Source: Fayette County, GA Probate Court
Written: August 9 1854
Recorded: September 1 1856

Georgia}
Fayette County}
In the name of God amen I, John Pearce of the county and State aforesaid being of advanced age and knowing that I must shortly depart from this world deem it right and proper both as respects myself and my family that I should make a disposition of the property with which a King providence has blessed me, I therefore make this my last will and testament hereby revoking and annulling all others heretofore made by me

Item 1st I desire and direct that my body be buried in a decent and christian like manner suitable to my circumstances and condition. My Soul I trust shall return to rest with God who gave it, as i hope for eternal Salvation through the blessed Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Item 2nd I desire and direct that all my just debts be paid without delay by my Executor hereinafter named, as I am unwilling my creditors should be delayed of their rights especially as there is no necessity for delay.

Item 3rd I desire and direct that my Executor hereinafter named shall sell and dispose of at finale sale My Negroe boy Green about thirty four years of age and also all the notes which are in my possession to be collected as far as practicable by my said Executor which proceeds of said Negroe and said notes to be equally divided between my thirteen children viz Sary Kelly, John Pearce, Shadrick Morris and the children of my deceased daughter mary Cawb and the children of my deceased son James Pearce, Shadrick Pearce, Joshua Pearce, Elijah Pearce, Elisha Pearce, Susanah Martin, wife of Ira L. Martin and her children free from the disposition of her present husband, and the children of my deceased daughter Nancy Whitaker, Rachel Pate widow of William Pate deceased, and Lewis Pearce.

Item 4th The rest of my children viz, William Pearce, Axum Pearce, David Pearce, my son in laws Hamlin D. Mattyx having had their full share of my estate, I devise they have no further interest in my Estate.

Item 5 I constitute and appoint my son Joshua Pearce and John I Whitaker my Executor to this my last will and Testament.
John (his mark) Pearce

Signed Sealed declared and published by John Pearce as his last will and testament in the presence of us the subscribers, who subscribed our names hereunto in the presence of said Testator and of each other this August 9th
1854.
Daniel K. Gilmer
James M. Pate
J. E. D. Pearce

Georgia}
Fayette County}
Before me John L. Blalock Ordinary in and for said county personally appeared in open court Joshua Pearce Executor of the Last will and testament of John Pearce late of said county deceased and produced before me the last will and testament of said John Pearce deceased and Two witnesses of the said will to wit Daniel K. Gilmer and James M. Pate which witnesses being duly sworn depose and say that they saw John Pearce the Testator sign seal declare and publish the instrument now presented as his last will and Testament freely voluntarially and of his own accord and without any compultion or influance whatever that at the time of the Execution of the said will said Testator was of sound and disposing mind and memory that deponants Signed said will as witnesses in the presence of the Testator and at his special instance and request and in the presence of each other, Sworn to and subscribed before me this the 1st day of September 1856.

Jesse L Blalock
Ordinary Daniel K. Gilmer
James M. Pate

Recorded this the 4 day of September 1856
Geo C King Dept CCO