Daily Messenger, Mayfield, Graves Co., Ky., Thursday, April 8, 1915

AGED WOMAN BURIED AT WATER VALLEY
Mrs. P.W. Wilkerson (Wilkinson), who formerly lived at Water Valley, died at East Prairie, Mo., last week and was buried Sunday (04 April 1915) at the Water Valley cemetery. She was 75 years of age and her husband was killed by a train at Cairo 27 years ago (1888) while en route from Missouri with a wagon load of watermelons. After her husband's death she continued to conduct a store which he left at Water Valley until seven years ago when she moved to East Prairie. She leaves a brother (sic-1st cousin), Ben P. Bennett, of Water Valley. The funeral services were conducted by Rev. R.M. Walker, of Hickman, who was formerly her pastor.
Contributor: Patrick Walsh (49160587)
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Death certificate added as a photo, and confirmed parents are Tom Bennett & Lizzie Milner.
Informant: Maude Doyle of Rector, AL., which is her granddaughter. Death occurred at St. James, Mississippi county, Missouri.
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Confirmed Ben P. Bennett was her 1st cousin, son of Henry F. Bennett & Sarah J. Adams.
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More information from Patrick.
One more thing...
I've included a couple of items--a deed and a map. The map will show you where Molly lived. Of course she could have lived somewhere else in town before this. Given that Molly sold the house/lot to Eugene in 1903 and was recorded in East Prairie, Mississippi Co., MO in the 1910 Census, I think she probably moved soon after the sale.

It was interesting to discover the many deeds (and I'm not sure I got them all) that Molly was directly involved in. You know that her husband was shown with an occupation as a farmer. Even her father was a farmer. I have no idea where she got her money to indulge her appetite for real estate transactions. I was a little surprised by the amount she asked of Eugene for the 4 parcels. $4600 must have been a weighty sum back then. Of course, the amount may have been for show. Or maybe she was a tough business woman who wouldn't cut anyone any slack, not even for a nephew. Who knows?!

Molly's house on the map (indicated by "1") was sold to Silas Eugene Tarpley, her nephew. Eugene's mother was Adaline Bennett Tarpley, Molly's sister.

In the following deed, it states "M.M. Wilkerson." This error was made many times. You also saw the error of "Wilkins" in the 1900 Census, Graves Co.

The attached Word file is a part my recreation of the 1914 Sanborn Map Co. I've been working on the entire map for many years trying to place relatives where they lived in town. As I researched the deeds, I discovered the locations of some neighbors.

Also...
The W.V. Fire Department now stands on the property that constitued the 5 stores, starting with Tarpley's on the north and ending with the Undertaking/Embalming business of Wayne T. Edwards on the south.

I don't know if you have any interest in the below deed or the attached section of map for Water Valley done by the Sanborn Map Co. This was a division of the Sanborn Ins. Co. I can't prove this, but I think W.V. investigated or ended up purchasing fire insurance (they had no fire dept up until 1923--that I know for sure). Given the fire that they had in 1893 that about burned everthing to the ground, may have led the town notables to do this. Certainly, building the 5 stores out of brick says somthing (done in the late 1890s or very ealy 1900s). When the Citizens Bank was constructed in 1910 it, too, was brick.

Graves County Deed Book #29, Page 218-9, M.M. Wilkerson to S.E. Tarpley
March 17, 1903
For and in consideration of the Sum of Forty Six hundred Dollars ($4,600) paid and to be paid as follows, viz.: Six hundred Dollars Cash in hand paid the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged. And one note of even date for Five hundred Seventy One and 43/100 Dollars, due 17th day March 1904. One note of same date of March 1905. One note of same date for Five hundred Seventy One and 43/100 Dollars due 17th day March 1906. One note of same date for Five hundred Seventy One and 43/100 Dollars due 17th March 1907. One note of same date for Five hundred Seventy One and 43/100 Dollars due 17th March 1908. One note of same date for Five hundred Seventy One and 43/100 Dollars due 17th March 1909. One note of same date for Five hundred Seventy One and 43/100 Dollars due 17th March 1910. One note of same date 6% per annum till paid.
I, M.M. Wilkerson, have sold, and herby convey with covenant of General Warranty to S.E. Tarpley the following described real estate lying in the Town of Water Valley, Graves Co., Ky., viz: being parts of Lot No. 2 and Lot No. 3 in said Town of Water Valley, Ky., as shown and designated on the Plat of said Town and bounded as follows: commencing at northwest corner of Lot No. 2, thence east with Monroe St. 80 feet, thence south 150 feet, thence west 80 feet to Washington St., thence north 150 feet to beginning corner, being same Lots deeded by Ben P. Bennett and M.M.Wilkerson by Martha A. Cox the 28th day of July 1897, recorded in Deed Book 17, page 183. No. 1, this would become S.E. Tarpley's residence.
Also one lot described as follows: beginning at a stake 50 feet from center of R.R. Tract at southeast corner of G.F. Weaks Drug Store lot, thence west with said Weaks line 107 feet, thence south 35 feet, thence east 107 feet, thence north 35 feet to the beginning. No. 2, This parcel includes what would be come the northern strip of property of the Citizens Bank (which S.E. Tarpley would sell the Bank).
Also one lot described as follows: one lot on west side of N.N.&M.V. R.R. (now I.C.R.R.) as follows, viz.: Beginning at a stake on west side of Monroe St. at R.R. land running west with said St. 140 feet, thence south 34 feet, thence east 140 feet to R.R. land, thence north with R.R. land 34 feet to beginning, consisting of one Brick Store building and all the stock of groceries, hardware, fixtures, cash, notes, and bank accountants and etc., contained therein. No. 3, this would become Tarpley's grocery and queensware store.
Also one lot described as follows: beginning at the northwest corner of the Thompson Lot and running east 402 feet, thence northwest 116 feet, thence west 278 feet, thence south 86 feet to beginning corner. Don't know the location of this lot.
Also ¼ undivided interest in one lot known as the Tobacco barn lot, lying south of Monroe St. and east of D.M. Byrn livery stable.
To have and to hold said real estate and all his heirs and assigns forever, a lien being retained on the property herein conveyed to secure the payment of the unpaid purchased price, excepting store of goods, furniture and fixtures contained in Store building.
In witness whereof I, M.M. Wilkerson, hereunto set my hand hereby relinquishing all rights to courtesy or dower and homestead exemption and to said real estate this 17th day March 1903.
M.M. Wilkerson
Side note: As directed by power of atty recorded in Deed Book 26, page 291(?) I have released the first four notes described herein and all liens retained on what is known as the Granger Lot and also interest in D.M. Byrn's livery stable Lot and also interest on all notes to March 17, 1910. This March 22, 1910.
M.M. Wilkerson
Side note: As directed by power of atty of record in Power of Atty Book No. 1 page 305, the lien retained in this deed is hereby released in full. This May 22, 1913(?)
J.W. Wilson, Atty-in-fact.
Attest: O.L Mason, Clerk
By C.A. Morris, D.C.

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