Claudia Sims

iv. CLAUDIA SIMS187, b. 26 Sep 1861, Talladega County, AL187; d. 04 Apr 1941, Talladega County, AL187.

Notes for CLAUDIA SIMS:

Lisa A. Baggett notes from discussions with Herbert Sims, Mary Lea Sims and Miriam Dark Sims, Annie Laura Sims Porter, Claudia Welch and Jane Harvell during April, 2002.

Claudia never married however, had numerous suitors based on the letters that still remain in the family todate

Claudia took over the running of the plantation (located in Talladega County, Alabama) after her Father, Henry Sims, died. I do not know what the exact size of the plantation was at this time, but at one point, it was over 1000 acres. Cotton appeared to be the major crop and source of income given receipts, etc from the farm and home.

Claudia was known as a "nice and very intelligent" lady. I was told that she rode the plantation wearing guns, so I asume she was also a very strong and assured individual. Many others have stated and therefore confirmed for me that Claudia did indeed run the planatation while riding a white horse and wearing guns. During this time however, neither she nor Aunt Eunice had means to travel into town for provisions, etc. So every Saturday a Mr. Searcy took them into town. It has been told to me that Mr. Searcy asked for compensation for this effort and that "Miss" Claudia gave him a penny. She must have managed her money as strictly and tightly as she did the plantation.

My observations:

After the death of her Mother, Elizabeth (Lizzie) Cruikshank Sims, there appeared to be quite a struggle over the family property and ownership. (Add from legal letters). As Claudia's father had two families, the first with his first wife Martha Louise Hayes Sims (who died shortly after giving birth to her and Henry's second son) and the second from her mother, Lizzie Sims, it appeared the struggle was first family vs second. Henry Sims, and also Lizzie Sims, both died without wills. Martha died at such a young age I would seriously doubt (also as a female in the 1840's) she would have a will or property in her name to bequeath to heirs. (It was usually held in the male's name)

It appears that Claudia took the agressive role in defining the land ownership and thereby parcelling it out based on her knowledge of the wishes of her parents. (Pasted from Ged-Com by Lisa Baggett 10-19-2002)

More About CLAUDIA SIMS:

Burial: Oak Hill Ctry., Talladega, Talladega, AL187