In October 1823, William Allen, "in consideration of the natural love and affection which he bears to Martha Coleman (his daughter) and for the further consideration of Five Dollars," sold nine slaves to his grandsons, William Coleman Jr. and Jones D. W. G. Coleman, "as Trustees for the benefit of said Martha," their mother and the wife of William Coleman Sr. The slaves were to be used "in the support and maintenance of the said Martha and in the education and support of her unmarried children, without the interference or control of her husband the said William Coleman sen." After Martha's death the slaves and all profits from their hire were to be divided among Martha's children. The petitioners, also Martha's children, argue that the estate was mismanaged by William and Jones Coleman, who sold slaves and land belonging to the estate and kept the proceeds, and by John Coleman, who succeeded William and Jones as trustee. The petitioners ask for an accounting of the trust and for the appointment of new trustees to administer it.
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Repository: Madison County Public Library Archives, Huntsville, Alabama
