Will Book __, Page 99

I, Joseph Carden, being in his sound mind desires this to be his last will and testament & it is my desire that my property may be distributed as I may hereafter mention in this my will.

First, that all my debts be paid out of any money that is due me and the remainder to be put to interest in the education of my children.

I desire that all my landed estate be given to my son Christopher Columbus Carden, Charlotte & Frank.

Also to C. Columbus Carden with a sufficient part of the proceeds of said estate to give him the said C. C. Carden a classical education and complete his studies. It is also my desire that C. C. Carden study law profession.

My wife Judith is now pregnant and should she have a son, it is my desire that he may have the same benefits of an education and share one half of the above property given to my son C. C. Carden.

I desire that my daughter L. Josephphene [as transcribed] have Maria a negro girl and her four children and their increase, and the property arising from the firm of Carden & Rubel in Rogersville and that she have the third of the negroes from Mrs. Kenner my part as one of the legatees.

It is also my desire that she be sent to school until she has a competent English education.

Should my wife have a daughter, she (to) be educated as well as her sister L. Josephphene and have one half of the before described property given to my daughter L. Josephphene.

My wife Judith (is) to have peaceable possession of the plantation whereon I now live, also to have the negroes before named during her life or marriage, provided she should marry a prudent man, and the proffits of said Estate to be given to my s’d children before mentioned, otherwise the said property to be distributed between my s’d children at the age of twenty-one years.

I desire that Miss Elizabeth Partepilo to live with my wife or children while she is single and to have a decent support from said estate.

It is my desire that Cealy a negro girl be set free at the age of 23.

Whatever I shall get of my father’s estate at the death of my mother I wish equally divided among my children.

Should all my children die without heirs, at the death of the last one all the before (named) negroes and their increase be free and my landed property and money if any should be on hand be put in a fund & to interest (?), and the interest thereof to be laid out for the education of poor honest children.

It is also my desire that my wife have all the stock, household and kitchen furniture of every kind that may be on s’d plantation whereon I now live without sale at my death, to do as she pleases with.

I also desire that my friend, Judge S. Powel (or G. Powel) advise with my wife and give instructions concerning the education of my children, and dividing the property and keeping same together.

J. W. Carden

Attest:

C. Hackney
(second name torn off)

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