John Gordon & Related Family Documents

Part II

Mathew Harper & Jeremiah Bowen-Jurors 1808-1811

(Includes Mathew, Jeremiah, Abram, Betsy Ruth, Lincoln Harper)

The original document as copied from the Smith County, Tennessee Court House/Library or Tennessee State Archives. The copy, and transcriptions were

done by, Gail and Vernon H. Drewa in August 2001.

Documents from the Tennessee State Library “WPA” Records, Smith County, Minute Book 1808-1811

P315 Jurors Ordered that the following persons be appointed Jurors to the next court of please & quarter session held in Sept next to Elisha Ogleby Daniel Alexander William Goodall Nathan Dillon John Rhodes Lewis Pipkin David Lawrence Senr. Benjamin Ellis Frances Patterson Morten Cooper, David Looney Jacob Overall George Payne Thomas Hart Elijah Haynie John Piper Charlie McClelan Allen Wilkerson Mathew Harper Edward Sanderson Harris Crissom John Ward Garland McAllister Samuel Burdine Charles Reynolds William Porter Morgan Williams Jeremiah Bowen James Cochran Zacharah Ford Thos Walten Lodwick Vaden Jeremiah Wright William Trousdale William Smith Mathew Duke constable Soloman Blair Will Sullivan and that a venire facias Issue accordingly.

Court adjourns until tomorrow 10 o’clock.

P404 Abram Harper ]

vs. ] Original Attachment

David Taylor ]

Isaac Souder Garnisher Summoned here this day to declare what property he had in his hands of the Defendant or what he was indebted to Said Defendant being duly Sworn upon his oath sayeth that he is not indebted to the Defendant any thing that he had in his possession one wagon worth about forty seven Dollars fifty cents at the time and was Summoned Guarnisher the property of the Defendant & further Sayeth not. (Note: Date of recording is prior to June 1810. Vernon Drewa.)

Betsy Ruth Harper orphan of Mathew Harper Deceased by Court had Patsey Harper appointed her Guardian who together Isaac Hickerson her security entered into bond conditioned according to Law. (Note: Date of this recording is prior to June 1810. Vernon Drewa.)

P405 Ordered that Mathew Harper one of the administrators of Mathew Harper deceased be allowed twenty two dollars forty nine cents of her account for Services and ordered to be recorded ( Note: Date of this recording is prior to June 1810. Vernon Drewa.)

P429 Tuesday morning June 5^th 1810

Court met pursuant to adjournment members present Andrew Green James Hibits John Lancaster William Haynie Esquires.

John Harmin ]

vs. ] Attachment

Thos. Hamilton ] Plea non assumption

This day came the parties by their attornies and thereupon came a jury of good and lawfull men to wit James Upton Jud Strother Samuel Casey Jonathon B. Robertson James Cooper William Hogan Burel Kemp Jorden G Stokes William Lancaster Enoch Rust Arthur s. Hogan & Josiah Harper who being Elected tried and sworn the truth to speak upon the Issue joined upon their Oaths do say that the Defendant did assume upon himself in manner & form as the plaintiff in declaring hath alleged and they do assess the plantifffs damages by reason thereof to $135 besides his costs it is therefore considered by the court that the plaintiff recover against the Defendant his damages aforesaid in form aforesaid by the jury assessed together.

P106 William Smith ]

vs. ] Case: Write of inquiry

William Southerlin ]

This day comes the Plaintiff by his attorney and thereupon came a jury of good and lawful men to wit. George Norris, Wm. Covey Thomas Farris John Stephens Lincoln Harper John Cardwell Jacob Ingram Henry Hass A. Armstreet Stubblefield Joseph Fleming George Rowland & Saml. Row who being Elected tried and sworn well and truly to inquire of the damages on this enquiry having some time retired. Returned to the bar and Jacob one of the Jurors not answering the rest from rendering their verdict are discharged.

P1 Smith County ]

State of Tennessee ] At a court of pleas and quarter Sessions bean and held for Said county at the Court House in Carthage on the first Monday being the 7^th day of March 1808. Members of Worshipfull Court present

A. S. Hogan ]

Basil Shaw ] Esquires

Henry Tooley ]

Grand Jurors to Witt.

Benjamin Barton (Foreman) James Cochran

Mathias Anderson Wm Coblar

Mathew Harper Daniel Hamock

Thos Haile James Chambers

Abram Piper Allen Wilkeson

Thos Dill Wm Lancaster

Adam Marley Wm Thomason

John Bridges

Who being qualified and received their charge from the Atto for the State retired to consider Such matters and things as shall come before them.

P398 The commissioners appointed to settle with the Administrators of the Estate of Mathew Harper Deceased made report of their Settlement & ordered that Same be recorded.

P399 Ordered that James Wright Jud Strother and James Ballew Esquires be appointed to meet at the house of Mathew Harper on Defeated creek to Settle with said Harper as administrator to the Estate of Mathew Harper deceased. And make report thereof to next court. Court adjourns until tomorrow 9 oclock.

P512 Execution of Robt Harper ]

vs. ] Motion in Debt.

Michal Henderson & Joel Dyer ]

It appearing that John Furgarson and Wm Cleveland had stayed Execution of Judgement the plaintiff recorded in this Court against the Deft on the 5 December 1809 for $69.97 Debt and cost $10.63 agreeable to the act of assembly in that case made and provided on motion it is therefore considered by Court that the plaintiff have Execution of the Deft his Judgement aforesaid with $5.25 Interest thereon & cost of this motion.

(Note: Every effort was made to transcribe the original document. Blank space is where no discernable word could be determined from copies of the documents. Rather than inserting what I think the wording should be, they are left blank for you interpretation. /s/ Vernon H. Drewa)

Gordon 1808-1811

The original document as copied from the Smith County, Tennessee Court House/Library or Tennessee State Archives. The copy, and transcriptions were

done by, Gail and Vernon H. Drewa in August 2001.

Data from Smith County Books 1808-1811

P15 Ordered that John Gordon Esqr Sheriff be allowed the Sum of one hundred and forty six dollars for Ex oficia Services as acct rendered for the year 1807.

Ordered that John Gordon Esqr Sheriff be allowed the Sum of fifteen Dollars and fifty Seven cents & ¼ being the amount County & poor Tax on in solvency Exhibited to court for year 1807 also $10.64 ¼ cents State Tax on the above.

P123 John Gordon Esqr. Sheriff of Smith County came into Court with George Matlock, Isham Beesley & Richard Britain his security and entered into bond for the State and County Tax for the year 1808 conditioned as the law directs.

Harper – 1808-1811

The original document as copied from the Smith County, Tennessee Court House/Library or Tennessee State Archives. The copy, and transcriptions were

done by, Gail and Vernon H. Drewa in August 2001.

Data from Smith County Minutes Book 1808-1811

P5 Mathew Harper made return of Suplementary Inventory of the Sales of the property of Mathew Harper Decd ordered to be Recorded.

Robt Harper Deceased {} Supplentary inventory of act of Sales of the property & returned into court by Mathew Harper and admitted to record.

P197 Lincoln Harper ]

vs. ] Attachment

Jacob Kendy ]

Ordered that the improvement and mill seat formally occupied by John Young and now levied on by Neil Thomson Constable as the property of Jacob Kenedy be sold to Satisfy the amount of the Plaintiffs debt being Stated Eleven Dollars & twenty five cents In the attachment and the cost.

John Gordon – 9^th Gen. Assembly – 1809

The original document as copied from the Smith County, Tennessee Court House/Library or Tennessee State Archives. The copy, and transcriptions were

done by, Gail and Vernon H. Drewa in August 2001.

Acts of Tennessee – 1809, Ninth General Assembly of the State of Tennessee, begun and held at Knoxville, on Monday, the 18^th day of September, One thousand Eight Hundred and Nine. Book K, Act=16, Cop-2.

---152---

Chap. LXI.

AN ACT FOR THE RELIEF OF JOHN B. CROSS, SHERIFF AND COLLECTOR FOR THE COUNTY OF OVERTON, AND JOHN GORDON OF SMITH COUNTY.

Preamble

WHEREAS, it appears to this General Assembly, that John B. Cross, sheriff and collector of the state tax in the county of Overton, for the year 1807, was charged with thirteen dollars and thirty-three cents, the state tax on 10664 acres of land, which were reported and would not sell for the want of bidders, and which he was prohibited from selling until the first Monday in July, 1808, before which time the Treasurer of West Tennessee, agreeably to law recovered judgment against him, for the whole amount of taxes with which he was charged, the amount of which judgment the said John B. Cross, sheriff and collector as aforesaid, for the year 1808, was charged with seventy four dollars and seventy-three cents, as being the state tax on 59729 2-3 acres of land, which was reported and would not sell, and which he was not authorized by law to sell until the first Monday in July, 1809, before which time the treasurer of West Tennessee recovered a judgment against him for execution against him for the same—For remedy wherefore.

Sect. 1^st. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE.

That the said John B. Cross, Sheriff an collector as aforesaid, shall be entitled to receive a credit of eighty-eight dollars and six cent upon the execution now against him as aforesaid, the same being the amount of delinquencies for the two years aforesaid.

Sect. 2^nd. BE IT ENACTED, That the said John B. Cross is entitled to and shall receive a further credit on the aforesaid execution, for nineteen dollars and eighty-three cents, being the amount of his commissions on three hundred and thirty dollars and sixty-one and an half cents, the state tax in the county aforesaid, collected by him and paid into the public treasury for the year 1807.

Sect. 3^rd. BE IT ENACTED, That the said John B. Cross shall be allowed a further credit of twenty-six dollars and sixty eight cents, on the aforesaid execution, it being his commissions on four hundred and forty-four dollars, sixty-seven and three-fourths cents, which is the amount of state tax for the year 1808, for the said county: PROVIDED, the said John B. Cross satisfies the said execution by the first day of January next.

Sect. 4. Whereas it appears to this General Assembly, that John Gordon, collector of the public taxes in Smith county, for the year 1808, was prevented from paying into the treasury the full amount of the tax chargeable on him, because he was prevented from selling lands of non-residents by the interference of the laws of the state, whereby judgment has been rendered against the said John Gordon, and he deprived of his fees for collection, amounting to the sum of forty-three dollars and twenty-one cent—For remedy whereof, BE IT ENACTED, that John Gordon is entitled to draw from either of the public treasurers of this sate, the sum of forty-three dollars and twenty-one cents, and that the speaker of both houses sign a draft for the above amount.

JOSEPH DICKSON

Speaker of the House of Representatives,

JOSEPH M’MINN,

16^th Nov. 1809 Speaker of the Senate.

John Gordon Legislative Petition - 1809

The original document as copied from the Smith County, Tennessee Court House/Library or Tennessee State Archives. The copy, and transcriptions were

done by, Gail and Vernon H. Drewa in August 2001.

Legislative Petition 1809

To the Honorable the General Assembly of the State of Tennessee now in Session.

Your petitioner humbly showith, That whearas he was appointed by John Gordon Esq., Sheriff of Smith County to take charge of the jail for said County as jailor and having expended Money agreeable to the regulations of the law in Supporting the prisoners committed to said jail to the amount of the annexed statement and your petitioner having no remedy by law therefore pray that an Act may be passed to reimburse to him his expenses, occasioned by the breach of the jail aforesaid as stated in the annex account and your petitionor will be ever bound to pray.

Signed Basil Shaw

State of Tennessee ] I John Gordon late Sheriff of said County do certify that Basil

Smith County ] Shaw whose name is subscribed above was duly authorized by me to take charge of the jail of said county and that I have no reason to believe that the breach of said jail was occasioned by his means or neglect.

Given under my hand this 28^th day of March 1809.

John Gordon

Late Sheriff of Smith County

State of Tennessee Smith County

This day came Basil Shaw before me one of the justices for said County & made oath the within account is just and true as stated & sworn to before me this 29^th day of March 1809.

John Gordon J. P. Basil Shaw

William Orange Will - 1815

The original deed as copied from the Smith County, Tennessee Court House. The copy, and transcriptions were done by, Gail and Vernon H. Drewa in August 2001.

In the name of god Amen

I William Orange of the State of Tennessee, Smith County Being in a low state of health But of sound mind and memories Calling to mind the mortality of my Body and the little Estate the Lord hath Blest me with in this life it is My will to Dispose of it in the following manner

First of all I will my soul to god who gave it to me and my Body to be buryed at the Discretion of my hereafter Named Executers

Secondly I will that all my Just debts should be paid

Thirdly my will is That the Rest of my Estate should be divided in form and manner as follows

Item I give and bequeath to my beloved wife Elizabeth Orange one waggon and

two horses James and Peter Likwise the gear belonging their ____ likewise the plantation working tools three head of milk cows ten head of sheep one good feather bed and furniture To be at her Disposal During her natural life and also a stock of hogs

Item I give and bequeath to my Daughter Molley Belcher one feather bed and

furniture and likewise one heifer yerling to be to her and her heirs for ever

Item I give and bequeath to my son John Orange one horse beast by

the name of Tom to be to him and his heirs for ever

Item I give and bequeath to my son Byrd Orange one Clay Bank filley to be to

him and his heirs for ever

Item I give and bequeath to my son Zephaniah Orange one colt from Byrds Mare

one feather bed and furniture and yearling to be to him and his heirs for ever

Item I give and bequeath to my daughter Chizziah Bailey one feather bed and

furniture which she has now in possession Likewise one yearling to be to her

and her heirs for ever

Item I give and bequeath to my son Yearby Orange one feather bed and furniture

one sorrel horse cald Valiant Like wise one yerling to be to him and his

heirs forever

Item I give and bequeath to my Daughter Eliza Orange one feather bed and

furniture and one yearling to be to Her and her heirs forever

Item I give and bequeath to my Daughter Nancy Orange one feather bed and

furniture and one yearling to be to her and her heirs for ever

Item I give and bequeath to my daughter Elizabeth Orange one feather bed and furniture and one yearling to be to her and her heirs forever

And last of all I appoint my two sons John Orange and Byrd Orange my Lawful Executers to fulfill this My last will and testament

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this 30^th Day of April 1815

(his

Test William X Orange (Seal)

Absalom Cox Jurat mark)

Tho Johnson Jurat

State of Tennessee | August Term 1815

Smith County |

Then the within last will and testament of William Orange Deceased was proven in Open Court in the oath of Absalom Cox and Tho Johnson __________ thereto and ordered to be recorded and John Orange & Byrd Orange Executors therein name qualified & entered into bond & Security as the Law directs

Test Robert Allen clk

William Orange

This last will and Testament

Recorded book D, page 78

John Orange – Jonathon B. Robertson 1816

The original deed as copied from the Smith County, Tennessee Court House. The copy, and transcriptions were done by, Gail and Vernon H. Drewa in August 2001.

This Indenture made and entered unto this thirteenth day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand eighteen hundred and sixteen between John Orange of said County of Smith and State of Tennessee of the one part and Jonathon B. Robertson of the other

Part Witnesseth that the said Jonathan B. Robertson for and in consideration of the sum of two hundred and forty dollars to him in hand paid by the said John Orange as acknowledged by the said Jonathan B. Robertson by deed of Mortgage given by said Robertson to said Orange for six hundred and forty acres of land and bounded as follows agreeable to the said Mortgage Beginning on a sugartree William Coats South West corner running south and for compliment to include the tract which said Jonaih B Robertson purchased of James Mc_______ how be it further __________ that the said Jonathon B Robertson by virtue of said mortgage deed did for the consideration above mentioned authorized said John Orange to sell said land he first _____________said land agreeable to said deed Now I the said John Orange _____________ of said Mortgage deed and by duties of the equitable privileges given to me in said deed have this day sold conveyed and confirmed deed I am by these presents sell convey and confirm said tract of land as heretofore described in said Mortgage to John Harvey Jr & David William being the _______purchaser of said land and ___________ for the sum of two hundred thirty dollars sixty two and a half cents which said premises for the consideration to _______ _______ paid I do hereby covenant and agree to and with the said John Harvey and David Wallace that I will forever warrant and defend said described premises in said Mortgage deed described _________ me my heirs of any the claim of all persons whomsoever, claiming by virtue of title hereby transferring all my title as vested in me by said Mortgage deed from said Jonathon B Robertson for six hundred and fifty acres of land on Brush Creek waters of Hickmans creek in Smith County In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this day and date first written

John Orange (Seal)

Signed Sealed and Delivered In presence of

John P Martin | State of Tennessee Smith County August Term 1847 then the execution Wm D Gowan | of the within deed of conveyance was duly acknowledged in open Court Wm _______ | and on motion ordered to be registered

Test Robert Allen Clk

Registered the 5^th of September 1817

J. Pickett Register

Of Smith County

Zephaniah Orange purchase 1826

The original deed as copied from the Smith County, Tennessee Court House. The copy, and transcriptions were done by, Gail and Vernon H. Drewa in August 2001.

This indenture made this nineteenth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty six Between Joseph Dennis of Smith County State of Tennessee of the one part and Zephaniah Orange of the county and State aforesaid of the other part witnesseth that the said Joseph Dennis for an in consideration of the sum of one hundred and sixty dollars to him in hand paid by the Said Orange the receipt where of he doth hereby acknowledge hath given and confirm unto the said Zephaniah Orange a certain tract or parcel of land situate lying and being the said county of Smith on the Racoon Branch of Hickmans Creek beginning at a Beech marked a JK on the south Boundary line of Capt Kingsbery large Survey running thence South fifty two poles to a Buckeye and small Bush thence West Sixty one and a half poles to a Elm and Forked dogwood thence South eight poles to a stake thence west fifty two poles to a stake thence north sixty poles to a sugar tree Thence East one hundred and thirteen and a half poles to the Beginning containing thirty nine acres more or less to have and to hold the said land with all and singular the Rights profits hereditaments emoluments of in and to the same belonging or in any wise appertaining to the only proper use and behoof of him the said Zephaniah Orange and his heirs forever and the said Joseph Dennis for himself and his heirs doth covenant and agree to and with the said Zephaniah Orange that he will warrant and forever defend the above bargained premises free from the claim or claims Rights or Rights of all and every person whatsoever In Testimony whereof the said. Said Joseph Dennis have hereunto set his hand and affixed his seal the day and date above written (his

Joseph X Dennis (Seal)

mark)

In presence of us

John P Williams

Joshuia Sykes

(N. B. he word South in thirteenth line and the words containing thirty nine acres more or less in the seventeenth line was Entered before assigned)

(Note: The above sentence refers to lines on the original document. /s/ Vernon Drewa)

State of Tennessee Smith County Court | May Term 1826 Then the execution of this deed and bargain of sale from Joseph Dennis Zephaniah Orange was duly acknowledged in Open Court by Joseph Dennis the bargainer and on motion advised to be certified for Registration

Attest Jonathan Pickett Clerk

of Smith County

Registerd 1^st July 1826

Alex Allison Reg of Smith County

John H Gordon to McGee 1831

The original deed as copied from the Smith County, Tennessee Court House. The copy, and transcriptions were done by, Gail and Vernon H. Drewa in August 2001.

This indenture made this 1^st day of September A.D. eighteen hundred and thirty one between John H. Gordon of the one part and Hiram McGee of the other part of the County of Smith and State of Tennessee witnesseth that the said John H Gordon for and in consideration of the sum of one hundred and twenty six dollars to him in hand paid the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledge & has bargained and sold and by them present doth grant bargain & sell unto said Hiram, his heirs & assigns all that parcel or tract of land lying on the waters of the dry fork of Mulherins Creek in the County aforesaid and demarcated designated and bounded as follows (viz) Beginning at a sugar tree in William Bruces Northeast boundary, and running with said line north sixty five degrees west ninety six poles to a Buckeye, Thence due north forty eight poles to a stake, thence South eighty degrees (NOTE on Court document between this and the above line: Thence North 32 degrees East from poles to a Stake.) East twelve poles to a stake thence ____ East twenty poles to a Beech, thence due south, twenty seven poles to a stake Thence East fifty four poles to an oak Thence South sixty four poles to the beginning containing in all thirty two acres more or less to have and to hold together with every appurtenance thereto, for the only proper use of said land his heirs & assigns forever the said John H. Gordon for himself his heirs shall &will warrant the titled of said land against the claims of all and every person and will forever defend it unto the same. In witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal this day and year above written.

Signed in the presence of:

John Ward

Sterling Ward John H. Gordon (Seal)

State of Tennessee |

Smith County | Court of pleas and quarter sessions, February Term 1832. Then the execution of this deed and bargain of sale from John H. Gordon to Hiram McGee was duly proven open court by the oaths of John Ward and Sterling Ward witness thereto and on motion ordered to be certified for Registration

Attest

Registered 17^th April 1832 | Jonathan Pickett Clerk

Alex Allison Reg. | of Smith County Court

John H. Gordon to F H Gordon – 1831

The original deed as copied from the Smith County, Tennessee Court House. The copy, and transcriptions were done by, Gail and Vernon H. Drewa in August 2001.

Know all men by these present that I John H. Gordon of the County of Smith & State of Tennessee have this day bargained & sold to F. H. Gordon & Jake Herd the following property (viz) a Negro Woman named Casey, Seventy five barrels of corn one hundred acres of land lying in said county on Homes creek wherein David Tyree formerly lived forty nine head of hogs, 8 head of cattle, 1 gig & harness, 1 clock, 3 head of Horses, four feather beds & furniture, one ox cart one loom, one china press, one cupboard of furniture, two tables two harness, two hundred gallons whiskey and all my household & kitchen furniture to have & to hold I said John H Gordon bind myself my heirs& to said F. H. Gordon & I hand their heirs & to warrant & defend forever the title of said property.

The condition of the above article of transfers is as herein & after described namely wherein said F H Gordon & J. Herd have heretofore assigned for me two notes of land payable to Matthew Harper agent for William Gaston, then one for four hundred & ninety nine dollars and the other for two hundred & sixty two dollars both bearing the date the 15^th of Feby 1831 and payable the first of December in the same year Now to _________ said F H Gordon & J Herd from any ________ in case that I should fail to pay said notes and they should fall upon them, J Herd from any ______ in Case that I should fail to pay said note and they should fall upon them, I have given them all my right & interest in said property, and authorize Willie B. Gordon to proceed in the character of trustee and sell said property to the highest bidder giving ten days notice from and after the time when said notes shall become due provided they shall not have been paid off & settled, and if at any time previous to the date when they will be due, said notes shall be paid off this transfer will then and ever after be null & void now if according to the above conditions my said Trustee shall have to sell said property I hereby direct and authorize him to pay the proceeds of the sale to F H Gordon the bidder in _________. J. Herd as a renumeraton for the damages they may & have sustained in consequence of said securityship, Signed sealed & delivered this 9^th March 1831

In the presence

James B Morres John H Gordon (Seal)

State of Tennessee |

Smith County | Court of pleas & quarter sessions Nov Term 1831

Then the within deed in trust from John H Gordon to F. H. Gordon & J Hand for one hundred acres of land and a Negro woman named Casey & sundry personal property was duly proven in Open Court by the oath of James B Moores witness thereto and on motion order to be certified for registration

Registered Feby 21^st 1832 | Attest Jonathan Pickett Clk

Alex Allison Register | of Smith County

Zephaniah Orange from John Gwaltneys – 1831

The original deed as copied from the Smith County, Tennessee Court House. The copy, and transcriptions were done by, Gail and Vernon H. Drewa in August 2001.

This Indenture made and entered into this twelfth day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty one between John Gwaltney _________ of Smith County State of Tennessee of the one part and Zephaniah Orange of Smith County and State aforesaid of the other part witnesseth for and in consideration of the sum of Sixty Eight dollars to him the same John Gwaltney for in hand paid by the said Zephaniah Orange the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged have bargained Sold and confirmed and by these _________ into doth bargain Sell and convey and confirm unto the said Zephaniah Orange seventeen acres of land be the same more or less in Smith County on the waters of Hickmans creek & beginning on _________________ Bartlett James South East Corner Thence South with _______ said Orange line ninety poles to a rock Thence East Sixty poles to dogwood Thence a conditional line to the beginning to have and hold the above bargained premises with all the appurtenances thereunto belonging to the said Zephaniah Orange and his heirs and the said John Gwaltney forever and his heirs will warrant and forever defend the same bargained land unto the same Zephaniah Orange his heirs and assigns forever from the claim of all persons lawfully claiming in testimony whereof I the said John Gwaltney for have hereunto set my hand and affix to my seal the day an date above written

John Gwaltney (Seal)

Signed sealed and delivered in

presence of us

Joshua Sykes

Wm W Jones

State of Tennessee Smith County

Personally appeared before me John A Burnett Clerk of Smith County Court Joshua Sykes and William W Jones Subscribing witness to the within deed of Conveyance who being first Sworn dispose and Say that they are acquainted with John Gwaltney the within Bargainer and that he acknowledges the same in the their presence to be his act and deed upon the day & bears date Witness my hand at Office the 21^st April 1845

John A. Burnett Clerk

Rec April 23 1845 at ___ oclk am of Smith County Court

Regd April 23^rd 1845

Nathan B Burdine Regr

of Smith County

************************************************

John H. Gordon vs. John P and Solomon I. Williams, 16 Jan 1834

The original document as copied from the Smith County, Tennessee Court House. The copy, and transcriptions were done by, Gail and Vernon H. Drewa in August 2002.

John H. Gordon ]

vs. ] Orig. & _______ Bill

Solomon I. & John P. Williams]

Be it remembered that on this day the 16^th of January 1834 the above causes came on to be heard upon the bills, answers, replications & proof before the Hon. William A. Cook Chancellor _________ and the whole matter being seen & fully understood by the Court & the Court having no ground to make Deft. John P. Williams in anyway liable to loose his claims against the partners John H & Solomon I but that the same has been properly and legally heretofore awarded him; and that he the said John P. is in no way responsible to the said John H. for any default of his copartner the said Solomon I as stated in his bill – orders & decrees that the said bill be dismissed as to the said John P and in as much as the Court cannot___ fully have the partnership accounts really stands between the partners the said Solomon I & John H. It is therefore ordered that case be referred to the Clerks and Master to take an account of all the past partnership transactions between them, and that he have power to examine either of or the state of accounts between the parties or any witnesses or lawful proof that either of them may address and that he state a full account between them and report to the next term of this Court – and that the Complt. John H. pay the cost of making said John P. Williams a party to cause.

Court adjourned to tomorrow morning 9 o’clock.

Will A. Cook

Byrd Orange – Conveyance -1834

The original deed as copied from the Smith County, Tennessee Court House. The copy, and transcriptions were done by, Gail and Vernon H. Drewa in August 2001.

This Indenture made this twenty sixth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & thirty four between Byrd Orange of the one part and John H Haltum of the other to and both of the State of Tennessee & County of Smith witnesseth that the said Byrd Orange for and in consideration of the sum of two hundred & seventy two dollars to him in hand paid by the said John Haltum the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged and bargained and conveyed and by these presents do bargain sell & convey unto the said John Haltum a certain tract or parcel of land in the County of Smith on the waters of Mulhering Creek containing thirty seven and a half acres lying and bounded as follows. Beginning at a dogwood_____ corner to John Gordon’s running South fifty five poles to a stake & dogwood in Said Gordon’s line therein west 108 poles to a stake thence North 55 poles to three beeches in to _____ Cockram’s line thence East with said line to the beginning to have and to hold to the said John Haltum

His heirs and assigns forever the aforesaid premises & I the said doth command and agree to and with the said John Haltum that he the said Byrd Orange will warrant and forever defend the aforesaid bargained premises to the said John Haltum his heirs & against the right title claim interest lien and of all persons whatsoever In testimony whereof the said Byrd Orange here unto has set his hand affixed and his seal this date and year above written. Signed Sealed & Delivered

Byrd Orange (Seal)

Attest

State of Tennessee |

Smith County | Personally appeared before me Jonathan Pickett , clerk of Smith County Court—Byrd orange, the bargainor named in the within deed of conveyance for the purposes therein contained. Witnesseth my hand at office this ___________ day of December 1835

Jonathan Pickett Clerk

of Smith County Court

Registered Jany 9^th 1835

Harry Hogg Regt of

Smith County

************************************************************************

John Gordon vs. Solomon Williams - July 1834

The original document as copied from the Smith County, Tennessee Court House/Library or Tennessee State Archives. The copy, and transcriptions were done by, Gail and Vernon H. Drewa in August 2001.

Thursday July 15, 1834

John H. Gordon ]

vs. ] O & Bill

Solomon T. Williams ]

This cause is continued by consent and it is ordered by the Court on motion of complainant that the order of reference of last term be renewed and master report at the next term.

John H. Gordon vs. Solomon & James P. Williams – January 1834

The original document as copied from the Smith County, Tennessee Court House/Library or Tennessee State Archives. The copy, and transcriptions were

done by, Gail and Vernon H. Drewa in August 2001.

Thursday 16 January 1834, P301 & 302 Chancery Court Minutes , Smith County, Tennessee. 1824- 1871

John H. Gordon ]

vs. ] Orig & Prop Bill

Sol. T. & James P. Williams ]

Be it remembered that on this day the 16^th of January 1834 the above causes came on to be heard upon the bills, answers, reflections & proof before the Hon. William A. Ross Chancellor _________ and the whole matter being seen & fully understood by the Court & the Court hearing no ground to make defendant John P. Williams in anyway liable to loose his claims against the partners John H. & Solomon T. but that the same has been properly and legally heretofore awarded him and that he the said John P. is in no way responsible to said John H. for any default of his copartner the said Solomon T. as stated in his bill – orders & decrees that the said bill be dismissed as to the said John P. and in as much as the Court cannot ______ fully have the partnership accounts really stands between the parting the said Solomon T. & John H. It is therefore ordered that care be referred to the clerk & master to take on account of all the partnership transactions between them and that he have power to examine either of said parties and to call upon them for all books and papers relating to said partnership concern on the state of accounts between the parties or any form of witnesses or lawful proof that either of them may address and that he state a full amount between them & report to the next term of this Court – and that the Complainant John H. pay the cost of making said John P. Williams a party to cause. Court adjourned to tomorrow morning 9 oclock.

Will A. Cook

John H. Gordon vs. S. T. Williams – July 1834

The original document as copied from the Smith County, Tennessee Court House/Library or Tennessee State Archives. The copy, and transcriptions were

done by, Gail and Vernon H. Drewa in August 2001.

Chancery Court minutes 1824 – 1871, Smith County, Tennessee

Tuesday July 15^th 1834

John H. Gordon ]

vs. ] Odd Bill

Solomon T. Williams ]

This cause is continued by consent and it is ordered by the Court on motion of complainant that the order of reference of last term be renewed and the master report at the next term.

Yearby Orange to Byrd Orange – 1834

The original deed as copied from the Smith County, Tennessee Court House. The copy, and transcriptions were done by, Gail and Vernon H. Drewa in August 2001.

This Indenture made this twenty fourth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty four between Byrd Orange of Smith County and State of Tennessee of the one part and Yearby Orange of the same place of the other part witnesseth that the aforesaid Byrd Orange for and in consideration of one hundred and eleven dollars to him in hand paid by the aforesaid Yearby the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged hath given granted sold and conveyed unto the said Yearby Orange his heirs and assigns forever a certain tract or parcel of land containing thirty seven acres more or less situated in the aforesaid County of Smith on the waters of the Cany fork beginning on two beeches South west corner of a tract which John Gordon purchased of John Orange then North with said line twenty six poles to a beech and dogwood then West one hundred and eight poles to a Stake then North fifty five poles to three beeches in Cockerhams line then West with said line thirty eight poles to a beech and Elm Cockerhams Southwest corner then South eighty one poles to a Sugartree corner to John Gordon then east with Gordons line to the beginning to have and to hold the aforesaid tract of land and bargained premises with all and Singular the rights profits emoluments unto hereditaments and appurtenances of in and to the same belonging or in any wise appertaining to the only proper use and behoof of him the aforesaid Yearby Orange his heirs and assigns forever and the aforesaid Byrd Orange for himself his heirs & doth covenant and agree to _____ and with the said Yearby Orange his heirs & that the before received land and bargained premises he will warrant and forever defend against the right title interest or claim of all and every person or persons whatsoever

Signed Sealed and delivered in presence of us

John Gordon | Byrd Orange (Seal)

John A Farmer |

Cyrus W Hazard |

State of Tennessee |

Smith County | October Term 1836 Then the execution of the foregoing deed from Byrd Orange to Yearby Orange bearing date the 24^th day of November 1834was produced in open court and was duly proven in open court by the oaths of John Gordon and John A Farmer the subscribing witness and on motion ordered to be certified for registration

John J Burnett Clerk

John H. Gordon vs. S. T. Williams – July 1835

The original document as copied from the Smith County, Tennessee Court House/Library or Tennessee State Archives. The copy, and transcriptions were

done by, Gail and Vernon H. Drewa in August 2001.

Chancery Court Minutes 1824 –1871, Smith County, Tennessee, Page 358

Monday 13^th July Term 1835

John H. Gordon ]

vs. ] O & Inj. Bill

Solomon T. Williams ]

It is ordered adjudged & decreed by the Court that the order of reference heretofore made in this cause be renewed and that the clerk & master report to the next Court as heretofore directed in said order of reference.

Yearby Orange-John H Gordon 1835

The original deed as copied from the Smith County, Tennessee Court House. The copy, and transcriptions were done by, Gail and Vernon H. Drewa in August 2001.

Know all men by these present that I Yerby Orange of Smith County Tennessee for and in consideration of a note of hand given by me to John H Gordon dated the 18^th date of Sept 1835 due the 25^th of Dec 1830 for the sum of fifty eight dollars 43 1/4/100 a loan accruent due to said John H Gordon for the sum of fifteen dollars and for the further consideration of the sum of one dollar to him in hand paid by Champion T Thomas of said County & State & the said Orange for the above consideration have this day sold and delivered to said C T Thomas in trust the following property viz thirty seven head of Hoggs one yoke of bulls , nine _____one mare________, one Negro woman by the name of Becky, one clock, two beds & furniture & household & Kitchen furniture all my present, crops of corn & fodder all of which property I the said Orange have delivered to said Thomas and I do hereby constitute & appoint him the said