They Had Names

African Americans in Early Records of Liberty County, Georgia

Estate Settlement (Wilkinson/Oswald)

Enslaved People Named: Flora, Ben

On February 17, 1794, James Wilkinson, Liberty County, relinquished his rights to any part of the estate of Joseph Oswald in return for “one Negroe boy by name Ben, given up to me by Mrs. Ann Oswald, in lieu of a Girl by name Flora.” Flora had been the legacy left to Wilkinson’s wife by her father’s will, and Wilkinson pledged that she would not have any claim to Flora after this. He agreed to aquiesce in whatever was done with the estate in the future. He stipulated, however, that this relinquishment of his rights would last for the term of Mrs. Oswald’s natural life and no longer, except that he would not pursue any claim against the girl Flora. Witnessed by D. Stewart, William Willson. Willson probated the deed on April 11, 1797. Recorded in Liberty County Superior Court on April 13, 1797. 

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. C-D 1793-1801,” Record Book DD (1795-1798), p. 101-2. Image #240-1 (Link: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C3QP-5PC7?i=239)