Jackson Co., TN Loose District/Chancery Court Papers
Reel #92, Loftis - Lynn, A.
Vol: 1839-1915

Cases indexed alpha by Plaintiff. Although there is a cross-index reel at TSLA by Defendant, there is no 'everyname index', so there is no hint of what reel actually contains. Genealogical extractions in order they appear on each case. Sometimes depositions not dated. The purpose is not to find who did what to whom, but how they were related. The quality of this microfilm varies widely. Sometimes the copy at Tennessee State Library & Archives is more legible. Microfilm reels may be ordered by mail. http://www.state.tn.us/sos/statelib/r&r/mfcounty.htm

Deposition taken: 17 Jan. 1896.

DEPOSITION: JAMES M. LOFTIS.

I am administrator of Harriet Loftis, dec'd . . .

[Harriet Loftis] was my mother.

[Samuel Johnson] was my grandfather, on my mother's side.

. . . my uncle, Harrison Johnson . . .

/s/ J. M. Loftis

WILL.

Monday, Dec. the 5, 1892.

I, Samuel Johnson of Jackson County in the State of Tennessee, being of sound mind and disposing memory do make and publish this my last Will and Testament, hereby revoking any and all wills by me at any time made.

1st. It is my will that I and my dear wife Nancy be decently buried and our funeral expenses paid as soon after our deaths as possible, out of any means I may die seized and possessed of. I also desire my debts be paid as soon as possible after my death.

2nd. I will and bequeath to my sons Daniel N. Johnson and H. H. Johnson all my lands lying in Jackson County TN, one tract or body of land lying on the South side of Roaring River in District No. 9 of Jackson Co. and on both sides of Morrison's creek, joining the lands of the heirs of Mounce Gore, deceased, and Uriah Stafford on the North, the lands of Abner Chaffin's heirs on the West, the lands of Joseph Johnson on the South and the lands of Wm. Johnson and Edward Mercer heirs on the East . . . One other tract of land lying in said county in District No. 6 [?] of said county, containing forty acres, joining the lands of E. Mercer's heirs on the West and R. A. Cox on the North and the lands of E. Gaw and others on the East . . . my deed from Uriah Stafford. One other tract in said Civil District containing 58 acres, bounded on the West by the lands of Elias Gaw, on the South by the lands of James Mercer and Thos. Smith, on the East by the lands of Wm. Brown and on the North by the lands of Mounce Gore's heirs . . . deed made by Richard P. Brooks.

I make this bequest to my sons Daniel N. and H. H. Johnson with the understanding that they pay my other children or their heirs each $450 and it is so given with that charge on it and lien is hereby retained on said land for the same. And that they are to board, care for and maintain myself and dear wife Nancy during our natural lives. But I desire that they have two years after both myself and wife are dead to pay the other children.

I am enthralled as Security for my son William S. Johnson and if it should happen that the land herein bequeathed to my said sons Daniel N. Johnson and H. H. Johnson should be charged with any amount on account of my enthrallment for W. S. Johnson, then all my children shall share said loss pro rata and my said sons Daniel N. and H. H. Johnson are authorized to retain from each of the other children their pro rata share of said loss. I hereby nominate and appoint my sons Daniel N. and Harrison H. executors of this my last will and testament . . .

/s/ Samuel Johnson

Witnesses: T. H. Butler, G. G. Butler

Deposition taken: Jan. 1896.

DEPOSITION: WM. LOFTIS.

24 years of age.

I was acquainted with Samuel Johnson. He was my grandfather on my mother's side. Harriette Loftis was my mother.

My brother Jas. M. Loftis . . .

. . . Uncle Harrison Johnson.

/s/ W. S. Loftis

Deposition taken: 2 Jan. 1896.

DEPOSITION: NANCY HEDDY.

I live at the top of Doe creek Hill.

Quest. How long did you and your husband live on H. H. & D. N. Johnson's land and work for them?

Ans. Cal says 21 years. I went there with 2 little children and came away with 11.

Nancy Heady (her mark)

Deposition taken: 27 Jan. 1896.

DEPOSITION: HARRISON JOHNSON.

/s/ H. H. Johnson

Deposition taken: 3 Dec. 1895.

DEPOSITION: JNO. M. LOFTIS.

Age 61 years.

Harriet Loftis died near three years ago.

I knew Samuel Johnson in his lifetime. He was my father-in-law. Harriet Loftis was my sister-in-law.

Quest. When did Samuel Johnson die?

Ans. It was something like two years ago. H. H. Johnson reminds me that he died in Nov. 1892, and I think that was really the time of his death.

. . . my wife, Celina Loftis . . .

There was nine heirs [of Samuel Johnson].

/s/ John M. Loftis

Deposition taken: 4 Dec. 1895.

DEPOSITION: JNO. MARTIN LOFTIS.

I am the son of Harriet Loftis, the deceased, and grandson on Samuel Johnson, deceased.

/s/ John Martin Loftis

Depositions taken: 3 Jan. 1896.

DEPOSITION: DANIEL N. JOHNSON.

Quest. When did your father die?

Ans. He died the 14th day of Nov. 1892.

/s/ D. N. Johnson

DEPOSITION: SAMUEL HEADY.

Quest. Are you a son of Nancy Heady, whose deposition was taken here yesterday?

Ans. Yes, Sir.

/s/ Sam Heady (his mark)

DEPOSITION: MARY JOHNSON.

Quest. Are you the wife of H. H. Johnson, one of the defendants to this suit?

Ans. I am.

Mary Bell Loftis, now West . . .

/s/ Mary M. Johnson

THE BILL OF COMPLAINT OF JAMES M. LOFTIS, ADMR. OF THE ESTATE OF HARRIET LOFTIS, DEC'D, A CITIZEN OF MACON CO. TN AGAINST H. H. JOHNSON & D. N. JOHNSON OF JACKSON CO. TN.

3 Oct. 1895.

. . . Harriet Loftis died intestate in Jackson Co. TN on the [blank] Dec. 1892, that he was appointed her Administrator . . .

. . . Harriet Loftis was the daughter of Samuel Johnson . . .

. . . Samuel Johnson died on the [blank] Nov. 1892 . . .

THE PETITION OF W. S. LOFTIS, JAS. M. LOFTIS, MILES WEST & WIFE MARY WEST, G. J. WOOTEN & WIFE NANNIE WOOTEN OF MACON CO. TN & R. K. LOFTIS OF WHITE CO. TN.

Petitioners are the heirs at law of Harriet Loftis, dec'd (who was a daughter of Samuel Johnson, dec'd). Said Harriet Loftis was one of eight heirs of Samuel Johnson . . .

Harriet Loftis died in the year 1892 and left surviving her the Petitioners and Pierce Loftis, Martin Loftis and S. J. Loftis, her only heirs at law . . .

This case is about the boundary of a tract of land sold by James M. Loftis, Sr., to his son, John Martin Loftis, on 9 Jan. 1869. -bp.

Depositions taken: 15 July 1881.

DEPOSITION: HICKMAN P. LOFTIS.

Aged 46.

Quest. Were you ever present when a survey of said land sold by James M. Loftis, Sr. to John M. Loftis, Sr., was made before the sale by James M. to John M. Loftis?

Ans. I was present once when my father got Hickman Dowell to run it out, which was before the sale asked of.

Quest. Please state whether or not defendant John M. Loftis was raised upon said land . . .

Ans. He was raised there . . .

I was talking to Martin at his house a short time before this law suit began in regard to the land in controversy, in which conversation I told Martin that he ought not to take father's old home place that he had kept for his own use, if his (Martin's) papers did take it. He said he was going to have where his papers called for if it took father's house.

. . . he ought not to claim any of the grandfather Loftis land . . .

. . . where Uncle Bill Loftis had a shop . . .

I have been married I think 24 years last November and Martin married two or three years before that.

Quest. . . James M. Loftis, your father . . .

/s/ H. P. Loftis

DEPOSITION: E. L. JACKSON.

I am surveyor of this county . . .

/s/ E. L. Jackson

DEPOSITON: P. N. DUDNEY.

I made the first survey [of the land in dispute] 43 years ago . . .

I made an Entry in the name of myself and Worley Young in that vicinity about 43 years ago.

P. N. Dudney (his mark)

Deposition taken: 15 & 16 July 1881.

DEPOSITION: T. D. YOUNG.

Aged 54 years.

/s/ T. D. Young

DEPOSITION: G. W. ALLEN.

/s/ G. W. Allen

RE-CROSS EXAMINATION OF T. D. YOUNG.

/s/ T. D. Young

DEPOSITION: GEO. R. LOFTIS.

Aged 32 years.

I was talking to him [defendant] and trying to get him and father to compromise . . .

G. R. Loftis (his mark)

THE BILL OF COMPLAINT OF JAMES M. LOFTIS OF JACKSON CO. TN AGAINST JAMES J. STAMPS, JOHN R. STAMPS & ELIJAH C. STAMPS OF JACKSON CO. TN, MONTGOMERY KINAIRD, JANE KINAIRD & MARY HAILE OF THE STATE OF MISSOURI.

5 Aug. 1873.

. . . on the 26th day of July 1868, Polly Stamps died intestate in Jackson Co. TN, seized and possessed of the following described tract of land lying in Jackson Co. TN and bounded by the lands of William Loftis, James M. Loftis, Thomas Young and George Gentry, containing in all 77 acres.

On 2 July 1872, this land was sold for taxes. It was purchased by James M. Loftis. -bp.

Your orator charges that defendants are heirs of Polly Stamps and all her heirs.

The records of this land transaction were destroyed in the Court House fire. Complainant wants good title. -bp.

LOFTIS, J. M., ADMR. OF LOFTIS, HARRIET & H. P.

COUNTY, 1896.

Deposition taken: no date, probably 1896 -bp.

DEPOSITION: L. S. ANDERSON.

/s/ L. S. Anderson

THE PETITION OR BILL OF COMPLAINT OF HARRIET LOFTIS of Jackson Co. TN against John M. Loftis of Putnam Co. TN, James M. Loftis of Macon Co. TN, S. J. Loftis of parts unknown to complainant, Pearce Loftis, Willie Loftis, N. J. Loftis, Mary Loftis, R. K. Loftis, the last four of whom are minors and complainant is their general guardian, R. V. Brooks, Washburn & Cason, Sam Sliger, G. R. Loftis, Admr. of Tennessee Gentry, dec'd & Norris Crowder, all of Jackson Co. TN.

2 June 1892.

. . . her then husband, Hick P. Loftis, purchased from Albert Kirkpatrick the following described tract or parcel of land, to wit, lying and being in the 8th District of Jackson Co. TN & bounded by Cumberland River, the lands of J. B. Anderson, the old Mathew Anderson farm and perhaps others . . .

Summary: Harriet paid $300, money from her brothers (an advance on her father's estate) as part of the purchase money for this land. -bp.

Complainant is the widow of said deceased and defendants are the heirs, administrator and creditors of said estate.

CLERK & MASTER'S REPORT OF LAND SALE.

27 July 1895.

The land from the estate of H. P. Loftis was sold, subject to the homestead rights of the minor heirs, to L. S. Anderson for $1510.00.

THE ORIGINAL BILL IN THE NATURE OF A CROSS BILL OF R. V. BROOKS of Jackson Co. TN against James M. Loftis as Administrator of Hic P. Loftis, deceased, and in his own right, John M. Loftis, Sam J. Loftis, Pierce Loftis, Willie Loftis, N. J. Loftis, Mary Loftis, R. K. Loftis & Harriet Loftis, all citizens of Jackson Co. TN & James A. Williams of Jackson Co.

5 Dec. 1891.

. . . H. P. Loftis died intestate in Jackson Co. TN on or about the 20th of Nov. 1890, leaving as his widow and relict defendant Harriet Loftis and the other defendants, except James A. Williams, as his only children and heirs at law . . .

Deposition taken: 22 Aug. 1893.

DEPOSITION: H. H. JOHNSON.

Quest. How old are you?

Ans. Forty years old 1 day April past.

[Harriet Loftis] was a sister of mine.

/s/ H. H. Johnson

Deposition taken: no date.

DEPOSITION: M. G. BUTLER.

Myself and Bro. W. B. Butler . . .

/s/ M. G. Butler

DEPOSITION: M. B. YOUNG.

/s/ M. B. Young

Depositions taken: 22 Aug. 1893.

DEPOSITION: H. H. JOHNSON (recalled).

Father died just after the Nov. election in last year (1892).

/s/ H. H. Johnson

DEPOSITION: D. N. JOHNSON.

Aged 46.

/s/ D. N. Johnson

DEPOSITION: WILLIAM TINSLEY.

Quest. Are you a son of A. K. Tinsley, dec'd, and the Administrator of his estate?

Ans. I am a son. My mother was the Administrator, but I attended to the business.

/s/ W. K. Tinsley

DEPOSITION: JOHN M. LOFTIS, JR.

I am a son of H. P. and Harriet Loftis. They are both dead.

/s/ John M. Loftis

DEPOSITION: JAMES M. LOFTIS.

Quest. Are you a son of H. P. Loftis and Harriet Loftis, both now deceased?

Ans. I am.

/s/ Jas. M. Loftis

THE BILL OF COMPLAINT OF R. K. LOFTIS of Jackson Co. TN by James M. Loftis, next friend, resident of Macon Co. TN against B. A. Butler of Jackson Co. TN, Mary West & Miles West of Barren Co. KY, Nannie Wooten & her husband G. I. Wooten & Willie Loftis of Macon Co. TN.

29 Oct. 1898.

. . . Harriet Loftis died, leaving minor children as follows: Willie Loftis, Nannie Loftis, since married to G. I. Wooten, Mary Loftis, since married to Miles West and R. K. Loftis, the complainant, the youngest, who was sixteen years old on the 12th day of July 1898.

THE BILL OF COMPLAINT OF L. A. LOFTIS OF JACKSON CO. AGAINST JOSEPH LOFTIS OF PARTS UNKNOWN, BENJ. LOFTIS OF PUTNAM CO. & JAMES GENTRY OF JACKSON CO.

30 Sept. 1881.

Your oratrix would respectfully show that on 12 day of Nov. 1879 in the county of Jackson Co., she and defendant married each other and lived together until the 24 day of Sept. 1881, when the defendant willfully and maliciously and without any cause whatever abandoned your oratrix and has gone to parts unknown. Your oratrix is however informed and believes and so charges that he has gone to the State of Illinois.

She says that before he left he had failed to support her and was threatening and verbally abusive. -bp.

He is the owner of the following property, to wit, one tract of land lying in Overton Co. TN on the waters of Spring creek and bounded as follows, on the East and South by lands of Loged [?] Morgan, on the West by lands of Polly Loftis, on the North by lands of Jobe Morgan, containing [blank] acres . . .

He also owns 2/10 of the following tract of land lying in Jackson Co. TN and bounded as follows, on the East by the above described tract, on the West by lands of John Lee, it being that portion of the landed estate of Labrum [Laban] Loftis, deceased, laid off to his widow Polly Loftis as her dower, the said two shares being only remainder interest in said dower.

James Gentry pretends that he has bought the walnut logs . . .

Benjamin Loftis pretends that he has bought said corn, hogs and fodder . . .

The first named tract was and is the homestead tract of your oratrix and defendant.

There is no issue of said marriage.

L. A. Loftis (her mark)

DISMISSAL.

3 March 1882.

I direct the Clerk & Master to dismiss this cause.

L. A. Loftis (her mark)

THE BILL OF COMPLAINT OF LABAN LOFTIS OF FANNIN CO. TEXAS AGAINST THOMAS BURRIS OF JACKSON CO. TN.

No date.

. . . on or about the 28th day of Nov. 1887 . . . he sold and conveyed to the defendant a tract of land lying in the 8th Civil District of Jackson Co. TN, bounded on the North by Cumberland river, West by the lands of Wirt Williams, South by the lands of Wirt Williams and East by the lands of Wade Burris . . .

The first note given as payment for this land is now due and unpaid. -bp.

REPORT OF THE CLERK & MASTER.

Sept. Term 1891.

Summary: the land in dispute was sold to the highest bidder on 16 May 1891. It was bought by Laban Loftis for $232.16, this being the amount of the Judgement and costs. -bp.

THE ANSWER OF JOHN LOFTIS BY HIS GUARDIAN AD LITEM, J. M. MORGAN, TO THE BILL OF LABIN LOFTIS & ARCHIBALD LOFTIS.

Filed 24 Oct. 1874.

Respondent states that his ward is a deaf and dumb person--so from birth as he is informed and believes; is entirely illiterate. Is not capable of managing his business affairs, cannot make himself understood to any except those most intimately acquainted with him and not by them, only on familiar subjects and ordinary transactions. By reason of his deafness and muteness, he is not competent to employ counsel to defend this suit, nor can he communicate with his counsel in regard to his interest in this suit, nor advise him in any way how to guard and protect his interest.

Respondent denies that the distributive share of John Loftis in his father's landed estate is sufficient for him, the said ward, to live on and make a reasonable support for himself and family--that under the provisions of his father's Will, respondent states that his ward is entitled to a support out of said land if it takes it all to make it, as he understands it, and refers the Honorable Court to said Will and codicils thereto . . .

THE BILL OF COMPLAINT OF MILLY LOFTIS, widow and relict of John Loftis, of Jackson Co. TN, against Laban Loftis, Archibald Loftis, John Loftis, Milton Curtis and wife Clerinda Curtis, Robt. [?] Loftis, Tennessee Loftis of Jackson Co. TN, Rachel Loftis, Clerind Loftis, Francis Loftis, America Loftis of Overton Co. TN, David Phillip and wife Milley Phillip, Elizabeth Loftis, [blank] Douglas and wife Polly Douglas, [blank] Carter and his wife Amanda Carter, Scott Loftis, David Loftis and S. M. Loftis of the State of Arkansas.

1 May 1873.

. . . many years ago . . . John Loftis departed this life in Jackson Co. TN, after having published his last will and testament . . .

. . . Laban Loftis and Archibald Loftis are sons and devisees of said testator, that defts. Relon [?] and Francis Loftis are sons of said dec'd, that Burton Loftis died in the State of Arkansas, the defendant Elizabeth Loftis is his widow, Polly Douglas and Amanda Carter are daughters of the said Burton Loftis, defendant Scot Loftis is a son of said Burton, that William Loftis is a son and legatee of said John Loftis, deceased, and defendant Rachel Loftis is his widow, Clerinda Loftis is his daughter, defendants David Loftis and S. M. Loftis are his sons. Tennessee Loftis and America Loftis are daughters of the said William Loftis, that Milton Curtis and Clerinda Curtis are husband and wife and son-in-law and daughter-in-law of said deceased John Loftis . . . John Loftis is deaf and dumb and has been so from infancy . . .

She asks that dower be assigned to her. -bp.

WILL OF JOHN LOFTIS.

6 Jan. 1834.

In the name of God, Amen. I, John Loftis, of the County of Jackson and State of Tennessee, though in good health at this time and of perfect mind and memory, but calling to mind the mortality of the body and knowing that it is appointed for all men to die and after that the Judgement, do make this my last Will and testament. First of all, I do give and bequeath my soul to almighty God who gave it me, believing in the morning of the Resurrection I shall receive it again, and my body to the ground, to be buried at the discretion of those who survive me and as it has pleased God to Bless me with some worldly Property, I do dispose of it as follows.

. . . I want all my lands, tenements, heredements and appurtenances to be equally divided between all my lawful heirs when they come of age, with all my money.

. . . I do allow my beloved wife Emila the liberty of willing any of my perishable property so as to turn it into land for my children during her lifetime widowhood and good Behavior as I want my children to have all my effects, in witness whereof I do hereunto set my hand and seal.

John Loftis (his mark)

Witnesses: Rowland C. Dill, James M. Loftis.

N. B. A Codicil.

In this appendix to this my last Will and testament I do hereby revoke and reform [?] so much as it takes to the equal distribution of my estate and whereas I have given my oldest son, Laban, has had $200 worth of property agreeable to second rate cow and calf at $10.00, to fix him off to housekeeping, and I want all the rest made equal to that, and whereas I have three dumb boys, John, Rowland and Marion, and as they have not an equal chance with the rest, I intend them to be made whole in some way or other, and I think that it would be right that there should be three good, disinterested men when they come of age to examine their condition and see if they think them not to be capable of making a living, I wish them to have the liberty of living on my land and being maintained by the land during their life in some way that will be just and equal and right, owing to their situation. Signed and sealed this 30th day of Dec. 1843.

/s/ John Loftis

Witnesses: Rowland C. Dill and Laban Loftis.

N. B. A compendium annest [?, annexed?]

Whereas I, John Loftis, hereby revoke, alter and reform so much of my Will or the codicil thereof as relates to my oldest son Laban having had $200 worth of property, and say that he had only $150 worth and want the balance made equal to that.

3 June 1844.

Deposition taken: 25 March 1874.

DEPOSITION: TAYLOR LOFTIS.

Age 24 years.

I think he [John Loftis] is a man of reasonable good mind. I think he is a stout, able bodied man now. Some years ago he complained considerable, but I think he was only hipoid. I think he can do a reasonable amount of physical labor. He cannot hear or talk but he can make himself known to his neighbors in regard to his business transactions.

I think his being deaf and the want of speech is the only defect in his way. He is alright otherwise.

He has a wife and one child. His wife had two before he married her, making three children in all. The largest is large enough to work some. I think two of them can do some work.

Quest. What relation are you to complainant Laban Loftis?

Ans. I am his son.

Quest. In answer to complainant's question, you state that John Loftis complained some several years ago, but you thought he was only "hipoid". You will please state what you meant by saying he was hipoid--explain why you thought he was in that condition.

Ans. The reason I thought he was hipoid was that his two Brothers that was in the same fix that he was had died, and he has understood that people in his fix could or would not live long, and I think he thought that he would die soon, but when he found he was not going to die so soon he got over that and that is the reason I thought he was hipoid.

Taylor Loftis (his mark)

DEPOSITION: HARRISON LOFTIS.

26 years of age.

Labin Loftis is my father.

. . . grandfather John Loftis . . .

Harrison Loftis (his mark)

DEPOSITION: WILLIAM C. WEST.

Age 50 years.

[John Loftis] is dead and dumb. That is the only impediment he has.

/s/ William C. West

DEPOSITION: M. B. GENTRY.

Aged 54 years.

/s/ M. B. Gentry

DEPOSITION: JOB MORGAN.

Aged 37 years.

I am acquainted with the defendant John Loftis and have known him all my life.

I am a nephew to the complainant Labin Loftis.

/s/ Job Morgan

DEPOSITION: A. K. LYNN.

Aged about 28 years.

/s/ A. K. Linn (Overton Co.)

Deposition taken: 19 Feb. 1874.

DEPOSITION: EVAN BARTLETT.

Aged about 66 years.

He [John Loftis] is sober and temperate, industrious and hard working.

/s/ Evin Bartlett

Depositions taken: 26 Feb. 1874.

DEPOSITION: T. P. SIMMS.

/s/ T. P. Sims

DEPOSITION: JOSHUA MABERRY.

Aged 35 years.

/s/ J. M. Mabury

DEPOSITION: DAVID LYNN.

David Lynn (his mark)

DEPOSITION: WASHINGTON H. WHITAKER.

Aged 50 years.

/s/ W. H. Whitaker

There are only three documents in this folder, and they are regarding settlements. They don't disclose anything specifically genealogical. -bp.

THE BILL OF COMPLAINT OF ELIZA GREEN OF JACKSON CO. TN AGAINST W. A. LOFTIS, ADMR. OF THE ESTATE OF J. M. LOFTIS, DECEASED, OF LIKE RESIDENCE.

19 Sept. 1904.

. . . J. M. Loftis died intestate in Jackson Co. TN on the 13th July 1902.

Your oratrix charges that she is a woman [?] a feme sole, about 34 years of age, that on or before the [blank] day of June 1892 she went to the home of J. M. Loftis on Morrison's creek to serve him and his family as a servant, to do cooking, washing and the general domestic duties of the house, she went to said Loftis' house at his solicitation and request and lived with him and his family continuously on up to his death, which occurred at the time stated above.

Complainant charges that at the date of the death of defendant's intestate's father, Matison Loftis, the widow of the said Matison Loftis came to live and make her home with Jno. M. Loftis, and upon this addition to the family and the task of complainant being increased, she was preparing to leave and find her another place, when defendant's intestate again insisted upon complainant's staying with him, and agreed and contracted with her to pay her well for her services . . . his Death, since which time she has been living elsewhere.

She believes she is owed compensation from the estate. -bp.

DECREE.

Eliza Green vs. W. A. Loftis, admr. of Celina Loftis.

5 Nov. 1904.

In this case I give Judgement in favor of the plaintiff and against the defendant for $143.75 and all cost of the suit . . .

PLAT OF HOMESTEAD & DOWER ALLOTTED TO CELINA LOFTIS, WIDOW OF JOHN M. LOFTIS.

25 Oct. 1902.

82 acres.

NOTICE OF ASSIGNMENT OF HOMESTEAD AND DOWER.

Celina Loftis, widow of John M. Loftis, deceased, vs. W. A. Loftis, the Admr., and M. V. Loftis, F. M. Loftis, H. P. Loftis, H. H. Loftis, S. J. Loftis, C. D. Loftis, Polly Gentry, Sallie Chaffin, Nannie Anderson, Harriet Gentry, heirs of the said John M. Loftis, dec'd.

. . . John M. Loftis died seized and possessed of the following described tract of land in the 9th Civil District of this county, bounded as follows, . . . W. D. McCoin's corner . . . conditional line between this land and G. R. Loftis land to John Chaffin's line . . . Henderson Gentry's line . . . to Morrison's creek . . . L. W. Washburn's corner . . . Bill Gentry's line . . . S. J. Loftis' corner . . . H. P. Loftis' line . . . Mrs. Johnson's line . . . containing by estimation 75 acres, more or less.

Depositions taken: 23 March 1904.

DEPOSITION: M. L. GORE.

I live in the 9th Civil District of Jackson Co. TN. I live in less than one mile of the lands asked about [those of J. M. Loftis, dec'd]. I know said lands, have known them all my life. I am now 63 years old.

Said lands lie on Morrison creek, a tributary of Roaring River, and it lies about 4 1/2 miles to the Cumberland River which is the nearest shipping point. It is 6 1/2 miles from the lands to Gainesboro, the county seat.

I know the names of the children living [of J. M. & Celina Loftis], are W. A. Loftis, F. M. Loftis, H. P. Loftis, S. J. Loftis, H. H. Loftis, M. V. Loftis, M. A. Loftis who married S. L. Gentry, S. E. Loftis who married J. H. Chaffin, Harriet Loftis who married Mathew Gentry, N. J. Loftis who married W. H. Anderson, Daniel Loftis who is dead and left a minor child which I learn is C. D. Loftis and is yet a minor.

/s/ M. L. Gore

DEPOSITION: JOHN H. CHAFFIN.

/s/ J. H. Chaffin

DEPOSITION: JAMES H. CHAFFIN.

/s/ J. H. Chaffin

THE BILL OF COMPLAINT OF W. A. LOFTIS of Jackson Co. TN vs. F. M. Loftis, H. P. Loftis, S. J. Loftis, H. H. Loftis, M. A. Gentry and her husband S. L. Gentry, S. E. Chaffin and her husband J. H. Chaffin, Harriett Gentry and her husband Mathew Gentry, and C. D. Loftis, a minor, all of Jackson Co. TN, and M. V. Loftis of Putnam Co. TN and N. J. Anderson and her husband H. W. Anderson of Davidson Co. TN.

7 Dec. 1903.

. . . That he and all the defendants are the heirs at law of J. M. Loftis, deceased. That he and all the defendants, except defendants S. L. Gentry, who is the husband of defendant M. E. Gentry, J. H. Chaffin who is the husband of defendant S. E. Chaffin, Mathew Gentry who is the husband of defendant Harriett Gentry, H. W. Anderson who is the husband of defendant N. J. Anderson and defendant C. D. Loftis, a minor and son of Daniel Loftis, deceased, who is a son and heir of their ancestor J. M. Loftis, are brothers and sisters . . .

That J. M. Loftis departed this life in Jackson Co. TN intestate on July 13, 1902 . . .

. . . her [Celina Loftis'] death, which occurred on the 21 day of Nov. 1903 . . .

Defendant C. D. Loftis is a minor about eight years old . . .

DECREE.

William Loftis, Elizabeth Loftis, George M. Putty, Nancy Putty, William G. Anderson, Sallie Anderson, Francis M. Anderson, Francis A. Anderson, Nancy K. Chaffin, William R. Chaffin & John H. Chaffin vs. Martha R. Chaffin, Malinda E. Fox and her husband Bartlett B. Fox, Aaron D. Loveall, Francis Loveall, Caroline Loveall, Edward Loveall, Elizabeth Loveall, Sarah Loveall, Harrison Loveall, James Loveall & Newton Loveall.

No date.

. . . Malinda Loveall, who is now dead, by the terms of her father's will, had a life estate in the lands in the pleadings described--that after her death the same belongs to the heirs at law of her father, David Loveall--that complainants Elizabeth Loftis, who has intermarried with William Loftis, Nancy Putty, who has intermarried with George M. Putty, Sallie Anderson, who has intermarried with William S. Anderson, are children and heirs at law of said David Loveall, that complainant Francis A. Anderson, who has intermarried with Francis M. Anderson, is a grandchild of said David Loveall and is entitled to one distributive share of said land, she representing her mother who is dead, and who was a daughter of said David Loveall, and she being the only representative of her mother. Complainants Nancy K. Chaffin, William R. Chaffin, John H. Chaffin and defendants Martha R. Chaffin, Malinda E. Fox are grandchildren of said David Loveall and are entitled to one distributive share of said land, they representing their deceased mother who was a daughter of said David Loveall. Aaron D. Loveall, if living, is entitled to one distributive share of said land, being a son of said David Loveall, deceased. If dead, then his children, the defendants Francis Loveall, Caroline Loveall, Edward Loveall, Elizabeth Loveall, Sarah Loveall, Harrison Loveall, James Loveall and Newton Loveall would be entitled to his share of said land.

Orders the Clerk & Master to sell the land of David Loveall, deceased. -bp.

THE BILL OF COMPLAINT OF WILLIAM LOFTIS & wife Elizabeth Loftis, George M. Putty & wife Nancy Putty, William G. Anderson & wife Sallie Anderson, Frances M. Anderson & wife Francis A. Anderson, Nancy K. Chaffin, William R. Chaffin & John H. Chaffin, citizens of Jackson Co. TN against Martha R. Chaffin, Malinda E. Fox & her husband Bartlett B. Fox, citizens of Jackson Co. TN, & Aaron D. Loveall, Francis Loveall, Caroline Loveall, Edward Loveall, Elizabeth Loveall, Sarah Loveall, Harrison Loveall, James Loveall & Newton Loveall, citizens of the State of Arkansas, defendants.

19 Dec. 1866.

Complaining your orators would state that several years ago David Loveall departed this life in Jackson Co. having made and published his last Will and testament, which was duly probated and recorded in the County Court of Jackson Co. Said Will and the records of said Court, or most of them, have been destroyed so that the Will or a copy thereof cannot be shown to the Court--among other bequests in said Will, said testator bequeathed to his daughter Malinda Loveall during her lifetime the tract of land hereinafter described and at her death the said tract of land was by the provisions of said Will to be equally divided between or among her brothers and sisters, the heirs at law of said testator. Complainants state that Malinda Loveall is dead, without issue or children, and that complainants Elizabeth Loftis, who intermarried with complainant William Loftis, Sallie Anderson, who intermarried with William G. Anderson, Nancy Putty, who intermarried with George M. Putty, are children and only surviving daughters of said testator and are sisters of said Malinda Loveall and who by said Will had the life estate in said land. Complainant Francis A. Anderson, who intermarried with Francis M. Anderson, is a granddaughter and only child of Polly, who intermarried with David Richie, and is a deceased daughter of the testator David Loveall. Complainants Nancy K. Chaffin, William R. Chaffin, John H. Chaffin and defendants Martha R. Chaffin and Malinda E. Fox, who intermarried with Bartlett B. Fox, are grandchildren of the testator David Loveall, are children of his deceased daughter Rebecca R. who intermarried with Ben F. Chaffin and are entitled to one distributive share of said land as representing their mother Rebecca R. So is complainant Francis A. Anderson entitled to one distributive share of said land, as representing her mother Polly Ritchie. Defendant Aaron D. Loveall is a son of said testator and is also entitled to one distributive share of said land. Your complainants cannot state whether he is living or dead. The last certain account they had from him he was alive and residing in the State of Arkansas. If, however, he should be dead, the defendants Francis Loveall, Caroline Loveall, Edward Loveall, Elizabeth Loveall, Sarah Loveall, Harrison Loveall, James Loveall and Newton Loveall are his only children and heirs at law, and in case of his death would be entitled to one distributive share in said land. Defendants Malinda E. Fox and her husband Bartlett B. Fox, Martha R. Chaffin, James Loveall and Newton Loveall are minors and have no regular guardian.

Said tract of land lies in District No. [blank] of Jackson County on Blackburn's fork of Roaring River, contains near 300 acres and is bounded on the North by the lands of William Loftis, on the East by the lands of Garland Anderson, deceased, on the South by the lands of David Ritchie and on the West by the lands of Carter A. Whitefield, deceased.

Complainants ask that this land be sold and the proceeds distributed. -bp.

NOTICE.

12 Jan. 1897.

To Elizabeth Garrison, Lucetta Bullington & her husband Marion Bullington, Luther Garrison, Lex Garrison, Avie Allen & her husband Davis Allen, Susie Birdwell & her husband Fred Birdwell, Fred Garrison, Cora Ann Garrison, Lizzie May Garrison, [Franklin, in another document -bp] A. Garrison, Lee Garrison & Mont Garrison.

You are each hereby notified that on the 29 day of Jan. 1897 at my office at the Court House in Gainesboro TN, I will sit for the purpose of making a settlement with Wm. Loftis, Admr., of the estate of M. A. Garrison, dec'd. When and where you are each hereby invited to attend and look after said settlement if you choose.

SETTLEMENT.

29 Jan. 1897.

Pro rata.

Net funds as per last settlement made: $229.78.

Payments heretofore made to Lucetta Bullington $20.45, Luther Garrison $15.06, Lex Garrison $15.30, making in all to be carried into this pro rata $50.81.

Total fund to be distributed = $280.59.

Among eleven heirs, gives to each heir the sum of $25.40.

As follows:

1. Lucetta Bullington, paid $20.45, balance $5.05.

2. Luther Garrison, paid $15.06, balance $10.44.

3. Lex Garrison, paid $15.30, balance $10.20.

4. Ava Allen, $25.50.

5. Susie Birdwell, $25.50.

6. Fred Garrison, $25.50

7. Lee Garrison, $25.50.

8. Mont Garrison, $25.50.

9. Cora Garrison, $25.50.

10. Lizzie Garrison, $25.50.

11. Addison Garrison, $25.50.

This case is about multiple land sales. -bp.

DEED.

23 Nov. 1865.

Summary: William Loftis sells, for $500, to James M. Loftis and David Loftis a tract of land in Jackson Co. TN on Morrison's creek, containing about 328 acres, bounded . . . lick hollow . . .conditional line between James M. Loftis & Wm. Loftis . . . crossing Morrison's creek . . . corner between John Summers & Wm. Loftis . . . conditional line made between Laban Loftis & Wm. Loftis . . .boundary line of R. E. Dill and Wm. Loftis . . .

s/s William Loftis

Witnesses: Logan H. Loftis, H. E. Harley.

PLAT.

March 1857.

Shows James Draper's 5000 acre tract and Benjamin Rudledge & Asa Denson's 500 acre tract. -bp.

SECURITY DEED.

6 Dec. 1865.

For the purpose securing to Logan H. Loftis, Administrator of Z. T. Loftis, deceased, a note I executed to him dated some time in Dec. 1863 due twelve months after date for $205 and some cents and an account to Henry Loftis forty one forty five dollars [$41.45?], which was due in April or May 1865. And one account to Elizabeth Loftis in the sum of about ten or twelve dollars, due also in April or May 1865. And account to George Gentry of about ten dollars due also in April or May 1865.

I hereby convey to Roland Loftis in trust the following described lands, to wit, the land I bought of David Johnson on the 1st day of Sept. 1865 and which is described in the deed said Johnson made to me on the 1st day of Sept. 1865 . . .

. . . if said debts are not paid within two years from this date, I authorize said Roland Loftis to sell said land herein conveyed at the Court House door in Gainesboro . . . to execute deed to the purchaser to pay off the amount herein secured, with interest cost, to hold the remainder subject to my orders . . .

s/s Labin Loftis

THE BILL OF COMPLAINT OF WILLIAM N. BOTTS OF BARREN CO. KY.

No date.

. . . James Y. Putty, who married one of the daughters of Worley Young . . .

THE BILL OF COMPLAINT OF WILLIAM LOFTIS AND WIFE VICTORIA J. LOFTIS, ASA ANDERSON, of Jackson Co. TN against Austin H. Morgan, William G. Cox, Susan Anderson, Malvin Garrison and wife Elizabeth Garrison, Jessie Allen and wife Martha Allen, Benjamin B. Chaffin and wife Fanney J. Chaffin, Minerva Anderson, Thomas C. Anderson and William Anderson, all of Jackson Co. TN and Robert F. Anderson of Franklin Co. TN.

18 Sept. 1874.

. . . on the [blank] day of Nov. 1866 one Paul Anderson departed this life intestate in Jackson Co. TN, seized and possessed of the following tract of land lying on the waters of Blackburn's fork in Jackson Co. TN and bounded as follows . . . East boundary line of a 1000 acre survey in the name of R. C. Dill and Wm. Loftis and the beginning corner of a 128 acre Survey in the name of Paul Anderson . . . Anderson's Spring branch hollow . . . including and excluding 28 acres belonging to Thomas Gentry and four acres belonging to Wm. R. Gentry, containing in all 895 acres more or less, about 634 acres lying on the West side and 261 acres on the East side of Blackburn's fork.

Austin H. Morgan was appointed Administrator of the estate of Paul Anderson. -bp.

After said Administrator had begun to wind up the business and pay off the indebtedness of said Estate, he found that it was necessary on account of the great deficiency of personal assets and the vast indebtedness of said Estate over and above the amount of said assets with which said indebtedness could be met and paid off, to have the Real Estate of said intestate sold to pay off said indebtedness of said Estate, and for this purpose the said Austin H. Morgan as Administrator and Susan Anderson as widow and relict, together with William Loftis and wife as heirs at law of Paul Anderson, as complainants filed in said County Court of Jackson Co. TN his Petition against Robert F. Anderson, Malvin Garrison and wife Elizabeth, Jessie Allen and wife Martha, Fanney J. Anderson who has since intermarried with defendant B. B. Chaffin, Minerva Anderson, Thomas E. Anderson and William Anderson, all heirs at law of Paul Anderson, deceased, as defendants . . .

. . . vast indebtedness of said estate, to wit, about the amount of $1300 . . .

. . . the amount of assets was alleged about $300 . . .

Dower was laid off to the widow. The remainder of the land was sold to pay the debts. Wm. Loftis bought the land on the West side of Blackburn's creek and F. M. Anderson bought the land on the East side. Asa Anderson then bought the land from F. M. Anderson. -bp.

Deposition taken: no date.

DEPOSITION: WILLIAM LOFTIS.

Aged 36 years.

I am one of the complainants in this suit and am the same William Loftis mentioned in the pleadings in this cause as the purchaser of the lands or a portion of them mentioned in this cause . . .

/s/ William Loftis

DEPOSITION: ASA ANDERSON.

Aged 31 years.

I am one of the complainants in this suit and the same Asa Anderson mentioned in the pleadings in this cause as owning a portion of the lands mentioned in this cause, described as lying on the East side of Blackburn's fork.

Asa Anderson (his mark)

DEPOSITION: WILLIAM G. COX.

I was Clerk of the County Court of Jackson Co. on the first day of Dec. 1866 and continued in office from that and before up to Sept. the first 1874 . . .

/s/ W. G. Cox

Deposition taken: 6 Feb. 1877.

DEPOSITION: WILLIAM LOFTIS.

Aged 38 years.

/s/ William Loftis

Depositions taken: 14 Feb. 1877.

DEPOSITION: W. G. COX.

Aged 40 years.

/s/ W. G. Cox

DEPOSITION: ASA ANDERSON.

Asa Anderson (his mark)

[continuation of previous case. -bp.]

Deposition taken: 5 March 1877.

DEPOSITION: W. G. COX.

Aged 40 years.

/s/ W. G. Cox

ISSUES OF FACT.

No date.

1. Did Aurelius Hall die intestate the owner in fee simple of the tract of land involved in this case?

Ans. Yes.

2. Is complainant, George C. Long, one of the heirs at law of said Aurelius Hall, deceased?

Ans. Yes.

3. Was the land involved in this case the share or portion of George C. Long's mother in the real estate of her father, Aurelius Hall?

Ans. Yes.

4. If Tennessee Hall Long did not own said land in fee, what share or interest therein did she own at the time of her death?

Ans. [blank].

5. Did she die intestate leaving George C. Hall as her only child and heir at law?

Ans. Yes.

G. C. Long vs. Tony Hardcastle, et. al.

No. 229.

AMMENDMENTS TO BILL.

Filed 20 April 1915.

. . . A. S. Long, the husband of Tennessee Long, deceased, and a father of complainant is still living . . .

. . . defendant S. B. Hall died after the filing of the original bill in this cause . . . [His heirs are] Irwin and Matt Hall, Jackson Co. TN, Letty, a daughter who married Wint Hunter of same residence, Etta married Charlie Cassetty are same residence, Emma married Charlie Dixon, of Macon Co. TN and Lee Hall, a resident of Illinois.

THE ORIGINAL BILL OF COMPLAINT OF G. C. LONG of Jackson Co. TN against Tony Hardcastle and wife Lena Hardcastle, Benton Huffines, Cautus Huffines, Lester Huffines, Bryan Huffines, Cavanaw Huffines, Verna Richardson and wife Leona Richardson, Alta Huffines and S. B. Hall, of Jackson Co. TN and R. V. Brooks, of Smith Co. TN.

14 Nov. 1914.

That a good many years ago Aurelius Hall died intestate in Jackson Co. TN, the owner in fee of the following described tract or parcel of land, to wit, situated and being in the 3rd Civil District of Jackson Co. TN and bounded as follows: on the North by R. S. Wiggins, [blank] Huffines, East C. H. Carver, South by James Williams and on the West by G. W. and R. R. White and W. A. Washer, containing by estimation 140 acres, be the same more or less.

That the said Aurelius left surviving him, as his only children and heirs at law, S. B. Hall, M. E. Hall, Fountain R. Hall and Tennessee Hall Long.

That the said Tennessee Hall was the mother of your complainant, and she died intestate in Jackson Co. several years ago, the owner in fee of a one third or a one fifth undivided interest in said land, it coming to her by descent cast from her father, said Aurelius Hall and this complainant is the only child and heir at law of his said mother, Tennessee Hall, who married A. S. Long.

Complainant states that when his mother died, he was an infant . . .

. . . Fountain R. Hall died intestate in Jackson Co. several years ago without leaving any heirs at law other than his brothers and sisters . . .

DEED.

5 July 1860.

Summary: R. R. Ritchey sells to John M. Long, John H. Creghead and Charles L. Long, for $1800, a tract of land in District No. 2 of Jackson Co. TN containing about 200 acres, bounded as beginning on the East side of Bullerd's creek in John Lee's northwest boundary line . . . the land that divides the farms of said Ritchey and A. Forkum . . . R. R. Ritchey is to hold possession of the lands until the last of Oct. 1860.

s/s R. R. Ritchey

Witnesses: John A. Ritchey, David Ritichey

1911. Dispute about a land boundary. Only one document. -bp.

AMENDED BILL.

5 April 1913.

Complainant respectfully shows the Court.

1. That on the 5th day of June 1911 she filed her bill, in your Honor's Court, charging among other things that she and the defendant were married to each other in Jackson Co. TN in the year 1895 and removed to Putnam Co. in about 10 years thereafter, where they lived until 1910, when they moved to Indiana where they stayed one month and returned to Putnam Co. TN where they resided until a short time before the filing of said bill, when she left defendant and removed to Jackson Co. TN.

2. That she was a widow when she married defendant, having first married one J. A. M. Birdwell, by whom she had several children, among whom was a daughter who was only five years old at the time of her marriage with defendant, named Annie R. Birdwell.

That said Annie lived with her and her husband until Complainant was forced to abandon him, on account of his brutal conduct with her said daughter.

That defendant overcame, debauched and seduced her said daughter, as a result of which she, the said Annie, gave birth to a child.

The object of said bill was to attach the property of defendant and thereby secure a maintenance for herself.

3. Said bill is here referred to and adopted as a part and parcel of this bill as fully as if herein copied and complainant makes the following additional charges:

1. She did not seek a divorce by said bill because at that time she had not been a resident citizen for two years before filing the bill.

2. Since filing said bill, defendant was indicted in the Criminal Court of Putnam County for having carnal knowledge of his wife's daughter, was tried and convicted therefor and sentenced to confinement in the Penitentiary for a period of seven years and is now in the Penitentiary serving said term.

3. She states that she has been a resident citizen of TN for more than two whole years next before the filing of this bill.

She asks for divorce, restoration of the name Mary J. Birdwell. -bp.

/s/ Mary J. Long

DECREE.

No date.

. . . the defendant, under the name of Staley Long . . .

Divorce granted, name of complainant restored to Mary J. Birdwell.

AGREEMENT.

28 Nov. 1891.

. . . William Long, Samuel Long and Mary Long, wife of Sampson Long, deceased, have agreed this day to the divide of the land we now live on, to be divided equally in quantity and quality as near as the parties can do . . . each of us further agree to pay the portion of cost that has already accumulated in this suit . . . I, Mary Long, further agree to dismiss said suit . . .

William Long (his mark)

Samuel Long (his mark)

Mary Long (her mark)

Depositions taken: no date.

DEPOSITION: JOHN G. HOWELL.

/s/ J. G. Howell

DEPOSITION: WM. LONG.

Wm. Long (his mark)

THE BILL OF COMPLAINT OF MARY LONG of Jackson Co. TN against William Long, also of Jackson Co. TN.

29 March 1891.

. . . Andrew Cowan and his wife Margaret Cowan departed this life intestate in Jackson Co. TN seized and possessed in fee simple of the following described tract or parcel of land, lying in the 3 & 2 Districts of Jackson Co. TN and bounded as follows . . . Womey's East boundary line . . . That the said Margarett Cowan departed this life several years prior to the death of her husband, Andrew Cowan.

That said Andrew Cowan and his wife Margarett Cowan died leaving the following named children and heirs at law, to whom said land descended as tenants in common, to wit, complainant Mary Long, a daughter, and William Cowan, a son.

She says that William Cowan sold to her, Mary Long, and the defendant William Long, his undivided half interest in this tract of land. She now wants the land divided and partitioned. -bp.

REPORT OF LAND SALE.

Nov. Term 1891.

Summary: the Clerk & Master sold a portion of the lands in the pleadings, the upper end known as the Cowan tract, lying in the 2nd Civil District of Jackson Co. on the waters of Indian creek, to Mary Long for $115.

. . . the Graveyard is to be reserved for a burial of the Cowan connection.

Depositions taken: 18 Aug. 1891.

DEPOSITION: WM. LONG.

Quest. Did you buy one half interest in the land that is described in the pleadings in this suit? If so, who from?

Ans. I bought it of William Cowan.

Quest. Where did Wm. Cowan live at the time you bought his half interest?

Ans. He was in Texas.

The widow [Mary Long] got me to buy it as I lived on the place. Cowan wrote to me, give him $150 and Mary Long $50.

My daughter Allice . . .

. . . son Sam . . .

William Long (his mark)

DEPOSITION: ALLICE LONG.

Allice Long (her mark)

DEPOSITION: JULIANN LONG.

Quest. You are the wife of the defendant William Long?

Ans. Yes, Sir.

Quest. Is Miss Alice Long, the witness that has just given her deposition, your daughter?

Ans. Yes, Sir.

Julia A. Long (her mark)

DEPOSITION: SAM LONG.

Quest. . . your father, Wm. Long . . .

I don't know my age exactly, but I reckon I am about 25, the best I can guess at it.

Quest. Did Mary Long's children, or either of them, help make the tobacco spoken of by you?

Ans. George Long help me some.

Samuel Long (his mark)

Deposition taken: 17 July 1891.

DEPOSITION: JEREMIAH RAY.

I knew William Cowan for several years. He has been gone from Tennessee some ten or twelve years.

/s/ Jeramih Ray

Depositions taken: 18 Aug. 1891.

DEPOSITION: JOHN G. HOWELL.

/s/ J. G. Howel

DEPOSITION: MARY LONG.

I taken care of my mother nearly all the time from the time I was married up to her death, doing all her making and mending and taking care of my father all the time except one year from the time I was married, his making and mending, up to the time he died.

. . . Tom, my son . . .

Quest. When you was taking care of your father and mother, didn't you live on the land of your father?

Ans. I did.

Quest. Did you pay them any rent for the land?

Ans. I did not.

Mary Long (her mark)

There are only a few documents in this folder.

They refer to A. Staley Long, minor heir of Jno. Long, deceased.

THE BILL OF COMPLAINT OF WILLIAM LONG of Jackson Co. TN against James Long, George Long, Pharris Long, Phillip M. Long, John Long, Bennett Long, Charles L. Long, Morrison Craighead and wife Lydia Craighead, Sampson Gaines, Edward C. Gaines, Marshall W. Gaines, Joseph Ray and wife Lydia Ray, George McCauley and wife Sarah McCauley, all of Jackson Co. TN.

No date.

. . . Christopher Long departed this life in Jackson Co. TN on the [blank] day of [blank] 1866 . . .

William Long was appointed Administrator. -bp.

The defendants in the bill are all the heirs of said deceased. They are all the children of said deceased or the husbands of such, save defendants Gaines, Ray and wife and McCauley and wife, who are the children of Brodent [?] Gaines by his wife Mary Gaines, who was a daughter of said deceased. Both Brodent [?] Gaines and wife Mary Gaines are now dead.

Christopher Long died seized and possessed of the following lands, lying in Jackson Co. TN in District No. 3, bounded by the lands of Peter Forkum, David Ray, George Ray . . .

He says that a portion of the lands must be sold to pay the debts of the estate. -bp.

REPORT OF SALE OF LAND.

Aug. Term 1869.

On the 6th day of April 1869 . . . sold . . . in two separate parcels or tracts of land . . . being the land of which Kittie Long died seized and possessed, lying in Civil District No. 2 on the waters of Cub creek and Bullard's creek in Jackson Co., containing in all 133 acres more or less, being the land now occupied by Wm. S. Long and Lane Long. When Richard P. Brooks became the purchaser of the fifty acre tract called the Lane Long tract at the price of $215 . . . and P. M. Long bid off the 83 acre tract known as the Kitty Long home tract at the price of $525. But said P. M. Long failing to execute his notes with good security as required . . . on the 22nd day of July 1869 . . . sold said Kittie Long home tract over to the highest bidder as before, when Richard P. Brooks became the purchaser at the price of $300 . . .

Deposition taken: no date.

DEPOSITION: JAMES W. DRAPER.

/s/ James W. Draper

Depositions taken: no date.

DEPOSITION: HOLLAND DENTON.

49 years old.

/s/ H. Denton

DEPOSITION: A. A. SWOPE.

44 years old.

Mr. Denton and myself are both practicing solicitors of this Court.

/s/ A. A. Swope

Depositions taken: 26 Jan. 1856.

DEPOSITION: GEORGE [UNREADABLE].

58 years old.

/s/ George McKaughan

DEPOSITION: JAMES MC CAUFEN.

/s/ James P. McKaughan

DEPOSITION: ELIZABETH GORDON.

Aged 60 years.

/s/ Elizabeth Gordon

Depositions taken: 21 June 1856.

DEPOSITION: JOHN T. HALL.

Aged about 67 years.

. . . I was married about seven years ago.

/s/ John T. Hall

DEPOSITION: LEROY GORDON.

Aged about 33 years.

Leroy S. Gordon (his mark)

DEPOSITION: TABITHA HALL.

Aged about 48 years.

The house was built for me on John Van Hooser's land . . .

I am a daughter of Valentine Van Hooser and a sister of John Van Hooser.

It has been near seven years since I left it [the land].

Tabitha Hall (her mark)

DEPOSITION: HIRAM MINOR.

Aged about 56 years.

I have lived something like 25 years where I live now.

. . . old man Van Hooser died and he died before Toney bought [the land].

I am a brother-in-law to John Van Hooser and Mr. [Harrison] Osgatharpe is a son-in-law of Mr. [William] Toney.

/s/ Hiram Minor

DEPOSITION: HENDERSON DOTSON.

Aged about 27 years.

I am the son of Tabitha Hall.

/s/ William H. Dotson

Depositions taken: 2 Feb. 1856.

DEPOSITION: RICHMOND P. SCOTT.

About 32 years.

/s/ R. P. Scott

DEPOSITION: REUBIN BAILEY.

Aged about 60 years.

Reubin Bailey (his mark)

DEPOSITION: HIRAM MINOR.

Aged 25 years.

/s/ Hiram Minor

DEPOSITION: DAVID BUCHANON.

Aged about 46 years.

The land that Hooser claims there takes a part of the hollow called the Turnip Patch Hollow and I own a part of the land in that hollow.

Quest. How many acres in that hollow does your tract include?

Ans. I can't say, but would suppose as much as fifteen acres.

/s/ David B. Buchanan

Deposition taken: 14 March 1856.

DEPOSITION: A. B. BOTTS.

Aged 35.

/s/ A. B. Botts

DEPOSITION: GEORGE [unreadable].

57 years.

/s/ George McKaughan

DEPOSITION: DANIEL MORGAN.

47 years.

/s/ Danl M. Morgan

DEPOSITION: HARRISON OSGATHARPE.

29 years of age.

/s/ Harrison M. Osgatharpe

DEPOSITION: WILLIAM GORDON.

William Gordon (his mark)

DEPOSITION: LORENZO R. LAWSON.

Aged 29 years.

/s/ L. R. Lawson

DEED.

12 March 1836.

Summary: John V. Hooser of Jackson Co. TN sells to Isaac V. Hooser, also of Jackson Co. TN, for $150, a tract of land in Jackson Co. TN. It is located on the North Side of Cumberland River and bounded . . . Entry made by William D. Griffith & Samuel Griffith . . . John Brevard's 225 acre tract . . . South with the meanders of the Cumberland River, containing about 40 acres.

s/s John Van Hooser

One document only, about a timber dispute. -bp.

Another timber dispute. -bp.

1821.

DEED.

6 Dec. 1831.

Summary: John Love of Green Co. TN sells to Moses Fisk of Overton Co. TN, by an article of agreement made in the year 1822, that Love, for the consideration therein mentioned, would release and relinquish to Moses Fisk, a part of the land contained in a tract of 60,400 acres. This land was purchased by Love from Stockly Donelson in the year 1795. It is situated on the Cumberland River, beginning at a stake in the old path on the ridge which divides the waters of Mill creek from Dry fork, where the line which divides Jackson from Overton Co. crosses said path, it being the path or road leading to what was called Bennett's Ferry . . . survey of 228 acres granted to John Gatlin. This land released to Moses Fisk contains about 500 acres.

/s/ John Love

AGREEMENT.

14 Feb. 1821.

Note: This document is very difficult to read. I may have misinterpreted some of the details. bp.

Summary: a memorandum of agreement between Moses Fisk of Hilham in Tennessee and John Love of Virginia. Fisk and Love now hold a claim to certain lands and they desire to divide the claim to these lands. Love will relinquish to Fisk the land [as described above]. In this document, it mentions that a man named Rose lives on the John Gatlin tract. The consideration is that Love is now involved in some lawsuits in the Courts of Jackson Co. and Love shall pay all costs incurred in these, and he shall have the proceeds of the sales of these lands that have already been sold, except $150 of the sum due from Adam C. Hamilton, which is to be given to Fisk.

/s/ Moses Fisk

Depositions taken: 7 Jan. 1853 in Macon Co. TN.

DEPOSITION: MARY LOVELADY.

Quest. Please state if you are the widow of John Lovelady, deceased, and what part of his estate you received?

Ans. I am his widow. I took a child's part of the personal property and a third of the land.

Mary Lovelady (her mark)

DEPOSITION: NANCY PARKER.

Aged about 58.

/s/ Nancy Parker

DEPOSITION: JESSE PARKER.

Aged about 36.

I bought the land [that John Lovelady died seized of]. I bought one child's part from Wm. Ellis and wife and one part from Moses Lovelady and one from Asa Lovelady and one from Petter Shrum and wife and one other from Je Gammons and wife and one part I have not yet bought. And the remaining three shares, viz. that belonging to the heirs of Thomas Lovelady and Vinson Lovelady and Fleming Griffon from Jeremiah Gammons as guardian for said heirs.

And I bought the said land of Gamons in Jan. 1845.

/s/ Jessee Parker

PURCHASERS of the Personal Property of John Lovelady, dec'd.

1841.

Jessee Parker, Henderson Fowler, Jeremiah Gannon, Peter Shrum, B. Patterson, Nancy Parker, Joseph Cartwright, John L. Stepp, Thomas Dies, L. D. Hargis, G [unreadable] Bransford, James Ellis, Bart Patterson, John W. Gifford, John B. Flangan, Thomas Williams, Jr., Gideon W. Bransford, Gideon Gifford, Willis Dixon, Hamilton Peyon, B. M. Richards, Asa Lovelady, Polly Lovelady, C. P. Shrum, Lewis Kelly, Gunsey Wilburn, J. H. Lowell, Thomas Wilburn, G. D. Burns, John G. Burns, William Nichols, Barnett Gifford, Moses Shrum, James Kelly, Alexander McClanahan, John W. Morrison, Wm. Wooten, Richard Uhls, John W. Minton, G. Barnes.

THE SEPARATE ANSWER OF JOHN PARKER to the Bill of Complaint of Wm. H. Lovelady, et. al.

12 July 1852.

. . . John Lovelady was the grandfather of respondent and had acted as his guardian for many years.

/s/ Jessee Parker

THE SEPARATE ANSWER OF ASA LOVELADY to the Bill of Complaint of Wm. H. Lovelady, et. al.

July 1843.

. . . it is true that John Lovelady died intestate about the time mentioned in the bill, leaving as his heirs at law and distributees, nine children and his widow, viz., Sarah, who married Peter Shrum, Nancy who married John Parker, Susannah who married Jer. Gammon, Rebecca who married William Ellis, Polly who married Joseph F. Gifford, Asa, Thomas, Moses and Vincent R. Lovelady.

THE BILL OF WILLIAM H. LOVELADY, Thomas A. Lovelady, Ezekial Carnahan and wife Nancy, Susanah G. Lovelady, Mary J. Lovelady and Elizabeth, Sam'l G. and Darkas A. Lovelady by their Brother and next friend William H. Lovelady, all of Jackson Co. TN against Asa Lovelady, Administrator of John Lovelady, dec'd, of the same county and Jessee Parker and Peter Shrum his securities, of Macon Co. TN, also Jeremiah Gammon of Smith Co. TN.

No date.

. . . your orators and oratrixes showeth your honor that they are the lawful heirs of Thomas Lovelady, deceased, who died sometime in the year 1843 in the State of Illinois, intestate and that their grandfather, John Lovelady, died in 1841 intestate in Smith Co. TN and at the July Term of Smith County Court 1841 said Defendant Asa Lovelady was duly appointed Administrator or said deceased, John Lovelady.

Complainants state their interests to be as follows, said deceased John Lovelady left the following heirs and distributees, to wit, Thomas Lovelady, the father of complainants, who died as before stated, Asa Lovelady (defendant), Moses Lovelady, Vinson Lovelady who has also died leaving William and John Lovelady, both now minors, Sarah Shrum who married defendant Peter Shrum, Susan Gammon, wife of said guardian, Rebecca Ellis, a widow, Nancy Parker, widow, and the children of Polly Gifford, formerly Lovelady. There are several, names and sexes unknown.

Accounts of the estate. No family relationships given.

Depositions taken: 12 March 1901.

DEPOSITION: B. J. SMITH.

I am 41 years old. Occupation farmer. I reside in the 6th District of Jackson Co. TN.

Quest. State whether or not he [John Lundy] married again after the death of complainant's mother and what was the given name of his last wife?

Ans. He married after the death of complainant's mother to one Susie Harris.

Quest. State, if you know, how he got his living after his first wife, complainant's mother, died. That is, did he or not work for it, and if he worked, what kind of work did he do?

Ans. He worked. He made chairs and spinning wheels.

He made extra good spinning wheels and tolerably good chairs.

Quest. State, if you know, whether or not he owned, claimed and controlled the land on which he lived near you up to the time of his death or the time he went to stay with his son-in-law, John Crowder.

Ans. Yes, Sir, it was my understanding that he owned and claimed it . . . I understood he sold part of it to Mrs. Crabtree.

. . . my mother-in-law, Sarilda Ledbetter . . .

/s/ B. J. Smith

DEPOSITION: W. H. SMITH.

I am 65 years old. I live in the 6th District of Jackson Co. TN. [Occupation] book agent.

/s/ W. H. Smith

Deposition taken: 12 March 1901.

DEPOSITION: W. R. POSTON.

I was married in Nov. 1892.

Lundy married his last wife in 1892.

I saw it of record over here in the County Court Clerk's office today, but I paid no attention to the month.

/s/ W. R. Poston

THE CROSS BILL OF CELINA CRABTREE of Jackson Co. TN to the Bill of Complaint of W. C. Lundy.

25 Nov. 1901.

. . . she purchased the land described in her said answer from John Lundy in the year 1892 as she remembers, while she lived on the Andy Mee place, and said John Lundy made her a deed to said fifteen acres of land and the consideration for the land was $25.00, all of which she long since paid and most of said purchase money was paid in her own daily labor--work for John Lundy. In 1893 she took possession of said land and built a log cabin on it, in which she lived until it was burned, and some after said burning she erected a little box house on said land wherein she has lived ever since.

. . . her deed was burned in her house and had not been registered . . .

Celina Crabtree (her mark)

THE BILL OF COMPLAINT OF W. C. LUNDY of Jackson Co. TN against Celina Crabtree, Robt. Poston and Bart Smith of Jackson Co. TN.

21 April 1900.

. . . he is the owner in fee and entitled to the immediate possession of the following tract of land situated in the 6th Civil District of Jackson Co. TN . . . Jess Lawson's line . . . James Brown's line . . . Wiley Lawson & Lundy's line . . . the Overton Co. line . . . line of E. Lundy and John Lundy . . . containing 100 acres more or less. And the lands purchased by complainant from John Lundy by deed dated Aug. 16, 1888.

He says that Celina Crabtree claims fifteen acres of this and that by her permission Robt. Poston and Bart Smith have been cutting timber on the land that she claims. -bp.

THE JOINT ANSWER OF FRANCIS M. GOOLSBY, MARTHA JANE KIRBY, MARY STRATTON & HARTWELL STRATTON to a Bill of Complaint filed against them by James G. Kirby. [Evidently misfiled. -bp.]

20 Jan. 1855.

They admit the death of Henry M. Kirby as charged, except that he died in Feb. 1853 instead of March. They admit the appointment of defendant Goolsby as Administrator as charged.

The property of Pleasant Kirby as they are informed and believe was all given by his Will to his widow during her life or widowhood . . . Henry W. Kirby had nothing to do with the sale of the Negroes.

Deposition taken: 1 March 1901.

DEPOSITION: W. C. LUNDY.

I am the complainant.

I live in the 5th District of Jackson County TN, a little over one mile below Granville on the North Side of Cumberland River in what is known as Brook's bend. John Lundy and I have been in peaceable possession of said land for over sixty years. He [John Lundy] bought said land from old Mounce Gore in his lifetime.

Quest. What did you give for said land and how did you pay it?

Ans. I gave him $50 for it and paid it in letting him have meat and lard [?] and taking care of mother and burying her.

My mother died first. She died in 1888. Father died in 1896.

He died at John Crowder's . . .

/s/ W. C. Lundy

Deposition taken: 13 Sept. 1901.

DEPOSITION: A. PHARRIS.

He was physician to John Lundy. bp.

He [John Lundy] married George Harris' widow.

/s/ A. Pharris

Deposition taken: 14 Sept. 1901.

DEPOSITION: W. C. LUNDY.

/s/ W. C. Lundy

DEED.

18 Jan. 1902.

For the love and affection I have for the sacred dead and the Lynch family, I, Garry W. Lynch, have this day donated, give and granted to the Lynch family as a burial ground a certain piece or lot of ground known as the Lynch graveyard, situated in Sullivan's Bend on Cumberland River in Smith County, TN in Civil District No. 11, bounded . . . , one fourth of an acre.

Garry W. Lynch (his mark)

Sallie A. Lynch (her mark)

Depositions taken: 20 March 1912 at Carthage TN.

DEPOSITION: ISHAM BEASLEY.

Age 59, occupation farmer.

/s/ Isham Beasley

DEPOSITION: J. A. (ALIAS JOE) CARDWELL.

Age 30, live in the 11th District of Smith Co.

There is about six graves [in the Lynch graveyard] as well as I remember, and there are slabs marking six of the graves . . . there may be other graves which are not marked.

Quest. Who has been buried in said graveyard since Mr. Thackston bought said Lynch land?

Ans. Well, I don't really know of but two, and that is Mr. W. B. Lynch's wife and Mr. Garry Lynch Jr.'s wife.

/s/ Joe Cardwell

DEPOSITION: J. C. (ALIAS JIM) GORE.

Age 47, residence Smith Co., occupation farmer.

/s/ Jim Gore

Deposition taken: no date.

DEPOSITION: B. D. RAMSEY.

Age 37.

Live in the 14th District of Jackson Co.

I am Constable and have been Constable for ten years.

/s/ D. B. Ramsey

Deposition taken: 10 & 11 March 1909.

DEPOSITION: H. J. LYNCH.

I was a candidate for Sheriff . . .

/s/ H. J. Lynch

SETTLEMENT NO. 1.

26 April 1909.

Wards Jimmie, Willie and Dolph Richmond.

SETTLEMENT.

15 Aug. 1905.

. . . Jimmie, Willie and Dolph Richmond, minor heirs of Julia Richmond, deceased . . .

THE BILL OF COMPLAINT OF A. H. LYNN of Jackson Co. TN against E. M. McCoin and W. F. Maxwell of like residence.

15 July 1908.

. . . complainant's father, Joe Lynn, deceased . . .

Complainant's mother has been dead about six years, his father has been dead near unto four years. -bp.

W. F. Maxwell's wife Polly Ann is now dead. -bp.

A. H. Lynn (his mark)

END OF REEL.