McNairy County Looking Back 4 (part 2 of 2)

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might have made a mistake. Missouri was about 49 when she died. A J Powel, age 51, in 1884, testified that he wanted to marry Missouri but apparently they couldn’t come to terms on what each owned. She said no man would control the property of her first husband. He also stated “Yes, she agreed to marry me, but she did not tell me that she did not want to marry an old man.” Yet she paid $75 for C C Shafner, who had come from middle Tennessee, to get a divorce to marry her. She had to give instructions that she would not be responsible for his debts. (Maybe she made a mistake.) They were married about 10 months when she died. It did not state when she got sick, but W W McCullar stated that when she got sick, Shafner would give her the medicine but he didn’t do it right (maybe too much) so she said Martha Lipford would give it to her. He stayed in his room, drunk and mad, and would not see her much during the last. She told W W McCullar she was a little afraid of him, that maybe the medicine she was taking was not the right kind. She died 8-10 days after she told this. Mary Jane Hefley bought the 178 acres of land in October 1884 for $1,000.. The 178 acres had been given to Isaac McCullar by his father Alexander McCullar in August 1873. The siblings of Isaac McCullar received $142 each: Andrew Jackson McCullar, F H & Elizabeth ‘Betsy’ Simmons, David McCullar, Mary J Hefly, William W McCullar, Martha Houston who resided in Texas in 1884. (Note: Elizabeth ‘Betsy’ in 1884 is the wife of F H Simmons. Reflections state that Elizabeth married a Martindale and then a Cannon. The marriage book shows that an Elizabeth Hill married F H Simmons Jan 31, 1864. In 1880 a John C Hill is living with Frederick and Elizabeth Simmons. Mary Jane McCullar married P J Helfy William W McCullar married Mary Etta Murphy Isaac McCullar married Missouri Lipford David McCullar married Margaret Cagle Martha McCullar married Archibald Houston and moved to Texas Andrew Jackson McCullar married Adaline Rains. This case did not give a lot of information but it sure was interesting to read.

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MCNAIRY COUNTY, TENNESSEE COURT RECORDS
SETTLEMENT OF WILLIAM WESLEY MELTON, 1865
August 7, 1865, Hiram Melton and B Y Young were appointed administrators of the estate
of William Wesley Melton. Walter W Melton and W J Young were bondmen. Inventory total
was $280.41.
W W Melton could write his name and he owed several people at his death: R D

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Thompson, Dr L N Pettigrew, Burrow & Thompson, E B Fuller, M Cross & Cates, E F
McLaughlin J W Henderson, Arch Houston, Hollis Skinner Co, Wright & Cross, Margaret
Thomison, S G Thomison,

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MCNAIRY COUNTY, TENNESSEE COUNTY COURT HIRAM MELTON SETTLEMENT 1866 Walter W Melton and Arthur Harris were appointed Administrators of Hiram Melton, estate October 1, 1866. Hiram Melton died leaving no will. Hiram Melton was the administrator appointed on Aug 7, 1865 of the William Wesley Melton estate. One penciled note stated each heir was due 85.99. Names listed as owing the estate or Hirman Melton owing them were: Richard Newell, R G Wylie, B J Young, Moses Smith, S Massengill, W R Hardin, M H Johnson, Rebecca Ballman, John Kerby, J P Walker, Wm Bishop, Prince & Kerby, Asa Bellham, Dick Hardin, A Baucum, J W Bishop, M H Johnson. Paid Rebecca Melton to finish out year’s allowance $52.40. August 13, 1867 he had two $20 dollar bills and two $10 dollar bills. A total of $60, which was worth 10.80. $20 - West Tennessee worth 6.00 $10 - State of Georgia .80 $10 - Bank of Augusta 3.00 $20 - State Bank of Carolina 1.00 *********************************************************************8

These notes were found in the file of William Wesley Melton, deceased. I do not think they belonged here and a new file was made for them: OCTOBER TERM OF COUNTY COURT 1866 (NOTES OF CHAIRMAN LEVI HURST) Ordered by the court that Levi Hurst be allowed 16.15, cash in state cases. Levi Hurst, Chairman. Ordered by the court that C Shull, by his request relieved from being guardian for Granville S Ingramham and pay the proceeds in his hands to his successor. Levi Hurst, Chairman, Ordered by the court that the sum of 7.50 be allowed for the purpose of repairing the courthouse out of the taxes of 1867 and that J M McKiney, Levi Hurst, G M Moore be appointed a commission to arrange and see to the said work on the court house and report quarterly to the

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county court, and that they are hereby authorized to contract for said repairs to the best of their knowledge. Levi Hurst, Chairman. Ordered by the court that W D Joplin, John Graham and W H Simpson be appointed a commission to build a bridge across Cypress Creek below of Pharr Mill and the county pay half the expense and that said committee report quarterly at each tern till said bridge be completed. Approved. Levi Hurst, Chairman. Ordered by the court that a bridge be built across Mosses Creek on the road leading from Camden to Pocahontas and the bridge be let to the lowest bidder by the commissioners and the county pay one half of the expenses and J G Gooch, A J Stricklin, Thos M cCrary ?, be appointed the committee and report timely till said bridge be completed. Levi Hurst, Chairman. Ordered by the court that a bridge be built across Huggins Creek and the Clifton and Bolivar Road and the county pay half the expenses and H P Floyd, R T McIntyre and John Kerby be appointed commissioners and report. Levi Hurst, Chairman. Ordered by the court that there be a kitchen built and it so arranged as to have a separate apartment and that Sam Lewis, Richard Kerby, J P (?) Baldridge be commissioners and report. Levi Hurst, Chairman. Ordered by the court that G W Gainus (Ganos) be allowed the sum of twenty dollars for services rendered to his mother-in- law - old Mrs Barron, who is blind and helpless. Approved by the court, Levi Hurst, Chairman. Ordered by the court that H B Wade, Hard Oneal and John Canady be appointed commissioners to proceed and lay off one years provisions for the widow Melton. Approved by the court. Levi Hurst, Chairman. Ordered by the court that Thomas –are be allowed $50 for work done on the court house. Approved by the court, Levi Hurst, Chairman. Ordered by the court that Sam Lewis be allow credit on the taxes of 1865 for 11.65. Approved by the court. Levi Hurst, Chairman, Ordered by the court that L R Littlefield be released from the apprentice bond of Taylor Bans (?). Levi Hurst, Chairman Levi Hurst, Commissioner of Registration of McNairy County made his report as commissioner and said report received. Levi Hurst, Chairman Ordered by the court that the Clerk made title to J R Holmes and S ----- McClintock for the land purchased by them, belonging to the estate of Isaac Russom, dec’d. Said land described in the pleads. Approved by the Court, Levi Hurst, Chairman

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MCNAIRY COUNTY CHANCERY COURT FILE 224
JAMES E FERGUSON, ETALS VS HENEY W ROTEN, ETALS, 1871

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This cause came on to be heard on the 9th day of March 1871, before Chancellor Nixon. Ezekiel Dunaway, deceased, was the owner of an occupant claim in McNairy County prior to the year 1838 and lived upon the same and that he died in the latter part of the year 1838 while residing on the same, leaving him surviving three children, his heirs at law, W P Dunaway, James T Dunaway and Mary Ann Dunaway. His wife survived him but her name is not mentioned and it does not tell when she died. The widow and family of Ezekiel Dunaway lived on this land to about the year 1844 or 1845 when apparently the land was divided among the heirs. The date, July 17, 1849 was entered, which I think was the date court was petitioned for Mary Ann’s land was transferred to Henderson Ferguson. Apparently Mary Ann inherited 232 acres of land. This lawsuit is a land dispute between the heirs of one Mary Ann Dunaway, a minor at the time of her father Ezekiel Dunaway’s death. Mary Ann married Henderson Ferguson, about 1845, before she became of age and therefore Henderson Ferguson took possession of the land, as was the law and custom in that time. Mary Ann Dunaway married Henderson Ferguson about 1844. They had four children, James E Ferguson, Nancy Jane who married William C Ramer, Mary Margaret who married J M Melton, and Henderson Ferguson, a minor at the time of this lawsuit. Henderson married M J Ramer Jan 2, 1872. J E married Margaret Hill, Feb 27, 1870 Henderson Ferguson died in August 1852 and Jessee Gooch was appointed guardian over the children. Apparently the court never divided the land among the widow and the children. When Mary Ann married Henry W Roten, he became guardian of the Ferguson children and Jessee Gooch gave him the money due the Henderson Ferguson estate and he loaned it to a Mr Young. Apparently this lawsuit was over the fact that they never received this money. Another factor was that the Ferguson children felt the land was theirs and none belonged to the Roten children. (However they forgot the land was their mother’s to begin with.) Mary Ann died a few days before Christmas 1869. The resting place for Henderson Ferguson or Mary Ann Dunaway Ferguson Roten are not documented in the cemetery book. In reading over this case - I hope Mary Ann was happy, it seems both men married her for her land. She was also called Polly Ann. According to the 1850 census, Henry Roten was 50 years old and Mary Ann was 30. They are listed in district 6 hh 957. Apparently he had 3 sons by a previous marriage, Logan B age 21, William H H age 20 and Jessee W age 14. Mary Ann and Henderson Ferguson’s children were Mary M age 14, James E age 12, Nancy J age 10 and Henderson age 8. Mary Ann and Henry Roten’s had two children by 1860, Robert Z age 4 and William P age 1. The case says Mary and Henry Roten had six children, four of whom are living in 1870. Mary Ann was dead by census time in 1870 and I did not find Henry Roten in the McNairy County census. ******************************************************** RESEARCH ON

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GEORGE VERNA J. RIDGELL AND WIFE UNA JANE FREEMAN

(Note: so often we have to allow for errors in the census, cemetery and all records, as errors do occur - and we have to look for these errors and allow for them. I find many errors in names listed. Example says, Una’s mother was Annie Kirk, in the census she is listed as M D, the tombstone record says Annie.)

1920 McNairy County , TN, Census, District 18 HH 24 transcribed by R. Harold Cox shows:

(lived on Cypress & Chewalla Rd)

There is no marriage record that I can find on Verna J Ridgell and Una Freeman. Diana Dance, daughter of Icy Ridgell, says that Verna’s name was George Verna Ridgell and Una Jan’s parents were John Dolphus Freeman and Annie Kirk. I do not find the name Ridgell list in any McNairy County Census except 1920. 1900 McNairy County, TN Census, District 4, HH 16, transcribed by R Harold Cox shows:

They lived in the Ramer area
* means married 19 years
* means the wife has had eleven children and 9 are living at the time of census
I do not find a marriage record for John Freeman marrying an Annie Kirk. I do find a

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marriage for J D Freeman and _____________ Kanady on Mar 3, 1881. Marriage performed by J G Gooch, JP and witness was Obediah Kanady. This could fit, as stated above, the Freemans had been married 19 years. I do not find any record in 1880 that could be John Freeman, except one, and that is a calculated guess. In district 1, HH 100, which is lowest southwest part of the county, Elzer Freeman age 65 and his wife age 63 and son John age 25 are living with Ann and Q P McCallister. Elzer is stated as FIL , wife is MIL and John is BIL. M A Freeman marries I P M McCallister on Jan 3, 1877 by J P Gooch, JP. Witness was J B Stewart. 1850 McNairy County census, transcribed by R Harold Cox. District 2 HH 731 Elzy Freeman, age 30, NC farmer, Narcissa 25, Caroline 11, Jane 5, George 3.

Some Cemetery Records recorded by Albert Brown on the Freeman & Ridgell’s include: I N Freeman, born June 14, 1884, died Sept 8, 1951, buried McCalips Cemetery Annie Freeman, born Dec 1858, died Dec 25, 1943, buried McCalips Cemetery John D. Freeman, born Feb 18, 1857, died Jan 15, 1943, buried McCalips Cemetery Albert V Ridgell, born 1919, died 1959, buried White Oak Cemetery (must be error born 1899) George V Ridgell, born Dec 22, 1890 died Nov 25, 1929, buried White Oak Cemetery Una Freeman Ridgell, born Feb 4, 1890, died Mar 7, 1938, buried White Oak Cemetery

MCNAIRY COUNTY INDEPENDENT - July 3, 1903 W W WALLACE Another Christian Father Has Gone to the Spirit's Land. W. W. Wallace was born in North Carolina on the 26th of August 1823. His parents brought him to Tennessee when but a child. He was principally brought up in Tennessee, where he had his Spiritual birth by faith in Christ, when but a child he joined the M. E. Church South, of which he made a consistent member until death. Soon after his conversion he went to work in prayer meetings and other church work. His delight was to give glory to God and peace on earth. He was married to Elizabeth Lockman Feb. 25, 1847. They had 5 children born to them. After this the affectionate companion and mother died a triumphant death in the Lord. Later he was married to Cyrena Nethery, March 1, 1857. They had seven children born to them. In 1867 he was licensed to preach in the M. E. Church South. I never knew anything of him but an earnest Christian worker and a loyal citizen. An aged brother in Christ rose up at the burial of the one of whom we write and expressed himself as having known him from a young man and had never know anything contrary to those Christian virtues. Another says, "I have lived a neighbor to him for forty years and have never known a discord in his life." He was a Mason of the ancient type, made at heart in truth and virtue, under the tongue of good report raised to the degree of a Master Mason in Gravel Hill Lodge, McNairy Co., Tenn. He

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was a man of prayer. I do not know when he erected his family alter but it was in operation about 47 years ago. He leaves a wife and eight children to mourn the loss of a good husband and father. All have been converted to God but one. As the father can no longer live to plead with the son, will all who read this offer a prayer for him? Father died at his home in McNairy County, June 2, 1902. J. W. W. THE JOY of living is to have good health. Use Herbine and you will have bushels of joy. You need not be blue, fretful and have that bad taste in your mouth. Try a bottle of Herbine, a positive cure for all liver complaints. E Harrell, Austin, Texas, writes: “I have used Herbine for over a year, and find it a fine regulator. I gladly recommend it as a fine medicine for dyspepsia.”

WOODVILLE 75 YEARS AGO (1831)
April 6, 1906 - McNairy County Independent

Having asked for editorials you would scarce expect anything of so ancient a title as “Woodville 75 years ago.” My father J D Huddleston, taught school in the old Woodville schoolhouse, whose site is in what is now my orchard. It was a lovely place, shaded all around with large oaks, the last of which has lately fallen. Nearby is a fine old spring, the water gushing out of the hillside, which my father used to murmer something about in his feverish dreams when he lived in Arkansas. There was once a fine start for a little town here. There was a store, gin, mill, blacksmith shop, etc. Col F Hurst, Dr Job Bell, Pryer Huddleston, Smith Isbel, Mr Chapom, B C Hurst, were some of the first inhabitants. Grandma Overal lived here. She owned Uncle Jack and Aunt Jinnie of fortune telling fame. Mrs Ann Bell was her daughter. She and Louritta Hurst were the reigning belles of the day, the one very stout and thrifty, the other very fair and gentle. Col Hurst hewed the punchons, in fact he hewed the logs that made Dr Bell’s first office. The country is well watered, Ky’s creek on the west and Hamstring on the east, forming a peninsular contained about sixteen families that have no school at all without crossing water, sometimes at a great risk and walking about two miles. We are petitioning, praying, imploring that our people have an equal chance at least for a school. Mrs John Mitchell went to the last school that was taught in this neighborhood, and she has a family of about fourteen children. LS

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THE BEATY PHOTO TENT
will be at the following places
the following dates: (1906)
Finger May 2, 3 ,4, 5
Masseyville May 7, 8, 9
Rosecreek May 10, 11, 12
Ottersville May 14, 15, 16
Selmer May 17, 18, 19

If you want pictures call on them
on the above dates.
May 4, 1906 Independent Appeal

MAY 1906 - -CIRCUIT COURT CIVIL DOCKET
Mary Gauss et al. Vs. Southern vs Southern Railroad, compromised, defendant pay cost.
RE Chambers vs John Richards, compromised, defendant paying cost.
Lean Whitten vs George Whitten, decree for divorce, granted.
J W Kiddy vs Lou Kiddy, decree for divorce.
Josie Roe vs Will Roe, decree for divorce.
Maggie Pharr vs Simon Pharr, decree for divorce.

MAY 1906 - STATE DOCKET
Monroe Goodman, charged with murder in second degree, not guilty.
Ed Lindsey, carrying weapon, submitted, $40 and cost.
J C Huffman, carrying weapon, $50 and cost.
Luther Surratt, $10 and cost.
Ruff O’Neal, dismissed on payment of costs.
Jeff Osburn, DL. society, $20 and costs.
Bob Gibson, public drunkenness, $10 and costs.
Lum Bias, murder in second degree, ten years in pen.
Will Neighbors, carrying weapon, $50 and costs.
John Sweat, disturbing public worship, $40 and costs.
James Clayton, carrying pistol, $50 and ten months in jail.
James Clayton, assault, $10 and costs.

SEPTEMBER 1906 - COUNTY COURT

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New notaries: W. T. Piggott, Bethel Springs L. E. Farris, Adamsville L. O. Atkins, Ninth district D. M. Archer, Third district. Poor House Commissioners Elected: N. A. Erwin, J. H. Alexander A motion was made to work county convicts on roads was defeated. Each Justice be supplied with Rogers’ Manual. The district line between the Sixth and Thirteenth districts changed as follows: Beginning at Will Hockaday’s run through to Crooked Creek bridge, near John Hall’s. this puts Squire W A Grant, who has moved to the Carter place in the Sixth district; also John Hall and others will be in the Sixth.

CIRCUIT COURT SEPTEMBER 1906
Circuit Court met Monday, with Judge Everett presiding: Attorney General Tipton, Sheriff
Leonard and Clerk Graham.

Tom Croskey

G W Martindale, administration vs M& O Railroad. Suits for damages for killing Montague
(colored) at Tupelo, Miss. Trail by jury on Monday. Judgment in favor of the Defendant.

CRIMINAL DOCKET
State vs Tom Wren, carrying pistol, submitted, fined $50, ten days in jail.
State vs Jasper Calicut, larceny. Pleaded guilty. One year in the penitentiary.
State vs Lindary Vernall, carrying pistol. Trial by jury. Not guilty.
State vs Eddie Kemp, giving liquors to minors. Dismissed on payment of costs.
State vs Frank Sanders, disturbing public worship. Fined $20 and costs.
State vs Bud Barnett, public drunkenness. Fined $10 and costs.
State vs Schott Norwood, public drunkenness. Fined $10 and costs.

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State vs Coram Holmes, giving liquor to minors. Fined $10 and costs.
State vs Arthur Wright, public drunkenness. Fined $25 and costs.

SEPTEMBER 1906 CHANCERY COURT Ferguson, et al vs R E McKinney. Dismissed by complainant. Della Smith vs J W F Smith, divorce granted. Myrtie Swain vs J B Swain, decree for divorce. George W North vs B North, decree for divorce J W Deming, et al vs Chas Deming, report of sale continued. R P Plunk vs S A Plunk, dismissed by complainant and parties reunited. Mrs Mattie E Combs, et al vs Devon Sewell, et al, decree in favor of complainant for land. E H Chamness vs W E Parrish. Will case: 1/3 real estate to Chamness, 1/3 to grand children and 1/3 more decree. Mrs Annie Sanders Lamb et al vs Artisimer Sanders et al. Sale confirmed and decree dower interest of Mrs Sanders and order allowing attorney fees. THE JOY of living is to have good health. Use Herbine and you will have bushels of joy. You need not be blue, fretful and have that bad taste in your mouth. Try a bottle of Herbine, a positive cure for all liver complaints. E Harrell, Austin, Texas, writes: “I have used Herbine for over a year, and find it a fine regulator. I gladly recommend it as a fine medicine for dyspepsia.”

W. J. WILLIAMS W J Williams was born March 23, 1830 in Rutherford County, Tennessee. Married to Miss Ester Martin, December 15, 1847. Moved to Tishomingo County, September 1849. Moved from there to West Tennessee, Madison County, September 1, 1854. Professed religion September 1859; united with the Pleasant hill congregation of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church; joined the Hopewell Presbytery as a candidate for the ministry, October 3, 1862. Joined the Confederate army, December 1861, commanding Company B, in the 52nd Tennessee, commanded by Col. B. J. Lee. Was in the Shiloh battle, together with a number of other battles. Was discharged at Columbus Miss in May 1865. Reached home the 25th days of the same month. Was licensed to preached at Yorkville, Gibson County, Tennessee by the Hopewell Presbytery September 29, 1865. Was ordained at Camden, Benton County, Tennessee by the same Presbytery October 6, 1867. Moved to McNairy County January 1873. Have engaged in the work of the ministry to the exclusion of everything else. Am now 74 years old. This life’s summary was written about 1904 by Mr Williams himself. He died Feb 24, 1907. Taken from McNairy County Independent.

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This was in a community article to the McNairy County Independent dated December 23, 1909. The heading said Stumpville News and was written by L.S. (I have tried to just who L.S. was - but haven’t been successful.) “Money could not buy my grandmother’s old Bible. It is covered with a piece of Kentucky jeans sewed on with her dear fingers, done fully a hundred years ago. It contains the family. My grandmother was born in 1773 but her father’s age is not recorded. His name was McBee and he lived to be 107 years old. He lived and died in East Tennessee. I knew father Abraham Hill, but he was a soldier of 1812 and I think his brother Daniel was also.

LIST OF OFFICERS, JUDGES AND CLERKS TO HOLD THE ELECTION AUGUST
4, 1910, AT THE VARIOUS VOTING PLACES IN MCNAIRY COUNTY:
First District
Officer: Felix Taylor
Judges: P N Coleman, Neely Russell, W T Boatman
Clerks: S K Wallace, Oscar Smith
Second District
Officer: J A Moore
Judges: W W Roberson, Z T Simpson, D R Cockran
Clerks: B P Moore, Ed Moore
Third District
Officer: George Russom
Judges: George Estes, Lein Sharp, J C Maxwell
Clerks: Mack Archie, Bunyan Kernodle
Fourth District
Officer: George Prather
Judges: W R Crabtree, J A Ramer, J T Williams
Clerks: R W Taylor, Dalton Gooch
Fifth District - Gravel Hill Box
Officer: Josiah Jordan
Judges: John Springer, Rady Huggins, J D Cheshier
Clerks: J W McCoy, Jess Springer
Fifth District - Caffey Box
Officer: N F Nickles

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Judges: John English, I C Crow, R W Caffey
Clerks: J W Williams, Odum Castleberry
Sixth District - Selmer Box
Officer: W J Olive
Judges: Joe Alexander, H C Taylor, L R Carter
Clerks: Charlie McCullar, W E Stone
Sixth District - Falcon Box
Officer: Linsey Leonard
Judges: Jeff Foster , J C Gilbert, P A Neathery
Seventh District
Officer: Dick Hendrix
Judges: Andy Garner, William Holland, John J Horton
Clerks: Miles Freeman, Walter Wagoner
Eight District
Officer: J S Lain
Judges: F E Miller, Frank Beard, J E Barham
Clerks: John Tedford, John Harris
Ninth District - Pebble Hill Box
Officer: Mitt Wardlow
Judges: Lewis Rickman, John Burks, W J Sutton
Clerks: J P Huggins, Robert W Michie
Ninth District - Acton Box
Officer: James Burks
Judges: P Farris, James Manual, George Michie
Clerks: J W Smith, Robert Wade
Tenth District - Stantonville Box
Officer Guys Perkins
Judges: Warner Wyatt, Benton Kendrick, Dew Michie
Clerks: John Wyatt, William Rickman
Tenth District - Lawton Box
Officer: James Gilchrist
Judges: J R Cagle, S C Carroll, Lewis Harris
Clerks: Charlie Freshour, Cisco Walker
Eleventh District
Officer: Sidney Pyron
Judges: C C Stevens, Frank Alexander, John Hair
Clerks: R F Lewis, Hubert Harris
Twelfth District

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Officer: Marion Jamerson
Judges: Nute Holland, B M Dallas, R H Hill
Clerks: J P H Smith, Sam Bishop
Thirteenth District
Officer: J A Weatherford
Judges: T R Sanders, George Wilkes, Lee Willis
Clerks: Taylor McAfee, Mack Luttrell
Fourteenth District - Chewalla Box
Officer: Robert York
Judges: G L Merrell, James Haynes, C C Turner
Clerks: R M Merrell, W P Surratt
Fourteenth District - Guys Box
Officer: R B Hooker
Judges: J L Meeks, Dave Sharp, E G Auten
Clerks: B Olive, Everett Meeks
Fifteenth District
Officer: R T Gray
Judges: John Scott, R A Mills, J R Wesson
Clerks: W M Littlefield, W J Stanton
Sixteenth District
Officer: J B Jackson
Judges: Robert Ranklin, C C Roberson, John Garrett
Clerks: Hugh Maness, J M Bishop
Seventeenth District
Officer: A C Henry
Judges: John McCaskill, E F Cross, J J Swaim
Clerks: Horry Hodges, Nute Owens
Eighteenth District
Officer: J M Barnes
Judges: J F King, Calvin Wooten, Calvin Graham
Clerks: Robert Ramer, Stanford Mathis
Nineteenth District
Officer: Jack Etheridge
Judges: D W Hester, John Maxedon, C C Plunk
Clerks: John Swaim, Crump Wilson
McNairy County Election Commission
J R Adams, J T Houston, W H Stone

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A CONTENTED WOMAN is always found in the same house with Ballard’s Snow Liniment. It keeps every member of the family free from aches and pains, it heals cuts, burns and scalds and cures rheumatism, neuralgia, lumbago and all muscular soreness and stiffness. 25¢, 50¢ and $1.00 a bottle - Sold by B L Browder

LIST OF THE OFFICERS, JUDGES AND CLERKS TO HOLD DEMOCRATIC
ELECTION, AUGUST 1, 1918, AT THE VARIOUS VOTING PLACES IN MCNAIRY
COUNTY, TENNESSEE

District 1 - Neathery’s
Officer Edgar Coleman
Judges O C Steadman, Frank Milstead, D F Fortune
Clerks Frank Crocker, Lester McAlpin
District 1 - Taylor’s
Officer M F Minton
Judges R G Gooch, N V Fortune, J H Howell
Clerks T G Fortune, C L McAlpin
District 2 - Hunter’s
Officer Forest Hunter
Judges Tom Hunter, Rufus Knight, R M Weatherly
Clerks G W B Hines, J E Dunaway
District 3 - Rosecreek
Officer L O Hooper
Judges W H Cox, J F Whitten, J R Whitten
Clerks Homer Anderson, E S Robinson
District 4
Officer W J Darby
Judges T O Carman, R H Anderson, Joe Prather
Clerks Homer Anderson, E S Robinson
District 5 - Gravel Hill
Officer J B Huggins
Judges William Hogan, N B Carney, Joe Huggins
Clerks Thurman Latta, Andy Hamm
District 5 - Caffey
Officer Will Forsyth
Judges Wick Huggins, Tom Bowers, Tom Farris
Clerks Charlie Burns, Jim Wardlow
District - Selmer

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Officer W J Oliver
Judges John Lockman, W A Reeder, Clay Gibson
Clerks Frankie Gilbert, Frank Curry
District 6 - Falcon
Officer John Carman
Judges Bob Browder, W D Basinger
Clerks Henry Carman, Horry Carman
District 7 - Purdy
Officer W W Joplin
Judges J J Wharton, J A Beard, R L Hendrix
Clerks Walter Wagoner, John Wagoner
District 8 - Finger
Officer W H Carroll
Judges N A Tucker, D E Bishop, J F Lofton
Clerks John Harris, Ward Maness
District 9 - Donnell Springs
Officer Jim Carroll
Judges G G Michie, R Wade, James Adcock
Clerks Charlie Moore, Jim Asbill
District 9 - Pebble Hill
Officer Guy Chambers
Judges W E McCleod, George Burks, Lee Whittaker
Clerks Tom Fullwood, Wes Woods
District 10 - Stantonville
Officer E Michie
Judges John May, J H Dancer, W S Burks
Clerks Lucy Erwin, John Garrison
District 10 - Lawton
Officer Benton Kendrick
Judges Joe Walker, J C Gilchrist, Artie Gilchrist
Clerks Emit Kendrick, W J Coia
District 11 - Leapwood
Officer L O Wharton
Judges Lee Harris, G L Pyron, J H Jackson
Clerks M A Robinson, J C Hodge
District 12 - Mt Zion
Officer G H Crowder
Judges H T Matlock, J W Odum, R L Bishop

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Clerks G M Dallas, W O’Neal
District 13
Officer John Henson
Judges Z H Ray, Mack Luttrell, Dan Willis
Clerks Evert Henson, Dorse Humphrey
District 14 - Chewalla
Officer Billie Springer
Judges Warren Ledbetter, Josh Dixon, James Haynes
Clerks William Morse, John Stanfield
District 14 - Guys
Officer James Mitchell, Jr
Judges Will Tanner, E F Meeks, Van Wardlow
Clerks Jim Hamm, John Glover
District 15 - Adamsville
Officer J V Hurley
Judges S P Perkins, W H Foster, W C Vernell
Clerks W T Tidwell, G M McKenzie
District 16 - Rocky Knob
Officer J B Jackson
Judges G E O’Neal, W D Lee, T C Robison
Clerks J N Robison, L J Crumby
District 17 omitted
District 18 - Cypress
Officer John Ramer
Judges Dolphus Wooten, B F Howell, T B Wilmeth
Clerks George Blasingame, W L Curry
District 19 - Bethel Springs
Officer J R Stovall
Judges John Maxedon, R D Etheridge, John Hipps
Clerks Bruce Mitchell, A H Grantham
The Democratic Election Commissioners for McNairy County:
O V Erwin, Chairman, R M Houston, Sec, W D Hendrix, W E McLeod, O L Droke

AUGUST 1, 1918 ELECTION
Justices of the Peace elected:
ST
1 R W Taylor Lee McAlpin 11th J H Carothers S A Pyron

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Board of Education:
1st District J M Crocker 4th District J L Harris
2nd District J W Wood 5th District W F Maness
3rd District C A Morphis

All Republicans were elected and the county court is largely republican. Results:
County Court Clerk J R Swaim 1425 majority - 166
Noah Prince 1250
Circuit Court Clerk J B Graham 1779 majority - 432
W M Whorton 1331
County Trustee F O Hamilton 1779 no opponent
Register C A Scott 1776 no opponent
Sheriff John F Dillon 1440 majority - 280
A H Jopling 1211
County Supt Terry Abernathy 1436 majority - 224
Grady Hamm 1212
Chancellor J W Ross 1575 no opponent
Circuit Judge R P Baptist 1240 no opponent
Attorney General W K Abernathy 1266 no opponent

McNairy County, Tennessee Chancery Court
# 821 - October 21, 1889

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C GILCHRIST Your petitioner James C Gilchrist would most respectfully represent and show to your honor that C Gilchrist died in McNairy County, State of Tennessee, some time in the year 1868 after making and publishing his last will and testament, leaving Mary Caroline Gilchrist, his widow and sole executrix who is still living , and your petitioner James C Gilchrist and John Gilchrist, Robert C Gilchrist, William Gilchrist, Archable Gilchrist, Nancy K Cook, formerly Nancy K Gilchrist, L J Pettigrew, formerly L J Gilchrist, Elizabeth Gilchrist and Frances Gilchrist; sons and daughters and Mary C Gilchrist his said widow as his sole legatees of his said estate. On the 11th day of November 1878, the said Robert C Gilchrist married a Miss M M McKinze and that some time about the year 1882 or 1883, said R C Gilchrist died intestate in said county, leaving surviving him the said M M Gilchrist as his widow and two children as the result of said marriage. On the 20th day of December 1879, the said Francis Gilchrist intermarried with one Thomas L Pettigrew and sometime about the year 1882 the said Francis Pettigrew died intestate in said county leaving surviving him the said T L Pettigrew, her said husband and one boy child named William E Pettigrew as the results of her said marriage. On the 4th day of June 1885, the said T L Pettigrew, widower aforesaid and the said M M Gilchrist, widow as aforesaid, intermarried with each other and that some time in the year 1889 T L Pettigrew died intestate in said county leaving surviving him said M M Pettigrew as his widow, and her two children by the said Robert C Gilchrist, deceased her former husbands, and the said William E Pettigrew his only child by his first wife the said Francis Pettigrew and two children as the result of his last marriage, his only heirs. William E Pettigrew is a minor and now about eight years old and has an estate consisting of real and personal property amounting to about one thousand dollars left to him by his mother the said Francis Pettigrew, deceased and one of the legatees of the estate of her father the said C Gilchrist, deceased. James C Gilchrist was appointed guardian for William E Pettigrew September, 1889.As guardian he is legally entitled to the custody and control of the person and property of said William E Pettigrew. James C Gilchrist states that M M Pettigrew, step-mother and aunt of William E Pettigrew, wrongfully and illegally withholds the custody and control of William E Pettigrew and positively refuses to deliver him up to petitioner although she has often been requested to do so. Petitioner also states that M M Pettigrew is in no wise related except as step-mother and who has two other sets of child, both her own by two different husbands to care for and look after. Frances Gilchrist Pettigrew requested at the time of her death that her brother, James C Gilchrist, to take charge of her son William E Pettigrew and raise him for her. James C Gilchrist took him to his house and kept him until he was about four years old , when his father T L Pettigrew married Mrs M M Gilchrist, the widow of Robert C Gilchrist. At which time William’s father took him to his home to live. William lived with his father until his father’s death in 1889. At T L Pettigrew’s death he requested his wife M M Pettigrew to keep William

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with her and raise all the children up together, which she agreed to do.
In this case James C Gilchrist states that M M Pettigrew is a good woman but the child
would be better off with him. It is unknown the outcome of this case.

OLD LAND MARK DESTROYED We have just learned of the destruction by fire of the old Jim Palmer Wilson house, a mile and half west of Adamsville. This old place was settle by James Palmer Wilson more than sixty years ago and it is here he raised a large family. He was a Confederate soldier and right after the war he married the only child of Rozette Cox Jones, she be the child of the late Anderson and Rebecca Cox. The mother of the writer of these lines was the youngest child in that family, Rachel Cox Abernathy. The wife of Mr Wilson was Euphemia Jones, and she and her aunt, Rachel Cox, were reared in the same home, that of the grandfather Anderson Cox. They were children together and went to school at old Pleasant Ridge nearly three-quarters of a century ago. Euphemia married first and with her young husband established this old home. Children of this union were: R A N Wilson, now a celebrated Presbyterian minister who lives in Arkansas; Etta Wilson Carman, now deceased; Ophelia Williams, Bessie Wilson Lucas and Jessie Wilson Derryberry. All children live in McNairy County except R A N Wilson.

SELMER, TENNESSEE NOTICE of application under the law of the State of Tennessee for Incorporating the City of Selmer, Tennessee.

1. Notice is hereby given by the undersigned that they hereby make application for a charter of incorporation for the city of Selmer, McNairy County, Tennessee with the following boundaries, viz: Beginning at the new bridge on Cypress Creek southeast of the courthouse in Selmer, running thence in a westerly to a house in P H Thrasher’s field now occupied by Murph Wagoner and including said house within said boundaries; thence in a northerly direction to the old Graham place on the old Bolivar and Purdy road, including the old residence in said boundaries; thence in an easterly direction to the west end of what has been named and known as Adams Street, thence along the middle of said street to the eastern line of the right-of- way of the Mobile & Ohio Railroad; thence south with the eastern side of said right- of- way to the point where Cypress Creek touches said right- of- way; thence down said creek with its meanders to the bridge at the point of the beginning.

Said Incorporation to be known as the “City of Selmer.” That on the 12th day of Jany 1892, a list of the qualified voters entitled to vote in said corporation was wiled with J R Adams, Clerk of County Court of McNairy County, Tennessee, at his office in Selmer where the same may now be found. This Jany 12, 1892. W S Alexander J H Ammons W Edwin Attums, MD

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“TRAGEDY,” NOVEMBER 15, 1873.

Tragedy. The Corinth, Miss Nov 15th says: the daughter of Rev Richardson living a few miles from this place, having some misunderstanding, previously, with a gentleman, went to his home, found him at work, spoke to and shook hands with him, and then drew from under her shawl a pistol, placed it to his breast and fired. The man at last accounts, was living, but in a hopeless condition.” The above article is true, and the gentleman wounded was Mr Mark Haynes, of McNairy County. It is said that he was engaged to be married to the young lady, Miss Mattie Richardson, and was about “to go back” upon his plighted word and honor, and so notified his fair ----. When she received intelligence of his contemplated apostesy she rode over to Haynes’ residence in a buggy, in company with a young brother, she drew forth a pistol from under her shawl and shot him as above described. Miss Richardson and her brother were both arrested after the shooting, and had a preliminary trial before James Houston, esq, who bound them both over to the next term of circuit court at McNairy County. The bond of Miss Richardson was fixed at $1,000, and was promptly given. Haynes was wounded in the right lung, and his condition or last accounts, was extremely critical. He is a new comer to this section and hails from Georgia. “Wig and Tribune” vol XXX, Jackson, Tennessee, Saturday, November 22, 1873.

RESEARCH ON COMMODORE B. ROGERS

This is just research and notes made from that research. This is not my line, I did it for someone else. Please note, in most census records the name Commodore is spelled many ways. Also the last name is sometimes Rodgers and sometimes Rogers. Known children of Commodore B Rogers by his first wife: Commodore B (Jr), James H, Ephriam, and Eliza. As far as I can determine, Commodore B Rogers first shows up in the McNairy County, Tennessee census in 1860. So he had to come sometime between 1850 and 1860. He is listed as C B Rogers in District Five, HH 830, age 46, born in Ohio and a farmer. Apparently he is a widower since no wife is listed and four children are: Commidore B, age 23; James H; Ephrghm, and Eliza age 13. All children born in Tennessee.

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The area where Commodore lived in 1860, according to the census was in the southern part of McNairy County, near the Mississippi line. It is hard to determine if any more of his family is with him. However the James Garratt family living next door is probably related. The census list James Garratt age 35, born SC; Margaret his wife, age 34 born Tenn; Tailor a son age 8; William a son age 6; Commadore a son age 4; Sarah a daughter age 2; Nancy age 33 born SC, relationship unknown and Tailor (probably her son) age 10. All the children born in Tennessee. By 1870, Commodore has a new wife and all the children, except James, are married also. Commodore and his two sons, Commodore and James are living side by side in the Fifth District of McNairy County, HH 10, 11 and 12. 1870: In the household of Comodore Rogers, age 57, born in Ohio is also Nancy age 41, born Tennessee, Opathulhola (male) age 3, an infant daughter born in February. Also is listed is Peyton Capoot age 16, Alpene (female) Capoot age 14 and Bennett Garrett age 10. A Commodore B Rogers married Nancy Capoot Dec 26, 1866 in Tishomingo County, Mississippi (which is the neighboring county.) So Peyton and Aplene are children of Nancy Capoot. The Bennett Garret is probably related to the Garrett family living next to Commodore in 1860. Nancy’s daughter C A Capoot married G L Brewer August 2, 1877. 1880: C C Rogers is located in the 5th district, HH 376, still in the general area of where he has been for twenty years. In 1880 he says he was born in Il and were both his parents. He is listed as age 66 and wife Nancy is age 51. There is a Bouregard L (Rogers ?) Age 18 born in Tennessee and both parents in Illinois. The printed census by Harold Cox states he is a son, but I look at the original on microfilm and it does not state relationship. However his relation is a mystery. He is not on any McNairy County census under the name Rogers. At age 18, he would have been born ca 1862 and would have been eight years old in 1870, but he is not listed in Commodore’s household or any of his children. The only possibility is that he is a son of Eliza Rogers. The children at home in 1880 are Oceola age 10, who says his father was born in Il, Susan age 8. Ephriam, a teacher age 36 and Katy Carter, age 60 relationship unknown. Commadore B Rogers was born Mar 13, 1813 and died October 31, 1896. Buried at Indian creek at Chewalla. Nancy was born Sept 29, 1828 and died April 9, 1913 and is buried at Indian Creek also. 1870: Commadore Rogers (Jr) age 34 born in Tennessee is living next door in household no 11. Listed is his wife Martha age 28, born Mississippi, Charles age 11, Franklin age 9, Baker age 5 and Ellen age 4. Commodore B Rogers (Jr) married Martha Criner on July 4, 1867 in Tishomingo County, Mississippi. So apparently none of these children belong to Martha unless it is the last one. A Commodore Rogers married Elizabeth R McCade Sept 12, 1860 in Tishomingo County. This could be his first wife and the mother of his children. 1880: Commodore B Rogers Jr , age 44 is listed in the 9th district household 97. This is not too far away from his father’s house. He says his father was born in New York. Martha is age 37, Charles 18, Frank, 16, Baker 14, Ella 12. Also listed is Mary Criner age 31. It says sister One C B Rogers married Nancy Jane King Sept 4, 1856 in Tishomingo Co, Miss. It is unknown who this is or if related to this family.

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1870: James Rogers age 19 is living in household no 12. His wife is also Martha age 18, born in Alabama and they have a baby boy born in March. J H Rodgers married M A Fielder Apr 8, 1869 in McNairy County. Her name was Martha Alabama Fielder, born May 15, 1850. She was the daughter of William H “Billy” Fielder and Elizabeth Huggins. Elizabeth Huggins was the daughter of Thomas Huggins and Nancy English. James, called Jim, died and Martha remarried to a Stout. No more information on James or Martha after 1870. 1870: Ephriam Rogers, age 28 is listed a teacher and living in the 6th District with James and Sarah Lawson. School teachers boarded with a family during the school year. According to the census, this was just north a few miles of his father in what was called the Thompson Springs or Pleasant Grove area. It is possible that he taught school at one of those place 1880: Ephriam is back at home with his father. Says he is a teacher. Mary E Rodgers married A C Criner on Nov 15, 1866 and her brother J H Rodgers was bondman. They were married by H T B Spier, Mg, probably near Chewalla, Tenn. She is still at home in 1860, age 13. In 1870, I have not found Mary. In 1880 she is age 31 and living with her brother Commadore with her son John H. age 10. A C Criner that married Mary E Rodgers and Martha Criner that married Commadore Jr may be siblings

COURT DOCKET 1859 - 1862

AUGUST TERM 1859

No 2 David C Hicks, William B Hicks, Allen T Hester and Sarah J Hester VS Fielding Hurst, Exc, James Blowers, David Dunn, etals. Pauper Acct. Bill originally filed in 1854 or 55 in Savannah, Tenn. Degree for complainant (30 days for an appeal)

No 21 Joshua C Ingle VS James D Robertson, Hezekiah Ingle, Thomas Robertson, Temperance Roberts (Robertson?) Bond F Hurst. Bill first filed February 9, 1857. This bill was so amended as to make the creditors of Joshua the parties complainants, the case is now E F Duke, etal VS Jas F Robinson, etal. Decree for complainants

No 24 Alexander Whitesides VS Joseph Groves. Bill filed May 13, 1857, Decree for
complainant. (Can appeal up to 30 days)

No 26 Charles Cogbill, Jeremiah Adams & wife, Emaline Adams
VS Cornelius Gilchrist, Mary Ann Sprinkles, Catherine Green, Aaron McManus
Bond for complainants: T G Adams, Jno R Fentners, J F McKiney
Bond for cross bill: A J McWharton, Mary Ann Sprinkles, John C Sprinkles
Bill filed Sept 17, 1857. Issued to McNairy County & Maury Co (publication?).
Gilchrist, Catherine Green and Mary Ann Sanders answers filed Feb 16, 1858
Cross bill filed by Mary Ann Sprinkles and Catherine Green, Aug 24, 1858.
Cross bill answered on Jeb 18, 1859. Case continued

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No 27 Thomas G Patrick VS - injunction & attach H L Doyle, Fielding Hurst, I F Huddleson.
Bond Thos R Smith, R H Wood. Bill filed Oct 15, 1857

No 28 John P Erwin
VS James Cathey & wife, Mary Cathey, William Erwin, James M Erwin, Troy B Erwin,
Jonathan Erwin, Matilda Kendrick, Mary Erwin & Milton P Erwin
Bill filed Jan 19, 1858. McNairy County and Maury County.
Answers filed by James Cathey Dec 14, 1858, Matilda Kendrick June 13, 1858,
Wm Erwin July 3, 1858. Deposition of Anna Wardlow on file
Death of Mary Cathy suggested and admitted.

No 30 George C Simmons
VS A A Kidd, J W Woodborne, Robert Gillispie. W Carroll Moore, Adm
Bond for Simmons: Geog C Simmons, Pleasant Cates. Bill filed March 8, 1857. W C
Moore appointed Adm of D C Rankin dec, at Feb term 1859.

No 31 George W Rowsey
VS (Injunction) James Homes, Hannah Homes, John W Russom, Hugh Russom, Henry
C Russom, Z T Russom, Isaac Russom. Bond for compl: Jacob Scirratt, Geo W
Rowsey. Bond for defendant: A J Kincaid, Fielding Hurst. Bill filed March 9, 1858.
Minor heirs guardian, Julius Jones, was appointed. Continued by consent.

No 32 Wyatt Mitchell, Sally Mitchell, Mary A Brient
VS A J Kincaid, Ann Watkins, R P Sawyers, C F Sawyers, John Ozment, Wisdom
Ozment, Maclin Cross and Calvin Shull. Bond for Complainant: W H Dugger, A A
Sanders. Bill filed March 16, 1858
Guardians appointed. Deposition of W S Wisdom and W K Walsh on file.
Feb term 1859, ordered sale of 2 Negroes. Continued

No 33 Garvin Bell & Company VS D H Smith and J G Smith (attachment & injunction)
Filed April 22, 1858

No 34 L L Warren & Company, Fallestine & Garris, Field Beardlee Co, C Harkness & Son
VS Daniel H Smith, John G Smith. Filed April 22, 1858. Property replevied.

No 35 James S Blankenship
VS writ Habens Corpus Dennis Springer
Bill filed Nov 18, 1858, to writ of Habeus Corpus by order of his Honor Elizah Walker,
Judge, McNairy County. Dismissed at complainants cost.

No 40 Mary Rowsey VS George Rowsey Divorce
Bill filed Dec 13, 1858, injunction & attachment issued. Other papers filed Feb 1859

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No 41 Samuel Lewis
VS W S Wisdom & 23 others. Bond for Complainant: Samuel Lewis, Fielding Hurst.
Filed Dec 9, 1858. Defendants not answered - 60 days to answers

No 42 Margaret S Rowsey VS - Divorce and Alimony James C Rowsey
Bond for Margaret Rowsey: Stewart & Perkins.
Cross Bill: James C Rowsey VS Margaret S Rowsey, W E Stewart, P R Stewart, J W
Perkins. Filed Dec 13, 1858 Alimony of $150

No 44 Milton J Hamer and six others (not sure of last name)
VS James Kennedy and eleven others
Bond for complainant James C Jamerson and J F McKiney
Filed in Savannah chancery Jan 3 1853

No 45 S J Chaney, Robert Riol Chaney, John J Chaney, W J Hart, Elizabeth Hart, A B Purdy,
Robert Purdy VS Alfred Moore. Jan 21, 1859

No 47 W C Lowrey, N E Lowrey VS Orville Young, W S Wisdom
Filed Jan 28, 1859 no answer on file at last term

No 52 Maclin Cross, Exe of Benj Jopling, Dec
VS Petition to sell land to pay debts and Negroes for division
Jesse A Joplin, Cynthia Spencer, E H Spencer, Danl Jopling, Laban Joplin and others
Filed May 10,. 1859 No answers on file

No 53 Pleasant Cates VS Attachment & Injunction. RWP Pool, Saml Worthington, A M
Worthington. Filed May 16, 1859, case has been compromised and awaits dismissal at
complts cost.

No 54 W C McQuiston VS McQuiston, Thos J McQuiston, Fanny G McQuiston, Haltz (?)
McQuiston, Dunbar H McQuiston, Hauber H McQuiston, Maggie S McQustion, John
G English, Adm. Filed July 1859

No 48 N G Ward, Adm of Nancy Aldridge dec VS Drewery Aldridge, etals

No 49 A T Robertson VS W S Wisdom, Jas S Lewis. Filed Feb 22, 1859, decree by consent

No 50 Richard Cross VS W C Kindal. Filed April 25, 1859

No 51 W C Tatum VS Simpson Kernodle, etal. Filed April 30, 1859
Bond for complainant: Edwin Tatum, Laon Street, Geo Bullinger, W B Clayton

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No 54 Laban Hall & wife, etal VS Injunction and attachment. A J Hooker
Filed June 1859. Bond for complainant: B S Carr

No 55 Laban Hall & wife, stal VS Fielding Hurst
Filed June 8, 1859. Bond for complainant B S Carr

No 57 John Terry & Co, etals VS S J Chaney, etal filed June 11, 1859

No 58 William Chandler VS Samuel J Chaney, Fielding Hurst, filed July 1859

No 59 Wright & Ketchum VS Samuel J Chaney, etal, filed July 1859

No 60 R A Robinson & Co VS Samuel J Chaney, Fielding Hurst
Filed July 1859. Bondsman for complainant: D W Huddleston

No 61 A J Hooker VS Injunction and attachment B S Carr, etal. Filed July 27, 1859

No 62 Jane Farris VS Divorce Carroll Farris. Filed July 27, 1859, decree for complainant

No 63 Sarah English VS Divorce John English filed August 1, 1859

Chancery Court Docket February Term 1860

No 13 John P Erwin, Mary Erwin, James M Erwin, Milton P Erwin & four others
VS William C Erwin, Matlida Kendrick, Maclin Cross, adm; etal
In this case 3 tracts of land were ordered to be sold for division, the same was done,
etc. The Clerk and Master has his report ready. Suit No 28 is pending in this court
which has grown out of and is in a manner connected with this case, until that is
determined there is nothing to be done with this case.

No 16 S C Jones, ADM VS Mariah A Hubbard, Martha Hubbard, Narcissus Hubbard, Sarah F
Hubbard, Polly Hubbard, Marica Bevil
This cause has been finally determined, awaits the annual report of the C & M, to the
collection of certain money which is enjoined in his hand by a suit in this court.

No 21 Joshua C Ingle amended to E F Duke, etals VS (Continued from August 1859)
James F Robinson, Hezekiah Ingle, Thomas Robinson, Temperance Robinson
Notice was given to creditors to file their accounts.

No 26 Charles Cogbill, Jeremiah Adams & wife, Emaline Adams
VS (Continued from August 1859) Cornelius Gilchrist, Mary Ann Sprinkles,
Catherine Green, Aaron McManus & wife, Elizabeth A McManus

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See Aust 1859 for more information- continued

No 27 Thomas G Patrick VS H L Doyle, Fielding Hurst, J H Huddleton
Cross Bill: H L Doyle VS Fielding Hurst, J F Huddleston
Bond for cross bill: Thomas R Smith, R H Wood
Continued from August 1858 because of cross bill

No 28 John P Erwin VS (Continued from August 1859)
James Cathey & wife, Mary Cathey, William Erwin, James M Erwin, Troy B Erwin,
Jonathan Erwin, Matilda Kendrick, Mary Erwin & Milton P Erwin
See August 1859 for prior hearing. Cross bill of Wm Erwin on file Apr 1, 1859;
Answer of D Wardlow & D McKenzie, guardians filed July 4, 1859.

No 30 George C Simmons VS Continued from 1859)
A A Kidd, J W Woodborne, See August 1859 for prior hearing.

No 31 George W Rowsey (this may not be right)
VS (Injunction) (continued from August 1859)
James Homes, Hannah Homes, John W Russom, Hugh Russom, Henry C Russom,
Z T Russom, Isaac Russom, Calvin Shull, William Thompson
Julius Jones, Guardian of minors has not answered since appointed guardian has not
answered. Continued

No 32 Wyatt Mitchell, Sally Mitchell, Mary A Brient
VS (Continued from August 1859) A J Kincaid, Ann Watkins, R P Sawyers, C F
Sawyers, John Ozment, Wisdom Ozment, Maclin Cross and Calvin Shull
Feb term 1859, ordered sale of 2 Negros.
Set for hearing. The question of the remaining Negroes was reserved.

No 33 Garvin Bell & Co VS D H Smith, J G Smith (Continued from August 1859)

No 34 L L Warren & Company, Fallestine & Garris, Field Beardlee Co, C Harkness & Son
VS (Continued from August 1859) Daniel H Smith, John G Smith
This case has precisley the same as the above No 33. Bill filed same date, process
executed at the same time. Etc

No 40 Mary Rowsey (Pauper Oath) VS George Rowsey Divorce (Continued from August
1859) Demurrer filed and overruled. Answers of W S Wisdom and Richardson on file.

No 41 Samuel Lewis VS (continued from August 1859) W S Wisdom, W M Terry, Mary
Terry, John Plunk & 21 others Demurrer filed and overruled.
Answers of W S Wisdom and Richardson on file. Continued on consent

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No 42 Margaret S Rowsey VS - Divorce and Alimony (Continued from August 1859)
James C Rowsey Bond for Margaret Rowsey: Stewart & Perkins
Cross Bill: James C Rowsey VS Margaret S Rowsey, W e Stewart, P R Stewart, J W
Perkins Alimony of $150 was received by Margaret Rowsey. Decree for complainant.

No 44 Milton J Hamer, Mary Hamer, R H D Ewell, J L T Sneed and two others
VS (continued from August 1859)
James Kennedy, Elizabeth Kennedy, Heirs of Mason Roark, Reuben Burrow & 7 others
Death of Wm Roark noted. The rules in this cause is so voluminous reference is made to
Rule Docket for same. Cross bill filed. Continued

No 45 S J Chaney VS (continued from August 1859) Alfred Moore Bill dismissed.

No 47 W C Lowrey and wife, N E Lowery VS (Continued from August 1859)
Orville Young, W S Wisdom. Complainants were to give bond of $250 at the October
1859 term of court and no security given and the case was dismissed. Jany 16, (1860)
the complainant counsel brings forward an order that had been mislaid, and the C& M
set aside the order of dismissal and gives defendant until February to answer.

No 48 N G Ward, Adm of Nancy Aldridge, deceased VS Drewery Aldridge, John Aldridge,
Martha Estis, A G Wesis, Mary Ann L Ward. Bill filed February 16, 1859. Issue on
demurrer August term 1859and over ruled. Continued

No 50 W Richard Cross VS W C Kindel (continued from August 1859)
Parties compromise. Kindel abates the nuisance and agrees to pay cost of this cause.

No 51 W C Tatum VS Simpson Kernodle, Lucinda R Kernodle, Maclin Cross, John C Wilson,
Bedford Kernodle, William K Walsh, Calvin Shull, G W Wilson, Andrew Baxter.
Bond for complainant: Edwin Tatum, Laban Street, George Bulliner, WB Clayton
Bill filed April 20, 1859. Demurrer filed August term 1859, over ruled, and defendants
to answer. Answers of Simpson Kernodle, Ludinda R Kernodle and Maclin Cross on
file. Decree for complainant.

No 52 Maclin Cross, Exe of Benj Jopling, Dec VS (continued from August 1859)
Jesse A Jopling, Cynthia Spencer, E H Spencer, Daniel Jopling, Laban Joplin, Cynthia L
B Stewart, Ben S Stewart, Martha J Stewart, James F Stewart, Dover A Stewart, William
D Stewart, Edwin B Stewart. Decree at last term of this court to sell land and 2 Negroes.
The same done.

No 54 Laban Hall & wife, America Hall, William B Carr, Mary G Carr, Sarah J Carr,
Bayless J Carr, Columbus W Carr, Simon H Carr by Laban Hall next friend and
guardian. VS (continued from August 1859) A J Hooker

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No 55 Laban Hall & wife, etal (same parties as No 54) VS Fielding Hurst
Notice to take depositions in Huntsville, Ala Feb 5, 1860. Continued

No 56 W C McQuiston VS (continued from August 1859) McQuiston, Thos J McQuiston and
others. Decree for sale of land at August term 1858. Land sold in accordance to decree.

No 57 John Terry & Co, Terry Knott & Co, John White & Co. VS (continued from August
1859) S J Chaney and Fielding Hurst Continued and set for hearing

No 58 William Chandler VS Samuel J Chaney, Fielding Hurst
This case stands precisely in the same situation as No 57. Consolidated

No 59 Wright & Ketchum VS Samuel J Chaney, Fielding Hurst
This case stands precisely in the same situation as No 56. Consolidated.

No 60 R A Robinson & Co VS (continued from August 1859) Samuel J Chaney, Fielding
Hurst. Same as file No 59. Consolidated.
Filed July 1859. Bondsman for complainant: D W Huddleston

No 61 A J Hooker VS (continued from August 1861) B S Carr
To take dispositions in Texas.

No 63 Sarah A English VS John English Divorce. Pro confesso ordered last term.

No 65 M Cross VS Henry Maness, Shadrick Maness
Bill filed Nov 9, 1859. Decree for complainant

No 66 Pitser Miller VS Shadrick Maness & H Maness
Bill filed Nov 15, 1859. Decree for Complainant

No 67 Sarah Ann Bugg VS David N Bugg Divorce
Bill filed Nov 17, 1859. Return of sheriff not to be found. Decree for complainant.

No 68 E H Spencer, etal VS James F McKinney, etal Bill filed December 17, 1859. Continued

No 69 M B Simmons VS Charlotte Simons Divorce
Bill filed Dec 20, 1859. Copy of bill to Henderson County, Dec 1859.

No 70 Matilda Kerr, John W Wilson, Catherine Wilson and others VS Robert Wm Kerr,
Harriett Kerr, Cynthia A Kerr, John H Kerr and Zenia E Kerr filed January 3, 1860.
Prays for a decree to divide land, slaves and money. Publications made for 4 successive
weeks as to non residents. Houston guardian and council

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No 71 James Fort VS Hamilton Mask bill filed January 14, 1860. Decree for complainant

No 72 Huddleston VS Chaney, Hurst, Wisdom Bill filed January 4, 1860. Consolidated.

No 73 J M Jones VS J O Burnett Bond for complainant: A Houston, J F McKinney
Bill filed Jan 6 1860, sent to Fayette Co, Jan 1860
Returned not found, moved to Arkansas. Decree for complainant

No 74 A M McCalep, etal VS George Bulliner, etal Bill filed Janaury 19, 1860. A Cross
appointed guardian adblem pro confesso R Hill Dismiss as to G C Simons. ????

No 75 Andrew McKenzie, etal VS John H Meeks, and G W House, etal
Bill filed January 25, 1860. Demurrer sustained. Appeal 30 days. Notice given by
advertisement in Whig Banner for non resident parties. Copy to Hardin Co.

No 76 Lindsey Sanders VS P H Braden, W H Braden. Bond for complainant: L L Sanders.
Bill filed Feb 11, 1860

No 77 Joseph Waldrope, etal VS William Scirratt
Bond for complainant: Thomas E Pearson. Bill filed February 15, 1860.

AUGUST TERM 1860

No 19 John P Erwin, James M Erwin and 5 others VS Maclin Cross, Adm of William Erwin
Sen, deceased, John T Erwin and others. This case is finally disposed of. The Clerk and
Master has to report payment on one of the tracts of land sold by order of this court.
Report on file

No 21 E F Duke and others VS James D Robertson, Hezekiah Ingle, Thomas Robertson,
Temperance Roberts Bond F Hurst. Bill first filed February 9, 1857. Continued
August 1858, continued, February 1859 continued,

No 26 Charles Cogbill, Jeremiah Adams & wife, Emaline Adams VS Cornelius Gilchrist,
Mary Ann Sprinkles, etal Cross Bill: Mary A Sprinkles, etal VS Cornelius Gilchrist, etal
(August 1858, February 1859, August 1859, February 1860 continued) Continued

No 30 George C Simmons VS A A Kidd, J W Woodborne, Robert Gillispie. Wm Carroll
Moore, Adm. Bill filed March 8, 1857. W C Moore appointed Adm of D C Rankin
deceased, at Feb term 1859. Continued since August 1858. Dismissed

No 31 George W Rowsey VS (Injunction) James Homes, Hannah Homes, John W Russom,
Hugh Russom, and five others Bill filed March 9, 1858. Injunction filed by E Walker,

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Judge. Minor heirs guardian, Julius Jones, was appointed as regular guardian had failed
to answer. Richard Cross had been appointed guardian of minor heirs. Depositions on
file. Case ready to be heard.

No 32 Wyatt Mitchell, Sally Mitchell, Mary A Brient VS A J Kincaid, Ann Watkins, R P
Sawyers, C F Sawyers, John Ozment, Wisdom Ozment, Maclin Cross, Calvin Shull
Bill filed March 16, 1858 Guardians appointed. Deposition of W S Wisdom and W K
Walsh on file. Money collected from sale of two Negros belongs to heirs.
Thomas W in Texas ? (This was written in pencil) Death of Wyatt Mitchell suggested

No 33 Garvin Bell & Company VS D H Smith and J G Smith (attachment & injunction)
Filed April 22, 1858. Property replevied. Depositions on file - set for hearing.

No 34 L L Warren & Company, Fallestine & Reid, Field Beardlee Co, C Harkness & Son
VS Daniel H Smith, John G Smith
Filed April 22, 1858. Same as No 33. Continued by consent.

No 40 Mary Rowsey VS George Rowsey Divorce
Bill filed Dec 13, 1858, injunction & attachment issued. Other papers filed Feb 1859

No 41 Samuel Lewis VS W S Wisdom & 23 others. Bond for Complainant: Samuel Lewis,
Fielding Hurst. Filed Dec 9, 1858 Defendants not answered - 60 days to answers

No 42 Margaret S Rowsey VS - Divorce and Alimony James C Rowsey
Cross Bill: James C Rowsey VS Margaret S Rowsey, W E Stewart, P R Stewart, J W
Perkins. Filed Dec 13, 1858. Alimony of $150. Case set for hearing

No 44 Milton J Hamer and six others VS James Kennedy and twelve others
Filed in Savannah chancery Jan 3 1853. Case set for hearing.

No 48 N G Ward, Adm of Nicy Aldridge, deceased VS Drewery Aldridge, John Aldridge,
Martha Estis and 2 others. Bill filed February 1859. Demurrer filed and over ruled.
Waiting for deposition in Texas. Set for hearing.

No 51 W C Tatum VS Simpson Kernodle, Lucinda R Kernodle, Maclin Cross, Jno C Wilson,
W K Walsh and 4 others. Bill filed April 30, 1859. Trial at last term of court decree for
complainant. Defendants appealed. Supreme Court affirmed the decree of the
Chancellor and sent it back for further proceedings in account.

No 54 Laban Hall and wife, America P Hall, Wm B Carr and six others, pauper’s oath
VS A J Hooker.(previous hearings before Chancery Court) Filed July 1859. In other
references the Complainants and defendants are not the same, but there may have been
two cases combined. Decree last court for complainants course ordered to the C & M to

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take and state an account as to the hire of the Negro boy.

No 55 Laban Hall and wife, America P Hall, Wm B Carr and six others, pauper’s oath
VS Fielding Hurst. Bill filed June 8, 1859 (previous hearings before Chancery Court)
Demurrer filed and over ruled. August term 1859. Case set for hearing

No 56 W C McQuiston
VS (continued from August 1859)
McQuiston, Thos J McQuiston, Fanny G McQuiston, Hatty J McQuiston and 4 others.
Land transferred to one M O Gramps (?) By the purchaser.

No 57, 58, 59, 60 and 72 consolidated
John Terry & Co and several other parties in different cases VS S J Chaney, Fielding
Hurst. Five cases was consolidated at the last court.
No 58 William Chandler -VS Samuel J Chaney, Fielding Hurst, filed July 1859
No 59 Wright & Ketchum - VS -Samuel J Chaney, etal, filed July 1859
No 60 R A Robinson & Co - VS - Samuel J Chaney, Fielding Hurst, Filed July 1859
No 72 Huddleston - VS - Chaney, Hurst, Wisdom - Bill filed January 4, 1860.

No 61 A J Hooker VS B S Carr, etal. Filed July 27, 1859. Decree for complainant at last term of the court for amount paid for Negro boy.

No 65 & 66 Consolidate No 65 -
M Cross -VS -Henry Maness, Shadrick Maness - Bill filed Nov 9, 1859.
No 66 - Pitser Miller - VS -Shadrick Maness & H Maness - Bill filed Nov 15, 1859.
Decree for tract of land.

No 67 Sarah Ann Bugg VS David N Bugg. Divorce
Bill filed Nov 17, 1859. Return of sheriff not to be found. Decree for complainant.
Decree rendered at last term of court - taken from docket

No 68 E H Spencer, B M Spencer, David J Spencer and 6 others VS James F McKinney, Mary
H Spencer. Bill filed December 17, 1859. No answer filed

No 69 M B Simmons VS Charlotte Simons Divorce
Bill filed Dec 20, 1859. Copy of bill to Henderson County, Dec 1859. Set for hearing

No 70 Matilda Kerr, John W Wilson, Catherine Wilson, William C Wilson, Margaret Wilson,
Mary E Kerr VS Robert Wm Kerr, Harriett Kerr, Cynthia A Kerr, John H Kerr and
Zenia E Kerr. Filed January 3, 1860. Prays for a decree to divide land, slaves and
money. Publications made for 4 successive weeks as to non residents.
Houston guardian and council. Order and commissioners appoint to allot dower and
divide land and slaves.

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No 71 James Fort VS Hamilton Mask bill filed January 14, 1860. Decree for complainant.
Cause heard last term of court, decree for sale of land

No 73 J M Jones VS J O Burnett. Bill filed Jan 6 1860, sent to Fayette Co, Jan 1860
Case held over from other court dates.

No 74 A M McCalep, Adm of Samuel Hill, Elijah Hill, James Hill, Ellen Hawkins, John Case,
Mary Case, A J Hill VS Rufus Hill, Catherine Hill, George Bulliner, and 5 others
Answer of C Shull, Geo Bulliner, M Rose, M O Plunk filed Feb 1860.

No 75 Andrew McKenzie, etal VS John H Meeks, G W House, H J Kincaid guardian of
George Chambers, Samuel Chambers Jr, Nancy Atkins and Daniel McDaniel
Bill filed January 25, 1860. Bill filed Janaury 19, 1860. Demurrer filed allowed and
complainants appeals to Supreme Court. Continued

No 76 Lindsey Sanders VS P H Braden, W H Braden. (Held over from other Chancery Court
terms). Bill filed Feb 11, 1860 This bill was filed for injunction against a nuisance,
injunction was refused last term but the demurrer was over ruled. Bill dismissed

No 77 Joseph Waldrope, Catherine Waldrope, Joseph Waldrope, Emily Bolton, Elizabeth
Bolton, Isaac Bolton VS William Scirratt, Sen
Bill filed February 15, 1860. Will of Joseph Bolton filed. Cause for hearing.

No 78 Arnold & Hill VS James Cooper, F H Sanders, — Cooper
Bill filed April 20, 1860

No 79 J H Sanders, John R Cypert VS W H Wamble, Mark Lowery, Henry R Sharp
Bill filled June 7, 1860. Continued

No 80 Mary C Smith VS Julius F Smith, Mary J Smith, and 6 others
Filed Oct 24, 1859. This bill was filed for sale and division of land and investment in
other lands, in the Circuit court of McNairy county having no jurisdiction the same was
transferred to this court. Ready for hearing.

No 81 A J Kincaid, Adm of Josiah Combs, deceased VS William J Smith, Mariah Smith,
Josiah Combs and one other. Original bill filed in my office July 5, 1860. Publication
made to non residents.

No 82 James F McKiney VS William B McKiney, Agness A McKiney, Kate W McKiney
Original bill filed July 6, 1860. Publication made as to non residents.
Copy to McNairy County and Lincoln Co (Tennessee ??)

No 83 William Turner, Samuel Chambers VS Austin King, Albert Anthony, James Tate Jr

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Bill filed July 12, 1860. Austin King being non resident, publication was made.
Case compromised and dismissed.

No 84 Francis Tidwell VS Abner Pillow (injunction bill) Bill filed July 28, 1860

No 85 Aaron P Gage VS Margaret Gage Divorce Filed July 29, 1860

No 86 Eliza Ann Floyd VS Francis D Floyd Divorce and Alimony

No 88 M Cross & P Cates VS W F Turner and John V Wright

FEBRUARY 1861

No 16 S C Jones, Adm VS Merical Bevil, etal
This case only stands on report of C & M for payment by him

No 26 Charles Cogbill, etal VS Corneluis Gilchrist, etal Since August 1858
Bill and Cross bill. Report filed of land sold, to whom, etc.

No 40 Mary Rowsey VS George Rowsey Divorce
Bill filed Dec 13, 1858, injunction & attachment issued. Set for hearing.

No 41 Samuel Lewis - VS - W S Wisdom , W M Terry, etal Case filed Dec 1858. Continued.

No 48 N G Ward, Adm of Nicy Aldridge, deceased VS Drewery Aldridge, etal
Partition ordered.

No 51 W C Tatum, Adm & Guardian VS Simpson Kernodle August term last, referred to C &
M to take and state an account as to rents and permanent improvements.

No 55 Laban Hall and wife, America P Hall, Wm B Carr and six others, pauper’s oath
VS Fielding Hurst (previous hearings before Chancery Court)
Demurrer filed and over ruled. August term 1859. Case set for hearing

No 70 Matilda Kerr, John W Wilson, Catherine Wilson, William C Wilson, margaret wilson,
Mary E Kerr VS Robert Wm Kerr, Harriett Kerr, Cynthia A Kerr, John H Kerr and
Zenia E Kerr. Filed January 3, 1860. Prays for a decree to divide land, slaves and
money. Publications made for 4 successive weeks as to non residents.
Houston guardian and council. Order and commissioners appoint to allot dower and
divide land and slaves.

No 75 Andrew McKenzie, etal VS John H Meeks, G W House, H J Kincaid guardian of
George Chambers, Samuel Chambers Jr, Nancy Atkins and Daniel McDaniel

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Bill filed January 25, 1860. Bill filed Janaury 19, 1860. Demurrer filed allowed and
complainants appeals to Supreme Court. Continued

No 76 Lindsey Sanders VS P H Braden, W H Braden (held over from other Chancery Court
terms) Bill filed Feb 11, 1860 This bill was filed for injunction against a nuisance,
injunction was refused last term but the demurrer was over ruled. Bill dismissed

No 78 Arnold & Hill VS James Cooper, F H Sanders, — Cooper. Bill filed April 20, 1860

No 79 J H Sanders, John R Cypert VS W H Wamble, Mark Lowery, Henry R Sharp
Bill filled June 7, 1860. Continued

No 80 Mary C Smith VS Julius F Smith, Mary J Smith, and 6 others. Filed Oct 24, 1859. This bill was filed for sale and division of land and investment in other lands, in the Circuit court of McNairy county having no jurisdiction the same was transferred to this court. Ready for hearing.

No 81 A J Kincaid, Adm of Josiah Combs, deceased. VS William J Smith, Mariah Smith,
Josiah Combs and one other. Original bill filed in my office July 5, 1860. Publication
made to non residents.

No 82 James F McKiney VS William B McKiney, Agness A McKiney, Kate W McKiney
Original bill filed July 6, 1860. Publication made as to non residents.
Copy to McNairy County and Lincoln Co (Tennessee ??)

No 84 Francis Tidwell VS Abner Pillow (injunction bill) - bill filed July 28, 1860

No 86 Eliza Ann Floyd VS Francis D Floyd Divorce and Alimony

No 88 M Cross & P Cates VS W F Turner and John V Wright

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

MCNAIRY COUNTY CHANCERY COURT # 479, 1881
L. C. Roten, friend of Robert Lawson, minor vs John W Lawson, etal
McNairy County Chancery Court #475
John W Lawson vs Thomas Lawson, etal. Petition to sell land

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 defendants: 1. John W. Lawson; 2. James K. P. Lawson;

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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 husband, both of whom are now dead; his children and grand children by his first wife and 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 600 acres of valuable lands in one body lying in the th 6 civil district of McNairy County on Oxford Creek, bounded on the north by Josiah Jeans 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 a 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 The estate was divided 1/3 to the widow and 2/3 to the other heirs.

An inventory of the sale of the property of James Lawson Deceased.

Ephriam ---- 5 bushel corn 10.00

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Jacob Alexander - one milch cow 6.50; F A Barnes - sythce blade .25 Thomas Bassham - saw .30; four hoes 2.10; J W Blasingame - lot black wool .15; one table cloth .25; one tray & sifter .70; one colt 56.75 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; George Browder - 2 hogs 2nd choice 20.25; one bedstead & quilt 2.00; seven tumblers & salt sellers .40; David Brown - lard and stands .70; lot pot vessels .35; spinning wheel 2.50; skillet & kettle .35 A C Chenault - one set of gears 1.35; set of gears 1.15; William Calaway - five bushel corn 12.00; Nancy Cooper - five cups and plates .55; one table .15;one bureau .15 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; A H Deaver - one--.55 J E Ferguson - one lot hay 10.50; L Fisher - blanket 1.75; one bed blanket 1.75; 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; Andrew Forsyth - one sugar bowl and molasses stand .40; one set crockery .90; J L Fowlkes - side harrow 2.25; one cow and calf 16.50 Enoch Foy - dishes.65; sheets and slips .55; five bed quilts 3.50; two bed blankets 2.75; R H Garrett - 10 bushel corn 21.37; C H Hill - one pair of st—.50; N S Hudgespeth - 10 bushel corn 21.50 C M Jeans - 10 bushes corn 21.20; Elizabeth Jones - sad iron .30; one pan & spoon .60; 4 ½ yards of jeans 4.00; table cloths 1.60 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; J J K P Lawson - measure .25; one blanket 2.15; J S Lawson – can’t read 3.20 J W Lawson - plow 4.00; gate hinges .50; gun 3.00; table 1.15; bed quilts7.40; blankets 4.10; 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; 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; Elvira McCoy - one loom 3.00 John McCoy - one lot of plows .50;

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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; A J McCullar - four chairs .70 Peter McCullar - one gray horse 50.00; John McHughes - bucket .40; baskets .35; Nelson Merrell - Grind rock .50; A M Mitchell - bushel corn 1.50; 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; C T Moore - oat cutter.30; R A Morgan - bed stead 2.50; 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; 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; B P Ray - 1 lot white wool 3.20; four choats 10.75; shot gun 1.70; Table cloth 1.15; plank 1.00 John Ray - bear hook 1.00; J H Reeder - one lot seed cotton 51.75; A M Rhinehart - 5 bushel corn 10.75 S S Roberson - 2 hogs 4th choice 17.25; W H Stone - one lot fodder 2.25; can and 2 bbls .15; 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; one lot fodder 6.30; R T Sweat - bed stead 2.70; John Taylor - one wagon 3.25; J J Williams - bucket .50 W J Williams - 5 bushel corn 10.55; plow tools 2.00; John Winn - harrow 1.10; large kettle 3.50; two jars and pitcher 1.10; brle of salts 1.65; David Yokely - large shovel 1.00; spade 1.10;

(To me, the transcriber of these notes - Nancy Wardlow Kennedy) it doesn’t seem right that the wife had to buy back what she wanted or needed out of her own house. He had to buy her family Bible. Also, the quilts, medicine and other personal objects. Women were not always protected in those days.) 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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