Franklin County, Nebraska

For Another Day

Often I go to our Franklin County Courthouse to read the books that are on the wall in the clerk’s office. The other day I was there reading the Misc. Records Book where I found the following bill of sale of George A. Siel dated December 10, 1895. It was so unique I had it copied and brought it home to use in my article. By doing some calling I found out that George A. Siel was Kay Secrest’s grandfather. I called Kay and she said it would be fine to run this little story.

George Siel lived on 160 acres southwest of Riverton in Section 17 of Washington Twp. The 1905 map shows the house sitting on the east side of the creek. The unique thing about this bill of sale is the description of the articles and animals sold and catch the prices. I love the animals’ names. Horses cost a lot in those days. Most farmers of that day respected their horses and took good care of them for they worked so very hard for their masters.

“Know all men by these present that I George A. Siel of the first part, for and in consideration of the sum of four hundred forty four $444.00 dollars lawful money of the United States to me in hand paid, at or before the ensealing and delivering of these presents, by Thomas T. Siel of the second part, the receipt where of is hereby acknowledged, have bargained and sold, and by these presents do grant and convey until the said part of the second part his executor, administrators and assign the following personal property to wit: One Bay Mare, 8 years, named Maude, value $40.00; two Bay Mares, seven years, named Doll and Tops, value $40.00 each, $80; one gray horse, two years old value $20.00; three yearling colts, $15.00 each, value $45.00; eight hogs, value $64.00; one top buggy, value $25.00; one mower, value $40.00; about 200 bushel corn, value $30.00; 2 let double harness, value $20.00 three lamb, principally red, value $60.00; $444.00; one wagon, $20.00; total $464.00; belonging to him and now in his possession, at the place last aforesaid. To have and to hold the same unto the said party of the second part his executors, administrators and assigns forever and I do for my heirs executors and administrators, covenant and agree to and with the said part of the second part his executors, administrator an assign to warrant and defend the sale of said property, goods and chattels, hereby made unto the said part of the second part his executors, administrators and assigns, against all and every person and person whomsoever. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand seal the 10th day of December 1895. Signed and deliver in presence of M. Huffman Geo. A. Siel.”

Spur not an unbroken horse; put not your ploughshare to deep into new land. Sir Walter Scott

Rena Donovan, For Another Day.

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