Case of Esther M. Pennington      No. 803367
On this 26 day of Sept 1904 at Rockford, county of Kent, State of Mich, before me, F G Sims, a special examiner of the Bureau of Pensions, personally appeared Minor B. Coats, who, being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded him during this special examination of aforesaid claim for pension, deposes and says:

I am 60 years old.  Occupation farming.  P.O. Rockford Mich R.F.D.  My farm joins the farm of the late James Pennington.

Q: What do you value the home place of 20 acres and the 65 acres across the road?

Well sir if the buildings were off of it I would not take the land as a gift.

Q: How much would it rent for?

I don't believe it could be rented.  There are a few fruit trees around the house that might be of some value but the land is of no value.  The house and barn are both good.  The barn cost one thousand dollars and I presume that the house cost fifteen hundred dollars and both buildings are in good repair.

There are no buildings on the other place of 80 acres.  It is rough and it is light land.  I think he paid $800 for it and my candid opinion is that it would not sell for any more than that today.

Q: What would the 80 acres rent for?

Well it ought to be worth a dollar an acre if anything?

Q: Would you give that much?

No.  I would not.

Q: What would you give?

I tell you honestly I would not work the land if it was given free of rent.

The son Oliver works the place.  I helped him thresh this year.  He had no wheat or oats.  All he had was rye and all he got from both places was one hundred and seventy odd bushel.  He has out some beans but they are a poor crop and all he can do by gathering them is to earn day wages.  He has out some potatoes but I don't know how good they are.  I should say he had out 5 or 6 acres out.  I have heard this read and it is correct.

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 26 day of Sept 1904 and I certify that the contents were fully made known to deponent before signing.

F G Sims, Special Examiner