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D.A.B. Ragsdale, Ex. Thos. McFarling, decd. to John Dickson.
State of Arkansas,
County of Pike,
Whereas, David A.B. Ragsdale as Executor of the Last Will and Testament of
Thomas McFarling, deceased was directed by the provision of said last Will
and Testament, to expose by public sale to the highest bidder, a certain
Negro girl slave, named Frances. And, whereas, the said David A.B. Ragsdale,
Executor as aforesaid, did this day, according to previous legal notice
given, expose said girl to sale by public outcry. And, whereas, John Dickson
became the purchaser of said girl for the sum of sixteen Hundred & one
Dollars, he being the highest and best bidder therefor.
Now, therefore, I, David A.B. Ragsdale, Executor as aforesaid, for and in
conisideration of the sum of sixteen Hundred & one Dollars secured to be
paid to me by the said John Dickson, have this day bargained and sold, and
by these presents, do bargain, sell and convey the said Negro girl Frances,
aged about thirteen years, of black color, to the said John Dickson his
heirs, executors, administrators and assigns, to their use and behoof.
And I, the said David A.B. Ragsdale in the capacity of said Executor of the
said last Will and Testament of the said Thomas McFarling, decd. do hereby
warrant the title of said negro girl Frances; that she is a slave for life;
and that she is sound both physically and mentally.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal, on this thirteenth
day of September, A.D. 1862.
David A.B. Ragsdale (Seal)
Ex. Last Will & Testament of
Thomas McFarling, decd.
Witnesses: William J. Kelley, John D. Hancock.
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Original Bill of Sale of Slave (copy), Rita Arnold, Nashville, Arkansas.
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David Kelley 1997