Record book
These accounts struck off and sold to R I Walker for .50 cents: J L W Boatman.
These accounts struck off and sold to R I Walker for 10 cents: W A Shelton, G W Graves,
J W Tate, M Nickals. Wm A Brewer, S F Young, J O McCuller.
These accounts struck off and sold to B W T Boatman for 2.35: Wm Graham. Another
Wm Graham account sold for .55 cents.
These accounts struck off and sold to Jas Brock for .15 cents: W J Deming, B H Lewis, J H Osborn, J P Bridges, M M Layton, G M Briges, R Z Pittman, D W Muse, W J Owens, J H Mackelroy, B T Morgan, J W Graves. These accounts struck off and sold to J H Stutts for .10 cents: R W Houston, G B Fulton, L H Sweat, P Rickey, E M Tate. These accounts struck off and sold to T S McCullar for .10 cents: W A Shelton, J W Graves, J W Tate, M Nickols. These accounts struck off and sold to Asa Bell for $1.00: L M Clark, Jospeh Idlett, A B Nickolls, Nate and E C Holyfield. These accounts struck off and sold to J W Walker for .75 cents: W T Steen. These accounts struck off and sold to B W T Derryberry for .05 cents: W C Rodgers, M E Watson, Geo Hawkins, Dan Tucker, Richard Bayers, Saml Vanstory, Charles Tate, Callie Ijames, Laverna Smith, Jenny Smith. These accounts struck off and sold to Sid Plunk for .25: J M Boyers, J C Butler, J W Calhoun, John Easley, J W Cheatwood, Jas Dillingham, Henry Nash, D W Richards. (Richards owed $1,47.72.) The following is a list of judgements sold to R I Walker for $5.00 Jaret Scott, J C Derryberry, G W Lentz, T Churchwell, Reuben Chambers, Matt Chambers, George Lister, Susan Newell, R Parkerson, R W Baker, H N Emmons, N A Julin, Marvin Tate, Andy Gallaher, E A Ramer, W H Wrenn, G W Wilmeth, C M McCuller, G W Hendrix, Matt Chambers, T J hooker, A M Hooker, Nancy Julian, M J Smith, George Luster, B G Wilmeth, M E Shelton, James Haynes, Isaiah Sweat, E W Wooten, Jas Ferguson, J C Hicks, Zach Chambers, P J M Derryberry, John Huggins, J H Wrenn, R Chambers, S Washington, J T Nethery, Sam & thad Nethery, Henry boatman, Charles Johnson, T J Robertson, Henry boatman, J V hooker, Louisa Boatman, W C Henderson, Barney Wray, Bob Meeks, Mrs P Flanigan, W W Flanigan, A J Mccullarm Jacob Triplett, Frank A Monroe, Jessie Gooch, J S Spiers, P M Derryberry, J B Tassell, Pete Capoot, P M Derryberry, J J and R H Smith, J C Derryberry, Calvin Wooten, G G Brown. Apparently Mr McCullar was too good for his own good. The October 1886 term of court assign to the creditors of S W McCullar 150 acres. To Virginia Graham, wife of C S Graham 35 acres. To Georgia Derryberry, wife of J C Derryberry 25 acres. To Thomas McCullar 25 acres. To F L Mccullar 34 acres. Signed T L Barnhill, Jas Haynes and John L Epps. The shrouding and coffin for S W Mccullar cost $33.80.
The following is a list of parties owing S W McCullar and the firm with which he was
connected who live out of the State of Tennessee and those that are dead:
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C McCullar - dead Mrs Jane Hogan - dead
A P Burnes ? - Mississippi Wm Reynolds - dead
E M Tate - out of Tennessee now Mollie Lambert - In Miss
Sam Parkerson - In Texas now A Woods - dead
J F Monroe - In Miss now P McCullar - In Miss then
J T Dixon - In Miss now W J Neill - dead
Jas Dillingham - In Miss then R Parkerson - dead
T J Tucker - In Texas now J F Hensley - in Miss, maybe
J W Graves - In Miss then, now dead M A Phillips - In Miss
G W Mason - dead John Smith - In Miss
J F Gurley - in Miss now Pack Butler - in Miss
W M Turner - In Miss then, now dead Ed Steen - in Miss
T McCullar - In Miss now Julia Smith - In Miss
S F Young - dead J W Tate - gone
W F Mash - In Miss then Mrs L M Hail - In Miss
J H Butler - In Miss then Wes Blankenship - dead
G Gillespie - dead C S Graham - in Miss
T N Ayen or Ayers - In Miss then,dead W E Price 0 In Miss
K P Lamberth - In Miss H Husley - In Miss
J M Adams dead G Gillespie - dead
W T Steen - In Miss then
W C Ramer - dead
Reuben Chambers - dead
Miss L A Butler - In Miss then
M Nickols - dead
John Smith - In Miss then
Bud Harbin - out of state
E A Pittman - In Miss
V A Pittman - In Miss
W M Reynolds - dead
D C Mitchell - in Miss then, now dead
J J Blankenship - In Miss
K P Hipps - in Ala
Fannie Lambert - in Miss
Mrs M Turner - in Miss
Bill Brewer - In Miss
J C Butler - In Miss
Sept 30, 1885: B W T Derryberry, age 42, at Falcon, Tenn: I lived near Chewalla in this county in 1876 I was raised near Chewalla and live there now. In 1876, I was appointed Deputy Sheriff, was appointed deputy sheriff in 1874 and held the position until 1882.
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J C Ijames, age 41: I lived at Chewalla in this county at that time and had lived there for several years until 1882. I Was enjoyed in the grocery business. S W McCullar lived at Chewalla and was enjoyed in the dry goods business and died in Chewalla in March 1876. M M Demming, age 34, is a justice of the peace in the first district. Demming states S W McCullar was engaged in merchandising near the Mississippi and Tennessee state line and had customers from both states. This file has a lot more but very hard to cipher. The accounts listed here were the insolvent accounts. There were many good accounts that were collected. —————————————————————————————————————————
B P MOORE VS R M THOMPSON
MCNAIRY COUNTY, TN, CHANCERY COURT
No 370 - 1877
Transcribed by Nancy Wardlow Kennedy
William Carroll Moore estate
This lawsuit was about the William Carroll Moore estate. The best I could tell, some monies for land sold from the W C Moore estate was never collected, or never paid to the heirs and R M Thompson was the Chancery Court Clerk. The lawsuit gave names of some of the heirs that moved away from McNairy County. Alfred Moore and James F McKinney was appointed administrators of the W C Moore estate in April 1863. The Dempsey Moore land was sold in 1858. Dempsey Moore was the father of W C Moore. C H Moore and A C Moore were appointed administrators of the Dempsey Moore estate. W C Moore received 1179 acres in a land grant in 1848. That land was divided into smaller tracts for easy sale and sold at public auction October 31, 1867: Fielding Hurst - 139 acres for $486.50 J R S Moore - 20 acres for $507.00 J W Basham - 101 acres for $131.30 D W Moore - 100 acres for $380.00 C H Moore - 99 acres for $277.20 Total sold 659 acres for $1,782.00. Lawsuits does not address what happened to the other 520 acres. (He also purchased 99 acres from his father's estate.) Lists of heirs: Alfred Moore; C H Moore; B P Moore; J R S Moore; A C Moore; L M Moore, R Martin and his wife Angeline in Texas; Emantha Styles, Alzira Styles; Eliza Ann Moore who has since intermarried with John M Russom; Selbrinia Fulkerson, J D Fulkerson and P A Fulkerson, (there were other siblings, not listed, children of Adeline Moore,) all underage. Eliza Ann Moore is of age at this lawsuit. Three siblings, Casandra Martha, Wade Shelby and George W apparently died without issue before William Carroll Moore as no heirs are listed for them. Wade Shelby Moore had one daughter that was not listed and she sued for her share in Chancery Court Case 518.
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Ten heirs listed: C H Moore, B P Moore, J R S Moore, A C Moore, L M Moore, James Grant and wife, Eliza Styles heirs, – Brown and wife, R Martin and wife Angeline in Texas, Adelaid Fulkerson heirs. Notes from McNairy County Court Minutes 1858-1868, transcribed by Nancy Wardlow Kennedy: Sept 1858. Wm Carroll Moore appointed administrator of Jesse P Jeans. Bond $400 with W W Jeans and W D Jopling security. Nov 5, 1860, Wm Carroll Moore appointed administrator of George L Moore estate. Bond $200, with J R S Moore and T H Bell, securities. (George was his brother.) Aug 1863, Alfred Moore and J F McKinney appointed administrators of Wm Carroll Moore, deceased. Bond $2000 with Arthur Harris security.
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THOMAS E DEVAULT VS W T LILLY
MCNAIRY COUNTY, TENNESSEE, CHANCERY COURT
Sept 24, 1877 - No 376
Transcribed by Nancy Wardlow Kennedy
Thomas E Devault, Guardian of Martha S Riley of McNairy County, Tenn VS William T Lilly, John Lilly; Daniel Harris and wife Elizabeth; Freeman Wolverton & wife Nancy; Almira J Lilly of McNairy County.
Thomas E Devault was appointed guardian for Martha S Riley, a minor child of James Riley, dec’d. On March 1, 1874, R M Thompson executed a note to Thomas E Devault as guardian of Martha S Riley for $558.32. Thomas H Lilly was his security. On January 29, 1876, Devault obtained a judgement for said note against R M Thompson and his security T H Lilly. R M Thompson has no personal property to be found and the burden falls on T H Lilly. There was no reason given for the loan, if personal loan or if he purchased land or other items from estate. T H Lilly departed this life in 1877, (before September 24) leaving surviving him his widow Almira J Lilly; T W Lilly, John Lilly, David Harris and wife Elizabeth, Freeman Wolverton and wife Nancy L, his only heirs. Prior to his death T H Lilly made and published his last will and W T Lilly was appointed executor of the estate. Thomas H Lilly was the owner of two tracts of land: 200 acres of land and 14 acres. Dated Sept 24, 1877 The defendants answer: T E Devault was not appointed guardian of Martha S Lilly as stated. The defendants know nothing about such note that T H Lilly signed as security for R M Thompson. Defendants feel since Thompson was the principal he should be liable for the amount. Guardian Notice: First Monday in February 1874 before J G Gooch, chairman of County Court and W H D Maxedon and W J Massengill, associate justices, W D Jopling, sheriff and C
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Shull Clerk: “This day John Devault came into open court and tendered his resignation as guardian of Martha Susan Riley, which was received. There upon Thomas E Devault came forward and was appointed guardian and gave bond of $1,000 as required by law with W D Jopling and David McKenzie as securities.” S L Warren, is guardian for Sarah Lilly, minor on April 7, 1880. She is not mentioned as a defendant in the lawsuit. Thomas H Lilly could not sign his name. Poster: Land Sale: In pursuance of a decreetal order of the Chancery Court of McNairy County, Tenn, I will offer for sale to the highest bidder at the court house door in the town of Purdy on Saturday the 18th day of September, 1880: About 100 acres of land belonging to the estate of T H Lilly, deceased, lying on the waters of Lick Creek in the 11th civil District of McNairy County. The above lands will be sold on a credit of twelve months. Note and approved security required of purchaser and interest from day of sale. Robert E McKinney, Clerk and Master, Aug 12, 1880. Notice given in McNairy Independent Aug 12, 1880.
There was in this file a Circuit Court Case W H Carothers use of Andrew McKenzie Vs
R M Thompson, T H Lilly and W T Lilly. Judgement was for complainant. March 18, 1880.
Thompson owed $517.13
It is unknown if any money was recovered. R M Thompson left McNairy County. The
reason for the loan by Devault to Thompson was not disclosed.
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MCNAIRY COUNTY CHANCERY COURT
RICHARD HILL VS HARRIET HILL,
DIVORCE , CASE
1878 - NO 383
Transcribed by Nancy Wardlow Kennedy
Stated they married 1866 in McNairy County. Richard said he had been living in McNairy County now 2 years. (Must have left the county, I do not find them in 1870). They lived together until 1875 when Harriet willfully and maliciously abandoned complainant. Divorce granted 1 st Monday in April 1878
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OBEDIAH FARRIS VS R W CAFFEY
MCNAIRY, TENNESSEE, CHANCERY COURT
1869 - No 385.5
Estate of Lina Farris Chambers Caffey
Transcribed by Nancy Wardlow Kennedy
To the Honorable Geo H. Nixon Chancellor presiding at Purdy Tenn for the county of McNairy:
The bill of complaint of Obediah Farris, Nicy Wardlow, Mahala Elam and her husband Jesse C Elam, S P Farris, H C Farris, F P Farris, J R Horn and wife Lucretia L Horn, Wm Forsythe and wife Lina Ann, all residents of McNairy Count y, Tennessee except, H C Farris and J R Horn and wife who are residents of Hardin County Tenn and Wm Forsythe and wife Lina Ann, who are residents of the State of Mississippi Against R W Caffey, McNairy County Tenn and the then miner children of Caroline and Gov Jones dec'd, who reside in the State of Arkansas and whose names are unknown.
Complainants respectfully present to Your Honor that John Chambers departed this life in McNairy County, State o f Tennessee, intestate in the year 1856 leaving Lina Chambers his widow and Henry Clay Chambers his infant son and sole heir at law. (Infant son, does not always mean a baby, but a person under 21 years of age.) The said Henry Clay Chambers also departed this life intestate ins aid county in May or June 1863 without a wife or issue, leaving the said Lina Chambers, his mother, as his only heir at law. (That he died in McNairy County, may not be right. He may have died in the Civil War.) The said Lina Chambers, after the death of her first husband John Chambers, intermarried with defendant R W Caffey , and on or about the 10 day of April 1875, she also departed this life intestate, without issue , leaving her brothers and sisters and their issue as her heirs at law: Obediah Farris, Nicey Wardlow, Mahala Elam Commadore Farris, dec’d, heirs: S P Farris, H C Farris , F P Farris and Lucretia L Horn Caroline, who married Gov Jones, dec’d, heir: Lina Ann Forsythe Complainants further state that the said John Chambers, possessed real estate lying in McNairy County, which descended to his infant son H C Chambers which also, upon his death descended to his mother, the said L ina. Complainants further state that soon after the late war, some time in 1865 or 1866, defendant R W Caffey was appointed administrator of said H C Chambers dec'd and afterwards , at the November term of the county court o f McNairy County, 1866, he resigned the administration and David and John Horn were appointed in his stead as administrators of the said H C Chambers dec'd; and on the 27th day o f April 1867, the said David Horn and John Horn administrators filed t heir bill in Chancery Court at Purdy against the said R W Caffey and wife Lina, (stating) that the personal estate of their intestate, had been exhausted in the payment of
46
debts. That there was yet debts remaining due and unpaid against said estate to the amount of $3, 327.95 and praying for the sale of the lands of said estate, or (pay the debts). At the Oct 1867 term, said Chancery Court, said lands were to be sold for payment of debts and on the 14th day of December 1867 and on the 27th day of Feb 1868, said lands was sold by the Clerk and Master of said Chancery Court , being 11 small tract s - coming to the aggregate about 2, 395 acres of valuable land. All of which land , except the widow's dowry, was sold by said proceedings, purchased by the said R W Caf fey and at almost nominal prices, no one bidding for the same but him. Complainants, here refer to the original bill and ----- - in said cause o f David and John Horn, administrators vs R W Caffey and wife Lina, and to the ---- papers filed therein, for a description of said lands; and complts further state that since said sale of said Clerk & Master, defendant Caffey has, as they are informed, sold or contracted various -- -- of said lands to the other defendants. viz: 205 1/2 acre tract referred to is the result of sale of lot No 2 of the Swansen lands to defendant Charles Burns; 200 acre tract referred as Pinkney Wardlow tract to defendant Eddy Cobb; 200 acre tract referred as Silas Littlejohn tract referred to an defendant Elisha Palmer 125 acre tract referred as west side of Lot no 1, Swansen lands to defendant Alex Irwin Said defendants in possession of said tracts claiming them as their own lands under said purchases. Said Caffey may have sold or bargained other of said lands, since his said purchases, but if so complainants are not now aware of it . Said Caffey and those claiming under him --- - - and occupied the lands so purchased by said Caffey, ever since said sale was made by the Clerk & Master as aforesaid. Said sale was reported to the Court of the Clerk & Master and confirmed at the October term 1868; but no title has ever bee n ----- by the Chancery Court, in pursuance of said sale. At least Complainants can find no evidence of such ---- - title and they charge here has been none. Complainants charge that said sale by the Clerk & Master as aforesaid was void and communicated no title to purchaser R W Caffey, for the following reasons among others, viz: 1 - The said bill of said Administrators not --- t h e exhaustion of the personal assets in the payment of just and bona fide debts again st their instate. 2. - Said bill does not show the existence of any bonafide debt against said intestate. 3. - There was no appearance or answer in said cause by or on be half of said defendant Lina Caffey to whom said land belonged. And she was not represented by counsel nor was there any --- or order taking s aid bill for - --- against her. 4. - There was no proof what ever showing the exhaustion of personal assets in payment of bonafide debts or the existence of bonafide debts against said estate and the report upon which the --- for sale w s based, was wholly insufficient to ------ order the sale of said lands. 5. - There was ---- and found, as Complainants charge upon the part of said Caffey with the parties claiming demands against said estate, to have said lands sold for the satisfaction of false in---- and fictitious claims to enable Caffey to purchase the lands at -- nominal prices and thereby change the title from his wife to himself and ------ . They charge that said H C Chambers was not extrusively ( ? ) indebted at the time of his death, that he had arrived at lawful age within a short time previously, not over twelve months as
47
they --------- and that if any liabilities existed against him at all, they were for ----, o r based upon ---- many transactions which should not have been paid in full - of which was well known to defendant Caffey and they charge that he has never paid the purchase money bid by him for said land, but on the contrary he has brought up false and fictitious claims against the estate at large and ----------- and by collusion with said administrators, proceed credits in his purchases --- by mean s of such false fictitious claims. And Complainants charge upon their information and belief that not $500.00 of valid and bona fide debts existed against said H C Chambers' estate at his death and that his (estate) was fully sufficient to have paid his just debts. Complainants further change that the said Lina Caffey, possessed also a tract of land in McNairy County, from 80 to 100 acres, upon which she with her said husband, resided at the time of her death and upon which Defendant Caffey has since resided and now resides. Said land is a part of the land which was allotted her as (dowery) out of t he estate of her first husband, John Chambers. Complainants, give a definite description of said land and they call upon Defendant Caffey to file a definite description of same with his answer hereto. Complainants charge that said land is the property of the said heirs of Lina Caffey and that they are entitled to have the same sold of partition and that said Caffey is liable to them for the rents of said land for the years 1875 - 1 878." The lands sold (mentioned above) on December 14, 1867 were: 1. 170 acres to R W Caffey for $229.90, paid $15.00 a n d a 12 month note for $214.90 2. 200 acres to R W Caffey for $400.00, paid $15.00 a n d a 12 month note for $385.00 3. 205.5 ac to R W Caffey - $901.20, paid $20.00 a n d a 12 month note for $883.10 Surety was Jesse Elam and H T Emmons The lands sold on Feb 27, 1868 were: 4. 200 acres to R W Caffey for $370.00, 12 month note, surety Pinkney Wardlow 5. 140 acres to R W Caffey for $242.00, 12 month note, surety Pinkney Wardlow 6. 140 acres to R W Caffey for $217.30, 12 month note, surety Pinkney Wardlow 7. 146 acres to R W Caffey for $197.90, 12 month note, surety Pinkney Wardlow 8. 125 acres to R W Caffey for $875.00, 12 month note, surety Pinkney Wardlow (The lawsuit above, charges that R. W. Caffey never paid his notes to the estate.)
List of claims that have been presented against the estate of H C Chambers, dec'd:
L. J. Wiley 2.00 R C Houston 55.00
| P. H . Braden 44.64, | G W Pratt 38.75 | L A Canon ? 318.00 |
| James Wardlow 50.00 | H. T. Emmons 165.00 | John Richards 150.00 |
| C T Swayers 50.19 | F. H Sanders 81.63 | David North 60.00 |
| Pinkney Wardlow 250.00 | J. L. Britton 8.00 | Reed Phil lips 21.00 |
| Calvin Shull 151.00 | Joseph Walker 5.00 | A T Emmons 6.00 |
| James Chambers 60.00 | M S Crow 40.00 | M ----- 30.00 |
| John Kerby 25.50 | J L W Boatman 35.00 | W m Lea 75.00 |
| R W Caffey 947.00 | Lina Caffey 210.00 | Bell & Wisdom 45.84 |
John A Truley-- 2 mares 1 mule 502.50.
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State vs Circuit Court cost 38.2 5, Before Justice of Peace cost 13.65
Total 3,478. 95 dated July 1866
The case was settled and dismissed March 2, 1880.
Transcriber’s Note: Charles Burns, that purchased 205.5 acres, had a granddaughter named Minnie Burns, that was my grandmother. Obediah Farris, the complainant in this lawsuit (brother of Lina Caffey) had a grandson named J E Bolding, that was my grandfather. J E Bolding and Minnie Burns were married about 1911 in McNairy County and lived most of their life, about 1 mile north of the land. All of the 205.5 acres belonged to the Burns descendants until about 1950. Some of it still belonged to descendants as late as 1996. This land was about 1.5 miles south of Gravel Hill on the Old No Five Highway, and about 2.5 miles west of New Hope Community were Lina and R W Caffey lived.
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EMILY L J PARRISH VS GEORGE S PARRISH
MCNAIRY COUNTY CHANCERY COURT
Sept 1878 No #397
Divorce
Emily J L Cheatham and George S Parrish married Dec 25, 1867 in McNairy County. They have four children: Columbus L age 8 last February, Thomas O aged 7 last November, Edgar O aged 3 last May and Maggie May age 1 years old August 11, 1878. Emily says for the past several months the husband has been abusing her, hitting, kicking and beating her and threatening to throw her and the children out of the house, even threatening to kill her. George denies that for the past several months his conduct towards her has been of such outrageous character and has abused her. He says her father and family have influenced her to leave him. In April 1880 the case was dismissed by Emily.
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MCNAIRY COUNTY, TENN CHANCERY COURT
M M CRISP VS N L THOMAS
Docket 406, date 1878
transcribed by Nancy Wardlow Kennedy
Indebtedness
M M Crisp a resident of McNairy county
vs
Nathan L Thomas, a resident of Texas and R W Caffey and N A Erwin of McNairy Co, Tenn
Crisp states that Nathan L Thomas is justly indebted to complainant as follows: Board of self in the years 1878– and ---- 16 months at $7 per month, total $112. For board and attendance to wife in her last illness 187– for 10 mo at $25 a month, total $250 Board for Mrs Bowers and 4 children – months, $75 Board of Mrs Wardlow and child for 2 months, $20. Amount subject to credit of $100, balance due $357. N L Thomas had sold his property and was to move to Texas when his wife afflicted with cancer was unable to travel. Complainant came to the Crisp home and asked for lodging until the wife was able to travel. They remained there ten months when she died and he continued to live there another six months after her death. At the time of Mrs Thomas’ sickness, her two daughters Mrs Bowers and Mrs Wardlow visited with her and remained for some time.. N L Thomas has now moved to Texas. Complainant states Thomas owns a note of R W Caffey for $800 due Nov 1878 and note is now in the hands of N A Erwin Jr for collection. Crisp feels R W Caffey should pay him the money due first. Filed Feb 3, 1879 Depositions on Sept 5, 1879: L H C Prather stated N L Thomas paid the doctor bills and Mrs Thomas died about the close of 1876. “The old man had sold out and had no home of his own. The old man said he was going to keep the old lady then till she got better or died, was not going to move her. The girls was there on a visit. I understood the old man said he was going to have them come.” Mrs Bowers and Mrs Wardlow lived in Texas. Mr Crisp was a son-in-law of Mr Thomas having married one of his daughters. R W Caffey, age 49. When Mr Thomas was to leave the county he left his notes with Mr Caffey for collection. Mr Thomas moved to McNairy County about 1868 or 1869. Caffey paid $100 to Thomas once to defry the cost of Mrs Bowers and Mrs Wardlow. Caffey states he heard the rumor that Thomas was in good shape because of collections due him and that Crisp stated that ‘Mr Thomas had moved to Texas where his other children lived and they would get his property and that was the reason why he put in the claim.’ When Thomas started to Texas he
50
came to my house with John Moore (or Moon) and left his notes with me to collect for him. Caffey owed Thomas a note and so did John Moore and two or three more. N A Erwin, Jr, age 30: Thomas paid for and purchased three hogs, pork, from Erwin in 1876 and he delivered it to the Crisp smoke house. Clem Lee, age 29, heard Crisp say he did not think Mr Thomas had done him right in taking all of his things away and not giving his wife anything as he had all the trouble of taking care of the old lady. Arch Olive, age 61: Stated Mr Crisp built a house upon Mr Thomas’ land in 1869, apparently it was paid for by Crisp. Olive stated William Rogers put the building up and he finished it. John Bowers, age 50: Crisp was a farmer and works at the saddle trade. The separate answer of N L Thomas to the original attachment was made Feb 3, 1879. He denies emphatically that he owes complainant the amount set forth in said bill or any part thereof. He never heard of any claim against him by Crisp until the filing of this bill. That he settled up everything that he owed before he left for Texas. Respondent emphatically denies that he is indebted to complainant for board of himself in the year 187– for 16 months at $7 per month. He emphatically denies he owes $250 for board and attention to wife for ten months. He denies his liability for Mrs Bowers and four children, Mrs Bowers the sister of complainant’s wife and Mrs Wardlow stay for two month, $20. He denies any indebtedness to complainant but on the contrary said Crisp is largely indebted to him and has been for a long time for supplies and — for himself and family. Thomas states Crisp never has taken care of his family is a trifling drunken man. Said itemizied amounts are filed ‘Exhibit A.’ May 27, 1879. M M Crisp owes to N L Thomas Aug 12, 1866 marriage license 6.00
| 1868 | 3 months board, Crisp and wife | 42.00 |
| 1869 | 3 month board, colored hand | 24.00 |
| 1870-71 | shop rent, 2 years $2 per mo | 24.00 |
| 1872 | paid Wm Rogers to build Crisp house | 30.00 |
| 1874 | Loan Money in Memphis | 7.00 |
| 1875 | Cash loan | 20.00 |
| 1876 | Cash loan | 5.00 |
| 1876 | 140 pounds flour | 45.60 |
coffee & sugar 15.00
573 lbs pork 35.91
298 lbs pork 20.86
42 lbs bacon 4.20
100 lbs beef 5.00
| 1877 | note on Dr Huggins | 80.00 |
| 1877 | note on Ellick Hurst | 15.00 |
| 1877 | Judgement on Kiaser | 8.50 |
| Nov 21 | cash paid to F H Sanders & Bro | 6.00 |
molasses 30 gal 15.00
total 433.07
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Signed by N L Thomas March 24, 1879 in Tarrant Texas Depositions taken in McNairy County on Sept 9, 1879 in front of W H Stone, JP: Amanda Conner, age 49 years old: Mrs Thomas lived at the Crisp home for a good while. She had cancer and required attention. Amanda didn’t miss many days when Mrs Thomas was sick. Mrs Crisp waited upon Mrs Thomas and Amanda did Mrs Crisp’s work. Board for Mrs Thomas should be worth $100 per month. Mrs Bowers was there five months and Mrs Wardlow most of the time Mrs Thomas was sick. Mr Thomas had request them to come. Mr and Mrs Thomas had a single daughter at the time and she stayed all the time of her mother’s sickness, only a few days at the time she would go over to Mrs Elders. Signed Amanda Connor. M N Olive, age 59 said she had been neighbor to them since 1861. Not sure if Crisp or Thomas. She thought $50 a month would be a reasonable charge. Those in the household: Mrs Thomas, her husband, a single daughter Emma, Mrs Bowers and four children, Mrs Wardlow and one child. She states Mrs Bowers and Mrs Wardlow came from Arkansas and stayed 5-6 months. The smell from Mrs Thomas’ cancer was very offensive. Signed M N Olive Mary Watson, age 47: was asked to nurse Mrs Thomas for awhile but didn’t think Mr Thomas would pay. She also states Mrs Bowers and Mrs Wardlow came from Arkansas. Mary could not sign her name. Winnie Gibson, age 50: Thought $50 a month for nursing Mrs Thomas was adequate. She head Mrs Thomas say she wanted Mrs Crisp paid for her trouble. Winnie Gibson could not sign her name. Eliza J Bowers, age 45 years: Also thought $50 per month was adequate for taking care of Mrs Thomas. Eliza could not sign her name. In the file shows a note date Feb 3, 1879 of M M Crisp to N L Thomas & others for $250. N L Thomas died before April 7, 1880, as his death was suggested in court. Judge Geo Nixon, chancellor ruled on October 8, 1880 in a law suit M M Crisp vs N A Erwin, Jr, administrator of N L Nixon estate. It was agreed that Crisp would receive in full settlement of all claims he has against the estate of said Thomas, the sum of $300, out of the funds now attached and in the hands of R E McKinney. Defendants to pay the costs of the suit plus the attorney fees and any funds left to be paid to the administration of said Thomas estate.
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MARY M SCOTT VS T WASH SCOTT
McNairy County, Tennessee, Chancery Court
Sept 4, 1878 - No 410
Transcribed by Nancy Wardlow Kennedy
Divorce and Land Dispute
Mary M Scott, a resident of McNairy County, Tennessee: Complainant
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VS T W Scott, Jesse Jones, D A Hill & Z T Tate, Residents of said State and citizens of said county.
Humbly complainant would respectfully represent unto your Honor that she intermarried with the defendant T W Scott in said (county) about the month of November 1865, and that they lived together as husband and wife until about the month of September, 1872, when they separated and lived separate until sometime in the year 1877 when they came together in the manner hereinafter explained. Complainant would further show that the — of their first separation was that defendant repeatedly abused her by cussing her and violently taking hold of and shaking her and threatening her and offend her such indigent and inhuman and cruel treatments as to render her condition intolerable and unsafe for her to be under his control and dominion. Complainant further charges that about the month of October 1873, defendant willfully and maliciously abandoned her and adulterously with one Martha Wicker and left the county, and as complainant is informed went to Corinth, Mississippi when he married said Martha Wicker from which place they went to the State of Texas, where they lived together as husband and wife until some time in the year1876, he returned to the County of McNairy and proposed to complainant that he was penitent of his conduct and promised her that if she would go with him to the State of Texas (where he had procured her a home) that he would abandon the said Martha Wicker and that complainant as a dutiful husband and also threatened that if she did not comply with his desire that he would take their child, a daughter from her and take her to Texas, then she should never see her again and complainant believing that he would carry out his threat consented and did go with him to the State of Texas, as she preferred to submit to any thing rather than have her child taken from (her.) Complainant would further show that said defendant Scott fled from Texas to avoid prosecution for bigamy and that he is now in the penitentiary in the State of Florida upon a — for the offense of horse stealing as will appear from a certified transcript of the record from said state which will be shown upon the hearing of the cause. Complainant would further show that at the time of their separation they were residing upon and occupying as a homestead a certain lot in the village of Adamsville, known as the Brick House Lot. That complainant after their separation continued to occupy the same as a homestead until she was forced to temporarily leave it for the purpose of teaching school in a different neighborhood to support herself and child, but retained one room in which she kept her furniture with the intention of returning to occupying the same. Complainant would further show that on the — day of 187— one Z T Tate executed to one Jesse Jones a deed to said lot but by what authority complainant is not advised as she is informed and believes that there is no record of any deed of transfer of said lot to said Tate by said T W Scott or anyone else to said Tate, no has she ever joined in any sale or conveyance of said lot to anyone and she further informed that said Jones disclaims any title to said house and lot. Complainant further shows that one S A Hill is now in possession of said house and lot, but complainant charges that he is there without title . The complainant prays that said T W Scott, Jesse Jones, Z T Tate and D A Hill be made parties, defendants, that publication be made as to the non resident. And copy bill and — issue
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resident defendants, and that they be required to answer and upon the hearing of this cause that the bonds of matrimony between complainant and T W Scott be dissolved and for nothing held, and that the custody of said child be decreed to her; and that said house and lot, the sum not exceeding in value one thousand dollars, be decreed to her as a homestead and for such other and different relief as to your Honor shall – right and equitable and in ...... Signed Mary M Scott, Sept 4, 1878. Witness John Wolverton, JP. In the part of the case against Z T Tate, Jesse Jones and D A Hill: Z T Tate testifies that on December 12, 1871, T Wash Scott transferred a town lot of land in the town of Adamsville, McNairy county, Tenn, known as the brick house lot to Z T Tate and his wife Mary. (Z T Tate was a brother-in-law of Mary M Scott, having married her sister Frances Cox. Frances died in 1869 and he married Mary Mitchell.) T Wash Scott told Tate he had debt and if land was put up and sold for his debts it would not pay them out, but he could get someone to hold his land for him and let him sell it, he could pay off his debts and have a house left. Tate paid him nothing. Scott wanted him to hold it for him as a homestead in case he lost all his other property. It was a service only. T W Scott told Tate he owed some debts in Savannah, Tenn, he was a stock holder in a woolen or cotton factory but he had not paid up his stock. “That was the year he built the house. In the first part of the year he was living in the house with Mr Abernathy while they were building the house. Don’t know if this was before or after the title was made.” The Scotts moved into the home when it was finished. The title was later transferred to Jesse Jones and then transfered to D A Hill. T B Cox, brother of Mary Cox Hill, stated T W Scott had wanted to transfer the title to him but he did not want to do so. He also stated that Mary Scott received rent from the place between 1871 and 1875. She occupied one room where she kept her furniture stored. Mrs Jennie Freeling wife of Dr Freeling stated they lived in the house in Nov or Dec 1873 to Jan 1875. Mr and Mrs Scott occupied the house first, then Jasper Jones, Tom Woolverton, Mr Williams a short time in 1872, then Dr and Mrs Freeling, Mr Rowsey Mr Holeman and Mr Hill. Most of this time Mrs Scott stayed with her brother T B Cox. Upstairs in a small room was a lot of old books boxed up that belong to Mr Scott and congressional material and agricultural reports. Mary Scott testifies that T W Scott came back to McNairy County in 1875 and wanted to live with Mary at the homestead. (They made a new title to Jessie Jones by Z T and Mary Tate January 25, 1876, which both W Wash Scott and Mary M Scott signed as approved.) Scott left the property with her in October 1876 and went back to Texas. He came back to get her and the child and stated if she didn’t go with him he would take the child from her. He then sold the property to Mr Hill and apparently she thought he was only holding the property as Z T Tate had done for them. She did not realize she was signing her rights way to the property. Mr Hill took possession of the property in Dec 1876. She stated she did not recover the benefits of the rents until Scott abandoned it in 1874. While in Texas, in the city of Round Rock, Williamson County, Texas, Scott made a title to Mary Scott for a house and lot and 640 acres in Burnett or Lampassas County. She stated she had to pay it out which she did so by selling things out of her house. She does not state what happened to the house when she left Texas. The 640 acres of land was investigated and no account. Mary stayed about one year.
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D A Hill, age 55, states he made a contract with Wash Scott and Jesse Jones was present. He paid $1,000 for the property - it was all to be paid in trade, no money at all: A wagon, 2 mules, 36 gallons of apple brandy, a deed to Mrs Scott to a house and lot in Corinth valued at $300, two gold watches - a gentleman’s watch and a ladies watch, a small lot in Adamsville. T Wash and Mary Scott left for Texas within two weeks after the sale . Mrs Scott returned to Adamsville in about 12 months. D A Hill and Terry Cox, brother of Mary, made a trade for the property. Cox was to trade him a piece of land adjoining Hill, which was a part of Anderson Cox old farm, which Mary Scott had sold to Terry Cox and he had sold to Whitesides, (Terry Cox’s father-in-law.) Whitesides would not make a deed to the property, said he was going to keep that for Terry’s children. So there was no trade. Somewhere along through all this the property has been sold to Jesse Jones and he had given notes for it but had not paid anything because he was hard up. Tate had sold Jones the land with permission of the Scotts.. The title to Jessie Jones, dated January 25, 1876 described the property as: Situated in the village of Adamsville, described as follows: Beginning at a stone cor (corner) on the south side of the main road or street and west edge of fifth street, the north east cor of brick house block, runs south about 40 poles to a stake; thence west about 50 poles to a stake on east line of C Carrell tract; thence north 40 poles to the old stage road; thence east 50 poles to the beginning cor, including the brick house block or property. Punctuation added. October 11, 1879 Honorable Geo H Nixon, Chancellor: It is therefore ordered and decreed by the court that the bonds of matrimony between said partners be dissolved and the defendant to pay cost. Office of Adjutant-General, Tallahassee, Fla, 17 July, 1878: To C Shull, Esq Clerk, McNairy county Court: Inclosed please find a certified copy of the State of florida vs George W Scott, conviction and sentence - of the court of Polk county of Fla. The law make it the duty of the Adjutant to supervise the state convict, therefore I am the legal — office to send you this certified copy - Scott acknowledges that his name to be T W Scott in place of George W, as in the indictment Very Respectfully: J J Dickison, Adjt, General, State of Florida.
The state of Florida }
vs } Larceny
George W Scott }
On calling this case, defendant was brought to the bar, was arraigned, pleaded guilty and threw himself upon the mercy of the court. Sentence: that the defendant, George W Scott be imprisoned by confinement in the State Penitentiary at hard labor for two years. This is to rectify that the above is a line copy of the order of the court in the above case on file in my office. Witness J J Dickison, Adjutant General of the State of Florida, this the eighteenth day of July A. D. eighteen hundred and seventy eight. Signed J J Dickison, Adjut General, State of Florida. On the 6th day of April 1881: the court is of the opinion that the complainant Mary M Scott has filed to open the allegations in her bill so far as she seeks to recover of D A Hill the lot or tract
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of land described in the pleading and exhibits. It is therefore decreed by the court that her said bill be dismissed so far as it seeks to recover from D A Hill the lot of land known as the brick house, situated in the town of Adamsville, Tennessee. (In several sentences, with many words unreadable, Mary lost and has to pay court cost..) Complainant prays an appeal to the next session of the Supreme Court to be held in Jackson, Tenn, which is allowed upon complainant filing an appeal bond within 30 days. In reading this case, I am not trying to take sides, but apparently T Wash Scott never appeared at any of the hearings because he was in prison in Florida. So therefore, we only heard one side and there are always two sides. Since harsh treatment or abandonment was the only reasons for divorce in the 1870, it is logical Mary would say she was abused. Hopefully a man as talented as Scott we hope he was not the sort to abuse his women. However he did elope with Martha Wicker. It seems all the men were supportive of T Wash Scott. However there were some untruths told. Mary stated Scott executed a title to Z T Tate, however both T W and Mary signed the title. Mary stated she only received rents form the house after or during 1874 - her brother stated she received rents from 1871-1875. Mary also stated she never received a ladies gold watch from D A Hill but he saw her wearing one.
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MCNAIRY COUNTY, TENNESSEE, CHANCERY COURT
B. K. SMITH, ETALS VS JOHN B. SMITH, ETALS
May 187 - No 411
Transcribed by Nancy Wardlow Kennedy
John B Smith departed this life intestate in the county of McNairy about the month of March 1859, leaving him surviving: 1. Mary C, his widow and relect, who has since intermarried with the said ---- Roberts and living in Texas. T J Roberts if listed later as the husband of M C Roberts 2. Julius F Smith who has since died leaving Martha F his widow who has since intermarried Thomas Latta, and Julius F(born ca 1862) and Matilda C Smith (born ca 1864) his only heirs at law, living in McNairy Co., 3. Mary J Smith who has since intermarried with B. K. Smith, living in Texas 4. Elizabeth F Smith who has intermarried with M L Flerhel, living in Texas 5. Samuel A Smith, living in Texas 6. Alvie E Smith, living in Texas 7. John B Smith, living in Texas 8. Preston B Smith, living in Texas 9. Annie E P Smith, living in Texas, later married J P Douglas John B Smith, Preston B Smith and Anna E Smith are minors and also Matilda C Smith and Julius F Smith, children of Julius F Smith are minors and have no regular guardian I n this state.
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At the time of his death John B Smith owned several tracts of land:
1. 400 acres in McNairy Co, beginning at the SE corner of John Chamber entry 173
2. 200 acres in McNairy Co
3. 99.2 acres in McNairy Co.
4. 160 acres in McNairy Co, mentions Robert Stubblefield, Wm Donnel Sr boundary
5. 13 acres in McNairy County, mentions William Donnel Dr and Joseph Donnel boundary
6. 75 acres in Hardin Co, Tenn. Mentions Joseph Cunningham boundary
7. 200 acres in Hardin Co, Tenn. Mentions G W Walker boundary
The land in McNairy county was sold on Jan 8, 1880 and in Hardin County, Tn
on Jan 9, 1880:
1. 99 acres sold to J. M. Simpkins for $133.65
2. 100 acres sold for $365.00 to John Ross
3. 100 acres sold for $130.00 to J. W. Ross
4. 82 acres sold to J.. H. Stutts for $389.50
5. 81 acres sold to R. W. Caffey for $222.75
6. 100 acres sold to G J Coln for $400.00
7. 100 acres to James wardlow for $475.00
8. 200 acres sold to James Wardlow for $400.00
The land in Hardin County was sold at Hamburg on Jan 9, 1880. C Kendrick purchased for
$206.24
All heirs except the children of Julius F Smith have removed to the State of Texas
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N C RIGGS VS W T LILLY
McNairy County, Tennessee Chancery Court
May 10, 1879 - No 417
Transcribed by Nancy Wardlow Kennedy
N C Riggs, Andrew McKenzie and W H Carothers, citizen of McNairy County VS Wm T Lilly, John Lilly, David Harris and wife Elizabeth, Freeman Wolverton and wife Nancy, Alvina Lilly the widow and heirs at law of T H Lilly, dec’d and Thomas E Devault, guardian of (Martha S Riley) all citizens McNairy County.
R M Thompson executed a promissory note to W H Carothers with Thomas H Lilly as his security for $477.77, due the March 1, 1874, dated Nov 17, 1873. Judgement for $400.63 was rendered Dec 20, 1875. There is no personal property to be found to levy against R M Thompson.
Thomas H Lilly departed this life in McNairy County Jan 23, 1876.
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Thomas E Devault, guardian of Martha S Riley, had filed a bill against the heirs of Thomas H Lilly (376) in 1877. On Feb 6, 1880, W T Lilly, age 29, state Riggs, McKenzie & Carothers had filed a levy on 100 acres of land while his father was alive. It was carried to Chancery Court and Judgement was against R M Thompson and W T Lilly. 59 acres was sold at fifty cents an acre to help satisfy the judgement. W T Lilly thought R M Thompson would pay the judgment since it was his note and T H Lilly was only the security. Thomas E Devault tried to settle their part for $400 but Lilly could not get the money. Do no know if the complainants in this case got their money. This case if full of notes and judgements, etc. My note: R M Thompson, left the county.
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D R HOOKER VS H H HOOKER
MCNAIRY COUNTY, TENNESSEE CHANCERY COURT
1879 - No 421
Transcribed by Nancy Wardlow Kennedy
See also Chancery Court Case 311
D R Hooker vs H H Hooker, of Texas and S L Warren, of McNairy County.
Complainant states on Feb 4, 1873 he purchased from Harrison H Hooker 100 acres of land for $1,300.00, with note payment due Dec 25, 1875. D R Hooker took possession of the land and greatly improved the land by clearing and fencing. This tract of land was part of the 300 acres Harrison H Hooker at purchased from his father, Samuel B Hooker, in 1869. Harrison Hooker still owed a balance of $2,100.00 on the 300 acres. A J Hooker and other heirs of Samuel B Hooker filed a lawsuit in Chancery Court Mar 2, 1874 stating the 300 acre purchase was obtained by undue influence and fraud, which Harrison H Hooker denied. This agreement for the land was rescinded because D R Hooker couldn’t make payment. D R Hooker was charged any rents and wasn’t repaid for the improvements. They just ‘struck off even.’ Harrison H Hooker then sold the 300 acres to W F Moore and S L Warren on Aug 12, 1876. Apparently Harrison Hooker rescinded the agreement with D R Hooker and made the sale to Moore and Warren without contacting D R Hooker personally. From the best I can read this Warren got a judgement against D R Hooker for the $1,300, he thought had been settled between him and H H Hooker. This was very hard to read, with a lot of details not covered in this transcription. It is hard to if the land was sold to Warren and Moore by Harrison Hooker or by the heirs of Samuel B Hooker. It was also hard to understand why D R Hooker was sued to pay the $1,300 when the agreement was rescinded. This Harrison H Hooker is the son of Samuel B Hooker, deceased ca August 1869. D R Hooker is David R Hooker, son of James Nathan Hooker. In Chancery Court Case 311, it states D R Hooker and H H Hooker are second cousins.
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JOHN DAMERON VS J M DAMERON
MCNAIRY COUNTY TENNESSEE CHANCERY COURT
1880 - #440
Transcribed by Nancy Wardlow Kennedy
Concerning the estate of James Dameron
See also Chancery Court Case 189
James Dameron died in the year 1861. He owned a tract of land containing 557 acres, which he received on a grant from the State of Tennessee. 275 acres assigned to Narcissa Dameron as dower. Narcissa was the last wife and widow, married about 1853, John T, Judia Alice and Martha J are her children. This law suit, apparently was filed to sell the land and divide the money. There was another lawsuit filed in 1869 and lasted for several years. Apparently this was to settle the estate, after all that said and done. Complainants: 1. Children of Eliza (Elizabeth) Michie formerly Elizabeth Dameron, deceased: R W Michie Jr D D Michie Thomas R Michie, live in Texas Ephriam Michie, a minor Mausel Kendrick and wife Fannie, formerly Fannie Michie, live in Mississippi 2. Children of Celia Dameron and P H Michie, both deceased: Frank Farris and wife Sarah, formerly Sarah Michie George Moore and wife Josephine, formerly Josephine Michie 3. Lina Donnel, widow of L Donnel, deceased, formerly Lina Dameron, resident of Arkansas 4. Children of Rebecca Atkins, deceased, formerly Rebecca Dameron, and Ephriam D Atkins, all in the State of Texas: James Atkins, George Atkins, Napolean, Joseph, Rebecca, Robert, Isreal 5. J M Dameron, residing in Texas 6. Frances Wilburn, deceased, formerly Frances Dameron, and William Wilburn All in Texas, Sarah, John, James and two minor children, names unknown 7. J R Dameron, deceased, heirs unknown 8. Mary Pettigrew, deceased, formerly Mary Dameron and G J Pettigrew In Texas, Celia and Sallie and others, names unknown 9 John T Dameron, mother Narcissa, maybe residing Hardin Co, Tenn 10 E G Greer and wife Martha Jane formerly Martha Jane Dameron, mother Narcissa, maybe residing in Hardin Co. 11 Nat Britton and wife Juda A, formerly Juda A Dameron of Hardin Co. Tenn, mother Narcissa. Juda died before Oct 1881 and had one child George Britton. <<<<<<>>>>>> James Dameron had given his heirs, out of his estate, before and after his death:
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I show this to show marriages, etc and shows 11 children
R W Michie and Eliza 331.50 + 976.94
P N Michie and Celia 525.25
K D Donnel and Lina 292.20
E D L Atkins and Rebecca 312.20+ 571.83
J M Dameron 581.40 + 1717.13
William Wilburn and Frances 1306.10
J R Dameron -0-
Joseph -0-
John T -0-
Judia Alice -0-
Martha J -0-
<<<<<<>>>>>>
Narcissa was awarded 275 acres, a widow’s dower, but apparently she had to give
it up when she married G W Turner. The land was sold as follows:
Lot 1 - 1781/2 acres to G W Turner for $160.00
Lot 1 - 61 acres to G W Turner for $131.pp
Lot 3 - 60 5/8 acres to David Cunningham for $180.00
Lot 4 - 77 acres to S P Farris $340.00
Lot 5 - 104 acres to J H Stutts $150.00
Lot 6 - 110 3/4 acres tp S E Perkins $300.00
Lot 7 - 100 acres tp G W Burks and S E Perkins
Lot 8 - 100 acres to G W Burks
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JAMES HAYNES ETAL VS
JOHN W WALKER, ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF H T B SPIER
McNairy County, Tennessee Chancery Court
1880 - 443
Transcribed by Nancy Wardlow Kennedy
James Haynes etal vs John W Walker, Administrator of the estate of H T B Spier "Bill of Complainant of James Haynes , a citizen of McNairy County, Tennessee, Zimri S. Haynes, Abi Haynes and Robert Haynes, all residents of the State of Georgia and W T Haynes and Wm Howell and wife Sophia formerly Sophia Haynes, residents of the state of Georgia VS John W Walker, Administrator of H T B Spier , dec'd and Eliza Spier, Ann Spier, John Spier, Charles Spier, Laura Spier, all residents of McNairy County, Tenn, the said Charles and Laura Spier being minor without --- guardian, James Spier, a resident of the State of Texas, Charles Tate and his wife Mollie Tate, formerly Mollie Spier, residents of the state of Arkansas, Wesley Richardson
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and his wife Fannie, firmly Fannie Spier, residents of the state of Mississippi and George Fields and Elizabeth Fields, formerly Elizabeth Spier, residents of Madison Co, Tn. Complainants respectfully represent to your Honor that they and Marcus Haynes and Richard Haynes, now deceased, are all the heirs of Martha M Haynes, dec'd, who died intestate about the year 1863. She was a daughter of James Tate, who died intestate in McNairy County in 1865 or 1866." T A Pittman and H T B Spier was appointed administrations of the said James Tate, Feb 1866. The case goes on to say the estate of James Tate was between $10,000 and $20,000 and that Martha M Tate Haynes share of $2,226.13 had never been fully paid. Tate had railroad stock and the Martha Haynes heirs were accusing H T B Spier of fraud concerning the stock. H T B Spier died in 1878. The wife of H T B Spier in this document is called Eliza. She was Sarah Elizabeth Tate Spier. The disposition of John Davis was taken at the office of Dr W R Ramer in Chewalla, McNairy County, Tennessee on July 29, 1881. Apparently there was some question that James Haynes owned Dr Spier and Spier had not settled fully with Haynes on the Tate estate. Question: Please examine the memorandum or account presented to you and state of you know of any other items therein stated being sold or furnished by Mr. Haynes to Dr Spier in his lifetime - and which ones - state fully as you can remember. Answer: I know he got the ox but don't know he agreed to give for it. I know he got some corn but don't know how much. He got some pork but I don't know who much. Jim/James Spier( son of Dr Spier) had a child to die and got me to go to James Haynes and get a coffin made. Dr Spier gave me an order to get the goods to bury the child and I have forgotten whether he gave me order to Haynes for the coffin or not, (some in here I could not read). Haynes swapped him a good wagon for an old one. Dr Speir's family told me they got the chairs from Mr. Haynes, don't know what price. I was going to kill a beef and sent word by my little boy to Dr Spier that I would let him have a quarter if he wanted it. He sent word that he had bought a beef from Mr Haynes but hadn't got it and would like to borrow a quarter until Mr. Haynes killed his. (There was quite a bit of discussion about if James Haynes got credit on his account for the coffin) Question: State specifically how you know of the delivery of each item. Answer: I saw the ox in his (Speir’s) possession. I saw the Speir boys in Haynes' crib shelling the corn and saw their taking it ou but don't know if it was for Dr Spier. I didn't see the pork, but Dr Spier told me he got it from Haynes. I saw him make the doors. John Davis stated that he was 61 years of age and an attorney at law. He was the attorney for the M & O Railroad and he handled the transaction of the sale of stock that James Tate had owned. Sarah Elizabeth Spiers was 66 years old at her disposition September 1882. She stated the James Haynes had paid on his doctor bill by: a quarter of beef, a 1,000 lb shoat, made a door and window sash, 6 chairs, swapped wagons, two bushels of corn and a bell. G. W. Fields and his wife lived at Ramer Station, sometimes called Ramer Switch, at the time of the disposition. He stated the day before Dr Spier died, Spiers came by his house at Ramer to give his wife medicine, and to pay his tax to Bob Hicks. Enos Tate lived ½ mile west of Dr Spiers. Field’s wife was a daughter of Dr. Speir.
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According to James T. Spier, age 34, Dr Spier, on the day of his death, was not sick, ate his breakfast, directed the boys to go to Ramer after some seed oats he had bought the days before and dropped dead. In the final decree, April 1886, James Haynes was ordered to pay $34.70 and his land notes for $250.00 and the lien against the land would be discharged. (James Haynes was the ancestor of Nancy Wardlow Kennedy on her father’s side.)
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H C GOOCH VS E E WARREN
MCNAIRY COUNTY, TENNESSEE, CHANCERY COURT
Filed June 13, 1881 No 464
Transcribed by Nancy Wardlow Kennedy
This law suit was Henry Clay Gooch against his mother-in-law Mrs. Edie E Warren over two lots and a hotel business in Falcon. It is amazing to read these law suits sometimes, you might call this “he says - she says.” He says he paid most of the expenses and is entitled to more than ½ interest when they went out of the hotel business. The lawsuit is to petition the court to sell the property as it cannot be divided. He says because she was about 53 years old she was too old and dotage to do much or take care of the business. (This was in 1881 and Mrs Warren didn’t die until 1918, she was 90 years old. But even in 1881 days, unless in ill health, most 53 year old women were still very active at that age and many with small children. I think Mrs Warren was a strong willed woman and her son-in-law was just as strong willed. Although the acuzations were never ugly it seems Mrs Warren was a little more kinder. I hope this did not split the family because H C Gooch married Mrs Warren’s only daughter. This case drug out in court for 4-5 years. H C Gooch eventually moved from Falcon to Selmer and purchased another hotel that graced the town of Selmer for half a century. From the notes of H G Ammons, grandson of H C Gooch, “The Gooch Hotel was built by Sid Jeanes in 1890 soon after the corner stone at the new Court House was laid in 1891. Mrs. Curry was first to live there and run the hotel - she came to Selmer from Old Purdy, having kept a hotel there. Mr. Ike Dickey was Postmaster next door and he bought the property. It was remolded and red-decorated and after living there leased the property to H. C. Gooch Later the property was bought by W A Gooch, then sold to H C and Florence Gooch. They moved from Cypress Avenue in 1903 and lived there until 1913. Mrs Gooch’s health failed and she moved to Court Avenue where she lived until 1918 when she passed away. Mrs. Lizzie Gooch Ammons moved to the hotel as hostess for her father and when he died in 1925 she bought the property. She lived there kept the hotel for more than 40 years. She kept the traditional Gooch Hotel which was known far and near for good clean bed and wonderful home cooked meals.”
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August 1882, H C Gooch age 32 says he moved to Falcon December 24, 1876 and was engaged in the hotel business at Falcon, Tenn from the 24th day of December 1876 to the last day of October 1880. Was overseer of the building of the hotel and ran the busioness. He states that when he married Florence lock, daughter of Mrs Warren, she wanted them to live with her or by her. “Mrs Warren proposed to me and my wife that if we would sign our righ away to her and Dick (?), to the home place, upon which she lived before she went to Falcon which congtained 365 acres of land, that she would make my wife a deed to the tract of land said to conain 192 acres which I was cultivating, that she intended to give it to her anyhow. The deed shows that my wife’s father was the owner of the land - Daniel Lock.
On June 26, 1878 H C Gooch purchased one half interest of land in the Town of Falcon. Jess king lived on Mrs Warren’s place Arguments in the case: 1. If H C Gooch and his wife moved in with Mrs Warren and took care of her, all the property would go to them at her death. 2. That Mrs Warren built the boarding house or hotel with her funds, while Gooch contends it was with mutual funds and he was overseer of the building and managed the business.. 3. Duties were Gooch to collect from all regular customers and Mrs Warren to collect from “drummies” and transient customers. 4. Who owned the land that H C Gooch farmed in what is southwest of the Sulphur Springs area now. Mrs Warren claimed her husband Daniel Locke left her a life time dowery of the land and any rent proceeds went to her.
Names mentioned in this lawsuit and various notes:
R Young
J M Byrum & Son of Corinth for wallpaper
L C roten - 2700 feet of lumber for 33.75
W A Gooch - 2200 feet lumber for 22.00
J M King built the hotel for $183.00
J C Taylor for shingles 21.40
L Carmen and George Carmen built 4 chimneys with 5,000 bricks for 52.50
S B Wise built hen house, shed and privy for 10.50
John McDougal and Bill Burkett dug the well for 10.00
W B Smith painted the house for 48.00
Others mentioned Dan King, Dock Nethery, Thomas Simpson, Jesse Gooch, James Roten, J L
Smith — Bizzell, W E Tedford, Alfred McCullar, Josiah Jeanes, W a Gooch, W H StoneYoung
and Smith built a hot house (apparently to grow vegetables)
Insurance on building from David Horn & Compnay
Boarders from 1878 to 1880:
A L Sanders 1878-1880 W E Adkins 1877 E C Guden ?
J F Young Gllespie, Levi Gushen
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| Dick Wise | McNatt | J M Nelson |
| Albert Adams | L H Dabbs | J D Null |
| Dock Nethery | J F Williams | J F Young |
| McDougal & Burkett | W J Horn | Mr Smith and Lady |
| W B Smith | Frank Holman | John Johnes |
| Duke King | Isaac Mendal | Henry King |
| Math King | C A Smith | J M King |
| J L Smith | K W Person | Wesley Simpson |
| J M Nelson | Dr Bradly & Lady | J P Peck |
| M T Shull | Mrs Wm Smaples | J M Nelson |
| W C Rosson | S B Wise | J Jeanes |
| L H C Prather | Fred Smith | Mr Fastman (not spelled right) |
| J L Smith | Wm Mccullur | Robert Barnhill |
| Frank McCullar | John Coleman | J G Jones |
| W S Reynolds | J L Smith & Harris | John Burnes |
W E Tedford
Fred Sepherd & family P J Huggins F P Browder
J M King & Bizzell J A Roberson W H Wood
Harris Pro Owens Wm Bounds?
Rev Kennedy Isaac Mendall
Mrs Warren had a sale of her farm property in 1877 Wood shingles cost 4-5 per thousand. They are hand shaved. Jess King furnished about 2600. 10,000 feet of lumber used at 1.00 per 100 feet Cotton sold at gin at 10 cents per pound. Frank Locke, son of Mrs Warren, stated the Gooches and Mrs Warren lived on the farm but they would moved to Falcon and open a boarding house and the Gooches would take care of her. Mrs Warren wanted to move from the country to Falcon and go into business but would not move unless Florence, her daughter went with her. John bird drove a wagon when they moved. John Bird was 46 and lived on Mrs Warrens land. H C and Florence Gooch lived on the Daniel Lock land known as the Bill Lock land. David Horn was 67 in the year 1882 Depositions July 19, 1882. J F Williams age 32 W L Carmen, age 58 was a blacksmith G D J Kirk age 26 J N Jeanes 49 J M Nelson 41 J J Horn L C Roten age 44 Green Sessin age 29 James M Nelson, age 41 1883: Isham Knight about 50 Frank Locke 24
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Other notes to build the hotel:
miss 5, 78.94? windows 12.91
Lumber 104.95 Lumber 124.07
Labor J M King 183.00 Taxes 40.15
J C Taylor for shingles 21.40 Smith & Overtson chimney 22.50
Bricks, 5000 for 30.00 10 barrels lime/build chimney 16.00
Paint white lead 42.75 42 gal linseed oil 21.60
Stable and garden, flower hot house 17.25 Garden work 10.00
Sills for hotel, post for fencing 17.00 Fence around hotel 22.00
Diggin two cellars 20.00
Hauling brick and sand L M Lock 8.50
Set out cedars in yard
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MARY F. A. CROW VS GABERAL S CROW
McNairy County, Tennessee, Chancery Court
No 474 - 1881 petition for divorce
Transcribed by Nancy Wardlow Kennedy
Mary F A Crow a resident citizen of McNairy County, Tenn, Complainant
VS
Gaberal S Crow, whose residence is unknown, Defendant
The Complainant and Defendant were married in McNairy County, Tenn on the 13th day of March, 1881 and they have resided in said county and lived together as man and wife until about July 12, 1881 when defendant willfully and maliciously abandoned complainant without any just or reasonable cause that she knows of. Complainant states during the time they lived together she was a kind, loving and dutiful wife. She states he has repeatedly threatened and abused her with great violence and vulgariety, calling her a – lean bitch, stumpet and other degrading names and about July 9, 1881 he threatened to whip her. She attempted to make her escape when he sprang at her and caught her and kicked her but she did escape. She states that she is in the family way and has no means of support. She states Mr Crow has an annual income of about $750 which he receives quarterly from Great Briton. He owns land, about 52 acres, in the 15th Civil District, about three miles north of the Village of Adamsville, McNairy County, Tenn. Land borders John Hooker on Winding Ridge Road. 15 acres was purchased from John Hooker and 37 acres my part of the Theopilis Hamm place on which is a dwelling. (My note: reads like the 37 acres was an inheritance of Mrs
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Mary Crow, since she says, ‘my part.’) 15 acres is cleared and rented to a Mr Thomas Copeland on the 3/4, crop would be worth about 40-50 dollars. Mr Crow owns one cow and calf, a log of other cattle, a lot of sheep, a lot of hogs, one mare, two saddles and bridles, four bed- stead bed and bed clothing, one lounge bed and clothing, one calender clock and one spring clock, one set of bed and one set and one set lounge springs, one fine sc----, one bureau, one cook stove, one pair irons, a lot of table ware, a lot of cooking utensils, a center table one carpet, two sets of chairs, one dining table and other house hold furniture. Complainant is informed the defendant, through some agent, will dispose of all property and she will not be able to support herself and her legitimate off-spring. She asks for two years and if defendant does not come back, then the marriage to be dissolved. She prays for support until that time. Signed by Mary F A Crowe on Sept 24, 1881. Mary could sign her name On April 11, 1883, Mary F A Crowe, send statement to her attorney, Mr Pace: ‘my husband Mr G S Crowe, having returned from California and now living with me on friendly terms, I have to request you will take the necessary steps to have the divorce suit against him, now pending in court, dismissed. The name is spelled Crow and Crowe in this document.
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JOHN W LAWSON VS THOMAS LAWSON
PETITION TO SELL LAND
MCNAIRY COUNTY, TENNESSEE, CHANCERY COURT
1881 No 475
Transcribed by Nancy Wardlow Kennedy
This abstract includes:
John W Lawson vs Thomas Lawson # 475
L. C. Roten, friend of Robert Lawson, minor vs John W Lawson, # 479
Both abstracts are the same as I used both files to make one abstract.
James Lawson died intestate in McNairy County, State of Tennessee on or about the 5th day of October 1880 leaving surviving him defendant Malissa J. Lawson his widow and relect who was his second wife and children: Children by first wife: 1. John W. Lawson; 2. James K. P. Lawson; 3. Thomas M Lawson;
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4. Sarah Browder formerly Sarah Lawson and his husband Isham Browder; 5. Nancy Cooper formerly Nancy Lawson and her husband Walter W Cooper; 6. Elvira McCoy formerly Elvia Lawson and her husband Richard J W McCoy; 7. Jane Leath, heir at law of Rachel Leath who is now dead, formerly Rachel Lawson and her surviving husband David Leath; 8. Jefferson Jones, Mollie Jones, John Jones, Lina Fisher and her husband John H. Fisher, Sarah Dancer formerly Sarah Jones and her husband B. F Dancer, heirs at law of Louhania Jones formerly Louhania Lawson and her husband, both of whom are now dead;
9. Robert Lawson his only child by his said second wife, all of whom are his legal and only heirs. James Lawson and Malissa J Goforth were married in McNairy County on the 30th day of July 1872. She was the widow of a former husband and at the time of said marriage the mother of defendants J. W. T Goforth, W. R. Goforth, John T Goforth and Julias Lee Goforth. Apparently they had a rocky marriage, for the lawsuit states they were separated about a year but had reconciled at his death. Before his second marriage, James Lawson made a contact with his intended wife, then Melissa J. Goforth, by which each was to retain the real and personal property they separately owned and at the death of either, the property owned by the deceased was to go to the lawful children thereof. Any profits after the marriage would be held on common between them. This marriage contract was signed July 30, 1872 and filed at the McNairy County Register’s Office. At his death James Lawson owned several tracts of land, about 600 acres of valuable lands in one body lying in the 6th civil district of McNairy County on Oxford Creek, bounded on the north by Josiah Jean and Isham Browder on the west by John M Fisher and J. W. Prather and on the south by James Mitchell and A M Anderson and on the east by Thomas Prather and W S Stewart. Also 1,582.48 personal property. John W Lawson was appointed administrator of the estate with J. K. P. Lawson and Isham Browder as sureties. Robert Lawson, is a minor, seven years old, and L. C Roten was appointed guardian. Grandchildren, Mollie Jones, John Jones and Jane Leath are minors and have no guardians in McNairy County. Apparently, the heirs from the first marriage believe the widow, which is the second wife, should not receive an homestead or dower rights because of the marriage. Melissa J Goforth Lawson and son Robert moved to Texas. This case went on to the State Supreme Court in April 1884 which sent it back to the county. November 11, 1880 . A list of property not joint belonging to the estate of James Lawson, deceased was about $333.85. There was a separate list but this list was also included in the total list. The best it could be figured, the total sale was $1,006.20 and 718.88 of that was acquired during the marriage between James and Melissa. Therefore she received 1/3 of $718.88
An inventory of the sale of the property of James Lawson Deceased.
A C Chenault - one set of gears 1.35; set of gears 1.15;
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A H Deaver - one--.55 A J Mccullar - four chairs .70 A M Mitchell - bushel corn 1.50; A M Rindehart - 5 bushel corn 10.75; Andrew Forsyth - one sugar bowl and molasses stand .40; one set crockery .90; B P Ray - 1 lot white wool3.20; four choats 10.75; shot gun 1.70; Table cloth 1.15; plank 1.00; C H Hill - one pair of st—.50; C M Jeans - 10 bushes corn 21.20; C T Moore - oat cutter.30; David Brown - lard and stands .70; lot pot vessels .35; spinning wheel 2.50; skillet & kettle .35; David Yokely - large shovel 1.00; spade 1.10; Elizabeth Jones - sad iron .30; one pan & spoon .60; 4 ½ yards of jeans 4.00; table cloths 1.60; Elvira McCoy - one loom 3.00; Enoch Foy - dishes.65; sheets and slips .55;; five bed quilts 3.50; two bed blankets 2.75; Ephriam ---- 5 bushel corn 10.00; F A Barnes - sythce blade .25: George Browder - 2 hogs 2nd choice 20.25; one bedstead & quilt 2.00; seven tumblers and salt sellers .40; H L Peck - two sheets 1.00; safe 4.70; 1 bed quilt 1.50; lot of dishes 60; cooking stove 15.50; feather and straw bed 13.35; 2 buckets 2 pans & dipper .65; Jacob Alexander - one milch cow 6.50; J T Jeans - 5 bushel corn 10.50; one lot of soap 4.50; J K P Lawson - 4 doz doz chickens 11.14; dry cow for 12.05 and potato patch 3.50;2 hogs 3rd choice 17.75; Lawson one heifer 8.75; one white sow 8.75; one hog 5.40; lamp .40; yoke of oxen 69.00; mare mule 20.40; 4 wagon wheels 10.00; bed quilt 3.85; measure .25; one blanket 2.15; J H Reeder - one lot seed cotton 51.75; J E Furgerson - one lot hay 10.50; J W Lawson - plow 4.00; gate hinges .50; gun 3.00; table 1.15; bed quilts7.40; blankets 4.10; James Mitchell - four chairs 1.50; one table .10; shovel .80; towel and table cloths .45; Joshua Mitchell - bed & straw tick 1.20; sheets/towels .90; sack of peaches 1.85; quilt 3.65; J W Blasingame - lot black wool .15; one table cloth .25; one tray & sifter .70; one colt 56.75; J. W. Prather - stand .60; one clock 1.05; bucket and coffee pot .20; lot of dishes .55; water bucket and pot .20; fine shovel .25; two books .45; J W Suggs - 1 bed quilt 2.00; 1 bed quilt 2.80; two kettles .50; 2 lard stands .300; one lot of f lower 4.20; one lot chatels .30; J J Williams - bucket .50 J L Fowlkes - side harrow 2.25; one cow and calf 16.50; J S Lawson – can’t read 3.20 John M Fisher - 1 lot black wool 6.24; two hogs, 1st choice 20.25; one sausage mill .80; side saddle and bridle 11.00; safe 5.25; John Ray - bear hook 1.00; John Winn - harrow 1.10; large kettle 3.50; two jars and pitcher 1.10; ble of salts 1.65;
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John McHughes - bucket .40; bakets .35; John McCoy - one lot of plows .50; John Taylor - one wagon 3.25; L Fisher - blanket 1.75; one bed blanket 1.75; Mrs. M. J. Lawson - Quilt 1.95; quilt 3.70; quilt 3.95; blanket 1.65 coffee mill and sugar .25; bible .75; bottle of drugs .30; bed, pillows and sheets 16.65; quilt 3.00; feather and straw beds 13.35; 1 quilt and 1 blanket 1.60; blanket 1.65; quilt 3.20; Nancy Cooper - five cups and plates .55; one table .15;one bureau .15 Nelson Merrell - Grind rock .50; N S Hudgespeth - 10 bushel corn 21.50; Peter McCullar - one gray horse 50.00; Pinkney Brooks - one black sow 7.00; 4 slips and sheets .70; lot of dishes .30; safe 2.00; balances . 25; two buckets and strawners .60; pr of cards .30; one lot onions .60; R J W McCoy - one ax 1.15; one heifer 6.50; one quilt 2.75; lot of plows 1.95; one lot of pork 3.10; Bbl m seed ? .10; one lot of cotton .45; two pitchers .30; R A Morgan - bed stead 2.50; R T Sweat - bed stead 2.70; R H Garrett - 10 bushel corn 21.37; S S Roberson - 2 hogs 4th choice 17.25; T M Lawson - one black sow 4.00; 2 yearlings 5.50; dry hides; moving sythe 1.50; one lot of geese 5.60; slay and pitcher .30; sorrell mare 92.00; lot of bbls .15; man’s saddle 2.80; one side saddle .80; Thomas Bassham - saw .30; four hoes 2.10; W H stone - one lot fodder 2.25; can and 2 bbls .15; W J Williams - 5 bushel corn 10.55; W M Cooper - shovel plow & stock 1.05; one lot of corn and sack .80; set of gears .80; spinning wheel 1.75; sorrell horse 57.00; W J William - plow tools 2.00; William Calaway - five bushel corn 12.00; J W Suggs - one lot fodder 6.30; Notes due: T M Lawson 24.00; David Brown 180.00; J W Prather 25.00; T M Lawson 12/75; W M Cooper 5.00; J M & J H Fisher 20.46; J K P Lawson 15.00; J M Nelson 140.90; E Foys 28.03; S Thomas & R Steadman 31.95; G D J Kirk and B F McAlpin 22.05
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STATE OF TENNESSEE VS JAMES H MITCHELL AND OTHERS
MCNAIRY COUNTY CHANCERY COURT
Sept 30, 1881 - # 477
Transcribed by Nancy Wardlow Kennedy
State of Tennessee vs James H Mitchell, James E Mitchell, Petser, Miller, J H Smith, J H Moore, W W Massey, J A Maness, W N Maness, J W Rowland, G W Hill, John H Reeder, John H Reeder Jr, J C reeder, W A Reeder, James A Reeder, Martha Williamson, J L Wisdom, James L Huggins, C C Neill, J H Farris in his own right as Administrator of John L Farris, dec’d, Alexander Farris, Franklin Farris, William Farris, Malinda Farris, Fannie Farris, Rufus Tuton and his wife, Bettie Farris, Dick Leath and his wife Mary Ann Farris, all residents of McNairy County, Tennessee, except Alexander Farris who resides in the state of Texas and John L Wisdom who resides in Madison County, Tenn.
March 11, 1881, shows record of judgement in the Circuit court of McNairy County against C Shull, principal and John Aldridge and defendants J H Mitchell, J H Reeder and J H Farris, adm of J L Farris dec’d, securities for the sum of $4,099.56. Said judgement was for State monies due from said C Shull as clerk of the County Court of McNairy County and the said Aldridge, Mitchell, Reeder and J L Farris, together with one J R Holmes, being securities upon his official bond as said clerk. Apparently, Calvin Shull skipped out with monies that belonged to the office of County Clerk. Those listed in the judgements are the faithful ones that signed his bond the last time he was elected. In reading the file, apparently some of the bondsmen tried to prepare for this lawsuit and have their assets transferred to someone else or indebtedness too high to for the State to collect.
Judgement for $1,248.22 - March 1880
Judgement for $333.46 Nov 16, 1878
Judgement for $273.82 March 1879 & 1889
J H MITCHELL CASES No 1: Mitchell owes the estate of Petser Miller $150 due Nov 1, 1880. Miller was a resident of Hardeman County. No 2: Was endebted to Martin Finley for $500. J L Wisdom was security on note No 3: About six years ago borrowed $600 from Mrs Mary B Shull and J R Holmes was his security. J R Holmes became insolvent and left the state No 4: Concerning George T Smith and brother J H Smith and $200 concerning the estate of Bennett Smith. No 5: Feb 1871 J H Moore owed a balance of $360 on 138 acres to the estate of E C Hurst. David Hurst was administrator. No : Concerning J H Smith No 7: 1879 contracted with W W Massey for the sale of 142 acres No 8: J A Maness(?) For 130 acres in the winter of 1879 or 1880.
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No 9: Sold his son J E Mitchell 80 acres of land in 1880.
No 10: J H Mitchell sold to W N and Louisa C Maness 78 acres of land for $371.43, paying $180 and making a note for the balance. Louisa Maness has a minor son name A C Russom. Signed W N Maness, L C Maness, security P P Maness and G D Maness. No 11: Sold land to J W Roland on Feb 5, 1878 land for $750. Rowland says he has paid his note to Mitchell. Note due Dec 25, 1878 for $50. Note due Dec 25, 1879 for $100 and note due Dec 25, 1880 for $100. No 12 : Sold a tract of land in Adamsville to G W Hill in Feb 1878. Wiley Baucum was security.
***************************************************************************. J H REEDER CASES No 1: J H Reeder: Made deed to his son J C Reed for 63 acres. He is the father of several grown sons and daughters. Some land was sold for $600 and $200 was paid and $400 was made payable to his other children. Mentions Ciscero Jeanes and J S Ramer. No 2: J H Reeder sold Martha Williamson 100 acres of land for $1,000 on Dec 25, 1878. 40 acres he bought from Philip Hamm and 60 acres from James Boatman. She paid the purchase price and was given possession of the land and title dated October 18, 1878, Martha Williamson is now dead. No 3. Land sold in 1868 or 1868 by John J McCoy to J H Reeder for 222 acres for $500. Purchase price was paid and the deed was dated Dec 20, 1870 and deed is in file. John J McCoy could not write his name. Mary McCoy is wife of John J McCoy. J H Reeder sold this land to Colman C Neill that W S Wisdom has conveyed to McCoy, on Jan 1, 1871. No 4: W A Reeder, J H Reeder and James A Reeder concerning a tract of land of 123 acres. This has not been paid and due July 1881. No 5: J L Huggins of 38 acres of land. Respondent borrowed $1,000 from Huggins on June 2, 1880 and gave him the title to this land. He paid $300 on Jan 1, 1881 leaving $700 with interest is still due. He had to borrow the money to pay Josiah Jeans and jack Ray and also to pay a security debt of Cicero Jeans to the state.
****************************************************************************** Complainant states J H Reeder conveyed all of his land subject to debt : 1. To his son J H Reeder, 63 acres in the 6th district. Book O page 467. 2. To Martha Williamson, 100 acres for $500 which has been paid. Book O page 468. 3. To C C Neill, 220 acres for $500 which has been paid. Book O page 466. 4. To W A Reeder, J H Reeder Jr and James Reeder 123 acres for $800 paid and $1200 a gift. Book 0 page 454. 5. To J L Huggins, 38 acres, one sorrel horse 11 years old, 1 sorrel mare 2 yrs old, one Durham bull, one cow and calf, four yearlings, one champion reaper, one ox wagon, one buggy, all household furniture, except that is exempt by law and the rents from his growing crop, for $1,000 due to Huggins on Jan 1, 1880. Complainant charges that all said conveyances of J H Reeder are fradulent.
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***************************************************************************** Complainant states that J H Mitchell acknowledges nine different conveyances conveying all the property he owns on the same day. 1. To Petson Miller, 80 acres of land in McNairy County with note from Miller for $150. Trust Book D page 267 2. To J L Wisdom, 50 ½ acres alledged to be due from Mitchell on Feb 1878. Book D pg 279 3. To Mary B Shull, 10 calves, one year old and past, 3 milk cows, one gray horse, one mule 17 years old, one brown horse mule 6 years old, one clay-bank mare 4 year old, one clay- bank horse 3 years old, one bay mare 14 years old, a sucking calf, one year old colt, two yoke of oxen, one ox wagon, one buggy, one champion mower, the sum of $700 alledged borrowed due Feb 1880. Trust Book D page 266. 4. To J H Smith 170 acres for $400 paid. Deed Book O page 472. 5. To J H Moore 133 acres for $368.7- paid. Deed Book ) page 472. 6. To J H smith – acres of land, for $250 paid. Deed Book O pg 474. 7. To W W Massey 142 acres for $500, with $100 each January until paid. Book O page 475. 8. To J A Maness 130-150 acres for $700. To be paid in 100 pounds of lint cotton each Nov 15th until paid. Book ) page 476. 9. To James E Mitchell, 80 acres for 4 notes of $250 each due each year beginning 1880. Book ) page 477. Not sure who this applies to 1, To W N Maness 188 acres for $767.76 due in yearly notes. Book O page 478 2. To J W Roland – acres for $250. Due beginning Dec 1878. Book ) page 479. 3. To G W hill a town lot in Adamsville for $150, due Dec 25 of each year beginning 1880. Book O page 480. Complainant charges that all the conveyances were made after judgement was rendered. ***************************************************************************** John L Farris, deceased, left surviving him the following heirs: J H Farris, Alexander Farris, Franklin Farris, William Farris, Malinda Farris, Fannie Farris, Bettie Farris Tuton, Margaret Farris Leath. William, Malinda and Fannie are minors under 21 years of age. Administrator is J H Farris. His personal property inventory was only $200. Notes and etc are insolvent. He owned 5 acres and 21 acres in the 15h district and 175 acres in the 15th district (Adamsville.) Dower or homestead has been assigned to the widow. J J Parish, W J Massengill R W Michie Sr, surveyor were appointed to assign to the said widow a homestead worth one thousand dollars in value, including the mansion house and improvements, and one/third in value of the remainder as dower. ****************************************************************************** Ordered at the October 1882 term of Court that on March 28, 1883 at courthouse door in Purdy will offer for sale the following tracts 1. 80 acres of land from J H Mitchell to Jas E Mitchell 2. 142 acres conveyed by J H Mitchell to W W Massey 3. 130-150 acres known as the John Smith land conveyd by J H Mitchell to I A Maness 4. 63 acres in the 6th district conveyed by J H Reeder to J C Reeder 5. 123 acres in 6th dist conveyed by J H Reeder to W A Reeder, J H Reeder, Jr and J A Reeder
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6. 38 ½ acres convyed by J H reeder to J L Huggins
7. All personal property conveyed to J L Huggins (see above list.
Sold for: J A Pitts, attorney for the state high bidder
1. $350
2. $200
3. $200
4. $250
5. $500
6. $50
C H Oneal substitued as bidder for 1, 2, 3 for $1,000 for J H Mitchell
W A Reeder subsituted for 4, 5, 6 for $1,000
This was a very difficult case and the facts may have errors in transcribing and typing.
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L. C. ROTEN, FRIEND OF ROBERT LAWSON, MINOR VS JOHN W LAWSON
MCNAIRY COUNTY, TENNESSEE, CHANCERY COURT
1881 No 479
Transcribed by Nancy Wardlow Kennedy
This abstract includes:
John W Lawson vs Thomas Lawson # 475
L. C. Roten, friend of Robert Lawson, minor vs John W Lawson, # 479
Both abstracts are the same as I used both files to make one abstract.
James Lawson died intestate in McNairy County, State of Tennessee on or about the 5th day of October 1880 leaving surviving him defendant Malissa J. Lawson his widow and relect who was his second wife and children: Children by first wife: 1. John W. Lawson; 2. James K. P. Lawson; 3. Thomas M Lawson; 4. Sarah Browder formerly Sarah Lawson and his husband Isham Browder; 5. Nancy Cooper formerly Nancy Lawson and her husband Walter W Cooper; 6. Elvira McCoy formerly Elvia Lawson and her husband Richard J W McCoy; 7. Jane Leath, heir at law of Rachel Leath who is now dead, formerly Rachel Lawson and her surviving husband David Leath; 8. Jefferson Jones, Mollie Jones, John Jones, Lina Fisher and her husband John H. Fisher, Sarah Dancer formerly Sarah Jones and her husband B. F Dancer, heirs at law of Louhania Jones formerly Louhania Lawson and her husband, both of whom are now dead;
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9. Robert Lawson his only child by his said second wife, all of whom are his legal and only heirs. James Lawson and Malissa J Goforth were married in McNairy County on the 30th day of July 1872. She was the widow of a former husband and at the time of said marriage the mother of defendants J. W. T Goforth, W. R. Goforth, John T Goforth and Julias Lee Goforth. Apparently they had a rocky marriage, for the lawsuit states they were separated about a year but had reconciled at his death. Before his second marriage, James Lawson made a contact with his intended wife, then Melissa J. Goforth, by which each was to retain the real and personal property they separately owned and at the death of either, the property owned by the deceased was to go to the lawful children thereof. Any profits after the marriage would be held on common between them. This marriage contract was signed July 30, 1872 and filed at the McNairy County Register’s Office. At his death James Lawson owned several tracts of land, about 600 acres of valuable lands in one body lying in the 6th civil district of McNairy County on Oxford Creek, bounded on the north by Josiah Jean and Isham Browder on the west by John M Fisher and J. W. Prather and on the south by James Mitchell and A M Anderson and on the east by Thomas Prather and W S Stewart. Also 1,582.48 personal property. John W Lawson was appointed administrator of the estate with J. K. P. Lawson and Isham Browder as sureties. Robert Lawson, is a minor, seven years old, and L. C Roten was appointed guardian. Grandchildren, Mollie Jones, John Jones and Jane Leath are minors and have no guardians in McNairy County. Apparently, the heirs from the first marriage believe the widow, which is the second wife, should not receive an homestead or dower rights because of the marriage. Melissa J Goforth Lawson and son Robert moved to Texas. This case went on to the State Supreme Court in April 1884 which sent it back to the county. November 11, 1880 . A list of property not joint belonging to the estate of James Lawson, deceased was about $333.85. There was a separate list but this list was also included in the total list. The best it could be figured, the total sale was $1,006.20 and 718.88 of that was acquired during the marriage between James and Melissa. Therefore she received 1/3 of $718.88
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JAMES A BARNES VS SARAH SIPES, ETAL
MCNAIRY COUNTY, TENNESSEE, CHANCERY COURT
Date 1882 - No 507
Transcribed by Nancy Wardlow Kennedy
J A Barnes, complainant
Vs Sarah Sipes, Thomas Sipes and Ike Sipes, defendants.
J A Barnes states is the owner of 200 acres of land, survey being dated January 24, 1837.
The complainant states the land of Sarah Sipes is drained off by a ditch running in a northerly direction and empties into a ditch on a small, adjoining tract of land belonging to the defendants. That said ditch and stream has been running in same direction for over 20 years and causes flooding to his land at various times. The obstruction of said water is a nuisance and if continued will at every ordinary rainfall cause the water to flow back upon his land, creating stagnant pools and ponds and marshy acres that will greatly endanger the health of his family and destroy the peace and comforts of his home of which no compensation can be made in money. Complainant also charges that all of said defendants are wholly insolvent and that no dames could be made out of them. Complainant states the defendants are throwing brush in the ditch and filling it up. To which Sarah Sipes denied. The defendants state J A Barnes has occupied the land for a year or so, but as to whether he is the owner of said land by purchase or otherwise, the defendants do not know. The defendants deny that is now or ever has been a water course of stream of water running through either the Barnes land other than a small wet weather drain which is dry most of the year, but they do admit that there is a ditch running through complainants land and they state that it was put there some years ago when the place belonged to defendants Sarah Sipes’ mother for the purpose of carrying off the head water from a hollow that runs through complainants land and that said ditch discharges said head waters into said wet weather drain which runs for about six poles through defendant’s Sarah Sipes’ land. The defendants further deny throwing any trees or brush into head water. Several people testified: W S Plunk age 51, testified August 28, 1882. Plunk who sold the land to James Arter Barnes. The ditch has been there 20 years. Powell Sipes had it cut a long time ago to drain the water to the natural branch. The branch has been there always. In the winter and spring the ditch might overflow. Plunk states he thought brush and etc was thrown into the ditch to stop it up and if the ditch is stopped up the Barnes land would become a swamp. James Arter Barnes moved to the house on the land, last September. Plunk also states the Sipes are insolvent and they could not pay for damages. Before Jim Arter Barnes lived at the place, Powell Sipes and his family lived there in 1865 or 1866 and lived there until about two years ago. Charles Gage settled there before Powell Sipes lived there. Plunk did not remember when he moved there but stayed until he died and his family moved away during the war. The
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cause of Charlie Gage’s death? - He is supposed to have fell in the water with a fit and drowned. Charlie Gage lived there before the ditch was cut . Charlie Gage nor Powell Sipes lost any family by sickness before the ditch was cut. Powell Sipes, they said had some kind of a fever and the old lady died with old age (?). M P Henry, age 38 testified on the same date. Henry is a ditcher until last winter when he could not find work and now he farms. Miles Plunk, age 52 testified on the same date. E Q Ivey, age 21 testified on same date. N B Gamble, age 34 testified on Sept 2, 1882. Gamble has ditched his land from the line of Sallie Sipes to continue to carry off the head waters coming down through the hills through J A Barnes land. He opened out a ditch from the land that W S Wisdom sold to Powell Sipes. Sallie Sipes had a fence to try to keep her stock out of the ditch. In Gamble’s testimony it ask if he knew if T H Sipes, or Isaac Sipes cut dense timber and filled uip the old branch or whether or not Sallie Sipes, and Tom Sipes and Isaac Sipes or any other of the 18 to 20 children of Sallie Sipes has filled up the branch. Gamble was asked if he knew anything of a state prosecution against the Sipes boys and Dave Plunk for counterfeiting. Yes and Pleas Henry is the prosecuter and tend Mr J A Barnes land. Sarge Plunk sold the land to J A Barnes. Barnes and Plunk are not on friendly terms with Sallie Sipes and her boys. Signed Brown Gamble Sallie Sipes, age 49, also testified on Sept 2, 1882. Sallie Sipes could not sign her name. W C Sipes, age 24, son of Sallie Sipes testified on Sept 2, 1882.
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CORA THOMPSON VS A C MOORE
MCNAIRY COUNTY, TENNESSEE, CHANCERY COURT
1882 - No 518
Estate of William Carroll Moore
Transcribed by Nancy Wardlow Kennedy
Cora W Thompson, resident of Hardeman County, Tenn
VS
A C Moore; J R S Moore; L M Moore, all residents of McNairy County, Tenn
John W Russom; Eliza A Russom, residents of Texas
Amarintha and James Grant, Elzira and C Brown, residents of McNairy County, Tenn
Angeline and R Martin, residents of Texas
Selbinia & Roysdon Roberson; Mary A & E M Kinzy; Angeline & Henry Boderick; Martha C &
Peter Renfro, J D Fulkerson, P A Fulkerson, all of Missouri
William W Roberson, Cornelius Graham, E J Johnson, Residents of McNairy County, Tenn
William Johnson, resident of Arkansas
Fielding Bassham, Mary Bassham, minors, residents of McNairy County, Tenn
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R M Thompson, resident of Washington, DC
Dempsey W Moore, James Moore, James McCullar, Frances McCullar, residents of Arkansas
Elizabeth McCullar, William McCullar, Martha Kinzer, Bud Kinzer, Mary Moore, residents of
Arkansas
Please note, many names are misspelled in this document.
Complainant would respectfully submit that Wm Carroll Moore died intestate — day of 186–, leaving surviving him his brothers and sisters or their heirs, since he died without issue: C H Moore B P M oore J R S Moore A C Moore L M Moore Heirs of Mary Stiles: Emantha Stiles, who married James Grant (name spelled Amarintha) Elzima Stiles, who married Mr Brown Eliza, who married John M Russom Heirs of Adelaide Fulkerson: Selbania who married Roysdon Roberson J D Fulkerson P A Fulkerson Mary A, who married E M Kinzey Angeline, who married Henry Bodindick Martha C, who married Peter Renfro Angeline Martin who married R Martin
However: W S Moore (brother of William Carroll Moore, not listed in the heirs) died July 1662 and left surviving him his widow Mary E Moore, who has since intermarried with William Thompson, and the complainant, Cora W Moore. In 1879 or 1880, William Thompson adopted Cora Moore and her name was changed to Cora Thompson, in Hardeman County, Tenn. There is entered about 20 pages, on both sides, concerning the lands owned by William S Carroll, and who purchased, etc., which was like reading an encyclopedia and useless. The point of the lawsuit, which could have been stated in one page, was that she, Cora Moore Thompson, only heir of W S Moore (Wade Hampton Shelby Moore) was missed and received no money from the estate of W C Moore, her uncle, and she is entitled to 1/8 of the estate. It did state that Armenthia Grant was deceased. It was decreed that B P Moore, J R S Moore, W W Robenson, Cornelius Graham, and Hamilton Laughlin pay the court cost and $250.00 to Cora Moore Thompson.
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PRISCILLA WARDLOW VS HENRY WARDLOW
MCNAIRY COUNTY, TENNESSEE, CHANCERY COURT
1882 - No 521
Divorce
Transcribed by Nancy Wardlow Kennedy
Priscilla Williams and Henry Wardlow were married January 22, 1880 in McNairy County, Tenn and lived together until sometime in April 1880, when Henry Wardlow abandoned her without cause and refused to provide for her. He went to the State of Arkansas. Priscilla also states ‘he is reckless and a slave to alcohol.
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A J HOOKER vs T J SHARP & F C SANDERS
MCNAIRY COUNTY, TENNESSEE, CHANCERY COURT
1883 No 532
Transcribed by Nancy Wardlow Kennedy
A J Hooker, a citizen of McNairy County, Tennessee
Vs
T J Sharp, a citizen of McNairy County, Tennessee
F H Sanders, a citizen of Alcorn County, Mississippi
Hooker states he owns a tract of land seven miles north of Corint h Miss, part of which was owned since 1859. Acreage was not stated but the 1862 McNairy County Taxes show 501 acres. On July 4, 1865, he executed and delivered to F H Sanders a deed conveying the said land specifying 'in conside ration of $3,000 - but in truth and fact, there was no othe r consideration than a desire on the part of Hooker to protect the title to the said land against confiscation of the government of United States ' a measure then much ajitated and strongly advocated by many of the pople of the United State and non-seceeding states of the Union, as against those of the rebellious state, commonly known as the southern states or confederacy, who had served in the armies of the latter in the late war.” Hooker states the market value of the land is about $10,000 and years rents are $400. Apparently some of Hooker’s neighbors’s land was confiscated by the Government after the war and he was advised by Benjamin Sanders, the father of the defendant, F H Sanders, who was a very subtle, shrewd, crafty and (unknown word) man, to male a deed to F H Sanders for the purpose of protection against the Federal Government. The United States government would not confiscate any land, the title to which was in F H Sander’s name, because Sanders had sympathized all the time with the cause of the Union Army; but, the lands would be taken from
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Hooker very soon unless he made a conveyance to Sanders. Hooker did not trust Sanders but did not want to lose his land Later the complainant, Hooker, prepared a deed conveying the land from Sanders to Hooker and presented it to Sanders with a request that he execute it. Sanders remarked he was very busy and promised to execute it, but never did. F H Sanders and his brother M T Sanders had a store in Corinth called F H Sanders & Bro. They were the sons of Benjamin Sanders. Feb 20, 1882 this business failed, owing between 50-75 thousand d ollars. Being broke and destitute, F H Sanders sold the A J Hooker land to T J Sharp for $4,000, with $1950 paid in cash and a note for the balance. Notes were held by Sam Sharp and Robert Houston. Sharp then went to Hoo ker and demanded use of the land that he had purchased. Sharp was a young, stout, action man while Hooker was an old man 66 years old, and Sharp told him he would take possession of the land 'if he had to wade in blood up t o his arm pits to do it.' Hooker also accused of an agreement between T J Sharp and R W Caffey, justice of the peace for the district, th at any action would be in favor of Sharp and Hooker was given less than a week to show up at the Caffey hearing and not having enough time to secure an attorney. He also thought Robert Houston and Sam Sharp of being allies in this scheme. Says T J Sharp lived about 3/4 mile from Hooker and his land since the year 1857. Robert Houston lived about a mile since about 1840 or 1850 and Sam Sharp within 2 miles since 1857 until recently when he moved near the city of Cor nth, Miss. This location was in the now Guys area. Jack Hooker also states that his wife Nancy Jane never signed or acknowledged the original deed. She died Jun e 12, 1879. Apparently Hooker lost this lawsuit, as he left in the middle of the night and went to Arkansas.
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JOHN H REEDER vs ELIZA HILL
MCNAIRY COUNTY, TENNESSEE, CHANCERY COURT
Estate of James H Hill
1883 - #543
Transcribed by Nancy Wardlow Kennedy
Complainants would most respectfully show and represent unto your Honor that James H Hill died intestate in McNairy County on or about the - - day of 1876. That he left surviving him his widow, Eliza Hill, who has since intermarried with Brice Prather and is now a citizen of the State of Miss, and his children and heirs at law: (1) Charles Hill, a citizen of McNairy County
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(2) N J (Nancy Ann Jospehine) Hill who intermarried with R A Morgan, also citizen s of McNairy County (3) L J (Louisa Jane) Hill who intermarried with J L Armstrong, both of whom are deceased and they left surviving as their legal representatives, a daughter name believed to be Rebecca , (error) who intermarried with Robert Shields, a citizen of McNairy Co, Tenn and John Armstrong, also a citizen of McNairy County, both of whom are believed to be 21 year s of age . (Another document in this file has Rebecca marked out and Mate 'Matty' marked which is the correct name.) (4) Samuel Hill, a citizen of McNairy County (5) F E (Finus) Hill, a citizen of the State of Arkansas Dower was never assigned and Eliza, the widow, abandoned her right by remarrying and moving away. Complainant would state and show unto your Honor that at the December term of the County Court of McNairy County 18 76 , he was appointed and qualified as the Administrator of the said James H Hill, deceased. James H Hill owned 348 acres at the NW corner of Robert C Houston, East bounded by William Prather and W W Jeans land, conveyed to James Hi ll, Feb 12, 1853 by B B Adams
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MCNAIRY COUNTY, TENNESSEE CHANCERY COURT
W W MCCULLAR, ETALS VS J J HORN / C C SHAFNER
1884 No 577
ISAAC MCCULLAR ESTATE, DISPUTE
Transcribed by Nancy Wardlow Kennedy
David McCullar, Betsy Simmons, Martha Houston, the latter a citizen of Texas, Jackson McCuller, Mary Jane Hefley and W W McCuller vs J J Horn and C C Shafner. Isaac McCullar departed this life in McNairy County on the – day of September 1879, that he died without issue, leaving Missouri E McCullar his widow. Missouri McCullar and W W McCullar took the oath of administration of the estate on October 6, 1879 and the approximate value of his estate was $1,586.76 plus 178 acres. At the time of this court action being taken, L B Carter, Sr; L B Carter, Jr and J Sweat had outstanding notes. Missouri McCullar loaned J J Horn $430.00 on March 28, 1883 to purchase a house and lot in the town of Falcon, McNairy County, Tennessee. Missouri married Calvin C Shafner on April 14, 1883 and then she died January 1884. Isaac McCullar’s siblings say the estate belongs to them, including the money owed by J J Horn. In this case, it tells about cotton picking time and using baskets to pick the cotton. Apparently Missouri and her second husband didn’t agree on this. He wanted to buy baskets and she told him he should have made baskets. Half the cotton belonged to her, since it was on her land. The mare belonged to her and he wasn’t to ride it. She had built a nice new house, $375
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