Monday, February 15, 2016

William C. Seaman Sr. Deeding Land To His Children - 1844


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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