Book 2, Pages 30-31
Proven: April 1, 1867

State of Tennessee, Hawkins County

In the name of God Amen

I Spencer Bassett of the County and State aforesaid being of sound mind and memory and calling to mind the uncertainty of life and that it is appointed once for all men to die, do order and declare and make this my last will and testament revoking all others by me heretofore made, that is to say –

First – I recommend my soul into the hands of God who gave it and my body to a decent burial and after the expenses of the same are defrayed, I give and bequeath the residue of my goods and chattels of which it hath pleased God to bless me as follows:

It is my will that of my property both real and personal be sold at public auction on twelve months credit and after all my just and debts are paid,

I will and bequeath to my son William B. Bassett eight hundred and twenty dollars,

to my son John N. Bassett eight hundred and twenty dollars,

to my son George W. Bassett eight hundred and twenty dollars,

to my son Isaac I. Bassett eight hundred and twenty dollars,

to my son Joseph Bassett eight hundred and twenty dollars,

to my son James Bassett eight hundred and twenty dollars, which they have already received,

I also will and bequeath to my daughter Louisa Lane eight hundred and twenty dollars, two hundred of which she has already received,

and the residue of my estate I will and bequeath to my son William B. Bassett, to my son John N. Bassett, to my son George W. Bassett, to my son Isaac I. Bassett, to my son Joseph Bassett, to my son James Bassett and to all the children of my daughter Louisa has or may have all share and share alike except the children of my daughter Louisa, who are all to have one share equal to my children and this share I bequeath to the children of Louisa is to be left in the hands of my executors to be expended if necessary upon my daughter Louisa and her children for their comfortable support and maintenance and if my executors shall not deem it expedient to expend all the said estate left in their hands for the benefit of said children such portion is left in their hands to be equally divided between the children of the said Louisa, as they may marry become of full age.

It is also my desire that my black boy Christopher and other slaves, that I may be possessed of at my death to be sold at public auction and that my children shall be the only bidders at the sale of said Christopher or other slaves,

and it is further my will and desire and I do hereby appoint my dutiful son Joseph Bassett and my friend William W. Etter, my true and lawful executors, to this my last will and Testament.

In witness whereof I the said Spencer Bassett have hereunto set my hand and seal this 19th day of March 1860.

Spencer Bassett (seal)

Signed, Sealed and Acknowledged in presence of:

William W. Etter
Sells Etter
A. H. Etter

Transcribed by Betty Mize