Book __, Page 119
Proven: April Term 1848

In the Name of God, Amen

I Yelberton Carpenter of the County of Hawkins and State of Tennessee, do make and publish this as my last Will and Testament.

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 may first come into the hands of my Exec.

Secondly. I give to my beloved wife Hannah Carpenter the use of my tract of land in the County of Claiborne, State of Tennessee for her comfortable support and maintenance, and it is my will that my grand daughter Nancy Orlena Carpenter, daughter of Anderson Carpenter remain with my wife Hannah and have life support from said land during my wife’s life,

and I further give to my wife Hannah all my household and kitchen furniture one choice cow, one brood sow, three choice stock hogs, thirteen pigs, four sheep, one choice heifer, &c.

It is further my will that at any time my wife may think best she is to give to my grand daughter Nancy Orlena one bed, one cow, some kitchen utensils, a small start in hogs and sheep.

Thirdly. It is my will that after the death of my wife, that the above named tract of land in Claiborne County be divided between my sons Jackson and Wilson in the following manner, to wit:

Beginning at the mouth of the spring branch. Thence with the meandering of said branch to a cross fence at the upper end of the rocky field. Thence a straight line to a gum corner to said land and corner to Michael Person’s land. Jackson to have north side of dividing line, with improvements, to descend after his death, to the lawful children that he now has or may hereafter have to be divided equal between them. And the said Wilson Carpenter to have the south side of said dividing line, with improvements thereon during his natural life, and after his death to descend to his lawful children that he now has or may hereafter have, to be divided equal between them.

Fourthly. I give and bequeath to my son Allen Carpenter the tract of land whereon I now live, together with a tract of land on Clowd‘s Creek in Hawkins County, purchased by me with William Altom.

Fifthly. I give and bequeath unto my son Jesse Carpenter fifty dollars in trade, it being one-half of a debt due me from my son Anderson Carpenter.

Sixthly. I give and bequeath to my son Anderson Carpenter fifty dollars due from him to me after paying the above bequest of fifty dollars to Jesse Carpenter.

Seventhly. I give and bequeath unto my sons William, John, James and my daughter Mary Spradler all my stock consisting of horses, cattle, hogs, and sheep not disposed of in the foregoing bequests, to be equally divided between them.

It is my request they divide the stock themselves, and Lastly. I do constitute and appoint my friend James Conner and my son John Carpenter of the County of Hawkins…my Executors of this my last Will & Testament.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand, affixed my seal this 15th day of June in the Year of our Lord, A.D. 1845.

Yelberton [X] Carpenter (seal) (his mark)

Signed, sealed & delivered in presence of

James L. Etter
Edmund Lovin

This Hawkins County Will was transcribed by one of the following volunteers:  Audrae Mathis; Gary Fletcher; Betty Mize; Diana Arney; Karen Negron, Kathey Welder.