1842 - 1843 Succession of William May, Deceased, of Union Parish Louisiana Submitted for the Union Parish Louisiana USGenWeb Archives by Shawn Martin, 11/2007 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ************************************************ ================================================================================== ================================================================================== 1842 - 1843 Succession of William May, Deceased Union Parish Louisiana Succession Book A, pp. 120 – 132 ================================================================================== ================================================================================== Succession of William May, Deceased To the Honorable Judge of the Court of Probates in and for the Parish of Union, State of Louisiana. Your Petitioner Catharine May of your said Parish and State with respect represents to your honor that William May the husband of your petitioner departed this life on or about the 20th April 1841 intestate, leaving no descendants and the following heirs collaterally, Benjamin May, Philip May, Nancy May alias Shaw, Elizabeth May alias Fuller, Martha May alias Fuller, David May, Decd. his heirs Lucy May Alias Ducker, Decd. her heirs, Catherine May alias Guice and his widow your petitioner in Community with a considerable amount of property real and personal. Wherefore your petitioner prays your Honor that you make a true and faithful inventory and appraisement of decd. Estate and that your Honor appoint her administrator to manage the same and for such other and further decrees as the circumstances of the case may require &C. Witness W. C. Bonham Catharine (her X mark) May State of Louisiana Probate Court Parish of Union Let the prayer of the Petitioner be granted and it is further ordered that an inventory and appraisement be made and that she be appointed Administratrix upon giving bond and security and taking the oath required by law. This 1st day of May AD 1841. John Taylor Parish Judge State of Louisiana Parish of Union Be it remembered that on this 1st day of May AD 1841 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 May, who departed this life intestate at his residence in the Parish of Union on or about 20th day of April 1841 leaving his widow and descendents collaterally to wit, Benjamin May, Philip May, Nancy May alias Shaw, Elizabeth May alias Fuller, Martha May alias Fuller, David May decd., his heirs Lucy May alias Ducker, Decd., her heirs Catharine may alias Guice and Catherine Richardson alias May the wife of said decedents in community with a considerable Estate of Property 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 to the residence of said decedent and for the purpose as aforesaid, I have appointed Jeptha Colvin and John Huey, 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. To wit: Inventory Appraisement Tract of land being the East half of the North West quarter of Township eighteen Section 1 containing eighty acres more or less The above described eighth of land and Plantation appraised to $500.00 Negro man named Simon aged 40 years 600.00 Negro woman named Charity aged 40 years 400.00 1 Gray mare 100.00 1 sorrel horse 100.00 5 Cows and calves and 20 head dry cattle 80.00 1 Yoke oxen $50, 20 head hogs $40 90.00 1 Double barrel shot gun 15.00 1 Set Clarks Commentary, 1 Bible Wesley Sermons 25.00 1 Clock $15, 1 Watch $25 40.00 5 Sheets, 5 Counterpanes, 2 Quilts, 4 Pillows, 2 Curtains, 2 Beds 30.00 Kitchen Furniture 10.00 The following property held in Community or Partnership With Benjamin May in equal parts 1 Cotton gin 700.00 1 Wagon, farming utensils $20 110.00 1 Negro woman and two children pledge by Peter Blackman for $163 and some cents 700.00 Rights and credits notes due the Estate 1 Note on John Purdy drawn in favor of Lovell Newman or bearer 70.00 2 Notes on Hartwell Westmoreland each for $300 bad debt one note on John Noland 230.00 Unliquidated account on B. Rennolds 64.00 Unliquidated account on the Estate of P. May, Decd. [blank] 18 bales cotton shipped to S. S. Cobb & Co. New Orleans __[blank] $3869.00 The within inventory amounting to the sum of three thousand eight hundred and sixty nine dollars and [blank] cents. In testimony whereof said parties appraised have signed their names together with the widow who gave in the property. In presence of D. C. Bonham and John Hancock, witnesses hereto required of lawful age who have also signed with the parties and me Judge the date above in faith whereof I have signed my name and affixed my seal of office. Witness: W. C. Bonham Catharine (her X mark) May John (his X mark) Hancock Jeptha Colvin John Huey, Sen. We and each of us do solemnly swear that we will to the best of our understanding appraise all the property comprising the Estate and succession of William May, Decd. so far as will be shown or may come to our knowledge. So help me God. Jeptha Colvin John Huey, Sen. Sworn to and subscribed before me this 1st day of May 1841. John Taylor Parish Judge I do solemnly swear that I will to the best of my understanding perform all and singular the duties incumbent on me as Administratrix of the Estate of William May, Decd. So help you God. Catharine (her X mark) May Sworn to and subscribed before me this 1st day of May 1841. John Taylor Parish Judge State of Louisiana Court of Probate Parish of Union Know all men by these presents, that we, Catharine May as principal and Benjamin May, her security of the State of Louisiana are held and firmly bound unto John Taylor, Judge of the Court of Probates, in and for the Parish of Union or to his successors in office, in the sum of Three Thousand Six Hundred and Sixty Six dollars, current money of the United States of America, which we promise to pay to him or his successors in office, for the faithful performance of which, we bond ourselves, and each of us, our and each of our heirs, executors and administrators, jointly and severally, firmly by these presents, renouncing all benefit or division, or discussion whatsoever. Sealed with our seals this first day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty one and the [blank] of the Independence of the United States of America. The condition of the above obligation is such that if the above founden Catharine May has been appointed Curator of the Estate of the late William May deceased, does well and truly, according to law, administer the same, and further does make and render a true, just and perfect account of his actions and doings, when thereunto lawfully required, either by the aforesaid Judge or his successors in office, agreeably to law, or by the heirs of the said deceased, or their lawful attorney or attornies, or by the duly appointed and authorized executor or Executors of the last will and testament of the said deceased, should it hereafter appear that any such will or testament was by the said deceased made, then this obligation to be void, or else to remain in full force and virtue. In witness whereof, we have hereunto set our hands and seals, this day and year first above written. In the presence of W. C. Bonham Catharine (her mark) May Philip May Benjamin May State of Louisiana Court of Probates Parish of Union Whereas Catharine May having been appointed Administratrix of the Estate of William May, Decd. and having given Bond and security and taken the oath as prescribed by law. Now, therefore, she 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 first day of May AD 1841. John Taylor Judge of Probates To the Honorable John Taylor Judge of Probates in and for the Parish of Union in the State of Louisiana. The petition of Catharine May, a resident of your said Parish and State with respect represents unto your Honor that her husband William May departed this life in our said Parish on or about the 20th April 1841 which has been duly inventoried and appraised by your Honor. That he left your petitioner a partner in the community of acquits and gains besides the following collateral heirs (the said William May having no lawful descendents) viz. Benjamin May, Philip May, Nancy May alias Shaw, Elizabeth may alias Fuller, Martha May alias Fuller, the descendent of Catharine May alias Guice decd. to wit Melissa Guice, Martha Guice, Sarah A. Guice and Francis Guice, minors represented by their natural Tutors Nathaniel Guice all the aforementioned heirs residents of the above State and the following heirs absent and not represented in the State viz. The descendents of David May decd. viz. Sarah May, Martha May, Jaris[?] May, Catharine May who are minors and have no Curator in the State. Also the descendants of Lucy May alias Ducker, sister to William May, decd. viz. Wm. Ducker, Eliza Ducker of full age absent and not represented in the State. You petitioner further represents unto your Honor that she is unwilling to hold said property in conversion undivided with the aforesaid persons and heirs any longer. Wherefore she prays your Honor to decree a partition of the same and that your Honor appoint a Tutor Ad Hoc to represent the absent heirs and minors interested therein who have no Tutor legally appointed and that your honor cause the aforesaid persons and heirs interested therein as aforesaid to be cited in the partitions. Petitioner further represents that it would be diminishing the value of the property to partition it in kind. Wherefore she prays that it be sold in order to effect a partition and on such terms as your Honor may seem most advantageous and for all such other and further decrees in the premises as the matter of the case may require &c. P. May, Atty. State of Louisiana Parish of Union Let the prayer of the petitioner be granted and it is ordered that Benjamin May be appointed Tutor Ad Hoc for Sarah May, Martha May, Jane and Catherine May minor children of David May, decd. and who are absent from the State. That Philip May be appointed curator Ad Hoc for William Dicker and Elija Ducker who are absentees and that the parties be cited according to law. November 25th 1841. John Taylor Parish Judge Catherine May vs. Probate Court Heirs of Wm. May Parish of Union By reason of the law and evidence and the Court being satisfied that a partition of the Estate cannot be made in kind. It is ordered, adjudged and decreed that a sale of the property be made for cash after the legal and usual advertisements according to law. That the heirs of said Estate partake equally and that John Stowe and Jeptha Colvin be appointed experts to partition proceeds of said estate. Done and signed in chambers on the 25th Nov. 1841. John Taylor, Judge State of Louisiana Parish of Union Be it remembered that on 1st Jany. 1842, I John Taylor, Probate Judge and ex officio Notary Public for said Parish and State having taken an inventory of the Estate of William May, decd. of same Parish and State on the 1st May 1841 in which was indexed all the Estate real and personal of said May. The crops of corn and cotton since rising from the succession, I have this day 1st Jany. 1842 caused to appraised and inventoried according to law for which purpose I have appointed Jeptha Colvin and John Huey, Sen. to appraise the same, both residents of the said Parish and State and freeholders. Cotton @ 8c per lb., 8 bags Corn @ 7.5c per bushel, 150 bushels In testimony whereof the said parties appraisors signed their names together with me, Judge and in presence of the undersigned witnesses this day and date above written. Philip May Jeptha Colvin James Barron John Huey, Senr. John Taylor, Parish Judge We and each of us do solemnly swear that we will to the best of our understanding appraise the cotton and corn belonging to the succession of William May, Decd. so far as may be shown or come to our knowledge. So help us God. Jeptha Colvin John Huey, Senior Sworn to and subscribed before me this 1st day of Jany. 1842. John Taylor Parish Judge State of Louisiana Probate Sale Parish of Union Be it remembered that on this the 1st day of January AD 1842 that I, John Taylor, Parish Judge and Ex Officio Judge of Probates and Auctioneer in and for the aforesaid Parish and State in pursuance of decree of said Court of Probates of said Parish. I have at the late residence of William May, deceased proceeded to offer for sale after the legal and usual advertisements at the Court House and two other public places in said Parish from the 29th day of Novr. 1841 until Saturday the 1st day of January AD 1842, all the real and perishable property of said descendant’s Estate. Conditions of sale each to effect a partition between Catharine May the wife of William May, deceased and the collateral heirs to said descendant’s Estate. Conditions of sale cash to effect a partition between Catherine May, the wife of William May, deceased and the collateral heirs to said decedent’s estate. Whereupon after due proclamations the following persons became purchaser as the highest and last bidders upon said conditions to wit: Jeptha Colvin – one double shot gun $18.25 F. Hinton - twenty head cattle 75.00 Franklin Larkin – forty five head hogs 71.63 Catharine May – two beds & furniture 30.00 Catharine May – kitchen furniture 10.00 P. L. Wredwine [sic] – fifty bushels corn __37.50 $262.38 State of Louisiana Parish of Union Be it remembered that I, John Taylor, Parish Judge and Ex Officio Auctioneer in and for said Parish and State on the 22nd day of January AD 1842 in pursuance of a decree of Honorable the court of Probates of said parish, I have at late residence of William May, deceased proceeded to offer for sale all the property comprising the Estate of the decedent. The same being first offered in pursuance of a decree of said Court on the first day of this just January 1842 for each the appraisement not being bid, the property did not sell. After the usual and legal advertisements from Saturday the 1st day of January 1842 until Saturday the 22nd January 1842. The conditions of sale, twelve months credit, purchasers giving notes with approved security and a mortgage on the real estate; whereupon after due proclamation the following persons became purchasers as the highest and last bidder upon said conditions to wit: Catharine May Charity, Negro woman $300.00 Simon, Negro man 707.00 Philip May, agent for Catharine May 80 acres of land more or less whereon said William May last resided 500.00 All the rights and appertences there unto belonging 240.00 Silas Scarborough 80 bags of cotton @ $10.68 ¾ per hundred Wilson C. Smith, 50 bushels corn @ $1.25 per b/ 62.50 John A. Colter, 50 bushels corn @ $1.06 ¼ per b/ 53.12 ½ Philip Feazle, 1 cross cut saw 5.00 B. Gibson, 1 lot of farming tools 23.00 Silas Scarborough, 1 large pr. steelyards 4.12 ½ Silas Scarborough, 1 large pr. steelyards 1.37 ½ Moses Kirkland, 1 sorrel horse 111.00 David Colvin, 1 Spanish saddle 5.50 Benjamin May, 1 ox 15.00 John Huey, 1 clock 18.00 John Huey, 1 steer 10.00 David Colvin, 1 lot of books 30.50 Jeptha Colvin, 1 watch 16.00 Community property between Benjamin May and William May, Decd. Benjamin May, 1 half the wagon 33.00 Benjamin May, 1 half the gin 136.00 Union Parish Louisiana Succession Book A, pp. 145 - 173 Succession of William May, Deceased 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, resident of the Parish of Union in the State of Louisiana with respect represents unto your Honor that his brother William May departed this life in your said Parish and State intestate on the 19th day of August AD 1842 about 24 miles from the town of Farmerville in your said Parish of Union leaving a large Estate consisting of lands, Negros and personal property situated in your said Parish which was his domicile. Petitioner further represents unto your Honor that his deceased brother William May never was married and of course had no descendents and that his Father and Mother are both dead, but that he has the following brothers and sisters now living to wit: You petitioner his brother resident as above set forth, James F. May, Henry May, Thomas T. May, Daniel May, Stephen D. May, all brothers of the full blood and all residing in the State of Alabama, Mary May wife of William Willingham, Elizabeth May wife of Thomas T. Owens who are full blooded sisters of decedent and reside in the State of Alabama and Rebina May widow of Thomas Lourison who is half sister of decedent also resident of Maringo County, State of Alabama all of whom are interested Decedents Estate and all of whom are absentees except your petitioner. Petitioner further avers that his deceased brother and himself were partners in some Negroes and stock now in his possession and the present growing crop. That they lived together and that he is also one of his heirs. Wherefore petitioner prays your Honor to cause an inventory and appraisement to be made of all the property composing the Estate of William May deceased situated in your said Parish or anywhere in the State of Louisiana and as several of the heirs of said decedent reside out of the State and are absentees that your Honor appoint a counsel to represent the absentees in conformity to law and that your Honor appoint him Administrator of said Estate upon his giving bond and complying with the legal formalities and for all such other and further orders and decrees in the premises as the nature of the case may require and as in duty bounds &c. McGuire & Ray Attys. for Petitioner Let the prayer of the within petitioner be granted and it is further ordered that an inventory and appraisement be made of all the property composing the Estate of William May, deceased in the Parish of Union, State of Louisiana and it is further ordered that Philip May, attorney at law be appointed counsel to represent the absent heirs of said Estate and that John May be appointed Administrator of the Estate of William May deceased upon his complying with the formalities required by law, with that letters issue. Done in Chambers this 7th day of October AD 1842. John Taylor Judge of Probates I do solemnly swear that I will well and truly discharge and perform all the duties required of me by law as the Administrator of William May, Deceased and render a true and faithful account of my actions and doings as such when called upon so to do by the competent authority. So help me God. John May Sworn to and subscribed before me this 7th day Oct. 1842 State of Louisiana Court of Probates Parish of Union Know all men by these presents that we John May as principal and Jeptha Colvin his security of the State of Louisiana are held and firmly bound unto John Taylor, Judge of Court of Probates in and for the Parish of Union or to his successors in office in the sum of Five thousand six hundred and forty one dollars and fifty one cents current money of the United States of America which I promise to pay to him or his successors in office for the faithful performance, we bind ourselves and each of us, our and each of our heirs, executors and administrators jointly and severally firmly and by these presents remaining all benefits or divisions of discussion whatsoever. Signed this 7th day of October AD 1842 The conditions of the above obligation is such that if the above bounden John May, Administrator of the Estate of the late William May deceased does well and truly according to law administer the same and further does make and render a true and just account of his actions and doings when thereunto lawfully required written by the aforesaid Judge or his successors in office agreeably to Law or by the heirs of said deceased or their lawful attorney or attorneys or by the duly appointed and authorized executor, or executors of the last will and testament of said deceased should it hereafter appear that any such will or testament of said deceased was by him made, then this obligation to be void or else to remain in full force and virtue. In witness whereof we have hereunto affixed our hands and seal the day and year first above written. John May Jeptha Colvin In presence of David Colvin, John Colvin State of Louisiana Court of Probates Parish of Union Whereas John May having been appointed Administrator of the Estate of William May, deceased and having given bond and security and taken the Oath required by laws. Now therefore he is hereby authorized and legally empowered to discharge all and singularly 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 7th October AD 1842. John Taylor Judge of Probates State of Louisiana Court of Probates Parish of Union This is to certify that Philip may attorney at law has been duly and regular4ly appointed Counsel to the absent heirs of William May, deceased. Now therefore he is hereby authorized and empowered to discharge all and singular the duties appertaining to said appointment according to laws. In testimony whereof I have hereunto signed my name and affixed my seal of office on this seventh day of October 1842. John Taylor Judge of Probates 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: 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 homologating petitioner’s 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 apprd. @ 300.00 Negro woman Delsy aged 20 and and her two Children Margret aged 3 years and Nancy Aged about 9 months 600.00 1 Bed and furniture, 1 brass clock ___47.00 Carried forward $ 532.00 1 Lot books No. 19 and Atlas 15.00 1 Rifle and two shot guns 28.00 2 Trunks, 1 crosscut saw 13.00 3 small wagons intote 65.00 1 Whip saw, 1 lot axes 14.00 Kitchen furniture 10.00 3 Sorrell mules each $40.00 120.00 1 Gray and 1 Roan horse each $40.00 80.00 2 Bay mares each $30.00 60.00 3 Brown mules each $30.00 60.00 36 head of cattle 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 been partitioned or divided between them. Petitioner further shows that besides the above property owned in partners life as aforesaid his deceased brother William May owned in full right as his own the following property described in the aforesaid Inventory to wit: Southeast quarter and Southwest 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, negro man aged 30 years apprd. @ 500.00 Delphy, a negro woman aged 28 years and three children under 10 years to wit, Ann, Thomas and Sarah 850.00 Negro girl Harriett about 10 years 250.00 1 bed and furniture, 1 shot gun 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 proceed will be returned in cash The above statement exhibits 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 deceased 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, May May wife of William Willingham, Elizabeth May, wife of Thomas T. Owen, sisters 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 represents 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 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 partition 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 on 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 sited 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 this 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 and join 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 absent 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 Plaintiffs petition and the Court being satisfied of the legality of Plaintiffs demand. 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 that 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 order 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 D. may and that [blank] be appointed Curator Ad Hoc to the absentees 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 assist 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 VanHook 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 the27th 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 names 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 VanHook 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 17 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 home 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 $40.00 120.00 John May, to one roan horse, $40, one bay mare $30 70.00 William A. O’Neal to 50 bushels corn @ 50 cent 25.00 John May, to negro man Tom & Fanny his wife 425.00 John May, to lot plows ___10.00 Carried Forward $1405.62 John May, to 1663 lbs fodder 16.73 John May, to 1452 lbs fodder ___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 Mays 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 person 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 Jeptha Colvin, 1 negro man, Henry 461.00 Jeptha Colvin, to negro woman Fanny and 4 children 901.00 John Huey, on shot gun ____4.50 $2254.52 Partnership property John May, to negro woman Delsey & 2 children 701.00 John May, to 1 brass clock 18.00 John Huey, to 1 crosscut saw 2.75 Daniel Payne, to 1 mule 32.50 Benjamin May, to one brown mule 12.00 John Colter, to one grey horse 19.00 John May, to the undivided half of hogs 31.00 Benjamin may, to one sorrel colt 6.00 R. L. Smith, to 20 ½ of cattle @ $4.12 84.56 ¼ Jacob Madden, to 400 bushels corn 152.00 Jacob Madden, to 100 bushels corn 37.50 John Huey, to one feather bed ____17.00 $3398.83 ¼ John Taylor, Judge ############################################################# File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/la/union/court/may-william.txt