They Had Names

African Americans in Early Records of Liberty County, Georgia

Marriage Contract (Way/Way)

On November 13, 1850, Sarah Jane Way and Nathaniel J. Way entered into a marriage contract, with Geo. [George] W. Walthour and Edwin White as her trustees, in which they turned over to the trustees “the eight negro slaves named Abner, Dinah and her child Isaah [sic, presumably Isaiah], Phebe & her two children Mary & Tenah, Sary & Henry…” Nathaniel and Sarah, upon their marriage, would have possession of the said enslaved people for their support and maintenance during their joint natural lives. Conditions of inheritance were specified. Witnessed by WIlliam N. Way, Ann E. White. Recorded on December 16, 1850.

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. M-N 1842-1854,” Record Book N, pp. 287-9. Image 556-7 (Link: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C3QP-53X7?i=555&cat=292358)