A group of two (2) colonial-era documents from Georgia, with close connections to the Savannah region. Both documents concern the inheritance of women, giving insight into the fates of widows in colonial America. Documents include: 

1. Manuscript document, secretarially signed by James Habersham (1712-1775), as Lt. Governor of Georgia. Savannah, Georgia, 8 April & 12 May 1772. 2 pages, 10 3/8 x 16 3/8 in. Countersigned by Secretary Thomas Moody and James Spaulding, Secretary of the Peace of St. James Parish, and three additional witnesses. 

A legal document granting Elizabeth Hazzard, widow of planter Richard Hazzard, more time to complete the court-ordered probate inventory of her late husband's estate, after she cited that much of the property was a "great distance" from her. On the verso, dated 12 May 1772, the appraisement is recorded, notably listing six enslaved individuals: "Wench Phebe + her Children viz. Rachell Sarah James Absolam fellow Cutty Cut alias Samson." 

2. Manuscript document signed by Secretary Thomas Moodie. N.p., 12 January 1775. 1 page, 14 1/8 x 11 1/2 in. Countersigned by Sybella Shaley by mark, and two witnesses. With seal.

A legal contract between "Sybella Shaley Spinster of the Parish of St. Mathew" and Clement Martin, Jr. Shaley agreed to sell Martin a tract of 50 acres for 5 shillings, paid within 6 months. 

[African Americana, African American History, Black History, Slavery, Enslavement, Abolition, Emancipation]  [Manuscripts, Documents, Letters, Ephemera, Signatures, Autographs]

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