Work Day in Jefferson County

Again, we are in Jefferson County, Mississippi, trying to work the issues regarding the "heir property" left by Frank's grandfather.  I won't bore our readers with the legalese, but just understand that as of this writing, there are 23 people with a potential legal interest in the land, most of whom have no idea the property even exists.  But, as you might expect, one of the 23 is a pain to deal with.  Add in the emotionally charged atmosphere surrounding family relationships of older generations, and you have the makings of a real "situation."

Probate files back to 1835

Our first stop was the public records rooms in the Jefferson County Courthouse.   Just for curiousity, we looked through old probate files of Civil War era plantation owners in the area, and copied some deeds. Then we were off to the far northeast reaches of the county . . . down dusty, unpaved roads, to the object of our trip .... the "Chambliss Property" near Tillman.

The two parcels in question ... they don't even have any road access.

 When we arrived at the abandoned mobile home that Frank's parents had placed on the property 35 years ago we were surprised to see that someone had been trying to make improvements, and apparently they are trying to get it livable.  We knew that the mobile had been ransacked decades ago, and when we were here in 2011, the place was wide open and abandoned.

On this trip, we noticed new electrical wiring, new plumbing, bed platforms, and a porch cover over the front door.  

2011 - abandoned, trashed, pitiful

2013 - yard cleaned, new elegant front porch cover, still pitiful

2011 - empty, cupboard doors missing

2013 - new wiring, cupboard doors back, kitchen being installed

We left a note on the front door inquiring about the changes.  So far, no one has contacted us.

We taped our calling card on the note.

On our way back to the motorhome, we stopped in to get more information on a business that caught our eye earlier.  Could this be a relative?

Intriguing business model

The business is owned by Timothy Chambliss, but it appears he is no relation to Frank.  They spent a few minutes comparing genealogies and couldn't come up with one connection. 

Frank Chambliss and Tim Chambliss ... no relation

Our day in Jefferson County had been very productive.  We got information on surveying the property for a new deed, we connected with the attorney who will help us with the quiet title action, we met interesting people, and we saw more of the beautiful Mississippi countryside.

It was a good day.