Lease (Bacon/Stewart)

On August 17, 1820, Eugene Bacon, Liberty County, lent to Daniel M. Stewart, same place, “the use and labor of the eight following negroes: namely, Charles, Frank, Boston, Sam, Patty, Binah, Venus, Phillis and Franklin” from August 5, 1820, to March 26, 1826. They were to be under the complete control and management of Daniel M. Stewart during that time, else Eugene Bacon would owe Stewart $3000. The deed noted that the Liberty County Sheriff had advertised for sale 100 acres belonging to Eugene Bacon, and Bacon agreed that the money coming from the sale “shall be appropropriated to the payment of his the said Eugene’s debts contracted prior to the said fifth day of August instant.” Bacon also transferred to Stewart all of his present year’s crops, except the fodder. 

Stewart put up on a bond of $300 to be forfeited if he did not treat the “aforesaid negro slaves with humanity, to feed and clothe them, to pay the taxes that may be due for them, and to pay for the medicine and attendance that they may need in sickness, during the time they shall be under his care and authority; and to pay all the just debts that have been contracted by the said Eugene Bacon prior to the fifth day of August instant….” 

Witnessed by Rebecca Baker. Recorded in Liberty County Superior Court on August 21, 1820. 

On October 19, 1820, Eugene Bacon and Daniel M. Stewart agreed to cancel this agreement. Recorded in Liberty County Superior Court on November 9, 1820.