Lauderdale County, Alabama

  • Home

  • Records & Resources

  • Connect & Collaborate

  • Forum

  • Photos

  • Contact Us

  • More

    2020 by County Coordinator Patricia Bryant Hartley.

    Proudly created with Wix.com

      Circuit Court Records

      1843 - 1850

      Pages 1 - 261

      Abstracted Feb 2007 by Milly Wright; Submitted for use on these pages 6 Aug 2007.

      ​

      Note: The entire book has not been transcribed. Included are all lists of jurors (some with occupations described), applications for citizenship, cases involving slaves and other cases of interest. Spelling follows the 
      original as closely as possible.

      Page 1


      October 2, 1843
      Summons of qualified grand jurors:


      Hon. George W Lane, Judge Vincent M Benham, Sheriff
      Joshua D Stamps
      William R Porter
      Abram Dean
      Joseph Brahan
      Simeon Dameron?
      Lewis C Moore
      John A Smith
      James Humphries
      Michael Olive
      Alfred A Westmoreland
      Joseph P Bourland
      Thomas O Davis
      Elias Faires
      William H Price
      Samuel D Weakley
      Abram Dean, foreman
      William H Harwell, Bailiff
      Travers Jurors summoned:
      Samuel Modlin
      S J Porter
      Thomas Bowie
      William Burrow
      James McLanahan (McClanahan)
      James Brahan
      Nathaniel B Sturdivant
      Manuel S Rudy
      Oliver Thompson
      Thomas Williams
      John S Weaver
      Feilden Fields
      John C? F Wilson
      Andrew J Campbell
      John W McAllister
      John R Henry
      Joseph Ijames
      Strictland Perry
      George G Armstead
      Murrel Askew
      Samuel Bromley
      Thomas K Young
      John Wilcoxon
      James B Price

      ​

      Page 2

       

      October 2, 1843

      #4523
      Robert Eams? vs James Benham, former Sheriff of Lauderdale County, Alabama


      “...according to the eighteenth section of an act approved December the 17th 1819 entitled an act for the appointment of county officers and for other purposes move said court for judgment against him the said James Benham a former sheriff of the county aforesaid for the debt damages and costs of an execution of ? ... which was issued on the 13th day of 
      October 1837 on a judgment in favour of the said Robert Eams and against one James Coulter obtained on the 4th day of October 1837 in the circuit court ... $75.00 plus interest and costs. Jury found for the Plaintiff - James Benham to pay $91.53 1/4 cents, plus costs of this suit.

      ​

      Page 3


      October 2, 1843
      #4488
      John Simpson & Co vs Robert Armistead


      Armistead to pay debt of $369.70 plus interest and costs.

      ​

      Page 4


      October 2, 1843
      #4493
      N M Hentz, use of John Simpson and Co vs Jonathan Beckwith


      Beckwith made default. Hentz to be paid $306.37 for debt with $18.37 damages plus costs of suit.

      ​

      Page 6


      October 2, 1843
      #4501
      William H Pope vs Willis Pope


      Plaintiff asked to dismiss suit - Defendant to pay costs

      ​

      Page 9


      October 2, 1843
      #4522 (Entire case crossed out)
      Thomas Boardman, use of the American Asylum vs Stockley Donelson, Adm and Eliza Donelson, Admx of John Donelson, deceased


      Plaintiff to be paid $1458.83 plus interest and costs - “to be levied and collected of the goods and chattles of the defendants intestate in their hands to be administered.”

      ​

      Page 10


      October 2, 1843
      #4534
      LeRoy Pope and John McKinley vs Elijah Bourne and Thomas J Crow


      Bourne and Crow to pay $128.65 plus interest and costs

      ​

      Page 12


      October 3, 1843
      Grand Jury - Bills of Indictment:

      ​

      John Ferrell - trading with a slave
      Jackson Flake - horse stealing
      Richmond T Malone - horse stealing
      Hiram Sartin - rape
      William M McClusky - carrying concealed weapon
      William G Hughs - carrying concealed weapon
      John, a Slave - breaking open a house
      Peter Grannett - assault and battery
      Ambrose Bohanon - retailing spiritous liquors without a license

      ​

      Page 29


      October 4, 1843
      Grand Jury - Bills of Indictment

      ​

      Christopher Cheatham - carrying concealed weapon
      Affray, assault and battery, assault with intent to commit mayhem (Daniel Koger), horse stealing, gaming (Andrew Jackson and James H Martin, Daniel Koger, David B Scott), retailing spirituous liquors, trading with a slave (John Carr), keeping and exhibiting a faro bank

      ​

      Page 33


      October 6, 1843
      Grand Jury - Bills of Indictment


      Retailing spirituous liquors, agg., assault and battery, trading with a slave (John Carr, Peter S Parker), keeping and exhibiting a faro bank

      ​

      Page 35


      October 6, 1843
      #574
      State vs Jesse Hays


      Case dismissed by solicitor for state (retailing)

      ​

      Page 35


      October 6, 1843
      #574
      State vs Greenberry Sharp


      Benjamin Fitzpatrick, governor of the state of Alabama and his successors in office recover of Sharp $100.00 for failure to come into court to give evidence against Jesse Hays for retailing.

      ​

      Page 36


      October 6, 1843
      #4533
      E A O’Neal vs Richard O Pickett


      Plaintiff have judgement against the defendant for the amount of his liability in the case of Joseph L Sloss against this plaintiff. O’Neal to recover of Pickett the sum of $85.88 plus four dollars damages by way of interest, also the costs herein expended.

      ​

      Page 42


      October 7, 1843
      No case number
      State vs John a slave


      Neander H Rice gave $100.00 bond for John a slave, the property of Thomas Kirkman. (Apparently for breaking open a house)

      ​

      Page 47


      October 7, 1843
      No case number
      State vs John, a slave, the property of Thomas Kirkman


      Prisoner be permitted to be bailed in the sum of $1500. by Thomas Kirkman - charge for burglary in breaking and entering the dwelling house of John Murphy.

      ​

      Page 48


      October 7, 1843


      “This day George G Armistead produced in open court here a certain deed executed by William H Noland of the first part of the said Armistead of the second part and Harriett M Noland of the third part dated on the second day of October A.D. 1843 duly attested by Robert Armistead and Dorsey Winborne and the said Robert Armistead being duly sworn deposeth 
      and saith that he saw the above named William H Noland whose name is subscribed thereto sign seal and deliver the same to the said George G Armistead that he this deponent subscribed his name as a witness thereto in the presence of the said William H Noland and that he saw the other subscribing witness Dorsey Winborne sign the same in the presence of the said William H Noland and in the presence of each other on the day and year therein named.” [My note: George and Harriett and Robert were siblings. (msw)]

      ​

      Page 50


      April 1, 1844
      Hon. Daniel Coleman, one of the Judges of the Circuit Court; Vincent M Benham, Sheriff

      Grand Jurors summoned:


      1. William Trousdale, farmer, Blue Water
      2. Henry D Smith, farmer, Reserve
      3. Thomas Deberry?, Farmer, Cypress Creek
      4. William H Rodgers, sadler, Florence
      5. Zedekiah Willet, farmer, Sweet Water
      6. Neal Rowel, farmer, Reserve
      7. Josiah Page, farmer, Rodgersville
      8. Benjamin K? Ingram?, farmer, Rodgersville
      9. Thomas O Davis, farmer, Cypress Creek
      10. George Herndon, farmer, Cypress Creek
      11. Bennet Pope, farmer, Cypress Creek
      12. William Harmon, farmer, Blue Water
      13. John Duckett, farmer, Cypress Creek
      14. John Chisholm, farmer, Cypress Creek
      15. Thomas Barnett, farmer, Blue Water

      ​

      Others summoned:
      John Cooper, George G Armistead, William Maclanahan, Ephraim Sheffield, Hiram Kennedy and Philamon Gresham.

      Those drawn to be on jury: Armistead, Cooper and Kennedy. 

      George G Armistead sworn as foreman.

      Others on jury: Rowel, Kennedy, Trousdale, Debery, Rodgers, Page, Ingram, Herndon, Pope, Harmon, Barnett and Harwell.

      ​

      Page 51


      April 1, 1844
      Pettit Jurors:

      ​

      1. John Harrison, farmer, Shoal Creek
      2. William R Porter, shoe maker, Lexington
      [no #3.]
      4. Wilson G Womble, farmer, Bluff Creek
      4. John Williams, farmer, Blue Water
      5. John Simpson, merchant, Florence
      6. John West, farmer, Blue Water
      7. Simeon Dawson, farmer, Coxes Creek
      8. Jacob D Casey, farmer, Cypress Creek
      9. John Harkins, merchant, Florence
      10. Benjamin F Rhodes, Tanner, Cypress Creek
      11. Duncan Smith, farmer, Cowpen Creek
      12. Thomas K Young, farmer, Cypress Creek
      13. A B Parsons, Millright, Coxes Creek
      14. Strictland Perry, farmer, Cypress Creek
      15. Thomas P McNight, farmer, Cypress Creek
      16. William H Crittenten, merchant, Marmion
      17. John Chism, farmer, Cowpen Creek
      18. Henry Darby, Cypress Creek
      19. Robert Kernachan, farmer, Sinking Creek
      20. Jacob Stutts, Gun Smith, Cowpen Creek
      21. Andrew J Coffee, farmer, Cypress Creek
      22. Thomas Lansford, farmer, Lambs Ferry
      23. Martin B Wood, farmer, Coxes Creek
      24. James Martin, carpenter, Factory

      ​

      Page 52


      April 1, 1844
      #4481
      William and Martha Koger vs Benjamin F Crittentin and William H Crittenten


      Suit be dismissed - plaintiffs and defendants each pay one half of cost.

       

      #4483
      Wm and M Koger vs Benjamin F Crittenten - same as above

       

      Page 55


      April 1, 1844
      #4554
      Moses Wood, use of William Penny, adm etc. vs Elizabeth Haygood


      Case dismissed

      ​

      Page 55


      April 1, 1844


      “Sterling A Wood Esqu. this day produced in open court a license authorizing him to practice law in the several county circuit and chancery courts of the state of Alabama and was accordingly sworn and his name entered on the roll of attornies.”

      ​

      Page 56


      April 1, 1844

      #442
      Thomas and James Kirkman, Exrs and Sarah Jackson, Extrx vs Neal Rowell and Christopher Cheatham


      Case dismissed. Defendants pay cost.

      ​

      Page 60


      April 2, 1844
      Grand Jury Indictments:


      Assault and battery, affray, larceny, grand larceny

      ​

      Page 61


      April 2, 1844
      #4339
      Thomas Kirkman vs Samuel Bromley
      Found issue for the plaintiff and assess his damages to one cent. Plaintiff recover of defendant the possession of the E/2 of SW/4 of S16 T2 R13 - also other land plus one cent. Plaintiff to pay cost of defendant’s witness in the suit. ??

      ​

      Page 64


      April 3, 1844
      Grand Jury Indictments:


      Trading with slaves (John Bailey, William Arnett), obstructing a public road, defaulting overseer of the road (Alexander D Coffee, James Shelton), unlawful gaming, affray

      ​

      Page 66


      April 3, 1844
      #4568
      Goode and Jones vs Jonathan M Cunningham, Admr of the goods and chattles rights and ? of J P Cunningham, Deceased.


      Judgement to plaintiff for $1072.64 plus damages.

      ​

      Page 73


      April 4, 1844
      #659
      State vs Christopher Cheatham


      Cheatham made default (didn’t show up in court), -nor did his security, Franklin Taylor. Fine of $100.00 unless they show sufficient cause to the contrary.

      ​

      Page 78


      April 4, 1844
      Andrew Blair
      Ex Parte


      “This day came Andrew Blair in open court and produced to the court here a certificate from the clerk of this Hon court of his intention to become a citizen of the United States and to renounce and objure all allegiance to every foreign prince power and potentate and particularly to Queen Victoria, queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain Ireland and Scotland of whom he was a subject which said declaration his intentions as aforesaid was filed in the Hon the circuit court of said county on the second Monday after the Third Monday in March 1842 and it appearing to the satisfaction of the court that the said Andrew Blair has resided within the United States at least five years previous hereto and within the state of Alabama at least one year last past that during the time aforesaid he has behaved as a man of good moral character attached to the principles of the United States and well disposed to the good order of the same and the said Andrew Blair having this day in open court after having been duly sworn declared that he will support the constitution of the United States and that he doth absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to every foreign prince potentate state or sovreignity and particularly to Queen Victoria, Queen of the United Kingdoms of Great Brittain Ireland and Scotland to whoom he was lately a subject whereupon the said Blair is hereby declared entitled to the rights and is henceforth to be regarded as a citizen of the United States of America.”

      ​

      Page 78


      April 4, 1844
      The State vs: John C McMahan, John Harrison, Richard A Bailey, Daniel Bowie, Nathaniel Booth, William Harvell, Samuel P Shelbourn, Amos McDonald, Aaron Askew


      Defendants gave bond of $100.00 each - promised to give evidence in behalf of the State of Alabama and against Amos Ives on a charge for permitting a prisoner charged with murder to escape ... (case not completed in book)

      ​

      Page 81


      April 4, 1844


      “I John White formerly of Manchester England now of Lauderdale County Alabama do declare on oath that it is bona fide my intention to become a citizen of the United States and to renounce forever all allegiance and fidelity to any prince potentate state or sovreignity whatever and particularly to Queen Victoria Queen of the United Kingdoms of Great 
      Brittain and Ireland of whoom I am now a subject Sworn to and subscribed in open court this 3rd day of April 1844
      John White
      Test R B Baugh, Clerk”

      ​

      Page 86


      April 5, 1844
      #4541
      Catherine Winter plaintiff for the use of William E Walker vs Thomas Kirkman and Robert Andrews Executors of the last will and testament of William O Perkins deceased.


      Jury found for the plaintiff - to receive $272.20 from the goods and chattles of William O Perkins unadministered in the hands of the defendants.

      ​

      Page 88


      April 5, 1844
      No Case Number
      The State vs Amos Ives


      Ives was charged in a bill of indictment for voluntarily permitting James M King to escape who had been charged before John Harrison a Justice of the peace ... for committing murder upon the body of one Britton Farrow. Pleads not guilty. Put to jury - “it appearing to the court that there was a material variance between the proof and the allegations in the bill of indictment ... nol prosequi is entered. Ives, James Irvine, David G Ligon and Ephraim Sheffield gave bond of $500.00 
      jointly ...[paragraph not finished]

      ​

      Page 90


      “Circuit Court of Lauderdale County Alabama Spring Term 1844. Be it remembered that on this the 6th day of April 1844 personally came into court John Bushby who declared on oath before said court that it was his bonafide intention to become a citizen of the United States of America and that he renounced forever all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign 
      prince potentate state or sovereignty whatever and particularly did he renounce all allegiance to her majesty Queen Victoria the present reigning Queen of the Kingdom of Great Brittain Ireland Scotland etc. Sworn to and subscribed in open court this the 6th day of April 1844 and of American Independence the 68th year.

      John Bushby
      Test R B Baugh, Clerk

      ​

      Page 90


      “Circuit Court of Lauderdale County Alabama Spring term thereof 1844. Be it remembered that on this the 6th day of April Anodomini 1844 personally appeared in open court John Clegg a native of the government of England and made oath that it was his bonafide intention to become a citizen of the United States of America and that he doth now renounce 
      henceforth and forever all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince potentate state or sovreignty whatever. And particularly to her majesty Queen Victoria the present reigning Queen of the Kingdom of Great Brittain Ireland Scotland etc. Sworn to and subscribed to in open court on this the 6th day of April 1844.
      John Clegg
      Test R B Baugh, Clerk

      ​

      Page 91


      Monday September 30th 1844
      Summoned for Grand Jury:
      Hon. George W Lane, one of the Judges of the court
      Winston P Pettus, Sheriff


      1. Henry Williams, farmer, Blue Water
      2. Nicholas Wright, farmer, Blue water
      3. William Stutts, farmer, Cowpen Creek
      4. Robert Armistead, farmer, Reserve
      5. Augustus F Harwell, farmer, Cypress Creek
      6. Wilson Whitset, farmer, Second Creek
      7. Jacob Reeder, farmer, Cypress Creek
      8. James Douglass, farmer, Blue Water
      9. Thomas A Lansford, farmer, Lambs Ferry
      10. Alexander Herman, farmer, Blue Water
      11. William Powers, farmer, Cypress Creek
      12. Nathan Boddie, farmer, Reserve
      13. William R McGuire, farmer, Lexington
      14. Benjamin F Rhodes, Tanner, Cypress Creek
      15. Turner Walston, farmer, Sinking Creek


      Also summoned: Joel Estes
      Final Jury: Henry Williams, foreman, Wright, Stutts, Armistead, Harwell, Whitset, Reeder, Douglass, Herman, Powers, Boddie, McGuire, Walston, Estes. 
      Robert E Carr, Bailiff

      ​

      Page 92


      Traves jurors:


      1. Simeon Dameron, farmer, Coxes Creek
      2. Jacob Stutts, Gunn Smith, Blue Water
      3. Henry Darby, farmer, Cypress Creek
      4. Robert Kernachan, farmer, Sinking Creek
      5. Andrew J Coffee, farmer, Reserve
      6. Jacob D Casey, farmer, Cypress Creek
      7. John Simpson, merchant, Florence
      8. Thomas O Davis, farmer, Cypress Creek
      9. John C F Wilson, farmer, Coxes Creek
      10. Thomas K Young, farmer, Cypress Creek
      11. Abia B Parsons, Millright, Coxes Creek
      12. John Harrison, farmer, Masonville
      13. John Williams, farmer, Blue Water
      14. Michael Long, farmer, Brush Creek
      15. James A Johnson, Gin maker, Coxes Creek
      16. William H Critenten, farmer, Blue Water
      17. John Duckett, farmer, Cypress Creek
      18. Hugh Reynolds, farmer, Butlers Creek
      19. John West, farmer, Rodgersville
      20. William H Harwell, farmer, Waterloo
      21. Strictland Perry, farmer, Cypress Creek
      22. Adam Weaver, Farmer, Rodgersville
      23. Martin Harkins, Merchant, Florence
      24. Thomas McDaniel, farmer, Cowpen Creek

       

      Page 95

       

      Sept 30, 1844
      #4586
      William M Kerley vs Nathaniel H Marks

       

      Death of the plaintiff suggested. Suit to revive in the name of Baylis E Bourland, his administrator.

      ​

      Page 98


      9/30/1844
      #4602
      Ewing Belsha vs Jonathan Beckwith

      ​

      Beckwith to pay $470.80, balance of debt plus damages and costs

      ​

      Page 101

       

      Sept 30, 1844
      #4626
      Sarah Noel vs Robert Armistead

       

      Armistead made default. Jury assessed damages at $142.50 and cost

      ​

      Page 102


      Sept 30, 1844


      “On motion of Edward A O’Neal solicitor It is ordered by the court that Friday be set apart for the trial of John a slave the property of Thomas Kirkman charged in a bill of indictment for breaking open a house.”

      ​

      Page 108


      October 1, 1844
      Grand Jury Bills of Indictment


      Retailing, keeping a disorderly house (Robert Rust), Bill of indictment against Washington a slave the property of Milly Tate for burglary Affray, defaulting overseer of the road

      ​

      Page 109


      “On motion of Edward A O’Neal solicitor. It is ordered by the court that Henry Williams the present foreman of the grand jury be excused and that Joel Estes be appointed.”

      ​

      Page 114


      October 3, 1844


      “In the Circuit Court of said county of the term commencing on the 1st Monday after the 4th Monday of Sept 1844. This day Mervyn J Warren aged between twenty one and twenty two years in open court makes oath that he bona fide intends to become a citizen of the United States and renounces forever all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign Prince Potentate State or Sovreignity whatever and particularly to Victoria Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Brittain 
      Ireland and Scotland and her successors in whose dominion he has heretofore resided and whose subject he now is he further declares on his oath that by birth he is an Irishman that he sailed from Dublin in May 1837 and landed in New York in the July following and that he has resided in the United States since that period with the exception of a short time when he visited his native country and that he has resided in the Town of Florence in the state aforesaid for the last five or six weeks he further states that he is by occupation at this time a merchants Book Keeper. Sworn to and subscribed in open court this 3rd day of October 1844.
      M J Warren
      Test R B Baugh, Clerk

      ​

      Page 114


      Oct. 3, 1844
      #583
      State vs John Johnson


      Indictment for Linching. - State to recover forfeited bond of $100.00. 
      James Humphries, his security, also made default - also to pay $100.00 - unless they appear at next term of court and show cause.

      ​

      Page 120


      October 4, 1844
      Hugh Simpson
      Expartee


      “This day came Hugh Simpson in open court and produced to the court here a certificate from the clerk of this Hon. court of his intention to become a citizen of the United States of America and to renounce and abjure all allegiance to every foreign prince power and potentate and particularly to Victoria Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Brittain Ireland and Scotland of whoom he was a subject which said declaration of his intentions as aforesaid was filed in the Hon the circuit court of said county on the second Monday after the third Monday in September 1842 and it appearing to the satisfaction of the court that the said Hugh Simpson has resided within the United States at least five years previous thereto and within the State of Alabama at least one year last past that during the time aforesaid he has behaved as a man of good 
      moral character attached to the principles of the United States and well disposed to the good order of the same and the said Hugh Simpson having this day in open court after having been duly sworn declared that he will support the constitution of the United States and that he doth absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity 
      to every foreign Prince Potentate State or Sovreignity and particularly to Queen Victoria Queen of the United Kingdoms of Great Brittain Ireland and Scotland of whoom he was lately a subject whereupon the said Hugh Simpson is hereby declared entitled to the rights and is henceforth to be regarded as a citizen of the United States of America.”

      ​

      Page 122


      Oct. 4, 1844
      #583
      The State vs John Johnson


      “Came the Solicitor who prosecutes etc and the defendant in his own proper person charged in a bill of indictment for linching pleads guilty thereto and for his deliverance puts himself upon the mercy of the court. It is therefore ordered by the court that the defendant be fined the sum of one cent. It is therefore considered by the court that the State of Alabama recover of the said defendant the sum of one cent the fine aforesaid together with the costs of this said suit in this behalf expended.”

      ​

      Page 123


      Oct 4, 1844
      #635
      State vs James M King


      Charged with murder. Several people gave bond for him.

      ​

      Page 124


      October 5, 1844


      “This day Ellen M Weakley in open court makes oath that she bona fide intends to become a citizen of the United States and renounces forever all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince potentate state or sovreignity whatever and particularly to Victoria Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Brittain and Ireland and her successors in whose dominion she was born and whose subject she now is. She further declares on her oath that she was born in the City of Cork, Ireland and that she sailed from that city in August 1818 a minor and landed in Philadelphia, state of Pennsylvania in October following, a minor aged 14 years and has resided in the United States since that period and in the Town of 
      Florence state of Alabama for the last fourteen years. Sworn to and subscribed in open court Oct 5th 1844
      Ellen M Weakley
      Test. R B Baugh, Clerk

      ​

      “This day came in open court Ellen M Weakley who upon oath states that she emigrated to the United States of America from Ireland three years preceeding her arrival at Twenty one years of age and that she resided therein three years next preceeding her twenty first year and that she hath resided therein up to the present period of time being more than 
      five years and that she has resided in the state of Alabama more than one year prior hereto and that it has been her bona fide intention for three years next preceeding the present period of time to become a citizen of the United States and that she doth here now renounce and abjure all allegiance to any foreign Prince power or potentate and particularly to Victoria Queen of the United Kingdom of England Ireland and Scotland of whose Kingdom she is a native born subject and that she will hereafter support the constitution of the United States of America. And it appearing to the satisfaction of the court from the testimony adduced upon this application that the said Ellen M Weakley is a native of Ireland and that she emigrated to the United States of America three years preceeding her arrival at twenty one years of age and has resided therein five years previous to this time and has resided in the state of Alabama one year previous to this time and that it has been for three years past bonafide her intention to become a citizen of the United States of America and that during her residence in the United States she has behaved as a person of good moral character attached to the 
      principles of the constitution of the United States. It is therefore ordered by the court that the said Ellen M Weakley be admitted and she is hereby declared to be a citizen of the United States of America with all the rights privileges and immunities thereunto belonging.”

      ​

      Page 128


      Monday March 31, 1845
      Hon. Daniel Coleman, one of the Judges of said Circuit Court
      Winston P Pettus, Sheriff of Lauderdale County
      Summoned to Grand Jury:


      1. Samuel D Weakley, surveyor, Florence
      2. Joseph Bigger, silver smith, Florence
      3. Baylor B Barker, Tavern Keeper, Florence
      4. Enoch Garner, farmer, Florence
      5. Burwell Rea, Farmer, Anderson Creek
      6. Robert Andrews, merchant, Florence
      7. Zebulon P Morrison, Cabinet Maker, Florence
      8. James McMurry, farmer, Rodgersville
      9. Peter F Archer, farmer, Sinking Creek
      10. Henry Privet, farmer, Cypress Creek
      11. Mathew Pinkstone, farmer, Cypress Creek
      12. John L House, Farmer, Sinking Creek
      13. Hardy Matthews, farmer, Waterloo
      14. James W Stewart, Tailor, Florence
      15. Thomas M Philips, Cypress Creek


      Also summoned:
      Joseph Ijams
      Ephraim Sheffield
      George G Armistead
      Benjamin F Rhodes
      Temple Turnley
      William Herman


      Those chosen: Joseph Bigger, foreman, Rhodes, Turnley, Herman, Weakley, Garner, Rea, Andrews, Morrison, Prewit, Pinkstone, House, Stewart, Philips 

      Casper McBride, Bailiff

      ​

      Page 129


      March 31, 1845
      Travis Jurors for the first week at the next term of circuit court


      1. Albert Staton, farmer, Waterloo
      2. Sterling Philips, farmer, Cypress Creek
      3. William Goode, farmer, Rodgersville
      4. William H Price, farmer, Shoal Creek
      5. John R Henry, farmer, Bellevue
      6. Nathaniel B Sturdivant, merchant, Rodgersville
      7. John S Harrison, farmer, Shoal Creek
      8. William T N Smith, farmer, Rodgersville
      9. Samuel Martin, farmer, Cypress
      10. Pleasant M Haraway, farmer, Rodgersville
      11. George W Douglass, farmer, Second Creek
      12. Alexander Herman, farmer, Blue Water
      13. Jonathan Paulk, Farmer, Cypress
      14. John McCorkle, farmer, Cypress
      15. Jessee N Gresham, farmer, Second Creek
      16. Jonathan S Springer, farmer, Lexington
      17. Elisha Rhodes, wagon maker, Sinking Creek
      18. William Burrow, farmer, Rodgersville
      19. William R McGuire, farmer, Lexington
      20. James Beddingfield, farmer, Rodgersville
      21. Duncan Smith, farmer, Cowpen Creek
      22. Ire Arnold, farmer, Reserve
      23. Philip I Iron, farmer, Reserve
      24. Robert Cooper, farmer, Rodgersville

      ​

      Page 135


      March 31, 1845


      “This day personally appeared in open court William Despres a native of France bourn within the dominion of the King of France who states that he is now about thirty eight years of age and is from the City of Paris in France and now resides in the county of Franklin in the state of Alabama, one of the united states where he follows the business of a Physician. That he landed about the 29th day of April one thousand eight hundred and forty three at the port of New Orleans in the state of Louisana. That it has ever been his determination since he landed to become a citizen of the United States and such is now his determination that he here now renounces all allegiance and fidelity to every foreign Prince Potentate King state of power whatever and more especially to the King of France and he also swears he will well and truly support the constitution of these United States of America this 31st day of March 1845.
      Wm Despres
      Sworn to and subscribed in open court March 31st 1845
      Test. R B Baugh, Clerk

      ​

      Page 141


      April 1, 1845
      Grand Jury Indictments


      Affray, assault with intent to kill, larceny, retailing, keeping a disorderly house (William Wood, Lucy Prosser, Maria Majors, Mary Majors, Eliza Ann Prosser, Elizabeth Prosser) Bill of indictment against Phil and Ben slaves the property of Samuel 
      Vaughan for burglary


      #721
      State vs Phil and Ben


      Burglary in breaking and entering the dwelling house of Gilly Loche. Trial date set

      ​

      Page 144


      April 3, 1845
      #635
      State vs James M King


      Death of King suggested. Ordered that suit abate.

      ​

      Page 147


      April 3, 1845


      “This day personally appeared in open court John Kackleman a native of the Kingdom of Bavaria aged twenty eight years and states that he has resided in the United States of America three years and for the last two years in the state and county aforesaid that he wishes to become a citizen of the United States of America and that in view of which he hereby renounces allegiances to all other states Potentates sovereign and soverneignities whatever and particularly to the King of Bavaria to whom he was heretofore a subject and that he swears to support the constitution of the said United States of America John Kackelman
      Sworn to and subscribed in open court this 3rd day of April 1845
      Test R B Baugh, Clerk

      ​

      Several cases against Ephraim McCully for trading with a slave and retailing

      ​

      Several cases of defaulting overseer of the road (James B Cobb, Jabez Cannon, Alexander D Coffee (fined one cent), John S Jackson (fined one cent), James Shelton , Brinkley Hobson, Jessee Denson, James H Rhodes, William Caulk (six and one fourth cents - fine), Joseph Weaver, James Young Jr., George W Moton

      ​

      Page 161


      April 4, 1845
      #4508
      Andrew McKinley vs The President Directors and Company of the Florence Bridge Company


      Plaintiff to recover of defendant $1079.55 plus damages and costs.

      ​

      Page 165


      April 4, 1845
      #4629
      Sarah Noel vs Robert Armistead and Fanny Armistead


      Damages of Noel assessed at $170.25. That amount, plus costs, to be paid by Armisteads.

      ​

      Page 167


      April 4, 1845
      #721
      State vs Phil and Ben, two slaves of Samuel Vaughan


      Defendants discharged.

      ​

      Page 168


      April 4, 1845
      #4653
      Winston P Pettus vs James W Stewart, guardian of C. Cheatham


      “Came the parties by their attornies and it appearing to the court that the matters of controversy did not exceed the sum of Twenty dollars the matters and things therein were therefore submitted to the court and upon proof being heard it is considered by the court that the defendant go hence and recover of the plaintiff the cost of this suit by him in this behalf expended.

      ​

      Page 171


      Sept 29, 1845
      Summoned to Grand Jury:


      1. James B Price, farmer, Sweet Water
      2. John B White, farmer, Blue Water
      3. John Cain, farmer 4 Mile Branch
      4. Robert Kernachan, farmer, Sinking Creek
      5. John Hill, farmer, Cowpen Creek
      6. Andrew Blair, Stone Cutter, Florence
      7. James H Witherspoon, farmer, Waterloo
      8. William R Anderson, farmer, Cypress Creek
      9. Henry Darby, farmer, Cypress Creek
      10. Charles S Weems, farmer, Cypress Creek
      11. William Erwin, farmer, Rodgersville
      12. Benjamin F Rhodes, farmer, Cypress Creek
      13. William Powers, farmer, Cypress Creek
      14. William A Gilbert, Merchant, Rodgersville
      15. George G Armistead, farmer, Reserve


      Also summoned:
      Robert E Carr
      Richard A Wiggins
      Charles Sullivan
      Walter West
      Joseph P Bourland
      Michael Olive


      Those chosen: George G Armistead, Foreman, James Price, John White, John Cain, Robert Kernachan, John Hill, Andrew Blair, William Anderson, Henry Darby, William Erwin, Benjamin Rhodes, William Powers, Walter West, Joseph Bourland, Michael Olive.
      Joshua D Stamps, Bailiff

      ​

      Page 172

      ​

      Sept. 29, 1845
      Traves Jurors for the first week


      1. Carter Blanton, farmer, Brush Creek
      2. Andrew McLarin, farmer, Blue Water
      3. William B Nail, farmer, Cypress Creek
      4. Robert Armistead, farmer, Sinking Creek
      5. Samuel Vaughan, farmer, Sinking Creek
      6. Jabez Cannon, farmer, Bluff Creek
      7. Presley Harden, farmer, Blue Water
      8. Richard A Bailey, farmer, Shoal Creek
      9. Elijah James, farmer, Shoal Creek
      10. Shalor I W Ives, Constable, Shoal Creek
      11. George W Sheffield, farmer, Shoal Creek
      12. Jonathan Douglass, farmer, Bluff Creek
      13. Richard Ducket, farmer, Bluff Creek
      14. Zedekiah Willet, farmer, Coxes Creek
      15. John W Skipworth, farmer, Masonville
      16. Jessee Denson, farmer, Coxes Creek
      17. William McMurtry, Constable, Cowpen Creek
      18. James Roberson, farmer, Blue Water
      19. George W Morton, farmer, Rodgersville
      20. Bluford T Allen, farmer, Blue Water
      21. James Wilson, farmer, Waterloo
      22. Andrew S Porter, Black Smith, Lexington
      23. Joseph Brahan, farmer, Sweet Water
      24. William J Whitehead, farmer, Blue Water

      ​

      Page 174


      Sept 29, 1845
      No Number
      Neil Rowell vs Christopher Cheatham


      “Came the parties by attorney and hereby consent to a trial of this cause at the present term of this court and by consent of parties it is ordered by the court that the matters in dispute between said parties be referred to James H Weakley, George G Armistead and John McAlester with authority and power to render their award to the present term of this 
      court to be made the judgment thereof.

      ​

      Page 175

       

      Sept 29, 1845
      #4672
      Elizabeth Childress, surviving guardian of Young A Gray who sue for the use of John Lorance and John W McAllister, Executors of Thomas Childress, deceased vs James Sample

       

      Sample made default - to pay Childress $84.00 debt plus damages and costs Also cases for debt by executors of Thomas Childress vs James Martin and Levi Casssity, and Samuel Martin and Robert S Chambers

      ​

      Page 176


      Sept 29, 1845
      #4678
      Fountain Armistead vs Emmaranda White, Administratrix of Reuben White, dec’d


      White made default - to pay Armistead $199.08 debt plus $36.93 damages plus costs - to be levied and collected of the goods and chattles lands and tenements of the defendants intestate to be administered

      ​

      Page 178


      Sept 29, 1845
      #4689
      Elias Farris (Faires) vs Burrel McManus


      Farris to collect debt of $75.00 plus damages and costs

      ​

      Page 180


      Sept 29, 1845
      [No Number]
      Neil Rowell vs Christopher Cheatham


      “This day came the plaintiff by attorney and it being suggested to the court that the said defendant has, by the orphan’s Court of Lauderdale County Alabama, been duly declared no compos mentis and that James W Stewart was by said court duly appointed the guardian of the said Cheatham and is now acting as such it is therefore ordered by the court that said suit be defended by the said James W Stewart guardian as aforesaid, and thereupon appeared the said defendant by his said guardian by their said attorney and by consent of the parties this cause is to be tried at the present term of this court and it is agreed by the said parties that the matters in dispute in said cause be referred to the arbitrament and award of James H Weakley, George G Armistead and John W McAlister to be made during the present term of this court.

      ​

      Page 183


      Sept 30, 1845


      Circuit Court of said county at a term of said court began and held at the court house in the Town of Florence on the first Monday after the fourth Monday in September 1845. “This day came in open court Mervyn J Warren who upon oath states that he emigrated to the United States of America from Ireland three years preceeding his arrival at twenty one years of age and that he has resided three nears next preceeding his twenty first year, and that he has resided therein up to the present period of time being more than five years and that he has resided in the state of Alabama more than one year prior hereto and that it has been his bonafide intention for three years next preceeding the present period of time to become a citizen of the United States of America, and that he doth here now renounce and abjure all allegiance to every foreign Prince Power or Potentate and particularly to Victoria Queen of the United Kingdom of England Ireland and Scotland of whose Kingdom he is a native born subject and that he will hereafter support the constitution of the United States of America and it appearing to the satisfaction of the court from the testimony adduced upon this application that the said Mervyn J Warren is a native of Ireland that he emigrated to the United States of America three years preceeding his arrival at the age of twenty one years and has resided therein five years previous to this time and has resided in the state of Alabama one year previous to this time and that it has been for three years past his bona fide intention to become a citizen of the United States of America and that during his residence in the United States he has behaved as a person of good moral character attached to the principles of the constitution of the United States of America, It is 
      therefore ordered by the court that the said Mervyn J Warren be admitted and he is hereby admitted and declared to be a citizen of the United States of America with all the rights privileges and immunities thereunto belonging or in any wise appertaining thereto.”

      ​

      Page 186


      October 1, 1845
      #4706
      Neil Rowell vs Christopher Cheatham


      The award of James W Weakley, George G Armistead and John W McAlister - defendant is indebted to plaintiff in the sum of $3540.04.

      ​

      Page 189


      October 1, 1845
      Grand Jury Indictments:


      Perry E Brocchus - assault and battery
      Neil Rowell - assault and battery
      Elisha Cary - assault with intent to murder
      John Glover - gaming
      John Glover and William Adams - gaming
      James Simpson and Thomas Sands - affray
      George Spears - retailing
      John Watkins and John Curtis - affray
      Robert A Hunt - slave stealing
      William Barkett and Mayberry White - obstructing Justice
      William C Philips - assault and battery
      William Adams - gaming
      John Humphrey - gaming
      James M Lee - Larceny
      Pennington Bonds - assault and battery
      Joshua Davis and Catharine Bobo - fornication
      William Cochran - arson
      Jonathan Beckwith - obstructing the public road
      James Humphrey - assault and battery
      Charles Sharp and Gus Sharp - assault and battery

      ​

      Page 193


      October 2, 1845
      Grand Jury Indictments


      Henry Donahoo Jr - assault and battery
      Wilson Massingale - assault with intent to kill
      Nathaniel Buckingham - assault and battery
      Jeptha Bledsoe - adultery
      Sarah Rose - adultery
      Oliver H P Williams - defaulting overseer of the road
      William Crow - assault and battery
      James Simpson and David Sands - affray

      ​

      Page 204


      March 30, 1846
      Summons for Grand Jurors:


      1. Moses White, farmer, Reserve
      2. Elijah G Chandler, merchant, Waterloo
      3. Oliver Thompson, farmer, Sweet Water
      4. Thomas G Crow, Mill right, Blue Water
      5. Edmund Noel, farmer, Reserve
      6. Jacob Reeder, farmer, Cypress Creek
      7. Richard M Faires, farmer, Reserve
      8. William C Dillahunty, farmer, Coxes Creek
      9. Jonathan Jenkins, merchant, Rodgersville
      10. Thomas Kirkman, merchant, Florence
      11. James Hearn, merchant, Cherry Grove
      12. James Whitehead, farmer, Second Creek
      13. Walter West, farmer, Blue Water
      14. Thomas Reynolds, farmer, Butlers Creek
      15. Benjamin F Karsner, merchant, Florence

       

      Also summoned: William Estes, John Spain, Burrel McManus, Henry Darby, Johnson Trousdale, Joseph Ijams
      Final Jury: Benjamin Karsner, foreman, William Estes, Jacob Reader, Oliver Thompson, Joseph Ijams, John Spain, Moses White, Johnson Trousdale, Thomas B Crow, Edmund Noel, Henry Darby, Elijah G Chandler, Richard M Faires, Walter West, James Whitehead.
      Garrick Campbell - Bailiff

      ​

      Page 205


      March 30, 1846
      Pettit Jurors for the first week


      1. John W Smith, farmer, Cypress Creek
      2. William Stutts, farmer, Cowpen Creek
      3. Anderson P Neeley, farmer, Rodgersville
      4. Simon Kirk, farmer, Reserve
      5. Benjamin F Chisholm, Constable, Blue Water
      6. Henry Johnson, farmer, Anderson Creek
      7. Richard D Hightower, farmer, Reserve
      8. Richmond Terrell, farmer, Shoal Creek
      9. John Dewberry, farmer, Cypress Creek
      10. Burwell? McLemore, farmer, Rodgersville
      11. Robert Dickey, carpenter, Florence
      12. Joseph Hough, farmer, Shoal Creek
      13. John S Watkins, farmer, Shoal Creek
      14. Asey Harreld??, farmer, Blue Water
      15. Samuel C Sands, farmer, Cypress Creek
      16. Daniel Long, farmer, Second Creek
      17. Henry D Smith, farmer, Reserve
      18. John M Herston, farmer, Second Creek
      19. Andrew J Grissom, farmer, Second Creek
      20. William Lisles??, farmer, Cowpen Creek
      21. Henry Ingram, farmer, Blue Water
      22. James Wilson, farmer, Blue Water
      23. James A Johnson, Gin Maker, Coxes Creek
      24. Benjamin Selby, farmer, Cypress Creek

      ​

      Page 207


      March 30, 1846
      #4682
      John L Smith vs Christopher Cheatham


      “Came the plaintiff by his attorney and suggest to the court the death of the defendant in this cause. It is therefore ordered by the court 
      that a scire facias issue to Neil Rowell, Administrator of the Estate of 
      the said Christopher Cheatham deceased.

      Page 212
      March 31, 1846
      Grand Jury Indictments:
      James C Allison - forgery (6 cases)
      Perry E Brocchus and John M Harris - affray
      Alexander Fields and Madirson J Robertson - assault and battery
      William Koger - assault and battery
      James Archer - larceny in dwelling house (state pen. for 3 years)
      James C Atchley - assault and battery
      Mitchell George - assault and battery

      ​

      Page 228


      April 2, 1846
      #745
      State vs Charles Sharp


      Assault and battery, pleads not guilty, jury finds him guilty - fine of one cent plus costs

      ​

      Page 234


      October 5, 1846

      Judge: George W Lane
      Sheriff: Winston P Pettus
      Summons for Grand Jurors:


      1. John Spain, farmer, Butlers Creek
      2. Burrell McManus, farmer, Cypress Creek
      3. Bayles E Bourland, School Master, Rodgersville
      4. Jessee Thomas, farmer, Shoal Creek
      5. Alexander H Wood, merchant, Florence
      6. Richard Beckwith, Tanner, Bluff Creek
      7. Elias Faires, farmer, Cypress Creek
      8. William M Trousdale, farmer, Masonville
      9. Jessee M Melton, farmer, Cowpen Creek
      10. Samuel H Littleton, farmer, Cypress Creek
      11. James Roberson, farmer, Bluff Creek
      12. Hugh Reynolds, farmer, Butlers Creek
      13. George Simmons, farmer, Rodgersville
      14. Mathew C Galloway, Editor, Florence
      15. Thomas A Lansford, farmer, Bluff Creek


      Also summoned:
      Joseph Ijams
      Michael Olive
      John L Harrison
      James Shelton
      Andrew Blair
      James Hendrix

      Final Jury:
      Bayles E Bourland, foreman, James Shelton, Andrew Blair, James M Hendrix, John Spain, Burrel McManus, Jessee Thomas, Elias Faires, William M Trousdale, Jessee M Melton, James Roberson, Hugh Reynolds, George Simmons, Matthew Gallaway, Thomas Lansford

      Robert Carr - Bailiff

      ​

      October 5, 1846

      Petit Jurors:


      1. James Jackson, farmer, Cypress Creek
      2. Joseph Weaver, farmer, Rodgersville
      3. James Cox, Painter, Florence
      4. William Butler, farmer, Blue Water
      5. Thomas J Crow, Carpenter, Florence
      6. James P Oakley, farmer, Cypress Creek
      7. William W Pettus, farmer, Lexington
      8. John Peters, farmer, Reserve
      9. Horace Somerhill, farmer, Reserve
      10. Peter F Patrick, Stage Contractor, Rodgersville
      11. Lewis C Moore, farmer, Shoal Creek
      12. George W Ingram, Merchant, Marmion
      13. George McLaren, Clerk, Florence
      14. Alfred A Westmoreland, farmer, Cypress Creek
      15. Thomas Barnet, farmer, Blue Water
      16. Josiah B Dement, farmer, Rodgersville
      17. William Price, farmer, Shoal Creek
      18. John H Dunn, farmer, Cypress Creek
      19. James B Hightower, farmer, Reserve
      20. Thomas M Philips, farmer, Cypress Creek
      21. Henry Musselman, farmer, Shoal Creek
      22. William R Garner?, farmer, Second Creek
      23. Champion Anderson, farmer, Sinking Creek
      24. Samuel T Johnson, farmer, Reserve

      ​

      Page 243


      October 6, 1846
      No Number
      State vs Robert McCorstin


      McCorstin indicted for the murder of Frederick P Nelson - pleads not guilty

      ​

      Page 245


      October 7, 1846
      #4712
      John Chisholm vs George W Sneed


      Referred to Charles C Lewter, John A Smith and Samuel D Weakley for a judgment

      ​

      Page 246


      October 7, 1846
      #4760
      Sarah Dillahunty vs Nathan Boddie


      Dillahunty no further wishes to prosecute this suit - she is to pay costs

      ​

      Page 247
      Grand Jury Indictments:


      John S Kennedy - assault and battery
      Branson Stutts and William Hill - affray
      Lemuel Corum - assault and battery
      James T Horn and Jessee Horn - assault and battery
      Thomas Trusdell - assault and battery
      Willis Pope Jr and Thomas J Foster - affray
      Jacob Burns?? - assault and battery
      John Gracy - assault and battery
      Thomas Walles and Charlotte Hayworth - living in adultery

      ​

      Page 248


      October 9, 1846
      #4643
      James Kennerly and Benjamin Smith, surviving trustee etc. vs Joseph T Cook


      Negroes mentioned in plaintiff’s declaration: Cato, Robert, Susan, Angelina, Kate, Pendin, Judy, Hajar, Lucy, James, Mary, Charlotte, Ellen, Paul, Sam, Joe, Thomas, William, Patty, Diana, Scylla - to be the property of the plaintiffs as surviving trustees in said marriage settlement - value of each slave set.

      ​

      Page 261


      March 29, 1847
      Summoned to Grand Jury:


      1. Philip J Iron, farmer, Bluff Creek
      2. Moses Duncan, farmer, Reserve
      3. Ross Houston, farmer, Bluff Creek
      4. Wilson Carroll, farmer, Bluff Creek
      5. William Butler, farmer, Blue Water
      6. John Harkins, Merchant, Florence
      7. William R Anderson, farmer, Butler Creek
      8. Samuel B Hudson, Taylor (Tailor), Florence
      9. Walter West, farmer, Shoal Creek
      10. Carter Blanton, farmer, Waterloo
      11. Joseph Hough, farmer, Shoal Creek
      12. Johnson Trousdale, farmer, Blue Water
      13. George W Douglass, farmer, Waterloo
      14. Patrick H Hewet, farmer, Reserve
      15. Michael Olive, farmer, Reserve


      Also summoned:
      Joseph P Bourland, Thomas A Lansford, Abner Beard
      Those chosen: Philip J Iron, foreman, Joseph Bourland, Thomas Lansford, Abner Beard, Ross Houston, Wilson Carroll, John Harkins, William Anderson, Samuel Hudson, Walter West, Joseph Hough, Johnson Trousdale, Patrick H Hewet, Michael Olive
      Robert E Carr, Bailiff Winston P Pettus, Sheriff

      ​

      Pettit Jurors for the first week:
      1. William K Whitehead, farmer, Blue Water
      2. Richard D Hightower, farmer, Reserve
      3. John M Harvey, farmer, Blue Water
      4. George W Morton, farmer, Rodgersville
      5. John W Tapp, farmer, Blue Water
      6. William A Cox, Sadler, Florence
      7. Jessee Koger, farmer, Reserve
      8. William McMurtrie, farmer, Cowpen
      9. Charles B Jones, farmer, Blue Water
      10. Washington M Brandon, Overseer, Island
      11. William H Key, farmer, Reserve
      12. C W Knight, farmer, Blue Water
      13. Benjamin Taylor, farmer, Blue Water
      14. Jacob Stutts, farmer, Blue Water
      15. Wilson Whitset, farmer, Brush Creek
      16. Luke Harrison, farmer, Huntsville Road
      17. John S? L? Kelley, farmer, Huntsville Road
      18. John McCorkle, farmer, Cypress
      19. Rainy Baliew, farmer, Butlers Creek
      10. Littleberry Underwood, Overseer, Reserve
      21. James Shelton, farmer, Forks of Cypress
      22. Richard A Bailey, farmer, Huntsville Road
      23. Drury Joiner, farmer, Blue Water
      24. George S? L? Newton, farmer, Second Creek

      ​

      ​