Will Book __, Page 50
June 26, 1838
Proven Feb. and April Term, 1855

In the Name of God, Amen.

I, Thomas Barrett of the County of Hawkins, State of Tennessee, being in a low state of health, but of sound and disposing mind, memory and understanding-considering the uncertainty of death and the uncertainty of the time thereof, do ordain and constitute this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following , Viz:

First. I commend my soul into the hand of Almighty God and my body to the earth to be decently buried at the discretion of my Executors hereinafter named:

Item. To my beloved wife Winefred Barrett, I leave one horse, two milk cows, one feather bed and furniture, and all the lands on this side of the creek between the lines of William Reynolds where he now lives and where he formerly lived, including the dwelling house and other houses, also the lands on the other side of the creek between the lands of John Barrett and William Reynolds, to her so long as she remains my widow. At her death the lands (are) to belong to our youngest son Alfred Barrett.

Item. The land on which our two sons, Pleasant and Hugh now live to be divided between our sons, Hugh and Pleasant’s children. The children (are) to have the lower end of the land including the house they live in and as far as they have enclosed in a fence and then up the hollow to Anderson’s line.

Item. To our son John Barrett, I leave all the lands in the following bounds: Beginning on a stake, corner of the bank of the branch opposite the great hollow that leads down to the creek on the left of my Sugar Camp. Thence up the fence by the side of the branch to a cross fence, then down cross fence to the creek. Then up the creek to the road. Then with the road to my line. Then with my line to the head of aforesaid hollow, then down the hollow to the beginning.

To my other two sons, Nelson and Thomas Barrett, I leave a tract of land I purchased of James Donelson, to be divided between them. The line to run with the creek where it will strike the creek after leaving the little meadow near the barn on Thomas’ side. Nelson to have the upper end including the dwelling house.

The land in Big Poor Valley adjoining the Donalson Tract also to be divided between Nelson and Thomas.

My wife to have the care of Thomas until he is of sufficient age to go to himself.

Item. My other land in Big Poor Valley to be divided between our sons John and Alfred.

Item. I leave to Thomas and Alfred the colts already given them. I leave unto my daughters Polly, Nancy and Malinda each one bed and furniture and to each one a milch cow.

Item. After my just debts are paid, what money may be left and…the balance of my property sells for, I wish to be divided between our daughters Holly Ford, Betsy Reynolds, Louisa Grose, Polly, Nancy and Malinda Barrett. Betsy Reynolds to pay $20.00 to the other girls except Holly Ford out of her portion.

Item. To William Reynolds I leave all the lands he has under fence where he formerly lived, except a small timothy lot which will belong to Alfred at his mother’s death.

Item. The land whereon William Reynolds now lives he purchased of our son Clinton Barrett. I leave to said Reynolds — the lines to run as specified in the articles between us now held by Jim Barrett.

Our sons John and Nelson are to pay $10.00 each to be divided between our daughters Polly, Nancy and Malinda. As I have previously given to our son Clinton his portion, I now give him the sum of $2.00 to let him know he still lives in my affection.

And for the purpose of carrying into effect this my last Will and Testament, I appoint my sons John and Nelson Executors, to see that it is done.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty sixth day of June, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight, in the presence of: (interlined before signing)

Thomas x Barrett (seal)

B. W. Vaughan
David [X] Anderson (his mark)
Elijah D. [X] Gillenwaters
Anthony Samith [as transcribed]

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