They Had Names

African Americans in Early Records of Liberty County, Georgia

Bryan County Marriage Settlement (Stephen)

Enslaved People Named: John, Bella, Beck, Chloe, Samuel, Rachael, Tuesday, Tom, Bella, Kate.

On July 23, 1834, Alexander W. Stephen, planter of Bryan County, added to the trust he had created for his wife Cleminia when they married. He noted that the original trust deed was dated February 26, 1829, and was recorded in the Chatham County Superior Court’s office. The trustees were identified as William P. Bowen, Chatham County, and Beecroft Penny [alt: Penney], Bryan County.

Stephen said that part of a lot of land in the City of Savannah, part of the original trust, had been sold for $2800, and that he had agreed to receive the $2800 and convey certain property to the trust in its place: “the following negro Slaves to wit John, Bella, Beck, Chloe, Samuel, Rachael, Tuesday, Tom, Bella and Kate.”

Recorded in Bryan County Superior Court on September 5, 1834.

Bryan County, Georgia, Deeds & Mortgages, v. E-G 1830-1853, Book E (1830-40), page 141-2; digitized microfilm accessed through catalog, FamilySearch.org (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CS4K-VSG5-C : 11 Jul 2024), image 79 of 682; microfilm #007899047, citing original records of Bryan County Superior Court.
—————————————————