1863 - 1866 Succession of Lt. Colonel Sidney H. Griffin, Decd., Union Parish Louisiana Submitted for the Union Parish Louisiana USGenWeb Archives by Shawn Martin, 7/2005 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ************************************************ ================================================================================= 1863 - 1866 Succession of Lt. Colonel Sidney H. Griffin, Decd., Union Parish Louisiana Union Parish Louisiana Succession Book E, pp. 658 - 669 ================================================================================== NOTE: Spearsville plantation owner Sidney H. Griffin raised a company of men from the northwestern portion of the parish for the Confederate service in early 1862; the men styled themselves the "Sparrow Cadets". The unit elected Griffin captain, and they entered the service of the Confederate States in Monroe, designated as Company I, 31st Louisiana Infantry Regiment. However, at the regimental organization a in May, he was elected as the lieutenant colonel of the 31st Regiment. Griffin served with his regiment during the Siege of Vicksburg, which began on 19 May 1863. On June 27th, he was killed by sniper fire while surveying the trench lines of his regiment. ================================================================================== To the Honorable the Judge of the 11th Judicial District Court in and for the Parish of Union, State of Louisiana The petition of Catharine E. West, resident of said parish and widow of Sidney H. Griffin, Decd. late of said parish respectfully represents that her said husband, Sidney H. Griffin, departed this life in the service of the country on or about the 27th June AD 1863 leaving petitioner a widow in community and two minor children, the issue of petitioners marriage with said deceased to wit: Ada and Ella Griffin. Petitioner represents that there is an estate consisting of real and personal property rights and credits, and prays for an inventory and appraisement according to law and that after due proceedings, she be appointed Administratrix of said Estate and appointed and confirmed Natural Tutrix to her said minor children and that Simpson W. Ramsey be appointed under tutor and for such other orders in the premises as may be necessary. H. Regenburg, Atty. State of Louisiana 11th District Court Parish of Union The premises considered, it is ordered and decreed that the within application be advertised according to law and that W. C. Smith, Parish Recorder make an inventory and appraisement of all the property belonging to the Estate of S. H. Griffin, Decd. and due return thereof make to this office without delay. Done and signed in office November 27th 1863. J. L. Guthrie, Clerk, Deputy Clerk I, W. H. Carson, and I, Frederick H. Cann, do solemnly swear that I will faithfully and impartially perform all and singular all the duties incumbent on me as an appraiser in making an Inventory and Appraisement of the property belonging to the Estate of Sidney H. Griffin, Decd. to the best of my judgment and understanding. So help me God. J. H. Cann W. H. Carson Sworn to and subscribed before me on this the 2nd day of February AD 1864. W. C. Smith, Parish Recorder State of Louisiana Parish of Union Be it known that on this the second day of February AD one thousand eight hundred and sixty four pursuant to an order issued from the 11th Judicial District Court in and for the parish of Union, State of Louisiana bearing date [blank] 1863 to me William C. Smith, parish Recorder and Ex Officio Notary Public directed commanding me to make an inventory and appraisement of all the property both real and personal, rights and credits belonging to the Estate of Sidney H. Griffin, Decd. late of the Parish of Union being assisted by W. H. Carson and Fredrick H. Cann, males of lawful age and residents of the Parish of Union, who being duly appointed and sworn by me as appraisers proceeded to make an Inventory and Appraisement of all the property rights and credits belonging to the firm of Hill & Griffin to wit: Oliver B. Hill and Sidney H. Griffin the undivided one half belonging to the Estate of Sidney H. Griffin, Decd. as herein after set forth. [unreadable] belonging to Hill & Griffin, January 1st 1864 other than those in possession of Estate S. H. Griffin Note and account Int. 1 E. C. Atkins 145.53 1 Albert (Green boy) 44.31 1 Alex Smith 13.33 1 Ableoh, Joseph 2.54 1 Alphen, James .50 1 Andrews, Drury 46.48 3 Alexander, Wm. 9.00 3 Brazzel, Fredrick, Junr. 116.06 2 Brazzel, Warren 57.41 1 Brazzel, Benjamin J. 74.21 3 Brazzel, D. B. 466.59 1 Brantley, Louis 57.41 2 Bryant, Banj. A. (note) 20.40 0 Ben (Smith boy) 2.96 0 Barnoby (Smith boy) 27.14 2 Branch, James 69.01 2 Brazzel, John (R. B. son note) 64.23 0 Bird, Hilery (note) 17.95 0 Boatright, James 3.72 2 Campbell, Murdoe 69.78 1 Clingpost, Jacob W. 140.90 1 Crosswell, O. B. (note) 285.23 0 Carrol, John H. 74.47 3 Cornell, Mrs. Margarett C. 123.16 1 Cobb, Hugh 1.72 1 Cate, Jos. W. 2.37 1 Cobb, Rev. Samuel T. 2.05 1 Cate, Elijah 2.10 2 Cate, Thomas 12.29 3 Crow & Fuller 2.24 1 Clark, C. W. N. 1.32 3 Cason, Henry 244.36 2 Corley, J. H. 14.77 1 Dildy, Chas. 5.58 1 Deuring, W. L, J. R. Goyne to settle 187.76 2 Dennis, Joseph (note) 11.87 2 Duncan, Wm. H. 84.85 1 Davis, L. C., Estate of 46.86 0 During, Walter 63.85 0 Dick, R. L. 29.75 1 Davis, Wm. C. 23.23 1 Downing, Standley 79.84 Edwards Fredrick 1 Land 250.00 2 Account suit 57.73 407.73 1 Fenn, G. H. (note) 116.64 1 Ford, John, Senr. 756.22 1 Fullerton, David W. 30.68 1 Ford, Mrs. Nancy 2.47 1 Ford, Thos., Junr. 9.68 1 E. Farris .16 3 Flowers, John (note) 5.28 1 Ford, Thos., Senr. (note) 58.35 1 Goyne, Jos. R. 90.62 1 Groves, A. 65.00 1 Gilbert, Thos. J. (mayor) 23.73 1 Gilbert, J. S. 3.44 3 Greer, Newton 46.62 1 Gilbert, Thos. J., Junr. (note) 14.84 3 George, Jr. H. (note) 52.43 1 Goyne, Andy M. 12.38 3 Goldsby, Wm. M. 3.47 3 Gwin, Pierson 12.81 2 Giles, Wm. (note) 23.63 1 Gilbert, Louis, Senr. 105.87 1 Gilbert, Alex H. 2.66 3 Gollman, John 168.33 3 Gollman, James T. 15.26 1 Gilbert, James .99 1 Goyne, Wm. J. 5.64 0 Gilbert, P. W., Estate of 32.55 0 Howell, Thos. J., Estate of 2.94 1 Howell, John W. (note) 13.23 1 Hayes, Jerry (note) 26.97 1 Howell, James M. .66 1 Holman, Mrs. Eliza 7.22 1 Hollis, George W. 33.36 1 Harper, John M. 4.38 3 Horn, Wm. G. 8.80 1 Harper, Lee 2.27 1 Harris, W. W. (at Doct. Gaskills) 2.47 1 Hill, O. B., Junior 32.91 1 Horden, Elijah 9.00 3 Jacobs, Wm. 34.60 0 Jennings, Webb H. 7.49 1 Jones, Thos. 29.57 2 Jack (Vines boy) 82.72 0 Jack (Estate of Tooed[sic]) 70.51 2 Jacobs, A. J. 41.08 1 Kinard, Graham, Estate of 4.80 3 Lee, Starling C. 19.79 2 Lodge, Thos. Jefferson 13.02 3 Landers, Wm. J. 13.97 3 Leddell, Saml. W. 192.16 1 Larkin, Dr. Samuel .99 1 Lynn, Wiley 13.86 1 M'Alister (note) 77.07 1 M'Donald, C. C. 35.50 1 Melton, Berry (note) 42.06 1 Melton, Thos. 25.86 1 Mason, Mrs. Nancy (cotton) 152.57 1 M'Adams, Isaac F. (note) 221.35 1 M'Adams, Rev. J. T. 2.98 3 Mason, George 23.58 2 M'Cullough, Wm. his father sec. (note) 37.24 2 Mathews, Andrew J. 43.43 3 Morgan, Miss Carrie 42.91 1 More, Wm. T. (note) 154.71 1 More, R. T. 1.90 1 M'Clelland, Russel F. 14.92 1 Murry, Mr. (over cornie) 9.66 1 M'Viger at S. W. Ramsey's in 1858 1.58 1 M'Adams, J. W. 5.61 1 Milner, J. M. .99 1 Nobels, George 30.70 1 Post, James M., Senior 6.01 1 Post, William B., Sen. 16.91 1 Pratt, Jacob, Jun. 1.93 1 Paterson, Wm. C. .60 2 Pratt, Absolum J. (note) 142.89 1 Pye, R. J. (note) 18.07 1 Post, D. M. C. draft favor Dr. Jemison 16.33 1 Peterson, Daniel 304.83 1 Pate, Littleton J. 36.04 1 Paterson, Thos. L. (note) 3.17 1 Post, Wm., Junior 2.64 Paterson, Daniel 2.64 3 Paterson, Hugh R. 34.81 2 Pate, Plesant L. 14.02 1 Robertson, Wm. 14.97 1 Risinger, John D. 1.71 1 Ramsey, H. W. (note) 13.55 1 Rister, Hesekiah (note) 70.25 1 Rysinger, Larkin (note) 36.33 1 Ramsey, Levi W. 6.19 3 Rayburn, George, Senr. Perhaps judgment 389.60 3, Russle, Alford Perhaps for judgment 119.45 1 Ramsey, James (note) 84.29 1 Ramsey, Levi W., Junr. 29.48 3 Reuben, Telford boy 17.28 1 Rubin, a Ford boy 8.07 1 Rysinger, David 9.45 2 Rasberry, Thos., Junr. 21.63 3 Russel, Saml. 6.82 1 Ramsey, Mrs., Senr. 1.09 3 Rester, Wm. 96.59 3 Rester, Jefferson 45.88 1 Roberts, Doct. P. S. C. 2.17 1 Smith, Thos. M. 169.71 1 Sturdivent, Benjamin 245.25 1 spears, Wm. L. 1.40 1 Shinpock, Wm., Estate of 48.39 1 Sawyers, Ansel 3.29 1 Scarbrough, Joseph, Mortgage 314.24 1 Spears, John P. 308.57 2 Sentell, L. P. 6.76 1 Spears, Wm. L. 1.40 1 Taylor, E. M. 5.48 1 Tubbs, E. Mortgage 473.02 1 Taylor, Jordan, Junior .70 3 Tubbs, Jessee, Junior 6.30 1 Trammel, T. Roan 57.96 1 Usery, Wm. F. 2.64 2 Usery, John B. 110.76 1 Upshaw, A. W. 1.49 1 Vickers, Calvin 40.04 1 Wallis, James 70.93 1 Woolley, Rezin 10.52 1 White, Walter D. 342.21 1 Wyman, A. Woolley 38.26 1 Womble, Henry 28.85 2 Williams, Harrison 35.86 2 Williams, M. L. 53.24 1 Williams, James 70.88 1 Williams, Job M., Estate of 61.30 1 Wallis, John 34.72 2 Ward, Henry 9.56 1 Griffin, Sidney H. to this amount over and above the indebtedness of O. B. Hill 2000.78 1 1 Lot of Land from D. B. White 500.00 1 1 Bale Cotton at store [unreadable] value 100.00 Thompson, Thos. J. ____50.62 $13235.08 The claims marked thus (1) in the left hand margin are considered first class or solvent paper. Marked thus (2) considered second class. Marked thus (3) third class, and those marked thus worthless. They done and signed in the parish of Union on this the 2nd day of February Ad 1864 in the presents of Daniel J. Abbott and George W. Hollis witnesses of lawful age and domicil and me the same Recorder. ATTEST: F. H. Cann D. J. Abbott W. H. Carson G. W. Hollis I, Fredrick H. Cann and I, David Henderson, do solemnly swear that I will faithfully and impartially appraise all the property that may be presented to me belonging to the Estate of Sidney H. Griffin, Decd. at its cash value to the best of my judgment and understanding. So help me God. David Henderson F. H. Cann Sworn to and subscribed before me on this the 13th day of December AD 1863. W. C. Smith, Parish Recorder State of Louisiana Parish of Union Be it remembered that on this the 10th day of December AD one thousand eight hundred and sixty three, in pursuance of an order of the Honorable 11th Judicial District Court in and for the Parish and State aforesaid to me William C. Smith, Parish Recorder and Ex Officio Notary Public in and for said Parish directed and being assisted by Fredrick H. Cann and David Henderson, two male citizens of the Parish of Union, of lawful age who being duly appointed and sworn by me as appraisers, I proceeded to make an inventory and appraisement of all the property, rights and credits belonging to the Estate of Sidney H. Griffin, Decd., late of the Parish of Union, La. as herein after set forth to wit: A tract of land known as the plantation of the deceased situated in the Parish of Union about five miles north of Spearsville containing 859 acres more or less with all the improvements thereon appraised @ $3.00 per acre $2577.00 Also a tract of land situated in the Parish of Union, La. known as the late residence of the Decd. containing 8 acres more or less with improvements appraised @ $5.00 per acre 400.00 Winney, Negro woman aged 55 years, black and her 2 children viz. George, boy aged 9, Coyann, girl aged 7 years apprd. @ 2000.00 Frank, a Negro girl aged 20 years and her child John, boy aged 2 years, black apprd. @ 1250.00 Patsey, a Negro woman aged 19 years, yellow complexion and child Jence, a boy aged 2 years apprd. @ 1500.00 Rocky, a Negro girl aged 15 years, black complexion apprd. @ 1250.00 Harriett, Negro girl aged 17 years, black complexion apprd. @ 1250.00 Murel, a Negro man aged 34 years, copper color apprd. @ 1250.00 Gilbert, Negro man aged 26 years, copper complexion apprd. @ 1500.00 Stephen, Negro man aged 22 years, copper complexion apprd. @ 1500.00 Abe, Negro man aged 24 years, copper color apprd. @ 1500.00 Benton, Negro Man aged 18 years, black complexion apprd. @ 1500.00 Matilda, Negro girl aged 16 years, copper color apprd. @ 1250.00 Susan, Negro girl aged 15 years, copper color, apprd. @ 1250.00 Elijah, Negro boy aged 9 years, black complexion apprd. @ 600.00 Mary, Negro girl aged 6 years, black color apprd. @ 450.00 Sallie, Negro woman aged 65 years, black complexion apprd. @ 200.00 Sucky, Negro woman aged 33 years, black color apprd. @ 400.00 2 yoke of work oxen apprd. @ $40 each 80.00 1 yoke of work oxen apprd. @ 75.00 58 head stock cattle more or less @ $5 per head 290.00 18 head stock hogs apprd. @ $4 per head 72.00 24 head stock pork apprd. @ $4 per head 96.00 4 head mules apprd. @ $175 per head 700.00 1 head mule apprd. @ $75 per head 75.00 1 gray mare apprd. @ $175 per head 175.00 1 cream colored mare apprd. @ $175 per head 175.00 1 gray horse stallion apprd. @ 250.00 2 ox wagons 1 @ $150, 1 @ $100 250.00 1 lot farming utensils apprd. @ 100.00 1 set blacksmith tools apprd. @ 50.00 400 lbs. Iron more or less @ $.10 per lb. 40.00 2000 bus. corn more or less apprd. @ $.50 per lb. 1000.00 6000 lbs. Fodder more or less apprd. @ $.08 per lb. 60.00 42 head sheep more or less apprd. @ $2.50 per head 105.00 5 log chains apprd. @ 25.00 6 cow hides apprd. @ 10.00 1 large kettle and other pot made at plantation 35.00 10 Bee hives apprd. @ $2.50 25.00 2 Sythe and cradles apprd. @ 10.00 4 spinning wheels @ $5 each 20.00 37 bales cotton apprd. @ $45 per bale 1665.00 125 bus. potatoes more or less @ $.50 per bus. 65.50 Household and kitchen furniture apprd. @ 700.00 1 fine gold watch (P. L.) apprd. @ 150.00 1 rockaway and harness apprd. @ 200.00 1 D. B. shot gun apprd. @ 25.00 W. A. Gaskill note due Jan 1st 1859, Int. from date for 10.00 H. H. Kitchens note due March 1, 1863 for $65 less a credit of $40 May 18th 1861 Balance 25.00 Velia Vines note for $143 due January 19, 1862 with 8% Int. from maturity 149.00 D. M. C. Post note due January 1, 1862 with 8% int. from May 31, 1861 35.00 J. M. Resinger note due March 20, 1862 with 8% int. from due 26.72 Thos. P. Lawrence note due march 18, 1862 16.35 John Ford, Jr. note due January 15, 1861 17.00 John M. Harper note due October 4, 1856 48.89 O. B. Hill note for $350.25 due one day after date dated February 1, 1862 with 8% int. from 1st January 1862 350.25 Larkin Resinger note due 1st January 1861 12.00 The above are considered solvent paper, the following are considered insolvent and doubtful paper G. H. Hayes note due March 21, 1862 158.46 Thos. Jones note due January 1, 1860 16.80 W. A. Gaskill note due Jun 26, 1859 16.55 Joseph Scarbrough note due 20 October 1861 140.00 Joseph Scarbrough note due January 1, 1861 75.00 John L. Resinger note order dated February 3, 1860 50.00 J. M. Readle note due May 4, 1862 ___19.30 29313.77 Having completed the foregoing inventory and appraisement except the notes, accounts and other property belonging to the late firm of Hill & Griffin which is to be inventoried at some future day, I have on this the 10th day of December AD 1863 closed the same. In testimony whereof, I have caused said appraisers to sign their names hereto in presence of Joseph R. Goyne and Geo. W. Hollis, lawful and competent witnesses and me the said Recorder on this the 10th day of December AD 1863. ATTEST: David Henderson J. R. Goyne F. H. Cann G. W. Hollis State of Louisiana 11th Judicial District Court Parish of Union I, Catharine E. Griffin, do solemnly swear that I will faithfully and impartially discharge all and singular the duties incumbent on me as Administratrix of the Estate of Sidney H. Griffin, Decd. to the best of my ability and understanding. So help me God. Catharine E. Griffin Sworn to and subscribed before me this 1st day of April AD 1864. Thos. C. Lewis, Clerk Succession of Sidney H. Griffin, Decd. State of Louisiana 11th Judicial District Court Parish of Union Whereas Catharine E. Griffin has been duly and legally appointed Administratrix of the Estate of Sidney H. Griffin, Decd. and she has given bond with good security and has taken the oath prescribed by law. Now, therefore the said Catharine E. Griffin is hereby duly and legally authorized and empowered to discharge all and singular the acts appertaining to said appointment according to law. Given under my hand and seal of said Court on this 13th day of April AD 1864. Thos. C. Lewis, Clerk of said Court State of Louisiana 11th Judicial District Court Parish of Union Know all men by these presents that we, Catharine E. Griffin, as principal and F. H. Cann, as her security are held and firmly bound unto W. B. Egan Judge of said court in and for the Parish and State and to his successors in office in the Just and full sum of Forty Five Thousand Dollars ($45,000) to the true and faithful payment whereof well and truly to be made, we bind ourselves, our heirs, assigns, Administrators and legal representatives firmly by these presents. Dated at Farmerville, La, April 1st AD 1864. The condition of the above obligation is such that whereas the said Catharine E. Griffin has been appointed Administratrix of the Estate of Sidney H. Griffin, Decd. and she has taken the oath prescribed by law. Now, therefore, if the said Catharine E. Griffin shall faithfully and impartially discharge all and singular the duties incumbent on her in her said capacity and shall render yearly to the Judge of said court a true and correct account of all her acts and doings in and about said Estate and shall whenever legally required so to do pay over all sums of money or other property belonging to said Estate to the proper person or persons to receive the same, then and in that case, this obligation to be null and void. Otherwise to be and remain in full force and virtue against the principal and her said security. Done, signed and acknowledged before me on the day and date above written ATTEST: Catharine E. Griffin, L.S. Thos. C. Lewis, Clerk F. H. Cann, L.S. State of Louisiana 11th Judicial District Court Parish of Union The premises considered and by reason of the proper advertisement having been made and no opposition filed thereto, it is ordered and decreed that Mrs. Catharine E. Griffin be appointed Administratrix of the Estate of Sidney H. Griffin, Decd. and that upon giving bond with good security and taking the oath prescribed by law that letters do issue to her. It is further ordered and decreed that the said Catharine E. Griffin be and she is hereby appointed and confirmed as Natural Tutrix to her minor children, Ada Griffin and Ella Griffin and that Simpson W. Ramsey be appointed Under Tutor to said minors and upon taking the oath prescribed by law that letters issue to them. Done and signed in office on this the 1st day of April Ad 1864. Thos. C. Lewis, Clerk State of Louisiana 11th Judicial District Court Parish of Union I, Catharine E. Griffin, do solemnly swear that I will faithfully and impartially discharge all the duties incumbent on me as Natural Tutrix to my minor children to wit: Ada Griffin and Ella Griffin according to the best of my ability and understanding. So help me God. Catharine E. Griffin Sworn to and subscribed before me this the 1st day of April 1864. Thos. C. Lewis, Clerk Tutorship of the minors of S. H. Griffin, Decd. State of Louisiana 11th Judicial District Court Parish of Union Whereas, Catharine E. Griffin, has been duly and legally appointed and confirmed Natural Tutrix to the following minor heirs to wit: Ada Griffin and Ella Griffin and he has taken the oath prescribed by law. Now therefore, the said Catharine E. Griffin is hereby duly and legally authorized and empowered to do and perform all the duties appertaining to said appointment according to law. Given under my hand and seal of said Court on this 1st day of April AD 1864. Thos. C. Lewis, Clerk. A True Record, March 13th 1866. W. D. Slayton, Deputy Clerk ###################################################################