Lard Jars 1873

I'm not sure why Louisa had to buy back her household goods. After all she was Ephraim's wife. Seems strange to me, but I know property rights in 1873 were a lot different from today, especially as regards women.

I continue to be fascinated by the lists of household goods and the prices, of course. I'm not sure what a lounge plus bedding would be as opposed to a bed. I'd love to have the table cupboard and contents, but what stopped me was the listing of 8 lard jars. Now I know what lard is and am familiar with all types of jars, but was there a specific kind of lard jar? If so 8 seems a bit excessive, although I guess if they butchered their own hogs every fall and lard was the principle cooking oil then 8 would probably be a goodly number to last through the winter. I wonder if her lard jars looked something like these?

M.J. Jones – J.P. Powell – I.N. Douglas –

State of Kentucky )

Madison County )


At a County Court held for said County on the 3rd day of November 1873, the foregoing appraisement bill of the personal estate of Ephraim Parm, dec’d, was returned and ordered to be recorded. And the same is hereby done accordingly.
Att: G. O. Shackelford CMCC
From Madison County, Ky. Order Book P. Page 176 (transcribed by Cecil Pearson)
The following is a true list of property sold by me as administrator of Ephraim Parm, dec’d., together with prices received for each article. Sale on 3rd day of Oct. 1873.
John B. Owens Admr

Names Purchasers Articles Prices
Louisa Parm 1 safe 5.00
Louisa Parm 1 small table, pitcher, etc. 2.50
Louisa Parm 1 bureau & looking glass 10.00
Louisa Parm 3 chairs, bedstead & tick 2.50
Louisa Parm 1 bedstead & bedding 18.00
Louisa Parm 1 lounge & bedding 8.00
Louisa Parm 1 lot bed clothing 11.00
Louisa Parm 1 small wheel 1.25
Louisa Parm I table cupboard & contents 7.50
Louisa Parm 8 lard jars 2.00
Louisa Parm 2 bee stands, etc. 5.00