Marriage Contract (Delk/Dukes)

On October 5, 1842, A.M. Dukes and Susan Delk, both of Liberty County, entered into a marriage contract, in which the “considerate estate both real and personal” that she brought into the marriage was identified as “one hundred head of cattle and three hundred acres of land it being the same on which David Delk Senr now resides and has resided for the last forty years, also the following named slaves Diannah a woman aged thirty five years, Stepney a boy aged twenty years, Jane a girl aged twelve years, Joe a boy aged eight years, John a boy aged six years.” Per the marriage contract, this property was put into trust for her to be managed by trustees John Delk and William B. Gaulden. It was agreed, however, that “the said A.C. Dukes and S. Delk shall mutually enjoy all the profits arising from said property during the natural life of the said Susan Delk.” If she were to die without children, the estate would go to A.C. Dukes and his heirs; if she died with children, it would be divided equally between Dukes and the child or children. Witnessed by Jackson McDonald, Charles E. Brasek [or Brasch], and Johannah Terrell [or Tenell]. Susan Delk signed by mark [often indicating illiteracy]. Recorded on February 9, 1847, by J.S. Bradwell, Clerk.