Hawkins
County 
Wills
Page 225
Dated: May 31, 1852
Proven: Dec. Term, 1858 (by J. H. Vance, Clk.)
In the Name of God, Amen. I, John Gibbons of the County of Hawkins
and State of Tennessee, being of sound mind and memory, but weak of body
and knowing the uncertainty of life and the certainty of death, do make
and publish this as my last Will and Testament, hereby revoking and annulling
all others made by me. First. I direct that all my fuenral expenses be
paid and all my just debts be paid as soon after my decease as practicable
out of moneys in the hands of my Executors hereafter named. Second. I give
and bequeath to my son William Gibbons one negro slave named William
one bed and bed clothes. Third. I give and bequeath to my son James
Gibbons the sum of one thousand dollars in money on the express condition
that James shall apply in proper person to my Executors within the
period of two years from the time Executors shall qualify in Court. Should
he not apply for said money, my Executors shall divide among my three children.
Fourth. I give and bequeath to my son Robert Gibbons one negro slave
named Bob. Fifth. I give and bequeath to my daughter Elizabeth
Larkin one negro slave named Julia Ann and one other named
Mary Ann which is all I intend my said daughter to have of my Estate.
Sixth. I give and bequeath to my daughter Mary Godsey one slave
named Moriah and one other named Preston and one other named
Sealah, which slaves and their increase are to remain in the possession
of my daughter and be subject to her control during her life, and at her
death said slaves and their increase are to be divided equally among her
children. Seventh. After my decease, I desire that all the money that I
have on hand at my death and all that is due me be divided by my Executors
equally among my children, as follows, to wit: My grand children Mary
Ann Gillenwaters, Elizabeth Gillenwaters, Nancy L. Miller, and Susannah
A. Gillenwaters; the children of my daughter Nancy Kinkead,
dec'd. to draw the portion of their mother and to be equally divided among
them, and the balance to be equally divided among William Gibbons, James
Gibbons & Robert Gibbons, my sons, and my daughter Mary Godsey.
Eighth. It is my will that after my death my slave Reuben and Mary
be set free. Ninth. The property remaining at my death shall be sold by
my Executors and the proceeds thereof divided among the following children,
namely my grand children: Mary Ann Gillenwaters, Nancy L. Miller, Susannah
A. Gillenwaters the children of my daughter is to draw their mother's
part, and William, James and Robert Gibbons and Mary Godsey.
Tenth. I do hereby nominate and appoint my friend Rob't Cooper,
Esq. and my son Robert Gibbons Executors of this my last Will and
Testament and desire that the County Court shall not require bond &
security of them. In tesimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal
this 31st day of May, 1852.
John Gibbons (seal)
Signed, & published in our presence: William R. Pearson, James Carmack,
Robert Cooper
Page 227
Dated: February 12, 1853
Proven: Mar, 1853
In the name of Almighty God, Amen. I James G. Guthrie of the
County of Hawkins in the State of Tennessee being of sound mind and memory
do make and publish this as my last Will and Testament hereby revoking
and annulling all other wills by me made at any time heretofore. First.
I direct that my funeral expenses and all my just debts be paid as speedily
as possible. Second. I will and direct that my personal representatives
hereinafter to be named dispose of such of my property, including my stock
in the East Tennessee & Virginia Railroad and my interest in a grant
of land on Bay Mountain, whereupon they may deem it advisable to do so
either at public or private sale. Third. It is my wish and desire that
each of my children be as well educated as the means I leave in the hands
of my beloved wife Mary Ann will justify and she may deem proper
and advisable. Fourth. I desire that my beloved wife retain possession
of all my effects in the raising and education of our children, except
so much as my personal representatives with the assent of my beloved wife
may determine to invest in Western Lands - and also if deemed expedient
by them to do so, to purchase a farm or homestead for the use of my family,
having the fullest confidence in my wife doing justice to each and all
of our children, and I hereby expressly leave it with her to apportion
to them such property and means as her ability to do so will allow, giving
to each child an equal share. At such time during the time she may remain
unmarried as she may think proper to do so, and also if deemed most for
the interest of my family, my personal Representative may invest such sums
or part of the means in their hands belonging to my estate in the mercantile
business or any other branch of business, as to them may seem best calculated
to promote the interest of my family. And I do hereby invest my said personal
Representatives herinafter to be named with full power and authority to
use and control & manage said Estate with the assent of my said wife,
as though I were still alive. And to this end I do hereby authorize and
empower them to dispose of any of my negroes when deemed advisable &
to purchase others with any funds or means belonging to my estate. And
if deemed best by them to loan said funds, then to take bond and good security
from time to time so as to secure the principal and interest. Fifth. I
desire that my son William S. Guthrie remain with his mother and
assist her in raising and educating our children and assist in managing
her business, and should he prove obedient, kind and attentive to his mother,
and I am well assured that he will, then I desire that she and her co-executors
herafter to be named assist my son in going into business, allowing him
an equal share with my other children of my Estate besides what she may
think he is entitled to on account of the care and attention bestowed by
him as above stated toward his mother & the business of the Estate,
leaving it discretionary with her to say at what time these shares shall
be paid over during her widowhood. Sixth. In the event that my beloved
wife hereafter should conclude to marry again, then and in that case, I
desire & direct that my Executors forthwith make a settlement with
her and allot to her a child's share of my Estate, and for them to retain
in their hands the remainder of the assets &c belonging to my estate,
or if not in their hands then to proceed immediately to recover possession
in order to have them distributed among my children or those of them entitled
to said assets, as they may respectively attain the age of 21 years. Or
should any of my daughters marry, then in their sound discretion my said
Executors may pay over to the husbands of my said daughters such shares
or balances coming to them respectively; or if deemed most expedient by
my Executors, retain in their hands such shares or funds of said Estate
until my said daughters shall respectively attain the full age of 21 years,
giving to each one an equal share after deducting whatever may have been
expended on account of their raising and education & according to equity
& justice. Seventh. I desire that the claims due by me to the late
firm of Neill & Simpson and to the Estate of William Simpson,
dec'd, be recognized and allowed in the division of the Estate of said
William Simpson, dec'd. Eighth. And I do hereby appoint my beloved
wife Mary Ann Executrix and my friends James K. Simpson &
Robert Simpson Executors of this my last Will & Testament, giving
them full and plenary powers to manage my said Estate in such way and manner
as in their judgement & sound discretion will promote the best interest
of my family and estate - and having the fullest confidence in their integrity
and ability to manage the same, it is my request that the County Court
do not require bond & security of them, but simply that they qualify
as my Executors, &c. Ninth. In case of the death of any of my Executors,
if it should be deemed proper by survivors to fill their places thus made
vacant by death or wish to resign, then and in that case, I desire that
the Chancellor of the district where my property may be, may appoint other
suitable persons to fill such vacancies, possessing the confidence of my
family or heirs & possessing discretion & ability to discharge
the duties devolving on them. And lastly, I bequeath my soul to Almighty
God who created it, desiring my body to be decently intered in the graveyard
of the first Presbyterian Church where my children repose. In witness whereof
I have hereunto set my hand and seal This twefth day of February, 1853.
James G. Guthrie (seal)
Signed sealed & published in the presence of: D. Alexander, J. H.
Vance, and John Blevins
Page 229
No Date
Proven in part Nov. Term, 1855
In the Name of God, Amen. I Mary Gillenwaters widow & relic
of Thomas Gillenwaters, dec'd of the County of Hawkins in the State
of Tennessee, being weak of body but of sound memory, considering the uncertainty
of life and the certainty of death do make and ordain this to be my last
Will and Testament, hereby revoking and annulling all others by me made.
I commit my soul into the hands of Almighty God and hope to enjoy eternal
happiness when He shall please to call me from this mortal life, and it
is my wish and desire that my body shall be buried in a plain, Christian
manner, and as to what worldly property it hath pleased the Almighty to
place in my hands, I dispose of the same in the following manner, that
is to say. I do hereby give and bequeath unto my beloved son-in-law Thomas
Gillenwaters for his use and that of my beloved daughter Polly
who intermarried with him, all my personal property which I may possess
at my death, consisting of all my stock on the farm, household and kitchen
furniture, bedding and clothing - in short, all that I possess for their
benefit. And I do hereby nominate and appoint my said son-in-law Thomas
Gillenwater Executor of this my last Will and Testament and request
the County Court of Hawkins County not to require him to give bond and
security as is usual, having confidence in the said Thomas that he will
act faithfully in the matter. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set
my hand & seal and acknowledged this to be my last Will and Testament
in the presence of the following witnesses: Test: Elijah C. Gillenwaters
Joel C. Gillenwaters David Molsbee
Mary x Gillenwaters(seal)(her mark)
Page 230
Dated: October 25, 1856
Proven Jan. Term, 1857 (Proven 5-Jan 1857, Rec'd P.5)
In the Name of God, Amen - I give my body to the mother dust and my
immortal soul to God who gave it. The first. I wish to be buried in a Christian
manner. Second. I wish my burial expense paid out of my Estate. Third.
I will to my beloved wife Sally her lifetime all my property and
one half of my plantation I bought in the State of Kentucky in Monroe Co.
of James B. Tommas, and the half belongs to my beloved son George
in the partnership purchase, and at my death and my beloved wife Sally,
I give him the whole of my plantation to my son George, and I bind
him in this my will to pay my beloved daughter Lucritia Wax the
sum of $400.00 in cash. Also, to pay my daughter Malvinia King $100.00
in cash, to be paid in two years after my death & my wife Sally.
Also I give all the money I have on hand to my son George to lift
my bond from James B. Tommas for the above tract of land, and my
personal property to be sole at my death and my beloved wife, and to be
equally divided between my children. I also bind my son George to
pay all my just debts. In testimony given under my hand and seal This 25th
day of October, 1856.
In presence of us, Test: Elijah C. Gillenwaters A. Carmichael
Wm x Gillenwaters (seal)(his mark)
Page 231
Dated: November 17, 1857
Proven: Dec. Term. 1860
In the Name of God, Amen, November 17, 1857 I Andrew Galbraith, Sr.
of the County of Hawkins and State of Tennessee, being of sound mind and
memory but calling to mind that it is appointed for all men once to die
do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following:
I give my soul to God who created and gave it, my body to the earth to
be decently buried at the discretion of my Executors, and lastly, my earthly
estate in the manner following. I will that all my just debts be paid.
I give to my daughter Louisa McCanse the sum of $5.00, in addition
to what she has heretofore received at the time of her marriage. I give
to my son Alexander M. Galbraith the sum of $200.00, in addition
to what he has heretofore received. To my son John M. Galbraith
the sum of $5.00 in additon to what he has heretofore received. To my daughter
Anna Maria Galbraith one feather bed and furniture and one half
of the proceeds of a plantation sold to Nelson Getser in July or
August, 1853, it being the farm on which said Getser now lives,
containing 300 acres more or less which was sold for $5.00 per acre, that
the proceeds and interest arising thereon be managed and controled by my
Executors for her benefit and support as I deem her incompetent to manage
her own property. The proceeds and interest of the other half I will and
bequeath to the heirs of my daughter Elizabeth Lee, dec'd. I give
to my daughter Sarah Elmore my negro boy Page and girl Laura,
also one equal divide of any other children my girl Harriet may
have previous to my death not othewise disposed of by this will. I also
give her my young gray horse Bob, which horse is given in trust for the
benefit of her son William Porter Elmore. I give to my daughter
Amanda McCarty my girl Harriet and her sons Orange
and Wesley and an equal divide with Sarah Elmore of any other
children Harriet may have as above provided. If I do not in my lifetime
make any arrangements for my daughter Amanda a home, my Executors
are hereby authorized to invest $800.00 out of any monies belonging to
my estate in the lands where she lives for the benefit of her and her children.
To my sons Joseph and Andrew I give the farm on which I live
(except the marble quarry) containing 700 acres more or less by them paying
to my son Anderson $1,000.00, and to the son and daughter of Audley
Galbraith, dec'd $2,000.00, an to my son William $500.00 with
interest on these sums from one year after my death till paid. They may
have indulgence if they desire it on the money to be paid the son &
daughter of Audley Galbraith, dec'd, until they are of age, by paying
the interest. It is my will in further relation to the part of the farm
given to my son Andrew, that should he have no children at his death
that it revert back to my other children or their heirs. I give to my son
Andrew my waggons and gears, also the farming tools, one feather
bed and furniture, my negro girl Sarah, my desk and book case and
rifle gun. My son Andrew is to have the part of the farm where I
now live, and Joseph the other part where he lives, dividing by
the lane that now leads to the bottom. The lands up the river to be divided
between them giving each necessary ways to ofrom his lots, this relates
to the lands above the Big Spring branch. The money to be paid Frederick
A. Galbraith and Mary T. Galbraith, children of Audley Galbraith,
dec'd., to be equally divided, share and share alike. The marble quarry
on the home place to contain fifty acres more or less, embracing all the
marble land on the potato hill, I give in equal interest to all my children
and their heirs including both families. The proceeds and profits arising
therefrom after my decease to be equally divided amongst all my children
or their heirs. Joseph and Andrew to have the benefit of
the rents of any houses on the quarry lands during the present lease, and
the proceeds of wood sold during said leases to be equally divided between
Joseph, Anderson and Andrew.. It is further provided that none
of the quarry property shall be sold off in lots or shares, but if ever
sold, to be sold altogether and proceeds equally divided between beneficiaries--not
to be sold for a less sum than $50,000.00. It is my will that my son Andrew
have my negro boy Kader. I give to Sarah Elmore my Clarks
commentary on the New Testament. To Anderson Galbraith my History
of the Methodist Church. To Wm. Galbraith Watson's Institutes. To
Joseph Galbraith, Fletcher's Checks. To Andrew Galbraith my
Family Bible. To William and Harvey Galbraith Benson's Commentary.
To Amanda McCarty my life of Bascom, Bascom's Sermons, Life of Lady
Maxwell and Benson's Sermons. The balance of my books to be divided amongst
my heirs by my Executors. My household furniture or other property not
disposed of to be sold and anything remaining after paying the bequests
herein provided for, the balance to be divided amongst all my children.
I appoint my three sons, Joseph, William and Andrew Executors
of this my last Will and Tesament. In testimony of all and every part herein
contained, revoking all others, I have hereunto signed my proper name and
affixed my seal the day and date first above written.
A. Galbraith (seal)
Signed, sealed & acknowledged Say A. Galbraith, Sr. in presence
of : W. H. Moffett A. Blackburn J.T. Moffett
August 12, 1860, the foregoing will reviewed and approved in all its
parts. Witness: James L. Etter, C.C. Etter, William W. Etter, Junior
Page 244
Dated: August 17, 1820
Proven: May: Term 1829
I James Hagan of Hawkins County and State of Tennessee, being of
sound mind and memory but of weak body:, knowing the uncertainty of human
events, ordain and desire this to be my last Will and Testament. After
giving my: soul to Almighty God, the giver of it, I devise my worldly affairs
in the manner following, to wit: 1st. I devise to my daughter Frances
Hagan my negro or mulatto girl Almira the daughter of Cate.
2nd. I bequeath to my sons John, Thomas & Alexander Hagan each
a horse, saddle and bridle to be worth $100.00. 3rd. I bequeath to my daughter
Margaret Hagan, when she arrives at the age of 21 years,
a horse, saddle and bridle to be valued at $100.00. 4th. I bequeath to
my daughter Elizabeth R. Hagan my negro boy: Barney, son
of Nancy who is at this time in State of Kentucky in the care of
my brother Alexander Hagan. The whole of which devises I wish kept
under the direction with all my other real and personal estate of my beloved
wife Rachael Hagan during her life or widowhood. After her death,
or in case she should intermarry, my estate both personal and real to be
equally divided by: five persons chosen by: the Court of Pleas and Quarters
for the said County of Hawkins, among all my children, Viz: Margaret,
John, Thomas, Alexander, Alice, Mary, Frances & Elizabeth. It is
my desire that my wife Rachael Hagan act as my Executrix with my
son John Hagan when he arrives at the age of 21 years as Executor.
Hereby revoking and making void all other wills. Given under my hand &
seal, this 17th day of August, Eighteen Hundred and twenty.
James Hagan (seal)
Signed, sealed and acknowledged in our presence the date above written.
Jno. A. Rogers, John H. Smith
Page 245
Dated: May 20, 1823
[Died 1830-34]
Although at present in tolerable health, thanks be to God, yet certain
circumstances render it my duty to provide for the disposal of the little
property I now possess or may hereafter possess, and while the blessing
of health and sound mind offer, I John S. Hill of Hawkins County,
State of Tenn., make this my last Will and Testament in the following manner:
1st. I request that all the debts I owe may be paid by my Executrix and
Executor hereafter named as soon as may be convenient after my decease.
2nd. I give to my sons Charles Miller Hill and James Hill
the sum of five dollars each only - as I consider they have already a full
and equal share with what I have hereby to give my other children. 3rd.
To my ever dear and respected wife Martha I give the whole and every
part of the balance of my property - lands, negroes, stock of every kind,
household and kitchen furniture, farming utensils &c during her life.
4th. At her decease, my will is that the whole of my property be divided
among my children in the following manner: That all those of them who may:
be under sixteen years of age at the time of their mother's death shall
(?) to the amount of $200.00 worth of property each, over and above an
equal share with those that may be at that time twenty one years of age
or over, and likewise to all those at that time who may be between twenty
one and sixteen years old, $100.00 worth of property each, more than those
who may be then twenty one years of age or more. 5th. I give my: children
Betsy Hill, Levin Hill, Sally Hill, Martha Hill, Ketty Hill, Ann Augusta
Hill & Thomas Robinson Hill at the death of their mother the whole
of my land, also negroes Fred, Cherry, Dick, Eliza, Martha and all
the children that Cherry, Eliza and Martha may hereafter
have. Also all the stock of every kind, the whole of the household and
kitchen furniture, the farming utensils of every kind and the whole of
the provisions that maybe on hand at that time, each to have an equal share
to them and to each of their heirs. 6th. To Polly Moore, Benjamin Hill,
John Stephen Hill, Peggy Hill, Jenny Boltzell and Joshua Hill
I give all and every part of the balance of my property, to be equally
divided amongst them (the following few articles next mentioned only excepted)
to each of them and to their heirs, to wit: To Polly Moore three
silver table spoons marked "JBM" and to Peggy Hill the
three other silver tablespoons marked in like manner with initials of the
names of their great grandfather and great grandmother Joseph and
Bathsheba Miller. To Jenny Boltzell five silver teaspoons
marked "J.M.D.", the initials of the names of her grandfather
and granmother, James and Mary Deane, and likewise all the
finger and ear rings, necklaces, locket, &c that formerly belonged
to her deceased Mother. To Joshua Hill, six silver teaspoons marked
"J.M.D." and to Thomas Robinson Hill, he being the youngest
and there not being a suf-ficiency worth dividing, I give six silver teaspoons,
a large silver soup spoon and a pair of silver sugar tongs, all marked
with the initials of his mother and my name, "J.M.H.". And to
my son Levin Hill my watch, it being an uncommon one, therefore
I request him to keep it for my sake. 7th. To provide as much as possible
for my childrens' welfare after my decease, and guard against the destructive
power of a step-father, my will is that if my wife should take a second
husband that she then directly be en-titled to no more of my property than
the law will allow her, and in that case, hereby revoke all and every bequeath
hereby made to her, and that, a division of it may take place as soon thereafter
as may be convenient. 8th. And lastly, I appoint my dear wife Martha
Hill and my old friend Andrew Galbraith to be the Executrix
& Executor of this my last Will and Testament. In witness of the above,
I the said John S. Hill, have to this act set my hand and seal this
twentieth day of May in the year of our Lord, One Thousand, Eight Hundred
& Twenty-three.
John S. Hill (seal)
Signed, sealed and acknowledged by the said John S. Hill for his
last Will and Testament in the presence of John Buckhart, Aquilla Jones,
Alexander M. Galbraith.
Page 246
Dated: February 10, 1829
Be it remembered that I Benony Harris of the County of Hawkins,
State of Tennessee, being low in body but of sound and perfect mind and
memory doth make this my last Will & Testament in the manner and form
following: First. I do order that all my lawful and just debts be paid
out of my personal property. Then I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife
Rachael all my personal property during her widowhood, and also
I bequeath unto my beloved wife Rachael full possession of all my
lands during her widowhood. And then I do order that when my two youngest
sons, William and Isam, shall become of age, that she shall
let them have one horse, saddle and bridle worth $100.00, to make them
equal with my two oldest sons, Absalom and James Harris.
And then I do order that as my daughters shall become of age, namely Sally,
Polly , Janny, Lutey & Elizabeth, that my wife Rachael
let each of them have one cow and calf with each of them a bed, and
I do order that at the end of my wife's widowhood, the residue of my personal
property with all my lands be sold and an equal divide made between all
my ears of the money arising from such sale, and I do appoint my wife Rachael
as Executrix of this my last will testament (sic), revoking all former
wills made by me.
In witness whereof I have set my hand and seal. February 10th , 1829.
Benony x Harris (seal) (his mark)
Test:George White John Harris
Page 247
Dated: April 18, 1829
Proven: May Term, 1844
In the Name of God, Amen. Be it remembered that I Goodlaf Huffmaster
of the County of Hawkins , State of Tennessee, considering the. uncertainty
of this mortal life, and being of sound and perfect mind and memory, blessed
be Almighty God for the same, do make and publish this my last Will &
Testament in manner and form following, that is to say: First. I give and
bequeath unto my son John my plantation where I now live, being
in the County and State as aforesaid for which he is to maintain me and
my wife our lifetime. Likewise, I give my son John all my farming
utensils for which he is to pay $40.00 at my death in the following manner,
that is to say. Unto my son Joseph $25.00, son Jonathan $10.00,
son Daniel's heirs by the Anny (sic) $5.00, and after my
wife's death, all the household furniture, that is to say, two beds, clothes
cloth (sic) and in a word all the loose property about the house is to
be equally divided among my four daughters, that is to say, Barbary,
Mary, Sally & Betsy, and for this I appoint my son Joseph Huffmaster
and Isaac Lauderback Executors to see to the dividing of property
equally of this my last Will & Testament, hereby revoking all former
wills by me made. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal
the Eighteenth day of April in the year of our Lord, one thousand, eight
hundred and twenty nine.
Goodlaf x Huffmaster (seal) (his mark)
Signed, sealed published and declared by the above named Goodlaf Huffmaster
to be his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who at his request
and in his presence have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses to
the same. John Walker (Other witness name illegible)
Page 248
Dated: Dec. 9, 1830
In the Name of God, Amen. I do hereby constitute this my last Will &
Testament, revoking all others heretofore made. I now proceed to make the
following disposition of my property both real and personal which division
shall take place after my death. I give unto my wife Frances a negro
woman Peggy, a negro man Miles and a negro boy Manson
during her widowhood; also one cow and calf, one feather bed and furniture
for the same forever. I do give unto the heirs of my son Thomas Haynes
$15.00 forever. Unto the heirs of my son Turner Haynes, $10.00 forever.
Unto my son Drury Haynes, $25.00 forever; unto Lazarus Spears
$25.00 forever; unto James Bradley $25.00 forever; unto my daughter
Feruby Spears a negro girl Lydia forever. Unto my daughter
Sarah Charles a negro girl Edy forever. Unto my daughter
Jane Hagan a negro boy Joe forever: unto my daughter Mary
Haynes a negro boy John, a negro girl Margaret forever.
The residue of my property both real and personal I wish to be sold and
proceeds thereof to be equally divided between my sons, John, Christopher,
Jesse and Francis. The above loaned negroes to my wife at the
expiration of her widowhood to be sold and equally divided between my sons
above mentioned- John, Christopher, Jesse & Francis. I do hereby
constitute my son-in-law James Bradley and my nephew Haynes Amis
my sole Executors. In testimony whereof I do hereunto affix my hand and
seal, this ninth day of December, A.D. Eighteen hundred and thirty.
Christopher x Haynes( seal) (his mark)
Witnesses: John H. Kershner, Hugh Woods, Thomas J. Amis
Page 249
Dated: August 9, 1833
Whereas I James Hagood of Hawkins County in the State of Tenn. ,
being frail in body but of sound mind, taking into view that all men must
die and being desirous so to settle and adjust my affairs that my family
may be provided for in the best manner possible consistent with the amount
of property I hold, and that all difficulties or grounds for dispute or
litigation about this may be removed, do ordain, publish and declare this
to be my last Will and Testament, hereby revoking and annulling all former
wills. Imprimis. I give and bequeath so much of my personal property as
may be necessary to discharge all my debts and expenses of every kind to
my Executors to be sold on twelve months' credit & then collected and
paid over till all said debts and expenses are paid. Item. I give and bequeath
unto my beloved wife Nancy Hagood my land whereon I live containing
90 acres more or less to have and to hold during her widowhood or life
if she shall not marry again, and after the marriage or death of my wife,
I will the land to my daughter Becky Ingram wife of Miller Ingram,
and Anne Raley wife of Phillip Raley and their heirs respectively
in fee simple, share and share alike. Item. I give & bequeath to my
s'd wife Nancy the following negroes Viz: Franky, Jack,
Jesse, Betsy & Julia to have during her widowhood or life if she
never marry again, and after her marriage or death to my sons Benjamin
F. , James M., & Stephen D. in full property to be divided among
them equally & if there should be any increase of said negroes during
the time they are to be helf by my wife, s'd increase to be divided between
my sons in same manner. Item. I bequeath unto my son Benjamin F.
my blazed face mare called Jen and her sucking colt and a feather bed and
furniture and bedstead and the saddle and bridle he now uses and claims.
Item. I give and bequeath unto my son James M. my bay mare called
Fan, a bedstead, feather bed and furniture and the saddle and bridle he
generally uses and claims. Item. I give and bequeath unto my son Stephen
D. that my Executors shall upon his coming of age give him out of my
Estate as good a mare as Fan, that is left to James M. a saddle
and bridle worth $15.00, a bedstead, feather bed, furniture and a good
fur hat. Item. I give and bequeath that after my debts and expenses and
all other legacies are paid, all my other stock, household and kitchen
furniture and farming utensils shall go to my wife Nancy to hold
during her widowhood or life if she never marry again, and after her death
or marriage to go to my sons Benjamin F., James M. & Stephen D.,
share and share alike... Item. I give and bequeath unto my son William
one dollar, he having already been sufficiently provided for. I do hereby
appoint my wife Nancy and my sons Benjamin F. and James
M. Executrix and Executors of this my last Will and Testament, and
they are not to be required to give security, and it is also my will that
in the event of the marriage of my wife, then my said sons shall be my
sole Executors and her power shall cease. And in the event of any dispute
or difficulty among my legatees or Executors in reference to my estate
or this will, I do hereby appoint Jacob Miller, Lazarus Spears, Thomas
Coldwell Daniel Chambers & Orville Bradley as arbitrators to whom
said difficulty or dispute shall be referred and any (of) these are sufficient
to act and their award to be conclusive and final. Item. It is my will
that my Executors be authorized in any manner they may deem proper by agreement,
compromise, or otherwise, to settle and ascertain the boundary line between
my lands and the lands of George Francisco, if (this) is not done
during my lifetime. Item. It is my will that the crop on hand shall go
to the support of the family. Given under my hand & seal This 9th of
August, 1833.
J. Hagood (seal)
Witnesses present who witnessed this will in the presence of & at the
request of the Testator: Orville Bradley, Geo. R. Powel, G. Francisco
I, James Hagood, do this 11th day of August, 1833, offer the
following codicil or supplement to the above will & do declare it in
all respects to be a part thereof. That is to say, that if my wife should
either die or marry before the first day of January, 1842, Executors to
hold the land until that time to maintain and school my youngest son Stephen
D. Hagood. Item. If either of my three sons, Benjamin F., James
M. or Stephen D. should die intestate or unmarried, then in that case
the survivor or survivors is to heir what is willed to the three. The five
barrels of corn that Robert Gray owes me this fall is to be collected
and considered as part of the crop. Given under my hand and seal day &
date above written.
J. Hagood (seal)
Witnesses present & who witnessed this will in presence of & at
the request of the Testator: G. Francisco, T. Coldwell, Jr.
Whereas I James Hagood did make my will in August last &
thereby did lend five negroes to my wife during her widowhood & at
her marriage or death to be divided between my three sons…since which I
have sold one of them to George M. Lyons. Now I do offer this schedule
to explain my intention concerning the disposal of the proceeds of the
sale of said negro. What money , bank notes & bonds may remain on hand
at my death , after paying my debts & all expenses, to be equally divided
between my wife & three sons, Benjamin F., James M. & Stephen
D. Hagood, and Stephen's share to be put out on interest to
some safe hand until he becomes of age, which will be in the year 1841.
The will & Codicil annexed thereto is hereby confirmed. Done this 20
July, 1834.
J. Hagood (seal)
In presence of who was desired to witnesseth: Test: George Francisco
Clinton A. Charles
Page 252
Dated: October 5, 1837
I, Nancy Hord of the County of Hawkins and State of Tennessee do
make and publish this my last Will and Testament , hereby revoking and
making void all former wills by me at any time .heretofore made. First.
I direct that all my funeral expenses and just debts be paid out of any
moneys that I may die possessed of or that may first come into the hands
of my Executors Second. I do give and bequeath unto my children, Eldridge,
Thomas, William and Lucretia Rowan, formerly Hord, all
the property real and personal that I die possessed of except what (I herein
dispose of). That is, that William's share be $100.00 less than
the others on account of a still that he has received. Also that the children
of my son Stanwix, dec'd. jointly receive a share equal to one of
my own children which shall be divided among them as follows: Nancy
and Malvina Hord's share to be equal , William Stanwix Hord's
share five hundred dollars more than Nancy or Malvina. I
do further will and direct that my negro slave Hannah be freed at
my death. I do hereby make , ordain and appoint my son Eldridge Hord
and Robert W. Kinkead, Executors of this my last Will and Testament.
In witness whereof I have unto this my will written on one sheet of paper,
set my hand and seal, This 5th day of October, 1837.
Nancy x Hord (seal)(her mark)
Signed and sealed in the presence of us who subscribed in the presence
of each other. N. Fain Jos. Huffmaster
Page 253
Dated: October 23, 1841
Proven: Aug. 2nd, 1847
In the Name of God, Amen, I Abraham Haun being weak in body but
of sound mind and memory do make this my last Will and Testament in manner
and form as followeth, to wit: After all my just debts are paid and a decent
burial, I give and bequeath to my beloved wife Elizabeth all my
lands during her life; also the choice of my horse beasts, also two choice
cows and calves, and for the said Elizabeth Haun my wife, to have
as much of the other stock as she may stand in need of. I also want my
wife to have one choice axe and one weeding hoe, also the loom and furniture
to it. Also all my property not disposed of to be sold at public sale and
my wife to have the money. I want it to be fairly and unequally understood
that my son James Haun but one dollar of my Estate. After my wife's
death. I want all of my Estate to be sold and an equal division made between
the balance of my children. I nominate, constitute and appoint James
Witt my sole Executor. October 23, 1841.
Abraham x Haun (seal) (his mark)
William Courtney James Courtney
Page 253
Dated: Dec. 13, 1841
Proven; Sept. Term, 1849
Be it remembered that I, Ogdon Hale of the County of Hawkins and
State of Tennessee, being weak in body, but of sound and perfect mind and
memory, blessed be Almighty God for the same, do make and publish this
my last Will and Testament in manner and form following, that is to say:
First. I give and bequeath to my daughter Mary Haynes the sum of
one dollar. I also give and bequeath to my daughter Anne Kelly the
sum of one dollar. I give and bequeath to my son Harvey Hale the
sum of one dollar. I also give and bequeath to my son Thomas Hale
the sum of one dollar. I also give and bequeath to my sons Arthur Jesse
and Turner Hale the sum of one dollar. Which several legacies or
sums of money I will and order shall be paid to the said respective legatees
within two years after my decease. I also give and bequeath to my daughter
Kiziah Hale and my son Samuel Hale all my land in said county,
lying on south side of Holston River, on the waters of Beech Creek, together
with all my personal estate, goods and chattels, but if either Kiziah
or Samuel die, the other is then to have the land and personal property
above named, only reserving to my beloved wife Lorina Hale a hone
and support during her lifetime out of the above named land and personal
property, hereby revoking all former wills by me made. In witness whereof
I have hereunto set my hand and seal, Dec. 18, 1841.
Ogdon x Hale (his mark)
Signed sealed published and declared by the above named Ogdon Hale
to be his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who at his request
and at his presence have hereunto subscribed our names. as witnesses to
the sane. Jacob M. Charles, Sally Charles
Page 254
Dated: Mar 30, 1843
Proven: May Term, 1843
In the Name of God Amen. I Samuel Henderson of the County of Hawkins
and State of Tennessee, being weak in body but of sound and perfect mind
and memory do make and publish this my last Will & Testament in manner
and form following that is to say. First, I give and bequeath unto my wife
the tract of land I reside on during her natural life; after her death
it is to go to my sons Pleasant and Samuel Henderson: one
bay mare, one black and one brown mare. I bequeath to my wife also my entire
stock of hogs. It is my will that my tract of land in the Western District
be sold on a twelve-month credit and all the proceeds of sale except $300.00
be divided between my three daughters Betsy, Lucinda and Amanda,
and the $300.00 named above to go to my three grand children, i.e. Thomas
George and William. My land on the south side of the river,
about 40 acres to be sold on twelve-month credit and my other four grand
children, Milly, Balldy, Samuel & John to have $100.00
each, and the remainder to go to my three daughters named, equally divided
my wife to have two of the plows, two axes, four hoes, three milk cows
& yoke of oxen. The rest of my farming tools and waggon and cattle
is to be sold, also my bay colt and sorrel horse and proceeds divided equally
between my sons Pleasant and Samuel L. Henderson. My daughter
Lucinda is to have a sorrel horse named Jim. My entire stock of
sheep to go to my wife during her lifetime, then to be equally divided
between all my children. My four negroes, Sally, Minne, Gibb, and
Pack to go to my wife that she may dispose of as she chooses, so they
are left among my children, but according to her own notion. I wish my
son Samuel L. to collect a debt (from each of the following): David
Lyons, Jr. , Thomas Taylor, John McWilliams Orville Bradley and
Jacob Burris and to account for same on final settlement with Pleasant
Henderson. My just debt to be paid out of any money on hand, and if
there is a surplus it is to go to my wife. I bequeath to my daughter Amanda
one boy per name of Bill. All the grain of every kind to be left
for use of the family. I do hereby appoint Pleasant and Samuel
L. Henderson Executors of this my last Will & Testament, hereby
revoking all former wills by me made. In witness whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and seal this 30th of March, 1843.
Samuel x Henderson (seal) (his mark)
Signed sealed published and declared by the above named Samuel Henderson.
to be his last will in the presence of us who have subscribed our names
as witnesses in the presence of the Testator. Robert Johnson, Joshua
Phipps; , William F. McCullah
Page 255
Dated: May 19, 1845
Be it understood that I, Arthur Hale of the County of Hawkins and
State of Tennessee, being of sound and perfect mind and memory do make
and publish this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following,
that is to say: First. I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Jane
Hale the tract of land on which I live during her lifetime or widowhood,
then to be divided be-tween my two youngest daughters, Alis and
Marthy. Also I give and bequeath to my two eldest daughters a old
tract or part of an old tract and entry land joining Barnabas Kelly
and David Tate, divided equally between them- Hiley J. Hale
and Betsy Viney Hale. Also, I bequeath to Kindred Hale my
son , a tract of land that I bought of Jesse and R. Jackson
called the Barber Jay Place, all the above named land lying in said County
and on the waters of Beech Creek. Also, I give and bequeath to each heirs
and my wife a bed and furniture and stead to be made equal. Also to my
wife and children all my property remain in the hands or under control
of my wife as long as the children remain with her. When they leave or
have a need of it, they to have their proportional part of property. My
son Kindred Hale is to have a horse, saddle and bridle. Also that
a brown filly be sold and the moneys divided between Hiley J. Hale
and Betsy Viney Hale. Also that my wife and my son Kindred
sell such surplus property as they do not need and youse the proceeds for
support of the family. In witness whereunto I set my hand and fix my. seal
This 19th May, 1845.
Arthur Hale(seal)
Riley Jones, James Charles, Alexander Hale
Page 256
Dated: Sept. 23, 1847
In the Name of God, Amen. I, John Headrick being of sound and disposing
mind and memory do make publish and ordain this to be my last Will and
Testament in manner as follows (Viz): My body I give to be buried in a
Christian like manner at the discretion of my friends, and my soul to return
to God who gave it. After all my just debts are paid, I wish to dispose
of my property, both real and personal in the following manner: First.
I give and bequeath to my wife Rachael a certain sorrel mare for
her own use and benefit, to dispose of as she pleases. The balance of the
personal property to be sold , except what she may want to keep for her
benefit , except the blacksmith tools is to belong to my son John B.
Headrick. I will to my son James W. Headrick one dollar. I will
to my son Barnard C. one dollar. I will that the personal property
which may be sold.. .that the proceeds, together with my outstanding debts
be collected and the proceeds equally divided between my son Elijah
W. , daughter Peggy Phillips and my daughter Ann Walker.
I will that my wife Rachael have the use and benefit of the plantation
that I now live on during her life, and at her decease, I will that the
plantation be sold and the proceeds divided between Elijah W., Peggy
Phillips & Ann Walker. I do hereby nominate & appoint James
W. Headrick to be the Executor of this my last Will & Testament,
This 23rd day of September 1847.
John x Headrick (seal)(his mark)
Witness: Samuel Chesnutt (name of other witness illegible)
Page 257
Dated: October 13, 1849
In the Name of God, Amen. I Benjamin Hutchisson of the County of
Hawkins , State of Tennessee , being of sound mind and disposing memory,
but somewhat feeble in body, do make and publish this my last Will and
Testament. First. It is my wish and desire that the expenses attending
my death and burial shall be paid out of any money or property that I may
have at the time of my death, as soon after my death as practicable. Second.
It is my wish and desire that my son Rudolph shall have a young
bay horse that he now uses called Rover, together with all the money that
he has in his hands of mine-the money for which he sold my property. Third.
It is my will and desire that my grand daughter Margaret, daughter
of Rudolph, shall be furnished by my daughter Rebecca with
a good bed, bedstead and furniture when she arrives at the age of eighteen.
Fourthly. It is my wish and desire that my daughter Rebecca shall
have all my land consisting of 150 acres, together with all my personal
property, books, papers, &c, but in case Rebecca should die
before my grand daughter Margaret arrives at the age of eighteen,
Wm. Hutchisson and Henry Watterson should dispose of my property
as they may see proper, and furnish to Margaret the property to
wit: the bed and furniture. Fifth. It is my wish and desire that William
Hutchisson shall be my Executor without security. In testimony whereof
I hereunto set my hand and seal This 13th day of October, one thousand,
eight hundred and forty nine, in presence of: H. Watterson, Thomas T.
Barrett
Benjn Hutchisson
Page 258
Dated: May 14, 1853
Proven: Nov. Term, 1853
I, Jordan Hundley of the County of Hawkins, State of Tennessee,
make and constitute the following to be my last Will and Testament. Item
First. My will and desire is that after my death, my body may be buried
in a decent manner. Item Second. My will and desire is that out of my money
or property all my just debts be paid by my Executor hereafter appointed.
Item Third. My will and desire is that my beloved wife Elizabeth shall
have all my lands whereon I now live containing about 60 acres, and at
her death , my said land to descend to my beloved son Jordan Hundley
who now lives with me, and that he have full title to land at the death
of his mother. Item Fourth. My desire is that my wife hold all the household
and kitchen furniture belonging to me and one cow and yearling if she may
choose to keep sane. Item Fifth. My will and desire is that my Executor
pay my son William Hundley one dollar, he having heretofore been
provided for. Item Sixth. It is my will and desire that my Executor pay
my son Joseph Hundley one dollar, he having heretofore been provided
for. Item Seventh. I desire that the heirs of my daughter Nancy Tucker,
wife of A. Tucker, receive from my Executor one dollar, she having
been provided for. Item Eighth. My desire is that my daughter Lucy Cavin,
wife of John Cavin receive one dollar, she having been provided
for. Item Ninth. My will and desire is that my daughter Phebe Richards,
wife of Aaron Richards receive one dollar, she having provided for.
Item Eleven (No Item Ten). My will is that Elizabeth Cavin receive
from my Executor one dollar, she having been provided for. I further make,
constitute and appoint my son Jordan Hundley my Exec. , and that
he have all of my personal estate not otherwise herein disposed of out
of which to pay my debts and the several bequests herein made, and any
remainder to him after the death of my wife, she retaining and using the
same during her life, she having the right to dispose to whom she may please
of the household and kitchen furniture devised to her. In testimony whereof
I have hereunto set my hand and seal. This 14th day of May, 1853.
Jordan x Hundley (seal)(his mark)
Witness: Jacob Miller, Abraham Britton
Page 259
Dated: January 22, 1854
Proven: Feb. Term, 1855
In the Name of God, Amen. I, Hezekiah Hamblen of the County of Hawkins,
State of Tennessee, being in good health and in sound and perfect mind
and memory, blessed be God, be-ing in the seventy-ninth year of my age
and calling to mind the mortality of this life do this 22nd day of January
in the year of our Lord, 1854 make this my last Will & Testament in
manner following, Viz: Whereas I have heretofore given to most of my children
portions of my property as circumstances suggested, I gave to my son William
a whole portion, I gave to my son Henry Hamblen part of his portion,
and now I give to Henry all that tract of land I purchased of Thomas
Hamblen lying on the waters of Stock Creek which Henry now lives
on, which makes up his whole portion. I gave to my daughter Elizabeth
Smith her whole portion. I gave to my daughter Mary Smith negro
Sam & other things, and I give to her daughter and son Caroline
and Moses a negro girl Beckey which makes up the full portion.
I gave to my daughter Jane Lauderback her full portion. I gave to
my son Abner part of his portion and now I give him Molly
and Frank and their increase, to him and his heirs forever. I gave
to my son John part of his portion and now I give John negro
Jesse. I have given daughter Nancy part of her portion Caty
and Dick, and now I give to Nancy negro Harriet and
her increase, to the said Nancy and her heirs as the balance of
her portion. I have given no portion to my daughter Priscilla Green,
and now I give her negro Eliza and her two children Stokley
and Ned. I also give and bequeath to my my grandson William Greene
a negro boy named Bob. Also to my grand daughter Susannah Greene
a negro boy named Peter, which goes for Priscilla's portion.
I have given to my daughter Susannah Ely her full portion. I hereby
lend to my wife Nancy half of my tract of land upon Caney Creek
and the following named negroes: Willis, Marie, Marcia, Ellen, Mary,
Florida and Sandy, two of my horses - her choice, five cattle
- her choice, during the time she lives single or during her natural life.
It is my will that my mulatto man Harry be free and emancipated
at my death. Now, my son William and my daughter Mary are
dead. I do hereby bequeath the balance of my estate, real and personal-together
with the part lent to my wife, after her marriage or death to my sons and
daughters , Henry, Elizabeth Smith, Jane Lauderback, Nancy Hamblen Priscilla
Greene, John, Abner Hamblen and Susannah Ely to be divided equally,
share and share alike to them and their heirs forever. I do hereby appoint
my three sons, Henry, John & Abner Executors of this my last
Will and Testament, or so many of them as shall give security and qualify,
In witness whereof I the said Hezekiah Hamblen have to this my last
Will and Testament set my hand and seal , the day & year above written.
I leave this among my valuable papers.
Hezekiah Hamblen (seal)
Endorsed: Handwriting to this will was proven by the oath of D. Alexander,
Jno D. McFarland, Orville Rice, Alexr Long & John Stipe.
Page 261
Dated: January 19, 1855
Proven: Feb. Term, 1855
In the Name of Almighty God, Amen. I Frances Haynes, widow of Christopher
Haynes, dec'd do make and publish this my last Will & Testament,
revoking all others by me heretofore made. First. I want out of what personal
property, money or other effects that I may have at my decease, to be buried
in a Christian like manner and the expenses of my funeral paid, and after
this is done, out of the residue of what I may be possessed of or that
may come into the hands of my Exec. in my right in any way whatever, and
in particular my pension from the United States due me. If the same shall
not be obtained by my Attorney in my lifetime, it is my desire that he
be paid according to our understanding for his trouble and the residue
after paying off my just debts and liabilities in every way whatever, I
give and bequeath to my beloved daughter Fereba Spears wife of Jesse
Spears, for the love and affection I bear to her and her said husband,
and for the further consideration of the trouble and expense they have
had in their kindness and attention to me in my last days. I do further
appoint and constitute my beloved son-in-law Jesse Spears my sole
Executor to carry out the provisions of this my last Will,
Signed, sealed & published in our presence, and we have signed our
names as witnesses in the presence of the Testator, This 19th day of January,
1855. Samuel Spears Henry Smith
Frances x Haynes (seal) (her mark)
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