In 1838, in order to pay off a small debt and take some time for travel, John E. Hughs conveyed to his brother Abner A. Hughs "seven likely negro slaves," including Alexander, a man; Henderson, age eighteen; Dinah thirty-four; Patsy twelve; Jerry ten; Harry eight; and Reuben about five. In 1840, John Hughs died, and his sister and brother-in-law, Simeon Chapman, became administrators of his estate. Simeon Chapman, suing with his wife, Mary E. Hughs Chapman, now seeks to force Abner to "pay the hire or so much as shall be left after deducting the amount due him and his distributive share." They also sue the other heirs who have declined to join them in their suit. They request that the slaves be sold and the proceeds distributed among heirs.
Result: Dismissed.
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Repository: Shelby County Archives, Columbiana, Alabama
