Louisiana, Jefferson Parish, Judicial District Court, Probate dockets; 1880-1892. Submitted by Rita Curry-Pittman, December 2006 Submitted to the LAGenWeb Archives ********************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ********************************************** ************************************************ In order as viewed on LDS microfilm created from original dockets, Gretna, LA, 1965. Original documents are available through the Jefferson Parish Court House Archives, Gretna, LA. Microfilm available at: Latter-Day Saints, Jefferson Parish East Bank Regional Library, Orleans Parish Library. Plaintiff is the deceased. The defendant or petitioner filed the succession. JDC is Judicial District Court; LDS # is Latter Day Saints roll number. JPL is Jefferson Parish Library one or two digit roll number. Dckt is Docket. D.O.D. is Date of Death. T = Type of docket, S = Succession, C = Civil suit, M = Misc I = Interdiction (to claim insane or unfit) E = Emancipation of a youth or of a slave Film Edge indicates a number found along the top edge of the microfilm. Film edge numbers are sometimes too dark to read and are estimated or not given. Cover dates indicate a time period the succession was in court. The Cities of Lafayette, Carrollton, Jefferson, Algiers and about half of McDonoghville are now part of New Orleans. Freetown, within McDonoghville, was where free(d) people of color lived. Mechanicham and about half of McDonoghville are now in the City of Gretna. The Town of Brooklyn is now part of Gretna but there were other west bank subdivisions called Brooklyn without the word town mentioned. Dckt Plaintiff Surname T Cover date JDC LDS # JPL D.O.D. Residence film edge 751 Revens, Verona S 1880-1892 26 04026213934920 61 05/07/?? McDonoghville 000005 751 Michel, Mrs. Nicholas S 1880-1892 26 04026213934920 61 05/07/?? McDonoghville 000005 751 Trouillet, Mrs. Martin S 1880-1892 26 04026213934920 61 05/07/?? McDonoghville 000005 (Michel also written as Mighel.) Verona Revens died while temporarily in St. James Parish. Dative Tutor and Administrator is William Miller. Filed May 29, 1888. Year of death not stated. Minor: Peter Trouillet is 17. Auction was held 20 August 1888. Property 1 was sold to the widow of Charles Clark, (Mary) for $100. Location not given. Property 2 was sold to Mary Michel, wife of William Miller for $315. Location not given. Property 3 was sold to Frank Rose for $171. Location not given. Property 4: Lot 7 of square 40 bounded by Adams, Jefferson, Gallatin and Periander was sold to Frank Rose for $400. 60 foot front on Jefferson by 120 feet deep and front on Periander. Property 5: Lot 8 of square 40 bounded by Adams, Jefferson, Gallatin and Periander sold to Peter Daunhower for $155. Lot has a 60' front on Jefferson by 120' deep. Property 6: half of Lot 9 in square 40 bounded by Adams, Jefferson, Gallatin & Periander sold to Peter Dauenhauer for $125. 30' front on Jefferson x 150' deep. It was acquired by Jean N. Michel from William Sanchez 30 Dec 1865 and recorded in Orleans Parish. Appraisers were Christian Klender and John McCabe. The under-tutor, recorded as Eustis Koerner, signed as Eustis Keorner. Adult Children: Mary Michel, 24, wife of William Miller. Emily Michel, 22, wife of Robert E. Walker of St. James Parish. Peter and Mary each receive $217.23. Emily receives a balance due her of $95.23. Emily signed as Emma Walker. Peter signed as Peter Trulet. [NOTE: See related dockets 795, 865, and 897 also in this film record.] [NOTE: See Jefferson Parish conveyance records (on microfilm) for locations of the properties.] [NOTE: Gallatin is now Isbell street. Periander is now Burmaster.] [NOTE: Daunhauer alternate spelling is Dauenhauer.] 758 Aichinger, Margaret Leonora E 1880-1892 26 04026213934920 61 -- -- 000045 Filed July 25, 1888. Attorney's are Braughn, Buck, Dinkelspiel and Hart. Margaret is a minor over the age of 18, born July 1, 1870. Her mother is Mrs. Catherine Aichinger. Her father is deceased. Property $3750.00. 759 Fried, Henry S 1880-1892 26 04026213934920 61 11/05/1887 Mechanicham 000050 Filed July 25, 1888. Henry Fried died 5 Nov 1887 leaving no ascendants nor descendants. He was the brother of (1) Margaret Fried, wife of Abraham L. Lazar of Magnolia, Pike County, Mississippi. (2) Julia Fried, wife of Henry B. Redlich and had been the wife of Frank W. Laudher. (3) Elizabeth Fried, wife of Guillaume Lussan of St. Charles Parish. (4) Catherine Fried, divorced wife of Charles Brown signed as Catherine Fried. (5) Phillip Fried and (6) Mathias Fried were deceased prior to Henry. Property in New Mechanicham, 3 lots bounded by Derbigny, Third, Fourth, and the line of land known as "reserve". One lot had a 62' 6" front on Fourth by 141' 4" front on Derbigny. Lots were acquired by January 31, 1887 and recorded in Jefferson Parish Conveyance book R, folio 226. Original signed by all. Documents of the deceased shows he signed with an "X". [NOTE: Derbigny street was once called Upper Line.] 761 Spangenberg, Christian S 1880-1892 26 04026213934920 61 12/07/1872 Gretna 000060 761 Daude, Wilhelmina; Mrs. Spangenberg S 1880-1892 26 04026213934920 61 01/30/1888 Gretna 000060 Petitioner, Caroline Fredericka Spangenberg, wife of Christian Hausknecht, is sole heir. Her two brothers died in infancy. Signatures of witnesses to the death of her parents were Max (Marcus) Dauenhauer and John Hepting. 765 Seery, James David S 1880-1892 26 04026213934920 61 09/05/1882 Gretna 000070 Mr. Seery died at Baton Rouge Junction in West Baton Rouge, Louisiana on 5 Sept 1882. Filed 9 Oct 1888. Petitioners are: his mother, Amelia Smith, widow of James Seery; William Ambrose Seery and Robert Joseph Seery, adult siblings; and George Francis Seery, sibling, emancipated by docket 673 on April 7, 1887. James David Seery died unmarried and without issue. He owned two lots in Gretna on Fifth street, 1/2 of a lot in Mechanicham bounded by 5th, 6th, Lavoisier and the line of Gretna; four lots in Brooklyn bounded by Monroe, First, Second, and the property of Marcy and Salter. He inherited his portion of the four lots from his father 25 Oct 1872. These four lots were jointly owned by the other petitioners and recorded 25 Oct 1872 in Conveyance records book M, folio 458 and also in donation book 2, folio 333. His mother's and brothers' signatures in the docket. [NOTE: This Monroe street is now Richard. The property of Marcy ans Salter was down-river from Richard.] 766 Petit, Emile M 1880-1892 26 04026213934920 61 000080 766 Petit, Alice M 1880-1892 26 04026213934920 61 000080 [NOTE: Emile and Alice are minors.] This record is in regard to the succession of their parents. Victor Petit died in August of 1879 and Evelina Guidry Petit died in December of 1887. The late Victor Petit married Evelina Guidry in 1853. Petition filed 9 October 1888. Children: 1) Rose Petit, wife of John Frederick Rebstock (under-tutor). Also as Ribstock and Repstock. 2) Ovide Petit, the petitioner, is tutor to 3) Emile Petit age 18 and 4) Alice Petit age 14. A family meeting of relatives: Ovide Petit, brother; J. F. Rebstock, in-law; Victor Petit, cousin; and friends: Henry Boulmay, Joseph Armand St. Cyr, Raoul Teilhard, Ludoria Dalcazar, Michel Flesch (Fleshe) Contains signatures of all participants in the family meeting. Inventory of property in Orleans Parish is valued at $250 for each minor. John Petit is their uncle. Their money is held by John Petit's testimentary executors, Antoine Doriocourt and Raoul Theilhard. 769 Tacke, William S 1880-1892 26 04026213934920 61 000100 Petitioners are: Mrs. Caroline Tacke and M. N. Tacke. Debts owed are $1,073.74 and they wish to sell a lot in New Orleans "bounded by" Felicity Rd, Terpsichore, Front & Locust sts. It was appraised at $750 but they were unable to get any bids at that price and want the court appraisal lowered. [NOTE: Streets as given here cannot be right. Orleans conveyance records should provide correct data. Robinson's Atlas 1883 (online) shows Terpsichore corner of Front, near the river, is 9 blocks from Felicity. Locust is now S. Robertson, about 22 blocks away from the river.] 786 Klein, Charles Frederick S 1880-1892 26 04026213934920 61 10/17/1888 West Bank 000110 Filed 26 Nov 1888. Petitioner/widow: Anna Maria Klein nee Suiter wed Kline in 1844. Kline's will made on 15 October 1888. A native of Germany, he left five children. Maria Klein, single, age 45; Frederick Klein, age 40; Ludwig Klein, age 38; Henry Klein, age 33; Robert Klein, age 28. Witnesses to the will were: Dilly Rusall and Charles Schmidt. Property 1: right bank about six miles above New Orleans, opposite Jefferson City; one arpent on the river or public road by 79 arpents. Contains plantation and lands purchased by Daniel P. Sparks from Louis Harang & Gustave Bouligny who bought it on January 3, 1859. Klein bought it 24 Nov 1866 from the creditors of Sparks. Property 2: One arpent on the river or public road by 79 arpents, acquired by Klein from succession of Francis L. Paragean on 12 Dec 1883. [NOTE: This property was on the west bank, approximately in the area now called Marrero.] 788 Hepting, Adam S 1880-1892 26 04026213934920 61 03/31/1886 Mechanicham 000120 788 Deiteler, Anna S 1880-1892 26 04026213934920 61 04/07/1886 Mechanicham 000120 Filed 26 Nov 1888. Hepting purchased property from the succession of Siamke E. Wilms on 18 Mar 1851, and recorded in Conveyance book B, folio 702. Two lots in Mechanicham bounded by Newton, 4th, 5th, and Copernic Avenue. Petitioner is John Hepting and Mary Hepting wife of John Reich. Their signatures are here. Witnesses are Henry Viering and Jules Samuel. [NOTE: Copernic is now Huey P. Long Avenue. Copernic AKA Copernicus is now Huey P. Long Avenue in Gretna, LA.] 795 Trouillet, Peter E 1880-1892 26 04026213934920 61 000130 Peter Trouillet is 18 and both parents are deceased. His tutor is William Miller. His under-tutor is Eustis Kerner (Koerner). Peter signs his name Trulet. See docket 751 in this file. Filed 20 Dec 1888. [NOTE: See related dockets 751, 865, and 897 also in this film record.] 800 Peters, Philip S 1880-1892 26 04026213934920 61 10/28/1884 000130 800 Haag, Barbara; Mrs. P. Peters S 1880-1892 26 04026213934920 61 06/20/1884 000130 Filed January 7, 1889. Petitioner: Philip Peters, Jr. (signed as Philip Peter ); Louise Peters wife of Tobias Fried; Henry Peters; and Francis Peters. Witnesses of Family meeting were Henry Viering and John Hepting. 803 Anselm, Frederick S 1880-1892 26 04026213934920 61 10/14/1881 000140 803 Kaempf, Appolionia S 1880-1892 26 04026213934920 61 03/31/1886 000140 Petitioner: Catherine Anselm, widow of Charles Burgbacher (signed). Filed 7 January 1889. Petitioner: Mary Anselm, wife of Ulrich Leikauf (signed). Property 1: one lot in Gretna, 30' front on Lafayette Ave by 150' deep, acquired from Charles Bosse and registered in Conveyance book 16, folio 350. Property 2: two lots in Gretna, each with 30' front on Lafayette, recorded in book 12, folio 596. Property 3: Lot in Gretna with 30' front on Lafayette by 150' deep, acquired from Freeman Richardson on 19 Sept 1848 & recorded in conveyance book 16, folio 91. Property 4: lot on corner of Lafayette and 7th acquired from William Harvey, tutor, and recorded in conveyance book F, folio 476. Property 5: lot with 30' front on 7th by 150' deep, acquired from Mrs. Margaret Smith and recorded in conveyance book C, folio 313. Property 6: two lots with 30' fronts on 7th by 150' deep acquired from John Coney 24 May 1861 and recorded in conveyance book H, folio 303. Witnesses: Phillip Daude and Louis Spies. 804 Bauer, Edward E 1880-1892 26 04026213934920 61 000160 Edward Bauer, now 18, wants to be emancipated. Employed by Texas & Pacific RR, he earns good wages. He has the approval of his father, Louis Bauer. 806 Flory, Alice E 1880-1892 26 04026213934920 61 000165 Alice Flory is 18 and to inherit a few hundred dollars from the estate of Mrs. John R. Clay of New Orleans. Her mother is deceased. Her father, C. Flory, approves of her emancipation. 807 Dixon, Roger James E 1880-1892 26 04026213934920 61 000170 Roger James Dixon is 18 years old. His father died in 1885. His mother assents to his emancipation. Mrs. Hanna Dixon made her mark, "X". Docket contains a document of 29 April 1908 concerning the Grossman family; Libby, Adolph, Celine, Tridore & Fay. [The print is extremely poor.] Signature of Dixon. 824 Miller, Catherine S 1880-1892 26 04026213934920 61 000175 824 Miller, Mrs. John H. S 1880-1892 26 04026213934920 61 000175 Filed 6 April 1889. Maiden name unclear may be Sues or Iver. Catherine Miller & John H. Miller had five children each receive 1/5 of estate: 1) Catherine Miller, widow of J. B. Theodore Jacquin. 2) Lucy Miller, widow of (1) James Huntley or Hartley & (2) Adolphe Marine. 3) Adeline Miller, wife of Augustus A. Wastius, M_ntiens, or Martins (?), lived in Hallville, Harrison County, Texas. 4) John Miller (d. 1862) wed Caroline Azes & begat Frederick Miller, then of New Orleans. Frederick Miller received his father's portion. 5) Fred Miller (d. 1862) wed Theresa Deninger and begat four children: William, Frederick, Edward & Beauregard. Their four sons split 1/5th of the estate. Property: purchased by John H. Miller, Feb 19, 1848, 29'7" front on Second Street by 150' deep. Purchase recorded in Conveyance book 15, page 327. Succession judgement registered in Book S, folio 203, 4/6/1889. [NOTE: Except as noted, all lived in Jefferson parish.] 827 Kenner, Minor S 1880-1892 26 04026213934920 61 000180 [NOTE: Parts of this probate are missing or out of order. For clarity it is offered here chronologically.] Louis Chauvet bought 52 lots from Minor Kenner in 1861, signing a five year loan for $5,100.00 payable by 1 June 1866. The land, in the Town of Kenner, involved Jackson, Calhoun, Filmore & Taylor Streets, "per a plan made by W. T. Thompson 2 Mar 1855 and deposited in the Notary Public's office in New Orleans". Eliza Davis Kenner claims Louis Chauvet of Orleans Parish owes Minor Kenner's estate $5100 plus interest from the 1861 purchase date. The 2nd JDC Judgement of docket 2821 ruled in favor of Eliza Kenner and the property was seized and the papers were signed by Deputy Sheriff, E. B. Chervelley. However, the original act of sale was destroyed in January of 1865 in a fire in the office of Notary Public, H. Madden. Court battles continued over the impossibility to prove title due to the fire in 1865. On 2 Nov 1869 Sheriff Bisbee, Chief Clerk Sicard, & Deputy Sheriff Ernest Ricker, seized the property. On 12 Jan 1870 the sheriff offered the property at public sale and Eliza Davis, widow of Minor Kenner, was the highest bidder at $1500. The sheriff, who had failed to advertize the sale, then refused to convey the property to Eliza. Testimonies showed that F. M. Sicard was in the habit of making all his memorandums in lead pencil so he could make corrections before making his final writ. The 1870 folio 216 was in Sicard's hand in pencil. In this docket, filed 2 May 1889 in the 26th JDC, the judge ruled the new sheriff, Oliver Wagner, had to show cause why the land was not turned over to Eliza. The judgement, forcing Sheriff Wagner to deliver unto Eliza Kenner the property in question, is signed by Judge Emile Rost on June 25, 1889. 836 Reist, Ulrich S 1880-1892 26 04026213934920 61 01/02/1873 000220 Filed 17 June 1889. Reist, native of the Canton of Berne, Switzerland, died 2 Jan 1873 and had been married twice. First to Frances Knosp in Jefferson on 30 Jan 1848. She died 31 July 1850. Frances was mother of Louis Reist, 6 Jan 1849 - 17 Jul 1853, and Kunegunde Reist born 17 Feb 1850. Kunegunde Reist wed Frederick Moulliet on 24 Aug 1871. Ulrich's wed his second wife, Catherine Echert, on 15 Nov 1851. She died 28 Mar 1860. Catherine Echert was the mother of Lena Reist 3 May 1853 - 18 June 1865, and Magdalena Reist born 6 July 1856. Magdalena wed Emile Weidig on 26 Nov 1879 in New Orleans. [NOTE: This file consists of the Judgement only.] 848 McCune, Samuel James S 1880-1892 26 04026213934920 61 08/21/1889 Gretna 000230 Samuel James McCune died in Gretna on 21 Aug 1889, unmarried and without issue. Petitioner is his sister, Mary Jane McCune, widow of John Lyman. Samuel's 6 Mar 1889 will leaves everything to her & her son, John B. Lyman. Witnesses signing the will are Ferdinand Samuels and Michael Flesch (signatures). Inventory was taken by Hamilton Numa Gautier and assisted by John Alford and Fred Strehle as appraisers. Witnesses to the inventory are William O. Humphrey and Jules Mayronne. Property 1: One lot with 30' front on Lafayette Ave by 150' deep valued at $300. (Gretna) Property 2: one-eighth of one arpent by 40 arpents on Grand Isle valued at $75. Property 3: seven-eighths of a lot on Lafayette Ave 30' front by 150' deep valued at $800, acquired from "Mrs. C. Abal and others" 9 Mar 1882. Property 4: one-eighth of one arpent by 40 arpents on Grand Isle, acquired from John H. Conners on 22 Oct 1881, minus those portions sold by Samuel J. McCune before his death. Property 5: one-third of the estate of Mrs. Mary Anna McCune, docket No. 740, 26th JDC, $500. 849 Dixon, John Patrick S 1880-1892 26 04026213934920 61 07/17/1889 000250 23 year-old, John Patrick Dixon, died 17 July 1889 at Luling, Texas, unmarried and without issue. Mrs. Mary Canovan, widow of John Dixon is heir of her son, John Patrick Dixon. Property 1: lot in Mechanicham 30' front on Newton x 110' bounded by 4th, 5th, and Copernic (Huey P. Long). Property 2: a lot in Gretna acquired by the heirs of Roger Dixon on 12 May 1888; 50' front on Fourth by 60' deep, bounded by Lafayette Avenue, Fifth and "the lower line of said town". Cas (Casimir) Dauenhauer and John B. Dauenhauer give a deposition they were "intimently acquainted with the late John P. Dixon and they attended his funeral in Gretna where his body was forwarded for interment on 21 July 1889. They also knew his father and mother, Mrs. Mary Conoran and John Dixon and that John P. was the sole issue of that marriage. Signatures of Cas and J. B. Dauenhauer. 850 DeGruy, Mrs. Theophile Verloin S 1880-1892 26 04026213934920 61 09/20/1860 000260 850 Foucher, Josephine Anais S 1880-1892 26 04026213934920 61 09/20/1860 000260 Petitioners/heirs of Josephine Anais Foucher (d. 20 Sept 1860) & Theophile Verloin DeGruy (d. 17 Feb 1885). 1) Louise Verloin DeGruy, femme sole (single) of Jefferson Parish. 2) Gabriel Verloin DeGruy of Jefferson Parish 3) Clementine Verloin DeGruy of Jefferson Parish 4) Frank Verloin DeGruy of Jefferson Parish 5) Joseph Verloin DeGruy of Jefferson Parish 6) Theophile Verloin DeGruy of Jefferson Parish 7) Anais Verloin DeGruy of Orleans parish, now wife of Charles Verloin DeGruy. Also mentioned: Rene Verloin DeGruy and Stephen Verloin DeGruy, both deceased. Succession opened 25 Aug 1877 with Theophile, Sr. as tutor of Rene Verloin DeGruy and Louise Verloin DeGruy. [NOTE: only minors (under 21) need a tutor.] It mentions an act of sale on 1 Oct 1852 recorded in Jefferson Parish Conveyance book C, folio 654. Frank, Theophile and Joseph acquired 1/5 interest in the succession of Rene & Stephen on 7 Feb 1885 and on 19 May 1888 and recorded in Jefferson Parish Conveyance Book Q, folio 275, 276 & 277, and book R, folio 647. Property: five miles above New Orleans on the right bank, one arpent plus 25 feet on the river by 79 arpents. 854 Fried, John S 1880-1892 26 04026213934920 61 03/31/1889 000270 Age 55, John Fried died 31 Mar 1889. Widow/Petitioner is Margaret Wisser. She wed John in Dec 1873 in Jefferson Parish. Their 5 children: Louisa, 15; Kathrina, 13; Elizabeth, 11; Suhla, 9; Frederick J., 6. His will was recorded 25 Mar 1889 at his home on the corner of 5th and "Mechanics Avenue", and witnessed by Gustave W. Wilson, John Nicholas Laque, Anselm Pfeiffer and John Bishop. The will states he was born in Bavaria in 1844, he was married 15 years, and he was 55 years old. Under-tutor is Frederick J. Wisser. Inventory appraisers were John B. Lyman and John Pebeck. John Pepper and P. J. Keane witnessed the inventory document. Property: in Mechanicham, 250' front on Copernicus, Cuvier and Fifth, bounded by Sixth; 9 lots. Lots 3, 4, 5 and 6 on Copernicus were purchased from Nicholas Asby Destrehan 7 Aug 1873; Book M, folio 599. Lots 8, 9, 10, 11 & 12 on Cuvier were also purchased from Nicholas Asby Destrehan, same day and record. The properties had seven houses and one store with grocery and hardware items. One lot was acquired from Mrs. Mary Ann Derby (or Darby), widow of Albertus Allen; Book ?, folio 545. One lot in New Mechanicham bounded by Derbigny, 2nd, 3rd, and the upper line of the Village of Mechanicham. One lot in New Mechanicham bounded by Derbigny, 2nd, 3rd, and the upper line of the Village of Mechanicham; purchased from Peter Amarr 16 Mar 1885, and recorded in Jefferson Parish Conveyance Book Q, folio 332. [NOTE: By "Mechanics Avenue" the lawyer meant Copernic or Copernicus which is now Huey P. Long Avenue. Mechanic's Village AKA Mechanickham became Gretna. "New" Mechanickham extended Gretna up-river.] 859 Volz, Ludwig ( Lewis ) I 1880-1892 26 04026213934920 61 000300 Interdiction. Filed 19 Nov 1889. Under-curator, Alexander Peaget. Petition of Franz Von Buren of Canton of Bern, Switzerland. Ludwig Volz, a citizen of Switzerland, but formerly a resident of Orleans, has lived for the past two years at Illenau, Bern, Switzerland. His mind was partially deranged before he returned to Switzerland and he has become wholly insane. His property had been placed under the charge of the Titutoes (Honorable) Orphans Commission of the Society of Merchants at Kauf-Cuten in the Canton of Bern. Petitioner, Von Buren, wants to rent or sell the land. Property 1: one-third owner of Mavis Grove sugar plantation, with 200 arpents on Bayou Barataria by 40 arpents deep & bounded on one side by Bayou Chaland and on the other side by the land of Messrs. Louis and Michael Commagere. Property 2: another tract adjoining property one with 100 arpents on Bayou Barataria by 40 arpents deep, bounded on the other side by Bayou Aux Oies. Property 3: tract of land known as "Isle Bonne" in Barataria opposite property one and having 35 arpents front on that bayou and a depth nearly to Lake Ouacha, bounded by the land of B. Dauphin and Bayou Villars. Property 4: 1/2 arpent on Bayou Barataria bounded on one side by Terence Drouet and on the other by J. B. D'Autrive. Volz owned 1/3rd, William B. Berthoud (deceased) owned 1/3rd. Power of attorney in Bern is dated 22 Oct 1888 giving Emile Hoehn, Swiss Counsul in New Orleans. It is signed by John Bendernagel, Notary Public of New Orleans 16 Nov 1889. Emile Hohn hired James D. Seguin, #25 Carondelet St., P. O. Box 1300, N. O. to handle the matter. The succession of W. B. Berthaud and Emile Hohn decide to sell all the cypress timber from Mavis Grove Plantation, making an agreement with Joseph Rathborne & Co. of Chicago for $3,000 paid up-front and the balance of the $10,000.00 paid at the end of one, two and three years. They agree to allow the foreman of the timber operation use of an annex building on the property near the main house. Witnesses are J. D. Sequin and J. J. Egloff, with A. Paddock, agent for Rathborne and Co. A family meeting is called of "friends & relatives" of Volz composed of: Horace Harvey, Charles J. Brown, John Langridge, William Hild, Woodruff Preston, Henry Viering and Ferdinand Samuels. Meeting is held before William L. Langridge, clerk and notary Public of Jefferson Parish 19 Nov 1889. The timber has to be entirely cut and removed within eight years. James Berthoud is the executor of William B. Berthoud's estate. [NOTE: The men listed in the family meeting are most likely court appointed or friends in lieu of relatives.] [NOTE: Bayou des Oies, 5 miles from Lafitte in lower Jefferson Parish. "A Brief History of Jefferson Parish," April 1940, Dept of Archives, LSU.] [NOTE: Isle Bonne - wooded isle at confluence of Bayous Barataria, Villars & Jones Point Cut-Off, per Betsy Swanson, "Historic Jefferson Parish From Shore to Shore," p 45.] [NOTE: records of New Orleans notary and Swiss Counsul should be available in New Orleans.] 860 Robbins, Morrison S 1880-1892 26 04026213934920 61 11/06/1889 Southport 000350 Filed 21 Nov 1889. Petitioner/widow is Elizabeth Robbins. They had no children. His will leaves her as sole heir. Attorney A. G. Brice. I. Waggner is witness of his death. Olographic Will is dated 5 Nov 1889. Debts owed: Peter Betz for funeral; Dr. S. R. Henry for last illness; John Beorell for preparing the body. Ordinary claims are: Frank P. Netzhammer for blacksmith, horse-shoes and wheelwright fees 26 Oct 1889; H. Pohlmann, and the New Orleans Picayune and Times-Democrat. Netzhammer's business was at 160 Fourth st., between Dublin and Madison in Carrollton. 364 Dennison, Anate M 1880-1892 26 04026213934920 61 000370 Anate Dennison -vs- Illinois Central RR. Dennison wins $60. Judgement against the RR 14 Sept 1883. [NOTE: Robbins' succession (860) contained this document and it does not seem misfiled.] 860 Robbins, Morrison S 1880-1892 26 04026213934920 61 11/06/1889 Southport 000373 Property: one tract of land on the left bank above the town of Carrollton, having one arpent on the river 183'7" wide in the rear and 40 arpents deep, bounded on by Ludger Fortier on one side and by lot #2, with the exception of the front portion of one arpent on the river on its upper side line, 53 feet beyond the present public road and one the lower side 258' beyond the public road. On 3 Sept 1887 sold to Financial Improvement Co., it was acquired by Robbins 3 July 1887 as recorded in Conveyance book I-J, folio 886, and on 13 Mar 1878 in book N, folio 155. [NOTE: The area described in this docket is known locally as Southport. The ICRR has a spur here.] 865 Boile (or Buhler ), Marx (or Max ) S 1880-1892 26 04026213934920 61 08/11/1889 000380 865 Oberle, Bricka S 1880-1892 26 04026213934920 61 11/12/1883 000380 [NOTE: Recorded as Boile but, family members signed as, Buhler.] Filed 19 Dec 1889. Alternate spellings of names in documents: Boyle, Aberle, Magel, Nagel. Petitioner: Frederick L. Matthews, creditor. Bricka Oberle, widow (1) Mr. Cook, (2) Marx Boile. Witness to both deaths was Fred Blotsacker. Property was purchased 13 May 1881 from Verona Reunens, widow of Jean Megel and now wife of Martin Trouillet. Property: four lots in McDonoghville each measuring 27' 4" on Hamilton by 164' 9" deep. They are the same property acquired by Jean Negel on 6 July 1866 from John L. Daires. Two lots were sold to August Cook. Succession announcement placed in the Gretna Sun, 28 Dec 1889 through 11 Jan 1890. Witnesses to inventory were W. Preston and G. H. Theode. Appraisers were W. F. Hild and J. C. Tillotson. Debts owed: Dr. John I. Ford, L.D. Matthews, F. L. Matthews, Father Smyth, Marx Boile, Jr., L. Guillard, Mrs. A. Leitz, Felicie ?, August Cook. Signatures of August Cook, Max Buhler, Mathes Buhler, Fred Blotsacker and his wife, Theresa Buhler. Petitioner: Frances Baile, heir of the late Marx Baile and Briska Aberle, deceased; and wife of James Dillon or Dillano. The sheriff's deputy served papers on J. Dillo, at his home, 1 1/2 miles from the court house. He also served Mrs. Frances Boile, wife of James Dillon at her domicile. Both were served 3 Apr 1890. Sheriff, Austin W. Rountree, held a sale on 15 Mar 1890 to auction two lots, each 27' 4" front on Hamilton by 164' 9" bought from Verona Megel, wife of Martin Trouillet 31 May 1881. August Cook was the highest bidder at $325.00. [NOTE: See related dockets 751, 795, and 897 also in this film record.] 879 Munch, Louis I 1880-1892 26 04026213934920 61 12 Nov 1883 000390 Petitioner, Peter Munch, signature as of 21 Jan 1890. Louis is committed to state insane asylum at Jackson, Louisiana in East Feliciana Parish. 882 LaBarre, James S 1880-1892 26 04026213934920 61 01/08/1884 000429 James LaBarre died at his Jefferson parish plantation on 8 Jan 1884. He was single. His mother was Mrs. Delphine LaBarre, widow of F. P. Labarre. His brother was Charles LaBarre. His sister was Marie Chalaron. His nieces were Miss Estelle Mayronne, Mrs. Angele St. Martin and Miss Delphine LaBlanc. Plantation was 8 miles above New Orleans on the east bank, having (in French measure) 421' 10" front on the Mississippi river, by 2160' 6" on the side by Larestine LaBarre and 2027' on the other side. Witnesses signatures on film marker 000434 are those of Henry Chiapella and Joseph Adolphe Chalaron. [NOTE: Labarre Road in Jefferson indicates one boundary of Labarre plantation.] 883 Burke, William S. S 1880-1892 26 04026213934920 61 1887 McDonoghville 000436 Petitioners were Louisa Burke, widow, and Henry Burke, son, of deceased. Filed 27 Feb 1890. Property: corner of Cook and Madison streets, river side, east corner with 60' front on each street, purchased 28 Dec 1882 and recorded in Conveyance Book P, folio 262. [NOTE: Property now located in Gretna.] 884 Rofile, Celestine Joseph S 1880-1892 26 04026213934920 61 2/20/1890 000441 884 De Faumeau, Mrs. Leon S 1880-1892 26 04026213934920 61 2/20/1890 000441 Names recorded variously as: Rafile, Rofile, De Faumeau, Deburneau, Defurneau. The widow of Leon De Faumeau, she died 20 Feb 1890 "on the West Bank opposite from Carrollton." Petitioner is her daughter, Marie E. Deburneau, age 23. The petition was filed 26 Feb 1890. The family doctor, Charles S. Mercier of Carrollton, only made five visits and her son and daughter were there and would know how many visits he made. The decease's son, Henry, age 19, ferried the doctor across the river for each visit. The doctor billed 18 visits. The number of visits is debated at length. A statement made by Sidney Yenni of Carrollton, says he brought Dr. Mercier's bill to Mr. Waggner's house and left it with Mrs. Crawford. A witness was Joseph E. Breaux. Property 1: Right (west) bank, 13 miles from New Orleans, 1 arpent 27 toises front on river by 40 arpents bounded by the "Brothers Cavalier" above and by Joseph Cavalier below. [NOTE: across river from Harahan. Property 2: below and adjoining tract one, 1 1/2 arpents on the Mississippi river by 40 arpents deep and bounded above by land "formerly belonging to Edmond Trouard". Property 3: A tract of land 13 miles above New Orleans with 1/2 arpent on the river by 40 arpents deep and bounded by Louis Cavalier above and Louis Lalonier below. Her possessions included: cows, horses, a grocery (see list of debtors), a potato crop. Administrator of the succession is Oliver Waggner. Debt owed by: George Dockter of New Orleans had potatoes on consignment before his death. Dockler heirs: Caroline Becker, widow of Jacob Docklier; Miss Frederica Docklir, widow of Sabastian Soulet. [NOTE: The Docklier (Dockter, Dockler) name was spelled three ways in this docket. Grocery debts owed by: Gustave Cavalier, Hester Jiles, William Martin, Amos McCabes or McCabor, Henry Trouard, Jules Lalinier, William James, Ruben Sandrus, Frank Smith, Leson Mitchel, Edd Johnson, Taylor Carter, Tom Fisher, Adam Robinson, Frank Bazel, Jane Jackson, John Avery, Nobel Hunt, Henry Martin, Siss Crawley, Heriette Harris, Lizza Amos, George Felix, Calvin Brem, William Green, Jeff Blunt, Ruben Jones, Marney Galway, Washington Gibson, Jim Toliver, John Johnson, George Carter, Charles Samuels, Sam Samuels, Cilvest Louis, Allie Pane, Pinkney Williams, Lizza Robinson, Buck Manlove, Gusto, Henry Brem, Thomas Miller, old Harry Johnson, Joseph Laguard, Madine Jarome, mitchell Ellexes, Caroline Labranche, John Anderson, Robert Taylor, Ben Anders, Elick Armstrong, Zenon Darcey, Joseph Archill, Scott Hunt, Stephen Martin, Bunche Auguste, Elixander ?enner, Squire Finley, John Buuler, Lorine, Joseph Clareville, Luze Fillman, Joseph Holley, Edd Freman, Auguste Brochey, Madam Janor, Gilbert William, Jimmie Pearl, Babe Perry, Abraham Steward, Marchall Huff, Noble Brem, Anne Davis, Gustave Francois, John Villars, Constance P. Green, John Spencer, Andrew Hist, Masa Darcy wife, Mamie James, Philip Davis. Estate debts owed: In New Orleans, George Docklier, Schmidt & Siegler, Louis Block & Co. Estate debts owed: H. & C. Viering, J. C. Baumen, D. V. Waggner, Dr. S. D. Gentive, Dr. Mesises, Fred Fischer and A. L. LeBreton. 897 Fleming, Bridget S 1880-1892 26 04026213934920 61 09/11/1889 McDonoghville 000500 897 Cook, Mrs. Thomas S 1880-1892 26 04026213934920 61 09/11/1889 McDonoghville 000500 897 Boyle, Mrs. Patrick S 1880-1892 26 04026213934920 61 09/11/1889 McDonoghville 000500 Petition of Mary Cook, wife of Joseph Enas (or Ennis ) and of James Boyle, daughter and son of deceased. Bridgett Fleming, widow by first marriage of Thomas Cook, by second marriage of Patrick Boyle, and by third marriage of Walter Dillan who died Nov 1872. Petition was filed 14 April 1890. Property in McDonoghville bounded by Adams, Gallatin, Washington and Perry streets. She acquired part of it 2 Jan 1869 from Wendel Arnholt. The other from Ignatz Berger on 29 Nov 1872. A debt of $100 is owed to August Cook since 1886. Signatures of Mary Enas, Joseph Enas, James Boyle, Mrs. J. Hinyub. Bridgett had 3 children by Walter Dillan of New Orleans. Sarah, Kate and Walter but all 3 died before age 21. [NOTE: See related dockets 751, 795, and 865 also in this film record.] [NOTE: Arnholt is probably Wendel W. Arnold. Gallatin is now Isbell.] [NOTE: This property is now either the levee or in the river by the Perry Street wharf.] 902 Pierre, Felicite; Mrs. John Pierre S 1880-1892 26 04026213934920 61 08/14/1883 Brooklyn 000517 Petitioner/widower is John Pierre. Felicite had no heirs other than her husband. Witnessed by Alex Flood. Property re-acquired from Louis Alexander Harang 30 Dec 1875 and recorded in Book N Folio ? was the same property John Pierre had sold to L. A. Harang 10 Dec 1875. Three lots in Brooklyn bounded by Monroe, Sixth, Seventh, and the property of Marcy & Salter. [NOTE: This Monroe street in "Brooklyn" (a subdivision) is now Richard street in Gretna.] [NOTE: Marcy & Salter owned property down-river from "Brooklyn".] 903 Landry, Raphael S. S 1880-1892 26 04026213934920 61 1884 C. Caminada 000550 903 Rigaud, Clemence; Mrs R S Landry S 1880-1892 26 04026213934920 61 04/25/1890 C. Caminada 000550 Alcide Landry is administrator of the succession. Notices placed in Gretna Courier June 1890 & Jan 1891. Raphael Landry wed Clemence Rigaud 15 July 1842. Their children were: 1) Hortense Landry, wife of Joseph Pitre. 2) Theofile Landry, who wed Adam Duet 1 June 1867 and who died 25 Feb 1889 in Jefferson parish leaving as issue: Clemence age 22; Anaize age 17; Alidos age 14; Camilla age 10; Zastenis age 5; Athenos age 3. 3) Margaret Landry, who wed Gracien (?) Pitre 11 May 18?0. She died 9 Nov 1883. He died 15 Oct 1878. Their children were: Raphael age 19, Didies age 17, Felix age 10. Etienne Jambon is their tutor. 4) Alcide Landry, the petitioner. 5) Ernestine Landry, wife of Etienne Jambon. 6) Felix Landry who wed Arcedia Guidry 15 May 1879 and died 3 Oct 1884 leaving as issue: Felix age 9, Julia age 7. Arcedia is their natural tutrix. Inventory on 17 May 1890. Appraisers: Michael Flesch and Frederick Collin. F. Wharton Collens, Notary Pub. All property is on Cheniere Caminada (island west of Grand Isle, devastated by 1893 hurricane). Property 1: 273' front on Caminada Bay, bounded on the NW by Bay St. Honere, on NE by Theophile Guidry, and on SW by the land of the late Felix Landry. Property 2: on Caminada Bay, bounded by land of Felix Landry and by land of Ernestine Landry, wife of Etienne Jambon. Ernestine, inherited her land from her late son, Ernest St. Geste Landry. Felix's land was acquired from Auguste Malcomb. Signatures of appraisers and witnesses are on page 000538. Debts are owed to Dr. Frederick Collin, Julien Lafoot for coffin & funeral, Polieaux Espange (or Esponge ), Rudolph Terrebonne, and also to Sheriff Roundtree. Cash was deposited with Julian Lefort. Assets are divided among: Hortense Landry, wife of Joseph Pitre; Clemence Duet, daughter of Theo Landry; Adam Duet, natural tutor of Anaize Aleilon (?); Camilla Lasteuis (?) and Athenon Duet; Etienne Jambon, tutor of Raphael Didies and Felix Pitre; Alcide Landry. 910 Walter, Jacob S 1880-1892 26 04026213934920 61 08/28/1889 McDonoghville 000580 910 Multen, Elizabeth; Mrs Jacob Walter S 1880-1892 26 04026213934920 61 04/15/1890 McDonoghville 000580 Petitioner, John Martinson, says Jacob Walter died 28 Aug 1889 and Elizabeth Multon died 15 April 1890. Petitioner is their son-in-law, spouse of Anna Mary Walter. Signature of John Martinson. Anna Mary Walter had a son by a former spouse, John Kass. Property 1: in McDonoghville bounded by Gallatin (Isbell), Adams, Periander (Burmaster) and Washington. Property 2: in McDonoghville with front on Hamilton (Hamilton north of 5th, Stumpf south of 5th). Signatures of W. F. Hild and H. J. Smith. Opposition made by, Jacob Walter and Emma A. Walter Sumners, children of Dane or Daniel Walter, deceased deceased brother of Mary Walter Martinson. Sumners lives in El Paso, Texas. Daniel Walter died "8 years ago" (about 1886) H wed Mary ___. Issue of their marriage were: Jacob, Sepharin, Emma (Mrs. Sumners), and a minor, Elizabeth Walter, age 19 on 14 Nov 1893. Several residents of the area are summuned 2 May 1891 to appear in court on behalf of Mary Walter Martinson. They were: Mrs. William Falk, Mr. John Bender, and Mrs. Barbara Dauenhauer. Notice was left with Mrs Dauenhauer's daughter, Mary. They lived two miles from the court house. 912 Hopkins, Saunay S 1880-1892 26 04026213934920 61 09/16/1884 Gretna 000650 Petitioner and widow, Charlotte Hallet, was married to Hopkins 25 years. Sauney had no living heirs. Signatures/witnesses to Hopkins death: John Anderson and James Sparks. Property in "Brooklyn" fronted on Jefferson and was bounded by Monroe, Sixth and Seventh streets. [NOTE: Brooklyn subdivision. Jefferson is now Governor Hall, Monroe is now Richard street in Gretna, LA.] 914 Casabanna, Anna S 1880-1892 26 04026213934920 61 C. Caminada 000660 914 Bays, Joseph S 1880-1892 26 04026213934920 61 C. Caminada 000660 Docket filed 11 April 1892 is for an auction of property fronting on Caminada Bay. Property 1: on Chinere Caminada bounded by Marini Pitre, Faustin Boudreaux, Paul Beasley and Martin Ries. It was acquired 18 Oct 1885 from Etienne Perrin. The bid went to Thomas Valence bidding for R. R. Melancon. Property 2: 40' front on Caminada Bay by 304" deep bounded on the NE by the land of LaManche Dugas and in the rear by land of Elenore Dugas was acquired 5 Jul 1888 and recorded in book S, folio 345. Property 3: on Chinere Caminada bounded by Madam Bays and Mrs. Mano Pizanni, widow of J. B. Ducau (Dugas?) was acquired 28 June 1889 and recorded in Book S, folio 604. Bid went to Thomas Valence who bid for himself. Property 4: on Chinere Caminada bounded by Ernest Lafort and Dr. J. J. Diet. Properties 2 and 4 went to Thomas Valence bidding for Anthony Valence. A note in the docket says that succession 914 is missing from the clerks office as of 11 April 1892. [NOTE: Caminada Bay is north of Grande Isle, LA. Cheniere Caminada is west of Grande Isle.] [NOTE: the only data on this film is the auction. [NOTE: check conveyance record books for all properties. Successions with properties involved have the Judgements recorded in the conveyance books. A transcription of the "lost" document may be there. 916 Lynch, Mary Louisa S 1880-1892 26 04026213934920 61 Mechanicham 000673 916 Naudain, Mrs. (Dr.) William N. S 1880-1892 26 04026213934920 61 Mechanicham 000673 Begins with a note saying dockets "916 and 936 consolidated". [NOTE: 936 is not on this film. Auction of property on 14 March 1891. Property 1: two lots in Gretna bounded by Lafayette Ave, 3rd, 4th & Lavoisier are sold to Frank Hennings. Property 2: 2 lots in Mechanickham 3rd corner of Lavoisier, bounded by 2nd and the line of Gretna, acquired 5 Nov 1884 by Mary Louisa Lynch, wife of William M. Naudain, are sold to William O. Humphrey. 919 Fleckinger, Catherine S 1880-1892 26 04026213934920 61 10/13/18 ? Mechanicham 000678 919 Fleckinger, Mrs. Henry S 1880-1892 26 04026213934920 61 10/13/18 ? Mechanicham 000678 919 Fist, Mrs. Philip S 1880-1892 26 04026213934920 61 10/13/18 ? Mechanicham 000678 Filed 14 Oct 1890. Henry died 15 Dec 1858 in Mechanicham. His succession is docket 347. Daughter, Magdalena "Lena" Fleckinger, wife of Frederick Fischer. Signatures of Lena and Fred'k Fischer. Daughter, Barbara Fleckinger is divorced from J. D. Exnicios. Second spouse is John Krane. Signature of Barbara but John Krane signs "X". Property in Gretna fronting on Copernic (Huey P. Long) and bound by 6th, 7th, and Newton. Witnesses to her death were John Locque (or Leque) and Anselm Pfeiffer. 920 Adam, Lydia I 1880-1892 26 04026213934920 61 000694 Lydia Adam, age 30, is declared insane by Dr. C. W. Settson (or Fettson). 000694 922 Klein, Martin E 1880-1892 26 04026213934920 61 000701 922 Klein, Mary E 1880-1892 26 04026213934920 61 000701 Filed 18 Oct 1890. Emancipation of minors over the age of 18. Their father, Martin Klein died 8 May 1873. Their mother, Eva Klein is now the wife of Michel Flesch. Signatures of all. 927 Clay, William Henry S 1880-1892 26 04026213934920 61 20 Jan 1890 000706 Filed 8 Feb 1892. Petitioner is Helen Clay who wed William Henry Clay in 1874. He died 20 Jan 1890. William Henry Clay acquired property in Mechanicham 4 Sep 1874 bounded by 2nd, 3rd, Lavoisier and Newton. He had no children. He purchased the property from Henry Clay, and Lucy Ann Clay. It was recorded in conveyance book M, folio 756. Lucy died in July 1877. [NOTE: This is the son of Henry Clay and Lucy Ann Fleming Clay. See the next record.] 928 Clay, Henry S 1880-1892 26 04026213934920 61 3 Sep 1890 Mechanicham 000733 Filed 11 Nov 1890. Petitioner 1: Eliza Clay, age 41, wife of Joseph Johnson, daughter of Henry Clay by Lucy Ann Fleming. Petitioner two: Ellen, age 33, widow of William Henry Clay, son of Henry Clay and Lucy Ann Fleming. Petitioner 3: Nancy Brown, 3rd wife of Henry Clay, & natural tutrix of her daughters, Eliza and Sarah. Property: one lot in Mechanicham bounded by 2nd, 3rd, Lavoisier and Newton acquired from R. W. Sharp on 4 Jan 1866 and recorded in book I-J, folio 201. His wives: 1) slave, Lucy Ann Fleming; "legal" 2) Caroline Dummy, 3) Lucy Ann Fleming, 4) Nancy Brown. Henry Clay died, per one document, on 3 Sep 1890. A second document says 4 Sep 1890. Lucy Ann Fleming died 7 July 1877 in Jefferson parish. Caroline Dummy (Dumy), died prior to Henry marrying Lucy Ann Fleming a second time in a "legal" ceremony. Henry was born a slave in Hanover County, Virginia. He was married four times. One slave marriage in Virginia and three state/legal marriages in Louisiana. He married Lucy Ann Fleming in Virginia "by the white men who used a bible". (slave marriage) Both of their owners approved of the marriage but each remained slaves on separate plantations. Henry and Lucy Ann begat two heirs: Eliza Clay and William Henry Clay. William was 1 1/2 years younger. Between 1847 and 1849, Henry's owner in Virginia sold him to Riviere Gardere of Jefferson parish. Henry was thus separated from his slave wife and two children who remained in Virginia. Eliza, now 41, states, "I was here about 1 1/2 years before my mother and brother. My father was a slave here for Mr. Gardere. My parents were married again in Louisiana by the Rev. W. P. Ward." Mr. "O. Sullivan" testifies that Lucy's owners in Virginia were the Wades. The Danbridges owned Henry. Friedman Samuel, merchant, "knew Henry Clay since 1855 as a slave for Gardere about 1/2 mile from Gretna." He testifies that after the Civil War Henry Clay asked Mr. Samuel to write to a white man in Virginia to find his wife and children and that Henry received answers. Age 47, a Mr. O'Sullivan says after coming here from Europe in 1855, he met Henry Clay. O'Sullivan knew Henry & Caroline as man & wife. "I lived in McDonoghville since 1865 and was Justice of the Peace in Gretna. I issued a marriage license for Henry Clay & Lucy Ann Fleming, 6 Jan 1870." Charles F. Brown testifies that "I lived in Gretna 24 years. Henry Clay told me in either 1869 or 1870 that he was married to Lucy in Virginia by consent of their owners." Ellen, age 33, says she "married William Clay in 1884 in Gretna. He died in 1890, seven months before his father, Henry Clay, died. Lucy died about four years after Ellen married William." Eliza's attorney presented the following to the 5th Circuit Court of appeals: Page 5. The property belonging to the succession consisted of a lot of ground with buildings and improvements, in Gretna, bought by Henry Clay 4 Jan 1866, at a time when he was living as man and wife with Caroline Dummy and with whom he lived as such until she died long after the war. See testimony of Ferdinand Samuel (on) Page 8. Henry Clay was originally from Virginia and was brought to Louisiana as a slave between 1847 and 1849. Testimony of Rivere Gardere. After the war and while living with Caroline Dummy he, through Fred Samuel, began to make inquires about a woman he had in Virginia and afterward he went to Virginia and returned with the administrator (Eliza Clay Johnson) and whom he acknowledged as his daughter. Some time in 1867 Henry was living with Caroline Dummy as man and wife [See testimony of Eliza Johnson] and so lived for a year and a half or two years on the property now in contest. That after that time Eliza Johnson's mother, Lucy Ann, and her brother William came from Virginia and after the death of Caroline Dummy Henry Clay married by regular license issued on 6th Jan 1870. That on 7th July 1877 Lucy Ann died that after her death on 22 August 1879, Henry Clay married Nancy Brown the tutrix of the children Eliza and Sarah. From these facts and pleadings briefly stated we gather this: Eliza Johnson claims to be the legitimate child of Henry Clay, having been born in wedlock, the same is claimed for William Clay, now deceased. The administrator treats the property as being community of Henry Clay and Lucy Ann Clay and desires to make Eliza Clay and William Clay sole heirs of the half of said succession to belong to Lucy Ann Clay. Nancy's attorney claims: That Eliza Johnson and William Clay are not legitimate offspring of Henry Clay. That no marriage has ever been proved prior to the marriage of Jan 6, 1870. That the property was not community property but belonged exclusively to Henry Clay and formed no part of the community. That the only marriage proved was that of 6 Jan 1870. The first time Henry Clay married, it was a "slave marriage" approved by Henry's owner in Virginia and also by Lucy's owner in Virginia. Henry Clay was married to Lucy Ann Fleming in Virginia "by the white men who used a bible." [NOTE: this was not considered legal.] About 1848, Henry's owner sold him to Riviere Gardere, a man living in Jefferson Parish. Over the years, Henry told several local white men about his slave wife and two kids he left in Virginia but, it is the middle of the Civil War. Still a slave, he married Caroline Dumy and "lived with her as man and wife." No marriage certificate is presented in court but it is said to be a legal marriage, as opposed to a slave marriage. Henry asked Frederick Samuels, a white men in Jefferson Parish, to write to a white man in Virginia to find out what happened to his "slave wife" and his two children. The slave wife is located. Henry went to Virginia and came back with his daughter, Eliza, who is 1 1/2 years older than his son, William. Eliza is 3 or four years old. She is put to work in the home of a white man. The war ended and Henry is free and still living with the "legal" wife. On 4 Jan 1866, Henry buys a house in Gretna. He, his legal wife, Caroline Dumy (or Dummy), and his daughter, Eliza, live together. After a few years Caroline died. Henry went to Virginia and brought back his slave wife, Lucy Ann, and his son, William. His white friends tell him he has to marry Lucy again, legally. On 6 Jan 1870 he got a Jefferson Parish marriage license and married Lucy Ann Fleming(s). This "ligitimates" their children, Eliza and William. They live together here as a family. Eliza marries Joseph Johnson. William marries Ellen (no last name given). Henry's wife, Lucy Ann Fleming, died on 7 July 1877. Henry married a third woman, Nancy Brown. They have four children but two die as infants. Henry's son by Lucy Fleming, William, died and 7 months later Henry died leaving Nancy with two minors under the age of ten. Eliza along with William's widow, Ellen, petitions the court. Eliza and Ellen want a legal portion of the estate that belonged to Lucy Ann as Henry's legal wife. Nancy Brown petitions the court for her two minor children. Nancy wants everything. She fights to have Eliza and William declared illegitimate, that the property was purchased before Henry legally married Lucy therefore, it doesn't belong to Eliza and William. The lawyer argues that their being married in Virginia is hearsay and cannot be proved. The lawyer argues there is no way to prove Eliza and William were actually Henry's children. Four local white men (two of them prominent) give legal testimony swearing to the court that Henry Clay often told them about his wife and two children in Virginia long before he married his second wife here in Jefferson parish and long before he looked for them in Virginia. The man who wrote the white man in Virginia testifies on behalf of Eliza and Ellen, widow of the deceased son, William. The judge decides all of Henry's children should share equally in the estate. Nancy asked the judge to overturn his decision but the decision stands. All four children are to share alike. Nancy then brought it to the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals and the two judges reject Eliza and Ellen's claims. The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals awarded the estate to the third wife, Nancy, and her two young children, Elizabeth and Sarah. The 5th Circuit Court judgement was made 7 Dec 1891 by Judges R. T. Beauregard and Henry D. Smith. Eliza and Ellen beg the 5th CCA to reconsider their decision but they were denied by the same judges. END OF REEL