1865 - 1874 Succession of Ellen Reese, Deceased, of Union Parish Louisiana Submitted by: Shawn Martin Date of Submission: 3/2010 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ************************************************ ================================================================================= ================================================================================= 1865 - 1874 Succession of Ellen Reese, Deceased, of Union Parish Louisiana Union Parish Louisiana Succession Book A-3, pp. 32 - 43 ======================================================================================= ======================================================================================= Estate of Ellen Reese Petition for Inventory & Appraisement & for Administration Filed Sept. 21, 1865 To the Honorable the Judge of the 11th Judicial District Court in & for Union Parish, La. The petition of Ulysses Van Nosdall, a resident of said Parish and State, respectfully represents, that Mrs. Ellen Reese, late of your said Parish and State, departed this life at her residence on or about the September A.D. 1865, intestate leaving one heir, a minor child, Lilly Reese, the legitimate issue of a marriage between deceased and one W. K. Reese also leaving an Estate consisting of real and personal property, rights, credits and debts. Petitioner represents, that he is a creditor of the Estate, and therefore prays that an inventory and appraisement of the same may be had according to law, that William C. Smith, Recorder & Ex Officio Notary Public be ordered to make the same. He further prays, that after due and legal proceedings and delays, he may be appointed Administrator of the said Estate of the said Ellen Reese and that such other orders and decrees may issue as the nature of the case may require, and for general relief. H. Regenburg, Atty. State of Louisiana 11th Judicial District Court Parish of Union The premises considered, it is ordered that the above application of Ulysses Vanosdall be advertised according to Law. It is further ordered that Wm. C. Smith, Parish Recorder & Ex Officio Notary be and he is hereby authorized to make an inventory and appraisement of all the property belonging to the Estate of Ellen Reese, Decd. and due return thereof make to this office. Done and signed in office on this 21st day of September AD 1865. Thos. C. Lewis, Clk. State of Louisiana 11th Judicial District Court Parish of Union The premises considered and by reason of the property and legal advertisement having been made and no opposition being made thereto, it is ordered and decreed that Ulysses Vanosdall be and he is hereby appointed and confirmed as Administrator of the Estate of Ellen Reese, decd. and that upon his giving bond with good security and taking the oath prescribed by law that letters of Administration do issue to him. Done and signed in office on this 27th day of October AD 1865. Thos. C. Lewis Clerk of District Court Inventory: Filed September 21, 1865 State of Louisiana Parish of Union Do you and each of you solemnly swear that you will faithfully and impartially appraise all the property that may be presented to you belonging to the Estate of Ellen Reese, decd. at its cash value to the best of your judgment. So help you God. J. C. Dawson Jas. A. Dozier Sworn to and subscribed before me on this the 21st day of September AD 1865. Wm. C. Smith Recorder Be it remembered that on this the 23rd day of September AD 1865 pursuant to an order of the Honl. 11th Judl. Dist. Court in and for the Parish of Union State of Louisiana bearing date with these presents, and to me William C. Smith Parish Recorder etc. in and for said Parish and State directed commanding me to make an inventory and appraisement of all the property belonging to the Estate of Mrs. Ellen Reese, decd. late a resident of the Town of Farmerville in the Parish of Union, State of Louisiana, I did proceed to make said inventory and appraisement as herein after set forth, being assisted by James A. Dozier & James C. Dawson, who being duly appointed and sworn by me as appraisers and in the presence of two lawful witnesses to wit: House and Lot situated in the town of Farmerville, La. particularly described in Deed from W. W. Guthrie to Ellen Reese, dated Nov. 23, 1863. Recorded in the Recorder’s office in Book Deed marked “L” on page 21 & 22 appraised @ Four Hundred Dollars $400.00 1 Fine tester bedstead apprd. @ 10.00 1 Cotton mattress apprd. @ 5.00 Pillows & Bolster apprd. @ 5.00 4 bed blankets (white) apprd. @ $2 ea 8.00 1 blk. Blanket apprd. @ 2.00 5 sheets apprd. @ $2 ea 10.00 3 table cloths apprd. @ $1 ea 3.00 2 comforts apprd. @ 12/ ea 3.00 1 White counterpane @ 1.50 1 common bed stead 2.50 1 straid mattress 2.50 1 bureau 8.00 1 lot books 11 vol. apprd. @ 5.00 1 small repeater 5.00 8 old books 1.00 2 razors, bed rench, hamer, cork screw & gimblet, 2 razor stoks 2.00 1 wheel spenel & wheel, 2 piano tuners 1.00 1 small table & oil cover 2.00 1 candle stand .50 1 brass clock 5.00 1 looking glass 2.00 1 large rocking chair @ $2.50, 1 small rocking chair @ $2.50 5.00 6 parlor chairs @ 12/ ea. 9.00 5 common chairs @ 2/ ea. 1.25 1 sopha apprd. @ 5.00 1 folding dining table (torn) 1 set of glass ware 15.00 2 waters, 1 small 1 large 1.00 4 white stone pitchers @ 8/ ea. 4.00 1 tea pot 1.00 18 plates & two dishes, 4 pickel dishes, 2 staull dishes 10.00 3 cups & four saucers, 1 shugar, 1 butter dish, 1 cup boll 2.00 1 soup ladle, 1 common boll 1.00 5 knives & forks, 6 table spoons & 8 tea spoons 2.00 1 old caster candle stick, 1 tumbler & lot of butter 1.00 1 spinning wheel & reel 7.00 400 panels sugar more or less brown @ 2/ lbs. 100.00 Dagarious apporaters & material 25.00 1 safe and lot of mty. Bolles 5.00 1 hand saw 1.00 7 old window curtains 1.00 1 cook stove and furniture 15.00 1 loom & harness 5.00 2 kitchen tables 1.00 1 school desk & small table 1.00 1 bucket diper, sive tin pan 1.50 1 stone jar, coffee pot, hamer 1.00 1 shovel & andirons 1.00 1 wash board, flat iron & milk straner 1.00 1 small pot 1.00 2 pair andirons 2.00 2 stone jars & 2 jugs ___2.00 $718.25 The following land papers found and registered as follows: Certificate No. 22, 261 calling for 43 10/100 of an acre T. 14 R. 6 E Certificate No. 22, 263 calling for 40 42/100 of an acre T. 13 R. 6 E Certificate No. 22, 193 calling for 40 11/100 of an acre 14 N. R. 7 E Warrant No. 62.82 calling for 79 95/100 of an acre T 14 N R 6 E Warrant No. 15, 189 calling for 160 46/100 of an acre T. 14 N R 7 E Warrant No. 66,610 calling for 120 30/100 of an acre T. 14 N R. 7 E All in the District of Land subject to sale at Monroe, Louisiana, from the United States Land Office. Certificate from the land office at Monroe, La. No. 22, 410 calling for the W ½ of SE ¼ & SW ¼ of NE ¼ of Sec. No. 26 Township No. 13 N. of R. 6 East. Military Land Warrant No. 89, 152 located by Wm. K. Reese on the SW ¼ of Sec. 26 T. 13 N. of Range 6 East containing 162 16/100 acres. Military Land Warrant No. 93, 527, located by Wm. K. Reese at the land office at Monroe, La. upon the W ½ of SE ¼ & SW ¼ of NE ¼ of Section 26 T. 13 N. R. 6 East containing 121 62/100. Patent No. 10, 433 from the general land office of the State of Louisiana Dated Sept. 13, 1861 containing 44 74/100 acres in Township No. 20 Range No. 4 East situate in the Parish of Union, La. Patent No. 111, 393 issued by the General Land Office of the State of Louisiana, Sept. 2, 1861 containing 320 in Township 20 N. Range, Four East situate in the Parish of Union Patent No. 111, 388 issued by the land office of the State of Louisiana on the 22 day of August 1861 containing 280 acres in T. 20 N. Range No. 4 East situate in the Parish of Union, La. Having completed the foregoing inventory and appraisement, I have on this the 23rd day of September AD 1865 closed the same. In testimony whereof I have caused said appraisers to sign their names hereto in the presence of Daniel C. Morison and H. H. Ham witnesses of lawful age and domiciliated in the Parish of union who have also signed their names with said appraisers and me the said Recorder this the 23rd day of September AD 1865. D. C. Morrison J. C. Dawson H. H. Ham, Jr. Jas. A. Dosier Wm. C. Smith, Recorder Administrator’s Bond: Filed October 5, 1865 State of Louisiana Parish of Union Know all men by these presents that we Ulysses Vanosdall, as principal and John M. Rabun and James C. Dawson, as his securities are held and firmly bound unto Honl. J. D. Watkins, Judge of the 11th Judicial District Court in and for the Parish of Union, La. for the time being or to his successors in office in the just and full sum of Nine Hundred and Fifty Dollars ($950.00) 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, La. this 5th day of October AD 1865. The condition of the above obligation is such that whereas the above bounden Ulysses Vanosdall, has been duly and legally appointed and confirmed as Administrator of the Estate of Ellen Reese, Decd. and he has taken the oath prescribed by law. Now therefore, if the said Ulysses Vanosdall shall faithfully and impartially discharge all the duties incumbent on him as Administrator aforesaid, and shall render to the Judge of said Court a true and correct account of all his acts and doings in and about said Estate and shall whenever legally required so to do, pay over all sums of money, and deliver all the property of whatever nature in his hands (belonging to the said Estate to the property 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 principal and his said securities. Done, signed and acknowledged on this the day and date above written. ATTEST: Thos. C. Lewis, Clerk U. Vannosdall Jno. M. Rabun J. C. Dawson Oath & Letters of Administrator: Filed October 5, 1865 State of Louisiana 11th Judicial District Court Parish of Union I, Ulysses Vanosdall do solemnly swear that I will faithfully and impartially discharge all and singular the duties incumbent on me as Administrator of the Estate of Ellen Reese, Decd. to the best of my ability and understanding. So help me God. U. Vannosdall Sworn to and subscribed before me this 5th day of October AD 1865. Thos. C. Lewis Clerk, Dist. Court State of Louisiana 11th Judicial District Court Parish of Union Whereas, Ulysses Vanosdall, has this day been duly and legally appointed Administrator of the Estate of Ellen Reese, decd., and he has given bond with good security, and has taken the oath prescribed by law. Now therefore the said Ulysses Vanosdall is hereby duly authorized and empowered to do and perform all the acts appertaining to said appointment according to law. Given under my official Signature and seal of office this 5th day of October AD 1865. Thos. C. Lewis Clerk, Dist. Court Petition for Sale: Filed October 10, 1865 To the Honorable the Judge of the 11th Judicial District Court in & for Union Parish, La. The petition of U. Van Nosdall, Admr. of the Estate of Ellen Reese, Decd. resident of said Parish respectfully represents, that the personal property of said Estate is unproductive and subject to waste and deterioration and that the interest of the Estate requires that it should be sold as speedily as possible. He therefore prays, the premises duly considered that an order may issue out of your Hon. Court, ordering the sale of all the personal property of the said Estate of Ellen Reese, decd., under the Articles of the Code of Practice regulating such sales and that petitioner be authorized to make the said sale. Petitioner further prays for such further orders and decrees in the premises as the case may require, and for general relief. H. Regenburg Atty. State of Louisiana 11th Judicial District Court Parish of Union The premises considered, it is ordered and decreed that the prayer of petitioner be granted and that all the personal property belonging to the Estate of Ellen Reese, Decd. be sold under the articles of the Code of Practice regulating such sales. It is further ordered that Ulysses Vannosdall, the Admr. of said Estate be and he is here by authorized to make the said sale. Done and signed in office on this the 10th day of October AD 1865. Thos. C. Lewis Clerk of the District Court Process Verbal of Sale: Filed July 6, 1866 Be it remembered that on the Twenty First day of October AD 1865, I, Ulysses Van Nosdall, Administrator of the Estate of Ellen Reese, decd., after first having made due advertisements by posting, there being no newspaper published in the Parish, and in accordance with an order of the Hon. The 11th Judl. Dist. Court, in & for the Parish of Union, proceeded to offer for sale the personal property of the said Estate as follows to wit: S. W. Ramsey Bought 4 blankets $14.25 5 sheets 6.20 M. Van Nosdall bought 1 bedstead $12.00 3 table clothes 3.00 1 mattress 6.00 2 Decanters 4.50 1 set of glasses 1.00 4 pickle dishes 3.00 4 dishes 2.00 1 lot ambrotypes 15.00 1 safe 9.25 1 pr. andirons 3.50 1 yearling ___5.00 64.25 J. C. Dawson Bought 1 mattress 3.25 6 C. B. chairs 6.50 5 Wine glasses 1.00 6 wd. Glasses 1.30 2 water pitchers 3.00 7 soup plates 2.00 220 lb. sugar __92.80 69.85 J. C. Dawson (cont.) 1 pr. andirons 4.00 1 lot bacon __12.50 16.50 W. A. McFarland bought 4 pillows & 1 bolster 10.25 1 jar ___6.50 10.75 Whit Thornton bought 2 comforts 3.50 J. M. Rebecca bought 1 blk. Blanket 2.50 John Bearden bought 1 counterpane 2.25 1 small table & oilcloth 1.00 1 candle stand 1 bowl & Dipper 1.25 2 tables ___1.25 5.75 Mary Hearndon bought 1 common bedstead 5.00 R. C. Webb bought 1 bureau 13.25 1 loom & harness 5.00 1 andiron & hamer 1.05 1 pr. andirons & washboard Hat anysby barrels etc. ___2.00 21.30 S. W. Taylor bought Hat books 3.00 1 lot empty bottles .75 1 pitcher & 1 tumbler 1.25 1 lot buckets etc. ___1.50 6.50 T. C. Lives bought 1 lot shaving utensils 2.25 G. Dittenham bought 1 looking glass 1.10 5 chairs 2.75 1 sofa 9.00 3 small goblets 1.25 1 preserve dish .65 1 jar & jug 1.15 1 small pot ___.50 16.40 Joseph Baker bought 1 rocking chair 4.50 H. C. Glasson bought 1 small rocking chair 6.00 1 set goblets 4.75 1 tea pot .63 1 reel 3.75 1 spinning wheel __4.38 19.51 P. H. McVicker bought 1 dining table 5.50 1 hand saw 1.55 1 lot iron __2.75 9.80 J. F. Fuller bought 1 set plates 2.50 J. N. Greer bought 3 cups & saucers .75 1 lot wool __1.50 2.25 F. H. Cann bought 1 lot knives & forks .50 138 lb. sugar 21 ¾ 30.00 1 desk & table 7.50 3 hogs __3.50 41.50 N. Betterton bought 1 lot spoons 1.50 1 lot bottles .50 1 lot vingar & bbl. 3.00 1 broom ___.80 5.80 D. Ward bought 1 set knives & forks 2.10 B. F. Dillard bought 1 cooking stove 17.00 Cash 1 repeating pistol 6.50 1 clock 7.25 2 water pitchers 1.00 5 b. plates 1.00 1 lot molasses 2.00 1 lot salt & bbl. 1.50 1 bag & coffee mill ___.25 19.50 1 cow 16.00 Curtains __1.25 $386.71 The said parties being the highest and last bidders and having complied with the terms of sale, the articles were adjudicated accordingly. In testimony whereof, I have hereto set my hand this the 1st day of July AD 1866. U. Vannosdall Final Account: Filed July 6, 1866 To the Honorable the Judge of the 11th Jud. Dist. Court, in & for the Parish of Union, La. The petition of U. Van Nosdall, a resident of said Parish, Admr. of the Estate of Ellen Reese, decd., duly appointed & sworn respectfully represents unto your honor that the following is a final account of his Administration to wit: He charges himself with $754.25 The amount of inventory ___32.46 Amount for which goods sold over the inventoried amount $786.71 He prays credit for the following amounts paid out by him in the Administration to wit: Voucher No. 1 W. A. McFarland Acct. for coffin $30.00 Voucher No. 2 U. Van Nosdall acct. 100.00 Voucher No. 4 T. C. Lewis, Clk’s costs Voucher No. 5 H. Regenburg, Attys. fees 35.00 Admr. Commissions 19.65 Whereby it will be said, that he is chargeable with the sum of $786.71 and entitled to credits of leaving due by Admr. Petitioner represents that he has on hand unsold the house and lot, appraised and inventoried at $400.00 leaving actually due by him the sum of [blank] He prays that this account may be filed and advertised, and after due and legal delays that it may be homologated and allowed, that he may be authorized to pay over the assets of the Estate to B. K. Reese, the husband of the decd. and father and natural tutor of the minor heir and for such other orders and decrees as may be necessary in the premises. H. Regenburg, Atty. State of Louisiana 11th Judicial District Court Parish of Union It is ordered and decreed that the above and foregoing final account filed by Ulysses Vannosdall as Admr. of the Estate of Ellen Reese, decd. be advertised according to law. Done and signed in office this 6th ay of July AD 1866. Thos. C. Lewis Clerk, Dist. Court Opposition to final account: Filed September 1, 1866 To the Honorable the Judge of the 11th Judicial District Court, Parish of Union, State of Louisiana. In the matter of the final account of Ulysses Vannosdall, Admr. of the Estate of Ellen Reese, decd. William K. Reese of your said Parish and State, the husband and surviving spouse of the said decd., and the natural tutor of Lillie E. Reese, a minor heir of the said decedent and daughter of your complainant. Respectfully represents that the said U. Vannosdall has filed his final account of his Administration of said Estate which said account your complainant begs leave to oppose on the following grounds to wit: 1st. He opposes the credit claimed by the Adm. For the sum of One Hundred Dollars as shown by Voucher 2 entitled in said account as U. Vannosdall out and asks that the same may be rejected as not due by the Estate & further that the same is entirely exorbitant and unjust. 2nd. He opposes the item of nineteen dollars and sixty five cents Admrs. Coms. And alleges that he is only entitled to commissions on that portion of the Estate which he Administered to wit: $386.71 which at 2 ½% is ($9.66) nine & 66/100 dollars. 3rd. Opponent alleges that the inventory of the Estate of Ellen Reese was made immediately after the surrender of this Department by the so called confederates to the U. S. forces and that gunbacks were but little used and that said inventory was made upon a specie basis and was remarkably low at that. Also that the estate was not in debt and there was no reason why the sale of the effects of the Estate should have been made at all; much less was there any reason why the sale should have been made with such unsumly haste. He further avers that by presumption of law one half of all the property appraised belonged to opponent as partner in community; that no steps were taken by the said Administrator to have opponents rights ascertained or respected by the appointment of a curator, Atty. for absent heirs or in any other way and consequently he could not legally sell the property of opponent; that the said sale was illegal for the further reason that it was made for cash and did not realize the amount of the appraisement unless the sale was for specie which does not appear. It is further alleged that there was at least five hundred pounds of sugar at the time of the appraisement and that the Admr. only accounts for 358 pounds in his process verbal of sale. It is further alleged that the time selected for the sale was very unpropietions it being soon after the surrender when there was hardly any money in the country and when things could not sell except at a ruinous sacrifice; that the Admr. was aware of this fact and that opponent believes he fraudulently and with interest to take advantage of these circumstances for his own interest for the purpose of defrauding the Estate and opponent provoked the sale at this time and opponent is confirmed in this belief from the fact that the Admr. actually offered the property and posted up an advertisement for its sale immediately after the inventory without even getting an order of Court to sell the same and from the further fact that at the sale the Admr. actually bought in property for himself to the amount of some four hundred dollars for the sum of Sixty Four & 25/100 dollars which was in direct valuation of law and an absolute nullity and from the further fact that he procured J. C. Dawson his father in law to purchase sugar for said Admr.’s benefit & which he actually consumed & used. It is further alleged that by the illegal and unwarranted acts of the aforesaid Administrator in the sale aforesaid of his own property opponent has been damaged in the sum of four hundred dollars. It is further alleged that the said Admr. rec’d. two trunks filled with sundry articles mostly clothing worth one hundred and fifty dollars which were not on the appraisement of said Estate but which the Admr. fails to return or to account for. Wherefore opponent prays that his opposition be sustained and that there be judgment against U. Vannodsall in addition to the amount admitted in his account 1st. for $100 for the item charged the minor voucher No. 2. 2nd $10 comms. Overcharged 3rd for the undivided ½ of the property sold by the Administrator or its value four hundred dollars 4th for the property in two trunks unappraised $150.00 5th for the value of sugar unaccounted for $37.50 6th for the amount purchased by the Admr. or its value above its appraisement and not accounted for $250.00 and for the costs of this opposition. He further prays that in as much as the security on the Admrs. Bond is entirely insufficient that he be required at once to furnish additional security immediately for all orders and decrees necessary in the premises and for general & equitable relief. Also that opponent be recognized as the Natural Tutor of his daughter Lillie E. Reese and an under be appointed to her. Jno. L. Barrett Atty. for opponent & ptr. Opposition to final account: filed September 29, 1866 State of Louisiana 11th Judicial District Court Parish of Union W. K. Reese the opponent in the above matter prays leave to propound the following interrogatories to Mrs. Geneva King, a material and competent witness resident of the Parish of Ouachita, la. whose answers when taken by commission are to be read in evidence on the trial of the above opposition on the part of the opponent w. K. Reese. Inty. 1st. Are you acquainted with W. K. Reese and U. Vannosdall. Inty. 2nd. Where were you living at the time of the death of Mrs. Ellen Reese and at the time the inventory of her Estate was made. Int. 3rd. What was done with the wearing apparel of the said Mrs. Reese? Who put it away and where was it put? If you say it was put in trunks, how many trunks were used? Give a list of all the things that were then put away. State their quality as near as you can remember, and further state what you would suppose the said things were worth at the time? Int. 4th. Who kept the keys to the trunks (if they were in trunks) containing the said clothing, etc. from the time of Mrs. Reese’s death till the inventory was made? To whom was the key or keys given at the taking of the inventory. Inty. 5 State whether the said clothing was appraised if your know? And state what ladies were present at said appraisement & inventory that you can recollect? And who present when said clothing was packed away? Inty. 6th Who had charge of the keys of the house during this same time? And to whom was this clothing delivered at the time of the inventory or when you left the house? When you left the house of Mrs. Reese in whose charge did you leave this clothing as well as the things there? Inty. 7th State whether there was one or two sets of ambrotype apparatus at the time of the appraisement or inventory and whether there were many chemicals in bottles and materials for pictures? And if yes, state whether they were boxed up? And in what condition they were? And were there or not, large amounts of proteins, specimens? And in whose charge did you leave all these? Inty. 8 State how many barrels of sugar there were appraised? What kind of barrels they were? Whether or not they were full? And whether the sugar was packed and pressed into the barrels or put in light? If you know. Inty. 9th Have you or not , recognized any of the clothing before mentioned in possession of negroes or other persons since the same was put in possession of the Admr. U. Vannosdall? If yes, mention some of the articles thus recognized? Jno. L. Barrett Atty. for W. K. Reese U. Van Nosdall, Admr. of the Estate of Ellen Reese reserving all other legal objections to the interrogatories especially objects to the seventh and eighth interrogatories on the ground that the inventory and appraisement is the best testimonies to the numbers, value and amount of the articles inventoried. Reserving these he asks the following cross interrogatories. 1st How long did you live with Mrs. Ellen Reese? 2nd If you state that you have recognized any of Mrs. Reese’s clothing worn by negroes, state if you know, who gave them away to negroes, and why they were so given away. 3rd. give as full a statement of the condition of the wearing apparel f Mrs. Reese after her death as you can. H. Regenburg Atty. for U. Vannosdall, Admr. State of Louisiana 11th Judicail District Court Parish of Union W. K. Reese the opponent in the above matter prays leave to propound the following interrogatories to Brier Wilhite of the Parish of Ouachita, La. a competent and material witness the answers to which when taken by commission are to be read in evidence on the trial of the above opposition on the part of W. K. Reese. Inty. 1st. Are you acquainted to the parties hereto W. K. Reese and U. Vannosdall. Inty. 2nd. Did you or not as an artist take ambrotypes in the spring or summer of 1866. State whether or not you took pictures for U. Vanosdall & family in the town of Farmerville about whether or not you took pictures for U. Vanosdall & family in the town of Farmerville about that time? State whether you furnished the material for said pictures or did U. Vanosdall furnish it? Inty. 3rd. If you answer that Vanosdall furnished material state how many pictures you took for him & his family and friend and what you charged for them, and further state what you would have charged for the same work and you furnished the same quality & kind of material yourself. Inty. 4th State whether you ever looked at any abrotype apparatus or machinery in the possession of U. Vanosdall? If you, state about what time it was and where was said apparatus and how many sets of apparatus were there. Were there chemicals there also. State fully the condition of every thing at that time. Inty. 5th State what two sets of apparatus with a good supply of chemicals and a large lot of specimens each in the town of Farmerville. Say in the fall of were worth as near as you can tell. State whether you are acquainted or not the value of such property? Inty. 6th State whether Vanosdall said when he obtained the material he furnished and the chemicals he offered to sell you. Jno. L. Barrett Atty. for w. K. Reese Service of the within Interrogatories acknowledged Oct. 26th 1866. H. Regenburg, Atty. State of Louisiana 11th Judicial District Court Parish of Union I do hereby certify the within and foregoing to be a true and correct copy of the original interrogatories now on file in my office. Given under my hand and seal of said Court this 30th day of October AD 1866. J. W. Reid Clerk, District Court State of Louisiana 11th District Court Parish of Union Estate of Ellen Reese, decd. Opposition to Admr. account filed by W. K. Reese. To any Judge or Justice of the Peace in & for the Parish of Ouachita, La. Greeting: KNOW YE, That reposing special trust and confidence in your integrity and ability, we do appoint you commissioner and authorize and require, you, that you cause to come before you Prior Wilhite. Witness on the part of W. K. Reese and duly examine him on oath, touching and concerning certain matters and things in a case now depending in said District Court, wherein an opposition has been filed to the final account of U. Vanosdall, Admr. of the Estate of Ellen Reese, decd. plaintiff and by W. K. Reese defendant, and the same examinations, so taken by you reduced to writing, you cause said witness to sign the same, and do you certify the same under your hand and seal, and send enclosed to this court at Farmerville on or before the 1st Monday in April next to be read in evidence on the trial of the above entitled cause, and also this writ, by order of the court. Witness the Honorable J. D. Watkins, Judge of the said court, and given under my hand and the seal of said court, at Farmerville the 30th day of October AD 1866. J. W. Reid Clerk State of Louisiana 11th Judicial District Court Parish of Union Opposition by W. K. Reese to final account of U. Vannosdall, Admr. To charles Delery, or any Judge or Justice of the Peace, in & for the Parish of Ouachita, La. Greeting: KNOW YE, That reposing special trust and confidence in your integrity and ability, we do appoint you commissioner and authorize and require you, that you cause to come before you Mrs. Geneva King, a resident of the Parish of Ouachita, La. Witness on the part of the said W. K. Reese, (opponent) and duly examine her on oath, touching and concerning certain matters and things in a case now depending in said 11th District court, wherein an opposition has been filed by W. K. Reese, to the final acct. of U. Vannosdall, Admr. of the Estate of Ellen Reese, and the same examinations, so taken and by you reduced to writing, you cause said witness to sign the same, and do you certify the same under you hand and seal and send enclosed to this court at Farmerville on or before the 1st Monday in April next, to be read in evidence on the trial of the above entitled cause, and also this Writ, by order of the Court. Witness the Honorable J. D. Watkins Judge of the said Court, and given under my hand and the seal of said Court, at Farmerville the 15th day of October AD 1866. J. W. Reid, Clerk State of Louisiana 11th Judicial District Court Parish of Union W. K. Reese the opponent in the above matter, prays leave to propound the following interrogatives to Mrs. Geneva King a material and component, witness resident of the Parish of Ouachita, La. whose answers when taken by commission are to be read in evidence on the trial of the above opposition on the part of the opponent W. K. Reese. Inty. 1st Are you acquainted with W. K. Reese, and U. Vannosdall? Inty. 2nd Where were you living at the time of the death of Mrs. Ellen Reese, and at the time the inventory of her Estate was made? Inty. 3rd What was done with the wearing apparel of the said Mrs. Reese? Who put it away? And where was it put? If you say it was put in trunks, how many trunks were used? Give a list of all the things that were thus put away. State their quality as near as you can remember and further state what you would you suppose the said things were worth at this time? Inty. 4th. Who kept the keys to the trunks (if there were in trunks) containing the said clothing etc. from the time of Mrs. Reese’s death till the inventory was made? To whom was the key or keys given at the taking of the inventory? Inty. 5th. State whether the said clothing was appraised if you know? And state what ladies were present at said appraisement & inventory that you can recollect? And who were present when said clothing was packed away? Inty. 6th. Who had charge of the key of the home during the same time? And to whom was this clothing delivered at the time of the inventory or when you left the house? When you left the house of Mrs. Reese, in whose charge did you leave this clothing, as well as the things there? Inty. 7th. State whether there was one or two sets of Ambrotype apparatus, at the time of the appraisement or inventory. And whether there were more chemicals in bottles, and materials for pictures. And if yes, state whether they were boxed up. And in what condition they were? And were there or not, large amounts of pictures, specimens? And in whose charge did you leave all there? Inty. 8th. State how many barrels of sugar there were appraised? What kind of barrels they were? Whether or not they were full? And whether the sugar was packed and pressed into the barrels or put in light? If you know? Inty. 9th. Have you or not recognized any of the clothing before mentioned in possession of negroes, or other persons since the same was put in possession of the Admr. U. Vannosdall? If yes, mention some of the articles thus recognized. Jno. L. Barrett Atty. for W. K. Reese U. Vannosdall, Admr. of the Estate of Ellen Reese, reserving all other legal objectives to the interrogatives especially object to the seventh, and eighth interrogatives on the ground that the inventory is the best testimony as to the number, value, and amount of the articles inventoried. Reserving there he asks the following cross interrogatories. 1st. How long did you live with Mrs. Ellen Reese? 2nd. If you state that you have recognized any of Mrs. Reese clothing worn by negroes, state if you know who gave them away to negroes, and why they were so given away. 3rd. Give as full a statement of the condition of the wearing apparel of Mrs. Reese, after her death as you can. H. Regenburg Atty for U. Vannosdall, Admr State of Louisiana 11th Judicial District Court Parish of Union I do hereby certify the within and foregoing to be a true and correct copy of the original interrogatories now on file in my office. Given under my hand and seal of said Court this 15th day of October AD 1866. J. W. Reid Clerk, District Court The portions of Articles (answers), produced here and examined by virtue of the annexed commission on the 18th day of October 1866 at Monroe in the Parish of Ouachita, State of Louisiana before me S. O. McEnery a Justice of Peace for the town of Monroe named in said commission, in a certain cause now depending in the 11th Judicial District Court in and for the Parish of Union, wherein the William K. Reese, has filed an opposition to the final account of U. Vannosdall, Administrator of the Estate of Ellen Reese, on the part of the said William K. Reese, Geneva King being produced and sworn answers as follows to the interrogatives propounded in this cause to interrogatory 1st. I am acquainted with Wm. K. Reese, and U. Vannosdall to interrogatory 2nd. I was living in Farmerville at the time of the death of Mrs. Ellen Reese, at her house, and at the house of Mr. Rayburn in Farmerville at the time of the inventory being made to interragatory 8th. The wearing apparel of Mrs. Ellen reese was placed in the possession of Mr. and Mrs. Vannosdall. I packed the wearing apparel away in trunks, and the trunks were placed in the care of Mr. and Mrs. Vannosdall, and they took them to their house. There were only two trunks used in packing the wearing apparel. There was put into the trunks the following articles: Thre hom spun dresses belonging to Zerence Reese value $3.00 a piece. One worsted dress belong to Zerence Reese value $3.00. One white dress belonging to Zerence Reese value $4.00. One br Jorda Martin belonging to Zerence value $5.00. One silk dress belong to Mrs. Ellen Reese value $5.00, one white swiss belonging to Mrs. Ellen Reese value $5.00. One home spun worsted belonging to Mrs. Ellen Reese value $15.00. One cotton home spun belonging to Mrs. Ellen Reese value $12.00. One lawn belonging to Mrs. Ellen Reese value $6.00. Two worsted dresses belonging to Lillie Reese value $2 a piece. Four home spun dresses belonging to Lillie Reese value each $1.00. One child’s cotton cap value $3.00. Three table cloth’s value $2.00 each. 4 towels Value $2.00. 1 ladies work basket value $1.50. 3 pair scissors and 1 work box value $2.00. One single merino shawl value $5.00. Three men’s coats value $36.00. 4 prs. pants $83.00 each. Three shirts $1.50 each. To interrogatory 4th. Neither one of the trunks had a key. To interrogatory 5th. The clothing put in the trunks was not appraised. Miss Sue Clark, Mrs. Nighard, and Mrs. Vannosdall were present when the clothes were packed away. To interrogatory 6th. Mr. U. Vanosdall had charge of the keys of the house during the time above specified, & retained possession of them. The clothing was delivered, I believe, on or about the 21st of September 1865. When I left the house of Mrs. Ellen Reese, I left the clothing in the trunks in the charge of Mr. & Mrs. Vannosdall, as well as the other things about the house. To interrogatory 7th. There were two sets of ambrotype apparatus at the time of the appraisement or inventory. There were some chemicals in bottles, and materials for pictures. They were boxed up. There were great many specimen pictures. All of these things were left in the charge of U. Vannosdall. To interrogatory 8th. There were two barrels of sugar appraised. One was a large whiskey barrel, and the other was a flour barrel. Neighter barrel was full—they lacked a few inches of being full. The sugar was packed in the barrels. To interrogatory 9th. I have seen negroes in possession of some of the clothing put in the trunks at the time of the appointment or inventory. This since they have been in charge of the Vannosdall, Admr. I recognized one home spun dress worsted, 1 child’s cap. This is all I have recognized. Cross Interrogatories. Answer to Cross Interrogatory 1st. I lived with Mrs. Ellen Reese over two years—I do not recollect the exact time. Answer to Cross Interrogatory 2nd. Mrs. Vannosdall gave the clothing away that I saw worn by negroes. I do not know why they it was given away. To interrogatory 3rd. All the clothing of Mrs. Reese that I packed away was in good condition. Geneva (her X mark) King Sworn to and subscribed before me at the town of Monroe, Parish of Ouachita in state of Louisiana this 18th day of October 1866. S. D. McEnery Justice of the Peace For the town of Monroe I, Samuel J. McEnery, a Justice of the Peace for the town of Monroe do hereby certify that Geneva King the deponent was by me sworn to declare the truth on the questions put to her in the cause, that the interrogatories and cross interrogatories were produced to her, and her answers thereto taken in writing and subscribed by her in my presence, on the day and at the place in that behalf first aforesaid. S. D. McEnery Justice of the Peace Of the town of Monroe Interrogatories to Prior Wilhite: Filed October 27, 1868 State of Louisiana 11th Judicial District Court Parish of Union W. K. Reese the opponent in the above matter prays leave to propound the following interrogatories to Prior Wilhite of the Parish of Ouachita, La. a competent and material witness, the answers to which when taken by commission are to be read in evidence on the trial of the above opposition on the part of W. K. Reese. Int. 1st. Are you acquainted with the parties hereto W. K. Reese and U. Vannosdall? Int. 2nd. Did you or not as an artist take ambrotypes in the spring or sum of 1865? State whether or not you took pictures for U. Vanosdall & family in the town of Farmerville about that time? State whether you furnished the material for said pictures or did U. Vannosdall furnish it? Inty. 3rd. If you answer that Vannosdall furnished material, state how many pictures you took for him & his family and friends and what you charged for them, and further state what you would have charged for the same work, had you furnished the same quality & kind of material yourself? Inty. 4th. State whether you ever looked at any ambrotype apparatus or machinery in the possession of U. Vannosdall? If yes, state about what time it was? And when was said apparatus? And how many sets or apparatus were there. Were there chemicals there also? State fully the condition of everything at that time? Inty. 5th. State what two such sets or apparatus with a good supply or chemicals and a large lot of specimens each, in the town of Farmerville, say in the fall of 1865 were worth? As near as you can tell state whether you acquainted the value of such property? Inty 6th. State whether Vannosdall said when he obtained the material he furnished and the chemicals he offered to sell you? Jno. L. Barrett Atty. for W. K. Reese Service of the within interrogatories acknowledged Oct. 26th 1866. H. Regenburg, Attorney Motion for new security in Admr. Bond: Filed April 12, 1867. State of Louisiana 11th Judicial District Court Parish of Union In the matter of the Succession of Ellen Reese, Decd. W. K. Reese the surviving husband and partner in community of said Ellen Reese, decd. and Tutor of the minor heir of said Estate moves your Honorable Court that U. Vannosdall, Admr. of said Estate be required to give new security for the faithful Administration of said Estate for the reason that the present security upon his bond to wit: & are insolvent and that the Admr. himself is insolvent and there is great danger of loss to your mover and the heirs. Jno. L. Barrett, Atty. In the matter of the Succession of Ellen Reese In the 11th Judicial District Court. It is hereby ordered that U. Vannosdall, Admr. do new security for the faithful performance of his duties as Admr. of the said Estate within ten days under the penalty prescribed by Law. Done, read and signed on this April 12, 1867. Opposition Administrator’s Account: Filed [blank] State of Louisiana Parish of Union Opposition to Final Account of Admr. It is agreed by counsel for Admr. and opponent that the interrogatories of Prior Willhite which were ordered to be taken on the 1st. Monday of April 1867 may be yet be answered under the same commission any time before the first Monday in October next and be rec’d. without objection on the ground of their not being answered in accordance with the commission in regard to time signed and dated this Farmerville, La. July 1, 1867. Jno. L. Barrett Atty. for opponent H. Regenburg Atty. for Adm. Opposition to Final Account: Filed July 2, 1867 Opposition to final account of U. Vannosdall, Admr. State of Louisiana Parish of Ouachita Be it remembered that I, Charles Delery, a duly qualified Justice of the Peace, in and for Ward No. 3 in said Parish and State, do hereby certify, that acting by virtue of and in obedience to the annexed commission, issued out of the Hon. 11th Dist. Court, for the Parish of Union, in the case entitled, “Estate of Ellen Reese, opposition to Final Account etc.” I have caused to appear before me Prior Wilhite, on this 25th day of June 1867 and being then duly sworn to declare the truth in answering the interrogatories put to him in said cause, answered as follows: To Interrogatory 1st. witness answered – I am. To Inty. 2n. Witness answered: I did take pictures for U. Vannosdall & family in Farmerville in the spring of 1866. U. Vanosdall furnished four fine cases, to the best of my recollection, and a frame I furnished he balance, they were common cases. To Inty. 3rd. Witness answered: I don’t remember how many pictures I took for them, those in the cases & frame he furnished, I charged two 50/100 dollars each. Those I furnished were three dollars pictures, to the best of recollection. For the pictures put in the cases furnished by him, I don’t know what I would have charged, had I furnished the materials; I suppose not less then ten dollars each. To Inty. 4th Witness answered: I examined two ambrotype apparatus with the materials composing a stock of an ambrotypist, in possession of U. Vanosdall, they were at Mr. Vannosdall’s in a little smoke house, in June 1866. The condition of the things at that time was bad, and not worth anything. To Inty. 5th. Witness answered: If the apparatus I saw had been in good condition in the fall of 1865, they would have been worth not less than four hundred dollars, including all the stock of materials & specimans. To Inty. 6th Witness answered: Vanosdall told me he bought the materials from Reese’s sale, but he did not offer me chemicals for sale, but other materials. L. P. Willhite Sworn to & subscribed before me this 25th day of June 1867. Chas. Gelery, J. Peace State of Louisiana Parish of Ouachita I, Charles Gelery, a duly commissioned & sworn Justice of the Peace, do hereby certify that the foregoing depositions we reduced to writing by me, and were signed as above by the witness in my presence. In testimony whereof, I hereunto sign my name officially on this 5th June AD 1867. Chas. Gelery, J. Peace Opposition to Final Account of Administrator: Filed April 7, 1868. State of Louisiana 11th Judicial District Court Parish of Union W. K. Reese opponent in the above entitled case moves your Honl. Court for a rule upon U. Vannosdall to show cause if any he has why the evidence of Prior Wilhite filed in this Court July 2nd, 1867 and of Geneva King filed Oct. 20, 1866 both taken by commission should not be read in evidence on the trial of this cause on the part of opponent Reese. Jno. L. Barrett Atty. for Opponent. Opposition of W. K. Reese: Filed May 28, 1874 Judgment: State of Louisiana Parish Court Parish of Union By reason of the law and the evidence adduced on the trial of the opposition of W. K. Reese to the final account of U. Vannosdall, Admr. of the Estate of Ellen Reese, decd. being in favor of the opponent. It is hereby ordered, adjudged and decreed that there be judgment against the said U. Vannosdall, Admr. and his securities insolido jointly in favor of W. K. Reese and W. K. Reese, Tutor of Lillie E. Reese sole heir of Ellen Reese, decd. for the sum of four hundred and ninety three dollars and fifty six cents (493.56) with five per cent per annum interest thereon from 6th July 1866 and all costs of the opposition. Done, read and signed in open court this 28th day of May 1874. Thos. C. Lewis Parish Judge ########################################################################################## File posted at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/la/union/court/reese-ellen.txt