1831 Probate of Fishery Deed

to James Brooks

NOTE: Alexander, John & James Brooks were brothers. John , through his own handwriting, wrote the deed of 1820 to his brother James. Note that John is no longer present for the proof of this deed in 1831. He is now in Henry Co, TN. Mary Gurley was the witness and is possibly related. In 1830 Montgomery County there is only one Gurly listed… David (wife b.1800-10). They live only six doors down from David Brooks between Jacob Tucker and Joseph Eferd (Efird). William Brooks I had one daughter, name unknown, born between 1800 and 1810. This could be Mary Gurley. But, that’s just supposition, of course. The most likely Mary Gurley is the wife of Capt. William Gurley (d.1804). She is known to be alive in 1815, supposed to be living in 1820.

NOTE: This deed states that John Brooks wrote the deed to James himself. A rare ability in these times! Alexander states that the deed was in the “proper handwriting” of John Brooks.