Pages 97-99. John MATHEWS. In the name of God Amen. I John MATHEWS of FCT ... First
my will is that all my debts be paid by me Executors ... Item I give and bequeath unto Hannah
MATHEWS and her children Elizabeth Fidelia Mary & Emily MATHEWS and such other
children as she may have at the time of my decease the following real and personal estate towit
two tracts of land Situate in FC in the Barrens adjoining the lands of George GRAY Esq. and
James BROWN each of said tracts adjoining one hundred acres and known by the name of the
MALONE tract and the other by the Name of the THURMAN tract with all appurtances to them
and their heirs forever subject to the Condition following that is to say that the said Hannah
MATHEWS is to have the use and possession only of said tract of land for and during her life &
after her death the fee Simple Estate in said land to vest in her said children now living or which
she may hereafter have and the representatives of such as may be dead hereby vesting said Hannah
with power to present each of her said children to enjoy such part thereof during her life as she
may think proper not exceeding the first and equal portion of such child. Item I give and bequeath
unto the said Hannah MATHEWS and her children aforesaid and such other child as she may
have at the time of my decease the following negro slaves and their property towit, one negro man
named Duke and his wife Rachel and their six children namely Cyntha Austin Francis George
Richard and Alford negro man James and his wife Merme & the issue or decedants of the females
subject to the same Conditions as in the last clause that is to say that the said Hannah is to have
the use and possession of such slaves only during her life and after her death the same to be
equally divided between her children to them & their heirs forever vesting the said Hannah with
the same power of distribution amongst her children in her life time as she may think proper. I
also give and bequeath to the said Hannah MATHEWS and her children one half of my stock of
horses cattle sheep and hogs household furniture and the one half of all other personal estate
negros excepted and not have otherwise disposed of upon the same condition and under the same
restriction & limitation ... Item I give to my Son Nicholas Williams MATHEWS and Lunsford
Long MATHEWS and their heirs forever the several tracts of land in the County of Franklin on
which I at present reside containing about 435a being the whole of the balance of my land in the
barrens not before deisposed of also the following negro slaves towit One man named Galloway
& his wife Lucy one man named George and his wife Daphney & their five children Penney James
Caroline Daniel & Solomon one man named Gilbert one man named Lewis one man named Harry
one negro man named Ned one girl named Moriah and the issue of the females and the balance of
my personal estate not herein before disposed of the whole of said land slaves and other property
herein and hereby devised to my said two sons to be equally divided between them as tenants in
Common. Item I give unto my son Nicholas Williams MATHEWS and his heirs forever 50a of
land in FC on Paint Rock Creek immediately below the Confluence of Martins & Estill fork. Item
I give unto my dau. Luraney L. TARNER [sic TURNER] wife of John C. TONNER [sic
TURNER] and to my son John MATHEWS 150a of land in FC on Turkey Creek a branch of
paintrock to them and their heirs forever ... Lastly I do hereby constitute and appoint George
GRAY Esquire John TURNER and James ROBINSON Executors of this my last W&T ... 10
Feb. 1831. /S/ John MATHEWS. Wits.: M. TAUL. Aug. Term the will brought into court by
George GRAY and Micah TAUL and will witnessed by John TURNER George GRAY and
James ROBINSON....22 October 1831, E. RUSSELL Clk. Transcribed by Judy H. Phillips.
Pages 107-108. Boley Embry. In the name of God Amen Whereas it is once appointed for man
to die I Boley Embry of Franklin County, State of Tennessee being of sound mind and perfect
mind & memory do make & publish this my last will and testament in manner & form following -
First I give and bequeath unto my oldest son Miller Fifty dollars also I give and bequeath unto my
second son Isaac fifty dollars after which I wish two hundred dollars to be disposed of in the most
advantagious manner in educating my four youngest children so as to be equally divided amongst
them the names of those children are as follows - Thomas Jefferson, Winney, Elizabeth & Isabella,
farther it is my desire that my lands shall be sold on a credit of one, two & three years; equal
installments and the whole of my other personal and Real estate with all my house hold furniture -
should be sold on a credit of twelve months and the money when collected after paying my just
debts and Reserving the above mentioned two hundred dollars to be disposed of as before stated
the balance together with all the moneys due me to be equally divided amongst my eight children
(viz) Temperance, Jennie, Matilda, Lucy, Thomas, Winney, Elizabeth and Isabella - and I do
hereby appoint my loving brother Thomas Embry and my Trusty friend William Duncan my whole
& sole executors of this my last will & testament - Witness my hand & seal this 12th day of May
1832 - Boley Embry {Seal}. Witnesses: Samuel Corn; James J. Harrell.
State of Tennessee. At the Court of pleas & quarter sessions held for Franklin County on the 27th
day of August 1832. The within last will & testament of Boley Embry deceased was this day
brought into open Court and duly proven by the oaths [of] Samuel Corn & James J. Harrell
subscribing witnesses thereto & ordered to be Recorded. In testimony whereof I Edmond Russell
Clerk of said Court have hereunto subscribed my name the day & year aforesaid. E Russell Clk of
Franklin County Court. By W B Wagner D.C.
Pages 212-213 - I William Moore do make and publish this as my last Will and Testament hereby
revoking and making void all other wills by me at any time made. First I give and bequeath unto
my son James H ["M" in other docs] Moore the property and monies which I have heretofore
given him and which he has had in possession and used Secondly. I give & bequeath unto my son
Alexander Moore the properties and monies which I have heretofore given him and which he has
had in possession & use Thirdly. I give and bequeath unto my son John H Moore one bay filley
known as his filley beside the property and monies which I have heretofore given him and which
he has had in possession and used. Fourthly I give and bequeath unto my son William L Moore
one bay horse colt known as his colt besides the property which I have heretofore given him and
which he has had in possession Fifthly. I give and bequeath unto my son Henderson Moore one
hundred and fifty dollars to be paid over to him at the death of my wife Jane Moore besides the
property which I have heretofore given him and which he has had in possession. Sixthly I give and
bequeath unto my beloved wife Jane Moore during her natural life for her comfortable support
and maintainance & for the support and maintainance of Daughter Lutetia Moore my son William
L Moore my Daughter Mary Ellen Moore my son Machisn Moore and my Daughter Louisa Jane
Moore so long as they or either of them shall remain with her my said Wife the following property
(to wit) the plantation or tract of land whereon I now live containing one hundred acres together
with all the ballance of my estate both real and personal except so much as I may have in a
preceeding clause or clauses of this my Will given to my sons Seventhly It is my will and desire &
do direct that at the death of decease or death of my said Wife Jane Moore that all my Estate both
real and personal which I have in a proceeding clause of this my Will given or loaned to my said
Wife during her natural life here equally divided between my daughters Lutetia Moore my son
William L Moore my daughter Mary Ellen Moore my son Machesna Moore & my daughter
Louisa Jane Moore Lastly I do hereby nominate & appoint my sons Alexander Moore and John H
Moore my Executors. In witness whereof I do to this my Will set my hand & seal this 26th Septr
1838. William Moore Seal
Note the word support on the first page & the words during her natural life on the second page
was [intertaned?] before signed
Signed sealed & published in our presence and we have subscribed our names hereto in the
presence of the Testator this 26th of Sept 1838.
Charles Duncan} State of Tennessee Franklin County
Joseph Miller } County Court March Term 1843
James P Cowan} Then the foregoing last Will and
Hugh Montgomery } Testament of William Moore Deceased was proved in open court by the
oaths of Joseph Miller & James P Cowan two of the subscribing Witnesses thereto and was
ordered to be recorded. Witness Isaac Estill Clerk &c thisday of March 1843. Isaac Estill, Clerk
Franklin Co., TN Court Loose Records, Box 1860-1869, Folder #757, transcribed by Joy
Gallagher.
To the Hon Jno. P. Steele one of the Chancellors of the State of Tennessee who presides at
Winchester in said state. Your Oratrix Louisa J. Kiningham, who sues by her next friend Wm
Kiningham, a citizen of the County of Franklin and State of Tennessee would respectfully
represent to your Honor That her father William Moore died on the (blank) day of (blank)1843
leaving her mother Jane Moore a widow and the following named children James M. Moore
Alexander Moore John H. Moore William L. Moore Henderson Moore Luticia Moore Mary E.
Moore since intermarried with Samuel Cowan Machesna Moore and Louisa J Moore since
intermarried with William Kiningham, the last being the complainant in this Bill.
That Luticia died some thirteen years past and that William L died in December 1863 - they both
died without issue having never married.
Alexander Moore died on the (blank) day of (blank) leaving the following named children
Elizabeth Eliza intermarried with William Holland Virginia John and Josaphene the three last
being minors. That Jane Moore the mother of complainant died on the (blank) day of January
1864.
That complainants father William Moore made a will which was duly entered to Probate, in which
he provided for his children, giving to the older ones property of various amounts, leaving to his
younger children property to be divided at the death of their mother. The six youngest children
were to be made equal by securing their share when their mother died. The will specifying "That
Henderson Moore was to secure at the death of his mother one hundred and fifty dollars in
addition to the property already advanced him." Said will also provided that at the death of his
widow Jane Moore that the estate both real and personal which he had in a preceding clause of his
will given or loaned to his said wife during her natural life shall be equally divided between my
daughter Luticia Moore my son W L Moore my daughter Mary Ellen Moore my son Machesny
Moore and my daughter Louisa Jane Moore.
That before the death of Jane Moore, the widow and mother of your Oratrix, Luticia and William
L. died without issue, and without securing any part of said Estate.
That your complainant would respectfully report that the tract of land described in the will,
consisting of one hundred and twenty three acres, and by deed from James Lewis and Joseph
Acklin, the original deed being filed and marked Exhibit (A) and (B) That said land remains
undivided and has not been sold for the benefit of the children named in the will as entitled to the
same.
Your complainant would further represent that there are two tracts of land not mentioned in the
will which belong to said Estate by Grant from the State of Tennessee to William Moore for (103)
acres No 1276 - and one granted to Wm Moore A. Moore and Jesse Perkins for (121) acres
which remains undivided. The third [illegible] belonging to said Estate which will more fully
appear by said grants Marked Exhibit (C) and (D) The Exhibits mentioned will be filed at the
hearing.
Your complainant would most respectfully ask that The will be controlled by your Honorable
Court. That all the parties named as such be made defendants to the Bill That all necessary and
proper issue and upon final hearing That said lands be sold and the proceeds be divided among the
heirs as they are entitled to receive and Grant General relief. All the above named parties are
residents of Franklin County Tennessee except James M. Moore who is a citizen of Gibson Co
Tennessee Complainant prays that Guardians Ad Litem be appointed for the minors named in this
Bill. Turney and Newman, Solicitors.
Personally appeared before me Louisa J Kiningham and made oath in due form of Law that the
facts stated in the foregoing Bill are true to the best of her knowledge information and Belief.
L.J. Kiningham, January 3rd 1866. E.L. Best {J.P.}
I will be responsible for the costs in the prosecution of this cause. Wm Kiningham; J.R.
Kiningham.
Pages 57,58. John Bowlby Palmer. In the name of God amen. John B. Palmer of Franklin County
and State of Tennessee being weak in body but perfect mind and memory thanks be to almighty
God calling to mind that it is appointed for all men once to die does make and ordain this my last
Will and Testament revoking all others heretofore by me made. First I recommend my Soul to
God who gave it and my Body to the Grave and as touching such worldly estates wherewith it
hath pleased God to bless me with in this life I give and bequeath the same in the following
manner (to wit). First I will that my Executors and Executrix hereafter named pay all my just
debts from my apd. estate as I have heretofore endeavored to do in my lifetime. Second I give and
bequeath to my oldest Daughter Margaret now Margaret Weddington one negro Boy named
Bruce in addition to two others heretofore given namely Barberry and Rhody. Thirdly I give and
bequeath unto my Second Daughter Eliza Palmer three negros namely Mariah, Fanny and Jacob,
one mare named Julia, two cows her equal with my Daughter Margaret Weddington at the
discretion of my beloved wife. Fourth I give and bequeath to my third Daughter Hannah now
Hannah Weddington one negro boy named Judson in addition to two others heretofore given one
a girl named Harriet and a boy named Richmond and other property making her equal with my
aforesaid two daughters Margaret and Eliza at the discretion of my beloved wife. Fifth I will and
bequeath to my GrandSon John P. Weddington one negro boy named Joe also my Rifle gun and
accouterments. Sixthly I will and bequeath to my GrandDaughter Sarah R. Weddington a negro
girl named Mary. Seventh I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Sarah Palmer all the residue
of my real and personal estate during her natural life freely to enjoy and occupy and at her death
to be equally divided between my three daughters Margaret Weddington, Eliza Palmer and
Hannah Weddington and their children. Eighthly I do hereby make constitute and appoint my
trusty friends George Gray Esq. and William L. Weddington together with my beloved wife Sarah
Palmer Executors and Executrix of this my last Will and Testament making void all and any other
heretofore by me made written or verbal ratifying and confirming this my last Will and Testament.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my Seal this thirtieth day of June in
the year of our Lord one Thousand Eight Hundred and Twenty five 30th June 1825. Signed
Sealed and acknowledged before us John B. Palmer {seal} John Staples ; Lewis Clark.
John Bowlby Palmer, son of Edmond Palmer and wife Hannah Martha
Bowlby, is buried at Walnut Grove Methodist Church Cemetery, Franklin Co., TN. His
tombstone is inscribed "In Memory of John B. Palmer Who departed this life Oct. 1825 Aged 51
years." He and his wife Sarah Rich Palmer came to Franklin Co., TN between 1818 and 1820
from Rowan Co., NC with their daughter and son-in-law Margaret and Eli Bradshaw
Weddington, who were married in Rowan Co. May 16, 1815. Also living in Franklin County in
the 1820s were the Palmers' two other daughters, Eliza who married Lewis Evans, and Hannah,
who married William Lewis Weddington, Eli's brother.
Here is the probate record for John B. Palmer's wife Sarah, who died in 1858 in Gonzales Co.,
TX.
Probate Record for the Estate of Sarah Rich Palmer, Gonzales Co., TX Probate Book B, File
#488. Petition of Lewis Evans and Eliza Evans and Wm. L. Weddington and Hannah Weddington
for partition of Estate of Sarah Palmer dec'd. Filed Feb. 5th, 1859 F. Chenault, Clk.
The State of Texas } In County Court sitting on business appertaining Gonzales County } to
estates of dec'd. persons January Term 1859. To Hon. Charles Mason, Chief Justice of Gonzales
County - Your petitioners Lewis Evans and his wife Eliza Evans both of said County and State
and Wm. L. Weddington and his wife Hannah Weddington both of DeWitt County in said State
represent that Sarah Palmer late of Gonzales County, Texas, departed this life intestate in said
County on the 10th of October A.D. 1858, leaving a small estate and that the said Lewis Evans
has been by your Hon. appointed administrator of the estate of said decedent and has filed in your
Court his inventory and appraisement of said estate and that all the debts of the estate have been
paid and that the only heirs of said decedent are her three children to wit the said Eliza Evans and
Hannah Weddington and Margarette Weddington and the said last named Margarette Weddington
is the wife of Eli B. Weddington both of whom reside in Gibson County in the State of Tennessee,
being non-residents. Your petitioners file their bond in the terms of the law for the partition of
said estate and pray that the same be partitioned equally between the said Eliza Evans and Hannah
Weddington and Margarette Weddington. The property to be partitioned consists of twelve
negroes and some stock and some claims due the estate, as per inventory. Prayer is made that the
said non-resident Margarette Weddington and her husband Eli B. Weddington be cited by
publication in the terms of the law to appear at the March term of your Court to be holden in the
town of Gonzales in Gonzales County on the last Monday in March on the 28th day of the month,
and that partition of said estate of said decedent be then decided and for equity and general relief.
Wm. H. & T.R. Stewart, Attys. for Petitioners.
To add a note about Eli B. and Margaret Palmer Weddington, they moved
on to Obion Co., TN where they died in 1864 and 1868 respectively and were buried in the
Bethlehem Cumberland Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Obion Co. William Lewis and Hannah
Palmer Weddington died in 1874 and 1880 respectively in DeWitt Co., TX and were buried in
Concerte Cemetery, DeWitt Co. Lewis and Eliza Palmer Evans died in 1879 and 1888
respectively in Gonzales Co., TX and were buried in Masonic Cemetery, Gonzales
Co.
Will and probate contributed by Joy Gallagher, gallagherj@cafes.net.
Page 58,59. In the Name of God Amen. I John Gilliam of the State of Tennessee and County of
Franklin being in low state of health but in perfect sense of memory thanking to God for his
mercies and calling to mind the mortality of my body and knowing it is appointed fro all men once
to die do make and ordain this my Last Will and Testament in the manner and form following
(viz) I leave my soul to Almighty God that gave it hoping through the merits of my Blessed
Savior to inherit everlasting life and my body to be buried in a descent manner at the discretion of
my Executor hereafter mentioned and as to all my worldly goods that it has pleased God to (?) me
I leave in the manner and form following.. My will is that all my just debts paid and satisfied and
then I give my son John Three hundred dollars to be raised out of my estate and then I give to
my son Hinshea my Negro man David an also Jack then I give to the heirs of Thomas Gilliam
three acres of land around my son Lemuel my Negro boy Wiley and then I give Nancy Turney and
the heir of her body my girl Isbe and I give to Polly Turney and the heirs of her body my Negro
girl Rachel and then I give to Francis Deloach and their heirs of her body Beck and Stephen and
then I give to Avery Snider fifty Dollars to be raised out of my Estate and then I give to the heirs
of Temperance Clipper my Negro man John sometimes called Orch and I also further give my son
Lemuel my Negro girl Caty and her children now at the breast and rates them worth Six hundred
dollars and Lemuel must pay each of the heirs an equal part of said Six hundred dollars retaining
his own part. John Gilliam and Avery Snider excepted and then I give my son Hinchea my Negro
boy Bill at six hundred dollars which must be divided among the heirs as equally as above stated
John and Caty excepted and then my desire is that all my land except three acres around the house
of Elizabeth Gilliam's, horses, cattle and stock of all kinds household furniture and farming tools
to be sold at the public sale and such money equally divided among the above named Hinchea and
the heirs of Thomas Gilliam, Lemuel Gilliam, Nancy, and Polly Turneys heirs Francis Deloach and
her heirs Temperance Clipper and her heirs and I do hereby constitute and appoint my son Lemuel
Gilliam and Jacob Turney Executors of this my Last Will and Testament revoking disannulling all
wills by me heretofore made allowing ratifying and confirming this to be my Last Will and
Testament. /S/ John Gilliam, (Seal). Signed and sealed and pronounced in presence of John A.
Johnson; Barnett Forsythe; George A. Brock.
I John Gilliam yet surviving and being in a perfect mind and memory it is my will that this codicil
be annexed to my former will (viz) that twenty five yards square be laid off and reserved for a
burying yard on the tract of land heretofore disposed of by me in my former will to be laid off near
a walnut tree including Thomas Gilliam's grave this codicil acknowledged and signed and sealed in
the presence of us the 17th day of August AD 1825. /S/ John Gilliam, (Seal). Witnesses same as
above. Transcribed by Bobby Bollman and submitted by Saundra Anderson.
Page 278. I Catherine Sandridge do make and publish this as my last Will and Testament hereby
revoking and making Void all other Wills by me at any time Made. First I direct that my funeral
expenses and all my debts be paid as soon after my death as possible out of any moneys that I
may die possessed of or may first come unto the hands of my Executor. Secondly= I direct that
my Executor to have a neat tombstone placed over my grave and have the Grave Yard where my
husband is and where I desire to be buried ?ailed in= Thirdly = I direct that my Executor to take
possession as soon as I die and before he is qualified of all my property both real and personal and
after he is qualified to sell the same both real and personal as soon as convenient and to make in
his name as Executor such title to my real estate as I could if living and in case he is unable to sell
my land immediately he is directed to rent it out and wait until a sale can be effected = Fourthly
My Will is and I give and bequeath to the children of Thomas MODENA dec'd late of VA one
hundred dollars each Fifthly I give and bequeath to the Children of Henry MODENA decd one
Half of the remainder of my estate after paying the Legacy to Thomas decd Children= Sixthly= I
Will and bequeath to Susan FARIS wife of Wm FARIS and America MILLER wife of George
MILLER and John HILL son of Henry HILL, Jr. in equal shares the the balance or the other half
of my estate Lastly I do hereby nominate and appoint F. T. Estill my Executor in Witness whereof
I do to this my Will set my hand and Seal This 10th day of September 1850. Catherine (X her
mark) SANDRIDGE (Seal). Signed Sealed and Published in our presence and we have subscribed
our names here to in the presence of the Testator This 10 day of Sept 1850 - Wiley Denson
Thomas Garner.
State of Tennessee, Franklin County }} County Court October Tern 1850. This the Last Will and
Testament of Catherine Sandridge dec'd was produced in open Court for probate and thereupon
came Wiley Denson and Thomas Garner the subscribing witnesses thereto who being duly sworn
depose and say they were personally acquainted with the Testatrix in his (sic) lifetime that he (sic)
signed sealed and acknowledged the same in their presence to be her last Will & Testament that
she was of sound mind and deposing memory at the time she signed the same and that they signed
their names thereto as witnesses in the presence and at the request of the Testatrix and on the day
it bears date. Wherefore it was ordered by the Court that said Will be recorded as the Law directs
Witness Wm. E. Taylor Clerk of said Court at office This day of October 1850. Signed Wm. E.
Taylor.
Contributed by: Imogene McDonald, ALIMM@aol.com.
PAGES 263,264. Noah McKelvey. Being apprised of the uncertainty of life and for the love and
affection which I have for my children do hereby make my last Will & Testament 1st after all my
personal debts are paid I desire after the death of myself and my beloved companion Almira J.
McKelvey to bequeath to my Grand Son Jackson Bennett fifty Dollars to be paid out of the
personal effects of which we may die seized & should there not be enough of said effects to pay it
that the same shall be paid by my Six living children out of the property herein after bequeathed to
them each paying his equal part 2nd I desire after the death of myself & wife to bequeath my
lands which I have divided into lots designated as lots No 1 2 3 4 5 & 6 in the following manner
viz. Lot No 1 being a part of the home tract and including the buildings in which I live & barns
& stables. I bequeath to my beloved daughter Isabella Duncan containing Fourteen & three
fourth acres as shown in a plat accompaning this Testament 3rd I bequeath to my beloved son
Thomas McKelvey Lot No 2 also being a part of the home tract including building on said lot
containing nineteen & one half acres & the boundaries shown on said plat 4th I bequeath to my
beloved Daughter Caroline Walker Lot No 3 a part of the home tract containing 26 3/4 acres the
boundaries of which is shown in said plat. 5th I bequeath to my beloved Daughter Narcissus
Bass lot No 4 being a part of the Verner Tract containing eighteen & one half acres shown on said
plat 5th I bequeath to my beloved son Samuel McKelvey Lot No 5 a part of what is known as
the Verner Tract the boundaries shown in said plat containing twenty nine & one half acres
Twenty two & one half acres of timbered land north of my home tract & not adjoining the same is
equally divided between Lot No 4 & 5 6th I bequeath to my beloved son Wm. B. McKelvey Lot
No 6 a part of the Verner tract as set forth in said plat containing ninety acres one half acre being
reserved out of the same for burial expenses. It is my desire that my personal effects and the
proceeds of my lands are to be used for for the support of myself & wife during our natural lives
& should she or I or both become helpless so that the proceeds of the place fail to support us such
a part of the land be sold and the money appropriated for the support of myself & wife during our
natural lives. I desire after the death of myself & wife that all the personal property of which we
may die seized shall be equally divided among my six living children That is after my grand son
Jackson Bennett has received the fifty dollars as above described. I hereby appoint James Bass
executor of my will and Alex Duncan & James Walker as witnesses to see that my will is carried
out & should I die before my wife or become so helpless as not be able to see to my business my
Executor and his assistants are to look after & see that we are properly cared for & supported
while we live & to see that nothing is to be wasted through neglect or carelessness upon their
part. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal This the 19th day of March 1878.
Noah McKelvey {Seal}Witnesses: Joseph M Holland;William M Holland.
Oin to J D Bass going to Texas and being away I appoint my son T J McKelvey to be my
Executor to my Will This September the first 1886. Noah McKelvey {Seal}. Witnesses:A
Duncan;T J Leming.
County Court March Term 1894. When the last [will] & testament of Noah McKelvey dec'd was
presented to court for probate and being duly proven by William M Holland one of the
subscribing witnesses thereto he also proves the handwriting of the other subscribing witness
thereto.Witness my hand at office This March 6 1894. Hop T Taylor, D.C. Transcribed by Joy
Gallagher, gallagherj@cafes.net
P283 - Pleasant HILL. ...to my wife Adelphia ... the plantation on which I live ... to my dau.,
Isabella ... to Adelphia ... 6 of my slaves to wit: John, Darkess, Tom, Caroline, Layfayette, and
Margaret who is the child of Caroline, but should sd. John become ungoverable my wife with the
advice of my executor is authorized to exchange him for another or sell him and the money laid
out for another slave ... Stock in the Nashville and Chattanooga R.R. ... I however direct that
whereas I have let Wm. HENDSON have $128, my dau. Emily have $100, my son's Edwin,
Albert, and Robert have each $100 that these sums be accounted for in the division of the money
arising from the sale of the negroes mentioned so that each shall be equal ... to my two sons
Grand and Flint and Nicholas MATHEWS sons of my dau. Emily ... my negros Lucy, Liddy, Sam,
Ben, Henry, George, and Bob ... to Isabella, Juliann, Musidora, and Jane ... friend Benjamin
DECHERD and my wife Adelphia HILL be executors & executrix. Signed: 29 Dec. 1850,
Pleasant (x) HILL. Wits.: Benjamin DECHERD; James OLIVER; Sam'l. R. OAKLEY. Probated
Feb. Term 1851.
P284,285 - Wm. OREAR. ...my land shall be equally divided among Sally Covey, Polly Covey,
Matilda KNIGHT, Peggy NEWMAN, and Benjamin OREAR ... my wife Nancy OREAR my
negros be equally divided among my before mentioned ch. and my wife by Benjamin DECHERD
... one equal sixth part of my estate money land and negros (after paying of my debts and special
legacies to each of my before mentioned daus. Sallie COVEY, wife of Jess COVEY, Polly
COVEY wife of the late Aban COVEY, Matilda KNIGHT wife of William B. KNIGHT and
Peggy NEWMAN wife of Isham NEWMAN ... to my wife Nancy OREAR one sixth part of my
estate during her natural life and at her death I give what may remain of the above legacy to my
step son (the son of my sd. wife) William DURHAM to him and his heirs forever ... to my two
grandch. Easter and Tempy KNIGHT children of my dau. Matilda KNIGHT $100 each to be
used for their education. ...to my son Benjamin OREAR my stock in the Nashville & Chattanooga
R.R. ... all the property heretofore devised to my daus. Sally, Polly, Matilda, and Peggy I hereby
vest in my friend Benjamin DECHERD as trustee ... to my son Benjamin OREAR one sixth part
of my estate to him and his heirs. Benjamin DECHERD my sole executor. Signed 16 Feb. 1849
Wm. OREAR (S) Wits.: W.B. WAGNER; James CAMPBELL Probated May Term 1851.
P285-287 - John SYLER. ...to my son Jacob SYLAR the tract of land I purchased from Robert
W. THOMPSON being 100a more or less, it being the same tract of land Jacob SYLER sold to
Isaac SYLER ... to my son Isaac SYLER 100a of land to be cut off my home tract adjoining the
above tract of land purchased from Jacob SYLER by Isaac SYLER ... to Elizabeth NEWMAN a
negro girl named Manda a slave which is to be in the placeof Milly that was recorded to her ... to
my wife Sarah the home plantation, also a negro girl named Milly ... an old negro woman named
Hannah is to be free to live with any of my children she wishes to live with after the death of my
wife Sarah ... also a negro man named Ben, also a negro boy named Tom ... to my grandson
George Washington SYLER a negro girl named Fanny and her increase ... John W. SYLER to act
as his gdn. but if George Washington should die Fanny is to go back to my estate provided he has
no heirs. To my grandson John W. SILER a negro boy named Samuel ... to my grandson John
Siler NEWMAN, son of my dau. Elizabeth NEWMAN, a boy named Randle ... Sarah the balance
of my slaves ... if my lawful heirs (viz) Jacob SILER, Isaac SILER, Elizabeth NEWMAN and
Polly POWERS heirs of two boys Isaac and Matison, Isaac to be MATISON'S gdn. ... my dau.
Elizabeth NEWMAN to have Milly ... my grandson William SILER, Isaac SILER'S son, my
blacksmith tools ... wife Sarah is to give to any of her children or grandchildren she thinks proper.
John W. SILER, Isaac SYLER, Jacob SILER and Randolph C. NEWMAN my executors.
Signed: 29 Apr. 1851 John X SILAR. Attest: Mathew R. MANN; A.M. CRAWFORD. Probated
Sept. Term 1851.
P288,289 - Clement ARLEDGE. 6 Aug. 1850. ... to my beloved dau. Mary SHIPP two negroes
named Siller and Anderson ... son Colman three negros named Lucinda, Lewis, and Martha ... my
beloved dau. Happy three negros named Alcey, Nancy, & Henry ... my son Tilman two negros, a
girl named Ann, a boy named Thomas ... son Jesse one negro girl named Lussey ... my dau. Julian
two negros a girl named Maria, a boy named Ned ... to my son Clement two negros, one boy
named Henry, a girl named Mary Jane ... to my son Gepetha two negros, a girl named Easther, a
boy Peter ... my beloved wife Martha to keep during her life all the negros not specified ... balance
of estate to be equally divided with my wife and the children with the exception of the heirs of
Mary SHIPPS and the heirs of Happy RILEY my will further is that all my children who may not
have provided homes for themselves and remain unmarried shall remain on my farm and have an
equal share of the proceeds ... appoint my two beloved sons Jesse and Clement my executors.
Signed: Clement ARLEDGE (S) Wits.: J. HANDLEY; Jas. CAMPBELL. Probated Sept. Term
1851.
P290 - Hannah EDWARDS. Being in a low state of health ... to my beloved niece Hannah
Elizabeth EDWARDS all the money that is owing to me ... my other property... I appoint my
beloved brother Edward EDWARDS executor ... until Hannah Elizabeth EDWARDS becomes of
age ... my estate divided equally between Martha and Mary, daughters of Edward EDWARDS.
Signed: 9 Jan. 1850. Hannah EDWARDS (S) Wits. James T. EDWARDS; John L. EDWARDS.
Probated Oct. Term 1851.
P290,292 - Samuel CORN. ...it is my wish that my family and property remain together until my
son William arrives at the age of 18 years... except land I have bequeathed to George W. CORN I
wish him to have full possession ... I wish him to continue to wagon as has been doing heretofore
as long as he may find it profitable to himself and the family or until the sale hereafter directed.
The land that I herafter bequeath to Jesse it is my will and desire that he shall not have the
possession of until he is 22 years old ... hire out the boy Jack for the benefit of the remaining part
of the family. I wish Jesse until he is free to attend to the family with William to keep them up and
keep up the stock tools ... Should either of my daus. marry before the time hereafter appointed for
my sale, I wish them to be furnished by my executors with a horse cow and calf bed bedstead and
furniture ... to my son George W. CORN a certain portion of land on Elk River in FCT district 8
beg. on a large chestnut tree near the fence and branch between John A. CORN and myself, then
north westerdly to the lower course fence and from there a strait line to a spanish oak on the bank
of Elk River, thence down with and meandering the same to SMITH'S old section line, then south
with the same to a walnut on the branch between me and John A. CORN, then up sd. branch to
the beg. ... also to him 1/2a of land in my present plantation including the ground whereon
Nancy CHITWOODS house once stood, together with 2a ... running to the river for the benefit
of water the last named 2 1/2a are in the bounds of the land that I will to Jesse, but are excepted
and taken out for the purpose of a site for a residence and water ... I do also give to him 50a of
my land to be taken off of the north end of my 150a tract west of Wm GOSSAGE in a square
clear across ... to my son Jesse B. CORN I give that portion of my land that lies between my
lower and middle cross fence beg. at the above named chestnut tree George W. CORNS beg.
corner, running then east up the branch with John A. CORN'S line until it come to Richard S.
CORNS line, then a northwest course until it strikes my middle cross fence to an off setting the
same then a strait line to the birch on the branch of the river that we used to tie the back to this
down the river with the remainder of the same to a spanish oak on the bank G.W. CORN'S
corner and with his line to the beg. Also to him 50a lying south of that I give to George W. being
a part of my 150a tract ... to my son William CORN that portion of my land that lies between
my middle cross fence and Wm.GOSSAGE fence beg. in the branch at R.S. CORNS line and
Jesse B. CORNS corner, then up and with R.S. CORNS line until it strikes William GOSSAGES
line then north with the cross fence between him and me crossing the road to the river, then down
with the meanders of the same to a birch, Jesse B. CORNS corner, then with his line to the beg.
including the dwelling ... also to him the remaining 50a of my upland being the south end of my
150a tract ... to my dau. Elizabeth one negro girl about 5 years old... to my dau. Nancy one negro
girl named Moriah about 3 years old ... to my dau. Mary Amanda one negro girl named Lucy
about 7 years old also my old yellow woman Moriah about 50 years old ... to make my son
Jesse equal in advancements to George W. ... and to my son William to make him equal in
advancements to his brother, I give him when he arrives at the age of 18 years ... I wish the foll.
negros sold to wit: Jack, Gilbert, Nrserly, and Reuben and their increase ... proceeds be applied as
folls. to my dau. Ruth MCNEIL ... my granddaughter Jamima CORN ... to my grandson William
CORN ... my three youngest daus. to wit: Elizabeth, Nancy and Mary Amanda ... appoint Daniel
B. STAMPS and B. KNIGHT executors. Signed 3 Nov. 1850. Samuel CORN (S) Wits.: Abel C.
MCNEIL; Joseph M. WOOD. Codicil 28 Jan. 1851. On more mature consideration it is my desire
to postpone the above sale two years longer and that my son Jesse shall have possession of but
half his find until the sale and that twelve months credit be given on all my property and that
William and Mary be allowed 12 months support and the money bequeathed to Jemima and
William R.S. CORNS heirs be put out at interest by my executors until Jemima is 20 years of age
or marrys.... Samuel CORN (S) Wits.: George W. CORN; Jesse (his X mark) CORN. Probated
Dec. Term 1851.
P292-294 - Jersey C. WINKLER. ... that my funeral expenses ... debts be paid as soon after my
death as possible ... to my wife Margaret all my land during her life ... my son Ephraim to have the
lower part of my plantation south of the lane running by my house duing the lifetime of my wife
with the exception of the lot adjoining of the land leading by my house and also the apple and
peach orchard and garden by his keeping the same in good repairs and paying 14 barrels of good
sound corn and every year to my wife to be delivered at her crib... my dau. Moriah and A.C.
COBB[LE] her husband to have the use of the place on which they now live provided that sd.
A.C. COBB[LE] will keep sd. place in good repair and pay 14 barrels of good sound corn each
year to be divided at the crib of by wife or at her crete during her life but sd. COBB[LE] is not to
clear any more land or waste any timber on sd. place. I wish my granddau. Charity WINKLER to
have a pedded heifer called star at my death ... to Moses HOLDEN whom I raised $20 out of my
estate after the death of my wife ... sale with the balance to be equally divided between Alfred E.
WINKLER, Ephriam WINKLER and my dau. Moriah COBBLE ... appoint Mark LUCAS and
my wife exector and executrix. Signed 11 Oct. 1847 Jersey C. WINKLER. Wits.: Mark W.
LUCAS; Thomas PARKS; Daniel SCIVALLY. Probated Jan. Term 1852.
P294,295 - Thomas WILSON. ...to my nephew Thomas W. WHITE of the Town of Huntsville,
AL corner house and lot situated in town of Winchester, Tenn. ... to my nephew Newton K.
WHITE my brick house and lot lying in Winchester ... my niece Eleanor W. WHITE my
plantation lying in Washington Co, VA adjoining the lands of James NANCE and known as the
BALFOUR Farm ... my sd. niece E.W. WHITE I require her to pay to my nephew Milton
WHITE the sum of $1000 ... to Walton PRESTON I give $1000. and a certain note for the sum
of $500 ... to James W. PRESTON and Elizabeth E. PRESTON each $1000.... to Betsy infant
dau. of my nephew William T.C. WHITE the sum of $1000. I appoint William T.C. WHITE
trustee ... To Ellen, dau. of my nephew Thomas W. WHITE, $1000 ... to Ellen W. dau. of my
nephew James W. PRESTON $1000 ... two notes owing to me by John DAUGHTERY and
GILLIAM ... to my niece Jane? W. HUMES my carrige and carriage horse not to be liable for
debts by her husband James M. HUMES ... to the three ch. of my brother William WILSON I
give and bequeath each $2000 ... my negro boy Green have five years in which to pay and redeem
himself ... my nephew, T.C. WHITE, an additonal sum of $500 ... my nephew Addeson WHITE
$1000 ... to my niece Kathleen, dau. of Ann E. HANNCUM $1000. p296 ... Signed: Thomas
WILSON (S). Wits.: Alex FENDLEY; E.S. WATSON. Virginia ... at a court continued and held
for Washington Co. this 26 Dec. 1851 the will of Thomas WILSON dec'd was proved by the oath
of Alexander FINDLEY ... further proved 26 Jan. 1852 by Edward S. WATSON....
P295-297 - D.C. LEWIS. ...to my wife Sinil LEWIS my negros: Lot No. 1 consisting of George,
Ann, and Granville I give to Mary M. WIGGS wife of A.R. WIGGS. Lot No. 2 Martha and Nat I
give to my sister in law Mary Concord WIGGS ... Lot No. 3 Sally and her child now about 6
weeks old to Musadora A. DIXON out of control of her husband ... and then to her ch. Lot No. 4
Stephen to my niece Eliza A. WILLIAMS... Lot No. 5 Washington to my nephew William R.
LEWIS ... proceeds equally among all the legaties above named and that portion of my fathers
estate which is coming to me and which has not been reduced to possession and which will be in
money, I direct to be divided in equal shares between Mary M. WIGGS, Musidora A. DIXON,
Eliza A. WILLIAMS, and William R. LEWIS ... Should Big Sally out live myself and wife I wish
my friend A.R. WIGGS to take her ... appoint my wife Sivial and my brother in law A.R.
WIGGS my exeutrix and executor ... Signed: 27 Jan. 1851. D.C. LEWIS (S). Attest: A.S.
COLYAR; Jos. CARTER. Probated Apr. Term 1852.
P298,299 - Elizabeth SIMS and Samuel SIMS Against John T. SLATTER and Harrison
COULSTON ... issue to try will.1. John KNIGHT, 2. Elijah HALL, 3. Wm. H. BROWN, 4.
Thomas M. PRYOR, 5. Peter LENEHAN, 6. Benjamin FRANKLIN, 7. Farley B. WADE, 8.
Robert HINES, 9. Wm. OLIVER, 10. Asa GRANT, 11. Mathew R. MANN, 12. Wm. DARDIN
who being sworn do say they find the paper writings in the pleadings mentioned purporting to be
the last will and testament of the sd. Elisha SIMS dec'd is the true will.... March Term 1852.
Circuit Court a perfect copy of the findings.... 30 Apr. 1852.
Elisha SIMS will. ...to my wife Elizabeth T. SIMS ... son Samuel SIMS all of my land and the
following negros: my boy Tom and his wife Viney ... George and a girl by the name of Gerina ...
my son Samuel should die without an heir I desire what land and negros with the increase to be
delivered up to my dau. Sarah ... to my dau. Sarah the foll. negros: two men Granderson and
Sandy, also two girls by the name of Tilda and Moriah ... that may be left sold and divided
between my four ch. equally: Ellen COLSTON, Hester Ann SLATTER, Samuel and Sarah SIMS
my son my executors. 20 Aug. 1847. Elisha SIMS (S) Wits. testator and H.W. RAINES.
Probated by the judgement of the Circuit Court May Term. 1852.
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Franklin County, Tennessee Genealogy
This page was created 27 July 2000 by Judy Henley Phillips and
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