1842 - 1843 Union Parish LA Succession of William D. May, Deceased Submitted by: Shawn Martin Date of Submission: 11/2007 and updated 11/2008 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ************************************************ ================================================================================== ================================================================================== 1842 - 1843 Succession of William D. May, Deceased Union Parish Louisiana Succession Book A, pp. 150 – 173 & pp. 230 – 241 ================================================================================== ================================================================================== ================================================================================== ================================================================================== Union Parish Louisiana Succession Book A, pp. 150 – 173 ================================================================================== ================================================================================== Succession of William D. May, Deceased State of Louisiana Parish of Union Be it remembered that on this the 7th day of October AD 1842 that I John Taylor, parish Judge and Ex Officio Notary Public in and for said parish and State having received official information of the death of William D. May who departed this life intestate at his residence in the Parish of Union on the 29th day of August 1842 leaving no lineal ascendants or descendants but the following collateral relations brothers and sisters to wit: John May resident of the Parish of Union, state of Louisiana who held property in common with the said deceased in said Parish, James F. May, Henry May, Thomas T. May, Daniel May, Stephen D. May all brothers of full blood and all residents of the State of Alabama. Also Mary May, wife of William Willingham, Elizabeth May, wife of Thomas T. Owen who are full blooded sisters of said decedent and reside in the State of Alabama and Rebecca May widow of Thomas Lawrison [sic] who is a half sister to said decedent also a resident of Alabama all of whom are interested in the estate of said William D. May, Decd. and are all absentees except John May. The absent heirs represented by Philip May, a sworn attorney of the State of Louisiana duly appointed the said decedent leaving a considerable estate real and personal, rights and credits, goods and chattels, lands and tenements and for the purpose of making an inventory and appraisement of said decedent’s Estate. I have repaired together with the counsel of the absent heirs to the residence of said decedent’s and for the purpose aforesaid, I have appointed Jeptha Colvin and Benjamin May, residents and free holders of said Parish appraisers to appraise all the property comprising said decedents Estate and when after being well and truly sworn by me the said Judge well and truly to do and perform all and singular the matters and things herein according to Law. I proceeded as follows together with me the said Judge and undersigned witnesses and parties. We and each of us do solemnly swear that we will to the best of our understandings appraise all the property composing the Estate and succession of William May, deceased so far as will be shown or may come to our knowledge. So help us God. Jeptha Colvin Benjamin May Sworn to and subscribed before me on this the 7th day of October 1842. John Taylor Parish Judge I do solemnly swear to render and give in all the property of William May, Deceased both separate and what he holds in partnership situated in this State that comes within my knowledge. So help me God. John May Sworn to and subscribed before me on the 7th day October 1842. John Taylor Parish Judge Inventory Appraisement Land South east quarter and south west quarter of Section 12 Township 18 Range 3 West and Containing three hundred 40/100 acres 888.02 Charles, a Negro man aged about 39 years 350.00 Dave, a Negro man aged about 25 years 600.00 Henry, a Negro man aged about 30 years 500.00 Delphy, a Negro woman aged about 28 years and three children under 10 years to wit: Ann Thomas and Sarah 850.00 Negro girl Harriet about 10 years 250.00 One bed and furniture $20, 1 shot gun $9 ____29.00 $3467.02 The above is the separate property of the deceased. The following property is held in common and partnership with John May to wit: One Negro man, Tom, aged 60 years 425.00 Fanny, Negro woman aged 38 years 300.00 Dulcey, Negro woman aged 20 years and her two Children Margret aged about 3 years and Mary aged about 9 months ___600.00 $1025.00 One bed and furniture $17, 1 brass clock $30 47.00 One rifle and two shot guns 28.00 One lot books No. 19 and atlas 15.00 Five trunks $10, 1 crosscut saw $3 13.00 3 small wagons 65.00 1 whip saw $6, 1 lot axes $8 14.00 Kitchen furniture 10.00 3 Sorrel mules each $40 120.00 1 Grey and roan horse each $40 80.00 1 Sorrel colt 10.00 2 Bay mares each $30 60.00 2 Brown mules each $30 60.00 36 Head cattle @ $4 per head 144.00 116 Head of hogs 174.00 One note on Solomon Feazle dated Sept. 26th 1840 63.00 Cash on hand __174.43 Amount in common $2092.43 Decedents part 1046.21 ½ Separate property _3467.00 Amount of appraisement of decd. property $4513.20 In testimony whereof parties appraisers have assigned their names together with David Colvin and John Colvin witnesses of lawful age and domiciliated in the Parish of Union who also signed with the parties and me Judge, together with John May, Administrator and Philip May attorney. In faith whereof, I have signed my name and affixed my seal of office this 7th day of October AD 1842. David Colvin Benjamin May John Colvin Jeptha Colvin John May Philip May, Atty. for abt. Heirs Interlined between the 5th and 6th lines from top. John Taylor Parish Judge The corn and fodder being omitted in the original appraisement is hereto annexed. The corn and fodder belonging to the Estate of William May being appraised by the original appraisers. The unknown was appraised to fifty cents per bushel for corn and fodder at one dollar per 100 lbs. In testimony whereof the appraisers after being duly sworn have affixed their names this 17th March 1843. Jeptha Colvin Benjamin May To the Honorable Judge of the Probate Court in and for the Parish of Union in the State of Louisiana. The petition of Philip May, resident of your said parish and State with respect represents unto your Honor that he was appointed counsel to the absent heirs of William May, late of your said Parish, deceased on the 7th day of October AD 1842 as will more fully appear by reference to his appointment now on file in your Honorable Court. Petitioner further aver that on the 7th day of October 1842, John May was regularity and duly appointed Administrator of the Estate of said William May, Decd. and has been acting as such ever since. Petitioner further aver that the said John May, Admr. as aforesaid received all the property composing said Decedent’s Estate to a very large amount including cash on hand and crop of corn and cotton then growing, but now gathers. Petitioner further avers that he represents in his capacity of Counsel of Absent heirs to said Estate all those interested therein and it becomes his duty to cause a partition to be made of said Estate so that the portion coming to the absent heirs may be ascertained and placed in the hands of their representatives but before a partition can be made, it is necessary to have said Administrator John May to render his final amount of Administration of said Estate showing in what condition said Estate stands. Wherefore petitioner prays your Honor to cause the said John May, Administrator as aforesaid to be cited to appear and answer hereto and that on a final hearing he be compelled by a Judgment and decree thereof to render his final amount of his Administration as aforesaid showing in what condition said Estate stands and for all such orders and decrees in the premises as the nature of the case may require and as in duty bound &c. P. May, Atty. Counsel for absent heirs State of Louisiana Parish of Union Let the prayer of the within petition be granted and it is further ordered that John May, Administrator of the Estate of William May, deceased be ordered to render his amount final of his Administration of said Estate within ten days from date of service of this order. Done and signed in Chambers this 26th day of January AD 1843. John Taylor Probate Judge I acknowledge the service of the within petition and above order 26th January 1843. John May Estate of William May, Deceased, John May Administrator of said Estate in amount with said Estate showing the whole condition of said Estate and its final administration as follows to wit: Funds in hand Cash on hand as per Inventory of the Estate of William May, decd. on the 7th day of October AD 1842 174.43 38 Bales of cotton of the crop of 1842 which was not included in the inventory and which is in partnership between decedent William May and John May, Admr. and which has not yet been sent to Market but which is on its way to Market. About 700 or 800 bushels of corn belonging to decedent’s Estate which is now gathered and housed and which is not included in the inventory and not apprised A note on John Bartlett drawing interest and due not included in the Inventory for 30.00 A note on [blank] Walker due not included in the inventory drawing 10 per cent interest 5.00 The whole amount of the Inventory of said estate made by the Honorable Parish Judge on the 7th day of October AD 1842 after deducing $174.43 the amount of cash as per inventory leaving __4338.78 Whole amount of the Estate $4548.21 Whole amount of cash received 174.43 Amounts paid on account of the Estate Voucher No. 1 Probate Judge fees 80.00 Voucher No. 2 McGuire & Ray Atty. fees for Adm 100.00 Voucher No. 3 P. May Counsel for absent heirs Fees to be charged to the partition Carried forward $180.00 Coming to the absent heirs 200.00 Voucher No. 4 Funeral Charges 10.00 Voucher No. 5 A. A. Roland acct. $192.17 on half 96.08 Voucher No. 6 S. S. Cobb & Co. acct. $55.44 One half 27.72 Voucher No. 7 A. Drago acct. $12.25 one half 6.12 Voucher No. 8 W. & L. M Duty acct. $8.50 one half 4.25 Voucher No. 9 Jacobs & Philips acct. $4 one half 2.00 Voucher No. 10 State & parish Taxes for 1842 17.88 John May for overseeing and taking care of the property of the Estate from the 29th August 1842 to 26th January 1843, 5 months at $7.00 per month 35.00 Administration of the Estate commission at 2 ½ per cent on the whole amount of the Estate $4548.21 not including the Cotton and Corn which is reserved __113.70 $692.45 Credit by cash as per Dr. side of this amount __170.43 Balance expended by Admr. for said Estate more than cash received by the Admr. $518.32 The whole amount of the Inventory and every item Therein contained of said Wm. May’s Estate Is hereby returned excepting the item of $174.43 cash $4338.78 Also the two notes described in the Dr. side of this account is also returned as part of the Estate amounting to 35.00 The cotton has been sent to Market and when sold the proceeds will be returned accounting for __[blank] To the Honorable Judge of the Probate Court in and for the Parish of Union in the State of Louisiana. The petition of John May, resident of your said Parish and State and Administrator of the Estate of William May, Deceased with respect represents unto your Honor that in pursuance of an order of your Honorable Court dated 26th January 1843 on the petition of Philip May, Counsel of Absent heirs ordering a final account to be rendered of Petitioners Administration of said Estate. The petitioner herewith presents unto your Honorable Court his full, final and perfect account of all his actions and doings therein by which account petitioner shows your Honor that said Estate is indebted unto your petitioner in the sum of Five hundred and eighteen dollars thirty two cents (%518.32) for debts and charges against said Estate which have been paid your petitioner over and above the amount of cash received by him belonging to said Estate. Petitioner further shows that the crop of cotton on hand not yet sold the one half of which is the property of the Estate will be accounted for by him as soon as sold and the funds arising there from realized. Petitioner further shows that there are no other debts or charges owing by said Estate as far as he has been able to ascertain wherefore the Estate has been fully administered and there is nothing further to do except to pay the balance due to him. Wherefore petitioner prays your Honor to cause this account to be notified to Philip May Counsel for absent heirs and that your honor homologate confirm and approved the same and that he have judgment against the Estate for the aforesaid sum of $518.32 and that he be released from his abilities as Administrator that his bond be canceled and annulled as soon as he files his account of the sale of cotton as above explained and for all such orders and decrees in premises as the nature of the case may require. McGuire & Ray, Attys. I, Philip May, Counsel of absent heirs acknowledge the service of the within account and approve of the within and foregoing account and pray the same be approved and homologated according to law. Philip May, Counsel For absent heirs By reason of the law and evidence in this case and by further reason of the approval of the within account by the Counsel of Absent Heirs and being satisfied as to the justness of the within account, it is ordered, adjudged and decreed by the Court that the within account be approved, affirmed and homologated in all its parts and that there be a judgment in favor of John May, Administrator against the Estate of William May, decd. for the sum of Five hundred and eighteen dollars and thirty two cents ($518.32) and so soon as the said John May, Administrator shall pay and account fully for the 38 bales of cotton now in his hands and his account shall be fully approved and homologated then that he shall be released from all his liabilities as administrator and that his bond as such be cancelled and annulled and set aside. Done and signed this 26th January 1843. John Taylor Probate Judge To the Honorable Judge of the Court of Probates in and for the Parish of Union in the State of Louisiana. The petition of John May, a resident of your said Parish and State with respect represents unto your Honor that his brother Wm. May departed this life intestate in your said Parish and State on or about the 29th day of August 1842 in your said Parish and State leaving a large Estate of Lands and Negroes, Personal property and rights, Credits &c and that your petitioner was appointed Admr. of said Estate on the 7th day of October 1842 and that he has fully administered and paid of all the debts of said Estate except what is due your petitioner. To wit the sum of $518.32 as per decree of your Honorable Court rendered on the 26th day of January 1843. Homologation petitioners final account of his administration. Petitioner further show to your Honor that all the property composed in the inventory of said Estate has been returned in the Admr. account final and also some other items and amounts which are mentioned in Admr. final account. Petitioner further shows to your Honor that his deceased brother William May and himself owned the following property as joint and equal partners. To wit: as described on the Inventory of said Estate made the 7th October 1842 and on file in your said office Negro man Tom aged 60 years apprd. @ $125.00 Negro woman Fanny aged 38 years apprd. @ 300.00 Negro woman Deley aged 20 years and her two children Margret aged 3 years and Nancy aged about 8 months 600.00 1 bed and furniture $17, 1 brass clock $30 __47.00 Carried forward $532.00 1 Lot books No. 17 and Atlas 15.00 1 Rifle & two shot guns 28.00 2 Trunks $10, 1 crosscut saw $3 13.00 3 Small wagons intoto [sic] 65.00 1 Whip saw $6, 1 lot axes $8 14.00 Kitchen furniture $10 10.00 3 Sorrell mules each $40 120.00 1 Gray and 1 Roan horse each $40 80.00 2 Bay Mares each $30 60.00 2 Brown mules each $30 60.00 36 Head of cattle $4 per head 144.00 116 Head of hogs 174.00 1 Note on Solomon Feazle dated September 26th 1840 63.00 1 Note on John Bartlett for note on Inst. 30.00 1 Note on [blank] Walker for note on Inst. 5.00 The above property as aforesaid owned jointly between decedent and your petitioner and which has not yet bee partitioned or divided between them. Petitioner further shows that besides the above property owned in partnership as aforesaid, his deceased brother William May owned in full right as his own the following property described in the aforesaid Inventory to wit: South East quarter and South West of Section 12, Township 18 Range 3 West and containing 300 40/100 acres $888.02 Charles, a Negro man aged about 39 years 350.00 Dave, a Negro man aged about 25 years 600.00 Henry, a Negro man aged 30 years 500.00 Delphy, a Negro woman aged 25 years and three Children under 10 years to wit: Ann, Thomas and Sarah 850.00 Negro girl, Harriet, about 10 years 250.00 Bed and furniture $20, 1 shot gun $9 29.00 Seven or eight hundred bushels of corn now in house not on inventory nor appraisement The crop of cotton 38 Bales not yet sold is not on the inventory but as it is now in Market the proceeds will be returned in cash The above Statement [unreadable] a full statement of all the property composing his deceased brother William May’s Estate to be found in the State of Louisiana. Petitioner further represents unto your Honor that besides himself, the following persons, brothers and sisters, of the said Decd. William May, who having no children nor Father nor Mother alive are interested therein to wit: James F. May, Henry May, Thomas T. May, Daniel may, Stephen W. May all brothers of the full blood and reside in the State of Alabama. Mary May, wife of William Willingham, Elizabeth May, wife of Thomas T. Owen, sister of full blood and reside in the State of Alabama and Rebecca may, wife of Thomas Lawrison, a sister of the half blood also resident of the State of Alabama. All of whom are represented in your Honorable Court as absentees by Philip May counsel appointed by this Honorable Court to represent the absentees said heirs not yet having appeared and claimed said Succession. Petitioner further represents unto your Honor that he is desirous of having a full, final and conclusive partition said Estate. First, partitioning the property held in common and as joint owners between himself and his deceased brother as above set forth fully and Secondly, partitioning the Estate of his deceased brother William May among his legitimate heirs as set forth above so that petitioner may have his portion set apart to him. Petitioner further represents unto your Honor that the property composing said Estate is composed of lands, Negroes, personal property, rights, credits &c and that according Petitioner’s opinion it will be most advantageous to all concerned that the said property composing said Estate be sold in order to effect a partition and that it would be most advantageous to sell the sum of credit in order to secure a reasonable price therefore. Wherefore Petitioner prays your Honor to cause Philip May, counsel of the absent heirs of the Estate of William May, decd. to be cited show cause why a partition of said Estate should not take place and that your Honor appoint experts to advise and recommend whether it should not be sold in order to effect a partition and on what terms the said Estate should be sold and if said Experts should decide that it would be most advantageous to the parties concerned that said Estate be sold then that your Honor cause a sale thereof to be made as recommended before partition is effected and that your Honor also appoint Experts in order to effect said partition and that your Honor also appoint Curators Ad Hoc to represent each one of the absent heirs as set forth in the within petition in the final partition of said Estate according to law and for all such orders and decrees in the premises as the nature of the case may require and as in duty bound &c. McGuire & Ray, Attys. I Philip May, Counsel of the absent heirs of the Estate of William May, Decd. hereby acknowledge service of the within petition adjoin in the prayer of said petition for a partition and sale of the property in order to effect said partition. January 27th 1843. Philip May Counsel for Absentee heirs State of Louisiana Parish of Union By reason of the law and evidence and by further reason of the joining of the Counsel of absent heirs in the prayer of Plaintiff’s petition and the Court being satisfied of the legality of Plaintiff’s demands, it is ordered, adjudged and decreed by the Court that there be a partition of the property of the Estate of William May, Deceased and that James Roane and Thomas Van Hook be appointed Experts to advise and recommend whether a sale should be made of the property composing said Estate in order to effect a partition of the same and on what terms the same should be sold and if said Experts should advise a sale that the same be made as advised before and in order to effect said partition and it is further ordered that [blank] and [blank] be appointed Experts to partition said Estate and that said partition be made before John Taylor, Parish Judge and Notary Public in and for said Parish and State and that [blank] be appointed Curator Ad Hoc to the absentee James F. May, and that [blank] be appointed Curator Ad Hoc to the absentee Henry May, and that [blank] be appointed Curator Ad Hoc to the absentee Thomas F. May and that [blank] be appointed Curator Ad Hoc to Daniel May, and that [blank] be appointed Curator Ad Hoc to the absentee Stephen S. May, and that [blank] be appointed Curator Ad Hoc to the absentee Mary May, wife of William Willingham, and that [blank] be appointed Curator Ad Hoc to the absentee Elizabeth May, wife of Thomas T. Owens and that [blank] be appointed Curator Ad Hoc to the absentee Rebecca May, wife of Thomas Lawrison to apart in making of the partition according to law. Done and signed this 27th day of January 1843. John Taylor Probate Judge State of Louisiana Parish of Union Before the undersigned authority personally came and appeared James Roane and Thomas Van Hook who makes oath that they will well and truly advise and recommend whether the property composing the Estate of William May, Decd. should be sold as most advantageous to effect a partition of said Estate and on what terms it should be sold. So help us God. James Roane Thomas Van Hook Sworn and subscribed to before me on this 27th day of January 1843. John Taylor Parish Judge State of Louisiana Parish of Union We the undersigned experts appointed by the Honorable Probate Court by a Decree of the 27th January 1843 to advise and recommend whether the property composing the Estate of William May, Decd. should be sold in order to effect a partition of said Estate or whether it would be most advantageous to partition it in kind after mature deliberation and due consideration and after carefully examining the property composing said Estate and numbers of Persons among whom said Estate is to be divided do advise and recommend it as our opinion that it would be most advantageous to all parties concerned and to the advantage of said Estate in order to effect a partition that all the property composing the Estate of William May, Decd. be sold in order to effect a partition and that said property be sold on a credit of Twelve months from the time of sale. The notes to bear 10 per cent per annum interest from due. The purchasers to give good and sufficient bond and security to the satisfaction of the Parish Judge with mortgage on the real estate in faith whereof we have hereto signed our named in presence of F. Miller and Daniel Payne witnesses and the undersigned Parish Judge on this the 27th day of January 1843. F. Miller James Roane Daniel Payne Thomas Van Hook John Taylor, Parish Judge I, Philip May, Counsel for Absent heirs of the Estate of William May, Decd. hereby acknowledge service of the within proceedings and pray the same be homologated. January 27th 1843. Philip May Counsel for Absent Heirs Let the above proceedings of Experts be approved and homologated and the sale of the property of the Estate of William May be sold accordingly in order to effect a partition. Done and signed this 27th January 1843. John Taylor Probate Judge State of Louisiana Probate Sale Parish of Union Be it remembered that on this the 17th day of March AD 1843 that I, John Taylor, parish Judge and Ex Officio Judge of Probates, and auctioneer in and for said parish and State in pursuance of a decree of the Honorable the Court of Probates of said parish, I have at the house of John May, the late residence of William May, Deceased, proceeded to offer for sale after the legal and usual advertisements at three public places in said parish from the 14th day of February 1843 until Friday 17th day of March 1843 all the real and personal property comprising the Estate and succession of said Decedent. Conditions of sale, Twelve months credit purchasers giving personal security and a mortgage retained on the real property. Whereupon after due proclamation the following persons became the highest and last bidders upon said conditions to wit: Philip May, to Negro man Charles 350.00 John May, to Negro girl Harriet 255.00 John May, to one feather bed 20.25 John May, to one rifle gun 10.00 John May, one shot gun 10.00 John Huey, one shot gun 6.25 John May, one lot books 12.00 John May, to five trunks 10.00 John May, to one whip saw 6.00 John May, to three wagons 60.00 Alexander Wafer, to one broad axe 2.00 John May, to one broad and eight club axes 4.12 John May, Kitchen furniture 10.00 John May, to three mules each $40 120.00 John May, to one roan horse $40, one bay mare $30 70.00 William A. Omal, to 50 bushels corn @ 25.00 John May, to Negro man Tom & Fanny his wife 425.00 John May, to lot plows ___10.00 Carried forward $1415.62 John Huey, to 1663 pounds fodder at 16.73 John May, to 1902 pounds fodder at ___19.52 $1441.57 State of Louisiana Parish of Union Be it remembered that on this the 17th day of April AD 1843, that I John Taylor, Parish Judge and Ex Officio Judge of Probates and auctioneer in and for said Parish and State in pursuance of a decree of the Honorable the Court of Probates of said parish, I have at the house of John May, the late residence of William May, Deceased proceeded to offer for sale after the legal and usual advertisements at three public places in said Parish from Friday, 17th day of March AD 1843 until Monday the 17th day of April AD 1843 all the real and personal property comprising the Estate and succession of said Decedent. Conditions of sale twelve months credit. Purchasers giving notes with personal security and a mortgage retained on the real property. Whereupon after due proclamation the following persons became the highest and last bidders upon said conditions to wit: John May, to half section land @ $1.25 per acre $388.12 John May, to Negro man Dave __500.00 Carried $888.12 Jeptha Colvin, to Negro man Henry 461.00 Jeptha Colvin, to Negro woman and Negro children 900.00 John Huey, one shot gun ____4.00 $2254.52 Partnership Property John May, to Negro woman Delsy & two children 711.00 John May, to one brass clock 18.00 John Huey, to one crosscut saw 2.75 Daniel Payne, one mule 32.50 Benjamin May, one bay mare 31.00 John May, one brown mule 12.00 John Colter, one grey house 12.00 John May, the undivided half of hogs 31.00 Benjamin May, one sorrel colt 6.00 R. L. Smith, to 20 ½ of Cattle @ $4.12 84.56 ¼ Jacob Madden, 400 bushels corn 152.00 Jacob Madden, 100 bushels corn 37.50 John Huey, one feather bed ___17.00 $3398.83 ¼ John Taylor, Judge ================================================================================== ================================================================================== Union Parish Louisiana Succession Book A, pp. 230 – 241 ================================================================================== ================================================================================== Estate of William Mays, Decd., Green Co., AL State of Louisiana Parish of Union Before me John Taylor, Parish Judge and Ex Officio Notary Public duly commissioned and qualified in and for the parish of Union in the State of Louisiana Personally came and appeared John May, resident of said Parish of Union and State of Louisiana, who declared and acknowledged that he has nominated, constituted and appointed and does by these presents hereby nominate constitute and appoint John W. May, resident of Green County in the State of Alabama in the United States of America my true and lawful attorney in fact and in my name to set and perform in my name the following business to wit: I hereby fully authorize and empower my attorney in fact John W. May to do and perform all acts and business in relation to my deceased bother’s, William Mays, estate which is situated in the State of Alabama as far as I am concerned therein a co-partner with my deceased bother William May or as heir to him or in any other capacity that I may be interested therein. He my said attorney in fact John W. May is fully authorized to accept in my name the Succession of my deceased bother William May and administer the same in my name if in conformity to the laws of Alabama. He is also authorized by me to consent or agree to the sale of the property composing the said Estate of William May either for cash or on credit as should be thought most advisable for the interest of all concerned therein and formally as aforesaid. The said John W. May, my said attorney in fact, is fully authorized to do anything in relation to my interest in the Estate of my said deceased bother William May’s Estate as I could do was I there personally present at the doing thereof and I hereby confirm all and singular of his legal acts done in pursuance to this power of attorney. And I further authorize and empower my said attorney in fact, John W. may to sell and dispose of all my property both real and personal situated in the State of Alabama and particularly all the lands that I own in my own name in Green County in the State of Alabama or in any other part of said State of Alabama. He my said attorney in fact is fully authorized to sell said lands for such price as he may judge prudent and for my interest with this only reservation to wit: I hereby require my said attorney in fact, John W. may, to sell my said lands and other property precisely on the same terms of credit as the property composing the Estate of my deceased brother William May shall be sold and if my land or these property should be sold on a credit, I require my said attorney in fact to have the notes or obligations given for the purchase therein of to be well secured by good personal security. I have as I think some notes in my own or in the name of my deceased brother William May or myself disjunctively now in the hands of my said attorney, John W. May, and in relation to my interest in said notes, I hereby specially authorize and empower my said attorney John W. May to collect the same or do with my interest in the same as he may think most to my interest and if convenient to realize my portion of the same as soon as the portion coming to my deceased brother’s Estate shall be realized and collected. I have a claim against William Willingham for about $280 besides interest for which there is no written obligation in my possession, but I think there is a note for the same in the Clerk’s Office for Green County in the State of Alabama. I desire my said attorney in fact, John W. May, to collect or dispose of this claim for my interest as he may find most advisable and he is also further authorized to sue for, if necessary, in my name and collect all claims whatsoever due me in the State of Alabama and to receive all monies coming to me from whatsoever due me in the State of Alabama and to receive all monies coming to me from whatsoever source and receipt for the same in my name the same as if I was to do it myself. I hereby fully ratify and confirm all the legal acts of my said attorney. Done in conformity to this Power of Attorney. My said attorney in fact John W. May is further fully authorized to make deeds or titles or execute my other written act that may be necessary in sale of my land or other property in the State of Alabama and I hereby confirm the same. Done in conformity with this Power of Attorney. In testimony whereof said party, John W. May, has hereto signed his name in presence of Daniel Payne and Willis Wood, witnesses hereto required of lawful age and who have also signed their names hereto together with me Judge on this 27th day of September AD 1842. In faith whereof, I have hereto signed my name and affixed the seal of my said office the date above. Daniel Payne John May William Woods John Taylor, Parish Judge John May, Administrator of the Estate of William May, Decd. in account current with said Estate showing the final settlement of said Estate and being supplemental to the account filed and homologated on the 26th January 1843. Net proceeds of sales of 39 bales of cotton raised in partnership between John May and William May, Decd. in the year 1842 and which had not been sold at the time of the rendition of the account filed the 26th January 1843 and which was especially reserved for a subsequent account. Whole amount of the net proceeds being $821.19 as per account sales by Backers, Cobb & co. marked A and here filed as evidence, one half of which belongs to the Estate of William May, Decd. being $410.59 At the time of the rendition of the account of the 26th January 1843 it was supposed there was but 38 bales of cotton but there were 39 when it was ginned and baled. No other monies has been received by the Administrator on account of said Estate since the rendition of the account of the 26th January 1843. _________ Whole amount of cash received $410.59 Cr. Amounts of money expended on behalf of the said Estate of William May, Decd. since the rendition of the former account on the 26th January 1843 as follows: Vou. No. 1 Probate Judges fees for making sale &c 60.00 Vou. No. 2 A. Dragos account for storage of cotton 4.87 Vou. No. 3 Catherine May’s account 3.00 By the account rendered and homologated on the 26th January 1843 the Estate was indebted to the Administration in the sum of $518.32 which is here charges __518.32 $586.19 Whole amount paid out and due to administrator from Which deduct the cash received as written for Cotton __410.51 Well leave due the Administrator $175.60 The following is a fully and complete statement of all the effects due the Estate of William May, Decd. consisting of notes due the Estate taken at the sales made the 17th of March and 17th April 1843 and other notes and credits as follows: Note of Solomon Feazle dated 26th September 1843 60.00 Note of John Bartlett drawing ten percent int. Interest not calculated was 30.00 Note of [unreadable] Walker drawing ten percent int. not here cast up 5.00 Notes taken at the sale 17th March 1843 [blank] Note of P. May due 17th may 1844 351.00 Amount of John May’s purchase at the sale on the 17th March 1843 not paid as yet he being an heir 1041.39 Amount of John Hayes purchases at the sale on the 17th march 1843. Note taken at second sale 23.00 Amount of A. Wafer’s purchase at the sale on the 17th March 1843 2.00 Note of Wm. A. O’Neal due 17th March 1844 ten percent int. from due taken at the sale 17th March 1843 25.00 Note taken at the sale the 17th April 1843, amount Of John May’s purchase at the sale the 17th April 1843 on of the heirs 1050.02 Note of Jeptha Colvin due April 1844 taken at the sale the 17th march 1843 ten percent int. from due 1360.00 Note of John Huey, Jr. given at the sale on the 17th April 1843 for $47.25 which __[blank] $1824.91 Includes the amount of his purchases of $23 at The first sale the 17th march 1843 the Amount of purchase at second sale being 24.25 Note of John Mathews due 17th April 1844 with ten percent int. from due this note was given as the amount Daniel Payne’s purchases at the sale the 17th April 1843 32.50 Note of B. May due 17th April 1844 ten percent int. from due given at sale 17th April 1843 37.00 Note of J. Coulter due 17th April 1844 ten percent from due given at sale 17th April 1843 19.00 Note of R. L. Smith due 17th April 1844 ten percent int. from due given at sale the 17th April 1843 84.50 Amount of Jacob Madden’s purchase at the sale on the 17th April 1843 being for corn amounted to $177.12 ½ and the following note were given for said purchase to wit: Note of R. Applewhite for $19.00 Note of T. Grigsby for 45.60 Note of S. Johnson for 11.40 Note of Jacob Madden for __101,12 ½ __177.12 ½ $4723.34 ¾ A part of the property sold the 17th day of march and April 1843 was jointly owned by John May and William May, Decd. one half of the price of which is to be placed to the credit of the Estate and the other half belongs to John May said partnership property and the price it sold for is fully set forth as follows: John May purchased of the partnership property: Tom and Fanny sold for $425.00 Delsey and her two children 701.00 Clock 18.00 Rifle 10.00 Shot Gun 10.00 Lot Books 12.00 Trunks 10.00 3 Wagons 10.00 Whip saws 6.00 Axes 4.12 ½ Kitchen Furniture 10.00 3 mules 120.00 Roan horse 40.00 Bay mare 30.00 Roan mule ___12.00 $1468.12 ½ John Huey purchased of the partnership property 1 Bed 17.00 1 Shot gun 6.25 Cross cut saw ____2.75 $26.00 J. Coulter purchased of partnership property Gray horse $12.00 B. May purchased of partnership property Bay mare and sorrel colt $37.00 D. Payne purchased of partnership property Brown mule ___32.00 Whole amount of sale of partnership property $1582.62 One half of which amount is going to the Estate $ 791.31 The three notes mentioned in the first part of this statement is also partnership property between John May and William May, Decd. Note of Solomon Feazle $60.00 Note of John Bartlett 30.00 Note of Walker ___5.00 Whole amount of partnership notes $95.00 One half of which belongs to the Estate $47.50 Say to which add the amount of the proceeds Of the partnership property sold at the sale Of the 17th day of March and April 1843 as above cost up __$791.31 $838.81 This amount of $838.81 must be deducted from the whole amount of the sales of the separate and partnership property as set forth above and the partnership notes also to show the exact amount of the Estate __$4923.34 ¾ Exact unit of William May, Estate (C&O,C) $4084.53 ¾ There being eight brothers and sisters of the full bloods and one half sister makes the share of each of the whole blood $480.53 and the share of the half blood $242.26 leaving out fractions. John May purchased on the 17th day of March and April 1843 $2691.91 His half of the sales of Partnership property as above explained 838.81 Amount due him by the Estate see the balance in the foregoing account 175.60 His portion of the Estate as one of the heirs of the full blood ___480.53 $1494.94 Amount due by John May to this Estate after receiving his portion as heir $1196.96 To the Honorable Judge of the Court of Probates in and for the Parish of Union in the State of Louisiana. The petition of John May, Administrator of the Estate of William May, Deceased, resident of your said Parish and State and when said succession is opened with respect represents unto your Honor that he herewith files his full, final and complete account of his administration of said Estate showing that the Estate has been fully administered. All the debts have been paid and the Estate reduced to [unreadable] to effect a partition and which notes are now in the hands of your Honor. Petitioner avers that this account is rendered in accordance with the decree of your Honorable Court homologating and approving Petitioners former account on the 26th January 1843. Petitioners pray your Honor to cause the counsel of absent heirs to be ratified hereof and all persons concerned herein have notified hereof and that your Honor finally confirm, approve and homologate this account and counsel his bond as administrator and release him from his duties as Administrator or Curator and that he be fully and finally discharged according to laws and for all such other and further decrees in the case as the nature of the case request and as in duly bound &c he herewith return all the note and effects of the Estate McGable & Bay, Attornies in the case as the nature of the case request and as in duty bound and he herewith returns all the note and effects of the Estate. Mc Gable & Bay, Attys. State of Louisiana Parish of Union By reason of the law and the approval of the 2ithin and foregoing account by P. May, Counsel for the absent heirs of the Estate of William May, Deceased. It is ordered, adjudged and deceased that the foregoing and within final account of Administration of the said Estate of William May, Deceased be approved, confirmed and homologated in all its parts and it is further ordered that John May, Administrator of said Estate be released from his duties as Administrators and that his bond be canceled and annulled. Done and signed on this 1st January AD 1844. John Taylor Judge of Probates I, Philip May, counsel for absent heirs in the Estate of William May, Decd. hereby acknowledge service of the within account and concur fully in the prayer of the Petitioner and after a careful examination of the within account. I approve of the same and pray it be homologated. P. May ############################################################# File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/la/union/court/may-wd.txt