1819 HANDWRITTEN DEPOSITION IN THE TRYAL OF ABEDNEGO STEPHEN VS. THE HEIRS OF WILLIAM STEPHEN, "DECEST [deceased].

Knox County, Ohio, 1819. Original manuscript. Very Good. 4pp, folio, written in sepia ink. In part: "...in and for the County of Richland and Springfield Township Elisabeth Forbes mother of the Children here above mentioned...lived in the house with Abednego Stephen said plaintiff the father of William Stephen...." Elisabeth states that until he died, she did not know of any property belonging to Abednego, save a very small amount. He bought the land now in dispute with his father's money... "and that said father was makeing redey t come out to the State of Ohio...." She reports that her husband did transact much business for his father, excluding other agents, and that her husband died in August, 1814. Then follow a series of questions asked by H. Curtis and Abednego Stephen. It emerges that son William was away at school, supported by his father, beyond the age of 21. Further, Abednego gave Elisabeth money and household goods when she married her second husband. "...There was a man which was sold at his fathers vendue that was called sis, and there was two cow creatures one a heifer without & the other with a calf ... also a valuable gun a watch a saddle plough irons, hoes & other farming utensils a small waggon...." Dated 6 Aprll 1819. Signed by Elisabeth and by the court officials. 13" x 7.75" Knox County is in central Ohio and named for Henry Knox who founded it in 1808.