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