Freestone County, Texas
Bill of Sale


[John A. Jordan of Rusk Co., TX purchased slaves from Mrs. Sarah A. Gamble of
  Freestone Co., TX. in 1857-1861. 
 Source: Deed Book O of Rusk Co., TX pg. 475-476]

The State of Texas, County of Rusk } Know all men by these presents that, whereas 
I, John A. Jordan of the county and state aforesaid, am indebted to Mrs. Sarah A. 
Gamble of the County of Freestone and state aforesaid by promissory note, in the 
words and figures following, to wit. $4,045. By the first day of January next, I 
promise to pay Mrs. Sarah Gamble or order four thousand and forty-five dollars 
for value received. This 24th September 1857. Signed John A. Jordan. With a 
credit of one thousand dollars, endorsed thereon. On the 2nd day of December 
1858, being a balance due and unpaid at this date of four thousand fifty-two and 
68/100 dollars. In consideration of which, I have and by these presents do bargain, 
sell and convey unto her, the said Sarah A. Gamble, the following named and 
described negro slaves, to wit, Clarissee, a mulatto girl, about eleven years of 
age, for the price or sum of seven hundred dollars; Adaline, a mulatto woman, 
about twenty-two years of age, and her female child (also mulatto), about three 
years of age, for the sum of eleven hundred dollars; Sylvia, a girl of copper 
color, about nine years of age, for the sum of six hundred dollars; Matilda, a 
girl of copper color, about six years of age, for the sum of five hundred dollars; 
Sarah, a girl of copper color, about three years of age, for the sum of three 
hundred and fifty-two and 68/100 dollars; and Charity, a girl of dark color, 
about eighteen years of age, for the sum of eight hundred dollars. Amounting in 
the aggregate to four thousand and fifty-two 68/100 dollars, the amount of my 
indebtness to the said Sarah A. Gamble. To have and to hold the said negro slaves. 
[They] are, each one of them, sound in body and mind and slaves for life. And 
that I will forever warrant and defend the title thereto to her, the said Sarah
A. Gamble, her heirs and assigns against the claim or claims of all persons 
whomsoever. In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 2nd day 
of December A. D. one thousand eight hundred and sixty-one. Attest, C. G. Burnett, 
C. M. Alexander, Perry G. Whetstone. John A. Jordan. The State of Texas, County 
of Rusk } Before me, the undersigned authority, this day personally came John A. 
Jordan, grantor to the foregoing instrument of writing, to me well known, and 
acknowledged that he signed and executed the same for the purposes and 
considerations therein contained. (LS) Given under my hand and seal of office in 
Henderson this, the 2nd day of December 1861. Perry G. Whetstone, Clerk, County 
Court, Rusk County. Endorsed. John A. Jordan, bill of sale to Sarah A. Gamble at 
20 minutes after 9 o'clock A. M. Perry G. Whetstone, Clerk, County Court, Rusk 
County.