I would appreciate some help with deciphering the meaning of several Grayson County Documents. My great-grandmother, Susan (Susanna) Shaw came to Grayson County before 1853 with her family. Her husband was Napoleon B. Shaw, and they brought several children with them from Missouri. Napoleon died in August, 1858, according to a petition brought by Susan Shaw in September, 1858. On 7 January 1859, a deed was drawn to convey land Napoleon bought but was not conveyed to him before his death, to his heirs, Susannah Shaw, the widow and Nathan Franklin Shaw, Nero Shaw, Cordelia Shaw and Napoleon B. Shaw, the children and heirs. It is my understanding that a married woman could not buy land independent of her husband. The Napoleon Shaw family came to Grayson County in the early 1850's and Napoleon died in 1858. Yet, there are two documents in which Susanah (sic) made land transactions prior to her husband's death. One is a bond involving 93 acres and was signed on 6 March 1854. The deed for that land was conveyed to Susanah Shaw on (no day) of January, A.D. 1856. How did this come about? Is my assumption about a married woman buying land correct? If so, what happened? Any enlightenment would be appreciated. Regards, Ken Hestand