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Arthur Meriwether Lewis I & Sarah Cato Chaney
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ARTHUR MERIWETHER LEWIS, I, and his family moved to Alabama from Virginia. Arthur often took his family on trips to Mobile on business pertaining to horse racing. They always stayed at the Battlehouse Hotel in Mobile. The Lewis family claimed to be distantly related to Meriwether Lewis of the Lewis and Clark expedition and it was rumored they were also kin to Robert E. Lee of Virginia. The Lewis family was Episcopal and their burial ground is located next to the family house in Jefferson, Marengo Co., Alabama. ARTHUR MERIWETHER LEWIS I, owned land along the Tombigbee River near Demopolis, Alabama. He was very wealthy and when he died by Alabama law an executor had to be appointed to handle the estate until the children all became of age. Meanwhile the executor collected a fat fee each year. Katie Lewis Kastner told that the Lewis women were the laziest people you could ever hope to see. Aunt Ophelia (knows as Aunt Peelie because the little children couldn't say Ophelia) had 3 personal maids. One just trailed after her to sit at her feet while she embroidered so she'd be there to pick up her thimble if she dropped it. That's no joke, it's serious. And of course she never combed her own hair or fastened her clothes or buttoned her shoes or fanned herself. The maids did that. Olivia was her father's favorite. She could manage to get anything she wanted from him. After the death of ARTHUR, his wife SARAH C. married a Mr. McCormick. In 1879 she made a peaceful settlement of the property between the 6 living children. A copied portion of this document, the directions of the home place, and other documents follow this page. Two of ARTHUR's grandchildren are believed to have some way gotten the land along the river. Lee Chaney Lewis, son of A. M. Lewis, II, and Margaret Maria Turner, married his first cousin Agnes Alston Ferguson, the daughter of Agnes Lewis Alston, ARTHUR, I's sister. Lee and Agnes had been in love many years, but the family had forbidden the marriage. She married a Mr. Ferguson and raised a family. Then after his death, while they were both still young, Agnes and Lee married. According to the 1880 Census Ophelia and Alabama both had Epilepsy. In August 1991, descendant Henry Blankenstein went in search of the grave of A. M. LEWIS. He found it off Interstate 20 on Highway 28 in Marengo County on the south side of Jefferson on the road to Linden, Alabama. The family cemetery was located on the land of the Sumter Timber Company. The owner purchased it 3 or 4 years before & until he began clearing the land, he was not aware a cemetery was there. The old house was no longer standing when the land was purchased. Family tradition was that it had burned, but the current owner of the land said that the old house was destroyed by a tornado. The family rebuilt the house & the 2nd house was also hit by a tornado - perhaps that was what caused a fire. When the land was purchased, nothing remained of the house except for a pile of wood & rubble. As he bulldozed the land the new owner said china, etc. from the old house could be seen in the rubble. The Timber Company put a wire fence around the cemetery - it can easily be seen from the Highway. The new owner said that in 1990 other descendants (with an old & feeble woman related to the Lewis family) visited the cemetery & talked about putting up a fence around it, but they never returned. The cemetery has 4 marked graves. A few bricks in the cemetery indicate there may be other unmarked graves. The tall marker says "ARTHUR M. LEWIS died November 26th A.D. 1860 aged 42 years 14 days". This is on one of the 4 sides. One side has a bee hive & bees. Another side has the masonic emblem. The fourth side has a racing house with initials encircling the horse - K.S.H.T.W.S.S.T. It is not known what they stand for. Two of his grandchildren (cousins who married late in life & inherited the land) are also buried there - Lee Chaney Lewis b. 8-27-1877 d. 7-27-1944 & Agnes Alston Lewis b. 12-29-1877 d. 11-21-1945. ARTHUR's Uncle Nicholas Lewis died in Morgan County in 1854 & ARTHUR was made executor of his will. Uncle Nicholas never married. After Arthur's parents died in Morgan County about 1827, Nicholas was made guardian of their children. Only 2 of the 5 children (ARTHUR & a sister) were still living at the time of Nicholas' death. Nicholas left his estate to all his brothers, sisters, nieces, & nephews. His will list them all & their residences as well as making reference to his father's land in Virginia. Nicholas' homeplace was in Morgan County. He left that to 2 of his brothers & their sons. Years later that land was described in a court case as 2,237 acres along the Tennessee River in Madison & Morgan Counties. Madison & Morgan Counties only meet along the Tennessee River for about 10-15 miles. That land in Madison County is where the Redstone Arsenal is located just south of Huntsville, Alabama .Nicholas made provisions for ARTHUR's sister & her children who resided near him in Morgan County. NICHOLAS instructed ARTHUR to sell the land known as the race tract & use the money to care for her. Apparently Nicholas was also in the horse business .Nicholas asked in his will for there to be a stone wall placed around the cemetery on his homeplace "where the white family is buried" & to put up a monument for himself. It is believed his brother & family (ARTHUR's parents) are buried there. ARTHUR inherited for himself along with 2 cousins Nicholas' Sumter County Plantation. In his own will ARTHUR wrote of his other land holdings - 2 places on the Tombigbee River known as the upper place (or Greenville place) & lower place (Ferry place on the east side of the river); a place in Choctaw County (his wife's family lived there) known as the Kinterbish place & his place in Marengo County known as the Boykin place. ---------- 1840 Sumter County Alabama Census A. M. LEWIS & Brothers 1 m under 5 2 m 10-30 1 f 15-20 ---------- 1850 Marengo County Alabama Census p 79 ARTHUR M. LEWIS 36 m w Va SARAH C. 25 f w Ala Owen 8 m w Ala Ophelia 6 f w Ala Olivia 3 f w Ala Sarah 2 f w Ala Agnes 7/12 f w Ala ---------- 1860 Marengo County Alabama Census Western Division - post office Linden p 76 554/593 A. M. LEWIS 41 m w planter 50,000 200,000 Va SARAH 35 f w Ala Owen 18 m w Ala Ofelie 16 f w Ala Olivia 14 f w Ala Greenberry 8 m w Ala Arthur 7 m w Ala Alabama 5 f w Ala Carolina 3 f w Ala no slaves ---------- 1870 Sumter County Alabama Census Gaston post office p 128 McCormick, SARAH 45 f w keeping house Ala Lewis, Owen 27 m w Ala Ophilia 25 f w Ala Olivia 23 f w Ala Arthur 17 m w Ala Alabama 14 f w Ala Cara 12 f w Ala Wm 10 m w Ala ---------- 1880 Marengo County Alabama Census Jefferson Township p 611 McCormick, SARAH C. 55 f w Ala Va Ala Lewis, Ophelia 35 f w dau epilepsy Ala Va Ala Wm. C. 19 m w son Ala Va Ala Carlson, Alabama 25 f w dau epilepsy Ala Va Ala Porter E. 3 m w gr son Ala Ala Ala Agnes Lew 2 f w gr dau Ala Ala Ala 1 servant ---------- 1900 Marengo County Alabama Census Vol 40 edition 61 sheet 8 line 49 Jefferson township Alston, Agnes L. Nov 1849 f w dressmaker Ala Ala Ala Lewis R. Feb 1886 m w 16 son Ala Ala Ala Lewis, Ophelia Feb 1843 f w sister Ala Ala Ala Lee C. Aug 1876 m w nephew Ala Ala Ala ---------- "Alabama Records, Sumter County" by Gandrud 976.141G p 10 ARTHUR M. LEWIS and SARAH C. CHANEY 4 January 1839, Solemnized 8th by Henry F. Scruggs, J.C.C.S.C. M. C. Houston, bondsman. (He is shown in 1850 census Marengo Co. Ala. age 36 b. Va., she is 25 Ala.) ---------- Copy of Marriage Document 44. ARTHUR M. LEWIS ) I paid 4 January 1839 ) ARTHUR M. LEWIS do ) ) & SARAH C. CHENEY ) ) M. C. Houston I hereby certify that I solemnized the rights of matrimony between the within named on Tuesday the 5th day of January 1839. Henry T. Scruggs J.C.C.S.C. The State of Alabama Sumter County
The State of Alabama Marengo County To any Licensed Minister of the Gospel, Judge of the Circuit or Probate Court, or Justice of the Peace. You are hereby authorized to celebrate the rites of Marriage between L. J. McCormick and Mrs. S. C. LEWIS and join them together in the Holy Bonds of Matrimony and for so doing, this shall be your sufficient warrant. Given under my hand at office in Linden, this 25 day of July 1867 Tho J. Woolf, Judge I certify that I this day solemnized the marriage of the above named persons in Marengo County this 25 day of July 1867 John W. Saruck Nely
The State of Alabama Marengo County Known all men by these presents that we L. J. McCormick and J. T. Cook are held and firmly bound unto the State of Alabama, in the sum of Two Hundred Dollars for the payment of which we bind ourselves, our heirs, executors and administrators, jointly and severally, firmly by these presents. Sealed with our seals, dated this 25 day of July A. D. 1867. The condition of the above obligation is such, that if there be no legal cause to obstruct the Marriage of L. J. McCormick and Mrs. S. C. LEWIS for whom a license has this day been granted then be void, else to remain in full force and virtue. Attest: L. J. McCormick J. T. Cook ---------- For pages of documents showing ARTHUR's relationship to his Father (guardianship & estate) see Hardin Perkins Lewis - 797. For pages of documents concerning ARTHUR's administration of his uncle Nicholas Lewis's will see pages on his grandfather Owen Lewis, Sr. - 807. ---------- ARTHUR MERIWETHER LEWIS, I, had many land transactions in Marengo County, Alabama. The following is a list of 16 of the purchases: Book & Page A. M. LEWIS from D. Curry, Shff H-408 A. M. LEWIS Caroline Davis K-165 A. M. LEWIS Sample & Espy M-422 A. M. LEWIS D. W. E. Finch M-522 A. M. LEWIS J. B. T. Johnson M-545 A. M. LEWIS Mary Bryan N-245 A. M. LEWIS Jno. Whitehead O-435 A. M. LEWIS John Glass R-74 A. M. LEWIS from James R. Allen R-95 A. M. LEWIS D. Compton R-315 A. M. LEWIS C. Street R-609 A. M. LEWIS Jno D. Crudah R-609 A. M. LEWIS Richard Jones R-611 A. M. LEWIS W. M Bush R-618 A. M. LEWIS W. M. F. Bush S-348 A. M. LEWIS Rbt & D. B. Lewis S-331 ---------- In 1845 Sumter County Alabama ARTHER M. LEWIS witnessed a deed between Emanuel B. Chaney to Green B. Chaney. (p455) The following are translations from bits & pieces of documents found in the possessions of the descendants: 475.32 1/2 One day after date I promise to pay to the order of Ophelia Lewis the sum of four hundred and seventy-six 32-1/3/100 dollars being on the purchase of the land I got in the division and agreement made this day in the case of Ophelia Lewis et al v. S. C. McCormick et al in Marengo Chancery Court - Ala July 28, 1879 Homeplace - Mrs. S. C. McCORMICK's SW 1/4 of SW 1/4 Sec. 3 NW 1/4 Sec. 3. NW 1/4 Sec 10 and all that part of the E 1/2 of the NE 1/4 sec. 9 lying north East of Jefferson and Linden and W 1/2 of SE 1/4 sec 9 all in T. (township 16) R. (Range) 2 East. Received of A. M. Lewis his draft on Haynes and Coole dated Dec. 19, 1879 and payable on the 10th day of Jan. 1890 for $81 70/100 dollars in settlement of his fee for services rendered in the case of O. Lewis et al. M S. C. McCORMICK on the 28 July Court (1879) Dec. 19, 1879 - Geor. G. Lyon Atty 28' July 1879 and given to Mrs. Agnes Alston in which notes the Reveiner advanced the money and turned it over to the said A. M. LEWIS after cash in said decree). The said balance of $491.93. We do hereby agree to allow to, and settle with the said A. M. Lewis by each paying his 1/6 of the part thereof, towit. $8? 2" Whereas, William C. Lewis is entitled as one to the legatees and devises under the will of said A. M. LEWIS dec.d to the sum of $267.08 it being the balance due him, as directed by said will and the 6" section of (Will) made in this case by chancellor Dillard on 78" December for his support in the year 1878 and until the 28th of (July) 1879 when he received his special legacy and of property of said estate, after deducting the sum paid (him) and for his support by the receiver - which sum of $267.08 we hereby agree to contribute to and settle (with) the said William C. Lewis by each of us accounting paying to him 1/6 part thereof, towit: $44? 3d Whereas the late Olivia Lewis, who was one (of the) legatees and devises named in said will of A. M. LEWIS... and a party complainant in this suit, appeared since the death of the said A. M. LEWIS, leaving his (wife) in this suit, and she also owned at the time of his (death) undivided half interest in real property in the City (of) Birmingham, Alabama, known and described as (follows:) Nos. 117 and 118 on South of Seventh Avenue North, and 18 of Twenty second street: together forming a parallel fronting on hundred feet on said avenue and running 190 feet to an alley, which was conveyed to her and (the) undersigned Ophelia Lewis jointly by deed of Samuel (?) Frome and wife on the 5th day of April 1873 and whereas SARAH C. McCORMICK, defendant in this cause, who (is) mother of the said children of the said A. M. LEWIS (deceased) and who is also the only creditor of the Estate of the (deceased) Olivia Lewis, with the view and in consideration in bringing about a friendly settlement of all the (land) in dispute between her said children and (urging) them to make a division of the property and (estate left) them by their father and sister Olivia, do hereby ... and relinquish to the said Agnes, Caroline, Ophelia, Laura, Arthur, and William all the claims she (has on) the Estate of Olivia Lewis dec.d towit... ---------- Will of A. M. LEWIS Marengo Co., Alabama Wills Book A p 523 In the name of God, Amen! I ARTHUR M. LEWIS of the County of Marengo and the State of Alabama, sound in mind, but weak in body and conscious of the uncertainty of this life, do make, declare, and publish, this my last will and testament as follows, to wit. It is my will that I be decently interred and that such suitable monument of tombstone be erected over my remains as shall be considered with my degree of circumstances in life. Item 2. It is my will that all my just debts be paid as soon as cash can conveniently be done after my decease, and for that purpose my executrix, hereinafter named, is hereby authorized and directed to apply such moneys as I may have in hand at my death and the proceeds of such debts or claims as may be due me at that time as may be necessary. Item 3. It is my will and desire that my beloved wife SARAH C. LEWIS have the full share of my estate (Including both that which I hold in my own sight and that which I hold in sight of my said wife) which the law would give her if no will had been made by me, with this additional provision that she be authorized and permitted to select such of the house servants as a part of her share of the slave as she may choose. Item 4. It is my will that property to the value of _____ Dollars set of and allotted on such time as it may be necessary to make a division of my estate, for the use of my son Green Berry Lewis, and I do hereby bequeath and devise said property when the same shall be set of and allotted to my said wife in trust; however, for the use, maintenance, and support of my son Green Berry during his natural life and at his death it is my will and I do hereby further bequeath and devise said property so vested in aforesaid in my said wife, as trustee over to my other children then living and to the descendants of such of them (if any) and may be clear to be taken by them in such future and in the same manner as may be in accordance with the law of descents not in force in the State of Alabama. Item 5. It is my will that all of my estate of every description which may be left (after setting off their portion herein devised and bequeathed to my said wife and the said portion herein before bequeathed and devised for the use and support of my son Green Berry) be equally divided among the remainder of my children who may be living at the time of making such divisions. The descendants of such children as may them be dead. Said descendants to take the share which their parents would have taken if living, and is my will and I do hereby devise and bequeath the share which may be set and allotted to my son Owen Lewis to my said wife SARAH C. LEWIS in trust for the use, maintenance, and support of my said son Owen Lewis during his natural life time. And after the death of my said son Owen, it is my will that said properties be held in trust for the use of my said son Owen descend to his, the said Owen's child or children if any be living at the time of his death, and is the said Owen shall die leaving no child or children, then I further devise and bequeath said property to my other children. Except the said Green Berry who may then be living and to the descendants then living of each of them (if any) as may be dead to be taken by them according to the law of descendants now in force in the State of Alabama. However at any time my said wife SARAH C. LEWIS shall deem safe or expedient to permit my said son Owen to take possession, control, or management of the share so bequeathed to offer the use and co. of said Owen. It is my will and desire and I hereby authorize her so to do. Reserving to herself, however, the right at any time she may deem it advisable to resume possession, control, and management to herself so as the aforesaid. Item 6. It is my will and I hereby direct that my home place where upon I now reside with my family, and all the man servants attached thereto with all the household and kitchen, furniture, plate stock of horses, cattles, hogs, and every thing else there on kept and used thereon by me in my lifetime for the comfort, convenience, and enjoyment of my wife and family, be still kept, used, and enjoyed by my said wife and family fortheir comfort, convenience the same as in my lifetime and it is my desire that no inventory or appraisement of my household effect be required, my estate being amply sufficient to secure the payments of all my debts or claims which may be brought against it without my executrix hereafter named including such household effect in her inventory of my estate. Item 7. It is furthermore my will and desire and I so direct that my 2 places on the Tombigbee River now cultivated by me and known as the upper place and the lower place or Greenville place with the land at the Ferry place lying on the East side of the river and cultivated by me on a part of said Ferry place be kept up and cultivated that all my land except these kept for house servants be kept together on said Ferry or Greenville place and worked thereon the same as I have kept up and worked said places during my lifetime and it is furthermore my will and I do hereby authorize and empower my said executrix to purchase other lands adjoining to said Ferry and Greenville places if the same can be done without prejudice to any estate and for the purpose of providing my said executrix with the means of making such purchase or purchases, I do hereby authorize and empower her to sell at public or private sale as she may deem most advisable my place in Choctow County, Alabama, known as the Kinterbish place and my place in the Marengo County aforesaid known as the Boykin place and for the purpose of enabling my executrix to carry out the objects fully specified in this item. I do hereby invest in her as Executrix aforesaid all such titles as may be necessary to effect the same without in any manner requiring the intervention of any of the courts of the State of Alabama and all such land as may be purchased by my said executrix shall be held and used by them so directed to be kept and used in this item and on the final division of estate to be divided and descend according to the provisions herein specified with regard to the rest of my estate. Item 8. It is my will and I desire that all of my family remain and reside at the homeplace with their mother until they shall respectively attained the age of twenty-one years or marry and that they shall until such contingencies happen live in common and the same style and manner they lived during my lifetime and that my executrix shall not be required to keep separate accounts written. Item 9. It is further my will and desire that all my estate not directed to be sold be kept together and worked in common until my following named children towit: Ophelia Lewis, Olivia, Lewis, Agnes Lewis, Arthur M. Lewis, and Caroline Lewis, and such other child or children as may be hereafter born to me shall have respectfully attain the age of twenty-one years or married and shall deserve him or her share to be set or allotted. The share of each in the slaves therein belonging to my estate according to the provisions of this will defining what portion each one shall have. Shall accordingly be set off and allotted to each child and from time to time, each child shall on the happening of such contingencies as above provided shall be set out and allotted. Item 10. It is further my will that the sum of _________ Dollars be paid by my executrix to each one of the above named or specified children at the time of selling off and allotting his or her share of the slaves as in Item No. 9 directed and provided for. Item 11. it is my will that if any of my children named or specified in Item 9 should die before his or her share of the (property) slave allotted to him or her without leaving issue at that time then his or her share of the (property) slave allotted to him or her without leaving issue at that time then his or her share of said slave shall remain and shall be divided among my other children named and specified in said Item No. 9 (nine). Item 12. It is my will that all the units herein predicted to be kept together and cultivated, be kept and cultivated until my unmarried child shall have attained the age of twenty-one and married and in the event of any of my children shall have preferred to keep his or her portion of the slaves together on said plantation said lands shall be kept and cultivated until each one of my said children shall have taken off his or her share of said slaves. Item 13. It is my will and I direct that all the stock of horses, mules, cattle, hogs, farming utensils provision and co. be kept and remain on said plantation so directed to be kept together until the final delivering of my estate at which time by land so directed to be kept together and cultivated shall be equally divided among all my children either living or the descendants of such of them as may be living according to the laws regulating descents in the State of Alabama. Except that my said son Green Berry is not to have any share of the share of my son - said son - Owen to be vested in my said wife as trustee aforesaid and to be used and devised as provided in. Item 14. I hereby clothe my executor with full power to sell the crop of cotton at public sale for cash to sell the surplus stock or provisions which may at any time increasing or may become liable to waste at public or private sale as he may deem desirable without at any time requiring the intervention of any of the courts. And for the purpose of executing this my will I do hereby vest in her all such the authority and power as may be necessary as fully and completely as I could myself if living. Item 15. I hereby nominate and appoint my beloved wife executor to execute this my will and request that she be not required by the probate court to give Bond in a sum exceeding fifty thousand dollars and hereby request my said wife SARAH C. LEWIS in executing the provision of this my will and more particularly in working all of the Kinterbish and Boykin places and in the purchase of all the land to be attached to and constitute a portion of the tract herein directed to be kept together to consult and advise with one or two of such of her friends as she knows to be prudent and solicitous in the management of their own affairs. In testimony where of I have here unto set my hand and affixed my seal this day of AD 1860. Signed sealed and published in our presence SEAL In addition to the aforegoing and by way of more fully explaining my intentions make this codicil thereto as follows. It is my will above all else that my property and particularly my slaves be kept together and that the division take place until one of my children becomes of age or married and thus my wife then have her share 1st off, she having the privilege of retaining the house servants as a fair and reasonable valuation. It is further my will that she have the privilege or selling or purchasing any stock she may decide necessary. It is further my will that in case any of my children should die without leaving a child or children that his or her share (excepting said Berry Lewis). It is further my will and desire that incase the Kinterbish place and Boykin place are either of them be sold that the hands worked thereon be reserved and worked on the Greenville and Ferry place. It is further my will that when any of my children shall have received his or her share of the slaves or as soon after as convenient, he or she shall have the sum of three thousand dollars paid or given to him or her by the said executrix because I do not want my land, which is directed to be kept together, divided or sold until my children shall all become twenty-one or married at which time I want my wife's dower set off and the balance of the sum divided among my children aforesaid or sold if it be found advisable and the proceeds divided. This November 15th AD 1860 signed in the presence of ARTHUR M. LEWIS and witnessed by John H. Smith SEAL Joseph Moore Wm. S. Gilmore TESTIMONY State of Alabama ) Probate Court of said County. In the matter Marengo County ) of the Probate of the Last Will and testamentof A. M. LEWIS deceased. Before me P. E. O'Connor Judge of said court appeared in open court J. W. Smith who having been by me first duly sworn and examined did and do depose and say on oath that he is a subscribing witness to the instrument of writing now shown to him and which purports to be the last will and testament of A. M. LEWIS deceased late and inhabitant of this county, that said LEWIS since deceased signed and executed said instrument on the day the same bears date and deceased the same to be his last will and testament and that affiant set his signature thereto and that the other subscribing witnesses set their signatures thereto on the day the same bears date as subscribing witness to the same in the presence of said testator. That said testator was of sound mind and disposing memory and in the opinion of deponent fully capable of making his will at the time the same was made as aforesaid. Affiant further states that said testator was on the day of the date of said will of the full age of twenty one years and upwards. subscribed and sworn to ) before me the 18th day of ) John W. Smith September 1871 ) P.E. O'Connor, Judge P.C. ) ------- 1839 Sumter County, Alabama Book E p128-9 Nicholas Lewis David Green This Indenture made the Eighteenth day of To February in the year of our Lord one thousand Nicholas Lewis eight hundred & thirty nine between David Recd & recorded Green & Stacy Green wife of said David of the the 28 Feby 1839 first part Nicholas Lewis of Sommerville of the second part Witnesseth that the said party of the first part for & in consideration of the sum of Twenty seven hundred & seventy five dollars to them in hand paid at and before the sealing and delivering of these presents by the said party of the second part (and to his heirs and assigns) [in () & marked out] the receipt where of is hereby acknowledged hath granted bargained sold and conveyed and by these presents I bargain sell & convey unto the said party of the second part and to his heirs and assigns forever the following tract or parcel of land known and described as follows. The East half the NW quarter of section 3 & the East half of the NW quarter of section 4. Also Fraction A & B of section 4 in Township 15 together with the NE quarter of section 34 in Township 16 & all of which is in Range one East & of the district of lands subject to sale at Demopolis & all of which is in Range 1 E & of the district of lands subject to sale at Demopolis & is lying & being in the county of Sumter & State of Alabama containing three hundred and eighty acres more or less together with all & singular the tenements & appurtenances thereunto belonging or in any wise appertaining & the revision & revisions remainder & remainders rents issues & profits thereof and also all the estate rights title in the claim or demand whatsoever of them the said parties of the first part either in law or equity of in and to the above bargained premises & ever part & parcel thereof To have & to hold to the said party of the second part his heirs and assigns to the sole heirs and assigns forever and the said parties of the first part for themselves their heirs executors and administrators doth hereby warrant and will forever defend the use of the above bargained premises to the said Nicholas Lewis his heirs and assigns from the claim or claims of all and every person or persons whomsoever as also from the claim of the general government and that Stacy Green wife of said Daniel Green in consideration of the aforesaid and one dollar to her paid the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged does hereby release & relinquish to the said party of the second part, his heirs and assigns all her rights & title of dower in and to the above mentioned and described premises. In testimony where the said Daniel and Stacy Green parties of the first part have here unto set their hands & affixed seals the day & year above written. Signed & sealed Acknowledged & Daniel Green SEAL delivered in the presence of Stacy Green SEAL Thomas T. Scott A. M. LEWIS
The State of Alabama Feby 19th A.D. 1839 County of Sumter Be it remembered that them the above mentioned Daniel Green & Stacy his wife appeared personally before me Price Williams clerk of the county of said county and acknowledged that they signed sealed and delivered the foregoing deed on the day & year therein mentioned to the aforesaid party of the second part and said Stacy Green wife of the Daniel Green by me being examined personally and apart from her said husband acknowledged she signed sealed & delivered the said deed freely and of her own accord and without any fear or compulsion of her said husband this the nineteenth day of February in the year of our Lord One Thousand Eight hundred and thirty nine. In Testimony whereof there unto set my hand & affixed my seal of office in Livingston this the day and date above. Price Williams Clerk ---------- 1841 Marengo County, Alabama Bk H p 408-9 A. M. LEWIS David Curry Shff ) Known by all men by these presents that Deed to A.M. LEWIS ) whereas by virtue of all Execution from Filed for record ) the circuit court of Marengo Co. No. 6210 30th Jan. 1841 ) in favor of Noris ?Leoddrs for $1557.63 with interest from widow 4th May 1840 of Suit and Executor from the county court of said county in favor of H. B. Bush No. 164's for 277/70 against John Davis and whereas after the coming of the writ to me and before the day of the Execution of said writs. I David Curry Sheriff of the County of Marengo, did by virtue of the said writs sign and take as the property of John Davis the land herein after particularly described to satisfy said against him and first having given thirty days notice of the intended sale by publication in a newspaper in the county of Marengo did offer the sale at public auction to the highest bidder at the door of the Court of Marengo County according to the Statue in such case made and provided on the 1st Monday in the month of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty one and did thus between the hours of twelve o'clock a.m. and four o'clock in the afternoon of that day sell the same to ARTHUR M. LEWIS he being the highest bidder and purchaser thereof for the sum of thirteen hundred and forty dollars now known yes that I the said Davis Curry as Sheriff of the county aforesaid by virtue of the said writs above mentioned the land in me vested by law in consideration of the sum of thirteen hundred and forty dollars lawful money of the United States of America to me in having paid by the said ARTHUR M. LEWIS the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged have granted bargained and sold by these persons do grant bargain & sell said ARTHUR M. LEWIS his heirs executors administrators and assigns for all the eight title interest and estate of the said John Davis in and to all that tract piece parcel of labor of land and promises situations lying and being in the county of Marango and describes as follows. The North west quarter of section one and the west half of the north east quarter of section view all in township sixteen of Range two east covering 2 hundred and forty acres more or less with all and then unto belonging or in any way have deed to hold the said land and pur to the said ARTHUR M. LEWIS heir executors administrators and assigns to his and then only behoof favors as fully and completely as I the said David Curry Sheriff as aforesaid may by virtue to the said with and of the power and authority in our virtue by law sell and In witness where of I David Curry Sheriff of the Co. of Marengo State of Alabama have hereunto set my hand and seal this the forth day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty one. David Curry SEAL Sheriff Marengo County State of Alabama ) Before me Thomas I Woolf, Clerk of the Circuit Marengo County ) Court of said County personally appeared David Curry Sheriff of the County aforesaid the grantor in the foregoing deed who acknowledged that he signed sealed and delivered the same on the day and date thereof and for the purposes thereto . In testimony of which I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office at officer on this the thirteenth day of January A.D. eighteen hundred and forth one and sixty fifth year of the Independence of the United States of America. Thomas I. Woolf Clerk. ----------- 1841 Sumter County, Alabama Bk F p453-5 A. M. LEWIS Marengo County, Alabama Bk H p679-80 (same deed) [Written sideways on second page] Have this day had final settlement with ARTHUR M. LEWIS & revive in full in all demands up to date December 16th 1848 Nicholas Lewis Feby 27th 1843 Recd of Nicholas Lewis Two hundred and fifty dollars in the amount of our fee for the defense of the suit in the Circuit Court of Madison County of the Branch Bank at Huntsville against. A. M. LEWIS & we hereby transfer without recourse upon us to the said Nicholas Lewis our demand against said A. M. LEWIS for the fee aforesaid. Hopkins & Parsons The above is the only suit we had for A. M. LEWIS Silas Parsons 26th April 1844 Received of A. M. LEWIS two hundred and fifty dollars being in full of the amount due Parsons & Hopkins at Huntsville, Alabama Feb 12th 1844 Nicholas Lewis ARTHUR M. LEWIS This indenture made the first day of To Deed in Trust November in the year of our Lord One Wm M. McDowell Thousand Eight hundred & forty one Received & Recorded between ARTHUR M. LEWIS of the county November 24th 1841 of Marengo in the state of Alabama of the first part William McDowell of the second part & Nicholas Lewis of the County of Morgan & state aforesaid & Hopkins & Parsons of the County of Madison & state aforesaid of the third part whereas the said ARTHUR M. LEWIS is justly indebted to the said Nicholas Lewis in the sum of six thousand five hundred & eighty nine 89/100 Dollars by the three following described bonds or notes one bearing date July 4, 1835 for the payment to the said Nicholas Lewis or order on or before the first of February next thereafter of the sum of Three thousand & six Hundred dollars with interest thereon from date one bearing date 12th August 1836 for the payment twelve months after the date thereof to the said Nicholas Lewis of the sum of fourteen hundred dollars with Interest - from date credited on 14th May 1841 with five hundred & fifty nine 97/100 Dollars & one bearing date 15th August 1836 due on the date there of for the sum of Ten Thousand one hundred & forty nine 36/100 dollars & the said ARTHUR M. LEWIS is indebted to the said Hopkins & Parsons in the sum of Two Hundred & seventy five Dollars which said debts the said ARTHUR M. LEWIS is Willing & desirous to secure now this Indenture witnesseth that for and in consideration of the promissory & also for the further consideration of one Dollar to the said ARTHUR M. LEWIS in hand paid by the said William Mc Dowell at and before the sealing & delivery of these presents the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged he the said ARTHUR M. LEWIS hath given granted bargained sold alined enforced released and confirmed & by these presents doth give grant bargain sell alien enforce release and confirm to the said William McDowell his heirs & assigns forever all that tract or parcel of land lying & being in the county of Marengo & state aforesaid containing two hundred & forty acres of land be the same more or less & being as found to wit the West half of the southwest quarter of section three also the north East quarter of section nine & also the north west quarter of section two and also the west half of the north East quarter of section four all lying in Township sixteen of Range two East also his undivided half in that tract or parcel of land lying & being in the County of Sumter & state aforesaid containing three hundred & ninety five acres be the same more or less and being as follows to wit the West half of the north east quarter of section thirty three in Township sixteen & range one east the west half of the south west quarter of section twenty seven in Township sixteen & Range one East the East half of the south west quarter of section twenty seven in Township sixteen and Range one East also fractional section twenty six in Township sixteen & Range one East also the fraction D of section twenty seven in Township sixteen and Range one East containing fifty seven acres the southwest quarter of the south east quarter of section twenty seven in Township sixteen & Range one east & also the following slaves & other personal property to wit: London aged thirty years. King aged twenty eight years. Fleming aged twenty six years. Stephen aged eighteen years. Davy aged twenty six years. Beverly aged seventeen years. Simon aged fourteen years. Lucy aged eighteen years. Hannah aged fifteen years. Catherine aged fifteen years. Rinah aged thirty five years. Henry aged eight years. Rodah aged thirty five years. Polly aged ten years. Fanny aged forty years & her four children to wit. Sarah aged eight years. Emiline aged six years. Esther aged four years & Edy aged Two years. Eleven head of Horses consisting of Gelding, Mares, Colts, mules, seventy five head of stock cattle consisting of bulls, cows calves oxen & steers fifty head of hogs one waggon & all the farming utensils of the said ARTHUR M. LEWIS with all and singular the appurtenances to the same tracts or parcels of land belonging or in any wise appertaining and the further increase of the females of said slaves & all the estate right title & interest of the said ARTHUR M. LEWIS in & to the said granted or entered to be hereby granted tracts or parcels of land and presence with the appertaining together with the aforesaid slaves & the future increases of the females thereof & all the other personal property hereby conveyed to the said William McDowell, his heirs, Executors Administrators & assigns forever to the only proper use & behoof of the said William McDowell his heirs executors administrators & assigns forever and the said ARTHUR M. LEWIS for himself his heirs executors & administrators doth hereby consent promise & agree to & with the said William McDowell his heirs executors administrators & assigns forever in manner & form following that is to say that the said ARTHUR M. LEWIS his heirs Executors & administrators the aforesaid tracts or parcels of land & premises with the appurtenances together with the aforesaid slaves & the future increase of the females thereof & use the other personnel property hereby conveyed rents the said William..the said William McDowell Trustee shall & may so soon as he may think proper or so soon as the said Nicholas Lewis & Hopkins & Parsons or either of them may request expose to public sale to the highest bidder for ready money at Linden Alabama after having advertised said sale for at least twenty days previously in some news paper published at or near the plan of sale at sufficient amount of the above mentioned property. Either real or personal, to pay & satisfy all said debts & the interests thereon & the reasonable costs & charges of Executing the trust & out of the money to arise from such sale or sales of the said William Mcdowell shall pay said debts & interest & after retaining reasonable amount for said cost & charges shall pay the balance if nay to said ARTHUR M. LEWIS. But the said debt & interest shall be fully paid off & discharged then this Indenture to be null & void otherwise to remain in full force In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands & affixed our seals the day and year above written sealed & delivered in presence of ARTHUR M. LEWIS SEAL W. H. Nunally Wm McDowell SEAL Walter Grantland
The State of Alabama Personally appeared before me Marengo County Thomas I Woolf Clerk of the county court of said county the above named Walter Grantland who after being duly sworn deposed & says that he saw the above named ARTHUR M. LEWIS & William McDowell sign seal & deliver the foregoing deed on the day of the date thereof to the therein named Nicholas Lewis & that he the said deponent sign his name as a witness thereto in the presence of the said ARTHUR M. LEWIS & William McDowell & that he saw W. A. Nunnally the other subscribing witness sign the said deed as a witness thereto who also sign the same is the person of the said ARTHUR M. LEWIS & William McDowell Given under my hands seal of office at Marengo Court House the 23rd day of November AD 1841 Thos I. Wolf Clerk (Delivered to A. M. LEWIS) ----------- 1842 Sumter County, Alabama Bk F p735 Nicholas Lewis Daniel Green & Wife This Indenture made the seventeenth To )( Deed day of June in the year of our Lord Nicholas Lewis one thousand eight hundred & forty Received 29th June & two between Daniel Green and Stacy Recorded 30th June 1842 Green wife of the said Daniel of the County of Sumter and State of Alabama of the one part, and Nicholas Lewis of the county of Morgan and State of Alabama of the other part Witnesseth, that the said Daniel & Stacy Green, for and in consideration of the sum of nine hundred dollars to them in hand paid by the said Nicholas Lewis, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged have this day bargained and sold and by these presents doth convey and confirm unto the said Lewis his heirs and assigns, forever, a certain tract or parcel of land lying & being in the county of Sumter and State of Alabama and in the district or lands subject to sale at Demopolis designated at SE quarter of section 33 in Township 16 of Range one E containing one hundred & sixty acres more or less which tract of land together with the hereditaments and appurtenances hereto belonging to the said Daniel Green & Stacy Green for themselves and their heirs unto the said Nicholas Lewis and his heirs executors administrators and assigns will warrant and forever defend against the lawful claim of all persons whomsoever as an indefeasible inheritance in fee simple. Given under our hands & seals the day & year above written. Signed sealed and delivered Daniel Green SEAL in the presence of Stacy Green SEAL Ezekiel Andrews Burrell H. Greene
The State of Alabama Personally came before me Price Williams Sumter County clerk of the County court of said County Burwell H. Green one of the subscribing witness to the foregoing deed who being first duly sworn deposeth and said that he saw the above named Daniel Green & Stacy Green whose names are subscribed thereto sign seal and deliver the same to the said Nicholas Lewis that he this deponent subscribed his name as witness thereto in the presence of the said Daniel Green & Stacy Green & that he saw the other subscribing witness. Ezekiel Andrews sign the same in the presence of the said Daniel & Stacy Green & in the presence of each other on the day & year therein named. Given under my hand & seal of office this 29th June 1842 Price Williams Clerk (Delivered A. M. LEWIS) ---------- 1844 Marengo County, Alabama Bk K p170 A. M. LEWIS Caroline Davis The State of Alabama Marengo County Release of Dower to Know all men by these presents that I A. M. LEWIS Caroline Davis wife of John Davis of the Recorded 2nd Feb 1844 county and State aforesaid for certain valuable consideration the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged. Tho I Woolf Clk have released and assigned and by these presents doth release and assign unto ARTHUR M. LEWIS and his heirs all my right & title of dower in and to the following described lands situated in the County and State aforesaid to wit: the NW quarter of Section 10, & the west half of the NE quarter of Section 9 & all in Township 16 Range 2 E Witness my hand & seal this 16th day of November 1843 (signed) Carolyn Davis SEAL Signed sealed & delivered in the presence of John Besteder JP SEAL On the day & year above written personally appeared before me John Besteder an acting Justice of the Peace for Marengo County Caroline Davis who acknowledged that she signed the above instrument on the day and year above mentioned and for the above expressed purpose 16th November 1843 John Besteder JP SEAL ---------- 1845 Sumter County, Alabama ARTHUR M. LEWIS witnessed a deed between Emanuel B. Chaney to Green Berry Chaney (p455). ---------- 1849 Marengo County, Alabama Bk M p422-3 A. M. LEWIS Robert T. Sample & The state of Alabama Marengo County wife & David Espy This Indenture made this the fourth Deed to day of January eighteen hundred and ARTHUR M. LEWIS forty nine between Robert T. Sample Recorded 12th Jany 1849 & David Espy of the first part & Tho I. Woolf Clk ARTHUR M. LEWIS of the other and are of the State and County first above mentioned witnesseth that we R. T Sample & David Espy for and in consideration of the Sum of four hundred and Ten dollars to them in hand paid the receipt of the same is hereby acknowledged hath bargained sold and conveyed unto A.M. LEWIS & his assigns all that tract of land situated on the Bigbee River embracing the land at the mouth of six mile creek the SE part of section 26 in the Township 16 of Range 1 East in the district of lands subject to sale at Demopolis Ala containing forty acres together with al the appurtenances thereunto belonging to the same in fee simple to him & to his heirs and assigns forever the right & title to the same we will warrant and forever defend. In witness whereof we have here unto set our hands and affixed our seals the day & year first above written signed R. J. Sample SEAL David Espy SEAL Know all men by these presents that I Eliza A. Sample Wife of the aforesaid Robert T. Sample for & in Consideration of the sum of one dollar to me in hand have by the aforesaid A. M. LEWIS do this day relinquish unto the said LEWIS all of my right of Dower in & to the above named land & premises conveyed by the said Robert T. Sample & David Espy unto the said LEWIS in witness whereof I here unto set my hand and affix my seal the 4th January 1849 Signed E. A. Sample X mark SEAL The State of Alabama Marengo County, Before me John W. Smith a Justice of the peace in and for said County came Robert T. Sample & E. Sample (his wife) and David Espy who acknowledged that they signed sealed & delivered unto A. M. LEWIS the foregoing deed on the day & year therein mentioned and the said E. A. Sample being by me privately examined apart from her husband acknowledged that she signed sealed & delivered the same freely with out any fear threats or compulsion of her said husband Given under my hand & seal the 4th day of January 1849 John M. Smith Jus of the Peace SEAL ---------- 1849 Marengo County, Alabama Bk M p522-3 A. M. LEWIS Daniel W. E. Finch & wife Know all men by these presents that Deed to we Daniel W. E. Finch & Mary A. his ARTHUR M. LEWIS & others wife of the county of Marengo and Recorded 10th May 1849 State of Alabama in consideration Tho I. Woolf Clerk of the sum of five dollars to us in hand paid by A. M. LEWIS, James R.Bryan and Burdett Eskidge trustees for the female academy at Jefferson, of the County & state aforesaid the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged have given granted, conveyed and relinquished and by these presents do give grant convey and relinquish unto the said A M. LEWIS, James R. Bryan, & Berdett Eskridge and their successors as trustees all our right title interest & claim in & to a certain tract or parcel of land situated and being in the county and state aforesaid. Known and described as follows. Commencing at a stake on the road leading from Linden to Moscow running thence north 56 E 14 poles to stake thence South 34 E 9 poles to stake thence south 56 W 14 poles to stake on said road thence along said road to beginning containing one acre more or less and said land is a part of the N E quarter south west quarter of section four township 16 range 2 E To have & to hold all or right title interest & claim in & to the land aforementioned with the appurtenances there unto belonging unto the said A. M. LEWIS, James R. Bryan & Burdett Eskridge as trustees to the female academy and said conveyance to the said trustees is expressly given for the benefit of the females of this vicinity as an academy of learning and that the said property is to be so governed as to keep out all sectarian notions as regards religious matters & within successors forever so that neither of us the said D. W. Finch & Mary A. his wife nor our heirs nor any person or persons claiming under us or them shall at any time here after by any way or means have claims or demand any right or title to the aforesaid land or premises or to any part or parcel thereof forever In testimony whereof we have hereunto set our hands and affixed our seals this 21st day of March one thousand Eight hundred & forty nine singed
Mary A. Finch SEAL Test. John W. Smith. The state of Alabama Marengo County personally appeared before me John W. Smith a Justice of the Peace in & for the said County D. W. E. Finch & Mary A. his wife who acknowledged that they signed sealed & delivered the within deed for the purpose therein named & that Mary A. Finch being separate & apart Examined by me sayeth that she signed & sealed the within without any fear threats or compulsions of her husband. This the 21st day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty nine Given under my hand & seal John W. Smith SEAL J. P. ---------- 1849 Marengo County, Alabama Bk M p545 A. M. LEWIS James B. T. Johnson & wife The State of Alabama Marengo Deeds to County Know all men by these ARTHUR M. LEWIS presents that I Jas B. T. Johnson Recorded 29 May 1849 of Rankin County & state of Tho I. Woolf Clerk Mississippi for & in consideration of the sum of one hundred and fifty dollars to me in hand paid before the sealing and delivery of these presents by A. M. LEWIS of the County of Marengo & state of Alabama, the receipt of the same is hereby acknowledged have given granted bargained and sold and by these presents do give grant & sell the following tract or parcel of land to the said Lewis his heirs and assigns forever to wit the West half of the South east quarter of section no 9 Township 16 of Range 2 E containing Eighty acres more or less and lying & being in the county & state aforesaid. To have & to hold every part & parcel there together with the appurtenances there unto belonging and I the said Jas B. T. Johnson will warrant & defend the title to the above named land against myself my heirs my administrators my assigns forever. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this the third day of April A.D. 1849 Signed J. B. T. Johnson SEAl Margaret Johnson SEAL The state of Alabama Marengo County. Before me John W. Smith a Justice of the Peace for said County came Jas B. T. Johnson who acknowledged that he signed sealed & delivered unto A. M. LEWIS under my hand & seal this 2nd day of April 1849 Signed Jno W. Smith J. P. SEALAttest Sarah H. Davis Sarah An Davis The state of Mississippi Rankin County Personally appeared before John E. Rhodes an acting Justice of the peace in and for said County Margaret Johnson wife of the said J. B. T. Johnson who after being examined separately & apart from her husband acknowledged that she signed sealed & delivered the foregoing deed as her own act free without fear threats or compulsion of her said husband given under my hand & seal this April 17, 1849 Signed Jno E. Rhodes J. P. Seal ---------- 1850 Marengo County, Alabama Bk N p245 A. M. LEWIS Mary Bryan This indenture made 26 day of August in the Deed to year of our Lord one thousand Eight Hundred A. M. LEWIS and fifty between Mary Bryan of the first Recd 9 Sept 1850 part & ARTHUR M. LEWIS of the second part. J. A. Young JP Witnesseth that the said party of the first part for & in consideration of the sum of three hundred & one dollars 80 cents in hand paid at and before the sealing and delivery of these presents by the said party of the second part the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged hath granted bargained sold and conveyed and doth bargain sell and convey unto the said party of the second part and to his heirs and assigns forever a part of the East half of the North East quarter of section nine in Township 16 in Range 2 east & bounded as follows lying on the north side of the Road leading from Linden to Jefferson & by estimation twenty five acres & 15 hundredths of an acre in the state of Alabama and Marengo County & subject to Sale at the land office at Demopolis Together with all and singular the tenements & appurtenances thereunto belonging or in any way appertaining and also all the Estate right title interest claims or demand whatsoever of her said party of the first part either in law or equity of in and to the above bargained premises and every part and parcel thereof to have & to hold to the said party of the second part his assigns forever and the said party of the first part for her heirs Executors and administrators doth hereby warrant and will defend the title of the above bargained premises to ARTHUR M. LEWIS his heirs and assigns free from the claim or claims of all and every person or persons whomsoever as also the claims of the General Government In testimony whereof the aforesaid party of the first part hath here unto set her hand & affixed her seal the day and year above written singed Mary Bryan SEAL State of Alabama Marengo County Before me W. W. Grant an acting justice of the peace in & for said County personally appeared Mary Bryan who acknowledged that she sign seal & deliver the within deed on the day & year therein mentioned Given under my hand and seal this 26th day of August 1850 Signed W. W. Grant SEAL ---------- 1851 Marengo County, Alabama Bk N p352-3 A. M. LEWIS ARTHUR M. LEWIS & wife The State of Alabama Marengo County Deed to this Indenture made & entered into William T. Cheney on this the 28 day of December in Recorded 1st Jany 1851 the year Eighteen hundred and fifty fur $1.25 J. A. Young Judge between ARTHUR M. LEWIS and SARAH C. his wife & William T. Cheney all of the County of Marengo & state of Alabama, Witnesseth that for and in consideration of the sum of seven hundred & ninety dollars to the said LEWIS in hand paid by the said Cheney, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged the said ARTHUR M. LEWIS & SARAH C. his wife hath granted bargained sold and conveyed and do by these presents grant bargain sell and convey to the said William T. Cheney and to his heirs and assigns forever the following tract or parcel of land known and designated as the West half of the NE quarter of section 9 of Township 16 of Range two (2) East excepting and reserving one acre in the north west corner of said, wherever the building now stands known as the Jefferson Male Academy containing seventy nine acres without this reservation together with all and singular the tenements & appurtenances thereto belonging or in any wise appertaining To have and to hold to the said William T. Cheney his heirs and assigns & to ensure to his sole & only proper use benefit & behoof of the said party last mentioned his heirs & assigns forever & the said party ARTHUR M. LEWIS & SARAH C. his wife for themselves & their heirs & assigns doth hereby warrant & will forever defend the title of the above bargained premises to the said William T. Cheney his heirs and assigns free from the claim or claims of all and every person or persons whomsoever, and the said SARAH C. wife of the said ARTHUR M. LEWIS in consideration of the aforesaid & one Dollar to her in hand paid, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged does hereby release & relinquish to the said William T. Cheney his heirs and assigns forever all her right & title of dower in and to the above mentioned and described premises. In testimony whereof the said ARTHUR M. LEWIS & SARAH C. have hereunto set their hands and affixed their seals the day and date above mentioned Signed ARTHUR M. LEWIS SEAL SARAH C. LEWIS SEAL The State of Alabama Marengo County personally appeared before me W. N. Grant an acting Justice of the Peace in & for the county aforesaid the above named ARTHUR M. LEWIS & SARAH C. LEWIS his wife who acknowledged that they sign seal & deliver the foregoing deed on the day & year therein mentioned to the above named William T. Cheney & SARAH C. LEWIS wife of the aforesaid ARTHUR M. LEWIS being by me privately examined separate and apart from her husband acknowledged that she signed sealed and delivered the foregoing deed freely and of her own accord & without any fear or constraint of her husband given under my hand & seal the day & year above mentioned Signed W. W. Grant LS---------- 1852 Marengo County, Alabama Bk O p435 A. M. LEWIS John Whithead State of Alabama Marengo County This To Deed Indenture made and entered into this 14th A. M. LEWIS day of December eighteen hundred and fifty Filed & Recorded two between John Whitehead of the first Decr 14, 1852 part and ARTHUR M. LEWIS of the second part witnesseth that for and in consideration of the sum of two hundred and twenty five dollars to me in hand paid by the ARTHUR M. LEWIS the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged have bargained sold & conveyed unto ARTHUR M. LEWIS the following tract or parcel of land (to wit) the East half of South west quarter of section twenty nine in Township seventeen of Range two east. Containing Seventy nine acres 75/100 of an acre and also the southwest quarter of the north west quarter of Section twenty nine in township seventeen of range 2 east containing 39 acres & 87/100 of an acre. Subject to sale at the district of land at Demopolis Alabama. Now I John Whitehead do bind myself my heirs for the right and title of the above land or parcel of land to be clear of all claim or claims whatsoever Given under my hand and seal the day & date above written. John Whitehead SEAL Attest J. A. Young
State of Alabama Before me James A. Young Judge of Probate of Marengo County said county Personally came the within named John Whitehead who acknowledged that he signed sealed and delivered the within deed to A. M. LEWIS the grantee on the day the same bears date Given under my hand and seal at office this 14th day December AD 1852 Jas A. Young SEAL JP ---------- 1853 Marengo County, Alabama Bk P p296-7 A. M. LEWIS A. M. LEWIS & wife The State of Alabama Marengo County To Deed This Indentured made on the A. W. Seabrook thirteenth day July A. D. Eighteen Filed & Recorded Mch 14/54 hundred and fifty three between Jas A. Gomez Judge etc. ARTHUR M. LEWIS & SARAH C. LEWIS his wife of Marengo County & State of Alabama of the first part & A. W. Seabrook of the second part & of the same state and county witnesseth that the party of the first part for & in consideration of the sum of three hundred dollars to them in hand paid by the said party of the second part the receipt whereof his hereby acknowledged have bargained granted sold & conveyed to the said party of the second part the following tract or parcel of land to wit the East half of the SW quarter of Section 29 in Township 17 of Range 2 E containing seventy nine acres & 75/100 of an acre & also the SW quarter of the NW quarter of section 29 in Township seventeen of Range 2 E containing 39 acres & 89/100 of an acre & subject to sale at Demopolis land district & containing in all one hundred & nineteen acres & 62/100 of an acre. Now we the said ARTHUR M. LEWIS & SARAH C. LEWIS party of the first part do bind ourselves our heirs & assigns jointly and firmly by these presents unto A. W. Seabook his heirs & assigns for the right & title of the above named lands to be clear of any claim or claims from any person or persons whatsoever he witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands & affixed our seals ARTHUR M. LEWIS SEAL SARAH C. LEWIS SEAL attest John W. Smith R. T. Sample ---------- 1857 Marengo County, Alabama Bk R p74-5 A. M. LEWIS Jonathan Glass The State of Alabama Marengo To Mortgage County Know all men by these A. M. LEWIS presents that I Johnathan Filed for record Ap 7/57 Glass of said county and Jas A. Young Judge of Probate state am justly indebted to ARTHUR M. LEWIS of the same county and state in the sum of one thousand five hundred and ninety dollars due by promissory note bearing even date with these presents and due on the first day of January A.D. 1858 and whereas I am anxious and desirous to secure the payment of said sum of money to the said A. M. LEWIS therefore this indenture witnesseth that I the said Johnathan Glass for & in consideration of the promises and for the future consideration of the sum of ten dollars to me in hand paid by said A. M. LEWIS before the sealing & delivery of this indenture the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged have bargained and sold and by these presents do bargain sell & convey to the said A. M. LEWIS & his heirs and assigns the following named negro slaves to wit. Ellen a negro woman about twenty six years old. Net a negro girl about eight years old, Phoebe a girl about five years old and Miles a boy about twelve years old. To have & to hold to the said LEWIS & his heirs & assigns forever together with the future increase of the females thereof In trust nevertheless & this indenture is made upon the following conditions that is to say that same to keep possession of said slaves & increases until I make default in the payment of said sum of money but if I fail to pay said sum of money at the time the same becomes due then the said A. M. LEWIS or his executors administrators or assigns may take possession of said slaves with said increase if any as soon thereafter as he or they may think proper and after advertising the same for thirty days in some news paper published in said county or by notice posted up at the Court House door in Linden and three other public places to expose the same at public sale in Linden for Cash and from the proceeds first pay the expenses of this mortgage & of said sale & then apply the balance in satisfaction of said note & what interest may have accrued thereon & the remainder of any must be paid over to me or to my executor administrators or assigns but if I pay & satisfy said note & the interest thereon at the time the said falls due or before any sale is necessary under this deed then this deed & every part thereof is to be void Witness my hand and seal this the first day of April A.D. 1857 State of Alabama I James A. Young Judge of Probate of Marengo Marengo County County hereby certify that Johnathan Glass whose name is signed to the foregoing conveyance & whose known to me acknowledged before me this day that being informed of the contents of said conveyance he voluntarily executed the same on the day the same bears date Given under my hand this the 6th day of April A.D. 1857 Jas A. Young Judge etc ---------- 1857 Marengo County, Alabama Bk R p956 A. M. LEWIS The debts secured by this conveyance being satisfied the property is released July 1 1858 attest J. A. Young A. M. LEWIS James R. Allen This indenture made this 18th day of April To )( Conveyance A. D. 1857 between James R. Allen party of A. M. LEWIS the first part and ARTHUR M. LEWIS party of Filed for record the second part, all of Marengo County in the April 25/57 state of Alabama. Witnesseth that whereas Jas A. Young J. the said James R. Allen is partly indebted to said LEWIS the sum of two thousand and two hundred dollars sue and payable according to the tenor of his promissory note bearing every date hereof and payable to said LEWIS on order on the 25th day of December 1857 which said debt he is willing and desirous to secure the payment of note Know ye that the said party of the first part for and in consideration of the premises and also in consideration of ten dollars to him paid by the said party of the second part the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged hath granted bargained and sold and by these presents doth grant bargain sell & convey unto the said party of the second part the following negro slaves viz. A negro man named Buck aged about 28 years, a woman named Mahala aged about 20 years, a girl named Lucinda aged about 19 years and a girl named Mary aged about 9 years. To have and to hold the above described and hereby granted negroes with the future increase of the females thereof unto the said party of the second part his executor administrator or assigns upon trust nevertheless this conveyance is made upon this express condition that is to the said party of the first part shall make default in the payment of the said debt on promissory note at the maturity thereof then it shall be lawful for the said party of the second part to take possession of said negro slaves and after giving thirty days notice of the time & place of sale offered for sale at public auction for cash and of the proceeds of such sale pay off and satisfy the principal and interest due on said debt or promissory note with the expenses of this deed & said sale and the balance if any is to be paid over to said party of the first part. In Witness whereof the party of the first part pay hereunto set his hand and seal this day and year first above written Signed J. R. Allen SEAL signed sealed & delivered in presence of "the negro man named Buck instead Buch & altered to make it Buck" 18th April 1857 Gray, Lyon, John Beston ---------- 1858 Marengo County, Alabama Bk R p314 A. M. LEWIS David Compton The State of Alabama Marengo County. This To )( Deed Indenture made the 19 day of Nay 1858 between A. M. LEWIS David Compton & Caroline Compton his wife of Filed for Record the first part & A. M. LEWIS of the second 28th day Jany 1858 part and all of the state & county first above written for & in consideration of the sum of five hundred Dollars the receipt of the same is hereby acknowledged we the parties of the first part have sold and by these present do sell & convey unto the said A. M. LEWIS the following land (to wit) the SW Q of the NW Q Section 18 township 17 Range 2 East containing forty acres more or less. Now we the parties of the first part do bind ourselves our heirs and assigns to the said A. M. LEWIS for the title of the above described lands against the claims of all persons whatever claiming the same or any part thereof the right & title to the same we will warrant & forever defend either in law or in equity in whereof we have hereunto set our hands and affixed our seal the day and date first above written. D. Compton SEAL C. Compton SEAL The State of Alabama I John Besteder Justice of the peace in Marengo County and for said county hereby certify that Caroline Compton whose name is signed to the within deed and who is known to me acknowledged before me that being informed of the contents of the conveyance she executed the same voluntarily on the day the same bears date Given under my hand this 19th day of January 1858 John Besteder Justice of the Peace ----------- 1858 Marengo County, Alabama Bk R p609 A. M. LEWIS C. Street & wife The State of Alabama Marengo County To Deed This indenture made this seventeenth day A. M. LEWIS of November one Thousand Eight hundred & Recorded 16th day fifty eight between Clifford Street & December 1857 Frances R. Street wife of said Street of J. A. Young Judge etc. the one part & A. M. LEWIS of the other, and all of the state & county first above written witnesseth that the said parties of the first part for & in consideration of the sum of Two Hundred & fifty dollars to them in hand paid by the party of the first part the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged hath bargained sold & conveyed unto the said A. M. LEWIS his heirs & assigns a certain lot in the village of Jefferson on the north side of Moscow road, running nearly east & West. Commencing at the SW Corner of said lot & at SE corner of J. B. Bryan's lot, thence north between them parallel with the section line near twenty poles to the Barton's Bluff road thence East near twenty poles - thence South parallel with the other line to the first mentioned road - thence West to the beginning - containing one & one half acre of land lying in the N. end of the W 1/2 of the SE 1/4 of section 4 Township Sixteen Range 2 East in the District of land subject to sale at Demopolis. Now we bind ourselves our heirs & assigns for the right & title of land to be clear from us our heirs & assigns unto the said A. M. LEWIS with all the appurtenances there unto belonging. In witness we have hereunto set our hands & seal the day & year first above written. Clifford Street SEAL Frances R. Street SEAL
The State of Alabama Marengo County I John Besteder Justice of the Peace hereby certify that Clifton street & Frances R. Street wife of the said Street whose names are signed to the within conveyance, & who are known to me acknowledged before me this day, that being informed of the contents of conveyance they executed the same voluntarily on the day the same bears date - Given under my hand the 18th day of November 1858. John Besteder J. P. ---------- 1858 Marengo County, Alabama Book R p609-10 A. M. LEWIS J. D. Cruduh & wife The state of Alabama Marengo County to )( Deed This Indenture made on the ninth day of A. M. LEWIS December A. D. One Thousand & eight Recorded 16th day hundred and fifty eight between John D. December 1858 Cruduh & Elizabeth C. Cruduh his wife J. A. Young Judge parties of the first part and A. M. LEWIS party of the second part all of the aforesaid county & state witnesseth that the said parties of the first part in & for the consideration of Two Thousand one hundred and sixty dollars to them in hand paid by the said party of the second part at and before the ensealing of these presents the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged have bargained sold granted & conveyed & by these presents do bargain, sell, grant, & convey unto the said party of the second part & unto his heirs & assigns forever the following described tract & parcel of land to wit The NW 1/4 & the NW 1/4 of NE 1/4 & NW 1/4 of SW 1/4 & the SW 1/4 of SW 1/4 & the NE 1/4 of SW 1/4 of section 31 & the S 1/2 of the SW 1/2 & W 1/2 of SE 1/4 of section 30 all of Township 17 of Range 3 E situate & being in the county of Marengo & state of Alabama & in the District of lands subject to sale at Demopolis containing four hundred & Eighty acres be the same more or less. Together with all & singular the tenements hereditaments & appurtenances thereunto belonging or in any wise appertaining. To have & to hold unto the said party of the second part & to his heirs & assigns forever, the described premises together with all the right title interest property Dower & right of Dower of the said parties of the first part for themselves & for their heirs Executors & administrators do covenant & agree to & with the said party of the second part him & his heirs & assigns in the quiet & peaceful enjoyment of the said bargained & sold premises will forever defend In witness whereof the said parties of the first part have hereunto set their hands & seals the day & date first above written J. D. Cruduh SEAL Elizabeth C. Cruduh SEAL State of Alabama Marengo County I John W. Smith a Justice of the Peace in and for said county, certify that J. D. Cruduh & Elizabeth C. Cruduh (his wife) whose names are signed to the foregoing conveyance & who are known to me acknowledged before me on this day, that being informed of the contents of the conveyance, they voluntarily executed the same on the day and date hereof. Given under my hand this 9th day of December 1858 John W. Smith JP ---------- 1858 Marengo County, Alabama Bk R p611 A. M. LEWIS Richard Jones This indenture made this 13th day of to Deed December A. D. 1858 between Richard Jones A. M. LEWIS of the first part & ARTHUR M. LEWIS of said Recorded 16th day state & county party of the second part - December 1858 Witnesseth that the said party of the first J. A. Young Judge part for & in consideration of the sum of Fourteen hundred & ninety four 66/100 dollars to him in hand paid by the said party of the second part, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged has bargained & sold & by these presents doth grant, bargain & sell unto the said party of the second part his heirs & assigns all that tract or parcel of land lying & being in the said state and county & described as follows. The SW 1/4 & the W 1/2 of the SE 1/4 of section 25 in Township 17 Range 2 E in the district of land subject to sale at Demopolis Alabama. To have & to hold the above described & hereby granted premises unto him the said party of the 2nd part his heirs & assigns forever and the said party of the 1st part for himself his heirs administrators & executors the above described & hereby granted premises against the claim & claims of all person or persons whatsoever with warrant & defend unto the said party of the second part his heirs & assigns forever. In testimony whereof the said party of the first part has hereunto set his hand & affixed his seal the day & date first above written Richard Jones SEAL
The State of Alabama Marengo County I James A. Young Judge of Probate of said county hereby certify that Richard Jones whose name is signed to the foregoing conveyance. Known to me acknowledged before me, on this day that being informed of the contents of said conveyance he executed the same voluntarily on the day the same bears date. Given under my hand this the 16th day of December A.D. 1858 Jas. A. Young Judge Probate ---------- 1858 Marengo County, Alabama Bk R p618-20 A. M. LEWIS [Written sideways on second page] This Deed is satisfied & the property discharged Jany 23 1860 J. A. Young Judge [Written on a piece of paper glued to the 2nd page] Jefferson Ala Jan 23 AD 1860 Hon James A. Young Dem You will please enter satisfaction on a mortgage executed by W. M. F. Bush in favor myself & W. H. Grant & dated about the 20th of December 1855 & oblige A. M. LEWIS W. M. F. Bush The state of Alabama Marengo County To )( Mtge Know all men by these presents that A. M. LEWIS & W. H. Grant I W. M. F. Bush of said state & Recorded Decr 22d 1858 county for the consideration herein J. A. Young Judge & etc. after mentioned and also for and in consideration of the sum of one dollar to me in hand paid by A. M. LEWIS and W. H. Grant of the aid state & county the receipt where of I do hereby acknowledge have given granted bargained sold & conveyed unto the said Lewis & Grant the following described negro slaves, to wit, Ellen a girl about Eighteen years old, Nelson a boy about twenty three years old & Ellen a girl about nine years old. To have & to hold the said negro slaves & the future increase of the said females above named to the said LEWIS & Grant, their heirs & assigns forever, and I the said Bush for myself my heirs and assigns covenant to and with the said LEWIS & Grant, their & each of their heirs & assigns that said negroes are free from all legal incumbrances that I have good & lawful right to convey said negroes to said LEWIS & Grant & I hereby for myself my heirs & assigns warrant that I will and my heirs & assigns shall forever defend the title of the above conveyed negroes to the said LEWIS & Grant against the lawful claims of all persons whomsoever. The conditions of these presence such that whereas the said A. M. LEWIS & W. H. Grant have on the day & date hereof become security for me the said Bush on a certain promissory note bearing date the twentieth day of December A.D. one thousand Eight Hundred and fifty Eight & promising to pay to N. W. Riddle administrator of the Estate of John Burden dec'd Eleven hundred & fifty two dollars twelve months after the date thereof with interest from date thereof. Now if I the said Bush shall will and truly pay & satisfy the said note at its maturity or cause the same to be done by the time the said note matures and becomes due payable so as to same harmless the said LEWIS & Grant as my securities as aforesaid then this conveyance to be null & void otherwise to remain in full force & effect. And I the said Bush for myself, my heirs, & assigns covenant & agree with said LEWIS & Grant their or either of them their heirs & assigns that the possession of the above granted negroes shall be delivered to said LEWIS & Grant or either of them, or either of their heirs or assigns. Whenever they or either of them may or shall it deem it necessary for their or either of their protection on account of the premises to do so. In testimony whereof I the said W. M. F. Bush have hereunto set my name and affixed my seal on this the twentieth day of December A. D. 1858 W. M. F. Bush SEAL The state of Alabama Marengo County I James A. Young Judge of Probate of said county hereby certify that W. M. F. Bush whose name is signed to the foregoing conveyance and who is known to be acknowledged before me this day that being informed of the contents of said conveyance he executed the same voluntarily on the day the same bears date. Given under my hand the 21st day of December A. D. 1858 Jas. A. Young ---------- 1859 Marengo County, Alabama Bk S p424-5 A. M. LEWIS A. M. LEWIS & wife The state of Alabama Marengo County To )( Deed This Indenture made the 29th day of John G. Allen November 1859 between A. M. LEWIS & Recorded March 31 1860 SARAH C. LEWIS his wife party of E. A. Young Judge &etc the first part & John G. Allen party of the second part, all of the aforesaid county and state Witnesseth that the said parties of the first part in & for Consideration of Ten thousand dollars to them in hand paid by the second party at and before the ensealing and delivery of these presents the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, have bargained and sold, granted and conveyed and by these presents do bargain and sell, grant and convey unto the said party of the second part and unto his and assigns forever the following described tract and parcel of land to wit: The NW quarter & the NW quarter of the NE quarter and the NW quarter of the SW quarter and the SW quarter of SW quarter & NE quarter of SW quarter of Section 31 & the S half of SW quarter & the W half of SE quarter of section 3 all in Township 17 of Range 3 East. Also the SW quarter & the W half of the SE quarter of section 25 in Township 17 Range 2 E in the district of land subject to sale at Demopolis, ala. To have & to hold the above described land & hereby granted premises unto him the said party of the second part, his heirs & assigns forever and the said party of the first part for himself his heirs administrators and executors the above described and hereby granted premises against the claim & claims of all person or persons whatsoever will warrant & defend unto the said party of the second part his heirs and assigns forever.In testimony whereof the said party of the first part has hereunto set their hands and affixed their seals the day & date first above written A. M. LEWIS SEAL SARAH C. LEWIS SEAL Marengo County I John W. Smith Justice of the Peace in & for said county, certify that A. M. LEWIS & SARAH C. LEWIS his wife, whose names are signed to the foregoing conveyance and who are known to me acknowledged before me on this day that being informed of the contents of the conveyance they voluntarily executed the same on the day the same bears date. Given under my hand this the 29th day of November A.D. 1859 John W. Smith JP ---------- 1859 Marengo County, Alabama Bk R p636-7 A. M. LEWIS [Written sideways on page] This mortgage is satisfied December 14, 1859 J. A. Young Judge [Written on a note glued to the page] Jefferson Ala Dec 13th 1859 To the Honl James A. Young J. Probate You will please cancel the mortgage given to me by L. B. Bush bearing date 29th December 1858 and recorded on pages 636 & 637 A. M. LEWIS L. B. Bush State of Alabama Marengo County Know To )( Mtg all men by these presents that I Lewis A. M. LEWIS B. Bush of said County & state for & in Recorded Jan 10 1859 consideration of the sum of five hundred J. A. Young Judge etc sixty seven 81/100 dollars to me in hand paid, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged have bargained and sold and convey these presents do hereby sell & convey unto A. M. LEWIS of said county and state the following described lands to wit. The South East Quarter of section 32 in Township 17 of Range 2 E containing one hundred and sixty 25/100 acres more or less and lying and being in said county and state To have and to hold to the said LEWIS and to his heirs forever. Witnesseth that the above deed is made on the following conditions to wit, that whereas I have this day borrowed from the said LEWIS the above named sum of five hundred and sixty seven 81/100 dollars and being desirous to secure him in payment of the same, which evidenced by a promissory note of this date from me to said LEWIS for said sum and due at twelve months with interest from date. Now it is hereby understood and agreed that if I the said Bush shall fully pay to the said LEWIS the amount of said note when the same falls due, then this deed shall become void & of no effect. And in the event I the said Bush shall fail or neglect to pay the said note when the same falls due to wit on the first day of January 1860, then and in the event the said LEWIS is hereby empowered and authorized on giving twenty days notice of the time & place to sell the said lands to the highest bidder for cash, & out of the proceeds thereof to pay said note with all interest and charges & the balance if any to pay over to me - given under my hand and seal this 29th Dec 1858 L. B. Bush SEAL The State of Alabama Marengo County I John W. Smith a Justice of the Peace in & for said county, certify that L. B. Bush whose name is signed to the foregoing conveyance and who is known to me acknowledged before me on this day, that being informed of the contents of the conveyance he voluntarily executed the same on the day & date thereafter, Given under my hand December 30th 1858 John W. Smith JP ---------- 1860 Marengo County, Alabama Bk S p331-3 A. M. LEWIS Choctaw County, Alabama Bk P p603-4 (same deed - xerox copy follows deed below Bk P p601-3) R. N. & D. B. Lewis Know all men by these presents that To Deed I Robert N. Lewis of the State of A. M. LEWIS South Carolina & Daniel B. Lewis of Recorded Jany 9th 1860 the state of Texas for & in J. A. Young Judge &etc. consideration of the sum of Ten Thousand dollars (five thousand to each of us in hand paid by A. M. LEWIS of Marengo County Alabama the receipt where of is hereby acknowledged we have this day bargained & sold & by these presents doth hereby grant bargain, sell & convey unto the said A. M. Lewis the following named & described lands situated & lying in the counties of Choctaw & Sumter in the state of Alabama to wit: The north east 1/4 of section 34 The South East 1/4 of section 33 & south half of section 34 in Township 16 Range one East in Sumter Co, Alabama and the North East 1/4 of Section three of tract A B & C of Section 3 in Township 15 Range one east. The N E 1/4 of the FW 1/4 of Section 3. The SE 1/4 of NW 1/4 of Section 3 Fractional A & B of Section four and fractional C of section 4. The NW 1/4 of NW 1/4 of section three Fractional D & E of section four. The West half of north West 1/4 of section 4. The NE 1/4 of NW 1/4 of section 4 all in Township 15 range one E in Choctaw Counties. Known as the Lands belonging to the estate of Nicholas Lewis in Sumter & Choctaw counties hereby selling & conveying unto the said A. M. LEWIS all our right, title, claim, & interest in & to the lands aforesaid which we have or may possess as legatees of the said Nicholas Lewis deceased by virtue of his last will & Testament or otherwise. To have & to hold to the said A. M. LEWIS the above described lands together with all & singular the appurtenances and improvements there to belonging or in anywise appertaining & to his heirs and assigns forever. Hereby conveying with the said A. M. LEWIS to warrant & forever defend the title to the above lands from the lawful claim of all persons whatsoever. Given under our hands and seals on this the 9th day of January AD 1860 R. N. Lewis SEAL D. B. Lewis SEAL
The State of Alabama I James A. Young Judge of Probate of Marengo County said county hereby certify that R. N. Lewis & D. B. Lewis Grantors in the foregoing conveyance and who are known to me acknowledged before me on this day that being informed of the contents of the conveyance they executed the same voluntarily on the day the same bears date. Given under my hand this the 9th day of January AD 1860 Jas. A. Young Judge &etc ---------- 1860 Marengo County, Alabama Bk S p348-9 A. M. LEWIS WM. F. Bush This Indenture made & entered into on To Mtge the 20th day of January in the year of A. M. LEWIS our Lord one thousand eight hundred & Recorded Jany 23, 1860 sixty between William M. F. Bush of the J. A. Young Judge etc. County of Marengo & State of Alabama of the first part and A. M. LEWIS of the aforesaid county & state of the second part witnesseth that the said party of the first part is justly indebted to the said party of the second part in the sum of two thousand and four hundred dollars due by a promissory note made by the party of the first part and payable to the party of the second part for the said sum bearing even date with this deed and payable on the first day of February A.D. 1861 and whereas the party of the first part is anxious & desirous to secure the party of the second part in the payment of said sum of money at the time the same is due as aforesaid. Now therefore in consideration of the premises & for the further consideration of the sum of Ten dollars to the party of the first part in hand paid by the party of the second part the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged has granted bargained & sold & by these presents doth grant bargain sell & convey to the party of the second part & to his heirs & assigns forever the following described negroes slaves, to wit Nelson a negro man about (23) twenty three years of age, Jacob a negro man about (20) twenty years of age, Phereby a negro woman about (30) thirty years of age. Little Ellen age 11 years and boy Dave age 3 years To have and to hold said negro slaves together with the future increase of the females unto the party of the second part & to his heirs & assigns forever. And the party of the first part hereby agree to and with the party of the second part to warrant and defend the title & losses of said slaves. Upon Trust nevertheless and this deed is made upon the following express trusts & conditions that is to say that the party of the first part is to retain quiet & peaceable possession of said slaves until default be made in the payment of said sum of money and upon this further trust that if the party of the first part or his Executors or administrators shall fail to pay said note when the same becomes due then it maybe lawful & the party of the second part, or his Executors, Administrators or Assigns may take possession of said slaves herein conveyed & after advertising the time & place of sale for at least 20 days previously in some newspaper published in said county or by posting up notices in three or more public places in said county expose the said slaves to public sale to the highest bidder for cash in front of the court house door in Linden in said Marengo County and out of the proceeds of said sale, first pay the expenses of this trust & of the sale and then retain out of the balance an amount sufficient to pay said note & the interest that may have accrued thereon & the balance if any he shall pay over to the party of the first part or to his heirs, executors or administrators. But if the party of the first part shall will & truly pay said note at the maturity thereof or before any sale takes place under the provisions of this deed together with all interest costs and charges attending the same, then this deed to be void. Else to remain in full force & virtue. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal the day & date first above written. W. Bush SEAL The words "Four hundred" underlined before signing Witness Jas. A. Young JP B. Rains [Written sideways in margin - This Mortgage is satisfied April 6th 1863 SARAH C. LEWIS Excex of A. M. LEWIS dec'd by ?L. S. Alston.] ---------- 1860 Choctaw County, Alabama Bk P p601-3 A. M. LEWIS Geo F. Smith This Indenture made & entered into this To Deed the 9th day of September AD 1859 one A. M. LEWIS thousand eight hundred and fifty nine Recd 16th & Recorded between George F. Smith of the county 19th day of March 1860 of Choctaw State of Alabama of the first part and A. M. Lewis of the county of Marengo of the second part whereas by virtue of a decree of the Probate Court of Choctaw County, hereto for made the same A. M. LEWIS administrator of the Estate of Green B. Chaney was authorized and empowered to sell the lands belonging to said Chaney deceased for the purpose of distribution on a credit of twelve months and pursuant to said LEWIS and after having given due & legal notice of the time place & terms of said sale by administrator according to law the said LEWIS did on the several days hereinafter mentioned expose to public sale to the highest bidder within the legal hours of such sales the lands therein after particularly described (to wit) on the twenty fourth day of November 1853 in the Town of Livingston on the SE quarter of Section 28 the south half of the south west quarter of section twenty eight. The south half of the south half section 29 all in Township 16 Range one east lying and being in the county of Sumter & state of Alabama containing four hundred acres, sold at one Dollar and twenty five cents per acre making the sum of Five Hundred Dollars also at the same time and place the south half of section 36 & the SW 1/4 of section 31 Township 16 Range 1 E lying in said county of Sumter containing four hundred & ninety & 48100 acres sold at one dollar per acre amounting to Four Hundred & ninety dollars & forty eight cents. On the Twenty Eighth day of November AD 1853 in the Town of Butler in Choctaw County, State of Alabama, the North half of Section 2 & the east half of the SE quarter of Section 2 & the E half of the SW 1/4 of section 2 all in Township 15 range 1 west containing four hundred & seventy two 46/100 acres sold at fifty cents per acre amounting to two hundred and thirty six dollars & twenty three cents. Also at the same time and place the SW 1/4 & the W 1/2 of the NW 1/4 & the SE 1/2 of the NWE 1/4, the W 1/2 of the SE 1/4 of section 21 Township 15 Range one west. Also the North half of the W 1/2 of the SE 1/4 & the E 1/2 of the SW 1/4 of section 28 Township 15 Range one W 1lso the E 1/2 of the NE 1/4 of section 29 & the E 1/2 of SE 1/4 of section 21 in Township 15 Range 1 West containing nine hundred and ninety Eight 91/100 acres sold at four dollars and ninety nine cents per acre. Amounting to four thousand nine hundred & eighty six dollars fifty and one half cents making the aggregate Two thousand three hundred and sixty one 85/100 acres sold for the aggregate sum of six thousand two hundred & thirteen dollars & twenty one cents and at said sale the above described land now struck off & sold to the party of the second part he being the highest & best bidder therefore at the prices aforesaid & the probate court of said county of Choctaw having approved and confirmed said sale and the party of the second part having paid the whole of the purchase money for said lands & said payment having been reported to the probate court according to law & the court by a decree bearing date the fifth day of September 1859 having intended that said land be conveyed to the said party of the second part & it appearing that said sale was fairly & legally conducted & that the price paid was a full & adequate consideration & the court by an order bearing date the fifth day of September 1859 having appointed the party of the first part to convey the aforesaid lands to the party of the sec'd part in pursuance of Section 1770 of the code of Alabama now therefore this Indenture witnesseth that the said party of the first part for and in consideration of the premises aforesaid respectively and by virtue of the power and authority confirmed upon him by the order and decree aforesaid hath granted bargained & sold & by these presents doth grant bargain & sell unto the said party of the second part and his heirs and assigns on the right title and interest which the said Green B. Chaney had in the above described and hereby granted land at the time of his death together with all the right title and interest which the party of the first part has to convey the same by virtue of his appointment aforesaid to have and to hold the same with appurtenance unto the said party of the second part his heirs and assigns forever as fully & absolutely as the said party of the first part by virtue of his appointment aforesaid might could or ought to convey the same. In Testimony whereof the said party of the first part hath hereto set his hand & seal this day & year first above written. Geo F. Smith
The State of Alabama I Joshua Morse, Judge of Probate of the Choctaw County county aforesaid hereby certify that George F. Smith whose name is signed to the within conveyance & who is known to me acknowledged before me on this day that being informed of the contents of the conveyance he executed the same voluntarily on the day the same bears date Given under my hand this the 10th day of December AD 1859 Delivered Joshua Morse Judge Probate ---------- 1860 Choctaw County, Alabama Bk P p684-5 A. M. Lewis A. M. LEWIS Adm This Indenture made the 14th day of July To Deed AD 1858 between A. M. LEWIS as adminis- Isabella Gilmore et al trator of the estate of Green B. Chaney Recd in office dec'd of the county of Marengo of the Recorded Augt 10 1860 first part & Isabella Gilmore wife of W. I. Gilmore last Isabella Chaney, Green B. Chaney, Caroline Chaney, and Albert B. Chaney all of the County of Baldwin & state of Alabama of the second part, whereas by virtue of a decree of the Probate court of Choctaw County Alabama heretofore made the said party of the first part was authorized and empowered to sell the real Estate belonging to said deceased for the purpose of distribution; and whereas pursuant to the directions in said decree contained the said party of the first part did expose to public sale to the highest bidder the following described tracts or parcels of land lying and being in the county of Sumter & in the district of lands subject to sale at Demopolis, Ala to wit: Fraction A B of Section 27 the SW 1/4 of NW 1/4 of sec 27, SW fractional section 22, Fractional D of section 21, the E 1/2 of fraction C of section 21, the E 1/2 of NW of sec 28, the E 1/2 of W 1/2 of NE 1/4 of sec 28 all in Township 16 of Range 1 E containing 392 98/100 acres sold at $30.00 per acre amounting to $11789.4. also the N 1/2 of sec 31 & 45 86/100 acres off the N end of SE 1/4 of section 31 all in Township 16 of Range one east containing 374 92/100 acres sold at $1.55/100 per acre amounting five hundred and eighty one 12 1/2/100 dollars also the S 1/2 of sec 30 The NE 1/4 of section 30 The E 1/2 of NW 1/4 of section 30. All in Township 16 of Range one east containing 565 34/100 acres sold at $3.05 per acres amounting to $1724 28/100 dollars making the aggregate thirteen hundred and thirty three 24/100 acres for the aggregate sum of Fourteen thousand and ninety four & 80 1/2/100 dollars and at said sale the above described lands were struck off and sold to Caroline Chaney (now Alston) as Guardian of the said parties of the second part she being the highest and best bidder therefore at the prices aforesaid for which said sum of money said Guardian executed her notes according to the terms of said sale and the Probate court aforesaid having approved and confirmed said sale & the said sum being the whole of the purchase money having been paid by the said Guardian & said payments having been reported to the Probate Court according to law and the said court by a decree thereof having ordered that said land be conveyed to the parties of the second part. Now therefore this Indenture Witnesseth that the said party of the first part as administrator aforesaid for and in consideration of the aforesaid sum of Fourteen Thousand and ninety four & 80 1/2/100 dollars the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged & hath granted bargained & sold and by these presents doth granted bargained & sold and by these presents doth grant bargain & sell with the said parties of the second part, their heirs & assigns all the right title & interest which the said deceased had in the above described and hereby granted lands, at the time of his death, together with all the right title & interest which the party of the first part as administrators aforesaid has to have & to hold the same with the appurtenances unto the said parties of the second part their heirs and assigns forever as fully and absolutely as the said party of the first part as administrators aforesaid might could & ought to convey the same. In testimony whereof the said party of the first part hath hereunto set his hand and seal the day and year first above written. ARTHUR M. LEWIS Admr of G. B. Chaney
The State of Alabama I Joshua Morse Judge of Probate hereby County of Choctaw certify that ARTHUR M. LEWIS Admin of G. B. Chaney, whose names are signed to the foregoing conveyance and who are known to me acknowledged before me, on this day that being informed of the contents of the foregoing conveyance, he executed the same voluntarily on the day the same bears date.Given under my hand this the sixth day of September AD 1859 Joshua Morse Judge of Probate
State of Alabama County of Choctaw I hereby certify that the foregoing conveyance were filed in office for record July 14/58 and that the same was this day Recorded in Book F of Record of Deeds on pages 121 & 122. Given under my hand this 6th day of September AD 1859 Joshua Morse Judge of Probate ---------- 1863 Sumter County, Alabama Bk Q p177-80 A. M. LEWIS C. S. McCormico To all persons to whom these presents Commr shall come, Greeting: To Deed Whereas on the first day of April SARAH C. LEWIS Exr 1863, the Probate Court of Sumter Received in office the County, Alabama, passed a decree in the 10th day of April & Words & figures following, to wit: recorded same day "SARAH C. LEWIS" Executrix of A. M. LEWIS deceased Petition for titles Probate Court April 1st 1863 This day came SARAH C. LEWIS, Executrix of the last will & testament of A. M. LEWIS deceased, and filed her written petition wereby it appears that, previous to the 4th Monday in July, 1860, regular proceeding were had in this court at the instance of William T. Gilmore & Isabella, his wife, for a sale for the purpose of a partition and division of the following described lands between them & Green B. Chaney & Caroline Chaney represented by the Guardian Caroline Alston & Wm. T. Alston, her husband, to wit: Fraction A & B of section 27; the SW 1/4 of the NW 1/4 of sec 27; the SW fraction of sec 22; Fraction D of sec 21; the E 1/2 of fraction C of sec 21; the E 1/2 of the NE 1/4 of sec 28; the E 1/2 of the W 1/2 of the NE 1/4 of sec 28, the N 1/2 of sec 31; 45 84/100 acres off of the N end of the SE 1/4 of sec 31; the S 1/2 of sec 30, the NE 1/4 of sec 30, & the E 1/2 of the NW 1/4 of sec 30, all in Township 16 Range 1 E & lying & being in Sumter Co & containing 1333 24/100 acres. That on said 4th Monday in July 1860, said court passed an order & decree directing said lands to be sold for division & partition as aforesaid and appointing W. W. Coats N. P. Dean, M. A. Marshall; Thomas R. Crews & T. T. Sheid commissioners to sell said land on credit until January 1862 with interest from January 1861, and to take note from the purchaser with two approved securities. That said Commissioners advertised said lands pursuant to said order of sale and sold the same in conformity to said order on the 19th day of November 1860. That at said sale A. M. LEWIS became the purchaser of all of said lands at thirteen dollars per acre amounting in the aggregate to the sum of $17,331.12 and executed his note therefore in conformity to said order That at the December Term 1860 of said court W. W. Coats, T. T. Shein & M. A. Marshall, three of said Commissioners made their report of said sale to such court which by said court was duly confirmed on said day. That after said sale and before confirmation, the said A. M. LEWIS departed this life, leaving a last will & testament which has been duly probated by which said petitioner was appointed Executrix and by which he devised his real Estate to his widow & children. That since the death of said A. M. LEWIS, said petitioner as his Executrix has fully paid off & discharged the said note given for the purchase of said land; and that since said sale and report were made the said T. T. Sheid one of the commissioners who made the same has departed this life, but W. W. Coats & M. A. Marshal, the other two commissioners who made the said sale will survive and reside in said county and praying that the said surviving commissioners if they are competent to do so & if they are not to direct some other person to make a title to her as Executrix of the said A. M. LEWIS in trust for the devises under his will for all the lands aforesaid pursuant to the statute in such cases made & provided. Ant the court having considered of the matter and things set forth in said petition, and being satisfied that A. M. LEWIS who became the purchaser of the said lands described in said petition fully complied with the conditions of sale as directed by the decree of this court; and that SARAH C. LEWIS as the Executrix of the last will & testament of A. M. LEWIS has fully paid off and discharged the entire amount of the purchase money for which said lands were sold together with all interest therein; and the court being now satisfied from an inspection of the records, that the sale of said land was in all things regular & fair & that said sale was duly approved and confirmed by this court; and the court also being satisfied that T. T. Sheid one of the commissioners that made said sale, has departed this life and the court being of opinion that the two surviving commissioners are not legally competent to convey title to the said lands sold by them; but that it devolves upon the court to appoint some fit & proper person to convey title as aforesaid; It is therefore ordered by the court that C. S. Mc Cormico be and he is hereby appointed and authorized to convey by proper deed to the said SARAH C. LEWIS, Executrix of A. M. LEWIS deceased in part for the devices under the will of said A. M. LEWIS deceased in part for the devices under the will of said A. M. LEWIS deceased all the right title & interest which the said William T. Gilmore & his wife Isabella Gilmore, and Green B. Chaney & Caroline Chaney had in and to the said lands herein described on the 19th day of November 1860 and said petition in order to record and file; and that the petition pay the costs of this proceeding. Now, know ye, that I C. S. McCormico the person appointed and authorized by said decree to convey by proper deed to the said SARAH C. LEWIS as Executrix of A. M. LEWIS deceased in trust for the devices under the will of said A. M. LEWIS all the right title interest which the said William I Gilmore & his Wife Isabella Gilmore & Green B. Chaney & Caroline Chaney had in and to the land described in said decree on the 19th day of November 1860 in pursuance of the appointment and authority confirmed on my by said decree do by these presents grant bargain sell & convey unto the said SARAH C. LEWIS as Executrix of said A. M. LEWIS deceased & in trust for the devises under the will of said A. M. LEWIS all the right, title, and interest which the said William T. Gilmore & his wife Isabella Gilmore & Green B. Chaney & Caroline Chaney had in and to the said lands described in said decree & in the copy of said decree above received. To have & to hold the same in fee simple forever in as full a manner as I can convey the same by virtue of the decree aforesaid. In testimony whereof I hereto set my hand & seal this 8th day of April AD 1863 C. S. McCormico SEAL
The State of Alabama Sumter County I Thomas R. Crews, Judge of the Probate Court of said County hereby certify that C. S. McCormico whose name is signed to the foregoing conveyance & who is known to me acknowledged before me on this day that, being informed of the contents of the conveyance, he executed the same voluntarily on the day the same bears date. Given under my hand this the 10th day of April 1863 T. R. Crews Judge ---------- 1887 Marengo County, Alabama Bk DD p235-7 A. M. LEWIS S. C. McCORMICK The State of Alabama Marengo County wereas et al under and by virtue of a decree made on the To 19th day of August 1879 by the Honorable Ophelia Lewis Chancery Court of said county in the case of Ophelia Lewis, et al, against SARAH C. McCORMICK et al it was ordered adjudged and decided that the said SARAH C McCORMICK who is the widow of A. M. LEWIS, deceased, shall have during her natural life and ascending to the 6th section of the will of the said A. M. LEWIS, dec'd the possession & use of that tract or part of the real estate owned by the said A. M. LEWIS at the time of his death known as the Home Place and land connected therewith as hereinafter more particularly described and whereas at the death of the said SARAH C. McCORMICK the said Home Place and lands connected therewith as hereinafter described reverts to and becomes the property of the undersigned, the children of the said A. M. LEWIS, deceased, as remainder, and whereas the said SARAH C. McCORMICK has agreed and contracted to sell & convey her interest and estate as life tenant to Ophelia Lewis and whereas the undersigned the only surviving children of the said A. M. LEWIS deceased have also agreed and contracted to sell and convey all and each of our interest and estate as in and to the said property hereafter described to the said Ophelia Lewis. , the we the said SARAH C. McCORMICK in consideration of the sum of one Hundred Dollars to me paid by the said Ophelia Lewis and we Arthur M. Lewis, and his wife Maggie M. Lewis - and Agnes Alston and her husband Baldy Alston - and Alabama Dobson and her husband Daniel B. Dobson and Daniel B. Dobson as the Executor of the will of Caroline M. Dobson, Dec'd and William C. Lewis for and in consideration of five hundred Dollars to each of us for remainder paid by the said Ophelia Lewis, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged have granted bargained & sold and by these presents do grant bargain, sell & convey unto the said Ophelia Lewis all and each of our right, title interest and estate as a life tenant and as remainder in and to that part of the real estate owned by the said A. M. LEWIS dec'd at the time of his death lying & being in said Marengo County and known and described as the "Home Place" including these lands: SW 1/4 of SW Section 3 NW 1/4 of Section 10, all that part of the E 1/2 of the NE 1/4 of section 9 lying NE of the Jefferson & Linden road on th W 1/2 of the SE 1/4 of Sec 9, all in township 16 range 2 East. To have and to hold the above described and hereby conveyed premises with the privileges and appurtenances thereto belonging unto the said Ophelia Lewis, her heirs and assigns forever. In testimony whereof we have hereunto set our hands & seals on this the 12th day of April AD 1887 A. M. LEWIS SEAL MAGGIE M. LEWIS SEAL Mrs. Agnes Alston SEAL Daniel B. Dobson SEAL Allie L. Dobson SEAL W. C. Lewis SEAL [Written in the margin - Range corrected with Deed before Me Nov 18. 1921 A. L. ?Lasty] The State of Alabama I Jas. L. ?Nond, an acting Justice of Marengo County the Peace for said county hereby certify that A. M. Lewis and his wife Agnes Alston, Daniel B. Dobson for himself and children and his wife Allie L. Dobson and W. C. Lewis whose names are signed to the foregoing conveyance and who are known to me acknowledged behind me on this day that being informed of the contents of the conveyance they executed the same voluntarily on the day the same bears date - Given under my hand this 13 day of april 1887 Jas. L. ?Nond JP
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