Kaufman County, TX - Vital Records - Probate;1876-1901- Estate of Sarah Frances Cook- Navarro & Kaufman Counties, TX ************************************************************************************* This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Elnora Frances Cook-Wyrick Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ************************************************************************************* Probate Records; Estate of Sarah Francis Cook, 1876 Through 1901-Navarro & Kaufman Counties,TX 1876: Order #200 for September Term: Bryan T Barry Guardian, Legally appointed : “Filed his petition to sell land which was ordered to be recorded. Navarro Co., . Mr. Barry states that he has no property that belongs to Sarah F Cook, a person of unsound mind, and income of said estate is insufficient for the maintenance. This being a fact no property that belongs to her estate except a tract in parcel of land hereinafter described. Mr. Barry claims this land is unimproved and wholly nonproductive. Land is described as 569 acres out of the Henry Cook League in Williamson and Milam Counties. Outcome of petition is not completed. Nothing more known about this petition. *************************************************** 1877: November Term, Navarro County Court, Allowance Report, filed, allowed, approved and recorded. Mr. Barry states that he has arranged with his ward’s father and stepmother, for the stepmother to board and care for her at $10.00 per month, to begin 8 Oct. 1877 through 1 Oct. 1878, total of $120.00. Mr. Berry also asks for additional allowance for “Much needed clothes”. The Judge approved these requests and orders that the contract with Henry and Effie Cook be reduced to writing and signed by the parties and recorded. The Clothes allowance was also approved and ordered for $5.00. *************************************************************8 1881: May Term , Navarro County Court: Annual Account Submitted for Approval. First; No property has come into his possession since his Inventory was filed. Second; No changes have been made in the Estate. Third; He has received in money the following from S.M Slaughter from sale of land sold by order of Court -----------------------------------------------------------------$1,290.00. From Interest on that money-----------------------------------------------$150.00. Total Receipts----------------------------------------------------------- $1,440.00. He has paid out as follows, to Board of ward from 1 Oct. 1877 to 1 April 1881. Receipt attached 42 months @ $10.00------------------------------------- $420.00. To amount paid for clothing forward receipts also attached ---------------$41.25. To account for taxes 1873 on land ---------------------------------------$5.25. To account for taxes 1877 on land ----------------------------------------$3.50. To amount cost August 16/77-----------------------------------------------$14.50 To amount Cost, March 16/79-----------------------------------------------$1.40 To amount Cost Judge Frost ---------------------------------------------- $1.00 To amount Cost Expenses to Williamson to sell land------------------------$23.75 To Expenses to Williamson to collect money--------------------------------$21.50 To 5% Coms. On $1,290.00 received-----------------------------------------$64.50 To 5% Coms on $532.00 paid out-------------------------------------------$26.60 Acct. of Allowance asked for sale of land services & c&c for three and ½ years---------------------------------------------------------------------$150.00 To total paid out---------------------------------------------------------$773.25 Leaving amount on hand----------------------------------------------------$666.75 No Claims have been allowed;-------------------------------------$0 No Claims have been requested-------------------------------------$0 Money on hand as above on interest in a tract of land in Jack Co.-$666.75 I do swear that the above account contains a correct and complete statement of the matter to which it relates. Signed Bryan T Barry; Submitted and subscribed before me this the 20th day of May 1881. Signed S.H. Kerr, Clk, Co., Ct. Navarro Co., by C J Kerr, deputy. Notice was given to Sheriff to post in 3 places giving notice that all interested parties were to be prepared to contest by court date of 3rd Monday in July 1881, at the Court House in Corsicana, Navarro Co., TX; Witnessed 20 May 1881, by S.H. Kerr Clerk of Court; Navarro County, and (C. J. Kerr ?) Deputy. Endorsed, Acknowledged and Signed by: E. E. Dunn, Sheriff and R.H. Cubley/Cubby, Deputy 28 July 1881: In the Estate of Sarah F Cook, Idiot: by Bryan T Barry, Guardian: Annual Accounting Report filed and submitted, 20 May 1881: is accepted and ordered to be recorded, as nothing was contested or objected to, additionally, $150.00 is allowed to the Guardian as Compensation for services rendered to the Estate in sale of lands as set and ask for in said account. Document ends here. ************************************************************ 1885: May Term; Annual Account, Estate of Sarah F Cook; Idiot. Bryan T Barry, Guardian. In Navarro Co., TX Court. Honorable John H Rice, County Judge. First: No property belonging to the Estate has come to his knowledge since his last report and no changes have been made in that on hand. Second: He states his account as follows: Balance on hand by report May 20/81----------------------------------------$666.75 Interest on Money to date.-------------------------------------------------$93.25 Total----------------------------------------------------------------------$760.00 He has paid and Court Cost ----------------------------------$ 11.65 Sarah at board from April 1/81 to Jan. 1/85, 45 months @$10.00 and $40.00 for clothing. Cashiers receipt herewith-----------------$49.00------xxx(?) Leaving Balance on hand----------------------------------------------------xxx(?) Less 5% Coms. On $501.00, paid out.---------------------------------------xxx(?) Balance on hand------------------------------------------------------------$233.30 Third: No claims have been allowed or rejected since his last report. Fourth: The money on hand is as above $233.30 and the property his Ward’s interest in the Henry Cook 320’ survey of land in Jack County. All of which as respectfully submitted. Signed; Bryan T Barry Bryan T Barry having sworn says that the above and foregoing contains a correct and complete statement of the matters to which it relates----End of Document. Notice prepared and posted by Navarro County Clerk, S H Kerr, and by T J Kerr Deputy. Endorsed and Posted by Navarro County Sheriff, JL Walton, Sheriff and J H Doolen. 1885: November 25, Above Annual Report approved with no contest and ordered to be recorded. ***************************************************************** No. 904-A PROBATE COURT, Kaufman County: Sarah Cook, non compas J. D. Cunningham, Guardian Filed 9 August 1898; D. C. McNair, Clerk, J.H. Reeves, Deputy; Issued 9 August 1898 In the interest of Sarah Cook, Noncompos, Application of J.D. Cunningham, be approved Guardian; Filed 9 August 1898, D.G. McNair, clerk of County Court, Kaufman Co., TX. By J.H. Reeves, Deputy; **************************************************** File No. 904, In Kaufman County Court, J.D. Cunningham, Guardian vs. Sarah Cook, Non compas; Issued this 9th day of Aug. A.D. 1898. D. C. McNair, County Clerk, by J.H. Reeves, Deputy. Came to hand 10th day of August 1898 and executed 10th day of August 1898, by posting copies of the within Notice in 3 public places said County, one of which was at the court House door, one at Kemp, and one at Terrell, signed; Jim P. Reeves, Sheriff. Sheriff's fee, $1.00. The STATE OF TEXAS; To the Sheriff or any Constable of Kaufman County, Greetings; You are hereby commanded to cause to be posted (for ten days, exclusive of the day of posting, in three of the most public places in your county, one of which shall be at the Court House door, and no two in the same city or town, copies of the following notice; The STATE OF TEXAS; TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE, Person and Estate of Sarah Cook, Non Compass Mentis, J.D. Cunningham, has filed in the County Court of Kaufman County, an application for Letters of Guardianship of the Person and Estate of Sarah Cook, non compas mentis, which will be heard at the next regular term of the Hon- County Court of Kaufman Co., Texas, to begin and holden on the third Monday in September 1898 the same being the 19th day of Said Month. At the court house thereof, in the town of Kaufman at which time all persons interested in said Person & Estate may appear and contest said application, if they see proper . Herein Fail Not, under penalty of the law, and of this Writ make due return. Given under my hand and seal of office, in the town of Kaufman, the 9th day of August 1898. Attest D. C. McNair Clerk County court, Kaufman County, By, J.H. Reeves, Deputy; ************************************************ 1899: October 9: BOOK 16: PAGE 471; FINAL ACCOUNT: The State of Texas. To all persons interested in the estate of Sarah F Cook Idiot. Bryan T Barry Guardian of the estate of said Sarah F Cook Idiot. Bryan T Barry Guardian has filed in the County Court of Navarro County his final Account of the Condition of said estate, together with an application to be discharged as Guardian thereof which will be heard by our said Court on the Third Monday in November A.D. 1899, same being the 20th day of November A.D. 1899 at court house of said Navarro County in the city of Corsicana, Texas, at which time and place, all persons interested in said estate are required to appear and contest said final account and application, if they see proper. Witness, J H Galbreath, Clerk of the County Court Navarro County. Given under my hand and seal of said Court at my office in Corsicana, Texas on this the 9th day of October A.D. 1899. ********************************************************************* 1899: Term; State of Texas, County of Navarro: County Court of Navarro Co., Texas, Sitting for Probate purposes. November Term 1899. To Hon. J.F. Stout, Judge. The petition of R.E. Dodson a resident of the aforesaid county and state would respectfully show to the Court. First Sarah F Cook a female lunatic, about 54 years of age, who is now on the poor farm in Kaufman Co., Texas, is the owner of real property with this state of the probate value of Five Hundred Dollars, and that said lunatic will soon be precluded by the statue of limitation from its recovery from parties, who are now on it unless immediate actions is taken, and it is waiting for the proper care and attention. The said lunatic has a brother George Cook of Frost, Texas, who does not wish the Guardianship of the said Sarah F Cook and request your petitioner is not legally disqualified from performing the duty thereof. Your petitioner would further show that Bryan T Barry of Dallas, Texas, qualified as the guardian of the said Sarah F Cook in 1876 and has remained in that capacity down to the present time. That on May 1st, 1899 the said Bryan T Barry filed herein his final account, and application to resign said guardianship. That on the hearing there of and his discharge your applicant asks to be appointed in his place and stead. Wherefore your petitioner prays, that citation issue and that at next term of said court your honor will grant your petitioner letters of guardianship of the person and property of said minor, and your Petitioner will ever pray. Etc. Signed: R. E. Dodson Filed September 2, 1899. J H Galbreath, C.C.C. N.C.T. By HC Talbot deputy, Guardians Bond and Oath State of Texas, County of Navarro, In County Court. Navarro County, Texas. Know all men by these presents: That we, R. E. Dodson as principal and Northwest Surety Company as sureties, are held and firmly bound unto Hon. J.F. Stout, County Judge of the County of Navarro and his successors in office, in the sum of One Thousand Dollars, conditioned that the above bound R. E. Dodson who has been appointed by the County Court of Navarro County. Guardian of the Estate of Sarah F Cook, Idiot, will truthfully discharge the duties of Guardian of the Sarah F Cook estate of the said Idiot, according to law. Witness our signatures, this 29th day of November A.D. 1899. R.E. Dodson, Principal, National Surety Co., Surety. by E.J. Gammon, Rres. Vice Pres. Charles F. Cutcher, Res. Asst Sec. Approved this 9th day of December A.D. 1899 J.F. Stout, County Judge, Navarro County, Texas The State of Texas, County of Navarro. I R.E. Dodson do solemnly swear that I will faithfully discharge the duties of Guardian of the estate of Sarah F Cook, Lunatic according to law. Signed; R. E. Dodson, Guardian. Subscribed and sworn to before me, this 9th day of December, A.D. 1899. Signed. J. F. Stout, County Judge, of Navarro County, Texas ****************************************************************** No. 200, Sarah Cook (Idiot) Application of Guardian to sell Lands. The State of Texas] County of Navarro] County Court of Navarro Co., Texas, siting for probate purposes. February –(cannot read the next line); R.E. Dodson Guardian of Sarah Cook, Idiot, respectfully represents that his ward in now and has been for sometime past on the County Poor Farm of Kaufman County, Texas. That there is nothing in the hands of the Guardian to expend for the support and comfort of his said Ward. But that he believes his Ward has or did have some interest in lands in the county out of Claiborne Jarrel Survey. And to this end and wish – a view of recovering something for his said Ward by suit or compromise, sued Dr T.W. Sewell of Blooming Grove Texas, the now owner, of said land where are located- about 4.m' N.W. from Dresden, Texas. Petitioner is further informed that his Ward has interest in Jack County in the Henry Cook, 320 acre survey, also that his Ward has an interests of 1/16 in the Leamler Burns Survey in Leon County, all for this above lands have been already occupied for several years. From information obtainable it is impossible for your Petitioner to more minutely describe said lands wherefore your Petitioner prays that citation issue and service thereof be perfected as the as the law directs and that next term of said court and order may be granted to your Petitioner to sue for and recover what ever interest the said Sarah Cook may have in any of the above lands and to sell the same for any price as may seem best to your Petitioner & your Petitioner will ever pray. R.E. Dodson. Filed Jan. 2, 1900. Recorded March 22, 1900; J.W. Galbreath, C.C.C.N.C.T. H. C. Talbot, Deputy; **************************************************************** No. 2100; CITATION ON APPLICATION TO SELL REALTY—ESTATES; THE STATE OF TEXAS, To all Persons Interested in the Welfare of Sarah F. Cook, (Idiot), Robert E Dodson, Guardian, has filed in the County Court of Navarro Co., an application for an order to sell he following property of said (minor) situated in Navarro County, Texas to Wit; { Her interest in Claborne Jarrel Survey in Navarro County, about 4 miles north from Dresden and also an interest in 320 acres of land in Jack County, Texas also an interest in the Burns Survey in Leon County, Texas} which will be heard at the next term of said Court, commencing on the 3 rd Monday in February, A.D. 1900, the same being the 19th day of February, A.D. 1900, at the Court House thereof, in Corsicana, at which time all persons interested in said Ward may appear and show cause why such Application should not be granted, should they choose to do so. Herein fail not- but have you before said Court, on the said first day of the next term thereof, this writ, with your return thereon, showing how you have executed the same. Witness; J.H. Galbreath-Clerk of the County Court of Navarro County, Given under my hand and seal of said Court, at office in Corsicana this the 24thth day of January A.D. 1900; {LS] J.H. Galbreath, Clerk, By; H.C. Talbot, Deputy, County Court, Navarro County, Texas; SHERIFF'S RETURN: Came to hand on the 24th day of January A.D. 1900, at 9 o'clock A.M. and executed on the 24th day of January A.D. 1900, by posting copies of the within citation at three of the most public places in Navarro County, Texas, one of which was at the Court House Door of said County , one at Dresden and one at Kerens, no two of which places are in the same city or town. FEES: None listed; R. J. Allen, Sheriff, by C.O. Weaver, Deputy Sheriff, Navarro County, Texas; Returned and filed the 24th day of January, A.D. 1900, and recorded the 22nd day of March A.D. 1900, in the Probate Minutes of Navarro County, in Volume 1-B, Page 1. [L.S.] J.H. Galbreath, County Clerk; H. C. Talbot, Deputy; *********************************************************** Page 135 DECREE TO PAGE B-2- December 27, 1900 A.D. This day the Application of R.E. Dodson, Guardian and (?) of Sarah Cook (Idiot) to sell the hereinafter (?described) lands and to come into Court and to be heard and after (? Mature) (?deliberation) and consideration of the Estate and on best interest of the Ward it is ordered , adjudged and decreed that the (?) Guardian sell at the earliest opportunity at private sale for cash a 1/16th interest in said land of Sarah Cook, (Idiot) in the Claiborn Jarrel Survey-in Navarro Co., Texas- located about 4 miles (next several words are unreadable) , and now—(next several words are unreadable)---Dr Sewell of Blooming Grove, Texas. Also (?) (?) in the Wm. Myrick Survey of 320 acres in tract No. (?294) located by virtue of certificate No., 40, and patented to Henry Cook, as assignee of said (?- -?) my certificate No., (?) Vol., 15, also an eight interest (?-?-?) Survey in Leon County and report the same *************************************************************** No Page number; No. 200, Estate of Sarah Cook, (Idiot); Application of Guardian as to recovery of lands. Not-Dated; Estate of Sarah F. Cook, (Idiot)] R.E. Dodson, Guardian] In County Court of Navarro Co., Texas; To Hon. J.F. Stout, Judge; Now comes the Guardian in said Estate and begs to submit to the Court that he is reliably informed and believes owns and can recover an interest in some very valuable lands in East Texas in Hamilton Co., coming to her through her father Henry Cook, deceased and to do so it is necessary ---------Document ends, nothing more known------- *************************************************************** No Page number; Case No. (blank) Report of Sale- Guardianship of Sarah Cook, (Idiot)] Report of sale in County Court of Navarro Co., August Term, 1900 A.D. To Hon. J. F. Stout, Judge, R. E. Dodson, Guardian of said Ward would respectfully report that he has sold at private sale on the 1st day of August 1900 in the County of Jack the said tract of land described in an order of this Court 26 day of February 1900 and that J.D. Caddle became the purchaser of said land at the sum of One Hundred and forty Dollars for the entire tract said land was sold in obedience to said order of Court, made on –day of ---1900 as aforesaid one half cash and the balance a credit of 12 months and the purchase is ready to comply with said terms of sale Whenever the same shall have been confirmed. R.E. Dodson, Sworn to and subscribed before me this 17 day of Aug 1900. J.H. Galbreath, Co., Clk., Navarro Co., by H.C. Talbot, Deputy; Filed Aug 18, 1900 and recorded on the 29th day of August 1900; J.H. Galbreath, Co., Clk., N. C., TX; by A.W. Stokes, Deputy; **************************************************************** No. 200; Guardianship] of Sarah Cook (Idiot)] Order confirming --day of Sale, August 1900; This day came on to be heard in the Guardianship of Sarah Cook, (Idiot) the report of R.E. Dodson, Guardian of said minor of the sale of the tract of land hereinafter described , made in obedience to the order of the Court made and entered on the 26 day of February 1900 and it appearing to the Court that the said report of sale has been filed and docketed in the manner and form required by law and it further appearing upon examination that the said sale was fairly made and in conformity with law and that the said land brought a fair price and it further appearing that J.D. Caddle became the purchaser of said land at a private sale for the sum of $140.00 payable one half cash the balance on a credit of 12 months to be secured as the law directs that said sale ought to be confirmed and that the said land is described as follows to wit; 1/8 Interest in the Wm. Myrick 320 acre survey in Jack Co., TX. Said survey patented to Henry Cook-assignee by Patent No. 697, Vol. 15, Said land located in Jack Co., Texas. ******************************************************** No. 1058; The State of Texas Vs Sarah Cook, Lunacy; Filed this 12th day of August 1901; T.J. Broughton, County Clerk, by Jim T. Boggs, Deputy. Sheriff's Return; Came to hand on the 12th day of August 1901 and executed the 12th day of August 1901, by arresting the within named defendant, Sarah Cook and delivering her in open court for examination and treatment. Bill Henderson, Sheriff. ********************************************************************* (Handwritten in left Margin of this page) "Relatives-EJM Pierce-Kemp; W M Hines-Blum, TX; W. J. Weaver of Corsicana, Texas was on Aug. 12, 1901 appointed Guardian- but this order was set aside and canceled, Sarah Cook died in County Jail on Friday Night August 16, 1901." Probate Minutes, Special - August Term, 1901; Be It Remembered, that there came on and was held a Special Term of the County Court, of Kaufman Co., on Monday the 12th day of August 1901. Present and Presiding; the Hon., C.M. Crumbaugh, County Judge; T.J. Broughton, County Clerk; and Bill Henderson, Sheriff; Among others the following proceedings were had; The State of Texas,] Sarah Cook, Lunacy; County of Kaufman] In the County Court, on 12th day of August 1901 came on to be heard before C.M. Crumbaugh, Judge of the County Court of Kaufman County, Texas, a complaint in writing and under oath charging Sarah Cook with being a Lunatic, whereupon came the said Sarah Cook in Person, and also came a Jury of six good and lawful men of Kaufman County, hereinafter named, who having heard the complaint, the evidence and the charge of the said Judge, said jury having previously been impaneled and sworn according to law), returned their verdict in response to the Special Issues submitted, as follows, to wit; The STATE OF TEXAS ] Vs SARAH COOK-Lunacy ] County Court, Kaufman County, 12th day of August A.D. 1901, the following Special Issues are submitted to the Jury of the above entitled cause; 1. Is Sarah Cook, the Defendant of unsound mind ? Ans. (YES) 2. If the Defendant is of unsound, mind, is it necessary that she be placed under restraint? Ans. (YES) 3. If you answer both the foregoing questions in the affirmative, then what is the age and nativity of the Defendant? Ans. (About 48 years, Texan) 4. How many attacks of insanity has she had, and how long has the present attack existed? Ans. (one all of her life) 5. Is insanity hereditary in the family of Defendant or not? Ans. (No) 6. Is the Defendant possessed of any estate; and if so of what does it consist and its estimated value? Ans. (Yes—One hundred acres of land in Navarro County, Texas. Five hundred and sixty nine acres of land in Williamson County, Texas and a claim in some land in Leon County, Texas. The estimated value of her estate is about $2,000.00) 7. If the Defendant is possessed of no estate, are there any persons legally liable for her support? If yea, name them. Ans. (NO) Signed; B. R. Powell, W. G. Douglass, B. F. Fox, J. S. Bow, J.A. Boggs, N. E. Osborne, Jurors. WHEREUPON IT IS ADJUDGED, That the said Sarah Cook is a Lunatic, and it is ordered by the Court that she be conveyed to the Lunatic Asylum at Terrell, County of Kaufman for restraint and treatment, and that the cost of this proceeding be adjudged against the Said Sarah Cook. It is further ordered that the above named Jurors be allowed the sum of $2.00 each for which let script issue. C.M. Crumbaugh, County Judge; The Foregoing Minutes read, approved and signed in open Court, this the 12th day of August 1901, C.M. Crumbaugh, County Judge. Attest: Thad J. Broughton, Clerk County Court, by Jim T. Boggs, Deputy. ************************************************************** No. 1059, APPLICATION FOR GUARDIANSHIP; The State of Texas } County of Kaufman} To the Honorable County Court of said County ,l your petitioner W.J. Weaver a resident citizen of Navarro County , Texas, respectfully shows to your Honor, that Sarah Cook who is now a resident citizen of Kaufman County, Texas, is of unsound mind. That she has some property situated in Navarro and Williamson Counties, State of Texas. And is without any Lawful Guardian of her person or estate. That her condition is such as to render it necessary that this court appoint a Guardian to take charge of her property—for the welfare of herself and in justice to the County and General Public. Wherefore petitioner prays that your Honor have said Sarah Cook, brought before you and that you then and there inquiry make as to her insanity—and that petitioner be appointed Guardian for her. And of her said estate with all due and proper orders. Which may be necessary to enable him to proceed under said appointment and duty bound and petitioner will ever pray and etc. W.J. Weaver Personally appeared before me, W. J. Weaver known to me to be the person whose name is subscribed to the foregoing instrument and who being sworn says that the facts therein set forth are true. T. J. Broughton, County Clerk Kaufman Co., Texas; Filed August 12, 1901; T.J. Broughton, County Clerk, by Jim F. Boggs, Deputy; ************************************************************************ No. 1059; CHARGE OF THE COURT The County of Kaufman} Vs Sarah Cook} In County Court of Kaufman County, Texas, Vacation Aug. 12, 1901; Gentlemen of the Jury; This is a proceeding instituted in the name of Kaufman County against Sarah Cook in which it is alleged that said Sarah Cook is of unsound mind—the only issue submitted for your consideration is whether or not the said Sarah cook, defendant is of unsound mind. Now if you believe from the evidence that the said defendant Sarah Cook is of Unsound Mind you will so find and say by your Verdict, "We the Jury find the Defendant Sarah Cook to be of unsound mind"------If you believe from the evidence the Defendant is Sane you will so say by your Verdict. C.M. Crumbaugh, Co., Judge, Kaufman Co., Texas Whereupon said jury returned into open court the following verdict; "We the jury find the defendant Sarah Cook to be of unsound mind", B. R. Powell, Foreman, Filed August 12, 1901; T. J. Broughton Co., Clerk, By Jim T. Boggs, Deputy; No1059 ORDER APPOINTING GUARDIAN Kaufman County} Vs Sarah Cook} In Vacation, August 12, 1901; On this day came on to be heard the above entitled and numbered cause in the County Court of Kaufman County Texas, and both parties appearing in court by attorneys announced ready for trial. Whereupon came a jury of good and lawful men to wit; B. R. Powell and five others who being duly sworn and impaneled in said cause and having heard the information and pleadings of both parties and the evidence adduced thereon and having personally examined the defendant and received the charge of the court retired to consider of their verdict and afterwards returned into open court the following verdict to wit; "we the jury find the defendant Sarah Cook to be of unsound mind":. "B. R Powell, Forman" It is therefore ordered adjudged and decreed by the court in accordance with said verdict of the jury that the defendant in this cause Sarah Cook is of unsound mind and that she be and is hereby adjudged by the court to be insane and it appearing to the court that the said Sarah Cook is entitled to and possessed of a small estate- of the probable value of Two Thousand ($2,000) Dollars. And that she has no lawful Guardian of her person or of said estate and that W. J. Weaver has applied for letters of Guardianship of her person and estate and it further appearing to the court that a necessity for the appointment of such Guardian exists and that the said Weaver is in no wise disqualified to receive and fill such appointment. And no objection being made thereto. It is therefore ordered adjudged and decreed by the court that the said W. J. Weaver be and he is hereby appointed Guardian of the estate and of the person of Sarah Cook here now adjudged to be of Unsound mind. And the clerk of this court is hereby ordered and directed to issue letters of Guardianship to the said W.J. Weaver upon his filing bond herein in the sum of Four Thousand ($4000.00) Dollars payable and conditioned by law- as required by law- Attest; T. J. Broughton, County Clerk, ****************************************************************** No. 1059 ORDER SETTING ASIDE APPOINTMENT; Kaufman County} Vs Sarah Cook } In Probate Court of Kaufman County Texas, Vacation August 21, A.D. 1901 This Day the Court of it's own motion sets aside the former order of this court of date August 12, 1901, appointing W. J. Weaver, Guardian of the person and estate of Sarah Cook—Lunatic. C.M. Crumbaugh, County Judge Presiding; Attest; T.J. Broughton, County Clerk, by Jim T., Boggs, Deputy } ***************************************************************** No. 1059---PROBATE COURT—Sarah Cook, ncm---12 August 1901 In re-estate, Sarah Cook, Lunatic, Application for letters of Guardianship; Filed Aug 12, 1901, T. J. Broughton, County Clerk, by Jim T. Boggs, Deputy, Book 3, Page 510 We, the Jury find the defendant Sarah Cook to be of Unsound Mind, (signed) B. R. Powell, Foreman; ************************************************************** LETTERS FROM ATTORNIES & COUNTY CLERKS; NOT DATED: State of Texas, Kaufman County; In t he Estate of Sarah Cook: To the Honorable County Judge of Kaufman County, Texas: Your Petitioner J.D. Cunningham, -----unreadable--- would respectfully show that Sarah Cook, now an inmate of the County Poor Farm, placed there as a non compos mentis and now under the care protection and keeping of County Authorities of Kaufman County, Texas, would respectfully show that the said Sarah Cook is of unsound mind, and further that she is now Fifty two years old and resides at the Poor Farm in this County, That she is a Female. Petitioner would respectfully show that the said Sarah Cook has an estate consisting of an eight interest in several tracts lying in different Counties of this state, that she has an interest of about Sixty Dollars in Williamson County Texas, that the same is now Administered and the parties desire to compromise the same and pay her interest to some on legally interested and with authority to compromise the same and that she has interest and authority to compromise the same and that she has interest in the estimated value of one hundred dollars in lands lying in different portions of the estate and that the same needs attention, that the said Sarah Cook has no one authorized to represent her and has no guardian and that the said Sarah Cook has been of unsound mind for thirty years, that this applicant is qualified to represent the said Sarah Cook as Guardian and is in no way disqualified. Where fore he asks for letters of Guardianship. Signed; J.D. Cunningham ***************************************************************** H.L. STONE, ATTORNEY-AT –LAW Corsicana, Texas, 13 August 1901 County Clk, Kaufman Co., Enclosed I have your decree in the case of Sarah Cook, which please enter and have, signed by the County. You of course understand, that all proceedings in the case should go to record. Please fill in the names of three good men, who live at Kaufman & are accessible, appraised & I will be over shortly & aid them in making a report. As the costs, you may draw on me as directed, except as to some clothing of which the Judge spoke, as being required before Defendant could enter the Asylum. We will be over there in about 10 days and this matter can be attended to then. As to the other costs, I will honor your drafts. Thanking you for courtesies, I am yours Truly, Jno. D. Lee ************************************** NO DATE: John D. Lee, I am an Atty. at law at Corsicana, Navarro Co., Texas. I am well acquainted with the family of defendant, her father was Henry Cook, (I think her mother was (end of sentence and it had a line drawn through it) Henry Cook died several years ago in Navarro Co. --- I think he left 5 children only 3 now living, Geo. Cook and Mrs E. M. Pierce. When her father Henry Cook died he left 569 acres of land in Williamson Co., --and deeded her 100 acres in Navarro Co., TX. She has a claim in Leon County Texas, don't know its (?) her property is estimated about $2000. No person is legally liable for her support---I think she was born in Williamson Co., Texas---She is abut 47-48, she is a native Texas. I don't think insanity is hereditary in family. She has been considered an Idiot all of her life---Her estate is liable for cost. Jno. D. Lee. *************************************************************** BANK NOTE; 17 August 1901 The First National Bank-----(First National Bank- Stamp No.11766 –Corsicana, Texas) Customer Draft: $20.70, Kaufman Texas, August 17, 1901 At Sight-------Pay to the order of ------Wood Nash, Cashier-----(for collection) -----Twenty and 70/100 ($20.70) Dollars, (With Exchange) Signed; W. J. Weaver, (Guardian), Corsicana , Texas; T. J. Broughton, County Clerk; (cost in Sarah Cook-Lunacy Case) BACK OF BANK NOTE; THE LAW PROVIDES HOW THIS SHALL BE PAID, W. J. WEAVER Pay to the Order of First National Bank , Corsicana, TX; First National Bank, Kaufman , Texas Wood, Nash –Cashier; ----6416-------- ********************************************************** COUNTY OF KAUFMAN, TEXAS; COUNTY CLERK; T.J. Broughton, Clerk; Deputies; Jim T. Boggs, H. H. Yarrell, C. H. Parrish; To; Kaufman, Texas, July 30, 1902 County Clerk, Leon County Texas, Centerville, Texas; Dear Sir: Please examine the probate minutes of your court within the past year and inform me whether or not there has been any administration on the estate of Sarah Cook or Henry Cook. I understand they own or did own land in your county. Also please examine deed records for past two years and see if you find any transfers from these parties to anyone. It may be made by the Executor or Administrator. I will greatly appreciate an early reply and if at any time I can return the favor I will gladly do so. I enclose stamp. Yours Truly, T. J. Broughton, Co., Clerk, By, Jim T. Boggs, Deputy; ***************************************************** COUNTY OF NAVARRO, THE STATE OF TEXAS; DISTRIC OFFICERS; L. B. Cobb, District Judge; O. C. Adkisson, Co., Clerk L.A. Johnson, Co., Attorney; W. D. Robinson, Sheriff; A. S. Crews, Tax Collector; S. J. Rogers, Tax Assessor; H. M. Randolph, Treasurer; G. W. Hanks, School Supt. From: D.R. Adkisson, County Clerk, Corsicana, Texas; July 31, 1902 To: T.J. Broughton, Co., Clerk Kaufman, Texas Dear Sir, Replying to your of 30th inst. beg to advise you that in 1876, Bryan T. Barry qualified as Guardian of the Estate of Sarah Cook, a Lunatic. In 1899 Barry resigned and R. E. Dodson qualified as Guardian . Sometime in 1900 or 1901, Sarah Cook died in the Asylum at Terrell and shortly thereafter W. J. Weaver took out letters (Temporary) of Administrator on her Estate but has don nothing. White Barry was Guardian he sold 569 acres of the Cook League in Milam and Williamson Counties. While Dodson was Guardian he sold a small interest in land in Leon, Jack and (this?) Co. If her Estate owns any land now it is held adversely by other parties. Since her death T. W. Haskins has purchased the interest of T.D. and G.W. Cook, E.M. J. and Hugh Pierce & John Scott and Wife in the Estate -----------document ends here; EFW* ****************************************************************** COUNTY CLERK WILLIAMSON COUNTY GEORGETOWN, TEXAS From: JOHN A. BREWSTER; COUNTY CLERK, Georgetown, Texas, July 31, 1902 To: T.J. Broughton, Kaufman, Texas, Dear Sir: Yours of the 30th Inst. and in reply will say that there is no such estate pending as the Sarah Cook Estate, and no application has been filed for administration at any time. Nor has there been any transfer by Henry Cook during the past year of any property in this County. Nor has there been any certified copy of orders or any administration papers in the Sarah Cook Estate filed for record during the past year. I do find that in the year 1878 a certified copy of orders in this Estate was filed and recorded this came from Navarro County, Texas. This included appointment of administrator and report of sale of some land in this County, and think if you will write to Navarro County you will perhaps get the information you wish. From the copies recorded I see that Sarah F. Cook was a lunatic. If there is any further information I can give you call on me. Yours to serve, Jno. A. Brewster, Clerk, By E. R. Bainbridge, Deputy; JOHN A. BREWSTER; COUNTY CLERK, WILLIAMSON COUNTY, GEORGETOWN, TEXAS; ******************************************************************** COUNTY JUDGE C. L. JESTER, COUNTY JUDGE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS CORSICANA T.H. Harwell, R.F.D No.4, Corsicana J.D. Sargent, Rice J.H. Farmer, Dawson R. B. Mitchell, Blooming Grove J.P. HOWARD County Clerk, Navarro County Corsicana, Texas October 15, 1907 To; A. J. Hindman, County Clerk, Kaufman, Texas Dear Sir: Our Claim Docket shows the filing of a claim in the Estate of Sarah Cook by Wood Nash for burial expenses; that is all the claim that is filed in this Est. and it has never been acted on by the Court. If there was a claim for Court Costs it has never been filed. Yours Truly, J.P. Howard, County Clerk, By A. L. Hampton, Deputy ************************************************************************