For me, the thrill of genealogy lies in getting to know the stories behind our ancestors and their lives. If we're lucky, we'll find a diary, a bio, or a picture that sheds light on who they were and what their characters were like. Other times, we'll find a piece of information that just opens up more questions. The following deed, found in Madison County, Kentucky is one of those pieces.
What kind of debt could William Allcorn have incurred that he had to give up everything he owned, inluding his home, furnishings, and chickens? What kind of debt could he have incurred that his own relative, George Allcorn, felt comfortable kicking him out of his home and taking all of his possessions?
From the Madison County, Kentucky deed books
Know all men by these presents that I William Allcorn of the County of Madison and State of Kentucky for and in consideration of those demands to which George Allcorn of the County of Jessamine and State has assigned against me and of five shillings to me in hand paid the receipt where of to hereby acknowledged have granted, bargained, and sold to the said George Allcorn 400 acres of land on which I reside in said County, 19 or 20 head of cattle, 1 horse, a number of hogs, all the hens in my possession, a rifle gun, and all the household furniture belonging to me at this time, and to have and to hold the said bargained and sold personal property to the said George Allcorn, his heirs forever, and I do hereby forever Warrant and defend the property of and unto the said George, his heirs I assign forever against the Claim or Claims of all persons whatsoever In Witness where of I have ... read this 28th day of June 1804.
Signed by William Alcorn, John Cobb (his mark), James Adams, John Phillips
