1863 Succession of Melinda E. Hewitt Smith, Dec'd., Union Parish Louisiana Submitted for the Union Parish Louisiana USGenWeb Archives by Shawn Martin, 10/2006 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ************************************************ ================================================================================= 1863 Succession of Melinda E. Hewitt Smith, Dec'd., Union Parish Louisiana Union Parish Louisiana Succession Book F, pp. 527 - 528 ================================================================================== ================================================================================== To the Honorable the Judge of the 11th Judicial District Court in and for the Parish of Union, Louisiana, The Petition of John A. Smith, a resident of said Parish respectfully represents unto your honor that he has been lawfully married to Melinda E. Hewitt, who departed this life the 2nd day of January AD 1863 leaving four children the issue of the said marriage to wit: Francis E., William T., Dulcenia and Emeline Smith, who are all minors. He represents that a considerable amount of property will be coming to his said minor children from the Estate of their Grandfather and Grandmother, John H. Hewitt and Elizabeth Ann Hewitt, Decd., late residents of Morehouse Parish, La. and that as the father he is legally entitled to be appointed and confirmed Natural Tutrix to his said children. Wherefore he prays that after the due legal proceedings, he may be appointed and confirmed tutor as above said, and for such other orders in the premises as shall be necessary. H. Regenburg, Atty. The premises considered in the foregoing Petition, it is ordered that John A. Smith be and he is hereby appointed and confirmed Natural tutor to the minors, Francis E., William T., Dulcenia and Emeline Smith, minor heirs of Melinda E. Hewitt, Decd. and that letters issue accordingly on his taking the oath according to law. Given under my hand and seal of office the Judge of the District being absent from the Parish this the 20th day of July AD 1863. J. L. Guthrie, Clerk State of Louisiana Parish of Union I, John A. Smith, do solemnly swear that I will faithfully discharge and perform all the duties incumbent on me as Tutor to my minor children, Francis E. Smith, William T. Smith, Dulcenia Smith and Emeline Smith, minor heirs of Melinda E. Hewitt, Decd to the best of my ability and understanding. So help me God. John A. Smith Sworn to and subscribed in office this 20th July 1863. J. L. Guthrie, Clerk State of Louisiana 11th Judicial District Court Parish of Union Whereas John A. Smith has been duly confirmed and appointed Natural Tutor to his four minor children and heirs of Melinda Smith, decd. to wit: Francis E., William T., Dulcenia and Emiline Smith and hath taken the oath prescribed by law. Now therefore, the said John A. Smith is hereby duly authorized and empowered to do and perform all and singular the duties appertaining to said appointment according to law. Given under my hand and seal of office this 20th day of July AD 1863. J. L. Guthrie, Clerk State of Louisiana 11th Judicial District Court Parish of Union Whereas John A. Smith has been duly confirmed and appointed Natural Tutor to his four minor children and heirs of Melinda E. Smith, Decd. to wit: Frances E., William T., Dulcenia and Cornelia Smith and hath taken the oath prescribed by law. Now therefore, the said John A. Smith is hereby duly authorized and empowered to do and perform all and singular the duties appertaining to said appointment according to law. Given under my hand and seal of office this 20th day of July AD 1863. J. L. Guthrie, Clerk A true record May 30th 1867. Jas. F. Stokes Deputy Clerk ##################################################################