Warning: This was some very hard script/type to read. Loose Probate Records (not word for word) Sylvanus McGraw Homestead papers… Received of Sylvanus McGraw the sum of six dollars and no cents being the amount of fee and compensation of Register & receiver for the entry of SE4 NW4 of Sect. 19, Township 2N of Range 1E…. Dated Feb. 23, 1894 -…. Witnesses summoned to prove his (Sylvanus, defendant) continuous residence upon and cultivation of said land viz: William Hastings of Woodville P.O. Miss; John Blaluck of Centreville P.O. Miss; Joe McGraw of Woodville P.O. Miss; Jim McGraw of Woodville P.O. Miss Dated Sept. 19, 1864 --In the return testimony of the above witnesses, they all had to answer specific homestead questions. All of them replied the same answers but I pulled out a few pertinent facts… WILLIAM HASTINGS—31 years of age, born in Woodville. QUESTION: When did defendant settle on land? ANSWER: during the year 1888. QUESTION: Is he married? ANSWER: he is married. JOHN BLALUCK—19 years of age, born in Woodville. SYLVANUS MCGRAW—in his defense—32 years of age, born in Wilkinson Co., MS QUESTION: When was your house built on the land? ANSWER: about 6 years ago. This house is a log house with one room and 12 acres. QUESTION: of whom does your family consist? ANSWER: myself, mother, our father & sister. I have a wife but we are not living together. Sylvanus McGraw— Sylvanus McGraw vs. Laura McGraw—divorce Married Nov. 29, 1883—defendant was then Laura Oakes……defendant deserted him…. Dated Dec. 30, 1886. DIVORCE FINAL: Jan. 12, 1887 --Sylvanus McGraw vs. Rosa (Owens) McGraw papers say they married ____day of Jan. 1883. Wilkinson Courthouse Records say they were married Feb. 23, 1893. The lived together until July, 1893 when she deserted him for more than 2 years. Filed Nov. 29, 1895. Divorce final: Dec. 10, 1895 --Sylvanus McGraw vs. Mary McGraw—divorce …on the 7th day of Dec. Ad, 1887 (Wilkinson Co. Courthouse Records say they were married Dec. 6, 1887) he & Mary Blalock, now Mary McGraw, defendant…was a resident of said county, but now a resident of the Parish of East Feliciana, LA lived together until March, 1888 when his wife willfully and obstinately deserted complainant… Divorce final the 16th day of Dec., 1891