Enslaved People Named: Stephen
On May 7, 1822, Liberty County Sheriff John Stewart sold to William Robarts for $550 “a certain negro named Stephen.” Liberty County Constable Daniel Simmons had seized Stewart from the estate of Thomas Baker based on a writ of fieri facias issued due to a lawsuit against the estate by William Scott, Liberty County. Because “the laws of the land” did not authorize constables, only sheriffs, to sell personal property, Sheriff Stewart put Stephen up for public auction, and Robarts was the highest bidder. Witnessed by Robert P. Burton, Joseph Baisden. Recorded in Liberty County Superior Court on May 16, 1822.
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. 463. Image #264 (Link: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CS42-SSRK-8?i=263&cat=292358)