James William Hitch ²

[We find in probate records, James W. Hitch Vs Willis Whitley's Estate.] State of Missouri county of Ralls: In the Ralls county probate court Oath of (eligible), (looks like Jury) in case of J. W. Hitch Vs Willis Whitley's Estate.

I do solemnly swear that I am well acquainted with the terms of this (eligible). Section of the second article of the constitution of the State of Missouri. Adopted as the year eighteen hundred and sixty five, and have carefully advised the same. That has never directly or indirectly does any of the acts in said section, therefore, that I have always been truly a loyalty on the side of the government of United States. Against all enemies thereof, foreign and domestic. That I will bear true faith and allegiance to the United States. I will support the constitution and laws thereof as the supreme law of the land. Any law or offences of any state to the contrary notwithstanding that I will be the best of my ability (eligible) and defend the Union of the United States. Not allow the same to be (eligible) and dissolved, on the government thereof to be destroyed or overthrown. Under any circumstances if injury forever to advert it; that I will defend the constitution of the State of Missouri; and that I make this oath without any (illegible) reservation or evasion and hold it to be binding on me. W.G. Wickerson Benjamin L, Robinson W. L. Calhoune James W. Hitch [Source: Information from Denese Hall, Hitch family line] [Research by Denese Hall when she visited Ralls County Missouri.]

[We find that continued, is the final settlement. It is a little confusing typed here but less confusing on the document.] Continued... Final settlement of Willis Whitley Estate made by James W. Hitch & Rueben Sinkliar in the January term of the Ralls county probate court January 15, 1868. The Adm. to Estate: To amount in hands of James W. Hitch as shown by last (illegible) settlement $768.40. Amount of credit obtained by Hitch in said settlement. $715.00 Balance due on last settlement $53.15 [Illegible] one year at 10 per cent $58.46

June 8th, 1868 Amount in the hands of R.V. Sinkliar at his annual settlement of this date $134.63 (illegible) to date 134.63 7.29 141.92 200.38

July 18, 1869 Adm. credit By 5 per cent continuing owe $715.25 Paid out in last settlement $35.76 By 5 per cent (illegible) owe $200.38 on this settlement. Paid on this settlement $10.00 4.00 5.00 .50 8.75 64.01 Paid (illegible illegible) notice final settlement to owe Paid A H P (illegible) Atty. No. 2 Stamp on deed Probate court fees No. 3

Balance in the hands of the Adm. to be applied to 5th (????) debt of there remains only our outstanding in favor of one of the Adm. James W. Hitch upon which the above balance is applied as per voucher No 4 146.37 Adm. of Willis Whitley deed James W. Hitch R V Sinkliar

James married Elizabeth Whitley, daughter of Willis Whitley and Polly Swain, on 11 Oct 1849 in Ralls Co., MO.¹ (Elizabeth Whitley was born in 1834-1835 in MO ^{8 9 10 11}.)