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26
Shoffner History.
a true copy of a bill of sale made to Austin Shofner, November 19, 1838:
? Bedford Comity, Tennessee: We, the executors of Martin Shofner, deceast, have this day sold to Austin Shofner a negro man named ? Dick/ aged about thirty-two years, which we hereby convey to him and his heirs forever, for the sum of eight hundred and fifty-one dollars to us paid; and we hereby convey the same to him and warrant the title to him from aney other person or persons whatsoever claiming. Witness our hands and seals this, the 19th day of November, 1838. (Signed) John Shofner. (seal), F. Shofner (seal), executors.?
One of the interesting characters among the darkies of John Shofner was an old negro preacher by the mime of ? I?andle,? whose personal reputation might have been improved by following his own teachings more closely, who, though he could not read, would exhort his colored companions to live better lives. Uis favorite text was, ? The bigger the coon, the more the fur;? and lie would begin: ? Bruddern and sistern, vou will find my text somewhar in de IJible lids.? At a sorghum supper and barbecue given by William (Bud) Young about this time, one of the guests. Col. James Mullins, in answer to calls for a speech, rendered this old negro?s sermon on this text, and completely ? brought down the house.?
At their father?s sale Loton Shofner bought ?Jack? for $1,500, and Michael bought ??Hart? for $1.000? two young negro brothers. The masters living near each other, at every opportunity these negroes would visit; and invariably they would fight and come home