They Had Names

African Americans in Early Records of Liberty County, Georgia

Bill of Sale (Mell/Stewart)

Enslaved People Named: Abram, Boston, Betty, Lucy, Toney

On January 2, 1821, Liberty County Sheriff Benjamin Mell sold to Daniel M. Stewart for $1000 “five negroes, named Abram, Boston, Betty, Lucy & Toney.” Mell had seized these individuals based on a writ of fieri facias obtained via judgments in Liberty County Superior Court due to lawsuits by Law & Millen, Joseph S. Pelot, Bacon & Bowen, and John Henry, for the use of Jonathan Robinson, of Savannah. They were put up for public auction at the Riceborough courthouse on January 2, 1821, and Stewart was the highest bidder. [NOTE: Unfortunately, this deed did not name the original owner from whom they were seized.] Witnessed by Richard S. Baker. Recorded in Liberty County Superior Court on January 4, 1821. 

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. 361-2. Image #213-4 (Link: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CS42-SST6-F?i=212&cat=292358)