They Had Names

African Americans in Early Records of Liberty County, Georgia

Bryan County Deed of Gift (Maxwell/Maxwell)

Enslaved People Named: Hester, Joe, Leah, Matilda, Lucy

On January 19, 1838, Ann Maxwell, widow of Bryan County, gifted to her daughter Mary Ann Maxwell “the following negro slaves to wit Hester, Joe, Leah, and her two children Matilda & Lucy.” Ann Maxwell added, “I the said Ann Maxwell widow as aforesaid have put my said daughter Mary Ann in full possession by deliverying to her one silver tumbler at the time of the sealing and delivery of these presents in the name of the whole premises hereby granted.” Witnessed by Charles U. Starr, Thos. [Thomas] B. Baker. Probated by Starr on January 27, 1838. Recorded in Bryan County Superior Court on March 1, 1838.

Bryan County, Georgia, Deeds & Mortgages, v. E-G 1830-1853, Book E (1830-40), page 309-10; digitized microfilm accessed through catalog, FamilySearch.org (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CS4K-VSGZ-7 : 30 Jul 2024), image 175 of 682; microfilm #007899047, citing original records of Bryan County Superior Court.