My last blog was about what James Hannah had done for his son, William Hannah, and vice versa. When all was said and done, William was owed $23.93. However, James Hannah had another son, John M. Hannah, my great great grandfather, who also did some things for his father. Among the estate papers, is a single half sheet signed by John Hannah. It is an accounting of what John claims he was owed by his father. As luck would have it, it is rather dark, and somewhat difficult to read. However, with the help of a magnifying glass, I was able to figure it out.
This is what it read: For clearing 10 acres of land at $4.00 per acre--$40.00; For clearing 1 acres of land at $3.00 per acres--$3.00; For making 1400 nails at $.50 per 100--$7.00; For 3 bushels of wheat at $.50 per bushel--1.50. For a of Total $51.50.
I knew that the land in Brown County was very fertile. It has not only underbrush, but also a significant number of trees. I was interested in the different prices for clearing land, and got some insight from the History of Brown County.Depending on the size, trees were removed in two ways. Trees less than 18 inches in diameter were cut down and the stumps removed. Large trees were left, but cut around the trunk with an axe. That would kill the tree and when the tree died, it would fall and be removed. Of course, the farmer had to plow around the standing trees. The cost of removing the small trees were generally $10 per acre. So I suspect that is what John did for his father.
The 1400 nails are interesting, especially when you consider that son, William, sold his father, three hundred and ninety feel of weather boarding plank. Taken together, it makes one wonder if James Hannah with the assistance of his sons, was building a house.So, I would like to ask James why he needed the nails. What was he building? I also would like to know when John M. cleared the land and why.
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