1843 Succession of Susannah Wood Farmer, widow of Mills Farmer, Union Parish Louisiana Submitted by: Shawn Martin Date of Submission: June 2008 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ************************************************ ================================================================================= ================================================================================= 1843 Succession of Susannah Wood Farmer, widow of Mills Farmer, Union Parish Louisiana Union Parish Louisiana Succession Book A, pp. 241 – 271 Transcribed & Submitted by Shawn Martin ================================================================================= ================================================================================= Estate of Mills and Susanna Farmer, Decd. To the Honorable Probate Judge in and for the Parish of Union, State of Louisiana. The petition of William W. Farmer of the said residence respectfully sheweth that on or about the 21st day of October 1843 Susanna Farmer departed this life at her residence in your said Parish and that she died possessed of considerable property consisting of lands, [unreadable], slaves, rights and credits and she also left nine heirs, eight of whom are above the age of twenty one and one minor (viz.) James McCowan, issue of a former marriage aged about thirty five. Your petitioner aged about thirty years Newton J. Farmer aged about twenty eight, Sarah E. Farmer alias Feazle aged about twenty five years, Lea Farmer alias Wilhite aged about twenty three years, Rachel Farmer, aged about same, Benjamin F. Farmer aged about twenty one, Shepherd M. Farmer aged about eighteen years, Sabella Farmer alias Payne aged about sixteen years she being emancipated by marriage. Your petitioner prays your Honor to have an inventory taken of the property of said succession and that your petitioner be appointed administrator of the above named succession and he prays that letters of Administratorship be granted to him and for all such matters as may be necessary in the premises as the nature of the case may require in duty bound &c May & Bry 640.00 State of Louisiana Court of Probates Parish of Union Let the prayer of the within petition be granted and it is ordered that an inventory and appraisement be made and petitioner be appointed Administrator of said Estate upon his giving bond, security and taking the oath as the law directs and that letters issue. Done and signed in chambers this 8th day of November AD 1843. John Taylor, Judge State of Louisiana Parish of Union Be it remembered that on the 13th day of November AD 1843 in pursuance of a judgment and decree of the Honorable the Court of Probates in and for said Parish that I John Taylor Parish Judge and Ex Officio Notary Public in and for said Parish and State having rescinded official information of the death of Susanna Farmer who departed this life intestate on or about the 21st day of October 1843 at her residence in said Parish leaving the following named and aged heirs, to wit, James McCowen 35 years by her former marriage with Daniel McCowen, William W. Farmer 20 years, John N. Farmer 28 years, Sarah E. Feazle alias Farmer 25 years, Leah Farmer the wife of Wilhite 23 years, Rachael Farmer 22 years, Benjamin F. Farmer 21 years, shepherd M. Farmer 18 years, Sebella Farmer the wife of W. J. Payne 16 years besides a considerable Estate of Property real and personal [unreadable] credits, goods and chattels land and tenements and for the purpose of making an inventory of said descendents estate. I have repaired to the residence of said decedent and for the purpose as aforesaid. I have appointed William Wilhite and Philip Feazle residents and freeholders of said Parish appraisers to appraise all the property comprising said decedents estate and whom after being well and duly sworn by me the said judge well and truly to do and perform all and singular the matters and things herein according to law have proceeded as follows together with me the said judge and undersigned witnesses and parties. Inventory 1. Two hundred and forty acres of land being the same on which is the gin and joining the lands of J. Honeycut 1000.00 2. One hundred and sixty acres of land situated on the Louter the title of which lies in W. W. Farmer and he hereby states that he purchased said land for Susanna Farmer with having furnished by her and which he declares belongs to the succession 240.00 3. Three hundred and twenty acres of land which decedent last resided one hundred and sixty acres title in W. W. Farmer which he declares belongs to the succession 640.00 4. One hundred and sixty acres of land known as S. Woods old fields eighty acres of which title in W. W. Farmer which belongs to Succession 160.00 5. One hundred and sixty acres on Darbone 240.00 6. One hundred and sixty acres of land known as the McDonald tract 80.00 7. Eighty acres of land situated on Corney 120.00 8. Eighty acres of land known as Slayter Road tract 100.00 9. One hundred and thirty acres on Darbone 162.50 10. One hundred and sixty acres known as the Nicely Place on Bayou Corney 200.00 11. One hundred and sixty acres known as the Mount Place situated on Corney 240.00 12. One hundred and seventy five acres of land known as the Petersburg tract on Bayou Darbone 218.75 13. One hundred and sixty acres of land situated on the road to John Davis 200.00 The above land from No. 5 to 13 inclusive W. W. Farmer declares he purchased in his own name for Susanna Farmer with her money and by her consent and he declares the same belongs to her succession. 14 Eighty acres of land situated on Corney sold to Lewis Henderson for two hundred and forty dollars payable in April next without privilege on land in case of non-payment which W. W. Farmer declares belongs to the succession: Negro man aged 43 called Dandridge, yellow complexion 300.00 Negro man king, black complexion aged 40 titled in W. W. Farmer which he declares belongs to the succession 400.00 Negro man Nelson copper color aged 29 600.00 Negro man Willis, black color aged 27 550.00 George, Negro man, black color aged 21 600.00 Negro boy Dennis, black, aged 18 500.00 Negro man, Joshua, black, aged 35 600.00 Mulatto boy, Hugh, aged 14 300.00 Negro boy, Ruben, black aged 11 300.00 Negro boy Isaac, black aged 12 400.00 Negro woman Penelope, black, aged 40 400.00 Negro woman Clarissa, black aged 40, diseased 150.00 Negro woman Huldah, black aged 27 with her three children Jack, Edward and Arthur 750.00 Chaney, a Negro woman aged 30 copper color with her five children Martha, Hannah, Asa, Harriett and Nelson under 10 years 800.00 Negro woman Eliza, black aged 38 years with Her four children Humphrey, Joshua, Aaron And Louisa under 10 years 750.00 Negro girl Hager, black aged 13 years 300.00 Negro boy Joseph aged 4, an orphan 150.00 Negro girl Nicy aged 20 years, 6 mo. black 250.00 Maria, negro woman, black aged 25 years and Her two children Charity and Nelson under 10 ___650.00 Amount carried over $12251.25 The slaves Hugh, Joseph and Hager, W. W. Farmer declares he purchased for Susanna Farmer with her money by her consent in his own name and which he declares belongs to her succession the negro King is same as above. Farming utensils 1 lot 35.00 1 set blacksmiths tools 25.00 1 Bay Horse Hampton 15.00 1 yellow horse Whynought 20.00 1 Bay mare Beck 25.00 1 Young horse Jack 35.00 1 Large kettle 2.00 1 Lot potware 9.00 1 Grindstone 3.00 1 Steel trap 4.00 70 Head of cattle more or less $4 per head 280.00 50 Head of hogs more or less $1.50 per head 75.00 1 Wagon 75.00 2 Yoke of oxen $40 each 80.00 1 Cupboard 15.00 1 Wood clock 6.00 1 Clothes press 6.00 1 Bureau 25.00 1 Desk 25.00 1 lot books 10.00 1 lot crockery ware 5.00 1 lot jugs and demijohns 3.00 1 loom 10.00 3 spinning wheels 9.00 1 shot gun 6.00 1 lot chairs 6.00 1 looking glass 2.00 Crop of cotton seed gathered not appraised Crop of corn gatherd apprd. at 37 cents per bushel ____2.47 Amt. brot forward $13067.25 A twelve months bond on Samuel Allen, W. H. Coats Security for 56.00 Note on Dandridge Acre for 160.00 Note on Huey Sims for 30.00 A judgment on L. Pagan for $129 with a credit for 25.00 An acct. on John Davis amt. unknown 100.00 An acct. on Wm. Pipes amount not exactly known 50.00 Note on Lewis Henderson due April 1844 240.00 Note on Wm. Dickinson for $95 appraised at ____5.00 $13497.25 The inventory amounting to Thirteen thousand four hundred and ninety seven dollars and twenty five cents. In testimony whereof said parties, appraisers, undersigned witnesses and William W. Farmer who gave in the property and me Judge on this the 13th day of November AD 1843. Philemon Wilhite Philip Feazle Dandridge Acre William Wilhite John Taylor, Parish Judge W. W. Farmer We and each of us do solemnly swear that we will appraise at the property comprising the Estate of Susanna Farmer, Deceased so far as will be shown or may come to our knowledge to the best of our abilities and understanding. So help us God. Philip Feazel William Wilhite Sworn to and subscribed before me this 13th day of November 1843. John Taylor Parish Judge State of Louisiana Parish of Union I William W. Farmer do solemnly swear that I will to the best of my understanding discharge and perform all and singular the duties incumbent on me as Administrator of the Estate of Susanna Farmer, Deceased. So help me God. W. W. Farmer Sworn to and subscribed before me this 13th day of November 1843. John Taylor, Judge State of Louisiana Court of Probates Parish of Union Know all men by these presents that we William W. Farmer as principal and Dandridge Acre, Philip Feazel and William Wilhite his securities are held and firmly bound unto John Taylor, Judge of the Court of Probates in and for the Parish of Union or his successors in office in the sum of Fifteen Thousand, Eight hundred and seventy one Dollars the payment whereof will and truly to be made we bind ourselves, our heirs, administrators and assigns firmly by these presents this 13th day of November 1843. The condition of the above obligation is such that the above William W. Farmer has been appointed Administrator of the Estate of Susanna Farmer, Deceased. Now if the said Wm. W. Farmer does well and truly according to law3 administer the same and further does make and render a true and perfect account of his actions and doings when thereunto lawfully required, either by the aforesaid Judge or his successors in office or by the heirs of said Deceased then and in that case the above obligation to be void, otherwise, to remain in full force and virtue. W. W. Farmer Dandridge Acre Philip Feazel William Wilhite Done and signed before me on the date above. John Taylor Parish Judge State of Louisiana Probate Court Parish of Union Whereas William W. Farmer has been appointed Administrator of the Estate of Susanna Farmer, Deceased and given Bond and security and taken the oath as prescribed by law. Now therefore he is hereby authorized and fully empowered to discharge and perform all and singular the duties appertaining to the said appointment according to laws. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto signed my name and affixed my seal of office on this 13th day of November AD 1873. John Taylor, Judge To the Honorable the Probate Judge of the Parish of union in the State of Louisiana. The petition of William W. Farmer, resident of said Parish with respect sheweth that his father Mills Farmer departed this life some years since and his Estate has remained unsettled in the hands of his mother Susanna Farmer, widow Farmer until her death which took place in said Parish on the 21st October 1843 both dying intestate and leaving a large Estate consisting of property real and personal, rights, credits and land leaving as their heirs their children as follows viz. Your Petitioner, John N. Farmer, Sarah E. wife of Solomon Feazel, Lean, wife of Thomas J. Wilhite, Rachel, Benjamin. Fr. Sabella wife of William J. Payne of age or married and all residents of said Parish, but Wilhite who resides in the Parish of Ouachita and Shepherd Mills Farmer, a minor to whom he prays your Honor to appoint as Tutor, and James McCowen, a son of the same mother by a previous marriage, also of the same residence. The Estate has been inventoried and appraised and he is desirous of having a partition but avers it cannot be done in kind without great loss to some of the heirs. Wherefore he prays that your Honor decree that the same be sold for that purpose after giving notice to all the heirs to shew cause if any they have why the same should not be done as prayed for. That you make all such decreed in the premises as may be necessary to afford general relief as in duty bound, &c. McGuire & Ray, Attys. We the undersigned heirs of Mills Farmer and Susanna Woods, Widow Farmer both deceased do hereby acknowledge service of the annexed petition for a partition of said Estate and for a sale for that purpose and join the prayer of the petitioner each married woman assisted by her husband as set forth in the Petition and the minor by his Tutor. William Wilhite James M. Cowen Curator ad hoc for John N. Farmer Minor heir Sheppherd Solomon Feazel Mills Farmer Benjamin F. Farmer William J. Payne Rachel Farmer Thomas J. Wilhite State of Louisiana Probate Court Parish of Union November 20th 1843 By reason of the law and evidence and in accordance with the wish of the heirs and the Court being satisfied that a partition in kind could not well be made without injury to some of the heirs, it is ordered, adjudged and decreed by the Court that a sale take place as prayed for to effect a partition and that the proceeds be divided according to law. Done and signed the date above. John Taylor Probate Judge It is ordered and decreed that William W. Farmer, brother of the minor Shepherd Mills Farmer be appointed Tutor to said minor on his taking the oath and giving bond according to law and that Shepherd Woods be appointed Under Tutor to said minor upon his taking the oath according to law. Done and signed in chambers on this 22nd December AD 1843. John Taylor, Judge State of Louisiana Parish of Union I William W. Farmer do solemnly swear that you will discharge an perform all and singular the duties incumbent on me as Tutor for Shepherd Mills Farmer, minor heir of Mills and Susanna Farmer, Deceased to the best of my understanding. So help me God. W. W. Farmer Sworn to and subscribed before me this 22nd December AD 1843. John Taylor Parish Judge State of Louisiana Parish of Union W. W. Farmer as principal and Joel Mixon his security acknowledge to owe and be indebted to John Taylor, Judge of Probates in and for said parish and his successors in office for the time being in the sum of One Thousand Five hundred and nine dollars and fifty seven cents to the payment whereof well and truly to be made, we bind ourselves and heirs, Executors, Administrators and assigns firmly by these presents this the 23rd day of December AD 1843. the condition of the above obligation is such that whereas the above bounden W. W. Farmer has been confirmed as Tutor to Shepherd Mills Farmer, minor heir of Mills and Susana Farmer, Deceased. Now therefore if he the said W. W. Farmer shall well and truly perform and discharge all and singular the duties incumbent on him in his said capacity agreeably to law, then and in that case the above obligations to be null and void, else to remain in full force and virtue. W. W. Farmer Joel Mixon Signed and acknowledged before me the date above. John Taylor Parish Judge State of Louisiana Probate Court Parish of Union Whereas W. W. Farmer has been appointed Tutor to Shepherd Mills Farmer, minor heir of Mills and Susanna Farmer, Deceased and having given bond and security and taken the oath as prescribed by law. Now therefore he is hereby authorized and fully empowered to discharge and perform all and singular the duties appertaining to said appointment according to law. In testimony whereof I have herewith signed my name and affixed my seal of office on this 23rd day of December AD 1843. John Taylor Probate judge State of Louisiana Parish of Union I, Shepherd Wood do solemnly swear that I will discharge and perform all and singular the duties incumbent on me as Under Tutor for Shepherd Mills Farmer minor heir of Mills and Susanna Farmer, Deceased to the best of my understanding. So help me God. Sworn to and subscribed before Shepherd Woods me this 22nd day of December AD 1843. John Taylor Parish Judge State of Louisiana Parish Court Parish of Union Whereas Shepherd Wood has been appointed Under Tutor of Shepherd Mills Farmer minor heir of Mills and Susanna Farmer, Deceased and having taken the oath as prescribed by law. Now therefore he is hereby authorized and fully empowered to discharge and perform all and singular the duties appertaining to the said appointment according to law. In testimony whereof I have hereunto signed my name and affixed my seal of office on this 23rd day of December AD 1843. John Taylor Probate Judge To the Honorable the Probate Judge of the Parish of Union in the State of Louisiana. The petition of William W. Farmer, resident of said Parish Tutor Shepherd Mills Farmer, a minor with respect sheweth that a sale of the Estate of their father and mother of said minor is about to be made by an order of your Honorable Court for the purpose of partitioning the same among the heirs at which time it may be necessary for the interest of said minor that the tutor ad hoc appointed by your Honor be authorized to by property for said minor and in his name. Where fore he prays your Honor to convoke a family meeting to give their advise therein that Shepherd Woods his Under Tutor have notice thereof to be present at said meeting and that your Honor homologate their proceedings when made if equitable and just and for general relief as in duty bound &c. McGuire & Ray, Attys. John N. Farmer, James McCowen, William J. Payne, Thomas J. Wilhite and Benjamin F. Farmer, male relatives of the said minor Shepherd Mills Farmer and convened by consent for the purpose of aforesaid who after mature reflections and due deliberation do advise and recommend that William Wilhite be authorized as Tutor ad hoc. The tutors William W. Farmer being interested to purchase for said minor at the sale of the Estate of Mills and Susanna Farmer the mother and father of said minor made for the purpose of effecting a partition of said Estate that the purchaser made by said Tutor ad hoc shall be for the benefit and binding on said minor and that the purchase be made at the discretion of the said tutor ad hoc. In faith we the undersigned members of the family meeting have hereto signed our names in presence of the undersigned Parish Judge and witnesses this 22nd December 1843. Dandridge Acre John N. Farmer William Pipes William Payne John Taylor Thos. J. Wilhite Judge of Probates James McCowen B. F. Farmer I approve of the foregoing proceedings and deliberations of a family meeting being present at the deliberation thereof 22nd December 1843. Shepherd Wood Under Tutor State of Louisiana Parish of Union Before the undersigned authority personally came and appeared the undersigned members of a family meeting who do solemnly swear that we will to the best of our abilities and understanding advise and recommend touching the matters submitted to us and that the matters contained on the foregoing pages are the results of our most mature deliberations. So help us God. William J. Payne James McCowen B. F. Farmer Thos. J. Wilhite John N. Farmer Sworn and subscribed to before me this 22nd December 1843. John Taylor Parish Judge State of Louisiana Parish of Union Before the undersigned authority personally came and appeared William Wilhite who make oath that he will discharge and perform all and singular the duties incumbent on him as tutor ad hoc of the minor Shepherd Mills Farmer. So help me God. William Wilhite Sworn and subscribed to before me on this 22nd December 1843 John Taylor Judge of Probate Probate Sale Be it remembered that on this 22nd day of December AD 1843 that I John Taylor, Parish Judge and Ex Officio Judge of Probates and auctioned in and the Parish of Union, State of Louisiana in pursuance of decree of the Honorable the Court of Probates of said Parish, I have at the late residence of Susanna Farmer, deceased proceeded to offer for sale after the usual and legal advertisements posted up at three public places in said Parish and also published in the Ouachita Courier from the 20th day of November until the 22nd day of December all the property real and personal comprising the Estate and succession of Mills and Susanna Farmer, Decd. Terms of Sale, Cash Whereupon after due proclamation the following persons became the purchasers as the last and highest and last bidders upon said conditions to wit: W. J. Payne bot. Dandridge, negro man of copper color aged 53 300.00 W. W. Farmer bot Negro man King aged 40 black Complexion 400.00 James Melown bot. mulatto man Nelson, age 27 617.00 John N. Farmer bot. negro man Willis, aged 22 black 626.00 Benjamin Farmer bot. George, Negro man 21 years old of black complexion 706.00 William Wilhite, Tutor ad hoc for Shepherd M. Farmer bot. Dennis, Negro boy aged 18 and black 690.00 Solomon Taylor bot. Joshua, Negro man aged 16, black 600.00 W. W. Farmer bot. Hugh, mulatto, aged 11 335.00 Thomas J. Wilhite bot. Ruben, aged 11, black 425.00 W. W. Farmer bot. Isaac, aged 12, black 436.00 Thomas J. Wilhite bot. Penelope, aged 40, black 400.00 W. W. Farmer bot. Claressa aged 40, black & diseased 150.00 William Wilhite, Tutor ad hoc bot. for minor S. M. Farmer, Huldah, black aged 27 and her three children Jack, Edmund and Arther 869.00 Rachel Farmer bot. Charry, copper colors, aged 30 with her four children, Martha, Hannah, Asa & Nelson under 10 years 1200.00 W. J. Payne bot. eliza, negro woman aged 38 years, Black & her four children, Humphrey, Joshua, Aron & Lonsey under 10 years 905.00 Rachel Sterling bot. negro girl Hagai, black aged 13 383.00 Thomas J. Wilhite bot. Joseph, orphan boy, black, aged 4 190.00 W. J. Payne bot. Nicy, negro girl, black, aged 10 years 355.00 Solomon bot. Maria, negro woman, black aged 25 and her two children Charity and Nelson under 10 years 650.00 W. J. Payne bot. old bay mare black 250.00 James McCowen bot. 1 yoke of oxen 40.00 John N. Farmer bot. 35 head of hogs @ $1.50 per head 52.50 James McCowan bot. 1 wagon 75.00 Willis Austin bot. 1 grindstone 3.00 John Rogers bot. large kettle 5.00 Solomon Feazle bot. pot ware 9.00 Solomon Feazel bot. steel trap 4.00 John W. Farmer bot. lot books 10.00 Thomas Wilhite bot crockery ware 6.00 Thomas J. Wilhite bot lot jugs and demijohns _____5.00 $10362.50 The foregoing property being all that would sell for cash the remainder after due proclamation was offered on twelve months credit with appraisement when the purchasers were as follows: W. W. Farmer bot. looking glass 1.00 Dandridge Acre bot. lot chairs 5.00 Austin Honeycut bot. loom 10.00 James McCowen bot. 1 reel 1.00 D. Acre bot. 1 bureau 15.00 A. Honeycut bot. 1 desk 18.00 James McCown bot. clothes press 2.00 W. J. Payne bot. wood clock 4.00 W. Wilhite bot. cupboard 16.00 Thos. J. Wilhite bot. shot gun 6.50 A. Honeycut bot 1 red ox, the other having been Killed by the fall of a tree 13.00 James McCown bot 35 head hogs @ $2 per head 70.00 W. W. Farmer, bot. 70 head [unreadable] 224.00 Lewis Henderson bot. old horse 10.00 S. Feazle, bot blacksmith tools 52.00 P. Feazle bot farming utensils 18.00 John Rogers bot. old gin stand 25.00 Daniel Payne bot 1 bay horse ____35.00 $10869.00 Received of John Taylor, Probate Judge, Ten thousand eight hundred and sixty nine dollars the amount of the sale of the Estate of Mills and Susanna Farmer, Deceased made on this 22nd December 1843. W. W. Farmer State of Louisiana Parish of Union We do solemnly swear that we will to the best of our abilities and understanding lot of land belonging to the Estate of Mills and Susanna, Deceased as near equally amongst heirs of said Estate as we can agreeably to the inventory so as to effect a partition in kind. So help us God. N. W. Bryan W. H. Culbertson State of Louisiana Parish of Union We William H. Culbertson and Needham M. Bryan, Experts appointed by the Honorable Probate Court in said Parish to make a partition in kind of the lands belonging to the Estate of Mills and Susanna Farmer, Deceased to the following heirs viz. William W. Farmer, James McCowen, John N. Farmer, Rachel Farmer, Benjamin F. Farmer, Sarah E. Farmer (wife of Solomon Feazle) and Lea Farmer (wife of Thomas Wilhite), Sebella Farmer (wife of William J. Payne all of age and Shepherd Farmer, minor represented by William Wilhite his Tutor ad hoc have made out lots as nears equal between said heirs we propose our said heirs came forward by consent and drew as follows: Rachael Farmer Benjamin Farmer Solomon Feazel W. Wilhite, Tutor Ad hoc for A. M. Farmer 240 acres know as the gin place 320 on which decedent last resided described on inventory as one and three Wm. J. Payne – 160 acres of land situated on Louter and 160 acre know as the S. Wood place as described on the inventory as 2 & 4 Thos. J. Wilhite – 160 acres of land situated on Darbone Joining lands of Aaron Green 130 on Darbone in a bend a Little below the other described on inventory as 5 & 9 James McCowen – 175 acres of land known as the Petersburg Tract and 160 acres on the road to John Davis described On the inventory as 12 & 13 J. N. Farmer – 160 known as Mcdonald’s Field, 80 acres of Land on Corney and 160 also in Corney known as Neely Fields and described on inventory as Nos. 6, 7 & 10 W. W. Farmer – 80 acres on Slaughter, 160 acres known as Mount Place on Darbone described on inventory as Nos. 8 & 11 In testimony whereof said experts and heirs as before named have signed their names in presence of the undersigned witnesses and me Judge and Notary on this 23rd day of December AD 1843. In faith whereof I have signed my name and affixed my seal of office. TEST: N. M. Bryan Philip Feazel W. F. Colbertson Austin Honeycut Rachel Farmer John Taylor William Wilhite, Parish Judge Tutor ad hoc James McCowne Thos. J. Wilhite William J. Payne William J. Payne John N. Farmer Solomon Feazel W. W. Farmer State of Louisiana Parish of Union Know all men by these presents that we Thomas J. Wilhite, Solomon Feazle, Benjamin Farmer, John N. Farmer, Rachel Farmer and Shepherd M. Farmer by his Tutor, W. W. Farmer all heirs of and representing heirs of Mills and Susanna Farmer, Deceased having drawn in kind from the Succession of Mills and Susanna Farmer certain lands fully described by lots in the Probate Judges office of the Parish of Union in the partition of the lands of the Succession. Solomon Feazle and John N. Farmer agrees to exchange their draws and lots of land with which others Benjamin F. Farmer and Thomas J. Wilhite agrees to exchange their lots with each other after which Thomas J. Wilhite, John N. Farmer, Rachel Farmer and Shepherd M. Farmer will hold and own lots No. 1, 2, 3 & 4 as described in said Probate Judge’s office together and undivided, they therefore for the purpose of dividing with each other agree to exchange or divide as follows: John W. Farmer and Thomas J. Wilhite take the two hundred and forty acres described on the inventory of the succession as the gin place and Stephen M. Farmer and Rachel Farmer takes the three hundred and twenty acres known on said inventory as the home place the same being where Susanna Farmer lately died on condition that said Thos. J. Wilhite and John N. Farmer pays them each ninety dollars which they agree to give differences between places. The object of this instrument is to convey as above to each other. The parties therefore sign as a complete transfer and warrant to each other the same title they obtain from said succession. Done in present of the undersigned witnesses and John Taylor, Parish Judge of the Parish of Union this 23rd December 1843. W. H. Culbertson Shepherd M. Farmer James McCowen by his Tutor W. W. Farmer John Taylor, Parish Judge Benjamin F. Farmer Solomon Feazel Rachael Farmer Thos. J. Wilhite John N. Farmer ######################################################### File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/la/union/court/farmer-susannah.txt