1854 Bid for Mail Contract~William H. H. Purvis

Sometime documents about our ancestors come from some very unusual places. The document below fit that category completely and it was a total accident that the document was found. 

William H. H. Purvis, age 41, a local farmer in Polk County, Texas made a bid on a mail contract  that shows up in a report from the 33rd Congress. His bid of $800.00 was received 15 April 1854 and shows up under a label (after time bid) which probably means it was received after the cutoff date.



Sadly, the following year in June 1855, William H. H. Purvis passed away
The State of Texas   Polk County in the County Court July Term 1855, To his honor Wm. F. Gee chief justice Your petitioner Joseph McGee of Newton County of Texas shows that W. H. H. Purvis of said Polk County departed this life intestate on or about the    day of June last past, and that the nearest relative of said descendant have as yet failed and refused to administer on said estate that said Purvis had in pofefion [possession]  at the time of his death real and personal property to a large amount and is believed  to own it, that your petitioner is the owner and holder of large and bono fide claims against said estate and that he is unable to collect the same or have them litigated without and administrator  of said estate, wherefore, he prays your honor to cause the usual notice be given and at the July term 1855 of your honorable court appoint your petitioner  administrator of said estate as in duty bound&c.                  Joseph McGee
Filed July 18, 1855,
W. H. Dukes, Clk.,
Record April 5th, A D 1856 on page 209;
L. G. McNickin, Depty Clk c c P4





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[1] US Document 445/789; Executive Documents Printed by Order of The House of Representative during the Second Session of the Thirty-third Congress, 1854-1855 in 14 Volume, Volume 9, page 498, Wm. H. H. Pervis, Washington, A. O. P. Nicholson, Printer. 1855.
[2]  Estate #139, Page 209, FHL Film #1006872; Estate records found on pages 208-238, 344-346, 358-359 and page 388; FHL Film #1006872.

Amanuensis Monday~1844 Land Deed- William H. H. Purvis to Shadrick Sutton, Rankin Co., MS

Amanuensis Monday is a genealogy blogging theme. It was started by John Newmark who writes the TransylvanianDutch blog.

His definition of Amanuensis is:
Amanuensis: A person employed to write what another dictates or to copy what has been written by another.

Today’s subject is a 1844 Land Deed between William H. H. Purvis and Shadrick Sutton of Rankin County, Mississippi.¹


Wm H. H. Purvis to Shadrick Sutton
The State of Mississippi}
Rankin County} This Indenture made this twenty first day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty four, Witnefseth , that we William H. H. Purvis and Jemima Purvis, for and in consideration of the Sum of Six hundred dollars to us in hand paid. The receipt whereof we do hereby acknowledge have this day granted bargained Sold conveyed and delivered and by these presents do bargain Sell convey and deliver unto Shadrick Sutton a certain tract of land that is, the E. SE ¼ of Section No. 23 Township No. 3 of Range No. 3 containing 80 19/100 acres and the SW ¼ of SW ¼ & SE ¼ of NE ¼ of Section No. 23 Township No. 3 of Range No. 3 E. Containing 80 19/100 acres The whole containing one hundred and Sixty acres and 38/100 of an acre more or less to have and to hold the said tract of land and all and singular the tenements thereto belonging or in any wise appertaining unto the said Shadrick Sutton his heirs Executors administrators and afsigns forever, and we do hereby forever warrant and defend all and Singular the aforementioned premises against all and Singular the aforementioned premises against ourselves our heirs executors and administrators and against the claim or claims of all persons whomsoever unto the Said Shadrick Sutton, his heirs Executors Administrators and Afsigns.
In witnefs whereof we have hereunto Set out hands and Seals this twenty first day of December one thousand Eight hundred and forty four.
Test: Soloman Mangum}                            Wm. H. H. Purvis
Jefsee X (his mark) Crain}                         Jemima X (her mark) Purvis

The State of Mississippi}
Rankin County} Personally appeared before me Henry Franklin a member of the Board of the Police for said County the within names William H. H. Purvis and Jemima his wife who have acknowledged that they Signed Sealed and delivered the within Deed for the purpose therein mentioned.

Given under my hand and Seal this twenty first day of December one thousand eight hundred and forty four.
                                                               Henry Franklin
                                                               Member of the Board of Police
                                                               of Rankin County

The foregoing deed and certificate were filed in my office on the 9^th and duly recorded on the 14^th day of January A. D. 1845.
                                                            Jos. Bennett Clk Pro R. Cty

Comments:
Sometime between 1845 and 1847, William H. H. Purvis moved from Rankin County, Mississippi  to Polk County, Texas. This Land Deed along with the sale of some of his slaves suggests that William was selling off assets preparing for this move. 

William and his wife Jemima Magee Purvis had two additional children, both daughters, after moving from Rankin County, Mississippi to Polk County, Texas.

Approximately eight short years after leaving Mississippi and arriving in Texas, William H. H. Purvis died in 1855. No death certificate, obituary or tombstone has been found for him or his wife. His death is recorded in Polk County Probate Records.









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[1] Mississippi, Deed Book 8: pages 196 & 197, Wm H. H. Purvis to Shadrick Sutton; Chancery Clerk, (Rankin County, Mississippi; accessed 5 January 2015).

Treasure Chest Thursday~Death Date for William H. H. Purvis

I have written several post about William H. H. Purvis and his death in Polk County, Texas. One thing that has been a real puzzle is the death date of William H. H. Purvis. On-line trees at Ancestry lack any research and are mere copies of each other repeating the same erroneous information over and over.

This past summer I had the opportunity to visit my son in Utah and was able to do some research at the LDS Family History Library in Salt Lake City.

At the top of my list was the death date for William H. H. Purvis and while I did not find the exact date he died, I did find the month and year. The death month and year is contained within Estate packet #139. ¹



No. 139
                                The State of Texas   Polk County in the County Court July Term 1855,
To his honor Wm. F. Gee chief justice Your petitioner Joseph McGee of Newton County of Texas shows that W. H. H. Purvis of said Polk County departed this life intestate on or about the    day of June last past, and that the nearest relative of said descendant have as yet failed and refused to administer on said estate that said Purvis had in pofefion [possession]  at the time of his death real and personal property to a large amount and is believed  to own it, that your petitioner is the owner and holder of large and bono fide claims against said estate and that he is unable to collect the same or have them litigated without and administrator  of said estate, wherefore, he prays your honor to cause the usual notice be given and at the July term 1855 of your honorable court appoint your petitioner  administrator of said estate as in duty bound & c.
                                                                                                Joseph McGee
Filed July 18, 1855
W. H. Dukes, Clk.
Record April 5th, A D 1856 on page 209
L. G. McNickin, Depty Clk c c P4

William H. H. Purvis died in June 1855 in Polk County, Texas.

Related Articles:

• http://carolinafamilyroots.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-mysterious-death-of-william-h-h.html
• http://carolinafamilyroots.blogspot.com/2012/04/clues-to-parents-of-william-h-h-purvis.html

_








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[1] Estate #139, Page 209, FHL Film #1006872; Estate records found on pages 208-238, 344-346, 358-359 and page 388; FHL Film #1006872.

Amanuensis Monday~The Death of William H. H. Purvis

 
Amanuensis Monday is a genealogy blogging theme. It was started by John Newmark who writes the TransylvanianDutch blog.

His definition of Amanuensis is:

Amanuensis: A person employed to write what another dictates or to copy what has been written by another.

Previously, I have written here ¹ about the death of William H. H. Purvis. I stated in that posting that he died after Mar 2, 1855 and before Jan 28, 1856. He most likely died in the county of his residence in Polk County Texas. 

Last month I visited my son in Utah, near Salt Lake City, and on the agenda during that 10 day visit was 3 days at the LDS Genealogical Library in Salt Lake City.

Among my list of items to research was one to find a death date for William H. H. Purvis. While I don’t have an exact date I do have a document that tells me he died in June 1855.



No. 139 ²                        The State of Texas   Polk County in the County Court July Term 1855,
To his honor Wm. F. Gee chief justice Your petitioner Joseph McGee of Newton County of Texas shows that W. H. H. Purvis of said Polk County departed this life intestate on or about the    day of June last past, and that the nearest relative of said descendant have as yet failed and refused to administer on said estate that said Purvis had in pofefion [possession]  at the time of his death real and personal property to a large amount and is believed  to own it, that your petitioner is the owner and holder of large and bono fide claims against said estate and that he is unable to collect the same or have them litigated without and administrator  of said estate, wherefore, he prays your honor to cause the usual notice be given and at the July term 1855 of your honorable court appoint your petitioner  administrator of said estate as in duty bound & c.
                                                                                                Joseph McGee
Filed July 18, 1855
W. H. Dukes, Clk.
Record April 5th, A D 1856 on page 209
L. G. McNickin, Depty Clk c c P4


William H. H. Purvis died in June 1855 in Polk County, Texas.




 
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[1] http://carolinafamilyroots.blogspot.com/2013/05/amanuensis-mondaydid-he-know.html
[2] Polk County, Texas, Probate records, v. D-F 1853-1860, Volume "D", page 209, William H. H. Purvis, Estate #139; FHL microfilm #1006872. [Estate #139, Page 209, FHL Film #1006872; Estate records found on pages 208-238, 344-346, 358-359 and page 388; FHL Film #1006872.]

Amanuensis Monday~Death of Wm. H. H. Purvis

Amanuensis Monday is a genealogy blogging theme. It was started by John Newmark who writes the TransylvanianDutch blog.
 
His definition of Amanuensis is:
Amanuensis: A person employed to write what another dictates or to copy what has been written by another.

Today’s subject is the death of William H. H. Purvis.¹
 


No. 139
        The State of Texas   Polk County in the County Court July Term 1855,
To his honor Wm. F. Gee chief justice Your petitioner Joseph McGee of Newton County of Texas shows that W. H. H. Purvis of said Polk County departed this life intestate on or about the    day of June last past, and that the nearest relative of said descendant have as yet failed and refused to administer on said estate that said Purvis had in pofefion [possession]  at the time of his death real and personal property to a large amount and is believed  to own it, that your petitioner is the owner and holder of large and bono fide claims against said estate and that he is unable to collect the same or have them litigated without and administrator  of said estate, wherefore, he prays your honor to cause the usual notice be given and at the July term 1855 of your honorable court appoint your petitioner  administrator of said estate as in duty bound & c.
                                                                           Joseph McGee
Filed July 18, 1855
W. H. Dukes, Clk.
Record April 5th, A D 1856 on page 209
L. G. McNickin, Depty Clk c c P4

Page 210 shows that Joseph McGee failed in his attempt to gain control of the Estate. William H. H. Purvis’ wife Jemima Magee Purvis and his son-in-law, Jesse R. Jones were appointed administrators of the estate. 

In his attempt to get control of the estate Joseph McGee said “that said Purvis had in pofefion [possession]  at the time of his death real and personal property to a large amount and is believed  to own it.”

Actual land records in Polk County shows that William H. H. Purvis knew his death was imminent and had divested himself of most of his “real estate” transferring them to his wife and children. Many of these land deeds can be found in Polk County Texas Land Deed Book “E”.




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[1] Polk County, Texas, Probate records, v. D-F 1853-1860, Volume "D", page 209, William H. H. Purvis; FHL microfilm #1006872. Estate #139, Page 209, FHL Film #1006872; Estate records found on pages 208-238, 344-346, 358-359 and page 388; FHL Film #1006872.

Amanuensis Monday~Did He Know?

Amanuensis Monday is a genealogy blogging theme. It was started by John Newmark who writes the TransylvanianDutch blog.

His definition of Amanuensis is:

Amanuensis: A person employed to write what another dictates or to copy what has been written by another.

Today’s posting is a Land Deed between W. H. H. Purvis and Jemima Magee Purvis.
William H. H. Purvis died about January 1855. I have narrowed the time period for his death to after Mar 2, 1855 and before Jan 28, 1856. He most likely died in the county of his resident in Polk County Texas. 

William H. H. Purvis was alive on 2 March 1885 and signed a DEED (DB E, Page 558-559) on this date. The structure of the Deed and the transfer of all his assets to his wife indicates a forewarned knowledge that his life on  earth was about to end.

The State of Texas}
Polk County} Know all whom it may concern that I William H. H. Purvis of the County and state above written for and in consideration of the love and affection I bear to my wife Jemima Purvis have this day given granted confirmed and confirmed and do by these presents give grant convey confirmed and set over & deliver to my said wife in fee simple forever the following property to wit:
First the following named Negroes slaves for life and now owned and held by me as my separate property to wit: Ann about seventeen years old. Camile about sixteen years old. Green about twelve years old. Suange about twenty-eight years old. Peter thirty-eight years old. Sam about ten years old. George about ten years old. Nathan about eight years old. Alfred about nineteen years old. Linza about fifteen years old. Erma about seven years old. Sanfin about nine years old. Dorcas about six years old. Ewing about eight years old. Maneruse about three years old. Carolin about two years old.
Second the following tract or parcel of land situated and being in said Polk County containing One Hundred acres more or less a part of the headright league of R. W. Russell and which 100 acres tract was conveyed to me by deed executed by Marshal Holcomb and Alfred Holcomb dated on the 8^th day of December A.D. 1851 & …. which deed reference is here made for a more perfect description of the land here conveyed by its metes and bounds and which deed was recorded in the Office of the County Clerk of said County in Book C, Pages 105 & 6 on the 12^th day of April 1852.
Third also the following promissory notes to wit: two notes executed by Nancy Williams payable to W. H. H. Purvis or bearer on the 7th day of February 1855. One note for the sum of five hundred dollars payable on or before the first day of January 1856; the other made for the sum of two thousand $2000.00 payable on or before the first day of January 1858 also a third promissory note executed by R. T. Walker on the 19^th December 1854 payable on or before the first of January 1856 to W. H. H. Purvis or order for the sum of Sixty-eight and 19/100 dollars also a promissory note executed by W. J. F. Purvis and J. R. Jones on the 14^th Dec. 1854 payable to W. H. H. Purvis on or before the 1^st day of June 1856 for one hundred and sixty dollars.
Fourth also five head of horses and one Jack now in my possession and my entire stock of horned cattle branded with the letters W P thus marked with a crop and two splits in the right ear and a hole in the left ear split out.
To have and to hold the above and foregoing described property consisting of Slaves, Land, Promissory notes, Horses and Jack and Cattle together with all rights and privilege’s as belonging or pertaining to the same with full right forever and dominion over the same to my said wife Jemima as her separate property in fee simple her heirs and assigns forever.
In testimony of which I have hereunto set my hand and scroll for seal this 2^nd day of March A. D. 1855.
W. H. H. Purvis {seal}
illegible
illegible
illegible
W. R. Moore
The State of Texas}
Polk County} Personally appeared before me W. J. Knight County Clerk of Polk County W. R. Moore one of the subscribing witness to the foregoing deed and on oath says he saw W. H. H. Purvis sign seal and deliver the same and acknowledged the same to be his act and deed for the consideration therein stated and expressed and that he requested him to witness the same.
Given under my hand and seal of office this the 5^th day of March A. D. 1855.
{seal} W. J. Knight
Clk. P.C.C.
The State of Texas}
Polk County} I certify that the foregoing deed of gift & certificate thereto was this day by me recorded in Record Book of Deeds &c “E” pages 558 & 9 at 10 O’clock Am. Witness my hand and seal of office this the 27^th day of Jn A. D. 1855.
{Seal} W. H. Dukes Clk @ PCC


Then in Probate Minutes Book D; 1853-1857 we find court action related to guardianship of the minor heirs of William H. H. Purvis.

Purvis, Gabian & Angelina
# 155, Guardianship of
294-295-296, 389 to 391,
& 418-419
Purvis, Jasper
# 154, Guardianship of
292-293-294, & 392-393
Purvis, W. W. H.
# 139, Succession of
208 to 238, 344 to 346,
358-359 & 388
Purvis, W. W. H.
# 152, Guardianship of minor heirs
238 to 245

And then there appears some other guardianship records in Probate Minutes Book F; 1858-1860.
Purvis, Angelina
# ___, Guardianship of
212
Purvis, Gabrianna
# ___, Guardianship of
212
Purvis, W. H. H.
# 139, Succession of
105 to 111

Jasper is reported as dying sometime around Jan 1858. Not confirmed by this author.

The three children remained with their Mother, Jemima Magee until her death in Oct 1870 at which time all but the youngest child had reached the age of majority. Back in 1856, Jesse R. Riggs and and William J. Florney Purvis were appointed, by the courts, as legal guardian of the minor children. William was their older Brother and Jesse, their Uncle, having married Mary Ann Savilla Purvis, the oldest daughter of William H. H. Purvis and Jemima Magee Purvis.   

To date, I have been unable to find a specific death date for William H. H. Purvis. However, an exhaustive search has not been conducted and it may be found with additional research. If you have any information related to William H. H. Purvis of Polk County, Texas, please contact me through this blog.
 
 





 
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[1] Polk County, Texas, Polk County Deed Records, BOOK E, Page 558 & 559, William H. H. Purvis to Jemima Purvis, 2 March 1855; Register of Deeds, Livingston, Polk County, Texas. My thanks to B. Harris for providing a copy of the above Land Deed.
[2] http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~polkcountytxconnections/ProbateD1853-57.htm

The Mysterious Death of William H. H. Purvis

William H. H. Purvis is a very elusive mysterious person. His parents are unknown; but, I believe I have enough circumstantial evidence linking him to James P. J. Purvis to suggest that they are brothers. The fact that William H. H. Purvis can be found in two census while James P. J. Purvis were found listed as head of Household in no census is significant. We can estimate a year of birth which in the case of William H. H. was about 1813. Therefore,  we decided that James P. J. was born in 1811. Then we have the 1829 Alabama Land Deed.found in this posting where James P. J. was a witness. If James was born in 1811 then he would have been only 18 when he witness the Alabama Land Deed.

Now we need to determine if an 18 year old could be a witness in 1839 or was James P. J. Actually born earlier that 1811.

A timeline for James P. J. Purvis is contained within the posting mentioned above. Here is a timeline for William H. H. Purvis.

William H. H. Timeline

0	Abt 1813	Birth: SC
17	Abt 1830	Marriage: Jemima Magee-39029;
23	1836	Tax: 1836 Tax List; Rankin County, Mississippi, United States
25	1838	Tax: 1838 Tax List; Simpson County, Mississippi, United States[1]
26	1839	Tax: 1839 Tax List; Rankin County, Mississippi, United States
26	25 Nov 1839	Legal_Act: Guardianship
27	1840	Census: Rankin County, Mississippi, United States
28	22 Mar 1841	Legal_Act: Guardianship
28	7 Dec 1841	Legal_Act: Purvis to Gray - Sale of Slave Named Ellis; Rankin County, Mississippi, United States[2]
31	21 Dec 1844	Property: Wm. H. H. Purvis to Shadrach Sutton; Rankin County, Mississippi, United States
37	1850	Census: Polk County, Texas, USA[3]
38	18 Oct 1851	Property: Polk County, Texas, USA[4]
42	2 March 1855	Wm. H. H. Purvis transfer all his property to his wife

Wm. H. H. Purvis to Shadrach Sutton
The State of Mississippi}
Rankin County} This indenture made this twenty first day of December in the year of our Lord one thousands eight hundred and forty-four [1844] Witnesseth that we William H. H. Purvis and Jemima Purvis, for and in consideration of the sum of Six hundred dollars [$600] to us in hand paid_ the receipt whereof we do hereby acknowledge_ have this day granted bargained sold conveyed and delivered and by these presents do bargain Sell convey and deliver unto Shadrach Sutton a certain track of land that is, the E ½ SE ¼ of section number 23, Township No. 8 of Range No. 3E containing 80 19/100 acres, and the SW ¼ of SW ¼ & SE ¼ of NE ¼ of Section No. 23 Township No. 3 of Range No. 3E containing 80 19/100 acres. The whole containing one hundred and Sixty [160] acres more or less. To have and hold the said tract of land and all and Singular the tenements thereto belonging or in anywise appertaining unto the said Shadrach Sutton's heirs executors administrators and assigns forever and we do hereby forever warrant and defend all and singular the a fore mentioned premises against ourselves our heirs executors and administrators and against the claim or claims of all person whomsoever unto the said Shadrach Sutton, his heirs Executors administrators and assigns, In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hand and seal this first day of December one thousand eight hundred and forty four.
Test’s_Solomon Mangum}                                  William H. H. Purvis
Jesse X Crain}                                                   Jemima X Purvis her Mark

The State of Mississippi}
Rankin County} Personally appeared before me Henry Franklin a member of the Board of the Police for said County the within named William H. H. Purvis and Jemima his wife who has acknowledged that they Signed, sealed and delivered the within deed for the purposes therein witnessed. Given under my hand and Seal this twenty first day of December one thousand eight hundred and forty four.
                                                             Henry Franklin
                                                            Member of the Board of Police for Rankin Co.
The foregoing deed and certificate were filed in my office on the 9th and duly recorded on the 16th day of January A.D. 1845
                                                                                    Jos Bennett Clk., Pro. R. City

In 1844, William H. H. Purvis sold most of his land to Shadrach Sutton as shown above.  Footnote 4 suggests that he received a patent for 320 acres of Land. on 18 October 1851. By this time he had sold all his previously owned land and was living in Polk County, Texas in 1850. I haven’t determine who received the patent land but I assume it was William B.. Harden.

On 2 May 1855 William H. H. Purvis transferred ownership of all his property to his wife Jemima Magee Purvis.

I think that William did this because he knew he was dying and I think he died in 1855 in Polk County, Texas. The Land Deed reads like a Will. 

Guardianship records in Polk County suggests that ale the minor children, three younger – Purdy Jasper, Gabrianna E. and Jemima Angelina were appointed guardian.[5]

Polk County, Texas Probate Record Volume D 1853 - 1857

Purvis, Gabian & Angelina
# 155, Guardianship of
294-295-296, 389 to 391,
& 418-419
Purvis, Jasper
# 154, Guardianship of
292-293-294, & 392-393
Purvis, W. W. H.
# 139, Succession of
208 to 238, 344 to 346,
358-359 & 388
Purvis, W. W. H.
# 152, Guardianship of minor heirs
238 to 245

I’m still trying to determine what happen to William H. H. Purvis?
2. Where is he buried?
3. Who are his parents?
If you have any answers or suggestions I would love to hear from you.


Related Postings:

• http://carolinafamilyroots.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-elusive-parents-of-james-p-j-purvis.html

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[1]. Simpson County, Mississippi, 1836, 1837, 1839-1843 Tax List, unpaginated entries arranged alphabetical, all years read for William H. H. Purvis,. Mississippi State Archives, Various Records, 1820-1951; Simpson County tax rolls, 1838 Tax Year, Image 133 of 276..
[2]. Rankin County, Mississippi, Rankin County Deed Books, Book 6, page 342, Purvis to Gray - Sale of negro boy named Ellis, 17 December 1841; Register of Deeds, Raymond, Rankin County, Mississippi. Transcribed from my notes taken from Book 6, Page 342:
Rankin County, Mississippi
[3]. 1850 U. S. Census, Polk County, Texas, population schedule, Polk County, Texas, Page 188B, Line 3, Dwelling 178, Family 178, Household of W. H. H. PURVIS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed May 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm M432_914.
[4]. William H. H. Purvis, 18 October 1851; Texas Land Title Abstracts, ; Texas General Land Office, Austin, Texas. Texas Land Title Abstracts about W. H. H. PurvisGrantee: Wm. B. Hardin
Certificate: 493
Patentee: W. H. H. Purvis
Patent Date: 18 Oct 1851
Acres: 320
District: Houston; Liberty
County: Polk
File: 146
Patent #: 711
Patent Volume: 5
Class: Hou. Bty.
Source Information:Ancestry.com. Texas Land Title Abstracts [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2000. Original data: Texas General Land Office. Abstracts of all original Texas Land Titles comprising Grants and Locations. Austin, TX, USA.
[5]  htttp://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~polkcountytxconnections/ProbateLinkPage.html