Will of B. A. Evans - Dated 26 July 1949

I, B. A. EVANS, of Bells, Crockett County, Tennessee, being of sound mind and disposing memory, do hereby make, publish and declare this to be my last Will and Testament, hereby revoking and making void any and all other wills by me, at any time heretofore made, if any.

Item One: I will and direct that all of my just debts be paid by my executor hereinafter named as soon after my death as practicable.

Item Two: I do not make any provision herein for my wife, MRS. BESSIE K. EVANS, since I have entered into a Written settlement with her regarding our property rights and have deeded and conveyed to her certain property in settlement of her interest in my estate.

Item Three: I have also conveyed to MISS NANCY ANN EVANS of Bells, Tennessee, certain real estate and given to her certain personal property. In addition to the property already given to her I do hereby give and bequeath to her all of my stock in the Farmer's Gin Company, Inc., of Bells, Tennessee, and also any account, note or debt said Corporation may owe me at the time of my death; also all of my bank stock in the Bells Banking Company of Bells, Tennessee, and any automobile I may own at the time of my death.

Item Four: To MISS ELAINE BRYANT, Bells, Tennessee, I do hereby give and bequeath the proceeds of my insurance policy no. #231-300 issued by the Pan-American Life Insurance Company, which is payable to my estate; also any promissary notes that may be owing to me which are not otherwise disposed of herein.

Item Five: I hereby give and bequeath to MISS MARGARET E. STROUP, Memphis, Tennessee, all of the stock I may own in the Thornton Gin Company, Inc., of Brownsville, Tennessee; also my notes and accounts that may be owing to me by this corporation, also any notes that may be owing to me by any stockholders of said corporation where I have loaned them money with which to purchase stock in the same; also all the stock I may own in the Home Gas Company, Inc., of Bells, Tennessee, and any note or debt that may be owing to me by this corporation. Provided, however, that the notes and stock given in this Item of my Will shall be charged with payment of any amount for which any of said stock or notes may be pledged to secure any indebtedness that I may owe at the time. That is, if any of said stock or notes should be pledged to secure an indebtedness, then the said MISS MARGARET E. STROUP shall be required to pay such indebtedness out of the same and before such stock or notes are transferred or delivered to her by my executors. I also give and bequeath to the said MISS MARGARET E. STROUP the proceeds of my insurance policy No. 1160893 issued by the Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company of Springfield, Massachusetts, which is payable to my estate; also all of the funds I may have on deposit in the Union Planters National Bank and Trust Company of Memphis, Tennessee, after deducting and paying any indebtedness that I may own said bank.

Item Six: To my niece, MISS ELLEN EVANS, of Huntsville, Alabama, I give and bequeath the proceeds of my insurance policy no. 491,115 issued by the Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company, which is payable to my estate. If she should be under the age of twenty-one years at the time of my death, then I hereby name and appoint her father, DR. J. W. EVANS of Huntsville, Alabama, as testamentary guardian for her and I direct that no bond be required of him as such guardian.

Item Seven: To my faithful colored friend and employee, MARTIN ANDERSON, I hereby give and bequeath all of the livestock I may own at the time of my death and all of the wearing apparel and clothing of any kind which I may own at that time.

Item Eight: All of the balance and residue of my estate not herein disposed of in former Items of this will will be used for the payment of debts and charges against my estate and such inheritance tax which may be legally assessed against same and the balance, if any, I hereby give and bequeath to MISS NANCY ANN EVANS of Bells, Tennessee.

Item Nine: I hereby name and appoint my friend E. C. SMOTHERS of Bells, Tennessee, to be the executor of this my last will and testament. He will execute reasonable bond with some reliable surety company and will pay the premium on said bond out of the funds in his hands as executor.

In testimony hereof I hereinto set my hand on this the 26 day of July, 1949
B. A. EVANS

Witnesses:
HUGH L. CLARK
JOHN W. NORRIS