Bill of Sale (Ashmore/Coleman to Grest)

In May 1859, Joseph Ashmore, trustee for Caroline Coleman, both of Liberty County, sold to Valentine Grest, also of Liberty County, for $2005.00, “negro woman slave named Celia, and her three children, Simon, Edy and Hettie.” Joseph Ashmore stated that Caroline Coleman had, at her marriage, made a deed of marriage settlement with her husband, John Coleman, in 1856, naming Joseph Ashmore as Caroline’s trustee. This deed of marriage settlement had conveyed to Joseph Ashmore in trust for Caroline “a negro woman slave named Celia with her three children, Simon, Edy, and another named Hardie but since dead and whose place has been filled by one named Hettie, since born and now living.” The deed of marriage settlement was said to be now on record in the Clerk’s Office of the Liberty County Superior Court. Witnessed by Jesse Brewer, W.S. Norman, N.P. Recorded on April 3, 1860 by Jesse Brewer, Clerk. [Transcriber’s note: Caroline, nee Hendley, had previously been married to Strong Ashmore (1810-1847), Joseph Ashmore’s brother. She had two children with Strong Ashmore: James S. Ashmore and John Ashmore. She died in 1889. Joseph Ashmore was my 2d great-grandfather.)