Hello List, I know that there are many of you out there that have ties to some of the STAFFORD's of Rapides Parish. This is just one of those families. Taken during the 2nd big oil boom in Rapides Parish, to assure the representative of the company and/or speculator, that he had a 100% interest in this particular Oil, Gas, and Mineral Lease. Rapides Parish, La. Clerk of Court's Office, Conveyance Book 238, p. 268, Original Instrument filed as # 242916, dated 10 Jun 1939 and filed for record 29 Jun 1939. Affidavit as to Heirship given under oath by W.S. BARKER and Smith SNOWDEN, state that they have lived in Rapides Parish, La. over 35 years and are well acquainted with A.M. STAFFORD and his wife, Mrs. Archie M. STAFFORD (formerly Werdna JACKSON), Mr. Stafford now being deceased and that between this union were born 17 children, and only 17 children, and that 10 of those children died in infancy or before attaining age 10. The following children are the only surviving children of this union: Clara STAFFORD, married to K. COOLEY (What's his name ?). Hickman STAFFORD, a single man. Ulysee (sic) STAFFORD, a single man. Archie M. STAFFORD Jr., married to Hallie SLAUGHTER. Dave STAFFORD, married to Occie (sic) OLIVE. Willie STAFFORD, married to Leon LEMOINE. Susie STAFFORD, married to J.H. JONES (What's his name). Witnessed by G.P. DAVIS and T.L. WALLACE, before Wade H. JONES, Notary Public. It should also be noted, that even though this is from a fairly recent time period, such affidavits may be on record for persons who died many decades previous to this type of record being done and/or finally being recorded. One should always check the names of their research interest in the indices of the land and civil court offices to avoid overlooking such a find. Enjoy ! Houston