1865 - 1866 Succession of Stephen T. Hester, Decd., Union Parish Louisiana Submitted for the Union Parish Louisiana USGenWeb Archives by Shawn Martin, 10/2005 updated 7/2006 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ************************************************ ================================================================================= ================================================================================= 1865 - 1866 Succession of Stephen T. Hester, Decd., Union Parish Louisiana Union Parish Louisiana Succession Book F, pp. 33 - 42 Union Parish Louisiana Succession Book F, pp. 461 - 462 ================================================================================== ================================================================================== NOTE: Stephen Thompson Hester (11 Dec 1826 – 12/14 Sept 1863) was the son of Randolph Hester and Elizabeth Yarbrough. Randolph Hester lived in Lowndes County Alabama in the early 1830s, but moved east to Sumter County Alabama by the mid-1830s. They moved to the Downsville region of Union Parish in the latter 1840s. Stephen T. Hester enlisted in the “Stars of Equality”, a unit of men who left Union Parish for Camp Moore in the fall of 1861; they became Company E, 19th Louisiana Infantry, Confederate States Army in December. Hester was present for duty until February 1863, a period in which his unit fought at the Hornet’s Nest during the Battle of Shiloh in April 1862. He was absent in the hospital in Montgomery, Alabama in July 1863, and then apparently sent home on furlough to recover. He died in Union Parish in September 1863 according to his military file. Stephen had first married to Angeline E. W. Dyson who died in the died 1850s. Their daughter Mary Elizabeth Hester (6 Feb 1852 – 14 July 1922) married on 23 February 1868 at Downsville to David Sherwood Auld (6 June 1844 – 4 Dec 1910). Stephen and Angeline's son was Cavasso W. Hester, born 17 October 1853. ================================================================================= ================================================================================= ================================================================================= ================================================================================= Union Parish Louisiana Succession Book F, pp. 33 - 42 ================================================================================== ================================================================================== To the Honorable the Judge of the 11th Judicial District Court in and for the Parish of Union, State of Louisiana. The petition of Caroline E. Hester, a resident of the Parish and State aforesaid respectfully represents unto your Honor that about September 1863 Stephen F. Hester also of the same residence departed this life leaving petitioner his surviving widow and four minor children his sole heirs to wit: Minerva R. Hester and George S. R. Hester the issue of his marriage with petitioner, and Mary E. Hester and Croosea [?} W. Hester, the issue of a former marriage of deceased that he left an estate consisting of land, stock, rights, credits and debts that an administration of said estate is necessary, that the estate is probably insolvent and it will be necessary to sell all of the property for the purpose of paying the debts of said estate, that petitioner as partner in community has the right to administer. Wherefore, she prays that this her application be advertised according to law and after the legal delays, she be appointed Administratrix of the Estate of Stephen T. Hester, Decd., that an appraisement and inventory of said estate be ordered and after she shall have been appointed and qualified that a sale of all of the effects of said estate be ordered for cash according to law. She further prays that she be recognized and confirmed Natural Tutrix of the aforesaid minors, Minerva R. Hester and George S. R. Hester and also of the minor William H. Dixon, the issue of a former marriage between petitioner and William H. Dixon, Decd. and for all further orders that either in equity or law shall seem necessary and for general relief &c. John L. Barrett, Atty. State of Louisiana 11th Judicial District Court Parish of Union The premises considered, it is ordered and decreed that the within petition of Caroline E. Hester, the appointed Administratrix of the Estate of Stephen T. Hester, Decd. be advertised according to law. It is further ordered that William C. Smith, Parish Recorder &c be and he is hereby authorized to make an inventory and appraisement of all the property belonging to the said Estate of Stephen T. Hester, Decd. and due return thereof make to this office. Done and signed in office on this the 25th day of October AD 1865. Thos. C. Lewis Clerk, District Court State of Louisiana 11th Judicial District Court Parish of Union The premises having been duly considered and by reason of the proper advertisements having been made and no opposition having been filed to the same. It is ordered and decreed that Caroline e. Hester be and she is hereby appointed and confirmed as Administratrix of the Estate of Stephen T. Hester, Decd. and that upon her taking the oath required by law and giving bond with good security that letters of Administration do issue to her. Done and signed in office on this the 19th day of October AD 1865. Thos. C. Lewis Clerk, District Court State of Louisiana 11th Judicial District Court Parish of Union The prayer of the within petition having been duly considered, it is hereby ordered and decreed that Caroline E. Hester be appointed and confirmed as Natural Tutrix of her following minor children to wit: Minerva R. Hester, George S. R. Hester and William H. Dixon and that upon her taking the oath required by law that letters of tutorship do issue to her. It is further ordered that George W. Reynolds be and he is hereby appointed Under Tutor of said minors upon his taking the required oath. Done and signed in office on this 19th day of October AD 1865. Thos. C. Lewis Clerk, District Court State of Louisiana 11th Judicial District Court Parish of Union The remises considered, it is ordered and decreed that the prayer of the within petition be granted and that all the effects belonging to the Estate of Stephen T. Hester, Decd. be sold for cash under the articles of the Code of Practice regulating said sale. It is further ordered that Mrs. Caroline E. Hester, Administratrix of the said Estate be and she is hereby authorized to make the said sale. Done and signed in office on this 20th day of October AD 1865. Thos. C. Lewis Clerk, District Court State of Louisiana Parish of Union I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully and impartially appraise all the property that may be presented to me belonging to the Estate of Stephen T. Hester, Decd. at its cash value to the best of my judgment. So help me God. William B. Mattox James McCowen Sworn to and subscribed before me on this the 21st day of October AD 1865. William C. Smith, Recorder State of Louisiana Parish of Union Be it remembered that on this the 21st day of October AD 1865 pursuant to an order issued from the Honorable 11th Judicial District Court in and for the Parish of Union, State of Louisiana and to me William C. Smith, Parish Recorder and Ex Officio Notary Public in and for said Parish directed and being assisted by William B. Mattox and James McCowen, male citizens of the Parish of Union of lawful age who being duly appointed and sworn by me as appraisers and in the presence of lawful witnesses, I proceeded to make and inventory and appraisement of the property, rights and credits belonging to the Estate of Stephen T. Hester, Decd. late of the Parish of Union as herein after set forth. 1200 acres of land situated in the Parish of Union, La. known as the late residence of Stephen T. Hester, Decd. with the improvements Thereon apprd. @ $1.00 per acre $120.00 1 horse, 1 year sold apprd. @ 50.00 12 head of cattle apprd. @ R10 per head 120.00 6 head of hogs apprd. @ $2 per head 48.00 1 sow and 6 pigs apprd. @ 10.00 4000 pounds of seed cotton more or less @ $5 per hundred pounds 200.00 1 lot of farming tools apprd. @ 8.00 1 lot of carpenters tools apprd. @ 6.00 1 pair balances (300) apprd. @ 3.00 1 lamb apprd. @ 6.00 1 feather bed, mattress and furniture apprd. 20.00 1 rifle gun apprd. @ 15.00 1 double barrel shot gun apprd. @ 10.00 6 common chairs apprd. @ $.20 each 2.40 1 grind stone apprd. @ 2.00 1 lot books apprd. @ 2.75 Note on James McCowen for $173.50 due One day after date January 27th 1863 With eight per cent interest from date ___173.50 $806.75 This done and signed in the Parish of Union at the late residence of Stephen T. Hester, Decd., in testimony whereof, I have caused said appraisers to sign their names hereto in the presence of George W. Reynolds and J. S. Aulds, male witnesses of lawful age and domicile who have signed with said appraisers and me Recorder this 21st of October Ad 1865. ATTEST G. W. Reynolds William D. Mattox J. S. Auld James McCowen State of Louisiana Parish of Union Know all men by these presents that we Caroline E. Hester as principle and George W. Reynolds [blank] as her securities are held and firmly bound unto Honorable J. D. Watkins, Judge of the 115th Judicial District Court in and for Union parish, Louisiana for the time being or to his successors in office in the full sum of Twelve hundred and fifty Dollars to the true and faithful payment whereof well and truly to be made we bind ourselves, our heirs, assigns and legal representatives firmly by these presents. Dated at Farmerville, Louisiana on this the 19th day of October AD 1865. The condition of the above obligation is such that whereas the above [unreadable] Caroline E. Hester has been duly and legally appointed and confirmed as Administratrix of the Estate of Stephen T. Hester, Decd. and she has given bond with good security and hath taken the oath required by law. Now therefore if the said Caroline e. Hester shall faithfully and impartially perform all the duties incumbent on her as Administratrix of said Estate and shall render to the Judge of said Court a true and correct account of all her acts and doing in and about the said Estate and shall when legally required so to do pay over all sums of money and deliver all the property of whatever nature received and in her possession 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 principle and her said securities. Done and signed and acknowledged before me on this the day and date written. ATTEST: Thos. C. Lewis Caroline E. Hester Clerk, District Court G. W. Reynolds State of Louisiana 11th Judicial District Court Parish of Union I, Caroline E. Hester do solemnly swear that I will faithfully and impartially discharge all and singular the duties incumbent on me as Administratrix of the Estate of Stephen T. Hester, Decd. according to the best of my ability and understanding. So help me God. Caroline E. Hester Sworn to and subscribed before me this 19th day of October AD 1865. Thos. C. Lewis Clerk, District Court Succession of Stephen T. Hester, Decd. State of Louisiana 11th Judicial District Court Parish of Union Whereas, Caroline e. Hester has been this day duly and legally appointed and confirmed as Administratrix of the Estate of Stephen T. Hester, Decd. and she has given bond with good security and hath taken the oath prescribed by law. Now therefore the said Caroline E. Hester is hereby duly and legally authorized and empowered to do and perform all the acts appertaining to said appointment according to law. Given under my hand and seal of office this 19th day of October AD 1865. Thos. C. Lewis Clerk, District Court State of Louisiana 11th Judicial District Court Parish of Union I, Caroline E. Hester, do solemnly swear that I will faithfully and impartially discharge all and singular the duties incumbent on me as Natural Tutrix of my following minor children and heirs of the Estate of Stephen T. Hester, Decd. to wit: Minerva R. Hester and George S. R. Hester and also of minor child William H. Dixon, heir of the Estate of William H. Dixon, Decd. according to the best of my ability and understanding. So help me God. Caroline E. Hester Sworn to and subscribed before me this 19th day of October AD 1865. Thos. C. Lewis Clerk, District Court Tutorship of the minors Minerva R. Hester and George S. R. Hester and William H. Dixon State of Louisiana 11th Judicial District Court Parish of Union Whereas, Caroline E. Hester has been this day duly and legally appointed and confirmed as Natural Tutrix to her following minor children to wit: Minerva R. Hester, George S. R. Hester and William H. Dixon and she has taken the oath required by law. Now therefore the said Caroline E. Hester is hereby duly and legally authorized and empowered to do and perform all the acts appertaining to said appointment according to law. Given under my hand and seal of office on the 19th day of October AD 1865. Thos. C. Lewis Clerk, District Court State of Louisiana 11th Judicial District Court Parish of Union I, George M. Reynolds do solemnly swear that I will faithfully and impartially discharge all and singular the duties incumbent on me as Under tutor of the following minor heirs of the Estate of Stephen T. Hester, Decd. to wit: Miriam [sic] R. Hester and George S. R. Hester and also of minor William H. Dixon heir of the Estate of William H. Dixon, Decd. according to the best of my ability and understanding. So help me God. G. W. Reynolds Sworn to and subscribed before me this 19th day of October AD 1865. Thos. C. Lewis Clerk, District Court Tutorship of the minors Miriam [sic] R. Hester, George S. R. Hester and William H. Dixon State of Louisiana 11th Judicial District Court Parish of Union Wherefore George M. Reynolds has been this duly and legally appointed and confirmed as Under tutor of the following minor heirs of the Estate of Stephen T. Hester, Decd. to wit: Mariam R. Hester and George S. R. Hester and also of the minor William H. Dixon heir of the Estate of William H. Dixon, Decd. and he has taken the oath prescribed by law. Now therefore the said George W. Reynolds is hereby duly and legally authorized and empowered to do and perform all the acts appertaining to the said appointment according to law. Given under my hand and seal of office on this 19th day of October AD 1865. Thos. C. Lewis Clerk, District Court Be it remembered that pursuant to an order of the 11th Judicial District Court in and for the Parish of Union, State of Louisiana authorizing me to sell all of the effects of the Estate of Stephen T. Hester late decd. I, Caroline E. Hester, Admix. of said Estate after advertising the same for more than thirty days by posting at the Court house door and at two other public places in said Parish there being no newspaper published in said Parish of Union at the time, did at the late residence of Stephen T. Hester, Decd. In accordance with said advertisement on Thursday the 3rd day of November AD 1865 between the legal hours of sale having made known in a loud voice to those present the items of sale did offer for sale to the best and highest bidder all of the effects of said Estate and after drying the same for a sufficient length of time the following persons became the purchasers of the following property to wit: D. Calk bot 3 bales cotton 1540 lbs @ $472.35 1 cow 10.00 Mrs. Caroline E. Hester bot 119 acres land situated in the Parish of Union, La. Known as the late residence of Stephen T. Hester, decd. at the time of his death with all improvements thereon @ $4.24 per acre 505.00 Bed mattress, bellows &c 31.00 1 lot books 5.00 1 pair seals 2.00 1 lot sundries 14.50 1 lot hogs & D. B. gun 15.00 George Reynolds bot 1 horse 38.00 1 calf 5.00 1 grindstone 5.00 1 cow & calf 15.00 Robert Hester bot 1 chain 4.00 1 rifle gun 14.00 Charles Lewis bot First choice hogs 15.50 Second choice of hogs 15.00 1 cow 12.50 1 steer 15.55 W. B. Mattox bot 1 file ____.50 Sum total of amt. Sale $1190.90 Now therefore the aforesaid purchasers having complied with the terms of sale and paid the cash in compliance with the terms as well as their bids, I have sold, transferred, adjudged and declared to each of the aforesaid purchasers the property respectively purchased by as herein before set forth with full amounts according to law for them to have and to hold forever. In testimony whereof, I have signed this process verbal officially in presence of G. P. Reynolds and John Barrett, witnesses, lawful and specially called on this the 3rd day of January AD 1866. ATTEST Jno. L. Barrett Caroline E. Hester, Admx. G. P. Reynolds NOTICE Pursuant to an order of the 11th Judicial District Court in and for the Parish of Union, State of La. will be sold at public auction on Thursday the 3rd day of November 1865 between the legal hours of sale at the late residence of Stephen T. Hester, decd. All of the property of his Estate consisting of 120 acres of land, horse, cattle, hogs, seed cotton, farming utensils, household and kitchen furniture &c. Terms of sale cash to pay the debts of the Estate. Caroline E. Hester Farmerville, La. October 17, 1865 To the Honorable the Judge of 11th Judicial District Court in and for the Parish of Union, State of Louisiana. The petition of Caroline E. Hester, Administratrix of the Estate of Stephen T. Hester, Decd. Respectfully represents that she has sold the property of said Estate and has the proceeds of the sale in her hands and awaits an order of court to pay over the same to the creditors the amount she has in hand is about Eleven hundred and ninety dollars which is less than the debts of the Estate. She humbly makes a statement of the debts as follows: 1st Privilege claims The Admx. offers the sum of thirteen hundred and fifty one dollars & twenty cents her own [unreadable] property which she furnished her husband S. T. Hester immediately after the marriage and for the payment of which she claims a privilege $1351.25 2nd Law charges Clerk’s fees, Recorders fees, attorneys 100.00 Admx. Claims 5% of $1364.50 34.00 Ordering debts 3rd Note for $75.00 due January 1st 1862 @ 8% int. payable to W. M. Reynolds (not privileged) 99.00 4th Account of Rhinehart plus Int. about 60.00 5th Note from Sherwood Calds for 155 dollars 155.00 due 1860 Inst. On same (not privileged) about 48.00 Per account due more in Trenton, La. 50.00 From the above statement it will be seen that the estate owes something over $1900.00, nineteen hundred dollars while amount now on hand to pay over is trifle less than $1200.00, twelve hundred dollars. The Admx.’s other property to wit a note against James McCowen, which is now in suit for one hundred and seventy three dollars and sixty cents. It will be sure that the law charges and the widow’s claim both of which are entitled to a privilege will about cease the whole estate and leave nothing to pay on ordinary debts. Wherefore she prays that this her statement of debts be advertised according to law and that there be an order granted for her to pay over the assets she has on hand as follows: 1st the charges including attys. Fees and second the claims of the wi9dow and the [unreadable] claims which are ordinary fees and should there be anything left after paying the above mentioned claims which are privileged as to the law charges and the widow’s claims before mentioned in the Judgment and for general relief &c. John L. Barrett State of Louisiana 11th Judicial District Court Parish of Union It is ordered that the within and foregoing statement of debts and tableau of distribution filed by Caroline E. Hester as Admx. Of the Estate of Stephen T. Hester, Decd. be advertised according to law. Done and signed in office this 3rd day of January 1866. Thos. C. Lewis Clerk, District Court In the matter of the Homologation of the statement of debts and tableau of distribution filed by Caroline E. Hester as Administratrix of the Estate of Stephen T. Hester, Decd. 1st Thos. C. Lewis, Clerk of the District court sworn says that the said statement of debts and tableau of distribution was filed in the Clerk’s office of Union Parish, La. On 3rd day of January AD 1866 and has been duly advertised by posting. There being no newspaper published in said Parish at that time for more than thirty days prior to the date and that there has been no opposition filed to the homologation of the same. T. C. Lewis, Clerk Sworn to and subscribed before me this 2nd day of January AD 1866. H. Regenburg, J. P. State of Louisiana 11th Judicial District Court Parish of Union I do hereby certify the above to be all the evidence adduced on the homologation of the above mentioned statements of debts and tableau of distribution. In testimony whereof, I hereto sign my name officially and affix the deal of said Court this 2nd day of January AD 1866. 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 case and by further reason of the proper advertisement having been made and no opposition being filed to the same, it is ordered, adjudged and decreed that the within statement of debts and tableau of distribution be allowed, approved and homologated in all its parts according to law and that Admx. Be authorized to pay in accordance thereunto. Done and signed in office this 2nd day of June 1866. Thos. C. Lewis Clerk, District court A true record, June 4th 1866. Thos. C. Lewis, Clerk ================================================================================= ================================================================================= Union Parish Louisiana Succession Book F, pp. 461 - 462 ================================================================================== ================================================================================== Caroline E. Hester, Administratrix of the Estate of Stephen T. Hester, Decd. in account correct with said Estate The Admr. charges herself with the amount of the Inventory filed Oct. 23 1865, Eight hundred and six & 75/100 dollars $806.75 She also charges herself with excess of sale over the Inventory, Three hundred and eighty four and 15/100 dollars 387.15 She also charges herself with the interest On McCowans note ___26.80 Sum total of Debits $1391.70 The Admr. has paid the following debts in accordance with her Tableau of distribution for which she claims a credit to wit: General Charges T. C. Lewis, Clerk’s fees Voucher 1 9.50 Reid, Clerk’s fees Voucher 2 [blank] W. C. Smith’s, Recorders fees Voucher 3 9.55 Jno. L. Barrett, Atty’s. fees Voucher 4 100.00 Internal Revenue Stamp 1.00 Admr. comm. 2 ½% on $1391.70 34.79 And the balance of the Estate which is Twelve hundred and thirty six and 86/100 dollars __154.84 She holds in satisfaction of her own privilege claims $1236.86 To the Honorable the Judge or the Clerk of the 11th Judicial District Court in and for the Parish of Union, State of Louisiana. The Petition of Caroline E. Hester of the parish and State above written, Administratrix of the Estate of Stephen T. Hester, Decd. respectfully shows that she has fully administrated the estate of said Stephen T. Hester, Decd and herewith files her full, complete and final account of the same from which it will appear that she has paid the debts of the said Estate in accordance with the Judgments of your Honorable Court, homologating her statement of Debts and Tableau of Distribution and the whole Estate having been absorbed in the payment of the same privileged claim leaving nothing to be applied to the payment of ordinary claims. She prays that the said account be approved and homologated and that she and her securities be fully discharged from all responsibility from her bond as administratrix and that the same be canceled. ================================================================ NOTE: This is the end of the file with nothing else written. ###########################################################