They Had Names

African Americans in Early Records of Liberty County, Georgia

Used as Collateral (Mell/Mell)

Enslaved People Named: Guy, George, Tom, April, Sylvia, Cato, Chloe, Hagar, Doll

On July 5, 1816, Thomas S. Mell, planter, and Benjamin Mell, guardian for the minor Benjamin Mell, both of Liberty County, used as collateral on a promissory note of $2000 to Morgan Mara, planter of Liberty County, “all the following negro slaves, named Guy, George, Tom, April, Sylvia, Cato, Chloe, Hagar & Doll.” Witnessed by William H. Mell, Alexander Forrester. Recorded in Liberty County Superior Court on August 14, 1816. 

Marked on this deed record was “Received the within in full of all demans to this date 7th February 1817, by Benjamin Mell Est. [Signed] Morgan Mara. Recorded 10 May 1817.”

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 H (1816-1822), p. 30-2. Image #36-7 (Link: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CS42-SSY1-K?cat=292358)