Chambers Co. AL, - Estate of Thomas Staples ==================================================================== USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons or organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: UCMEGEEBEE@aol.com ==================================================================== This extract is for the settlement of the estate of Thomas Staples. I made it from a Xerox copy of the original obtained many years ago from Mrs. Ruth Crump, who was the official historial for Chambers County, Alabama. These are as accurate to the original as possible. Perhaps they will be appropriate the Chambers County, Alabama archive site. Thank you for this opportunity to share. Glenda Brack Extracted from a Xerox copy of the original document obtained many years ago from Mrs. Ruth Crump, the historian for Chambers County, Alabama. ESTATE PAPERS OF THOMAS STAPLES 27 September 1869 (Cover of Document) Estate of Thomas Staples dec'd Petitioner for Letters Filed Septr 27/69 Recorded (Document) To the Hon. John Appleby, Judge of Probate for the County of Chambers in the state of Alabama. The petition of William S. Denney an inhabitant of this state and who is over twenty years of age, respectfully represents unto your Honor that Thomas Staples departed this life intestate on or about the 24th day of September 1869 leaving property in the state to the best of petitioner's knowledge information and ________of about the value of fifteen thousand dollars and not probably more. That said Thomas Staples was an inhabitant of this county at the time of his death. Your petitioner's first wife was a daughter of deceased and he has been chosen by the widow and heirs at law of deceased to administer said estate. That the heirs and distributees of the estate of said deceased as your petitioner is advised and believes are as follows, to wit, Mary Staples, the widow of deceased who is over twenty one years of age & resides in this county, William J. Staples & Lindsey H. Staples, who are sons of deceased and over twenty one years of age & reside in this county. David R. Staples, a son who resides in Coosa County, Alabama and is over twenty one years of age, John F. Staples, a son who is over twenty years of age and resides in Carol County in the State of Georgia, Elizabeth A. Stanfield, a femi sole, a daughter of deceased over twenty one years of age and resides in Tallapoosa County, Ala., Mary A. Gaston, femi court, wife of John T. Gaston over twenty one years of age and resides in this county, Sarah Moon, femi court and wife of Allen Moon, who resides in Clay County, Alabama and over twenty one years of age and the children of Tabitha J. Denney, deceased, who was a daughter of deceased to wit, Mary F. Houston, femi court and wife of Joseph Houston, over twenty one who reside in this county, David W. Denney over 14 and under 21 years of age, Ida Denney over 14 years of age and under 21, John Denney under fourteen years, LaArthur H. Denney under 14 and Thomas E. Denney, under 14 years of age, all of the above named minors reside in this county with your petitioner. In consideration of the previous your petitioner respectfully suggests to your Honor that he is by law and the consent of the parties of interest entitled to administer said estate, and prays your Honor that such orders and decrees may be made as may be deemed necessary and proper to secure the appointment of your petitioner to that trust as soon as by ____ letters can be granted according to law and upon his giving the requisite bond and security. All (of) which is respectfully submitted. Sworn to & subscribed W. S. Denny before me this 27th Septr. 1869 Jno Appleby Judge of Probate. 11 October 1869 The State of Alabama Chambers County Probate Court, Chambers County To the Hon. John Appleby, Judge of Probate for county aforesaid. The petition of William S. Denney respectfully shows unto your Honor that he has been duly appointed by this honorable court to the administration of the estate of Thomas Staples, deceased. That he has taken possession of the personal property of said estate. That there is stock and pork hogs, cattle, horses, mules and shup, besides plantation tools, wagons, household and kitchen furniture together with the crop raised this present year, which property is of a perishable nature in that said hogs, cattle, horses and mules will all have to be fed which will consume a large portion of the corn and fodder which would be otherwise for sale. Said stock is also liable to die or stray off. In consideration of which your petitioner states that it is manifestly to the interest and will be beneficial to the interest of said estate to have all said property sold (off) at as early a day as possible. Wherefore your petitioner prays your Honor to grant him an order to sell said property and that said sale be at as early a day as possible as much of said property is of a perishable nature. Your petitioner further states that he believes it will be to the interest of said estate to sell the corn, fodder, wheat, oats, and pork hogs for cash and the balance of said property on a credit of twelve months from (the) day of sale. Sworn to and subscribed before me W. S. Denney this 11th October 1869. Jno Appleby, Judge of Probate 17 December 1869 (Cover of Document) 212 Estate of Thomas Staples, Dec'd Report of Sales Filed Dec 17/69 Recorded (Document) The following is a true list of things sold at Thomas Staples Sale on the 9th day of November 1869 Name of purchaser Articles purchased Cts 1st L. H. Staples 1st lot of books .30 2nd John F. Staples 2nd lot of books .90 3rd Hiram Gibson 3rd lot of books .05 4th John F. Staples 4th lot of books .80 5th W. H. Blackburn 5th lot of books .35 6th T. C. Moon 6th lot of books paid .65 7th James M. Barnes 7th History of the World 1.30 8th T. D. Willingham 8th Life of Christ .35 9th L. H. Staples 9th School books 4.00 10th L. H. Staples 10th Greek Lexicon 5.00 11th John F. Staples 11th Bible 10.00 12th Elisabeth Barns one syringe 1.00 13th Elisabeth Barns one violin 9.05 14th Hiram Gibson one dish .40 15th Mary W. Staples one set of cups and saucers .65 16th J. C. Huston two places paid .15 17th William Bishop one set of plates .80 18th L. H. Staples one set of plates .65 19th L. H. Staples one set of knives and forks 1.00 20th Hiram Gibson one lot of bottles .05 21st Mary A. Staples one dishpan .55 22nd John F. Staples China plates, cups and sau. 1.85 23rd L. H. Staples Caston 1.25 24th J. C. Carter Sugar Dish paid .25 25th J. C. Carter Teapot paid .65 26th L. H. Staples one pitcher 1.00 27th Elisabeth Barns one pitcher .85 28th J. J. Morgan Lot of Glass &c 1.05 29th Elisabeth Barns Butter Dish .05 30th Thomas Richards Glass plates paid .75 31st Mary Ann Gaston Pickle dish .55 32nd Thomas Richards Lamp paid .55 33rd Y. A. Moon Small lamp .10 34th Thomas Richards 1st bottle buffod oil paid .25 35th Y. A. Moon 2nd lot buffod oil paid .05 36th J. J. Morgan Sideboard 6.00 37th Elisabeth Barns Bureau 7.10 38th William Denny Clock 8.00 39th L. H. Staples Table .50 40th William Staples Table .60 41st Joseph Stephens Candle Stand .35 42nd J. B. Sanders Coffee Mill .20 43rd L. H. Staples Claw hammer .40 44th W. S. Denny Set andirons 2.00 45th Mary A. Staples 1st of chairs 4.50 46th L. H. Staples 2nd lot of chairs .65 47th Y.A. Moon Small chest paid .80 48th Mary A. Staples Small table .80 49th Y. A. Moon Large chest paid 4.05 50th W. G. Osburn Steelyard paid 1.00 51st John F. Staples Small steelyard 2.00 52nd John F. Staples Double barrel gun 20.00 53rd L. H. Staples Repeater 11.00 54th William Staples Watch, silver 60.00 55th Mary Ann Gaston Bed furniture 37.50 56th Luke Robertson Bed Stead 32.50 57th L. H. Staples Bed Stead 38.50 58th Mary A. Gaston Quilt 1.00 59th S. H. Tiller Quilt paid .60 60th S. H. Tiller Quilt paid .65 61st S. H. Tiller Quilt paid .95 62nd L. H. Staples Quilt 2.50 63rd Elisabeth Barns Quilt 1.75 64th Elisabeth Barns Quilt 1.00 65th J. J. Morgan Piece sole leather 2.00 66th Mary A. Gaston Bed and clothing 38.00 67th J. J. Morgan One kid skin 3.75 68th J. J. Morgan 2nd lot leather .70 69th J. J. Morgan 3rd lot leather 1.50 70th J. J. Morgan 4th Sole .10 16.00.35 1/2 per lb. 3.55 71st William Staples Handsaw 1.60 72nd W. S. Denny Ax 1.00 73rd William Staples Lot of nails 1.20 74th Joseph Richards Irons &c .50 75th J. Y. Trammel Box Irons .30 76th Joseph Richards Lot of Irons paid .50 77th Joseph Richards Lot of irons paid .50 78th John F. Staples Ferow & plain 1.00 79th Wm. J. Staples Jack plain 1.05 80th Wm. J. Staples Two mealsacks 1.00 81st W. H. Blackston One box .20 82nd J. J. Morgan Wagonsheet .40 83rd Joseph Briskey Two axes paid .80 84th Simon Morgan Hames and Traces .60 85th John Kitchens Hames paid .60 86th John Clark Plows .75 87th John F. Staples Plows 1.15 88th W. H. Blackburn Plows .65 89th John F. Staples Plows - Bedpin .80 90th Joseph Richards (blank) paid .40 91st N. R. Sorrels Lot of Hoes .40 92nd L. H. Staples Two plowstocks .75 93rd G. B. Sanders Bedstead 1.15 94th Elisabeth Barns Saddle 6.00 95th L. H. Staples Razor and strop 1.00 96th Joseph Richards Dish .60 97th Y. A. Moon Specktacles .75 98th William J. Staples Two pair Lancets .40 99th William J. Staples One overcoat 14.50 100th Will J. Staples One gray mare 151.00 101st Y. A. Moon Two jugs paid .50 102nd Wm.F. Knight Two jugs paid .30 103rd G. B. Sanders Two Jars paid .90 104th William T. Knight Three jars paid .60 105th William Staples Loom 3.00 106th Joseph Higgins One bay mule paid 141.00 107th J. J. Morgan One gray mule 181.25 108th William Denny One sorrel horse 250.00 109th David Staples One colt 140.00 110th W. T. Thompson One two horse wagon 60.00 111th Wm. J. Staples Two first choice hogs 22 1/2 & 20 cts 42.50 112th C. H. Belcher Two second choice hogs paid 16.50 113th L. H. Staples Two 3rd choice hogs 9.00 114th L. H. Staples Two 4th choice hogs 9.00 115th Brisky Two Syths paid 1.50 and 1.00 2.50 116th G. F. Hill One cutting knife .50 117th A. (?) Stanfield One cow 8.50 118th J. C. Clark One cow paid 13.50 119th J. J. Morgan Two bulls 20.50 120th James H. Higgins Two yearlings paid 4.00 each 8.00 121st James H. Higgins Two yearlings paid 6.25 122nd Hiram Gibson Hogs small 7.00 123rd L. H. Staples Two pigs .50 124th Smallwood 1st ten of shucks 7.25 125th Smallwood 1000 lbs fodder $1.25 per Hun. 12.50 126th Joseph Stephens 1000 lbs oats $1.25 per Hun 12.50 127th D. R. Staples 1/2 1000 more or less $1.30 per Hu 16.00 128th Wm. J. Staples fodder more or less .80 per Hun 8.00 129th L. H. Staples 1000 lbs $1.25 per Hun. 12.50 130th L. H. Staples 1st lot of wheat 10 bu. @ 1.50 per b 15.00 131st John F. Staples 2nd lot of wheat 20 bu @ 1.50 per b 30.00 132nd S. G. Higgins 3rd lot of wheat paid 10 bu more or less 1.50 15.00 133rd L. H. Staples 1st lot of Corn 25 bu $1.50 per b 37.50 134th John Gaston 2nd lot of Corn 20 bu $1.45 per b 29.00 135th John Gaston 3rd lot of Corn 20 bu $1.40 per b 28.00 136th W. B. Kitchens 4th lot of Corn 20 bu $1.50 per b 30.00 137th W. B. Kitchens 5th lot of Corn 20 bu $1.50 per b 30.00 138th W. F. Thompson 6th lot of Corn 20 bu $1.50 per b 30.00 139th T. (?) Willingham 7th none 20 bu more or less @ $1.50 140th Mary Ann Staples One wash pot 2.00 141st W. F. Fielder One oven paid .25 142nd W. S. Denny Three 1/2 Ber salt more or less $.75 2.62 1/2 143rd Mary A. Staples One cow 12.50 144th Jasper Brisky One cow paid 12.00 145th John F. Staples Adze one .85 146th L. H. Staples Chain on Stretchers 1.00 147th L. H. Staples One Frow .25 148th L. H. Staples One Hehd .65 149th William Staples Barrels .65 150th William Staples Two bbls .65 151st L. H. Staples 1 box .35 152nd John Clark 1 Barrell .65 November 10th 1869 The following is a true list of things sold at W. S. Denny's residence. Sale of Thomas Staples (deceased) Names of Purchasers Things purchased $ Cts 1st George Ray 1st lot of Plows paid .40 2nd William Bishop 2nd lot of Plows paid 1.80 3rd Henry Bishop Grindstone paid .80 4th L. H. Staples Grindstone .60 5th D. J. Smith One pare Hames paid .75 6th W. S. Denny Ruger .60 7th A. L. Standfield Vice 3.15 8th James Bishop Sledge hammer paid 1.25 9th William Denny Hand Hammer .60 10th D. J. Smith Two pair Tongs paid 1.50 11th J. F. Staples Irons .65 12th A. J. Robertson Anvil & bellows paid .80 13th William Denny Screwplate 4.75 14th Thomas Willingham Two axes 1.45 15th W. S. Denny One plowstock .65 16th Moses Cotny Iron wedge paid .85 17th L. H. Staples Iron wedge .60 18th John F. Staples Half Bushel .75 19th Henry Bishop One wagon paid 36.00 20th W. S. Denny One Pair stretchers 1.75 21st W. S. Denny Fifth chain 3.05 22nd W. S. Denny One hog first choice 12.50 23rd W. S. Denny 2nd lot hog choice Two 14.50 23th W. B. Nicols 3rd lot Hogs paid 13.50 25th Stanmore Carlisle 4th lot Hogs 11.00 26th Marion Brisky 5th lot Hogs paid 11.20 27th A. J. Robertson One white sow paid 4.10 28th A. J. Robertson One spotted sow paid 4.00 29th F. M. Wood One Black sloat 4.25 30th J. C. Carter One third choice paid 3.00 31st James Robertson Two fourth choice paid 5.25 32nd W. S. Denny Five shoats 7.00 33rd W. S. Denny Five pigs of Choice 6.00 34th Gis Hill Lot of sheep seven 9.00 35th William Bishop One cow and calf 22.00 36th J. C. Carter One cow paid 16.00 37th A. A. Fielder One ox 21.25 38th John Carter One yearling paid 3.00 39th John Carter One yearling paid 3.25 40th W. S. Denny One yoke of Oxen 60.00 41st Gis Hill One Pen of Shucks 6.20 42nd N. R. Sorrels One Pen of Shucks 4.75 43rd Gis Hill One lot fodder 1000 lbs 1.09 10.50 44th J. V. Barns One lot fodder 1000 lbs 10.00 45th W. S. Denny One lot fodder 1000 lbs 1.00 per lb 10.00 46th W. S. Denny One lot fodder 200 lbs @ 1.60 47th Joseph Stevens One lot Oats 1000 lbs. $1.20 per lb 12.00 48th Joseph Stevens One lot Oats 1000 lbs. $1.25 per lb 12.50 49th D. C. McIntosh One lot of wheat 10 bu @ 1.58 per bu 15.80 50th J. M. Newman One lot of wheat 10 bu @ 1.58 per bu 15.80 51st D. Burns One lot of wheat 10 bu @ 1.60 per bu 16.00 52nd S. H. Carlisle One lot of wheat 10 bu @ 1.60 per bu 16.00 53rd G. F. Hill One lot of wheat 10 bu @ 1.59 per bu 15.90 54th L. H. Staples One lot of wheat 10 bu @ 1.75 per bu 17.50 55th G. F. Hill One lot of wheat 10 bu more or less 1.56 15.67 1/2 56th James J. Morgan One lot of wheat 10 bu more or less 1.60 15.67 1/2 57th J. J. Morgan One lot of wheat 10 bu 1.60 per bu 16.00 58th W. S. Denny One pare of plow gear 1.65 59th W. S. Denny One Fan 4.00 60th W. S. Denny One corn sheller 4.95 61st W. S. Denny One Measuring tub .25 62nd W. S. Denny Two boxes .20 63rd Thomas Carter One lot of corn 20 bu @ 1.25 25.00 64th Joseph Stephens 2nd lot of corn 20 bu @ 1.26 25.20 65th G. H. Hill 3rd lot of corn 20 bu @ 1.27 25.40 66th J. J. Morgan 4th lot of corn 20 bu @ 1.29 25.90 67th G. F. Hill 5th lot of corn 20 bu @ 1.31 26.20 68th W. S. Denny 6th lot of corn 20 bu @ 1.32 26.40 69th W. S. Denny 7th lot of corn 20 bu @ 1.32 26.40 70th W. J. Staples 8th lot of corn 20 bu @ 1.32 26.40 71st J. J. Morgan 9th lot of corn 20 bu @ 1.33 26.60 72nd Stanmore Carlisle 10th lot of corn 20 bu @ 1.33 1/4 26.65 73rd C. L. Adams Cotton Box paid .25 74th Y. A. Moon Cart paid .60 75th Henry Bishop Mattock paid .75 76th Richmond Pearson One lot of cotton seed 120 bu at.28 per bu 24.00 (no 77) 78th W. S. Denny One chain 1.05 79th Thomas Moon One shot gun paid 11.35 80th T. J. Norman 18 lbs lot of wool 55 cts per lb 9.90 J. F. Staples Half bushel .75 J. F. Staples One Gun .50 72 1/2 N. R. Sorrels 35 bu of corn @ 1.30 42.10 1 William Staples One padlock 1.00 William J. Staples 5 bu wheat ________ 1.50 J. J. Morgan 20 bus corn 20.00 __ R. _orris 20 bus corn 20.00 William Welch ________ saw 7.15 ____________ 10 bus corn 13.30 State of Alabama Chambers County Before me Judge of Probate for said County personally came W. S. Denny administrator of the Estate of Thomas Staples deceased who being duly sworn says on oath that the foregoing eight pages contain a correct list of the sale of the real property of said Estate sold by him on the 9th and 10th days of November 1869. Sworn to & subscribed before me W. S. Denny this 17th December 1869. Jno Appleby Judge of Probate 17 May 1870 (Cover of the document) W. S. Denny, Admr &c vs The Heirs of Thomas Staples, dec'd We acknowledge and legal service of the within and waive copy & service by the sheriff W. J. Staples L. H. Staples Mary A. Gaston Mary F. Houston J. C. Houston David W. Denney Ida T. Denney John D. Denney Sarah E. Denney Tabitha H. Denney Thomas E. Denney (Document) The State of Alabama, Chambers County. To any Sheriff of the State of Alabama - Greeting: You are hereby commanded to Summons without delay: William J. Staples, Lindsey H. Staples, Mary A. Gastin, Mary F. Houston, Joseph C. Houston, David W. Denny, Ida T. Denny and John D. Denny and Sarah E., Tabitha H., Thomas E. Denny, minors under fourteen years by service of this citation on William S. Denny, their father, in whose care and custody they are. Personally to be and appear before the Honorable Judge of Probate for Chambers County, at the Court House, thereof on the 25th day of July 1870, then and there to show cause (if any there be) why an order should not be granted for the sale of the lands belonging to the estate of Thomas Staples deceased for distribution among the heirs of said estate. And have you then and there, this Writ, with your endorsement thereon. Witness, my hand at Office, this 17th day of May A.D. 1870 Jno. Appleby, Judge of Probate 25 July 1870 (Cover of Document) Estate Thomas Staples Petition to Sell Land Filed: May 17/70 Recorded April 3rd 1871 Pages 358 259 Jno Appleby Judge Set for hearing July 25/70 (Document) The State of Alabama Chambers County To the Hon John Appleby, Judge of Probate of said County Your petitioner William S. Denney is the administrator of the estate of Thomas Staples, deceased, respectfully represents that while only about seven months have elapsed since he was qualified by this court to administer the estate of said deceased from this amount and character of the claims presented and from his knowledge of the condition of said estate he is satisfied the sum is solvent. Your petitioner further represents unto your Honor that the heirs of said estate are as follows, to wit: John H. Staples, who resides in Carol County, in the State of Georgia, David R. Staples, who resides in Coosa County, Alabama, Elizabeth Stanfield, femi sole, who resides in Tallapoosa County, Ala. Sarah Moon, wife of Young A. Moon both of whom reside in Clay County, Alabama, William J. Staples, Lindsey H. Staples & Mary A. Gaston & her husband John F. Gaston, all of whom reside in Chambers County, Alabama & all of the above named heirs are over the age of twenty one years. And the children of Tabitha J. Denny who was a daughter of the deceased, but who departed this life before said deceased and who are entitled to their mother's interest in said estate, them being seven in number (to wit) Mary F. Houston, wife of Joseph C. Houston, who is over twenty one years of age & resides in Chambers County, Ala., David W. Denney, who is over fourteen but under twenty one years of age. Ida T. Denny, femi sole, over fourteen but under twenty one years of age, John D. Denny over fourteen, Sarah E. Denny under fourteen, Tabitha H. Denny under fourteen & Thomas E. Denny under fourteen years of age, all of said minors reside in this county with your petitioner. Your petitioner further states that said deceased died seized and possessed of the following described lands lying and being in this state. The South West quarter of Section Four and Fifty acres in the South East corner of Section Five all in Township Twenty Four of Range Twenty Six, Also fifteen acres of the South end of Fraction A and fifteen acres of the South end of Fraction B in Fractional Section Thirteen in Fractional Township Twenty Two of Range Eleven in the County of Randolph, also the South West one fourth of the South East quarter of Section Twelve in Township Twenty Two, Range Eleven, in Randolph County. Also the South East quarter and the East half of the North East quarter and Twenty acres 9being the south half) of the South West quarter of the North East quarter of Section Eighteen. Also Fraction B of Section twenty, also the South West quarter of the South West quarter of Section Eight, also twenty acres more or less of the South East quarter of the South East quarter of Section Seven, bounded on the East by Section Eight, South by Section Eighteen and north and west by the run of the large branch which runs through the said forty acre piece of land, also all of Section Seventeen which lies on the West side of the Tallapoosa River including the ferry landing on both sides of said river with the necessary privileges for the safety and convenience for tying a rope, chain or wire on the banks for the use of the ferry on said river, all of said lands lying in Township Twenty four of Range Twenty five in Chambers County, Alabama. Your petitioner further states that said tracts of lands are so situated that they cannot be equitable divided among said heirs, and he believes the interests of all concerned will be best promoted by a sale thereof and a distribution of the proceeds among the heirs according to their respective rights wherefore your petitioner prays your Honor to authorize him to see said lands for one half cash and the other half on a credit of twelve months from day of sale, for the purpose of making a division of the same among said heirs as soon as may be. Your petitioner therefore prays for all such orders as may be necessary to bring the above named parties before the court and for all such orders and decrees as may be necessary to effect a sale of said premises for the purpose of a division according to law. All of whish is respectfully submitted. W. S. Denney 8 November 1870 (Cover of Document) Estate of T. Staples, dec'd Report of Sale - Land Nov 28/70 Recorded (Document) To the Hon. John Appleby, Judge of Probate for Chambers County, Alabama. William S. Denney the administrator of the estate of Thomas Staples, deceased, respectfully represents unto your Honor that on the 5th day of October 1870 within the lawful hours of sale as prescribed by law for administrators to sell and in strict compliance with the terms & requirements of the former order of this court which was the decree of sale granted and entered in the premises on the eighth day of August 1870. He proceeded and sold at public outcry on the premises. The land set forth and particularly described in said former order and decree, with and of the following described lands to wit: The South West quarter of Section Four (4) the North half of Section Four (4) and fifty acres of the South East corner of Section five (5), all in Township Twenty four (24) of Range Twenty Six (26), Chambers County Ala., And also fifteen acres off of the South end of Fraction A and fifteen acres of the South end of Fraction B, Fraction c, Section Thirteen (13) in Fractional Township Twenty Two (22) of Range Eleven and the South West one fourth of the South East quarter of Section Twelve (12) in Township twenty two (22) of Range Eleven in county of Randolph Alabama, William J. Staples bid the Sum of three dollars & eighty one cents ($3.81) per acre this being in all six hundred acres which amounts to the sum of $2, 286.00. That being the highest & best bid offered , he became the purchaser for that sum, and that said sale was in all things fairly conducted and that said lands sold for a sum not greatly less or disproportionate to the real value of said land. Said administrator further reports that for the South east quarter and the East half of the North East quarter and twenty acres being the South half of the South West quarter of the North East quarter all of Section Eighteen (18) and fraction B of Section Twenty (20) also the South West one fourth of the South West quarter of Section eight (8) also twenty acres more or less of Section Seven (7) it being that part of said Section lying south of a large branch running through the same. Also all of Section Seventeen which lies on the west side of the Tallapoosa River including the Ferry landing on both sides of said river, with the necessary privileges for the safety and convenience for tying a rope, chain, or wire on the banks for the use of the ferry. This is to be deducted from the above described lands eleven acres first for sale to Jordan Wood taken off of the North East corner of section Eighteen and the West end of that part of Section Seven above described as lying South of a large branch, leaving as the amount sold Seven hundred and fifty acres all in township twenty four (24) of range twenty five (25) for which William S. Denney bid the sum of seven dollars and twenty five cents per acre, amounting to ($5437.50) fifty four hundred & thirty seven & 50/100 dollars which being the highest & best bid offered, he became the purchaser for the above. He further states that said sale was in all things fairly conducted and that said lands sold for a sum not greatly less or disproportionate to their real value. Said administrator further reports that said lands were sold for one half cash and the other half on a credit of twelve months from day of sale. he further reports that instead of requiring personal security he retains a lien on said lands as security for the payment of the balance of the purchase money which he deems as ample security for the same. In consideration of the promises he asks that said sale be in all things confirmed and made good to said purchasers. All (of) which is respectfully subscribed. Sworn to & subscribed before me W. S. Denney, Admr the 28th November 1870 Jno Appleby, Judge of Probate. 28 Nov 1870 (Cover of Document) Estate of Thomas Staples, dec'd Annual Settlement Filed Nov 18/70 Set for Settlement Dec 30/70 Recorded in Settlement Record Vol 12, Page 10 (Document) Thomas Staples, Estate of William S. Denney administrator of the estate of Thomas Staples deceased presents to the Probate Court of Chambers County the following accounts and vouchers for an annual settlement of his said administration and charges himself as follows: To cash on hand at death of deceased as per return in inventory 14 October 1869. $664.35 less error of seventy dollars in said return which is now corrected and as here to be all void 594.35 Collection on notes named in inventory To amount collected on W. J. Mathis note 4 Oct 1869 700.00 To cash at sale of personal property sold 10 November 1869 as per sale bill 1,088.34 To amount collected a 8 Dec 1869 from Ferry 50.00 To R. Phillips around 8 Dec 1869 58.00 To amount of D. C. McIntosh note 8 Dec 1869 300.00 To amount of cotton sold 8 Dec 1869 101.73 To amount collected W. J. Mathis note 21 Dec 1869 939.40 To amount collected T. J. Leverette account 28 Dec 1869 10.00 To amount collected D. R. Staples note 31 Dec 1869 387.00 1870 To amount collected D. S. Moon & Pinkards note 7 Jany/70 39.15 To amount collected J. J. Morgan's note 7 Jany/70 34.14 To amount collected M. J. Carlisle note Feby 2/70 237.75 To amount collected D. C. McIntosh note Feby 11/70 82.50 To amount collected D. R. Staples note _____ 11/70 400.00 To amount collected W. J. Staples for rent cotton Mar 16th 98.48 To amount of Cotton Sold 6 March/70 216.74 To amount collected on W. B. Nichols note 8 March/70 162.50 To amount collected on D. R. Staples note 25 March/70 57.00 To amount collected on H. T. Smarts note 30 Apl/70 5.00 To amount collected cotton sold 1 May /70 86.44 To amount collected of W. L. Heflin note 2 July/70 339.50 To amount of cash for cash payment of land sold to W. J. Staples 5 October 1870 as per report of sale made 18 November 1870 1,143.00 To amount of cash for cash payment of land sold to W. S. Denny 5 October 1870 as per report of sale made 28 November 1870 2,718.75 9,849.43 Said administrator asks credit for the following vouchers paid out by him for the benefit of said estate: V1 Paid B. L. Dyer 28 Oct 1869 154.26 V2 Paid W. Wood 1.00 V3 Paid J. M. Richards 17 Dec /69 6.00 V4 Paid Dr. W. L. Heflin 29 June 1870 81.20 V5 Paid H. A. Holiner 8 Aug/70 5.00 V6 Paid J. M. Richards 25 July /70 6.00 V7 Paid B. L. Dyer 28 October /70 67.50 V8 Paid John Appleby 24 Nov /70 35.00 V9 Paid W. S. Denny for ____________________ 45.00 V10 E. G. Richards 25.00 V11 E. G. Richards 75.00 $500.96 Amounts paid Distributees Paid Lindsey H. Staples Receipt 1 500.00 Receipt 2 57.00 557.00 Paid Mary An Gaston Receipt 1 500.00 Receipt 2 57.00 557.00 Paid David R. Staples Receipt 1 500.00 Receipt 2 57.00 557.00 Paid Sarah M. Moon V 1 500.00 V2 57.00 557.00 Paid John F. Staples V 1 500.00 V 2 57.00 557.00 Paid W. J. Staples V 1 500.00 V 2 57.00 557.00 Paid Elizabeth A. Stanfield V 1 500.00 V 2 57.00 557.00 Paid Mary F. Houston grand daughter of deceased & daughter of Tabitha Denny V 1 71.00 V 2 8.13 $ 79.13 The State of Alabama Chambers County Personally come before me John Appleby, Judge of Probate for the county afore said W. S. Denny administrator of the estate of Thomas Staples, deceased, who being duly sworn says on oath that the forgoing account & vouchers shows a full return of his administration of said estate up to this date. He further states that he has not used the effects of said estate for his own use. He also states the above receipts from distributees shows the names of all the heirs of said estate on recpt. David W. Denny, Ida T. Denny, John D. Denny, Sarah E. Denny, Tabitha H. Denny, & Thomas E. Denny all minors and children of Tabitha Denny, deceased, who was a daughter of said Thomas Staples. Sworn to & subscribed before me this 28 Nov 1870. Jno Appleby, Judge of Probate W. S. Denney, Admr. 15 Dec 1871 (Cover of Document) T. Staples dec'd Petition to convey Filed in Office Decr. 15, 1871 Recorded (Document) To the Hon. John Appleby, Judge of Probate Court of Chambers County. The undersigned respectfully represents that the full amount of the purchase money has been paid by W. J. Staples for land purchased by him on 5 Oct. 1870, which belonged to the estate of Thomas Staples, dec'd. He further reports that the full amount of purchase money has been paid for lands purchased by the undersigned at said sale. The undersigned prays your Honor for an order authorizing him to convey the lands purchased by said W. J. Staples to him as required by law and that your Honor appoint some suitable person to convey the lands to the undersigned which were purchased by him as he is the administrator of said estate this 15 Decr. 1871. Subscribed and sworn to before me this 15 W. S. Denney Decr 1871 Jno Appleby Judge of Probate 8 January 1872 (Cover of Document) Probate Court, Chambers County. Estate of Thomas Staples, Deceased Annual Settlement Filed in the office of the Judge Probate Court, this 15 day of Decr 1971 and the 8 day of Jany 1871, appointed as day of settlement. Jno Appleby, Judge Probate Court, Chambers Co. Audited, stated, decree thereon rendered, and ordered recorded, this 8 day of Jany 1872. Jno Appleby, Judge Probate Court, (left blank) Co. Recorded in Settlement Record, 12 Page 19 (Document) The State of Alabama, Chambers County Probate Court, December Term, 1871 To the Hon. John Appleby, Judge Probate Court, Chambers County: The undersigned W. S. Denney, Administrator of the Estate of Thomas Staples, deceased, would respectfully submit to the Court the following report of his acts and doings as such Administrator from 18 November 1870 to 15 December 1871. Date Items of Receipts Amount To amount of second payment of land purchased by W. J. Staples, 5 October 1870 & on 12 months after date as per report of sale 1,148.40 To amount of second payment of land purchased by W. S. Denney 5 Oct 1870 & due at 12 months from day of sale as per report of sale 2,718___ To amount of rent of land collected of W. Staples for rent for 1870. 300.___ To amount of rent of land for 1870 to W. S. Denney 500.___ To amount collected on notes in inventory collected in cost settlement 1870 Collected principle & interest of note Dec 17 W. J. Mattis 531.___ 27 D. R. Staples 748.44 27 D. R. Staples 100.00 1871 Jany 2 W. B. Nichols 330.00 2 J. T. Brooks 369.00 Mar 1 H. T. Smart (in part of note) 11.00 Decr 2 D. R. Staples (gold note) 366.__ Less in ___________ 36.__ 1871 March 1 A. M. Prichard on account (not in inventory) 15.__ total amount of moneys received and collected 1,161.2__ Contra. asks to be credited with the following payments to creditors of deceased, as per vouchers herewith submitted. Date For what paid out. No Amount of voucher Paid Out 1871 Jany 2 W. B. Nichols 1 57___ Decr 7 Thos Magham 2 5___ Feby 11 Wm. Jackson 3 8____ Decr 15 J. M. Richards 4 _____ 15 B. L. Dyer Taxes for /70 5 35___ 15 E. G. Richards 6 2____ Costs of this settlement &c 16 Cash paid I Hayman Revenue 14____ Amount brought down Amounts paid to distributees 1870 Since Last Settlement Decr 27 Paid L. H. Staples V. 1 1000.00 1871 Decr 2 Paid L. H. Staples V. 2 500.00 Decr 17 Mary A. Gaston 1 1000.00 1871 Decr 2 Mary A. Gaston 2 500.00 Decr 27 David R. Staples 1 1000.00 1871 Decr. 2 _________Staples, Executor of David R. Staples, dec'd 500.00 Dec. 27 Sarah M. Moon 1 1000.00 Sarah M. Moon 2 500.00 Decr. 27 John F. Staples 1 1000.00 1871 Decr. 2 John F. Staples 2 500.00 Dec. 27 W. J. Staples 1 1000.00 1871 Decr. 2 W. J. Staples 2 500.00 Decr. 17 Elizabeth A. Stanfield 1 1000.00 Dec/71 2 E. A. Stanfield 2 500.00 Decr/70 27 Mary F. Houston, granddaughter of dec'd and daughter of Tabitha Denny 14_____ Decr 2 Mary F. Houston 71____ Remarks - Amount of claims against Estate still unpaid $ (no entry) I hereby accept the appointment of guardian ad litem for the within named minor heirs and such guardian ____ each & every allegations ______ and said application all of which is respectfully submitted. Decr. 15, 187_ ____________ The State of Alabama, Chambers County. Before me, Jno Appleby, Judge of the Probate Court of said County, personally appeared D. S. Denney (sic) Administrator of the Estate of Thomas Staples, deceased, who being duly sworn, make an oath that the forgoing account current is a full and correct statement of all his dealings and transactions, and of all moneys and effects received and paid out by him on account of said estate, and that he has not used any of the funds of said estate for his own benefit. Subscribed and sworn to before me, this 15 W. S. Denney day of Decr 1871 Jno Appleby Judge Probate Court, Chambers County. The State of Alabama, Chambers County W. S. Denney, Administrator of the Estate of T. Staples, deceased, being duly sworn, makes oath that Sarah Moon aged over 21 years, residing (left blank) W. J. Staples aged " " years, residing (left blank) L. H. Staples aged " " years, residing (left blank) E. A. Stanfield aged " " years, residing (left blank) Mary A. Gaston aged " " years, residing (left blank) D. R. Staples aged " " years, residing (left blank) The children of Tabitha Denney, deceased, Mary F. Houston, over 21 years, David W. Denny, Ida T. Denny, John D. Denny, all over 14 years. Sarah E. Denny, Tabitha Denny & Thomas E. Denny each under 14 are the heirs and devisees of said deceased, according to the best of his information, knowledge and belief. Subscribed and sword to before me, this 15 day of Dec. A.D. 1871 W. S. Denney Jno Appleby Admr. Judge Probate Court, Chambers County. 16 April 1873 (Cover of Document) Probate Court Chambers County Estate of Thomas Staples, Deceased Filed in the office of the Judge Probate Court, this 14 day of Mar 1873 and the 16 day of April 1873 appointed as day of settlement. Jno Appleby Judge Probate Court, (left blank) Co. Audited, stated, decree thereon rendered, and ordered recorded this 16 day of Apr 1873. Jno Appleby Judge Probate Court, (left blank) Co. Recorded in Settlement Record, Vol 8, Page 380 (Document) (Note: The top section for remarks was left blank) The State of Alabama Chambers County Before me John Appleby, Judge of the Probate Court of said County, personally appeared W. S. Denny Administrator of the Estate of Thos Staples deceased, who being duly sworn, make oath that the foregoing account is a full and correct statement of all his dealings and transactions, and of all moneys and effects received and paid out by him on account of said estate, and that he has not used any of the funds of said estate for his own benefits. Subscribed and sworn to before me, this 14 day of Mar 1873 (unsigned by Judge) (unsigned by administrator) The State of Alabama Chambers County W. S. Denny, Administrator of the Estate of Thos Staples deceased, being duly sworn makes oath that Sarah Moon aged over 21 years residing in (left blank) W. J. Staples aged over 21 years residing in (left blank) L. H. Staples aged over 21 years residing in (left blank) E. A. Stanfield aged over 21 years residing in (left blank) Mary A. Gaston aged over 21 years residing in (left blank) D. R. Staples aged over 21 years residing in (left blank) John F. Staples and the children of Tabitha Denny, dec'd to wit: Mary F. Houston over 21 years, David W. Denny, Ida F. Finney, wife of Charles Finney, John D. Denny, Sarah E. Denny, Tabitha H. Denny & Thomas E. Denny all minors. are the heirs and devisees of said deceased, according to the best of his information, knowledge & belief. Subscribed and sworn to before me this 14 day of Mar A.D. 1873 Jno Appleby Judge Probate Court, Chambers County