Will Book __, Page 26
Proven Feb 3, 1862
(Recorded p. 526)

I, Charles D. Alvis, senior, of Hawkins County, State of Tennessee, being in good health and in my right mind do make and publish this my last Will and Testament hereby revoking and making void all other wills by me at any time made.

1st. I bequeath my soul to God who gave it.

2nd. I direct that my funeral expenses and all my debts be paid as soon as possible after my death out of any money that I may die possessed of, or may first come into the hands of my Executor.

Third. I do will and desire that my well beloved wife Susannah Alvis have the use of my mansion house and a comfortable support of ten the proceeds of my farm. Also William Henry a yellow boy slave twenty-two years of age; also Sharlot a black girl slave twenty-one years of age during her natural life or widowhood — if she remain_ in the state.

I will and desire that my slaves that I have willed to my well beloved wife be set free at her death or leaving the State or marriage.

Fourth. I do will and bequeath to my son Charles D. Alvis, Jr., my mansion house and ten acres of land running with James Brooks‘ line to James T. Brice‘s line, thence round so as to square ten acres.

Fifth. It is my will and desire that the balance of my land and property be equally divided between my three children, Charles D. Alvis, Jr., Mary Ann Susan Klepper and Joseph H. Alvis and their children after their deaths.

Sixth. I do will and bequeath to my son Elias H. Alvis Fifty Cents. To my son William A. Alvis, Fifty Cents. To my son George W. Alvis, Fifty Cents. To my son Thaddeas J. Alvis, Fifty Cents. To my son Thomas J. Alvis, Fifty Cents. To my daughter Virginia Rebecca Johnson Fifty Cents. To my son John M. Alvis‘ heirs, Fifty Cents.

Seventh. I do will and bequeath to my well beloved wife, in addition to the third item of this will, all of my household and kitchen furniture and necessary property for farming consisting of one horse and set of farming tools, one yoke of oxen, two cows and calves, pork sufficient to meat her one year, or hogs to make it. Two sows and pigs or shoats, thirty barrels of corn and twenty bushels of wheat and twenty bushels of oats, an also my wife Susannah Alvis is to have my three slaves above named during her natural life or widowhood or stay in the state.

After her death, the aforesaid slaves and the increase of Sharlot is to be set free during life.

Eighth. I reserve a square at the graveyard for burying ground forever.

Lastly. I do hereby nominate and appoint Charles D. Alvis, Jr., my Executor. In witness whereof I do to this my last Will set my hand and seal. This 22nd day of March, 1861.

Charles D. [X] Alvis. Sr. (seal) (his mark)

Signed and published in our presence and we have subscribed our names hereto in the presence of the Testator. This 22nd day of March, 1861.

Barney M. Klepper

N B: I appoint Charles D. Alvis, Jr., to attend to my beloved wife and to manage for my slaves as laid down in this will.

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