Will Book __, Page 87
March 30, 1812
Proven: August, 1812

In the Name of God, Amen.

I, James Caldwell of the County of Hawkins and State of Tennessee, being weak in body and in a low state of health, but sound in mind and memory, and calling to mind the mortality of our nature that it is appointed unto all men once to die and after that the Judgement, I commend my soul to God and my body to the earth to be buried in a decent Christian manner, hoping they again will be united at the general resurrection of the Just, and I do make and ordain my last will and Testament in the form following, to wit:

In the first place, I allow my just debts to be paid.

Item. I leave and bequeath to my beloved wife Jane my dwelling house and kitchen with all the furniture in them as long as she needs them, and then to be distributed amongst my children at her discretion. Also the third part of the plantation I live on, both clear ground and woodland during her natural life. I also leave her the negro fellow Bob to her during her life, to work her land under the direction of my son St. Clair. I also leave her the negro girl Ciz during her life. Also I leave her a horse, she to have her choice when she pleases to make it. I allow to my wife one third part of my stock of cattle, sheep and hogs.

Item. I also give and bequeath to my son St. Clair the other two thirds of my plantation I live on both clear ground and woodland and at his mother’s death the whole plantation forever, also all the farming tools of every kind, also I leave my negro Bob and the negro girl Ciz at the death of his mother to my son St. Clair.

Item. I give and bequeath to my son John the price of a place lately sold in Tennessee Valley, Rhea County, amounting to seven hundred and thirty-five dollars, also a negro boy named App, also a horse named Rock.

Item. I give and bequeath to my daughter Ann, a bay filly now in the possession of her husband, in addition to what she has already got.

Item. The leaving (sic) I have given to my son Silas must in a measure stand for his fortune, but as his education is not finished, I give and bequeath to him a negro boy Park, also $300.00 to complete his education.

Item. I give and bequeath to my daughter Jane a negro girl named Vicey, also a good horse and saddle, also two cows and calves. The residue of stock, horses, cattle, hogs and sheep to remain as a fund to pay debts, finish Silas‘ education, and the balance I leave to St. Clair.

Item. My negro woman Hannah and her child Prise I allow to be either continued on the place, hired out or sold at the (discretion) of my Executors, hereafter to be named. Should the above fund of stock not answer the end contemplated, I allow the proffits of Hannah the negro woman and her child Price to make it up whatever disposition may be made of her and so as to leave St. Clair a sufficient stock to carry on his farm. The balance, if any, to be equally divided among the legatees.

I appoint my beloved wife Jane and my sons John and St. Clair to execute this my last will and testament.

Given under my hand this 30th of March A.D., 1812, in the presence of (witnesses)

James Caldwell

George Maxwell
John Young

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