1862 - 1864 Succession of Benjamin F. Farmer, Union Parish Louisiana Submitted for the Union Parish Louisiana USGenWeb Archives by Shawn Martin, 4/2005 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ************************************************ ========================================================= Succession of Benjamin F. Farmer, Union Parish Louisiana Union Parish Louisiana Succession Book E, pp. 466 - 472 ========================================================= ================================================================================== NOTE: Benjamin F. Farmer was a son of early Union Parish pioneers Mills Farmer and his wife, Susannah Wood. The younger Farmer enlisted in the "Stars of Equality",a company of men from Union Parish who traveled to Camp Moore in south Louisiana in mid-1861 for training. He was appointed sergeant. The unit became Company E, 19th Louisiana Infantry Regiment and was sent north to join the Confederate Army opposing Yankee General Grant's invasion of Kentucky and Tennessee. The company suffered heavy casualties at the Battle of Shiloh on April 6-7, fighting at the famed "Hornet's Nest". Farmer was present for duty through December 1861, but he was absent from duty in the hospital in May. He died 1 June 1862 at Oxford, Lafayette County Mississippi. His death does not indicate whether he died from wounds suffered at Shiloh or disease. ================================================================= To the Honorable the Judge of the 11th Judicial District Court in and for the Parish of Union, State of Louisiana. This petition of Mary J. Farmer, a resident of the Parish and State aforesaid respectfully represents unto your Honor that Benjamin F. Farmer, late a resident of the said Parish and State departed of this life on or about the [blank] day of July 1862 in the service of the Confederate States leaving a small estate consisting of land, Negroes, stock &c right and credits, also your petitioner widow in community and five minor children to wit: Isabella R. L., Ann Elisa William W., Stephen W. and Susan E. the issue of the marriage between the Decd. and your petitioner. Wherefore your petitioner prays that after the legal delays, she be appointed Administratrix of said Estate and that an inventory of said Estate of Benjamin Farmer be had and further that she be appointed and confirmed Natural Tutrix to her said minor children. She further prays for general and equitable relief &c. Mary J. Farmer State of Louisiana 11th Judicial District Court Parish of Union The premises considered, it is ordered that the petition of Mrs. Mary Farmer be advertised according to law. It is further ordered that W. C. Smith, Parish Recorder be and he is hereby ordered to make an inventory and appraisement of the property belonging to said Estate of Benjamin Farmer, Decd. and due return make to this office without delay. Done and signed in office this the 2nd September 1862. Jas. L. Guthrie, Clerk, District Court State of Louisiana Parish of Union By reason of the law, the premises being considered and the proper advertisement having been made and no opposition made thereto it is ordered and decreed that Mary Farmer be appointed Administratrix of the Estate of Benjamin Farmer, Decd. and upon her giving bond with good security and taking the oath that letters do issue to her. Done and signed in office this the 1st day of October 1862. Jas. L. Guthrie, Clerk State of Louisiana Parish of Union I, Mary J. Farmer do solemnly swear that I will faithfully and impartially discharge all and singular the duties incumbent on me as administratrix of the Estate of Benjamin F. Farmer, Decd. to the best of my ability and understanding. So help me God. Mary J. Farmer Sworn to and subscribed before me this the 1st day of October 1862. Jas. L. Guthrie, Clerk Succession of Benjamin Farmer, Decd. 11th District court, Parish and State above written Whereas Mary Farmer has this day been duly and legally appointed Administratrix of the Estate of Benjamin Farmer, Decd. and she has given bond with good security and has taken the oath required by law. Now therefore the said Mary Farmer be and she is hereby authorized and empowered to do and perform all and singular the duties incumbent on her in said capacity as Administratrix. Given under my hand and the seal of said Court, this the 1st day of October AD 1862. Jas. L. Guthrie, Clerk State of Louisiana Parish of Union Know all men by these presents that we Mary J. Farmer as principal and George A. Stinson and Elizabeth S. Hester as her securities are held and firmly bound unto W. B. Egan, Judge of the 11th District Court, Parish and State aforesaid in the just and full sum of Nine Thousand Four Hundred Dollars to the true and faithful payment thereof well and truly to be made. We bind ourselves, our heirs, and assigns firmly by these presents. Dated Farmerville October 1st 1862. The condition of the above obligation is such that whereas the said mary Farmer has this day been duly and legally appointed Administratrix of the Estate of Benjamin Farmer, Decd. and she has tane the oath required by law. Now, therefore, if the said Mary J. Farmer shall faithfully and impartially discharge all and singular the duties incumbent on her as Administratrix of said Estate and shall faithfully account to the Judge of said Court for all monies or other property (belonging to the Estate) received from this or any other State and shall render a true and faithful account of all her acts and doings in and about said Estate to the Judge of said Court and wherever legally required so to do pay over all sums of money and deliver all the property of whatever nature belonging to the said Estate to the proper person or persons to receive the same. Then this obligation to be null and void. Otherwise to be and remain in full force and virtue against the principal and her said security. Mary Farmer George A. Stinson Elizabeth (her X mark) Hester Done, signed and acknowledged before me on this the day and date above written. Jas. L. Guthrie State of Louisiana Parish of Union Do each of your solemnly swear that you will faithfully and impartially appraise all the property that may be presented to you belonging to the Estate and succession of Benjamin F. Farmer, Deceased at its Cash Value to the best of your judgment and understanding. So help me God. Thos. McCormick G. W. Reynolds Sworn to and subscribed before me on this the 13th day of September AD 1862. W. C. Smith, Parish Recorder State of Louisiana Parish of Union Be it remembered that on this the 13th day of September AD One Thousand Eight Hundred and Sixty Two, in pursuance of an order of the Honorable the 11th Judicial District court in and for the parish of Union, La. and to me William C. Smith, parish Recorder and Ex Officio Notary Public in and for said parish duly commissioned and sworn [unreadable] commanding me to make an inventory and appraisement of all the property belonging to the Estate of Benjamin F. Farmer, Decd. I repaired to the late residence of the said Benjamin F. Farmer, Decd. late of the Parish of Union, La. and being assisted by George W. Reynolds and Thomas McCormick two good and lawful citizens of the said Parish who being appointed and sworn by me the said Recorder as appraisers and in the presence of two lawful and competent witnesses proceeded to make the following inventory and appraisement to wit: Tract of Land known as the late residence of the Decd. situated in the Parish of Union, La. situated as follows E ½ of NE ¼ Sec. 20 Log. R1 East containing 80 44/100, the NW ¼ of NE ¼ of Sec. 29 T. 19 R 1 East containing 39 90/100. The SE ¼ of SW ¼ of Sec. 20 and NE ¼ of NW ¼ of Sec 29 T 19 R 1 East containing 80 acres The SW ¼ of N@ ¼ Sec. 20 T 19 R 1 East - 40 acres The NW ¼ of NW ¼ Sec. 29 T. 19 R 1 East 39 90/100 The SE ¼ of SE ¼ of Sec. 19 T 19 R 1 East 40.38 acres. Containing in the aggregate 320 65/100 acres together with the improvements thereon appraised @ $1283.80 13 Head stock cattle apprd. @ 91.00 40 Head stock hogs apprd. @ 60.00 1 Brown horse mule apprd. @ 125.00 1 Clay bank horse apprd. @ 125.00 8 Head Sheep apprd. @ 24.00 1 ¾ Waggon and harness apprd. @ 75.00 1 Lot farming tools apprd. @ 13.50 1 Corn mill apprd. @ 85.00 1 Jin stand apprd. @ 157.50 George, Negro man aged about 35 years, Dark complexion apprd. @ 1000.00 Aaron, Negro boy aged about 17 years of Dark complexion apprd. @ 950.00 12000 lbs. seed cotton more or less apprd. @ 240.00 Matthew Kelley note due Jany. 1st 1862 with 8% Int. from Nov. 2, 1861 19.13 Rachel Acree note due one day after date. Dated October 2nd, 1861 with 8% int. 100.00 1 Feather Bed, furniture & stead apprd. @ 25.00 1 Brass Clock apprd. @ 1.00 Library - 8 vol. Chambers information for the People History of U. s. Pictorial History of America, Brights Family Practice, P. H. of Washington, Sears Illustrate, Ruffon Empire, Memories of [unreadable] 15.00 4 common chairs apprd. @ _____3.00 $4392.93 The following property is presented and inventoried as the separate and peripheral property of Mrs. Mary Farmer, the [unreadable] of the [unreadable] Francis, Negro woman aged 30 (black) and her four children, James, boy aged 8 years (black), Martha, girl aged 6 years (black), Dandridge, boy age 4 years (black), Melissa, girl age 17 months apprd @ $2100.00 Harriet, girl ate 12 years (mulatto) and child of Francis apprd. @ ____550.00 $2650.00 Amount of Estate proper __$4392.93 Total Amount $7062.93 Having complete the foregoing inventory and appraisement, I have on this the 12th day of September AD 1862 closed the same. In testimony whereof I have caused said appraisers to sign their names hereto in the presence of James McCowan and George W. Stinson two good an lawful citizens of the Parish of Union, who have also signed with same said appraisers and me the said Recorder on this the day and date above written. ATTEST: Jas. McCormick George A. Stinson G. W. Reynolds James McCowan W. C. Smith, Parish Recorder State of Louisiana Parish of Union I, Mary Farmer, do solemnly swear that I will faithfully and impartially discharge all and singular the duties incumbent on me as Natural Tutrix to my minor children to wit: Isabella R. L., Ann Elisa William W., Stephen W. and Susan E. Farmer and she has taken the oath prescribed by law. Now, therefore the said Mary Farmer is hereby authorized and empowered to do an perform all and singular the acts appertaining to said appointment according to law. Mary F. Farmer Given under my hand and seal of said court this the 1st day of October 1862. Jas. L. Guthrie, Clerk Tutorship of the Minors of Benjamin Farmer, Decd. State of Louisiana, Parish of Union, 11th District Court Whereas, Mary Farmer has this day been duly and legally appointed and confirmed natural Tutrix to her minor children to wit: Isabella R. L., Ann Elisa William W., Stephen W. and Susan E. Farmer and she has taken the oath prescribed by law. Now therefore the said Mary Farmer is hereby authorized and empowered to do and perform all and singular he acts appertaining to said appointment according to law. Given under my hand and seal of said court this the 1st day of October 1862. Jas. L. Guthrie, Clerk State of Louisiana Parish of Union I, George A. Stinson, do solemnly swear that I will faithfully and impartially discharge all and singular the duties incumbent on me as Under tutor to the minor children of the Estate of Benjamin Farmer, Decd. to wit: Isabella R. L., Ann Elisa William W., Stephen W. and Susan E. Farmer to the best of my ability and understanding to help me God. George A. Stinson Sworn to and subscribed before me this 1st day of October 1862. Jas. L. Guthrie, Clerk Tutorship of the Minor heirs of Benjamin Farmer State of Louisiana, Parish of Union, 11th District Court Whereas George A. Stinson has this day been duly and legally appointed Under tutor to the minor heirs of Benjamin Farmer, Decd. and he has taken the oath prescribed by law. Now therefore the said George A. Stinson is hereby duly and legally appointed and authorized to do and perform all and singular the duties appertaining to said appointment according to law. Given under my hand and the seal of said court this the 1st day of October 1862. Jas. L. Guthrie, Clerk Mary J. Farmer, Administratrix in account with the Estate of Benjamin F. Farmer, Dec. The Admrx. charges herself with the amount of the inventory of said Estate made by Wm. C. Smith, Recorder and filed in the clerk's office on the first day of October 1862, viz. $7042.95 The Admrx. asks for a credit for the following named negores claimed by herself as her separate property and approved as such, viz. Francis, negro woman aged 30 years (black) and her four children James, boy aged 8 years (black), Martha, aged 6 years (black) Dandridge, boy aged 4 years (black), Melissa, girl aged 17 months apprd. @ 2000.00 Harriett, girl aged 12 years (molatto) and child of Francis apprd. @ ___550.00 $2650.00 The Admrx. has paid debts of the Estate as follows for which she claims a credit, viz. Note in for Nancy Stanley & Int. on same (See Voucher No. 1) $229.60 Note in favor of Solomon Mayes (See Voucher No. 2) 10.00 Note in favor of S. T. Hester & Int. (See Voucher No. 3) 86.00 Note in favor of H. King, Sr. & Int. (See Voucher No. 4) 8.02 Note in favor of Austin Honeycock & Int. (See Voucher No. 5) 211.20 Acct. in favor of H. King, Sr. & Int. (See Voucher No. 6) 13.45 Medical Acct. of Dr. G. W. Johnson (See Voucher No. 7) 121.50 Acct. in favor of Rinehart & Millsaps (See Voucher No. 8) 9.75 Acct. in favor of S. D. Schoolfield (See Voucher No. 9) 35.00 Acct. in favor of Smith & Tidwell (See Voucher No. 10) 16.15 Recpt. Of J. C. Mayes for Judgement in Favor S. D. Aswell (See Voucher No. 11) 54.90 Amt. W. C. Smith, Recorder's fee (See Voucher No. 12) 12.50 Amt. of Jas. L. Guthries, clerks fees (See Voucher No. 13) 20.50 Amt. of Thos. C. Lewis, Clerks fees (See Voucher No. 14) 16.75 Acct. in favor Wilhite Larche & Co. & Int. (See Voucher No. 15) 144.12 Acct. in favor Woodward & Larche & Int. (See Voucher No. 16) 55.18 Note in favor of P. Willhite & Int. (See Voucher No. 17) 41.22 Note in favor Woodward & Larche & Int. (See Voucher No. 18) 127.88 Note in favor of L. Larche & Int. (See Voucher No. 19) 141.44 Amt. paid I. R. Ellis (See Voucher No. 20) 18.75 Note in favor John Shields & Int. (See Voucher No. 21) 47.74 Acct. in favor L. Larche 1861 (See Voucher No. 22) 18.00 Note in favor of Willhite & Larche & Int. (See Voucher No. 23) 56.56 Admrx. Commission 2 ½ % in the amount of The Inventory ($4392.93) __109.82 $1,497.61 Recapitulation Sum Total of Debits $7042.93 Sum Total of Credits Amt. Preaphenial Property $2650.00 Amt. of debts paid ___1497.61 __4147.61 Bal. Still in hands of Admx. $2895.32 To the Honorable the Judge of the 11th Judiical District Court in and for Union Parish, Louisiana. The petition of Mary J. Farmer, a resident of your said parish and State, respectfully represents that she was appointed by your Honorable Court Administratrix of the Estate of her Decd. husband Benjamin F. Farmer, that she has administered the same and herewith respectfully files the foregoing a s a full and final account of said Administration. She represents that she has paid all the debts of the said Estate that have been presented to her and all of which she has any knowledge except a [unreadable] of S. A. Aulds amounting to something over two hundred dollars ($200.00) for which the said Aulds refuses to receive the present currency of the country and therefore cannot now be paid. From the foregoing account it appears that there is the sum of Two thousand eight hundred and ninety five and 32/100 ($2895.32) Dollars still remaining in the hands of Petitioner belonging to said Estate. Petitioner represents that she is the surviving partner in community and that the assets of said Estate belong to her and five minor children the sole heirs of the Estate of B. F. Farmer, Decd. of which said minor children. Petitioner has been recognized by your honorable court as natural Tutrix and the whole property rightfully belongs in her hands, where it now is. Wherefore, Petitioner prays that the foregoing final account be advertised according to law and after the legal delays that the same be approved and homolgated in all its parts and that her bond as Admx. be cancelled and she released from all further r esponsibility in said Administration and for general relief. Mary J. Farmer Sate of Louisiana 11th Judicial District Court Parish of Union It is ordered and decreed that the within final account of Mary J. Farmer as Admrx. of the Estate of Benjamin F. Farmer, Decd. be advertised according to law. Done and signed in office on this the 31st day of March AD 1864. Thos. C. Lewis, Clerk. Homolgation of the final Account filed by mary J. Farmer Admx. of the Estate of Benjamin F. Farmer, Decd. 1st Vouchers filed with said final account 2nd Thos. C. Lewis, Clerk of the District court sworn says that the final account in the succession of Benjamin F. Farmer, Decd. was filed in the clerk's office on the 31st day of March 1864 and has been legally advertised in the following manner to wit: by posting a copy of the advertisement at the Court House door in the town of Farmerville and by handing a copy thereof to Rev. W. D. Slayton to be posted at Shiloh and by handing a copy thereof to R. M. Gilbert to be posted at Marion in the said parish of Union. That said final account has been advertised for more than thirty days past to this date and that there has been no opposition filed to the homolgation of the same. Thos. C. Lewis, Clerk Sworn to and subscribed before me this 7th day of May AD 1864. W. A. McFarland, J. P. 3rd W. D. Slayton sworn says that he posted the advertisement handed him by T. C. Lewis, Clerk at Shiloh a public place in the Parish of Union more than thirty days from this date. W. D. Slayton Sworn to and subscribed before me this 7th day of May AD 1864. Thos. C. Lewis, Clerk, District Court 4th R. M. Gilbert sworn says that he carried the advertisement presented him by T. C. Lewis, Clerk to be posted at Marion a public place in the parish of Union more than thirty days prior to this date. R. M. Gilbert Sworn to and subscribed before me this 7th day of May Ad 1864. Thos. C. Lewis, Clerk I hereby certify the within to be all the evidence adduced in the homolgation of the final account filed by Mary J. Farmer as Admrx. of the Estate of Benjamin F. Farmer, Decd. Thos. C. Lewis, Clerk, District Court State of Louisiana 11th Judicial District Court Parish of Union By reason of the law and the evidence in the homolgation of the final amount filed by Mary J. Farmer as Administratrix of the Estate of Benjamin F. Farmer, Decd. and by reason of due proof having been made of the legal advertisement of the same and no opposition having been filed thereto, it is ordered and adjudged and decreed that the said final account be and the same is hereby approved and homolgated in all its parts according to law and the Admrx. is discharged from said Administration and her bond cancelled. Done and signed in office on this 7th day of May AD 1864. Thos. C. Lewis, Clerk A True Record, this 16th January Ad 1865. Thos. C. Lewis, Clerk ###########################################################