In October 1844, just one month before he died, William
Christopher Seaman Sr. deeded land to his 7 youngest children. The 7 children;
Nancy, Melinda, Henry, Pliney, Sherrod, Benson and George ranged in age from
19-7.
At this time, no record can be located of William deeding
land to his two oldest children, Julia Jane Seaman (my line) or William
Christopher Seaman Jr. Julia would have
been age 24 and William age 21 in October 1844, and no longer living in the
Seaman home.
Some notable information contained in these documents -
·
Catherine is spelled Katherine.
·
Catherine signed with an X “her mark “which is consistent
with other documents of the period. This
is an indication that she could not read or write.
·
Nancy and Melinda were jointly deeded land.
·
Each child paid $500 for their land. In today’s dollars that would be more than
$16,000.
·
All of the deeded land is located along Lemeuse Street
in Biloxi, Mississippi.
The deeds can be found in Harrison County, Mississippi
courthouse Deed Book 2. Pages 321 -337. All of the deeds have similar language and
below is the document where William and Catherine deeded land to their son
Benson. Following the handwritten court
document is a decode of the contents.
 |
| Harrison County, Mississippi Deed Book 2, p. 332 |
 |
| Harrison County, Mississippi Deed Book 2, p. 333 |
 |
| Harrison County, Mississippi Deed Book 2, p. 334 |
This Indenture made
the first day of October in the year of our Lord One thousand Eight hundred and
forty four between William C Seaman and Katharine Seaman his Wife of the State
of Mississippi and County of Harrison of the first parts, and Benson Seaman his
son of the second part.
Witnesseth, That the
parties of the first part, for, and in consideration of the sum of five hundred
Dollars to them in hand paid by the said Benson Seaman, before the executing of
the present, the receipt whereof have granted, bargained and sold, and by these
present do grant, bargain, sell and convey unto the said Benson Seaman his
heirs and assigns forever, in fee simple all that contain lot or parcel of Land
described as follows, to wit. One
hundred seventy seven feet bounded on the East by the Claim of Hougenot, on the
West by the road commonly called Lamuse road, on the North by the land of
George Seaman running One acre South. Situate lying and being in the County
aforesaid together with all and singular the Rights, members and appurtenances
thereof, to said certain Lot or Parcel of Land belonging or in any wise appertaining? And the Remainder, Revisions, Rents issues
and Profits thereof and every part thereof.
To Have and To Hold,
the said certain Land of Parcel of Land, and all and singular the Premises and appurtenances thereunto belonging, as aforesaid, and every
part there of unto the said Benson Seaman his heirs and proper use, benefit and
behalf of the said Benson Seaman his
heirs and assigns forever. And the said
parties of the first part, and their heirs and assigns the certain Lot or
Parcel of Land and Premises aforesaid and every part thereof unto the said
Benson Seaman his heirs and assigns, and against all Claim of said parties of
the first part, their heirs and assigns, and against the lawful demands of all
and every other person or persons whosoever shall and will Warrant and forever
Defend by the presents.
In Witness Whereof the
said parties of the first part, have hereunto set their hands and affixed their
Seals this day of year first above written.
Signed Sealed and
Delivered in person of Wm C. Seaman Katherine x Seaman
The State of
Mississippi Harrison County. October the
first 1844
Personally appeared
before me the undersigned, George Holly Judge of the Probate Court of said
County William C. Seaman whose names are subscribed to the foregoing Deed, on the
day and year above specified. And
Katherine Seaman Wife of the said William C. Seaman also appeared, and on a
private examination separate and apart from her husband acknowledged that she
Signed, Sealed and Delivered the foregoing Deed, on the day and year therein
specified without Fear, Threats or Compulsion of her Said Husband, as her Relinquishment
of Dower.
Given under my hand
and Seal this the first day of October in the Year of our Lord One thousand
Eight hundred and forty four.
George Holly
The State of
Mississippi Harrison County.
I William C. Seaman Clerk of the Probate Court
said County do hereby Certify that the within Deed was received in my office
for Record the 8th day of Novbr1844 in Book No. 2, Pages 223, 333 and 334.
In Witness were of I
have there unto set my and the Seal of said Court the 8th day of
Novbe 1844. William C. Seaman Clerk by
his deputy W. Sohoenwiz.
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