contributed by Martha Kidwell

[Contributor’s Notes: Samuel McSpaden was one of five children. He with two older brothers, a younger sister and another sister along with the rest of the family and many relatives moved into the East Tennessee territory of the Cherokees soon after it was obtained and opened to white settlement. He first settled in Monroe Co. where he married Sarah Parker on January 3, 1828. Together they had eleven children. When Bradley County was first opened for settlement, all of his brothers and sisters later moved to that county, as well as many other persons of related families. After Sarah’s death, Samuel married Marinda Howard, the widow of Logan Howard. Samuel died on June 25, 1866 and is buried in the Wesleyan Cemetery some 10 miles south of Cleveland, Tennessee.]

Will Book 1, pages 24-25

Last Will of Samuel McSpaden (McSpadden)

I, Samuel McSpaden, 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 any 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 may first come into the hands of my Executor. Secondly, I give and bequeath to my wife, Marinda McSpaden all the property that she brought here after our marriage consisting of two beds, bed clothing for said beds, and one bed stead and one writing table, one trunk, and one side saddle, and one half of the bed cotting that had been made since our marriage and all of her wearing clothes. Thirdly, I give and bequeath to Benjamin McSpaden’s heirs an Equal share with the rest of my children as though their father was living. Fourth, I give and bequeath to Louis McSpaden, Stuart McSpaden and Joseph McSpaden my sons an equal portion of my Estate, also my Daughters, Jane Johnson, Catherine Thatch, Margaret Gardner, Elizabeth Mitchell Equal heirs. Fifth, I give and bequeath to my Daughter Mary McSpaden an Equal share and one hundred dollars in cash and one bed and bed stead and bed clothes for said bed, extra. Sixth, I give and bequeath to my son James McSpaden an Equal share and two hundred and fifty dollars extra for the purpose of educating himself. Lastly, I do hereby nominate and appoint ??? my executor in witness whereof I do to this my will set my hand and seal this 10th day of April, 1866. Samuel McSpaden (Seal) Signed and sealed and published in our presence and to which we have subscribed our names hereunto in the presence of the Testator this 10th day of April 1866.

Elijah Still
Joel Parker