintha McGowen, same place, with John Osgood and Oliver Stevens as her trustees. Put into trust for her were “certain negro slaves, namely, Swallow, Kneller and Ned, males, and Penny and Lucy, females.” Phelps was to have the joint use of them with Amarintha during their natural lives. Witnessed by Thomas Sumner Mell, John McGowen. Recorded in Liberty County Superior Court on July 12, 1813. 

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. E-G 1801-1816,” Record Book G (1809-1816), p. 251-2. Image #430-1 (Link: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C3QL-J96R-D?i=429)