JeffersonCoDeedBook_E_103

The Republic of Texas,
County of Jefferson } An article of agreement made and
entered into this seventh day of August A. D., in
the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty-three, by and
between Joseph W. Taylor of the one part and John G. Bigham of the
other part, all of the county and republic aforesaid. Witnesseth,
that for the mutual advantage and benefit of the parties above-named,
[and] for the purpose of carrying on the business of farming to the
[general] advantage for and during the term of five years from [and after]
the first day of January one thousand eight hundred and
forty-four, the said Taylor on his part agrees to put in and
furnish five hands, to say three effective able-bodied men
and two women of like description, slaves for life, belonging
to the said Taylor. And also, to have an equal partition
of all necessary expenses incurred in managing and
carrying on the business of farming as aforesaid.
And the above-named John G. Bigham on his part agrees to take
charge of the said hands as above-mentioned, and also to furnish one
able-bodied woman slave, to wit, in the capacity of a cook, and
to reside on the farm with his family, and to bear an equal
proportion or one-half of all expenses necessary for the supply
and carrying on the aforesaid business of farming, and to direct
his whole time and attention to the care and management of
the business as aforesaid, and generally to do and act using
his best skill and ability in the management of the said