Sophie Bailey
& Her Cabin
Here we tell the story of Sophie, an African American woman born into slavery, who lived and worked for decades with the Bailey and Grantland families, and whose life is closely tied to the surviving “Sophie’s Cabin” at the Bailey Tebault House. The cabin is a rare remaining dwelling, preserved through a 2024 partnership with The Slave Dwelling Project and UGA Griffin to ensure this history is not lost.
The Bailey-Tebault House was built by David Jackson Bailey and his wife, Susan Mary Grantland. Mrs. Bailey was the daughter of Seton Grantland, newspaper editor in Milledgeville, Georgia. David Bailey served in the state legislature and was elected to the U.S. Congress in 1850. While the Baileys maintained a large property in Butts County, they chose Griffin for its educational opportunities and vibrant community life. Today, the Griffin-Spalding Historical Society preserves the home and welcomes visitors to explore its architecture, grounds, and rich historical legacy. You can learn more about The Bailey Tebault House Here: History of The Bailey Tebault House
“Aunt” Sophie/Sophia
From Colonel Thomas Tinsley’s Records of the Enslaved, 1786–1820 (Totomoi Plantation, Hanover County, Virginia, ~15 miles north of Richmond): Sophia (“Sophie”) was born December 19, 1807/1810, daughter of Julia. The 1900 Spalding County Census records her mother as Virginia-born and her father as African-born.
Service to the Grantland Family:
The records indicate Sophie served as a domestic to Tinsley’s granddaughter, Anne Grantland. She accompanied Seaton and Nancy (Tinsley) Grantland to Milledgeville, Georgia, living at Woodville, their Baldwin County plantation. Anne later married into the Dubignon family of Jekyll Island and remained at Woodville until her death in the early 1900s.
Joining the Bailey Household:
Anne’s older sister, Susan Mary Grantland, married David Jackson Bailey in 1841. At some point, Sophie joined them as a nurse (“nanny”) to their children. They lived first in Butts County, Georgia, then relocated in the late 1850s to Griffin, where the Bailey-Tebault House was built. Sophie resided in what was known as “Sophie’s cabin,” likely shared with others. David Jackson Bailey served as both a U.S. Representative and Senator, requiring time in Washington, D.C., during the 1850s. In two letters from Susan to David, Sophie is mentioned as a potential caregiver and cook for the children in Washington. Susan noted that, while devoted to the children, Sophie was not a particularly strong cook. It is unclear whether Sophie ever traveled to Washington. Over the years, Susan and Sophie developed a close relationship. Family lore recalls Susan regularly calling from the back door, “Aunt Sophie, it’s time to take your dram,” suggesting they shared a daily drink and companionship.
Transition to Seaton Grantland II Household:
Both David and Susan Bailey died in 1897. Their home passed to their eldest daughter, Sallie Bailey Tebault of New Orleans, though the Tebaults never occupied it. Sophie then moved to live with Seaton Grantland II, one of their sons, who built her a small house on his property (photo below). The 1900 Spalding County Census lists “Aunt Sophie” living with Seaton’s family on East College Street (Violet Bank property). She died sometime between 1900 and 1910 and is likely buried in the Bailey family plot at Oak Hill Cemetery in Griffin.
Other Names we Know
While Sophie’s story is among the best-documented, she was far from alone. Historical records and family correspondence reveal the names of several enslaved individuals connected to the Bailey-Grantland family between 1840 and 1900.
These names include:
● Sophie / Sophy / Sophia
● George (possibly “Old George” or George Grant)
● Aunt Betsey
● George Barrow
● Anna Morgan
● Charity Trippe
● Chloe Oglesby
● Charles (later dismissed and replaced by another young man)
● Billy (frequently mentioned alongside Sophy)
● Old Joe (a carpenter at Woodville)
● Polly and Jane, two women enslaved by Susan Bailey while living in Washington City (D.C.) in 1858
● Emily, described in Seaton Grantland Sr.’s will as a “mulatto” woman, and her son, Owen
Letters written by Susan Grantland Bailey to her husband, David J. Bailey, and their children most often mention Sophy, Betsy, George, Billy, Polly, and Jacob, indicating their central roles in the household’s daily operations.
