In 1850 slave holder David Cleage, his wife Martha and their two little sons lived with his father Samuel Clegg in Athens, Tennessee. The spelling of “Clegg” was changed to “Cleage” after the Civil War. Samuel’s occupation was farmer and he had real estate worth $20,500. David was a bank cashier and had $1,000 worth of real estate and owned 32 men, women and children. Later that year, his father was killed by his overseer and David, and his three older siblings, Alexander, Elizabeth and Sarah, divided their father’s property and enslaved people.
By 1860 David Cleage had real estate worth $20,000 and a personal worth of $90,000. He now owned 75 people who lived in eight cabins. Among them was the family of eight he had purchased from John Armstrong in 1852.
Register
147
John Armstrong }
Bill of Sale }
David Cleage }
Know all men by these presents that I John Armstrong, of the County of McMinn, and State of Tennessee, for and in consideration of the sum of two thousand six hundred and fifty-five dollars to me in hand paid, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, have bargained, and sold, and delivered unto David Cleage, of the County and State aforesaid, the following named negro slaves, for life, to wit, Fanny aged about thirty years, Martha Jane, aged about twelve years, Ellen, aged about ten years, Mary aged about eight years, Lydia, aged about six years, Sidney, aged about four years, Jacob, aged about one year, there being seven in number and all Children of Fannys. Each of said Negroes I warrant Sound and healthy. both in body and mind, and free from any defect whatever – and slaves for life, and covenant and agree that the title is clear of any incumberance whatever, and also Warrant the title of the same to the said David Cleage, his heirs or assigns, against the lawful claims of all persons whatever, for which I bind myself, my heirs Executors & C – Will in testimony whereof I have here unto set my hand and affixed my seal this the fifth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty two – –
Witness }
H P Wilson }
Thos A Cleage } John Armstrong Seal
This is the third slave holder who bought a family with seven children in these first four posts. We will find out more about this family in a later post.
Other posts related to Samuel and David Cleage.
C is for Cleage Bricks – About 1820
Article of Agreement Between Sam Cleage and Overseer – 1834
Bill of Sale for Bob, age 13 and Jim age 11 – 1843
Death of Sam Cleage – July 20, 1850 Athens, TN
The Death of Sam Cleage – part 2 – 1850