In the early 1840s in an undated petition (probably from about 1842), oratrix Catharine C. Micou widow of John H. Micou of Essex County complained that the said John H. Micou died in December 1835 having left a last will and testament. Provisions were made for educating the children, of which there were six—four daughters and two sons—most at that time infants of very tender years—Adeline G. in February 1841 intermarried with Albert Hill; Martha E. at about the same time intermarried with James H. Boughan; Olympia H; Susan C.; John H: who died in the fall of 1840; and Edgar Roy, all except Adeline yet infants. At the time of his death, John H. Micou owned a valuable farm in Essex County, Bathurst, previously conveyed by a deed of trust. The property was sold, but commanded a sum barely sufficient to accomplish the objects and purpose of the the deed of trust. John H. Micou also owned slaves, some of whom were with him at the time of his death, he having startedwith them on his way to the South, with the view of selling them, and had progressed to one of the western counties of the state, where he died. The slaves were sold, the proceeds paid to the executors. Your oratrix is going into debt with what little is left. That John H. Micou at the time of his death held a reversionary interest in the estate of the late Geo W. Lee deceased and interest in the estate of his father, the late Paul Micou, which at the death of his mother will amount to about $2,500. No date. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 49, item 49-B-4.]

On 26 April 1843, Albert Hill and Adeline G. his wife filed an answer to the bill of Catharine C. Micou in which they agree to the allegations and cheerfully submit. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 49, item 49-B-8.]