Enslaved People Named: Sharlotte, Moe, Prince, Isaac
On January 18, 1855, Phereby Shuman, Bryan County gifted to William Dickinson Gray, her grandson and the only son of her only daughter “now dead” “the following property namely /viz/ four negro slaves Sharlotte [alt: Charlotte’ Moe Prince & Isaac also one bed and bestead…” Phereby noted that she had already left him this property in her will and it was to be under his control and at his disposal once he reached 19, but if he were to die before that or die without children, then the property would revert to her if she were alive at his death, and if she were not to her estate. She added, “the said property is to remain in my possession and control during my life, the but the title is to be henceforth in my grand son.” If she were to die before he turned 19, then the property was to be under the control and management of her son Wm. [William] H. Shuman and her friend Wm. Strickland, who she appointed as guardians “for said property.” Witnessed by J.H. Bashler. Recorded in Bryan County Superior Court on December 15, 1855. Phereby Shuman signed by mark, indicating illiteracy. J.H. Bashler swore before E.H. Bacon, notary public, in Chatham County, that he had draw up the document that she had asked him to do it so that if she chose at any time during her life she could “arrange it if she chose or words to that effect.” The clerk added that the will referred to in was on record in the Bryan County Superior Court deed book J, page 378.
Bryan County, Georgia, Deeds & Mortgages, v. H-J 1853-1874, Book H (1853-1860), page 206-7; digitized microfilm accessed through catalog, FamilySearch.org (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSLZ-1971-6 : 30 Mar 2025), image 108 of 682; microfilm #007899047, citing original records of Bryan County Superior Court.