Wills of Stoddard Co. MO - Owen, Reuben P. - Book A pg.71-75 ***************************************************************** File contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives Compiled and submitted by © 1999,2000, Connie Perkins ------------------------------------------------------------------------- USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ *************************************************************************** Record Book of Wills in the County of Stoddard, Missouri Book A, pgs. 71-75 Probate Court Depositions on Will of William O. Knight Reuben P. Owen of Lawful age being duly Sworn according to Law deposes and Says Quest. Mr. Owen were you acquainted with William O. Knight Ans. I was acquainted with him from his childhood untill he died most of the time. Question -- State to the Court what you know of his habits and peculiarities -- pg. 72 Ans -- So far as regards his person Physically he was weakly and had bad health generally for several years -- during his childhood he could scarcely talk So as to be understood by any persons them those who were intimately acquainted with him. He appeared to have had Some disease in his infancy or the early part of his childhood that affected his tongue and power of Speech very materially -- Quest -- At what age did he become So that he could talk So as to be understood -- Ans -- I do not Know that I can State his Speech was always hard to understand at least it was for myself there were Some words he could Speak tolerable plain, but the most of his Language was very Broken. I Seldom heard him talk about any Subject out of Some Simple Nature about his conversation or friends or Something of that Sort; I do not recollect of ever hearing him talk about business matters. Question -- State your opportunities of having him talk on business matters. Answer -- I have been in the habit of being in his company occasionally ever since his childhood Sometimes more frequent and other times not So often. Quest-- If he ever followed any business please State to the Court what it was Answer -- I never knew of his doing any Kind of business. I am Satisfied he Never done any Kind of business. Ques-- If he was ever about your Store please State how often and what his business was Answer -- I cannot tell you how often but a great many times. I do not think he came on business at all he frequently came with his mother. When she came to buy good, Sometimes he came with the black boy Sam. Sometimes during the last few years I think he had come with David Crytes perhaps. Quest -- If you know State how he obtained his clothes and necessities of life. Ans -- As far as I know they were furnished by his Mother. I know she frequently purchased clothing from pg 73 My Store for him. As to provision I dont Know that I can State. Quest -- State whether you ever know of his having controll of any property if So State what property. Ans -- I never knew of his having controll any Quest -- if you Know of his owning any property State who has had the controll of it during the time of his owning of it. Ans -- the black boy Sam I have always understood to be his ever since the death of his father William Knight and Mrs. Knight, William O. Knights mother has had the controll and Management of Sam ever Since Old Man Knights death as far as I have any knowledge. Quest-- where did William O. Knight make his home. Ans -- he has always lived with his mother as far as I know they formerly lived in Kentucky but moved to this State Some 14 or 15 years ago, as well as I recollect. Quest-- Please State the Manner of his mother towards him when they were together. Ans -- She was very kind to him and would Speak to him and treat him more like a child of 8 or 10 years old than a man. Think I have heard his mother tell him how to conduct himself etc. Question -- what effect did her directions have upon him. Ans -- I dont know that I can State the effect. I only Know that he always appeared very obedient and Kind to his mother and to obey her generally Question -- State to the court what you know about Sarah H. Knight controlling William O. Knight Ans. I think he was under her controll Quest. State to the Court what extent her directions seemed to controll him. Ans -- he always appeared to mind what She Said and to obey her the same as a child of 8 or 10 years would. He appeared to be about this way that whatever his mother thought was right was right with him. Quest -- State whether you ever Knew of his setting up his own argument in opposition to his mother I So where and in what particular. Ans. I never Know of his doing So. Quest -- How long has this influence you Speak of .. over the mind of William O. Knight Ans -- During his life as far as I Know pg 74 Quest -- Please State To the Court who Selected his Clothing that was bought of your Store at times when he was present. Ans. His Mother Selected his clothing I think I have heard her ask him if Such or Such a think pleased him or if it was handsome or Something of that sort when they went to leave it was all her suggestion I think She would usually Say "come Willie lets go" or lets Start or Something of that Sort. Quest -- If William O. Knight and his Mother ever Stayed at your home alnight State how often and on What are used. Ans -- I can not tell how often they have Stayed but they have Stayed at My house a good Many nights As to what I dont know that I understand your allusion he usually Slept in the Same bed with his Mother the Same as a little child when they went to bed it was I believe always at the Suggestion of his Mother. Cross examination Quest -- Mr. Owen have you not had some powers of attorney acknowledged before you by William O. Knight. Ans -- I cannot now recollect whether I took his acknowledgment or not I recollect of writing the power of attorney perhaps two or three powers of attorney for him but I dont remember whether the acknowledgment was taken by me or a Justice of the peace. I remember of pulling Some certificates to one or more powers of attorney executed by him but dont now remember all the circumstances. Quest -- Did William O. Knight always know you and family when he went there. Ans -- yes Sir he did Quest -- did you ever hear William O. Knight say anything about the ownership of Sam. Ans. Yes Sir I have heard him My Sam O. or Something of that kind. I think frequently. Reexamination Quest -- Who asked you to make the certificate to the power of attorney for William O. Knight Ans -- I think it was his Mother. She Spoke to me or asked me to write the powers of Attorney and the certificates as well as I remember pg 75 Quest -- who was the attorney or attorneys Ans -- David Crytes, I think was the attorney named in one or more of them. And I believe there was one made Some years ago appointing Elijah Neal his attorney but I am not curtain as to Neal. Quest -- Was there any obtained under those powers of attorney money or property Ans -- I do not Know Quest -- Were those powers of attorney Special or general Ans -- I do not Know that I can state certainly. I know that one power granted to the attorney or attorneys was to collect a Legacy from the Knight Estate in Kentucky. Whether there were any further powers given or not I do not now remember this is all I can now remember about the matter. Reuben P. Owen Sworn to & Subscribed in open court the 24th day of Jun AD 1858 Jonas Eaker Judge District County Court. © This page created and placed here by: Connie Perkins cpfamilyhistory@worldnet.att.net November 01, 1999 for MOGenWeb