James and Louisa Hawkins Scott challenge the executors of the estate of the late Spire M. Hagerty, Louisa's former stepfather and guardian. They charge that the said executors refuse to account with Louisa for proceeds that Hagerty allegedly appropriated from her while he controlled her property. The Scotts explain that Louisa inherited slaves from her brother, William Hawkins, who died intestate and unmarried in late 1833. By the laws of the Creek Nation, of which the Hawkinses were members, his slaves became Louisa's "sole property." Shortly thereafter, Louisa moved with her parents, Benjamin and Rebecca Hawkins, from Arkansas to Texas, where her father died. Her mother then married Spire Hagerty, who was appointed Louisa's guardian and, as such, administered her property. The petitioners contend that Hagerty "appropriated the labor & services" of Louisa's slaves from 8 October 1838 to 4 July 1849. They seek recognition of her claims from the executors of his will and payment for the slaves' services during this time.
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Repository: Nacogdoches County Courthouse, Nacogdoches, Texas
