Will Book __, Page 139
Proven: July Term 1862

I Samuel Chesnutt 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 debts to be paid in the manner I shall hereinafter direct.

Secondly. I give and bequeath to my beloved wife Susan all the household and kitchen furniture that she brought with her, also one waggon, mare and colt and sheep and cattle and hogs, also one negro woman named Amanda during her life.

Also, if she chooses to remain with the family she is to have one room of the house and to have her support from the proceeds of the land which I shall bequeath to my daughter Caroline and son Samuel.

Thirdly. I give and bequeath to my daughter Polly Kirkpatrick and her children the land on which she lives as laid off to her, also a negro woman named Ester and her youngest child.

Fourthly. I give and bequeath to my daughter Catherine Cobb and her children the land on which she now lives as laid off to P. A. Cobb. Also one negro man, Lilbourne when my son Samuel attains the age of 22 years.

Fifthly. I give and bequeath to my daughter Sally Morell and her children one negro woman Sydney and her twin children.

Sixthly. I give and bequeath to my son Thomas one black boy named Charles and one-third of the tract of land where I now live also a small lot lying down west of the mill adjoining Simpson‘s lands.

Seventhly. I give and bequeath to my daughter Margaret Phillips and her children one negro girl Ann and a negro woman Amanda at the death of my wife.

Eighthly. I give and bequeath to my daughter Caroline and her children one negro girl Mary and one third of the tract of the land on which I live.

Ninthly. I give and bequeath to my son Samuel one negro boy Bob and one third of the tract of land on which I live.

I wish the land divided without respect to quality but equal in number of acres. Thomas to have his third off the upper end of the farm Caroline next & Samuel the lower end including the dwelling house.

I wish Lilbourn to remain with and work on the farm for the support of the family until my son Samuel attains the age of 22 years.

Tenthly. I give and bequeath to my grand daughter Muscadore Smith one negro boy named Elbert. If she should die without issue then said boy Elbert revert to my estate and be equally divided.

I wish my negro man Jo to be sold and the proceeds applied to payment of my debts, together with the moneys that are due me.

After my debts are paid, if there remains any surplus, I wish it equally divided amongst my children.

If the debt due me known as the mule debt be collected, I give $300.00 of that to daughter Margaret, in addition to what I have heretofore given her.

My farming tools, waggon, horses and all my stock I wish to remain on the farm for the use of the family.

Also the balance of my household and kitchen furniture I give to my daughter Caroline and son Samuel.

Lastly. I nominate and appoint my brother Rodham Chesnutt Executor of this my last Will and Testament.

I wish my old negro woman Lydia to live with any of the family that she may choose.

I desire that my Executor shall not be required to enter into bond with security. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal This 7 day of May, 1862.

Sam’l Chesnutt (seal)

Signed, sealed and acknowledged in our presence:

Thos J. Lee
C. F. Hobbs

I hereby acknowledge myself satisfied and consent to the above disposition of property as made by the Will and Testament of my husband.

Susan Chesnutt (seal)

Thos. J. Lee
C. F. Hobbs

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