Submitted by: James (Jim) Marion Giddens

My GGG Grandfather Richard Franklin Giddens on his property tax record for Red River County in 1854 list 1612 acres in RR Co. and in other counties, 2992 acres. I have a carbon copy of a type copy of Early Texas Land Grants. It reads at the top. "Abstract of Valid Land Claims, Burlage, 1859. Abstract of Land Claims, Published 1852 by Authority of Act of Legislature, approved February, 1852.
His son Wiley W Giddens (my gg gf) list 640 acres in other counties
RFG's brother Absalom is listed on W.W.G.'s property as having 736 acres in other counties.
Absalom was the first of the Giddens to come to Tex in ca. 1829. The father of the men, my GGGG GF Reuben Giddens came to Red River Co ca 1840 from Vermilion Co, ILL. Before that they were in Floyd/Pike Co, Ky and before that Wilkes Co, N.C. until ca 1810.
The Abstract copy shows:

District Acres Class County Location
___________________________________________________________________________________
Bowie Richard F Giddens 2992 1st Cass So. of Sulphur Fork
Bowie Wiley W Giddens 320 2nd Cass On Black Cypress
Bowie Wiley Giddens 320 2nd Cass none given
Red River Absalom Giddens 1476 1st Red River Waters Gim's Bayou
Red River Richard F Giddens 1612 1st Red River Waters Pecan Bayou

The Giddens names are spelled incorrectly on the copy I have. It is in error by county clerks been spelled Gideon, Giddion, Gidens and Gideons. It is spelled Gideon incorrectly several time going back to 1797 in N.C. The signatures have always been "Giddens".

I have always understood that Absalom left RR Co and went to Cass or Titus County. I do not know what happened to him or where he is buried. I do have a picture of him. Absalom was never married, was born 1801 and died in Texas ca 1842.