Will Book __, Page 138
Proven: October, 1861

I, William L. Christian, do this day make and publish this as my last Will and Testament, hereby revoking all former wills that may have been made by me at any time heretofore.

First. I will and bequeath that my funeral expenses, together with my debts shall be paid out of any money that I may die seized and possessed of at my death, or the first money [that] may come into the hands of my Executor.

Second. I will and bequeath unto my wife Elizabeth Christian the home place.

Third. I will and bequeath to my son William L. Christian the east end of my place. Beginning at the bridge on the branch running from Mary Skelton’s. Thence with the branch at a mouth of a ditch, thence due north to John Skelton’s line.

Fourth. I will and bequeath to my daughter Mahaly St. John and the heirs of her body the north part of my land. Beginning at the line fence on Wullran line, formerly the line fence of John Skelton, dec’d. Thence with said fence as it has formetly run to a mulberry. Thence a straight line to the corner aup [and up ?] Next Alex [Ellick‘s] Mountain of a twelve and ahalf acre entry bought from John Skelton, Sr. Thence with the several courses and distance to the beginning.

Fifthly. I will and bequeath to my son James Christian the part of my land joining Mahaly St. John. Beginning at the mulberry, St. John corner, thence a straight line to the creek to a beech tree on the bank of the creek with the meanders of said creek aup to a blackhaw bush. Thence a west course straight to the beginning. Also, one half of the 25 acre entry on the side of Alex [Ellick‘s] Mountain adjoining my land.

Sixthly. I will and bequeath to my son David Christian the part adjoining James, including my buildings of every description on said part. Beginning at the gum, James‘ corner, thence with the old line crossing the creek to a walnut tree at the foot of the hill. Thence with the fence to the lane. Thence a straight line to an elm, then with the drain to the line between me and Mary Skelton. Then with the line to the road, to a black oak and sweet gum. Thence with the road to the head of the ditch, thence with the ditch to the creek.

Seventhly. I will and bequeath to my daughter Mary E. Christian and to the heirs of her body all the land lying adjoining Mary Skelton & William L. Christian, Mahaly St. John & James Christian, also one half of the entry on Alex [Ellick‘s] Mountain — that half to James and the other to her — her half to be laid off at the east end of said tract.

Eighthly. I will and bequeath to my daughter Rachael M. Christian and the heirs of her body all the part of my land lying south of David and joining his part, also to have one half of the forty acre entry under the Big Mountain, and David to have the other half of said entry.

Ninthly. I will and bequeath to my four children to be equally divided among them to wit: Stephen Christian to have where he lives to include his house; Eldridge to have his place where he now lives; Jesse to have where he now lives; Joseph F. his part adjoining Jesse Christian and Stephen Christian and Polly Bailey next the Big Mountain, on the north side of said mountain.

Tenthly. I will and bequeath that my children, namely: Eldridge, Stephen, William L., Jesse, Isaac shall each pay $5.00 for seven years and Mahaly St. John to pay $5.00 for five years.

Eleventh. I hereby nominate and appoint my wife Elizabeth Christian my Executor.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal. This the 16th of August, 1861.

William L. [X] Christian (seal) (his mark)

Signed, sealed and delivered in our presence. This the 16th day of August, 1861.

Attest:

T. A. [X] Long (his mark)

Acknowledged in our presence This 13 Day of September, 1861.

John Ball
James Feagins
George D. Wagner

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