The Family Garden

Notes

James PALMER

Moved to Ohio in 1821, then to Iowa in 1853.  According to a newspaper article published on grandson-in-law J. W. Edie, he was a soldier inthe War of 1812.

John (Deacon) FLETCHER

Born in 1606 of Stretton, Ruthland, England, John Fletcher first came to Wethersfield, then was in Milford, Connecticut, by 1639 and was on the freeman’s list there in 1641. He and Mary Ward (Mary Ward was the daughter of the widow Joyce Ward whose will was dated 1640 and probated March 1641.) were married prior to that time, considerably, because before the move two daughters and five sons were born. Five more children were born at Milford. By decree in 1646, the passage over Little Dreadful Swamp in John Fletcher’s lot, shall be by a long log hewed on the upper side. John Fletcher, called Deacon John, died April 18, 1662, and his widow Mary remarried to John Clark of Milford. The children included:

Mary b. about 1629 m. John Stevens
Rebecca b. 1636 m. Andrew Warner Jr.
 m. 2nd Jeremy Adams
Edward
Anthony
William (these five sons remained in or returned to England)
Robert
John (born at Milford)
Sarah b. 1641 m. John Stanley
Hannah b. 1643 m. John Chittendon
Elizabeth b. 1645 m. Elnathan Botsford
Samuel b. 1649 d. young
Abigail b. 1652 m. Roger Newton

(The FLETCHER FAMILY HISTORY, published in 1881, on p. 563, reports only one son, Samuel, who died young, and five married and one unmarried daughter in 1679 when Mary made her will. The other five are not mentioned).
*Source:  Internet

Richard WARD

Their children were:
Thomas b. about 1608 m. Faith ______
Edward b. 1610 m. Isabel Hakes
Anthony b. 1613
Mary b. 1615/1622 m. John Fletcher
 m. 2nd John Clark
William b. 1616 m. Sarah ______ lived at Newark
m. 2nd Phoebe
Robert b. 1618-1620 m. Sarah ______
John b. 1622 m. Sarah ______

William RADFORD

He was a soldier in the War of 1812. Moved to Perry Co, AL. In 1860, W.G. Leach had William Radford declared a lunatic. Duke Nall was first appointed guardian, but he resigned and John C. Oakes was appointed guardian (data from Mrs. Fred Daws.)

William moved with his family to Georgia as a young boy.  In 1807, William participated in the land lottery and received two draws in Wilkinson County, GA for lot 56 in district 18 and lot 107 in district 13.  Sometime in 1808, William's father, Reuben, moved to Morgan County, GA, and William moved his family there as well.  The first record of William in Morgan dates from 1810.  In August of 1810, he served on the Number 2 jury in Morgan County.  He also paid tax on land near his father in William's Militia District.    Around 1818, William and his family (along with his sister Ann and her husband Samuel Watters) moved to Perry County, Alabama.  The land that William was granted was in close proximity of what became known as Radfordville named after him.  It seems that William accumulated much land in his lifetime.  Although it is unclear, it appears that his wife, Nancy died around 1817 and that William remarried and had several more children.  Mary, or "Winnie" was born around 1820, William T. in 1822, Nancy J. in 1825 and George Washington in 1827.  

In the 1830's, William received two more government patents to increase his land holdings.  On 14 Apr 1834 he received 80 acres and on 16 Jan 1836 he received another 80 acres.  At an unknown time, William's second wife died and he then married Elizabeth Griffin, the widow of Own Griffin.  She had moved from Wilkes Co, GA to Perry Co, AL with here two children.  In 1850, William owned 4,000 acres in real estate.  By the 1850's, it appears that Radfordville was establishing itself as a real focal point by the region's farmers.  As William owned much of the land in the area, the Radfords certainly became prosperous.  In 1853, the and his wife donated 1 acre in the village to establish the "Radfordville Academy."  The trustees of this school were all local men, many whose families had married into the Radfords.  Included were:  Samuel Bolling, James M. Watters, Joseph R. Watters and James W. Oaks.  

The town of Radfordville was a prominent place in the local area for many years.  Near the school, a post office and brick store were built.  In the Civil War, a company of the 8th Alabama Volunteers was formed there.  The school continued to function until 1928.  The school was torn down in 1930, and all that remains of the little town is an empty field.  

Sometime after 1853, William lost his wife Elizabeth and on 13 Jul 1858, William married Massey Leach.  She was a widow from nearby Bibb County.  Massey was born in South Carolina in 1813 and had at least 4 children by a previous marriage.  In the 1860 census, William was listed with Massey who was 33 years his junior.  The census has him listed as a farmer with a real estate value of 6,200.  His personal holdings were more than 2,000.  Massey's daughter, Lucinda Leach, was listed as an 18 year old house keeper.  Living next door was his son George and his wife Martha.  George was listed as an overseer, evidently running the large farm that his father owned.  

It appears that the family of Massey was not happy about this marriage to William.  A W. G. Leach from Bibb, who was likely a relative of Massey's, brought a case against William and had him declared a lunatic.  Duke Nall, who later as an officer in the 8th Alabama died in the Civil War, was appointed William's guardian.  He later resigned, and John C. Oakes, his son-in-law, became guardian and managed his affairs until after Williams' death on 23 Oct 1862.  William left a will that divided his estate among many children and grandchildren.  He was most likely buried in the old Stone Family Cemetery.  The graves were marker with wooden headboards and have long since rotted and the exact grave sites were lost.  What became of Massey is not known.
*Source:  ELISHA TALMON HARBOUR  HIS LIFE AND FAMILY, by Robert L. Adair Jr.
website at:  ftp://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/ar/war/civwar/harbour.txt
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The State of Alabama, Perry County, February 11th A. D. 1837

This Indenture between William Radford of the one part and Elisha Radford of the other part, made the day and date afore named and each Residence of the above named State and County, ___ the afore said Elisha Radford for and in consideration of the sum of one hundred Dollars to him in hand paid the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledge hath bargained and sold and by these presents doth bargain sold and convey unto the aforesaid William Radford, a certain tract of parcel of land lying and bounded as follows ___ Running from the N. W. corner of the E ½ of the S. W. quarter of Section Sixteen of township number of range nine ___ Fifteen Rods due north connecting on ___ stake and from thence sixty rods due east and from thence sixteen Rods due South ___ from thence eighty Rods to the beginning including Eight (Eighty?) acres more or less together with all and singular the premises ___ as ___ with this and every part of right title claim interest and ___ of whatsoever nature or demand and the said Elisha Radford doth ___ and agree with the aforesaid Wm Radford that he will waive? And truly ___ and forever defend the above described tract of land and all and singular the premises aforesaid from himself his heirs and assigns and from all persons Claiming or to Claim the same unto the said Wm Radford, his heirs and assigns forever there unto ?  I have herewith set my name and affix my seal the day and date above ___ .
_____                     Elisah Radford {seal}
Benjamin Ford       Mary {her + mark} Radford {seal}

And his wife Polly Radford, being asked privately and apart from her husband saith that it is not on account of fear and or threat of her husband that she assigned the rights to the above described land but that she assin the same voluntarily.
Recorded May 17th, 1837        Benjamin Ford {seal}
J. B. ____ Clerk                       Justice of the Peace

Perry County Alabama, Deeds Book E, p. 1
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
State of Arkansas
February 11th 1837
Perry County
This Indenture between George H. Hanson of the one part and Wm Radford of the other part made the day and date above written and each residents of the above named state and county. Witneseth the aforesaid Geroge H. Hanson for and in consideration of three hundred dollars, to him in hand paid the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged doth bargain and sell and by these presents doth bargain, sell and convey unto the aforesaid William Radford, a certain tract of land bounded? As follows:  S. E. running fom the N. E. corner of the East half of the T. E. quarter of section twenty one of Township nineteen of range nine E. Twelve rods, south and from thence eighty rods due west and from thence twelve rod due north and from thence eighty rods due East to the beginning including {six? 104? very hard to read) acres more or less, together with all and singular the premises bounded? As aforesaid with ___ and every part of right title claim interest and demand of whatsoever nature, and the said George H. Hanson doth Covenant and agree with the said William Radford that he will truly ___ and forever defend the rights to the above described ____________unto set my name and affix his seal on the day and date above written ____
                                                 George H. Hanson {seal}
                                                 Susan {her + mark} Hanson {seal}

{note - there is a paragraph below this document in which Susan H. Hanson signs the standard acknowledgement that she is not under any threat by her husband to force her to sign the above document}

Perry County, Alabama Deed Book #, pp. 1-2
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
20 Mar 1859
{note the formatting of this document is entirely my own for clarification and easier reading-lcw}

The State of Alabama
Perry County

Know all men by these presents that I William Radford, of the County and State aforesaid for and in consideration of the natural love and affection which I have and ___ for my children, George W. Radford, Nancy Bolling, wife of T. W. Bolling , Elizabeth Smith, wife of John H. Smith, Winney Oakes, wife of John C. Oakes and Susan Hanson, wife George H. Hanson do hereby give ____ bargain and sell and Convey unto my said five children, George W., Nancy, Elizabeth, Winny and Susan

all my land consisting of the parcel which I now reside and containing about six hundred and thirty acres more or less,

all my Negro slaves, twenty in number Fours?, Mattie, Uriah, Isaac, Cain, Ned, Cailep?, Frank, Joe, Beineco?, Frank, George, Herny, Mary, Ellen, Wanieh?, Hanah, Clary, Eliza, Shadrach & Edmond,

also all my stock of horses, mules, cattle, sheep and hogs,

my household & kitchen furniture,

my cotton now remaining unsold,

all the notes and accounts due or owing to me,

all moneys now on hand

and all of the property owned by me except the corn? ___ ___ and other family stores and supplies on hand

To have and to hold the above  described real Estate with all the privileges and appurtenances to the same belonging or in any wise appurtenance.  The above described Negro slaves with the future increase of the ___ of them from and after the date of this conveyance and the above named Negros.  Notes and accounts and other property to them, My said children, George W., Nancy, Elizabeth, Winny & Susan, their heirs, Executors & administrators forever to be divided between them as forever viz the value of the property heretofore given by me to each of my said five children shall be first? acceocitained (ascertained?) at the time she or he received the same and their enough of the property or money hereby conveyed share be received by each of said five who has received ___ them the one of these who has received most to make as equal their __ balance of the property, real and personal and held money, hereby Conveyed, shall be equally divided between them each one receiving one fifth part.  Subject however to the charge of five hundred dollars hereinafter mentioned in favor of my son John W. Radford.  The slaves going to each one of my said four daughter ___ to belong to them excepting? for Nieis? She separated and exclusive use and herby give them the ___ accordly?  Provided however and it is hereby expressly undertstood understood that I reserve the use and enjoyment of all the above described property, real and personal and money for and during the term of my natural life and also the right to sell and receive the money for the Cotton Crop now on hand and to collect and receive any money now due or owing to me.  I further more give to my son John W. Radford five hundred dollars.  I made such sum a charge on the property, real money above mentioned and conveyed and in receipt of the same by my son or his children.  They shall my said son John W. Radford, said some of money, so given by me to him.  

In testimony ___ I have hereunto set my hand Seal this 20 day of March A. D. 1859.
In presence                                      Wm Radford (seal)
In presence of
W. R. Palmer
Dee? ___

Perry County, Alabama   Deed Book O, pp 413-414
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
W. G. Leach    (year 1860)
1708? VS  
Wm Radford     
Alleged Lunatic

This being the day appointed as will  appear by reference to an entry?  Thereof made at a former term of this  Court for the hearing of Petition of W. G. Leach filed by him as the relative of said Lunatic alleging the lunacy of the said Radford and praying the inquisition thereof.  Now come the said Leach and a jury
of good and lawful men who reside in the neighborhood of said Radford and who have been summoned to wit:  W. R. Pamlore? and eleven others who having hear the evidence the argument of Counsel and the Charge of the Court in the premises and being first tried? Empanelled? ___ well truly make inquisitions of the fact alleged in said petition and a True virdict reads according to this evidence upon their oaths do say, We the Jury, find the fact alleged in the petitions to be true and that the said William Radford is and was at the Commencement of this proceeding in his behalf, a person non compos mentis as therein stated.  It is therefore ordered adjudged and decreed by the Court that said petition and all other proceedings thereon together with the aforesaid verdict of said Jury declaring said Wm Radford to be a lunatic be recorded & filed ___.  

Perry County, Alabama, Book I, p. 423
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Probate Court, Regular Term, Dec 10, 1860

Duke Nall
17442 Exparte         
 
This day came Duke Nall and made application to this court for letter of guardianship in the person and Estate of William Radford, a lunatic in our County and it appearing to the satisfaction of the court that the said Duke Nall has entered into bond in the ___ sum of ninety thousand dollars, $9000000 with A. M Mahan, James Edward, S. J. Matters?, N. J. B. Sutty and John W. Sutty as his security conditioned as the law requires.  It is therefore ordered that said bond be approved, recorded and filed the said Nall having taken the oath of office.  It is ordered that letters issue to him ___.  

Perry County, Alabama Probate Records, Book I, p. 425
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Probate Court, Regular Term, February 16, 1861

Duke Nall Grd  
18079 of   
Wm Radford

This day came Duke Nall, Guardian of Wm Radford, lunatic and filed his resignation as guardian __.  Whereupon it is ordered that the same be received recorded and filed.  

Perry County, Alabama Probate Records, Book I
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Probate Court, Regular Term, February 16, 1861

John C. Oakes  
18078 VS
Wm Radford   
Lunatic
     
This day came John C. Oakes and made application to this Court for letters guardianship on the person & Estate of Wm Radford, a lunatic in said County and it appearing to the satisfaction of the Court that the said John C. Oakes has entered into bond in the ___ sum of Twenty thousand Dollars with George W. Radford, John M. Fuller, John W. Radford, T. W. Bolling, Susan Hanson, George J. Radford, Levi M. Radford, Matthew Russell, Mary Russell, Nancy J. Fuller, John W. Griffin, & Bashaba ___ Griffin as his securities conditioned as the law requires and the said guardian having taken the oath prescribed by law.  It is ordered that said bond be approved, recorded and filed and letters issue to applicant.

Perry County, Alabama Probate Records, Book I
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Probate Court, Regular Term, February 16, 1861

Duke Nall Grd   
18079 of            
Wm Radford    {

This day came Duke Nall, guardian of Wm Radford, a lunatic, and made return of the Inventory of the Estate of said Radford.  It is ordered that the ___ be recorded and filed.

Perry County, Alabama Probate Records, Book I
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Probate Court, Regular Term, February 16, 1861

Duke Nall Grd   
18080 of         
Wm Radford      

This day came Duke Nall, guardian of Wm Radford and paid his account and voucher for final settlement of __ guardianship.  Whereupon it is ordered by the Court that the matter be set for hearing at a term of this Court to be held at the usually place of hearing the ___ on the second Monday in March next, ordered further that three weeks notice be given by posting of written notice at the Court house door and three? Other public places in said County notifying all person interest to said matter of the time and place of hearing the same that they mat attend and contest the same if they see cause.

Perry County, Alabama Probate Records, Book I
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Probate Court Records, Perry County, Alabama, Book K, pp. 115-117

Probate Court, September 29th 1863
John C. Oaks and others
            Vs
Elisha Radford & others
Pet for sale of Lands & Slaves
For Division

{note the formatting of this document is entirely my own for clarification and easier reading-lcw}

This day came John C. Oaks and his wife Winney Oakes, T. W. Bolling, George W. Radford and Susan H. Hanson, widow and relict of George H. Hanson, and filed their petition with the Judge of this Court alleging among other things that William Radford Senior deceased late of Perry County, Alabama, in his life time and on the 2nd day March 1859 made a Deed of Gift to your Petitioner and one Elizabeth Smith, wife of John H. Smith who had died since the making of said Deed, Giving to Petitioners and the said Elizabeth Smith all of his Lands containing Six Hundred and thirty acres more or less and all his slaves, twenty in Number and all of his Stock of horses, mules, Cattle, Hogs and sheep - all of his Household and Kitchen furniture, his cotton on hand, sold and all his notes and accounts owing to him, his money and all other property except the Corn, Fod?, ____ and other family Stores and supplies - and reserving himself a life Estate and Comfortable Support out of said property, which said Deed is on Records, as alledged by petitioners in Record Book of Deeds Q pages (blank) in the Probate office of Perry County Alabama.  Petitioners further show to the court that the said William Radford Senior afterwards on the 22nd day of October 1860 made another Deed to your said Petitioners and his other children Giving all of his property to his children and agreeing that they should divide it according to the Land Laws of Descent and distribution of the State of Alabama, reserving to himself a Sufficient quantity of his Estate for his Comfortable Support during his life.  Petitioners further show to unto the Court that a large portion of the property of the said William Radford decd was divided out among Petitioners and his other children in accordance with the provisions of the last Deed reserving for the support of the said William Radford Senior during his life Six Hundred and thirty acres of Land more or less on which He resides and the following Negroes, Isaack, a man about fifty years of age, Cain a man about forty three years old, Hannah a woman about 70 years of age, Mariah a woman about 50 years of age, Mary a Woman 45 years of age and Ellen, a girl about 13 years of age.

Petitioners further show to the Court that on the ____1860 the said William Radford by the proper tribunal was declared non Compos Mentis and Duke Nall was appointed His Guardian and that on or about the 16 the of February 1861 - the said Nall resigned his office of Guardian and by agreement of the parties, John C. Oaks, one of the Petitioners was appointed the Guardian of said William Radford Senior, and that the said John C. Oaks continued to act as Guardian of the Said William Radford and manage his affairs up to the time of his death which occurred about the 23rd day of October 1862.  

Petitioners further show to the Court that on or about the 16 day of February A. D. 1861, the parties interested in the Estate of said William Radford Senior and to whom he had deeded the same agreed to and with Massie Radford, the wife of said William Radford to pay her the sum of Thirty one Hundred and thirty -two Dollars for her right of Dower and distributive share in the Estate of said William Radford decd, and in accordance with said agreement, the said John C. Oaks as Guardian of said William Radford Senior deceased has paid off or nearly paid off to said Massie Radford the sum agreed to be paid her for her dower Interest and Distributive Share in the Estate of said William Radford deceased and has her deed for the same.

Petitioners further show that the said William Radford a the time of making said Deed owned & Possessed the following lands, vis:

The west-half of the North East Quarter of Section sixteen less twenty acres off of the North end of said Quarter section.  The South East Quarter of the North East Quarter of Section Sixteen (16) - Less Ten acres off the South End.  The East-half of the South west Quarter of section Sixteen.  The west half of the South East Quarter of Section Sixteen.  The East-half of Section twenty-one, all in Township nineteen (19) and range nine (9) all lying in the County of Perry and the State of Alabama and in the District of Lands ____ to sale at Cahaba Alabama and Containing (Six Hundred and fifty acres more or less) and that then and now on hand and lived out by the Guardian the following Negroes, viz:

Isaac a man about 50 years of age, Cain a man about 43 years of age, Hannah a woman about 70 years of age, Mariah a woman about 50 years of age, Mary a woman about 45 years of age and Ellen a Girl about 13 years of age, all the balance of the property not heretofore divided having been sold by the said John C. Oaks, Guardian, as aforesaid, and accounted for by him in his settlement with the Court and to be accounted for in his settlement with these parties.

Petitioners further show unto the Court that the following persons under said Deed and the agreement heretofore made between the parties are interested in said Lands and Slaves are Joint-owners thereof - viz all of said petitioners,
And:
Elisha Radford, son of William Radford over 21 years of age and resides in Lauderdale County, Mississippi;
William T. Radford, over 21 years of age and resides in the State of Mississippi;
John W. Radford, son of W. Radford over 21 years of age and resides in Choctaw County, Alabama being at present  in the Army of the Confederate States in the State of Mississippi, all of who with the said petitioners get a full share each;
M. A. Russell, wife of Matthew Russell of Perry County Ala;
George J. Radford of Perry County Alabama in the  Confedeate Army;
Sapriah C. Stokes, wife of Joseph Stokes of Perry County Ala, the said Joseph Stokes absent in Army at Vicksburg;
Nancy B. Lucas, wife of E. R. Lucas of Perry County, also in the confederate States army;
Eli B. Radford when last heard from was in California;
William B. Radford of Lauderdale Co Miss in the confederate States Army;
Susan A. McMahon, wife of M. L. McMahon of Lauderdale County Mississippi and;
Levi Radford or Perry County also in the confederate service in Miss, all of who are over the age of twenty one years except William B. Radford, about twenty years of age, and are the children of Reuben Radford, who was a son of William Radford.

Jesse H. Smith over 21 years of age;
William R. Smith over 21 years of age, both of whom reside in the State of Mississippi;
Polly Ann Mayfield, wife of George W. Mayfield of the State of Mississippi who is dead leaving these the names of whom are unknown to Petitioners;
  Ozarth Myers, wife of (blank) Myers of the State of Arkansas,
Reuben Smith;
John Smith;
Nancy C. Smith;
Susan Smith;
Beth Smith;
George Smith, Jane Hodges, wife of  (blank) Hodges;
Francis Smith &;
Zachariah T. Smith of the State of Arkansas all of whom are over 21 years of age except the last, who are over 14 years of age - under 21 years of years of age and the Children of Polly Ann Mayfield are under 21 years of age and wit the exception of the three las named the Children of Elizabeth Smith, who was a Daughter of William Radford Senior decd;

William C. Harbor over 21 years of age lives in the State of Miss;
E. T. Harbor over 21 years of age, Perry Co, Ala but absent in the Army;
Bahala a. Griffin, wife of John W. Griffin of Perry Co, Ala in the confederate army and;
Nancy J. Fuller, wife of John M. fuller of Perry County Ala, but said Jno M. Fuller is absent in the Confederate Army, all of who are over 21 years of age and are the children of Temple Harbor who was a daughter of William Radford Senior:

Petitioners further report that the said property cannot be equitably portioned or divided or distributed to those entitled to Share in it without a Sale of the Same and that it would be to the interest of all of the parties to sell the Said property for partition, division & distribution.  

Petitioners therefore pray the Court to decree this said property to be sold and to make and issue all such orders as may be necessary to effect the sale thereof for the purpose of such division.

It is ordered by the Court that the Matter of the said Petitioners be set for hearing on the Second Monday in November 1863.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Probate Court Minutes, Book K, Perry County, Alabama, pp. 118-119

Probate Court - November 9th, 1863
James C. Oaks and Others
              Vs
Elisah Radford et al
Pet for Sale of Land & Slaves
For distribution

{note the formatting of this document is entirely my own for clarification and easier reading-lcw}

This being the term of the Court to which was set for the hearing of the Petition heretofore to wit - on the 29 day of September, 1863, by James C. Oaks and other praying the Court to decree a Sale of certain real estate and personal property therein mentioned an described for the purpose of distribution upon the ____ that the same cannot be equitably divided among the parties owning the same - without a sale there of:  now come the said parties and move the Court to proceed with the hearing of the said petition - also comes Jesse B. Shines who had heretofore been duly appointed Guardian ad liteno? To represent and protect the ___ defendants to this proceeding now in open Court cominting to a el-as such Guardian ad litin? Contests the Granting of the said application - and it appearing to the satisfaction of the Court from the testimony of C. J. Martina and W. R. Palmore? Taken upon direct and cross interrogations, that a sale of said property for the purposes of distribution among the parties interested in the same is essentially necessary.  

It is therefore ordered, adjudged and deemed by the Court  that the said application be Granted :  It is further ordered by the Court that Wm. R. Palmore, James Edwards, Charles Savay, N. J. B. Suttles and Robert O. Harris, be and they are hereby appointed Commissions to sell the following described lands belonging to John C. Oaks, the representation of the Estate of Wm Radford decd to wit:  

NE ¼ of  Section H. The West ½ of NE ¼ of Section 16 less 20 acres off of the N. End of said ¼ Section.  The S.E. ¼ of the N. E. ¼ of Section 16 less ten (10) acres off the S. End.  The E ½ of the S. W. ¼ of section 16, the w ½ of the S. E. ¼ of Section 16 - the East ½ of Section 21 and the E ½ of the N. W. ¼ of sect 21 - all in Township 19, Range 9 - all lying in Perry County and State of Alabama.

Also the following Negroes - viz :  Isaac a man about 50 years of age.  Cain a man about 43 years of age.  Hannah  a woman about 70.  Mariah Mary & Ellen : said commissions are herby ordered to sell the said property after advertising by posting at the Court House door, thirty days before the day of  Sale, on a credit of Twelve months with Interest - from day of Sale, with the privelege of paying Cash at any time before the maturity of notes taken for the purchase money.  The said commissioners are further ordered to sell the said property at Public Auction on the premises of the late Wm Radford decd, taking notes bearing Interest secured by two Good securities or cash at the option of the purchaser.  It is further ordered by this Court - that the said Commissioners will report their proceeding under this order to this Court within sixty days from the day of Sale as directed herein.  It is further ordered that he said petition be recorded & filed.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The mother of our subject, Nancy B. (Radford) Bolling, was born in Perry County, Ala., and is now sixty-five years of age. The town of Radfordville, in Perry County, Ala., was named in honor of her father, William, who was a soldier in one of the early wars, and a wealthy planter.
*Source:  History of Benton, Washington, Carroll, Madison, Crawford, Franklin, and Sebastian Counties, Arkansas. Chicago: The Goodspeed Publishing Co., 1889.
(Note:  extracted from an article on grandson William R. Bolling in the above cited text)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Radfordville  was the original name of Radford.  Radford is a settlement with a discontinued post office in Perry Co., AL.  Named for the family of William Radford, who settled there in 1820.  Radfordville PO was estab. 1846 and Radford PO in  1880.
*Source:   "Place Names in Alabama" by Virginia O. Foscue
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1841 Radfordsville Beat (Perry Co, AL)
On 13 Nov 1841, the following voters cast their votes for constable, to fill vacancy left by resignation of R. Radford:  Rubin Radford,  William Radford
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1850 Radfordsville Beat
Perry Co., Ala. Census

William Radford 68 Va
Elizabeth 66 Ga
George W. 21 Al
Thornberry Boiling 26 SC
Nancy               25           Ala
Wm.S                 5
Nancy                 3
Martha                 2
(Note, Nancy was William's daughter and she was married to Thornberry Boiling, my guess is that the children ages 5, 3 and 2 were Nancy and Thornberrys children).  William and Elizabeth are also found in the 1830 and 1840 Perry Co, AL Census.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1860 United States Slave Census, Perry County, Alabama
Slave Owner:    William Radford
# of slaves:  24
# of black slaves:  21
# of mulattos:  3
# of house slaves:  6
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
NOTE:  The names and birthdates of William's children were provided from a copy of his family bible.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Radforville named for our ancestor is called RADFORD today, and is located a little SE of Marion AL #14 just S of County#10, about midway between Sprott and Suttle.

John M. RADFORD

John was the son of George and Ann Radford of Essex Co., VA.    

17 Aug 1725.
He patented a 400 acre tract in Henrico Co., VA next to the lands of his wife's father and brother.

20 Aug 1734  
patented 175 acres in Amelia Co., Va on the south side of the Appomattox River and straddling Sandy's Creek.

9 July 1737
added another 100 acres to the 1734 tract and the entire tract was repatented.

18 Mar 1740
sold 160 acres of this land to his former brother-in-law William Barnes (sic…William married Susannah Maxey, sister of his wife Elizabeth, it is presumed that Susannah had died by this point)

17 Jun 1740
William and Elizabeth Barnes (second wife of William) of Amelia County sold to John Radford 300 acres in Goochland Co., VA, part of an original patent granted to William on 28 sep 1730.  

17 June 1740
William Barnes of Amelia Co., Va. to John Radford of Goochlaand Co., Va. for 60 lbs. land on south side of James River on north side of Jones Creek 300 acres.

17 Jan 1749/50
he was deeded 400 acres of land originally patented by Edward Maxey, Jr. on  17 Jan 1749/50.   

25 Feb 1750/51.  
he and Elizabeth sold the land from her brother, Edward Maxey, Jr.

1752
licensed to keep an Ordinary in his house

1754
licensed to keep an Ordinary in his house.

25 July 1761   - made a deed of gift of 225 acres to his son John, Jr.

He mentioned "all my children", but named only sons Richard and George, daughter Susannah Epperson, and grandsons Richard and John Epperson.  However, the children of John and Elizabeth are well proved by a chancery suit filed in court in October 1830 by the children and grandchildren of John Radford, Jr., to force a division of the estate of their Uncle George Radford.  Besides Richard, George, Susannah and John, Jr., the suit identified Agnes, Elizabeth, Nancy and Mary.  (Their Uncle George died testate in Powhatan Co, VA, but had made no provision in his will, dated 23 December 1818, for the disposition of his land or other property and he left no wife or children.)
*Source:  Extracts from :  The Maxeys of Virginia, a Genealogical History of the Descendents of Edward and Susannah Maxey, by Edythe Maxey Clark, p. 80, repository:  Dallas County Library, Dallas, TX, pp. 80-81

1747
He deeds land to his daughter Agnes and her husband Joseph Bondurant.
*Source:  The Maxeys of Virginia, a Genealogical History of the Descendents of Edward and Susannah Maxey, by Edythe Maxey Clark, p. 80, repository:  Dallas County Library, Dallas, TX, p. 339

Elizabeth MAXEY

Elizabeth Maxey, a daughter of Edward Maxey, Sr. and Susannah, had probably just married John Radford at about the time he patented a 400-acre tract in Henrico Co, VA, on 17 Aug 1725, next to the lands of her father and brother…….Elizabeth Radford was mentioned by her married name in the will of her mother in 1743, but the will of John Radford, written 29 July 1772 and proved 28 Jun 1773, referred onto to "my loving wife" without giving her name.  
*Source:  The Maxeys of Virginia, a Genealogical History of the Descendents of Edward and Susannah Maxey, by Edythe Maxey Clark, p. 80, repository:  Dallas County Library, Dallas, TX

Her brother Edward Maxey, born 1681 in London, England; died 1726 in Henrico Co. (now Goochland Co.), Virginia; married Elizabeth Radford, her husband's sister.  *Source:  Internet

Marriage Notes for John M. RADFORD and Elizabeth MAXEY-1448

The date of this marriage came from Glen Maxey's website at:
http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/m/a/x/Glen-Maxey/index.html
I have found no documentation to date to back this up.  This date is listed here only for further research. Mar 2003

Susannah RADFORD

She married Richard Epperson May 1743 in VA.  She was given one feather bed & bolster in her Grandfather's will.   (Edward Maxey - see entire will in his notes section).
*Source:  The Maxeys of Virginia, a Genealogical History of the Descendents of Edward and Susannah Maxey, by Edythe Maxey Clark, p. 81, repository:  Dallas County Library, Dallas, TX, p. 80

Elizabeth RADFORD

She married William Blackburn.
*Source:  The Maxeys of Virginia, a Genealogical History of the Descendents of Edward and Susannah Maxey, by Edythe Maxey Clark, p. 81, repository:  Dallas County Library, Dallas, TX, p. 80

Nancy Ann RADFORD

She married John Cannifax.
*Source:  The Maxeys of Virginia, a Genealogical History of the Descendents of Edward and Susannah Maxey, by Edythe Maxey Clark, p. 81, repository:  Dallas County Library, Dallas, TX, p. 80

Mary Magdalene RADFORD

She married John M. McCargo in 1760 in Buckingham Co., Virginia.  
*Source:  The Maxeys of Virginia, a Genealogical History of the Descendents of Edward and Susannah Maxey, by Edythe Maxey Clark, p. 81, repository:  Dallas County Library, Dallas, TX, p. 80

She and John were married in 1760 in Buckingham Co, Virginia.
*Note, the marriage date and her middle name came from an imported file years ago.  I do not have source information for these 2 facts.

John RADFORD Jr

He married Jane Johnson abt 1747, and had several children, including a Reuben Radford.  This Reuben was born near 1760 and married Phobe Gibson.  This is the same John and Jane given in the James Radford account, in whch case the two do not collaborate.  
*Source:  Robert L. Adair, Jr., ELISHA TALMON HARBOUR, His Life and Family, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 1995 (ftp://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/ar/state/military/civilwar/harbour.txt). Printed version, p. 17.

George RADFORD

*Source:  The Maxeys of Virginia, a Genealogical History of the Descendents of Edward and Susannah Maxey, by Edythe Maxey Clark, p. 80, repository:  Dallas County Library, Dallas, TX, p. 80

William Tarply RADFORD

In 1850 Perry Co, AL. To Choctaw Co, AL by 1863. In Civil War.

William RADFORD

He was a soldier in the War of 1812. Moved to Perry Co, AL. In 1860, W.G. Leach had William Radford declared a lunatic. Duke Nall was first appointed guardian, but he resigned and John C. Oakes was appointed guardian (data from Mrs. Fred Daws.)

William moved with his family to Georgia as a young boy.  In 1807, William participated in the land lottery and received two draws in Wilkinson County, GA for lot 56 in district 18 and lot 107 in district 13.  Sometime in 1808, William's father, Reuben, moved to Morgan County, GA, and William moved his family there as well.  The first record of William in Morgan dates from 1810.  In August of 1810, he served on the Number 2 jury in Morgan County.  He also paid tax on land near his father in William's Militia District.    Around 1818, William and his family (along with his sister Ann and her husband Samuel Watters) moved to Perry County, Alabama.  The land that William was granted was in close proximity of what became known as Radfordville named after him.  It seems that William accumulated much land in his lifetime.  Although it is unclear, it appears that his wife, Nancy died around 1817 and that William remarried and had several more children.  Mary, or "Winnie" was born around 1820, William T. in 1822, Nancy J. in 1825 and George Washington in 1827.  

In the 1830's, William received two more government patents to increase his land holdings.  On 14 Apr 1834 he received 80 acres and on 16 Jan 1836 he received another 80 acres.  At an unknown time, William's second wife died and he then married Elizabeth Griffin, the widow of Own Griffin.  She had moved from Wilkes Co, GA to Perry Co, AL with here two children.  In 1850, William owned 4,000 acres in real estate.  By the 1850's, it appears that Radfordville was establishing itself as a real focal point by the region's farmers.  As William owned much of the land in the area, the Radfords certainly became prosperous.  In 1853, the and his wife donated 1 acre in the village to establish the "Radfordville Academy."  The trustees of this school were all local men, many whose families had married into the Radfords.  Included were:  Samuel Bolling, James M. Watters, Joseph R. Watters and James W. Oaks.  

The town of Radfordville was a prominent place in the local area for many years.  Near the school, a post office and brick store were built.  In the Civil War, a company of the 8th Alabama Volunteers was formed there.  The school continued to function until 1928.  The school was torn down in 1930, and all that remains of the little town is an empty field.  

Sometime after 1853, William lost his wife Elizabeth and on 13 Jul 1858, William married Massey Leach.  She was a widow from nearby Bibb County.  Massey was born in South Carolina in 1813 and had at least 4 children by a previous marriage.  In the 1860 census, William was listed with Massey who was 33 years his junior.  The census has him listed as a farmer with a real estate value of 6,200.  His personal holdings were more than 2,000.  Massey's daughter, Lucinda Leach, was listed as an 18 year old house keeper.  Living next door was his son George and his wife Martha.  George was listed as an overseer, evidently running the large farm that his father owned.  

It appears that the family of Massey was not happy about this marriage to William.  A W. G. Leach from Bibb, who was likely a relative of Massey's, brought a case against William and had him declared a lunatic.  Duke Nall, who later as an officer in the 8th Alabama died in the Civil War, was appointed William's guardian.  He later resigned, and John C. Oakes, his son-in-law, became guardian and managed his affairs until after Williams' death on 23 Oct 1862.  William left a will that divided his estate among many children and grandchildren.  He was most likely buried in the old Stone Family Cemetery.  The graves were marker with wooden headboards and have long since rotted and the exact grave sites were lost.  What became of Massey is not known.
*Source:  ELISHA TALMON HARBOUR  HIS LIFE AND FAMILY, by Robert L. Adair Jr.
website at:  ftp://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/ar/war/civwar/harbour.txt
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The State of Alabama, Perry County, February 11th A. D. 1837

This Indenture between William Radford of the one part and Elisha Radford of the other part, made the day and date afore named and each Residence of the above named State and County, ___ the afore said Elisha Radford for and in consideration of the sum of one hundred Dollars to him in hand paid the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledge hath bargained and sold and by these presents doth bargain sold and convey unto the aforesaid William Radford, a certain tract of parcel of land lying and bounded as follows ___ Running from the N. W. corner of the E ½ of the S. W. quarter of Section Sixteen of township number of range nine ___ Fifteen Rods due north connecting on ___ stake and from thence sixty rods due east and from thence sixteen Rods due South ___ from thence eighty Rods to the beginning including Eight (Eighty?) acres more or less together with all and singular the premises ___ as ___ with this and every part of right title claim interest and ___ of whatsoever nature or demand and the said Elisha Radford doth ___ and agree with the aforesaid Wm Radford that he will waive? And truly ___ and forever defend the above described tract of land and all and singular the premises aforesaid from himself his heirs and assigns and from all persons Claiming or to Claim the same unto the said Wm Radford, his heirs and assigns forever there unto ?  I have herewith set my name and affix my seal the day and date above ___ .
_____                     Elisah Radford {seal}
Benjamin Ford       Mary {her + mark} Radford {seal}

And his wife Polly Radford, being asked privately and apart from her husband saith that it is not on account of fear and or threat of her husband that she assigned the rights to the above described land but that she assin the same voluntarily.
Recorded May 17th, 1837        Benjamin Ford {seal}
J. B. ____ Clerk                       Justice of the Peace

Perry County Alabama, Deeds Book E, p. 1
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
State of Arkansas
February 11th 1837
Perry County
This Indenture between George H. Hanson of the one part and Wm Radford of the other part made the day and date above written and each residents of the above named state and county. Witneseth the aforesaid Geroge H. Hanson for and in consideration of three hundred dollars, to him in hand paid the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged doth bargain and sell and by these presents doth bargain, sell and convey unto the aforesaid William Radford, a certain tract of land bounded? As follows:  S. E. running fom the N. E. corner of the East half of the T. E. quarter of section twenty one of Township nineteen of range nine E. Twelve rods, south and from thence eighty rods due west and from thence twelve rod due north and from thence eighty rods due East to the beginning including {six? 104? very hard to read) acres more or less, together with all and singular the premises bounded? As aforesaid with ___ and every part of right title claim interest and demand of whatsoever nature, and the said George H. Hanson doth Covenant and agree with the said William Radford that he will truly ___ and forever defend the rights to the above described ____________unto set my name and affix his seal on the day and date above written ____
                                                 George H. Hanson {seal}
                                                 Susan {her + mark} Hanson {seal}

{note - there is a paragraph below this document in which Susan H. Hanson signs the standard acknowledgement that she is not under any threat by her husband to force her to sign the above document}

Perry County, Alabama Deed Book #, pp. 1-2
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
20 Mar 1859
{note the formatting of this document is entirely my own for clarification and easier reading-lcw}

The State of Alabama
Perry County

Know all men by these presents that I William Radford, of the County and State aforesaid for and in consideration of the natural love and affection which I have and ___ for my children, George W. Radford, Nancy Bolling, wife of T. W. Bolling , Elizabeth Smith, wife of John H. Smith, Winney Oakes, wife of John C. Oakes and Susan Hanson, wife George H. Hanson do hereby give ____ bargain and sell and Convey unto my said five children, George W., Nancy, Elizabeth, Winny and Susan

all my land consisting of the parcel which I now reside and containing about six hundred and thirty acres more or less,

all my Negro slaves, twenty in number Fours?, Mattie, Uriah, Isaac, Cain, Ned, Cailep?, Frank, Joe, Beineco?, Frank, George, Herny, Mary, Ellen, Wanieh?, Hanah, Clary, Eliza, Shadrach & Edmond,

also all my stock of horses, mules, cattle, sheep and hogs,

my household & kitchen furniture,

my cotton now remaining unsold,

all the notes and accounts due or owing to me,

all moneys now on hand

and all of the property owned by me except the corn? ___ ___ and other family stores and supplies on hand

To have and to hold the above  described real Estate with all the privileges and appurtenances to the same belonging or in any wise appurtenance.  The above described Negro slaves with the future increase of the ___ of them from and after the date of this conveyance and the above named Negros.  Notes and accounts and other property to them, My said children, George W., Nancy, Elizabeth, Winny & Susan, their heirs, Executors & administrators forever to be divided between them as forever viz the value of the property heretofore given by me to each of my said five children shall be first? acceocitained (ascertained?) at the time she or he received the same and their enough of the property or money hereby conveyed share be received by each of said five who has received ___ them the one of these who has received most to make as equal their __ balance of the property, real and personal and held money, hereby Conveyed, shall be equally divided between them each one receiving one fifth part.  Subject however to the charge of five hundred dollars hereinafter mentioned in favor of my son John W. Radford.  The slaves going to each one of my said four daughter ___ to belong to them excepting? for Nieis? She separated and exclusive use and herby give them the ___ accordly?  Provided however and it is hereby expressly undertstood understood that I reserve the use and enjoyment of all the above described property, real and personal and money for and during the term of my natural life and also the right to sell and receive the money for the Cotton Crop now on hand and to collect and receive any money now due or owing to me.  I further more give to my son John W. Radford five hundred dollars.  I made such sum a charge on the property, real money above mentioned and conveyed and in receipt of the same by my son or his children.  They shall my said son John W. Radford, said some of money, so given by me to him.  

In testimony ___ I have hereunto set my hand Seal this 20 day of March A. D. 1859.
In presence                                      Wm Radford (seal)
In presence of
W. R. Palmer
Dee? ___

Perry County, Alabama   Deed Book O, pp 413-414
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
W. G. Leach    (year 1860)
1708? VS  
Wm Radford     
Alleged Lunatic

This being the day appointed as will  appear by reference to an entry?  Thereof made at a former term of this  Court for the hearing of Petition of W. G. Leach filed by him as the relative of said Lunatic alleging the lunacy of the said Radford and praying the inquisition thereof.  Now come the said Leach and a jury
of good and lawful men who reside in the neighborhood of said Radford and who have been summoned to wit:  W. R. Pamlore? and eleven others who having hear the evidence the argument of Counsel and the Charge of the Court in the premises and being first tried? Empanelled? ___ well truly make inquisitions of the fact alleged in said petition and a True virdict reads according to this evidence upon their oaths do say, We the Jury, find the fact alleged in the petitions to be true and that the said William Radford is and was at the Commencement of this proceeding in his behalf, a person non compos mentis as therein stated.  It is therefore ordered adjudged and decreed by the Court that said petition and all other proceedings thereon together with the aforesaid verdict of said Jury declaring said Wm Radford to be a lunatic be recorded & filed ___.  

Perry County, Alabama, Book I, p. 423
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Probate Court, Regular Term, Dec 10, 1860

Duke Nall
17442 Exparte         
 
This day came Duke Nall and made application to this court for letter of guardianship in the person and Estate of William Radford, a lunatic in our County and it appearing to the satisfaction of the court that the said Duke Nall has entered into bond in the ___ sum of ninety thousand dollars, $9000000 with A. M Mahan, James Edward, S. J. Matters?, N. J. B. Sutty and John W. Sutty as his security conditioned as the law requires.  It is therefore ordered that said bond be approved, recorded and filed the said Nall having taken the oath of office.  It is ordered that letters issue to him ___.  

Perry County, Alabama Probate Records, Book I, p. 425
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Probate Court, Regular Term, February 16, 1861

Duke Nall Grd  
18079 of   
Wm Radford

This day came Duke Nall, Guardian of Wm Radford, lunatic and filed his resignation as guardian __.  Whereupon it is ordered that the same be received recorded and filed.  

Perry County, Alabama Probate Records, Book I
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Probate Court, Regular Term, February 16, 1861

John C. Oakes  
18078 VS
Wm Radford   
Lunatic
     
This day came John C. Oakes and made application to this Court for letters guardianship on the person & Estate of Wm Radford, a lunatic in said County and it appearing to the satisfaction of the Court that the said John C. Oakes has entered into bond in the ___ sum of Twenty thousand Dollars with George W. Radford, John M. Fuller, John W. Radford, T. W. Bolling, Susan Hanson, George J. Radford, Levi M. Radford, Matthew Russell, Mary Russell, Nancy J. Fuller, John W. Griffin, & Bashaba ___ Griffin as his securities conditioned as the law requires and the said guardian having taken the oath prescribed by law.  It is ordered that said bond be approved, recorded and filed and letters issue to applicant.

Perry County, Alabama Probate Records, Book I
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Probate Court, Regular Term, February 16, 1861

Duke Nall Grd   
18079 of            
Wm Radford    {

This day came Duke Nall, guardian of Wm Radford, a lunatic, and made return of the Inventory of the Estate of said Radford.  It is ordered that the ___ be recorded and filed.

Perry County, Alabama Probate Records, Book I
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Probate Court, Regular Term, February 16, 1861

Duke Nall Grd   
18080 of         
Wm Radford      

This day came Duke Nall, guardian of Wm Radford and paid his account and voucher for final settlement of __ guardianship.  Whereupon it is ordered by the Court that the matter be set for hearing at a term of this Court to be held at the usually place of hearing the ___ on the second Monday in March next, ordered further that three weeks notice be given by posting of written notice at the Court house door and three? Other public places in said County notifying all person interest to said matter of the time and place of hearing the same that they mat attend and contest the same if they see cause.

Perry County, Alabama Probate Records, Book I
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Probate Court Records, Perry County, Alabama, Book K, pp. 115-117

Probate Court, September 29th 1863
John C. Oaks and others
            Vs
Elisha Radford & others
Pet for sale of Lands & Slaves
For Division

{note the formatting of this document is entirely my own for clarification and easier reading-lcw}

This day came John C. Oaks and his wife Winney Oakes, T. W. Bolling, George W. Radford and Susan H. Hanson, widow and relict of George H. Hanson, and filed their petition with the Judge of this Court alleging among other things that William Radford Senior deceased late of Perry County, Alabama, in his life time and on the 2nd day March 1859 made a Deed of Gift to your Petitioner and one Elizabeth Smith, wife of John H. Smith who had died since the making of said Deed, Giving to Petitioners and the said Elizabeth Smith all of his Lands containing Six Hundred and thirty acres more or less and all his slaves, twenty in Number and all of his Stock of horses, mules, Cattle, Hogs and sheep - all of his Household and Kitchen furniture, his cotton on hand, sold and all his notes and accounts owing to him, his money and all other property except the Corn, Fod?, ____ and other family Stores and supplies - and reserving himself a life Estate and Comfortable Support out of said property, which said Deed is on Records, as alledged by petitioners in Record Book of Deeds Q pages (blank) in the Probate office of Perry County Alabama.  Petitioners further show to the court that the said William Radford Senior afterwards on the 22nd day of October 1860 made another Deed to your said Petitioners and his other children Giving all of his property to his children and agreeing that they should divide it according to the Land Laws of Descent and distribution of the State of Alabama, reserving to himself a Sufficient quantity of his Estate for his Comfortable Support during his life.  Petitioners further show to unto the Court that a large portion of the property of the said William Radford decd was divided out among Petitioners and his other children in accordance with the provisions of the last Deed reserving for the support of the said William Radford Senior during his life Six Hundred and thirty acres of Land more or less on which He resides and the following Negroes, Isaack, a man about fifty years of age, Cain a man about forty three years old, Hannah a woman about 70 years of age, Mariah a woman about 50 years of age, Mary a Woman 45 years of age and Ellen, a girl about 13 years of age.

Petitioners further show to the Court that on the ____1860 the said William Radford by the proper tribunal was declared non Compos Mentis and Duke Nall was appointed His Guardian and that on or about the 16 the of February 1861 - the said Nall resigned his office of Guardian and by agreement of the parties, John C. Oaks, one of the Petitioners was appointed the Guardian of said William Radford Senior, and that the said John C. Oaks continued to act as Guardian of the Said William Radford and manage his affairs up to the time of his death which occurred about the 23rd day of October 1862.  

Petitioners further show to the Court that on or about the 16 day of February A. D. 1861, the parties interested in the Estate of said William Radford Senior and to whom he had deeded the same agreed to and with Massie Radford, the wife of said William Radford to pay her the sum of Thirty one Hundred and thirty -two Dollars for her right of Dower and distributive share in the Estate of said William Radford decd, and in accordance with said agreement, the said John C. Oaks as Guardian of said William Radford Senior deceased has paid off or nearly paid off to said Massie Radford the sum agreed to be paid her for her dower Interest and Distributive Share in the Estate of said William Radford deceased and has her deed for the same.

Petitioners further show that the said William Radford a the time of making said Deed owned & Possessed the following lands, vis:

The west-half of the North East Quarter of Section sixteen less twenty acres off of the North end of said Quarter section.  The South East Quarter of the North East Quarter of Section Sixteen (16) - Less Ten acres off the South End.  The East-half of the South west Quarter of section Sixteen.  The west half of the South East Quarter of Section Sixteen.  The East-half of Section twenty-one, all in Township nineteen (19) and range nine (9) all lying in the County of Perry and the State of Alabama and in the District of Lands ____ to sale at Cahaba Alabama and Containing (Six Hundred and fifty acres more or less) and that then and now on hand and lived out by the Guardian the following Negroes, viz:

Isaac a man about 50 years of age, Cain a man about 43 years of age, Hannah a woman about 70 years of age, Mariah a woman about 50 years of age, Mary a woman about 45 years of age and Ellen a Girl about 13 years of age, all the balance of the property not heretofore divided having been sold by the said John C. Oaks, Guardian, as aforesaid, and accounted for by him in his settlement with the Court and to be accounted for in his settlement with these parties.

Petitioners further show unto the Court that the following persons under said Deed and the agreement heretofore made between the parties are interested in said Lands and Slaves are Joint-owners thereof - viz all of said petitioners,
And:
Elisha Radford, son of William Radford over 21 years of age and resides in Lauderdale County, Mississippi;
William T. Radford, over 21 years of age and resides in the State of Mississippi;
John W. Radford, son of W. Radford over 21 years of age and resides in Choctaw County, Alabama being at present  in the Army of the Confederate States in the State of Mississippi, all of who with the said petitioners get a full share each;
M. A. Russell, wife of Matthew Russell of Perry County Ala;
George J. Radford of Perry County Alabama in the  Confedeate Army;
Sapriah C. Stokes, wife of Joseph Stokes of Perry County Ala, the said Joseph Stokes absent in Army at Vicksburg;
Nancy B. Lucas, wife of E. R. Lucas of Perry County, also in the confederate States army;
Eli B. Radford when last heard from was in California;
William B. Radford of Lauderdale Co Miss in the confederate States Army;
Susan A. McMahon, wife of M. L. McMahon of Lauderdale County Mississippi and;
Levi Radford or Perry County also in the confederate service in Miss, all of who are over the age of twenty one years except William B. Radford, about twenty years of age, and are the children of Reuben Radford, who was a son of William Radford.

Jesse H. Smith over 21 years of age;
William R. Smith over 21 years of age, both of whom reside in the State of Mississippi;
Polly Ann Mayfield, wife of George W. Mayfield of the State of Mississippi who is dead leaving these the names of whom are unknown to Petitioners;
  Ozarth Myers, wife of (blank) Myers of the State of Arkansas,
Reuben Smith;
John Smith;
Nancy C. Smith;
Susan Smith;
Beth Smith;
George Smith, Jane Hodges, wife of  (blank) Hodges;
Francis Smith &;
Zachariah T. Smith of the State of Arkansas all of whom are over 21 years of age except the last, who are over 14 years of age - under 21 years of years of age and the Children of Polly Ann Mayfield are under 21 years of age and wit the exception of the three las named the Children of Elizabeth Smith, who was a Daughter of William Radford Senior decd;

William C. Harbor over 21 years of age lives in the State of Miss;
E. T. Harbor over 21 years of age, Perry Co, Ala but absent in the Army;
Bahala a. Griffin, wife of John W. Griffin of Perry Co, Ala in the confederate army and;
Nancy J. Fuller, wife of John M. fuller of Perry County Ala, but said Jno M. Fuller is absent in the Confederate Army, all of who are over 21 years of age and are the children of Temple Harbor who was a daughter of William Radford Senior:

Petitioners further report that the said property cannot be equitably portioned or divided or distributed to those entitled to Share in it without a Sale of the Same and that it would be to the interest of all of the parties to sell the Said property for partition, division & distribution.  

Petitioners therefore pray the Court to decree this said property to be sold and to make and issue all such orders as may be necessary to effect the sale thereof for the purpose of such division.

It is ordered by the Court that the Matter of the said Petitioners be set for hearing on the Second Monday in November 1863.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Probate Court Minutes, Book K, Perry County, Alabama, pp. 118-119

Probate Court - November 9th, 1863
James C. Oaks and Others
              Vs
Elisah Radford et al
Pet for Sale of Land & Slaves
For distribution

{note the formatting of this document is entirely my own for clarification and easier reading-lcw}

This being the term of the Court to which was set for the hearing of the Petition heretofore to wit - on the 29 day of September, 1863, by James C. Oaks and other praying the Court to decree a Sale of certain real estate and personal property therein mentioned an described for the purpose of distribution upon the ____ that the same cannot be equitably divided among the parties owning the same - without a sale there of:  now come the said parties and move the Court to proceed with the hearing of the said petition - also comes Jesse B. Shines who had heretofore been duly appointed Guardian ad liteno? To represent and protect the ___ defendants to this proceeding now in open Court cominting to a el-as such Guardian ad litin? Contests the Granting of the said application - and it appearing to the satisfaction of the Court from the testimony of C. J. Martina and W. R. Palmore? Taken upon direct and cross interrogations, that a sale of said property for the purposes of distribution among the parties interested in the same is essentially necessary.  

It is therefore ordered, adjudged and deemed by the Court  that the said application be Granted :  It is further ordered by the Court that Wm. R. Palmore, James Edwards, Charles Savay, N. J. B. Suttles and Robert O. Harris, be and they are hereby appointed Commissions to sell the following described lands belonging to John C. Oaks, the representation of the Estate of Wm Radford decd to wit:  

NE ¼ of  Section H. The West ½ of NE ¼ of Section 16 less 20 acres off of the N. End of said ¼ Section.  The S.E. ¼ of the N. E. ¼ of Section 16 less ten (10) acres off the S. End.  The E ½ of the S. W. ¼ of section 16, the w ½ of the S. E. ¼ of Section 16 - the East ½ of Section 21 and the E ½ of the N. W. ¼ of sect 21 - all in Township 19, Range 9 - all lying in Perry County and State of Alabama.

Also the following Negroes - viz :  Isaac a man about 50 years of age.  Cain a man about 43 years of age.  Hannah  a woman about 70.  Mariah Mary & Ellen : said commissions are herby ordered to sell the said property after advertising by posting at the Court House door, thirty days before the day of  Sale, on a credit of Twelve months with Interest - from day of Sale, with the privelege of paying Cash at any time before the maturity of notes taken for the purchase money.  The said commissioners are further ordered to sell the said property at Public Auction on the premises of the late Wm Radford decd, taking notes bearing Interest secured by two Good securities or cash at the option of the purchaser.  It is further ordered by this Court - that the said Commissioners will report their proceeding under this order to this Court within sixty days from the day of Sale as directed herein.  It is further ordered that he said petition be recorded & filed.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The mother of our subject, Nancy B. (Radford) Bolling, was born in Perry County, Ala., and is now sixty-five years of age. The town of Radfordville, in Perry County, Ala., was named in honor of her father, William, who was a soldier in one of the early wars, and a wealthy planter.
*Source:  History of Benton, Washington, Carroll, Madison, Crawford, Franklin, and Sebastian Counties, Arkansas. Chicago: The Goodspeed Publishing Co., 1889.
(Note:  extracted from an article on grandson William R. Bolling in the above cited text)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Radfordville  was the original name of Radford.  Radford is a settlement with a discontinued post office in Perry Co., AL.  Named for the family of William Radford, who settled there in 1820.  Radfordville PO was estab. 1846 and Radford PO in  1880.
*Source:   "Place Names in Alabama" by Virginia O. Foscue
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1841 Radfordsville Beat (Perry Co, AL)
On 13 Nov 1841, the following voters cast their votes for constable, to fill vacancy left by resignation of R. Radford:  Rubin Radford,  William Radford
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1850 Radfordsville Beat
Perry Co., Ala. Census

William Radford 68 Va
Elizabeth 66 Ga
George W. 21 Al
Thornberry Boiling 26 SC
Nancy               25           Ala
Wm.S                 5
Nancy                 3
Martha                 2
(Note, Nancy was William's daughter and she was married to Thornberry Boiling, my guess is that the children ages 5, 3 and 2 were Nancy and Thornberrys children).  William and Elizabeth are also found in the 1830 and 1840 Perry Co, AL Census.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1860 United States Slave Census, Perry County, Alabama
Slave Owner:    William Radford
# of slaves:  24
# of black slaves:  21
# of mulattos:  3
# of house slaves:  6
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
NOTE:  The names and birthdates of William's children were provided from a copy of his family bible.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Radforville named for our ancestor is called RADFORD today, and is located a little SE of Marion AL #14 just S of County#10, about midway between Sprott and Suttle.

William RADFORD

He was a soldier in the War of 1812. Moved to Perry Co, AL. In 1860, W.G. Leach had William Radford declared a lunatic. Duke Nall was first appointed guardian, but he resigned and John C. Oakes was appointed guardian (data from Mrs. Fred Daws.)

William moved with his family to Georgia as a young boy.  In 1807, William participated in the land lottery and received two draws in Wilkinson County, GA for lot 56 in district 18 and lot 107 in district 13.  Sometime in 1808, William's father, Reuben, moved to Morgan County, GA, and William moved his family there as well.  The first record of William in Morgan dates from 1810.  In August of 1810, he served on the Number 2 jury in Morgan County.  He also paid tax on land near his father in William's Militia District.    Around 1818, William and his family (along with his sister Ann and her husband Samuel Watters) moved to Perry County, Alabama.  The land that William was granted was in close proximity of what became known as Radfordville named after him.  It seems that William accumulated much land in his lifetime.  Although it is unclear, it appears that his wife, Nancy died around 1817 and that William remarried and had several more children.  Mary, or "Winnie" was born around 1820, William T. in 1822, Nancy J. in 1825 and George Washington in 1827.  

In the 1830's, William received two more government patents to increase his land holdings.  On 14 Apr 1834 he received 80 acres and on 16 Jan 1836 he received another 80 acres.  At an unknown time, William's second wife died and he then married Elizabeth Griffin, the widow of Own Griffin.  She had moved from Wilkes Co, GA to Perry Co, AL with here two children.  In 1850, William owned 4,000 acres in real estate.  By the 1850's, it appears that Radfordville was establishing itself as a real focal point by the region's farmers.  As William owned much of the land in the area, the Radfords certainly became prosperous.  In 1853, the and his wife donated 1 acre in the village to establish the "Radfordville Academy."  The trustees of this school were all local men, many whose families had married into the Radfords.  Included were:  Samuel Bolling, James M. Watters, Joseph R. Watters and James W. Oaks.  

The town of Radfordville was a prominent place in the local area for many years.  Near the school, a post office and brick store were built.  In the Civil War, a company of the 8th Alabama Volunteers was formed there.  The school continued to function until 1928.  The school was torn down in 1930, and all that remains of the little town is an empty field.  

Sometime after 1853, William lost his wife Elizabeth and on 13 Jul 1858, William married Massey Leach.  She was a widow from nearby Bibb County.  Massey was born in South Carolina in 1813 and had at least 4 children by a previous marriage.  In the 1860 census, William was listed with Massey who was 33 years his junior.  The census has him listed as a farmer with a real estate value of 6,200.  His personal holdings were more than 2,000.  Massey's daughter, Lucinda Leach, was listed as an 18 year old house keeper.  Living next door was his son George and his wife Martha.  George was listed as an overseer, evidently running the large farm that his father owned.  

It appears that the family of Massey was not happy about this marriage to William.  A W. G. Leach from Bibb, who was likely a relative of Massey's, brought a case against William and had him declared a lunatic.  Duke Nall, who later as an officer in the 8th Alabama died in the Civil War, was appointed William's guardian.  He later resigned, and John C. Oakes, his son-in-law, became guardian and managed his affairs until after Williams' death on 23 Oct 1862.  William left a will that divided his estate among many children and grandchildren.  He was most likely buried in the old Stone Family Cemetery.  The graves were marker with wooden headboards and have long since rotted and the exact grave sites were lost.  What became of Massey is not known.
*Source:  ELISHA TALMON HARBOUR  HIS LIFE AND FAMILY, by Robert L. Adair Jr.
website at:  ftp://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/ar/war/civwar/harbour.txt
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The State of Alabama, Perry County, February 11th A. D. 1837

This Indenture between William Radford of the one part and Elisha Radford of the other part, made the day and date afore named and each Residence of the above named State and County, ___ the afore said Elisha Radford for and in consideration of the sum of one hundred Dollars to him in hand paid the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledge hath bargained and sold and by these presents doth bargain sold and convey unto the aforesaid William Radford, a certain tract of parcel of land lying and bounded as follows ___ Running from the N. W. corner of the E ½ of the S. W. quarter of Section Sixteen of township number of range nine ___ Fifteen Rods due north connecting on ___ stake and from thence sixty rods due east and from thence sixteen Rods due South ___ from thence eighty Rods to the beginning including Eight (Eighty?) acres more or less together with all and singular the premises ___ as ___ with this and every part of right title claim interest and ___ of whatsoever nature or demand and the said Elisha Radford doth ___ and agree with the aforesaid Wm Radford that he will waive? And truly ___ and forever defend the above described tract of land and all and singular the premises aforesaid from himself his heirs and assigns and from all persons Claiming or to Claim the same unto the said Wm Radford, his heirs and assigns forever there unto ?  I have herewith set my name and affix my seal the day and date above ___ .
_____                     Elisah Radford {seal}
Benjamin Ford       Mary {her + mark} Radford {seal}

And his wife Polly Radford, being asked privately and apart from her husband saith that it is not on account of fear and or threat of her husband that she assigned the rights to the above described land but that she assin the same voluntarily.
Recorded May 17th, 1837        Benjamin Ford {seal}
J. B. ____ Clerk                       Justice of the Peace

Perry County Alabama, Deeds Book E, p. 1
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
State of Arkansas
February 11th 1837
Perry County
This Indenture between George H. Hanson of the one part and Wm Radford of the other part made the day and date above written and each residents of the above named state and county. Witneseth the aforesaid Geroge H. Hanson for and in consideration of three hundred dollars, to him in hand paid the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged doth bargain and sell and by these presents doth bargain, sell and convey unto the aforesaid William Radford, a certain tract of land bounded? As follows:  S. E. running fom the N. E. corner of the East half of the T. E. quarter of section twenty one of Township nineteen of range nine E. Twelve rods, south and from thence eighty rods due west and from thence twelve rod due north and from thence eighty rods due East to the beginning including {six? 104? very hard to read) acres more or less, together with all and singular the premises bounded? As aforesaid with ___ and every part of right title claim interest and demand of whatsoever nature, and the said George H. Hanson doth Covenant and agree with the said William Radford that he will truly ___ and forever defend the rights to the above described ____________unto set my name and affix his seal on the day and date above written ____
                                                 George H. Hanson {seal}
                                                 Susan {her + mark} Hanson {seal}

{note - there is a paragraph below this document in which Susan H. Hanson signs the standard acknowledgement that she is not under any threat by her husband to force her to sign the above document}

Perry County, Alabama Deed Book #, pp. 1-2
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
20 Mar 1859
{note the formatting of this document is entirely my own for clarification and easier reading-lcw}

The State of Alabama
Perry County

Know all men by these presents that I William Radford, of the County and State aforesaid for and in consideration of the natural love and affection which I have and ___ for my children, George W. Radford, Nancy Bolling, wife of T. W. Bolling , Elizabeth Smith, wife of John H. Smith, Winney Oakes, wife of John C. Oakes and Susan Hanson, wife George H. Hanson do hereby give ____ bargain and sell and Convey unto my said five children, George W., Nancy, Elizabeth, Winny and Susan

all my land consisting of the parcel which I now reside and containing about six hundred and thirty acres more or less,

all my Negro slaves, twenty in number Fours?, Mattie, Uriah, Isaac, Cain, Ned, Cailep?, Frank, Joe, Beineco?, Frank, George, Herny, Mary, Ellen, Wanieh?, Hanah, Clary, Eliza, Shadrach & Edmond,

also all my stock of horses, mules, cattle, sheep and hogs,

my household & kitchen furniture,

my cotton now remaining unsold,

all the notes and accounts due or owing to me,

all moneys now on hand

and all of the property owned by me except the corn? ___ ___ and other family stores and supplies on hand

To have and to hold the above  described real Estate with all the privileges and appurtenances to the same belonging or in any wise appurtenance.  The above described Negro slaves with the future increase of the ___ of them from and after the date of this conveyance and the above named Negros.  Notes and accounts and other property to them, My said children, George W., Nancy, Elizabeth, Winny & Susan, their heirs, Executors & administrators forever to be divided between them as forever viz the value of the property heretofore given by me to each of my said five children shall be first? acceocitained (ascertained?) at the time she or he received the same and their enough of the property or money hereby conveyed share be received by each of said five who has received ___ them the one of these who has received most to make as equal their __ balance of the property, real and personal and held money, hereby Conveyed, shall be equally divided between them each one receiving one fifth part.  Subject however to the charge of five hundred dollars hereinafter mentioned in favor of my son John W. Radford.  The slaves going to each one of my said four daughter ___ to belong to them excepting? for Nieis? She separated and exclusive use and herby give them the ___ accordly?  Provided however and it is hereby expressly undertstood understood that I reserve the use and enjoyment of all the above described property, real and personal and money for and during the term of my natural life and also the right to sell and receive the money for the Cotton Crop now on hand and to collect and receive any money now due or owing to me.  I further more give to my son John W. Radford five hundred dollars.  I made such sum a charge on the property, real money above mentioned and conveyed and in receipt of the same by my son or his children.  They shall my said son John W. Radford, said some of money, so given by me to him.  

In testimony ___ I have hereunto set my hand Seal this 20 day of March A. D. 1859.
In presence                                      Wm Radford (seal)
In presence of
W. R. Palmer
Dee? ___

Perry County, Alabama   Deed Book O, pp 413-414
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
W. G. Leach    (year 1860)
1708? VS  
Wm Radford     
Alleged Lunatic

This being the day appointed as will  appear by reference to an entry?  Thereof made at a former term of this  Court for the hearing of Petition of W. G. Leach filed by him as the relative of said Lunatic alleging the lunacy of the said Radford and praying the inquisition thereof.  Now come the said Leach and a jury
of good and lawful men who reside in the neighborhood of said Radford and who have been summoned to wit:  W. R. Pamlore? and eleven others who having hear the evidence the argument of Counsel and the Charge of the Court in the premises and being first tried? Empanelled? ___ well truly make inquisitions of the fact alleged in said petition and a True virdict reads according to this evidence upon their oaths do say, We the Jury, find the fact alleged in the petitions to be true and that the said William Radford is and was at the Commencement of this proceeding in his behalf, a person non compos mentis as therein stated.  It is therefore ordered adjudged and decreed by the Court that said petition and all other proceedings thereon together with the aforesaid verdict of said Jury declaring said Wm Radford to be a lunatic be recorded & filed ___.  

Perry County, Alabama, Book I, p. 423
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Probate Court, Regular Term, Dec 10, 1860

Duke Nall
17442 Exparte         
 
This day came Duke Nall and made application to this court for letter of guardianship in the person and Estate of William Radford, a lunatic in our County and it appearing to the satisfaction of the court that the said Duke Nall has entered into bond in the ___ sum of ninety thousand dollars, $9000000 with A. M Mahan, James Edward, S. J. Matters?, N. J. B. Sutty and John W. Sutty as his security conditioned as the law requires.  It is therefore ordered that said bond be approved, recorded and filed the said Nall having taken the oath of office.  It is ordered that letters issue to him ___.  

Perry County, Alabama Probate Records, Book I, p. 425
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Probate Court, Regular Term, February 16, 1861

Duke Nall Grd  
18079 of   
Wm Radford

This day came Duke Nall, Guardian of Wm Radford, lunatic and filed his resignation as guardian __.  Whereupon it is ordered that the same be received recorded and filed.  

Perry County, Alabama Probate Records, Book I
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Probate Court, Regular Term, February 16, 1861

John C. Oakes  
18078 VS
Wm Radford   
Lunatic
     
This day came John C. Oakes and made application to this Court for letters guardianship on the person & Estate of Wm Radford, a lunatic in said County and it appearing to the satisfaction of the Court that the said John C. Oakes has entered into bond in the ___ sum of Twenty thousand Dollars with George W. Radford, John M. Fuller, John W. Radford, T. W. Bolling, Susan Hanson, George J. Radford, Levi M. Radford, Matthew Russell, Mary Russell, Nancy J. Fuller, John W. Griffin, & Bashaba ___ Griffin as his securities conditioned as the law requires and the said guardian having taken the oath prescribed by law.  It is ordered that said bond be approved, recorded and filed and letters issue to applicant.

Perry County, Alabama Probate Records, Book I
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Probate Court, Regular Term, February 16, 1861

Duke Nall Grd   
18079 of            
Wm Radford    {

This day came Duke Nall, guardian of Wm Radford, a lunatic, and made return of the Inventory of the Estate of said Radford.  It is ordered that the ___ be recorded and filed.

Perry County, Alabama Probate Records, Book I
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Probate Court, Regular Term, February 16, 1861

Duke Nall Grd   
18080 of         
Wm Radford      

This day came Duke Nall, guardian of Wm Radford and paid his account and voucher for final settlement of __ guardianship.  Whereupon it is ordered by the Court that the matter be set for hearing at a term of this Court to be held at the usually place of hearing the ___ on the second Monday in March next, ordered further that three weeks notice be given by posting of written notice at the Court house door and three? Other public places in said County notifying all person interest to said matter of the time and place of hearing the same that they mat attend and contest the same if they see cause.

Perry County, Alabama Probate Records, Book I
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Probate Court Records, Perry County, Alabama, Book K, pp. 115-117

Probate Court, September 29th 1863
John C. Oaks and others
            Vs
Elisha Radford & others
Pet for sale of Lands & Slaves
For Division

{note the formatting of this document is entirely my own for clarification and easier reading-lcw}

This day came John C. Oaks and his wife Winney Oakes, T. W. Bolling, George W. Radford and Susan H. Hanson, widow and relict of George H. Hanson, and filed their petition with the Judge of this Court alleging among other things that William Radford Senior deceased late of Perry County, Alabama, in his life time and on the 2nd day March 1859 made a Deed of Gift to your Petitioner and one Elizabeth Smith, wife of John H. Smith who had died since the making of said Deed, Giving to Petitioners and the said Elizabeth Smith all of his Lands containing Six Hundred and thirty acres more or less and all his slaves, twenty in Number and all of his Stock of horses, mules, Cattle, Hogs and sheep - all of his Household and Kitchen furniture, his cotton on hand, sold and all his notes and accounts owing to him, his money and all other property except the Corn, Fod?, ____ and other family Stores and supplies - and reserving himself a life Estate and Comfortable Support out of said property, which said Deed is on Records, as alledged by petitioners in Record Book of Deeds Q pages (blank) in the Probate office of Perry County Alabama.  Petitioners further show to the court that the said William Radford Senior afterwards on the 22nd day of October 1860 made another Deed to your said Petitioners and his other children Giving all of his property to his children and agreeing that they should divide it according to the Land Laws of Descent and distribution of the State of Alabama, reserving to himself a Sufficient quantity of his Estate for his Comfortable Support during his life.  Petitioners further show to unto the Court that a large portion of the property of the said William Radford decd was divided out among Petitioners and his other children in accordance with the provisions of the last Deed reserving for the support of the said William Radford Senior during his life Six Hundred and thirty acres of Land more or less on which He resides and the following Negroes, Isaack, a man about fifty years of age, Cain a man about forty three years old, Hannah a woman about 70 years of age, Mariah a woman about 50 years of age, Mary a Woman 45 years of age and Ellen, a girl about 13 years of age.

Petitioners further show to the Court that on the ____1860 the said William Radford by the proper tribunal was declared non Compos Mentis and Duke Nall was appointed His Guardian and that on or about the 16 the of February 1861 - the said Nall resigned his office of Guardian and by agreement of the parties, John C. Oaks, one of the Petitioners was appointed the Guardian of said William Radford Senior, and that the said John C. Oaks continued to act as Guardian of the Said William Radford and manage his affairs up to the time of his death which occurred about the 23rd day of October 1862.  

Petitioners further show to the Court that on or about the 16 day of February A. D. 1861, the parties interested in the Estate of said William Radford Senior and to whom he had deeded the same agreed to and with Massie Radford, the wife of said William Radford to pay her the sum of Thirty one Hundred and thirty -two Dollars for her right of Dower and distributive share in the Estate of said William Radford decd, and in accordance with said agreement, the said John C. Oaks as Guardian of said William Radford Senior deceased has paid off or nearly paid off to said Massie Radford the sum agreed to be paid her for her dower Interest and Distributive Share in the Estate of said William Radford deceased and has her deed for the same.

Petitioners further show that the said William Radford a the time of making said Deed owned & Possessed the following lands, vis:

The west-half of the North East Quarter of Section sixteen less twenty acres off of the North end of said Quarter section.  The South East Quarter of the North East Quarter of Section Sixteen (16) - Less Ten acres off the South End.  The East-half of the South west Quarter of section Sixteen.  The west half of the South East Quarter of Section Sixteen.  The East-half of Section twenty-one, all in Township nineteen (19) and range nine (9) all lying in the County of Perry and the State of Alabama and in the District of Lands ____ to sale at Cahaba Alabama and Containing (Six Hundred and fifty acres more or less) and that then and now on hand and lived out by the Guardian the following Negroes, viz:

Isaac a man about 50 years of age, Cain a man about 43 years of age, Hannah a woman about 70 years of age, Mariah a woman about 50 years of age, Mary a woman about 45 years of age and Ellen a Girl about 13 years of age, all the balance of the property not heretofore divided having been sold by the said John C. Oaks, Guardian, as aforesaid, and accounted for by him in his settlement with the Court and to be accounted for in his settlement with these parties.

Petitioners further show unto the Court that the following persons under said Deed and the agreement heretofore made between the parties are interested in said Lands and Slaves are Joint-owners thereof - viz all of said petitioners,
And:
Elisha Radford, son of William Radford over 21 years of age and resides in Lauderdale County, Mississippi;
William T. Radford, over 21 years of age and resides in the State of Mississippi;
John W. Radford, son of W. Radford over 21 years of age and resides in Choctaw County, Alabama being at present  in the Army of the Confederate States in the State of Mississippi, all of who with the said petitioners get a full share each;
M. A. Russell, wife of Matthew Russell of Perry County Ala;
George J. Radford of Perry County Alabama in the  Confedeate Army;
Sapriah C. Stokes, wife of Joseph Stokes of Perry County Ala, the said Joseph Stokes absent in Army at Vicksburg;
Nancy B. Lucas, wife of E. R. Lucas of Perry County, also in the confederate States army;
Eli B. Radford when last heard from was in California;
William B. Radford of Lauderdale Co Miss in the confederate States Army;
Susan A. McMahon, wife of M. L. McMahon of Lauderdale County Mississippi and;
Levi Radford or Perry County also in the confederate service in Miss, all of who are over the age of twenty one years except William B. Radford, about twenty years of age, and are the children of Reuben Radford, who was a son of William Radford.

Jesse H. Smith over 21 years of age;
William R. Smith over 21 years of age, both of whom reside in the State of Mississippi;
Polly Ann Mayfield, wife of George W. Mayfield of the State of Mississippi who is dead leaving these the names of whom are unknown to Petitioners;
  Ozarth Myers, wife of (blank) Myers of the State of Arkansas,
Reuben Smith;
John Smith;
Nancy C. Smith;
Susan Smith;
Beth Smith;
George Smith, Jane Hodges, wife of  (blank) Hodges;
Francis Smith &;
Zachariah T. Smith of the State of Arkansas all of whom are over 21 years of age except the last, who are over 14 years of age - under 21 years of years of age and the Children of Polly Ann Mayfield are under 21 years of age and wit the exception of the three las named the Children of Elizabeth Smith, who was a Daughter of William Radford Senior decd;

William C. Harbor over 21 years of age lives in the State of Miss;
E. T. Harbor over 21 years of age, Perry Co, Ala but absent in the Army;
Bahala a. Griffin, wife of John W. Griffin of Perry Co, Ala in the confederate army and;
Nancy J. Fuller, wife of John M. fuller of Perry County Ala, but said Jno M. Fuller is absent in the Confederate Army, all of who are over 21 years of age and are the children of Temple Harbor who was a daughter of William Radford Senior:

Petitioners further report that the said property cannot be equitably portioned or divided or distributed to those entitled to Share in it without a Sale of the Same and that it would be to the interest of all of the parties to sell the Said property for partition, division & distribution.  

Petitioners therefore pray the Court to decree this said property to be sold and to make and issue all such orders as may be necessary to effect the sale thereof for the purpose of such division.

It is ordered by the Court that the Matter of the said Petitioners be set for hearing on the Second Monday in November 1863.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Probate Court Minutes, Book K, Perry County, Alabama, pp. 118-119

Probate Court - November 9th, 1863
James C. Oaks and Others
              Vs
Elisah Radford et al
Pet for Sale of Land & Slaves
For distribution

{note the formatting of this document is entirely my own for clarification and easier reading-lcw}

This being the term of the Court to which was set for the hearing of the Petition heretofore to wit - on the 29 day of September, 1863, by James C. Oaks and other praying the Court to decree a Sale of certain real estate and personal property therein mentioned an described for the purpose of distribution upon the ____ that the same cannot be equitably divided among the parties owning the same - without a sale there of:  now come the said parties and move the Court to proceed with the hearing of the said petition - also comes Jesse B. Shines who had heretofore been duly appointed Guardian ad liteno? To represent and protect the ___ defendants to this proceeding now in open Court cominting to a el-as such Guardian ad litin? Contests the Granting of the said application - and it appearing to the satisfaction of the Court from the testimony of C. J. Martina and W. R. Palmore? Taken upon direct and cross interrogations, that a sale of said property for the purposes of distribution among the parties interested in the same is essentially necessary.  

It is therefore ordered, adjudged and deemed by the Court  that the said application be Granted :  It is further ordered by the Court that Wm. R. Palmore, James Edwards, Charles Savay, N. J. B. Suttles and Robert O. Harris, be and they are hereby appointed Commissions to sell the following described lands belonging to John C. Oaks, the representation of the Estate of Wm Radford decd to wit:  

NE ¼ of  Section H. The West ½ of NE ¼ of Section 16 less 20 acres off of the N. End of said ¼ Section.  The S.E. ¼ of the N. E. ¼ of Section 16 less ten (10) acres off the S. End.  The E ½ of the S. W. ¼ of section 16, the w ½ of the S. E. ¼ of Section 16 - the East ½ of Section 21 and the E ½ of the N. W. ¼ of sect 21 - all in Township 19, Range 9 - all lying in Perry County and State of Alabama.

Also the following Negroes - viz :  Isaac a man about 50 years of age.  Cain a man about 43 years of age.  Hannah  a woman about 70.  Mariah Mary & Ellen : said commissions are herby ordered to sell the said property after advertising by posting at the Court House door, thirty days before the day of  Sale, on a credit of Twelve months with Interest - from day of Sale, with the privelege of paying Cash at any time before the maturity of notes taken for the purchase money.  The said commissioners are further ordered to sell the said property at Public Auction on the premises of the late Wm Radford decd, taking notes bearing Interest secured by two Good securities or cash at the option of the purchaser.  It is further ordered by this Court - that the said Commissioners will report their proceeding under this order to this Court within sixty days from the day of Sale as directed herein.  It is further ordered that he said petition be recorded & filed.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The mother of our subject, Nancy B. (Radford) Bolling, was born in Perry County, Ala., and is now sixty-five years of age. The town of Radfordville, in Perry County, Ala., was named in honor of her father, William, who was a soldier in one of the early wars, and a wealthy planter.
*Source:  History of Benton, Washington, Carroll, Madison, Crawford, Franklin, and Sebastian Counties, Arkansas. Chicago: The Goodspeed Publishing Co., 1889.
(Note:  extracted from an article on grandson William R. Bolling in the above cited text)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Radfordville  was the original name of Radford.  Radford is a settlement with a discontinued post office in Perry Co., AL.  Named for the family of William Radford, who settled there in 1820.  Radfordville PO was estab. 1846 and Radford PO in  1880.
*Source:   "Place Names in Alabama" by Virginia O. Foscue
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1841 Radfordsville Beat (Perry Co, AL)
On 13 Nov 1841, the following voters cast their votes for constable, to fill vacancy left by resignation of R. Radford:  Rubin Radford,  William Radford
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1850 Radfordsville Beat
Perry Co., Ala. Census

William Radford 68 Va
Elizabeth 66 Ga
George W. 21 Al
Thornberry Boiling 26 SC
Nancy               25           Ala
Wm.S                 5
Nancy                 3
Martha                 2
(Note, Nancy was William's daughter and she was married to Thornberry Boiling, my guess is that the children ages 5, 3 and 2 were Nancy and Thornberrys children).  William and Elizabeth are also found in the 1830 and 1840 Perry Co, AL Census.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1860 United States Slave Census, Perry County, Alabama
Slave Owner:    William Radford
# of slaves:  24
# of black slaves:  21
# of mulattos:  3
# of house slaves:  6
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
NOTE:  The names and birthdates of William's children were provided from a copy of his family bible.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Radforville named for our ancestor is called RADFORD today, and is located a little SE of Marion AL #14 just S of County#10, about midway between Sprott and Suttle.