Will Book __, Page 145

In the Name of God, Amen. I, Rawleigh Dodson Sr. being in an infirm state of health but of sound mind and considering that I may shortly leave this life, I have thought it necessary to make this my last Will & Testament, revoking all former wills by me made,

and in the first place I resign myself to the disposal of my Creator hoping for mercy & forgiveness.

In respect of my Earthly affairs, To my wife I leave and bequeath my whole Estate real & personal to her use during her natural life,

after which I leave to my son Rawleigh Dodson the plantation on which I now live with all the appurtenances, also one other piece of land joining, butted and bounded as appears by the patent in my name, also all my working tools, horses, except a motherless colt, three cows with their calves, one feather bed with the furniture, half the pewter, and one half pot mettal, also what hay I may have remaining.

To my grandchildren Mary and Nancy Shelton, the remainder of my cattle equally divided, also the remainder of the pewter and pot mettal to be equally divided between them, and to Mary Shelton one bed and furniture, also the motherless colt, one cotton and one linen wheel and half the cards, the other wheel & cards to Nancy.

There is a bond due me of fifteen pounds from Henry Rowan to be collected and my debts paid out of it.

Peggey Manafee my eldest daughter having by her husband obtained credit for sixty pounds for which I have his note, I hereby direct my Executor to give up said note.

My sons Lazarus and Tolliver I have done a Fatherly part by and hereby acquit them of all demands that I may have against them.

My daughter Nelly the wife of John Saunders I consider I have done enough for, having given her husband the land he now lives on.

My son James to whom I have (already) given several things, I now bequeath my claim on Thos. Jackson for share of some land to be obtained by a warrant by me given to said Jackson to be laid on the halves provided said warrant obtains a title for land. Warrant was for 300 acres.

I also appoint my son Lazarus and my neighbor Rodham Kenner my Executors and do authorize and direct them to put this my said Will & Testament into effect.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal This 20th day of July A.D. 1793.

Rawleigh [X] Dodson (seal) (his mark)

Test.

Thos. Jackson
Rodham Kenner
Mary [X] Shelton (her mark)

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