What was life like for the Burleson and Hughes families in Grayson County, Texas during the last half of the 19th century? The US census reports that among other occupations (John L. was an Old School Baptist preacher), these folks were farmers on the property they owned along the Choctaw Bayou and Cedar Creek. While we might only be able to speculate as to what life was like on the farm, there is one piece of legal evidence which offers us some interesting insights. What is this? Probate records - especially the inventories and appraisals of the estate. What do these reveal for our families?
As we spent the morning in the Grayson County courthouse in Sherman, Texas, we found the probate packets for John Missouri Burleson (Sarah K. Burleson Hughes' father) and his father, William Burleson. Both of these probate packets included very interesting inventories. They speak for themselves. So, just read, enjoy and imagine!
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