According to The Union-Recorder Bicentennial
2003 special section Sam, a slave of builder John Marlow saved the captial
from burning in 1831. "He was publicly commended for his efforts and rewarded
with an order of emanicpation by the General Assembly in 1834 which also
included the appropriation of $12,000 with which to compensate his owner,
the builder John Marlor. Sam then took his former owner's name and became
know as Sam Marlor (or Marlowe)."
ACTS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE
OF GEORGIA, PASSED IN MILLEDGEVILLE, AT AN ANNUAL SESSION IN NOVEMBER AND
DECEMBER, 1833.
RESOLUTIONS WHICH ORIGINATED IN THE SENATE.
1833 Vol. 1 -- Page: 367
Sequential Number: 196
IN SENATE.
The committee, to whom was referred the
communication of his excellency the Governor, in relation to the fire at
the state-house, and the exertions made to extinguish the same, and recommending
some provision for the black man Sam, the property of Mr. Marlor
-- have had the same under consideration, and are of opinion that such
essential services rendered by the said man Sam, in which he could have
no interest, merit nothing short of his emancipation; and therefore
recommend the appropriation of a sufficient sum to pay Mr. Marlor the full
value of him, and that he be set at [Illegible Text] under such regulations
as now exist for the government of free persons of colour. And that the
further sum of -- dollars be appropriated, to be disbursed under the authority
of his Excellency, in compensating such other slaves and free persons,
as rendered their aid in extinguishing said fire.
Your committee beg leave also to offer the
following resolution.
Resolved, That his excellency the Governor
be, and he is hereby authorized to cause the old part of the state-house
building to be made to correspond in appearance with the new part at the
north end; and also, to cause the roof to be covered with copper or slate,
so as to make it fire proof, and that he be authorized to contract with
some competent workmen for the performance of the same, which shall be
done under the superintendence of such persons as be may appoint for that
suppose.
Resolved further, That the sum of twelve
thousand dollars be appropriated for that purpose, and that the same be
inserted in the appropriation bill.
Agreed to, 9th Dec. 1833.
JACOB WOOD,
President of the Senate.
Attest -- JOHN A. CUTHBERT, Secretary.
In the House of Representatives,
Concurred in, 21st Dec. 1833.
THOMAS GLASCOCK,
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Attest -- JOSEPH STURGIS, Clerk.
WILSON LUMPKIN, Governor.
Approval Date: Approved,
Eileen Babb McAdams copyright 2004