Page 201

 

 

The Will of Cornelius Patterson

 

Appointed by the County Court.

 

5th My wish that my personal property not willed be sold on twelve month credit at public auction and after paying my debts the proceeds if any be left be equally divided between my sons, George, James, Carson, and M. Cajah

6th My wish is that my grandson, Cornelius Benson, have ten dollars out of the proceeds of the sale of my lands.

7th My wish that my grandson, Willis Benson, have ten dollars out of the proceeds of the sale of my lands.

8th It is my wish that my son Johns nine? Children Mary Frances, Edney Jane, and Violet have twenty-five dollars apiece to be paid out of the proceeds of my land.

{I have given my obligation to George Blazer for twenty-four dollars for my son John, which I have directed to be paid out of the proceeds of the sale of my loose property. See Item 3rd}

9th My wish is that whatever money may be left of the proceeds of the sale of my land over the five hundred dollars and after paying off legacies, I decided that said money be equally divided among my children George, James, Carson, Rebecca, Mahaley, Hannah, Nancy, Martha and M. Cajah is to have fifteen dollars left? The others just mentioned.

 

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10th My wish is after my death of my wife all the household and kitchen furniture on the property that she has on hand that was on hand at my death be sold and divided equally among my afore named daughters.

11th My wish is after the death of my wife should there be any of the five hundred dollars left that my sons George, James, Carson, and Mcajah have fifteen dollars apiece, then the balance be equally divided my afore named daughters and their sons.

Lastly I appoint John Russell my executor of this my Will and Testament this April 21st 1875.

                                                                                                His X

                                                                                  Cornelius Patterson

W.A. Caughorn

Willie Benson

 

Admitted to probate the 7th December 1875

                                    W. Fowler           Clerk

 

Page 203

 

The Will of Col. Wilson Duggan

 

On the name of God, Amen

I Wilson Duggan, a citizen of Sevier County Tennessee do make and publish this my last Will and Testament, hereby revoking and annulling all Wills by me heretofore at anytime made.

1st I desire that as soon after my demise as practicable, my executor, who is after named shall will and truly pay all my ? and duty.

2nd I give bequeath and devise to my beloved wife, Elizabeth all my property mal personal and niced during the full term of her natural life, and our four youngest children: towit Margaret C. Elizabeth, Wilson L. and Robt C. Duggan at her death. I make no other provision hereto for any other of my children, having heretofore provided for all of them.

3rd I hereby nominate and appoint my wife Elizabeth Duggan to be my sole executor of this will, and and waive the Execution of Bond on her part. In witness whereof I have hereto set my hand and Seal this Will 20th day of March 1874.

                                                            Wilson Duggan The word (seal) with a wavy circle around it.

 

We the undersigned do hereby certify that Wilson Duggan the above named testator signed and acknowledged the

 

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execution of this testament in our presence of each of us and hereto set out names as surviving witnesses this 20th March 1874 at his request.

                                                                                             P.G. Fergerson

                                                                                             L. B. Coruck Jr.

The above Testament was duty advised to probate on the 20 July 1879 and ordered to be provided.

W. Fowler Clerk

 

 

Page 205

 

The Will of John Chandler

I John Chandler of the state of Tennessee. Sevier County do will and declaim this my last Will and Testament as follows.

First  I Will and bequeath to my son, Timothy Chandler the farm which I live known as my home farm containing about one hundred and sixty six acres together with the following tracks of land. The track known as the Humes track containing two hundred and eighty-five acres adjoining the Home farm. One other track known as the Porter track in the forks of the creek containing forty-two acres. One track bring and ? Containing one hundred and nineteen acres adjoining the Porter track and the home farm, are other fifty acre track ? I purchased of Levi Whittle adjoining the home farm. Also the two tracks I purchased from Benjamin Thomas. One containing fifty acres and the other containing twenty five acres adjoining the Ledgewood tract and Bradson’s land, also one half of my undivided interest in a owned jointly with B.D. and Y.C. Bradson said tract containing about two hundred and fifty acres which I value at four thousand, three hundred dollars. I put that value upon said lands believing that to have been the value at the time I made advances to others of my heirs.

 

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2nd I will and bequeath to the children of W. Chandler deceased? Towit Rebecca, Ellen Chandler, John Chandler, and Nanusa? W. Chandler the following lands towit. The tract where Timothy Chandler now lives known as the Henderson tract containing three hundred and ten acres. A small entry of nine acres adjoining the Henderson tract. Also my undivided interest in a tract I own jointly with W. Scruggs adjoining the lands of Jonathan Johnson containing about one hundred and fifty acres. Also one half of my undivided interest in my tract I own jointly with B.D. and Y.C. Bradson said tract containing about two hundred and fifty acres. Also two tracts known as the Ledgewood lands, one containing fifty-eight acres and the other tract containing three hundred and nineteen acres adjoining J. M. Sharp and other. Which I value at twenty-five hundred dollars. I put that value above said lands believing that to heirs been the value at the time I made advancements to the other heir.

Third I also Will and bequeath to said Rebecca Ellen Chandler John Chandler, Joseph S. Chandler and Narsissa W. Chandler

 

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A Negro woman named Elvja and her nine children; towit Malinda, Harriet, Montgomery, Daniel, William, Riley, Calvin, Caroline, and Elizabeth which Negroes I value at twelve hundred dollars because I purchased the Negro woman and her then older children (the rest having since been born) at that price for my son W. Chandler, and said family of Negroes having been raised by the family of W. Chandler.

Fifth

It is my Will that my other Negroes be divided by families as near as possible into five lots and the value made equal with ? one of said lots. I will to my son Benjamin Chandler. One of said lots to my son B. M. Chandler. One said lots to my son Timothy Chandler. One of said lots to the children of W. Chandler (died?) towit. Rebecca Ellen Chandler, John Chandler, Joseph S. Chandler and Narsissa W. Chandler. My daughter Jane Rodgers (died?) towit: John C. Rodgers, Harriet Cravens, Arthur C. Rodgers, Jane Rodgers, Cornelia Rodgers, Emma Rodgers, and William Rodgers.

Fifth

It is my Will that all the balance of my property be equally divided between my heirs towit. Benjamin Chandler, B.M. Chandler, Timothy Chandler, The Children of W. Chandler (died) and the children of my daughter Jane Rodgers (died)

 

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giving to the children of W. Chandler one share and to the children of Jane Rodgers one share on the property sold and the proceeds divided ad above stated.

Sixth

It is my Will that the children of W. Chandler (died) have my Negro man Café at the value to be put on him by two disinterested men.

Seventh:

It is my Will that all the balance of my estate consisting of many debts and after paying my wife, Fern? Chandler the amount? to her under our marriage contract be divided among B.M. Chandler, Benjamin Chandler, Timothy Chandler, the children of W. Chandler (died) and the children of Jane Rodgers (died) as to male them all equal giving one share to the children of W. Chandler (died) one share to the children of Jane Rodgers taking into view the value of land willed to Timothy Chandler and the value of the land and Negroes willed to the children of W. Chandler (died).

Eighth

It is my Will no interest will be charged on any note given to me by my children and heirs before the year 1860.

Ninth

It is my Will that the children of Jane Rodgers (died)

 

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in said division with the notes I hold in their Father S. C. Rogers said notes bring for money advanced to him.

Tenth- it is my Will that no interest be charged on a note given in May 1860 by Benjamin Chandler to me for one thousand dollars.

Eleventh

It is my Will that the executors pay the nine children of Jane Rogers (died) their share as they arrive at the age of twenty-one years or marry.

Twelfth

It is my Will that the shares coming to the children of W. Chandler be placed in the hands of their Guardian Timothy Chandler to be paid to them as they arrive of age.

I appoint my sons B. M. Chandler and Timothy Chandler executors of this last Will and Testament.

Witness my hand and seal this eleventh day of December 1861

John Chandler

 

Signed acknowledged in our presence the it above date.

B. D. Bradson

M.W. McCown

J. H. Ellis               

Geo Mcoun

Shannon Felken

 

I John Chandler do make and execute this a codicils to my last will and testament which I made on the

 

Page 210

 

Eleventh day of Dec. 1861

First

I appoint Benjamin Chandler and Spencer C. Rogers together with B. M. Chandler and Timothy Chandler henctofore appointed as executors to this my last Will and Testament.

Signed

It is my Will that my Execution divide all my personal property specified in the fifth bequest of this Will as ? directed or sell said property and divide the proceeds as directed in said fifth bequest excersing their judgements whether they sell or divide the property.

It is my Will that this attachment to and become a part of my last Will and Testament.

Witness my hand and seal this 20th day of October 1864

John Chandler

Attest

W. WcCown

Geo McCown

Shannan Felken

 

I John Chandler do make and execute this a codicil to this my last will and testament to wit:

First:

It is my Will should my children or executor have any lawsuits or controversies in writing up my estate and

 

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executing my last Will and Testament debt the expenses of the suit be paid out of my estate.

Second:

Since making my Will I have sold and disposed of the tract of land ?19 acres adjoining J. M. Sharp and others. Which was willed to the hairs of W. Chandler (dead): I therefore want the value of the lands willed to them be reduced one hundred dollars.

Witness my hand and seal this 29th day of May 1868

John Chandler  (seal)

Attest

M. W. MCCown

R. M. Creswell

 

 

I John Chandler do make and execute this a codicil to my last Will and Testament.

It is my will that in this settlement of my estate that no interest be charged on any notes or receipts executed to sue by any of my heirs.

It is also my will that the children of W. Chandler be changed out with the sum of six hundred dollars for the Negro advanced by me to my son William Spoken of in this third stem of this Will. This 12th day of July 1870.

John Chandler

Attest

M. W. McCown

J. McCown

 

Page 212

 

The Will of John Webb

 

I John Well of the state of Tennessee Sevier County in view of the uncertainty of life and being of sound mind do hereby make ordain and establish this my last Will and Testament.

Item First:

I will first that after my decease my funeral expenses be paid and all my just debts out of any money on hand an out of that which may come first into the hands of my lawful executors.

Item 2nd

I will that in case my dear wife Aley Webb should survive me that she shall have the house where now live together with my garden, spring and a sufficiency of the out buildings to answer her necessities during her natural life.

3rd I also Will that our three children to wit: W. W. Webb, M. J. Webb and Sarah Webb Roberts shall provide ample support and maintenance and see that she the said Alsey Webb is well provided for at her own house and suitable to her health and condition so long as she may live in the same proportion as the proportional valuation set upon their respected tracts of land the day deeded by we to them is W. W. Webb, two thirds, M. J. Webb one sixth, Sarah Webb Roberts one sixth. Said support to be a lien on the possession of the fields set apart in my conveyance to M. J. Webb and Sarah Webb Roberts and a lien on the possession of one third of the tract this day conveyed to said W. W. Webb.

 

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Item 4th I will that the said Alsy Webb have keep possession of and use all the household furniture and bedding and cooking utensils or so much as she sees fit during her natural life.

Item 5th I will that after my decease my executor sell at public sale all my personal estate not herein before disposed of, and divide the proceeds there of as follows “towit”

To the heirs of my daughter Lucinda McMahan one forth, to the heirs of James W. Webb one forth, and to the heirs of George Webb one forth, and to the heirs of Jackson S. Webb one forth. This bequest to sectored only to the heir of the body and in the event there should be no surviving heirs of either of the above names children there to be equally divided among the family rohicle do survive me. And I will also that the $100.00 dollar note which I hold on Matilda J. Webb and the $100.00 dollar note which I hold on Sarah M. Roberts be collected and divided in the same manner and among the same heirs as the proceeds of the sale in this item set forth.

Item sixth

I will that after as certaining the whole amount of money to be distributed according to item 5th of this will, there be enough taken from the same to make Sarah Ann Webb the youngest heir of G. C. Webb equal heir with the heirs of Lucinda McMahan in my estate.

Item 7th

I will and bequeath to the four oldest heirs of my son G. C. Webb (dead)

 

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the four one hundred dollar note which W. W. Webb hath this day executed to me in part payment for land this day conveyed to him to be collected by me executor and paid to them one hundred dollars each paying to Ashley A. Webb the first note due, and to Newton S. Webb the second note due, the third note John H. Webb and Mary S. C. the 4th note.

Item 8th

I will that at my decease W. W. Webb, M. J. Webb and Sarah M. Roberts have full possession of all the lands today deeded to them by we subject to the provisions of Item 3rd said seen not to affect their title but their possession only and also subject to the notes given are on this day in part payment for said lands which are lien in the hands of my executor upon the title of said lands an so much thereof as will satisfy said notes.

Item 9th

I hereby nominate and appoint William W. Webb my executor to this my last Will and Testament written on 3 pages in witness of my name and seal this the 24th day of February AD 1872

John (his mark) Webb (seal)

 

Attest

John Ferguson

L. S. Roberts

 

Page 215

The Will of James Fergerson

 

In the name of God Amen

I James Fergerson do make and publish this my last Will and Testament hereby revoking all other Wills by me at any previous time made.

First:

That my funeral expenses and my debts be paid out of any moneys that may be on hand at my death, or may first come into the hands of my executor.

2nd

That my son John Fergerson have all my lands and he is to take care of and provide for my wife Sarah Fergerson during her natural life and to pay my son Thomas Fergerson one hundred dollars and my daughter Mary Underwood one hundred dollars. One hundred dollars and the heirs of Russell Fergerson fifty dollars each where they arrive at the age of twenty-one years old.

Third: That my wide, Sarah Fergerson have all the personal property and kitchen and household furniture to use or dispose of as she way see felt and I hereby appoint Thomas Fergerson and John Fergerson my executors.

Witness my hand and seal this (blank) day of (blank) 1870

James Fergerson

 

Signed in presence of

R. S. Clark

T. S. Roberts

 

Page 216

 

The Will of Philip Seaton

State of Tennessee Sevier County June 29th 1875

Knew all men by their presence that I Philip Seaton do make this my last Will and Testament, and all others Wills by me is hereby null and void. I have ? sold one half of my original farm to Pink P. Seaton and have issued him a deed for the same to have and hold against the claim of all others. The said Pink P. Seaton has paid me for said lands in money and notes. I hold a five hundred dollars note due September 1884. My other lands is in two lots 82 acres west of said Pink P. Seaton. 60 acres east of the said Pink P. Seaton where I now live. W. B. Seaton is to pay one third of the products to myself and wife so long as we live. At our death the said W. B. Seaton is to pay to the other heir Alford Seaton, Alis Cook, Julia Cowan, Barbra Cowan, Elizabeth Norton, Mary Cruse, Malvina Wynn, Carolyn Henderson, James B. Seaton, Pink P. Seaton and Margaret Ann Seaton daughter of Alford Seaton is to have fifty-dollars to make her equal with the other heirs in what they have already received their share equal with the others in all things and in testimony ? of I have ? set my hand

 

Page 217

 

And seal this 29th day of June 1875. The said note mentioned in this Will is to be used by myself or wife to defray expense if need be and I appoint James B. Seaton and W. B. Seaton execution of this my Will.

Philip Seaton

 

Witness

John A. Seaton

G. W. Seaton

And further to the above Will I do give to my wife Mary Seaton the entire management of the lands herein mentioned for her support as long as she lives it is to be cultivated by W. B. Seaton and one third of the products it to be paid to my wife, Mary Seaton and she is to have control of the house, and barn, garden and all the beds and bed clothing all the things in the house, Brawns chairs and kitchen furniture, stove, pot, pans, water vessels is at her disposal. and bed clothing all the things in the house, Brawns chairs and kitchen furniture, stove, pot, pans, water vessels is at her disposal. When the said W. B. Seaton shall fail to cultivate and pay the said one third to me or my wife or cause the same to be done during our life time he shall forfeit his right to pay to the heirs the said five hundred dollars and shall become as one of the other heirs and further she, Mary Seaton has left to her one cow, the corn wheat beans land, lot of hogs in the pen for her support. Also one third of the present crop of wheat, corn, oats, hay and potatoes.

 

Page 218

 

I do Will and bequeath the entire control said rents to the support and confort of the said Mary Seaton my wife and I do hereby acknowledge this to be my Will before there witness found on this Will.

 

Page 219

 

The Will of Samuel P. Watson

State of Tennessee Sevier County April 14th 1875

I Samuel P. Watson do hereby make my last Will and Testament and hereby set aside all former Wills made by me at any other time.

1st

I order that all any just duty and funeral expenses by paid out any money that I way have at my dease and if not enough on hand to be paid out of the first that comes to hand afterwards.

2nd

I give and bequeath my lower farm to my 2nd youngest said towit: Elijah W. Watson and Samuel R. C. Watson with the exception of the drilling house and a five acre field around the house. The house I give to my wife Martha Watson. The Dwelling house and the field springfield to be Martha Watson during her widowhood. If she marry then the house and field to belong to the afore said two youngest sons.

3rd My upper farm I give and bequeath to my two oldest sons towit” William Watson and Robert S. Watson to be equally divided between them.

4th

I order that my cow be not sold but except with my two youngest children for their better raising. I give one white bull calf to my son Elijah.

 

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6th

I Will my two daughters towit: Jane Watson and Nancy C. Watson a good cow a piece to come out of my estate which I leave in the hands of William Watson and Robt S. Watson

7th

I Will my daughter Millie a good cow to come out of my estate. That I leave in the hands of Elijah W. Watson and Samuel R. C. Watson. When the girls come of age or marry then their cows are due them.

Samuel Watson (his X mark)

List

D. C. Scruggs

Braselton Ownby

 

Page 221

 

The Will of John H. Ownby

                I John H. Ownby Being weak in body but sound in mind do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament.

First I Will my body to it’s mother earth and my soul to the God that gave it to me.

Second I Will and bequeath to my wife Lucinda for all the love and affection I have for her all the property I have both real and personal during her life time if she remains single, but she remarries to have no more than one childs part.

Third At my death of my wife Lucinda the property on hand shall be divided even after they all receive a portion equal to what they received. Except Ephram who has his Lot- My wife shall have the liberty- to use my funds on hand for any necessary funeral expenses.

Fourth At the death of my wife all the land I have shall be laid off in lots as many in number as I have children and one lot for two children heirs of any daughter Elizabeth and the children shall draw for their lots. The Elizabeth Mays children shall have a certain tract of land commencing on a rock at the bridge across the long branch, then with the road wh the river, to the same branch, then up the right-hand fork of the same branch, to the head then straight up the mountain to the line, then west-nine

 

Page 222

 

The line to the corners, then down the tater hill then to the old conditional line then with the line cine to the cong branch, down the branch to the beginning done.

This 16 Nov. 1875

J. H. Ownby

T. L. Emert

T. A. Meek

 

Will of Philip Roberts

 

I Philip Roberts to make and execute this my last Will and Testament on this 14th day of January 1874, revolting any former Wills by me heretofore made.

1st

I Will and bequeath to my P. W. Roberts the tract of land on the big East Fork of the Little Pigeon Forge River adjoining the lands of the W. Mitchel, C. H. Fox, J, Fergerson and my home farm being the tract that I purchased from Emanuel Fox but I require him to pay as followed, three hundred dollars to my daughter Sarah McMahan, three hundred to my grandson John Roberts son of my deceased son John Roberts and three hundred dollars to my grandson Charles

 

Page 223

 

Roberts son of my deceased son Charles Roberts. The amount to my daughter is to be paid in one year after my death and the amounts to my grandsons to be paid when they are twenty-one years of age.

2nd

I Will and bequeath to my son Thomas S. Roberts my land lying north of the Big Road adjoining John Webb on the west. John Fergerson on the north. C. H. Fox on the east and the big road on the south and also the little meadow south of the road and the line to run with the branch containing little over two acres and in part consideration I require him to pay to my son James Robert three hundred dollars to be paid in one year after my death.

3rd

I will and bequeath to my daughter Rebecca Seaton the north end of my land that lies immediately above my home tract of land the dividing line to beginning on a White Oak in the cane on the line between and William Webb then running with the cane and the branch to the beech then to the stake one and a half holes below the spring, then running up the ridge south of the top of the ridge, then a little east of south to the back line. But I require him to pay three hundred dollars to my executor one-year after my death.

 

Page 224

 

4th

I will and bequeath to my daughter Elvira Webb my land lying south of the consideration line made in the third clause of this Will. And she is to pay the following amounts in part consideration, that is to say to my daughter Nancy Fox and one hundred-fifty dollars to my daughter Malinda Ogle and fifty dollars to any executor all to be paid one year after my death. I have heretofore allowed my daughter Nancy Fox two hundred dollars for which I hold her husbands note which she is to have to make her equal with any other children. I also advanced to my daughter Malinda Ogle one hundred twenty-eight dollars for which I hold her husbands note which she is to have to make her equal with my other children.

Should my wife Polly survive me she is to have the hassepion and control of my home farm for her use and benefit during her natural life and after the death of myself and my wife it is my will that all my heirs jointly inherit my home farm.

It is my will that the lands before devised shall severly be liable for the amount to be paid on them,

It is further my will that should my wife survive me she shall have the use and the benefit of all the personal property that may be on hand that

 

Page 225

 

She may want for her support and she may turn over to my executor any property she not want to be sold and divided among all my heirs and after the death of myself and my wife I want all my personal property sold and equally divided among all my heirs together with the amounts to be paid to any executor on the lands and all the money on hand.

I appoint my son P. W. Roberts executor of this my last Will and Testament.

Given under my hand and seal this 14th day of January 1874.

Philip Roberts (X his mark)

 

Witness

M. W. McCown

John Fergerson

 

Page 226

 

The Will of John Henderson

 

I John Henderson of the County of Sevier and State of Tennessee do make and execute this my last Will and Testament.

1st

It is my Will that my funeral expenses and any just debts that I may have be owing at the time of my death be paid out of the 1st money that may come to the hand of my executor.

2nd

I Will and bequeath to my son Henry Henderson my farm where I live in 10th district of Sevier County containing one hundred acres more or less, I also Will and bequeath my son Henry all my personal estate of every kind and description including all money on hand or due to me from others my stock, household and kitchen furniture farming implements. I appoint my son Henry Henderson my executor to execute this my last Will and Testament. With my hand and seal this the 24th day of November 1876.

John Henderson (his X mark)

Witness at the request

Of John Henderson

J. A. Pickins

Elijah Henderson

 

Admitted to Probate the January Tenth of the County Court 1877.

 

Page 227

 

The Will of M. A. Rawlings

In the name of God Amen:

I M. A. Rawlings of the county of Sevier and State of Tennessee being of sound mind and disposing memory, but feeble in health and knowing the uncertainty of life and the certainty of death do make and publish this my last Will and Testament.

1st            I Will and desire my body buried with mason’s honors, and that my funeral be paid for as soon after my death as convenient.

2nd           I Will and bequeath to my beloved wife Harriet S. Rawlings a; household and kitchen furniture to have and hold during her life with the liberty to divide the same with my children as they want to leave also all my outdoor property of every kind.

3rd            I Will and bequeath to my son Allisen P. Rawlings the interest I gave him in the McNelly property where he now lives.

4th            I will and bequeath to my son Milton R. Rawlings my lanning house and lot where on R. Lanning now lives and one cow and calf worth twenty dollars to make him equal with A. P. Rawlings.

5th            I Will and bequeath my melodeon to my four daughters: Allen, Mary, Lucy, and Martha.

6th            I Will and bequeath my house and lot on which I now live to my wife H. S. Rawlings to have and hold the

 

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Same during her natural life and after her death to be sold to the highest bitter and the proceeds equally divided between my four daughters viz:?  Allen J. Stafford, Mary A. Rawlings, Harriet L. Rawlings, and Martha I. Rawlings.

7th            I Will and bequeath unto my wife H. S. Rawlings all my money that may be on hand at my death, together with all my notes accounts and judgements outstanding to have and use the same for herself and family and if any be remaining at her death to be equally divided between all my living children.

8th            I Will and bequeath to my son Milton B. Rawlings my interest in my shop tools and stock that may be on hand at the time of my death.

9th            I Will and descend that my executors to be hereafter named to proceed and collect my outstanding debts as soon as convenient after my death and any lands that I may have bought which has not been redeemed be sold to the best advantage and the proceeds then of equally divided between all my children; after the death of said wife.

10th          And lastly I hereby nominate and appoint my wife Harriet S. Rawlings and my son Allison P. Rawling executor and executor

 

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to my Will and request the court to receive their bond without security:

In witness whenof I have hercurto set my hand and affixed my seal this 25th day of May 1870

M. A. Rawlings (seal)

Signed sealed and acknowledged in our presence and we were requested to become subscribing witnesses to this Will this 25th day of May 1870.

John Murphy

P. E. Walker

The above Will was duly admitted to probate in the county court for Sevier County at the January Tenth 1877.

 

Page 230

 

The Will of Joshua Cate

 

We W. H. Drennen and Perry Cate and B. C. Grew. I state that the nuncupative Will of Joshua Cate was made by him on the fourteenth day of December 1876 in the presents to which we were asked to be witness by the testaton himself in the present of each, of us. This is to say on the said fourteenth day of December the ? us W. H. Drennen and Perry Cate had taken a list of all his effects in order to write his will on the next day and parted to meet the next morning to write his will in a few hours he was surprised by a very sudden spur of sickness in which died in a few hours. And the same is as follow: It was his Will and desire that is effects should be disposed of after his decease in the following manner.

First        That his son Perry Cate should have two thousand dollars $2000.00 and also his daughter Ava M. Bales have two thousand $2000.00 also his heirs ? Cate have two thousand dollars $2000.00. Ten hundred and sixty $1060. In two tracts of land joining the piece they ? live one of the balance to be made up in the same manner of the other heirs, Also his son Madison Cate about $2000.00 be is to ? his in a ? of ? that he now lives on

 

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The old homestead which is to be counted to him at two thousand dollars $2000.00, also his daughter Mary Ann Bryan should have $2000.00 also his son Greer Berry Cate should have two thousand dollars $2000.00, also his daughter Elizabeth Angaline Pollard should have two thousand dollars $2000.00. The remainder of his effects after all the necessary? was paid that they be equally divided among the seven heirs above named. He also wanted W.  H. Drennen and Perry Cate as his executors. Made out by us and signed this day 18th day of December 1876.

Signed by us.

W. H. Drennen

Perry Cate

R. C. Greer

? the undersigned parties are satisfied that this is the will as near as could be done under the circumstances of the said Joshua Cate (dead).

Perry Cate

Madison Cate

Ava M. Cate

D. F.  and Elizabeth Angeline Pollard

P. D. and Mary A. Bryan

Nancy Cate

W. Cate

Admitted to the probate the 5th day of Feb. 1877.

W. Fowler   (clerk)

 

Page 232

 

Will of Calvin Derrick

 

I Calvin Derrick do make and publish this 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 money that I may die possessed of or that may first come into the hand of my executor.

Secondly               I give and bequeath to my beloved wife, Nancy Derrick, two of as good beds and bedsteads as I have in my house and one milkcow of her choice.

Fourth    I direct my executor, here in after named to see all my property of every description and kind at public sale including my crop, farming and stock and heretofore disposed of and divide the proceeds of said sale and all the money on hand after the payment of my debts and expenses as provided in Article first equally between my wife Nancy Derrick and all my children J. T. Derrick, Martha Derrick, Florence Derrick, Asa P. Derrick,  W. B. Derrick, Charles M. Derrick, and Lealain Derrick.

Thirdly   I give and bequeath to my two daughters, Martha Derrick and Florence Derrick, each one good bed and bedstead next in quality as those given my wife.

Fifth        It is my will concerning

 

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a note which I hold on my brother in law James C. Walker for about $297.76 that my executor do not ? said Walker or said note but they give said Walker note to pay the saw but that be shall never said note when necessary to saw the Stature’s Limitation.

Sixey       It is my request that my sister Martha Walker, wife of James Walker take and raise my two children, Martha and Florence Derrick and I desire that anything my sister may or pay for said children while with her may be by my executor credited on the note-which I hold on James C. Walker and that said children have the benefit of said note.

Seventhy               I desire that my mule be ? fattened out of my present crop before being sold by my executors.

Lastly     I do hereby nominate and appoint Eli Fox and my brother G. W. B. Derrick my executor. I witness whereof I do to this my Will set my hand and seal. This day 26th day of August 1875.

Calvin Derrick

 

Signed, sealed and published in our presence and we have subscribed our names here to in the presence of the testaton this 2nd day of August 1875.

W. T. Frank

J. C. Eugene

 

In addition to what I have heretofore

 

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I willed I will further that my executor be empowered to sell off of the land that I have recently purchased sufficient amount to liquidate all my debts. The remainder of the land I will to be equally divided between my wife and children. I further desire that my executor control the interest of each of my children until they are twenty three years old. It is my Will that my two oldest daughters remain with my wife. I will my that my executor have control of the interest of my wife until the youngest child becomes between / years old. In witness to this codicil I set my hand and seal this the 22nd day of May 1876.

C. Derrick

 

Attest

J. Nat Lyle

C. L. ?

I do hereby further empower my executor to sell all my land without reasoning to a count of equity? ? ? as is to the best interest of my estate and divide the proceeds after paying all my debts equally between my wife and my children. My wife taking a child’s part and the fund so assessing shall be controlled by my executor until the year of my children referred to and stated in my last codicil.

 

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 Before this they receiving the interest of the fund as way necessary for their support and education. The two daughter before referred to shall remain with my wife as long as they can live agreeable on as my executor may deem best. In the witness of this codicil, revoking all ? statements heretofore made. I have set my hand and seal this 27th day of May 1876

Attest

Jus Fagala

J.        S Chandler