In 1857, Mary Pool possessed a small estate, consisting of "Negroes and Some Money" given to her by her father. When she married Anderson J. Pool, a man of substantial wealth, she gave up title to her slaves but in return received a deed to a tract of land near Marion, purchased by her husband from Henry W. Nave, so that she would have a home even if her husband's fortunes changed. During the war, Mary moved a house from one of her husband's plantations to the land and, with the "labor of herself and servants," rebuilt it. She also built fences, cleared land, and planted ornamental shrubbery, substantially enhancing the value of the property. As a "consequence of the emancipation of the slaves in the Southern States," Mary explains, her husband lost his great fortune and went heavily into debt, owing creditors more than one hundred thousand dollars. Some of his creditors are now levying attachments on her real estate, and planning to sell her property to pay his debts. She asks the court to protect her property rights.
Result: Granted.
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Repository: Alabama Department of Archives and History, Montgomery, Alabama
