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The People Who Lived on the Land that is Now Redstone Arsenal, page 79
1880 census, which was discussed earlier in this section, shows the siblings still living together at that time. William's residence was held in trust for two years, 1875-1876. The trust authorized the hiring of laborers and everything necessary “to conduct farming in an economical manner.” Dorothy Foster had spent a great deal of time looking up records in the library to learn more about the family history and to document what she had been told through oral history. As administrator of William's will, Ambrose Mendum had to render an account of sales. Dorothy said Mendum wanted to sell eleven bales of cotton, which he said he'd need to take care of the kids. He sold it. Then he and Delia took the money and went off to Memphis. Shelley petitioned the courts, saying it was embezzlement. However, both Delia and Ambrose Mendum died in Memphis in 1879. Dorothy said their death might have been a result of their manner of living. At that point, Shelley petitioned to be the administrator. He was the brother who became the head of the household. Caroline (Carrie) died in 1886. Since two of William's daughters died without heirs, the property went back to the estate, which was then divided between his five remaining children. Dorothy Foster said Shelley, Silas, and Richetta mortgaged their land to Lavinia. As mentioned above, Lavinia was the one who went to Athens College, therefore, must have passed for White. Dorothy Foster's notes showed the following: March 20, 1884, Shelley Harris to Lavinia Harris, Quit Claim Deed. West Section 26, T4, R2W, Estate of William Harris, $200. Deed III, p. 616. June 16, 1884, Field June 18, 1884, Silas Harris to Harper & Love, West /2 of Sec. 26, T4, R2W. February 11, 1888, S.A.L. (Silas) Harris to Ephraim Ward, West /2 Sec. 26, T4, R2W, Field March 28, 1888, $137 due November 11, 1888, Book 28, p. 44. Lavinia A. Harris Williams (daughter) to North American Mortg. Ltd. Book 59, p. 172. William Harris II, Dorothy Foster's grandfather, was the only sibling who did not mortgage his share of the inherited land to Lavinia; thus, he was able to retain it. Dorothy said her father, Oregon Harris, was the son of William II. He and his wife, Emma, had four children, and they lived in Triana. He owned 300 acres where Dorothy Harris Foster lives today. Her home, which is like a small estate, is about four miles 79 - (4112)