Book __, Page 125
Proven: July Term, 1852

I, Daniel Chambers, do make and publish this as my last Will and Testament, hereby revoking and making void all other wills by me at any time made.

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

Secondly. I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Sarah all the land which I now own on north side of Holston River whereon I now live, together with part of my plantation on south side of said river. Say, from the barn up the river.

I also give and bequeath to her my wife Sarah Chambers my negro man named Charles and also his wife Fan.

I also give and bequeath to my wife two horse beasts and three cows, her choice; my yoke of oxen and waggon, one large plow, one shovel plow, two pair of gears and so much of my household and kitchen furniture sufficient for her use, also my hogs, sheep and stock.

All of which named property I leave to her during her natural life, or so lang as she remains my widow, then the above named negro woman Fan is to have the liberty of choosing with whom of my children or grandchildren she will live. But the above named Charles to be valued and have choice to live with either of my children who will pay valuation — which valuation to be divided equally into three parts; one part going to children of each of my three daughters, namely, Amanda Francisco‘s, Lois Millers‘s and Rachael Miller‘s.

I do further give and bequeath to my wife Sarah two feather beds and furniture, as much as she thinks proper, also her Bible and Saddle, which last named articles I leave at her own disposal.

Thirdly. I do give to my son William S. Chambers all the land I own on the south side of Holston River, containing 310 acres, also all the land which I own on the north side of said river from the spring branch down to Stephen Hagood’s live, to have possession of at my wife’s death or intermarriage. But he, William S. Chambers, is at all times to have the use of timber on said lands.

I further bequeath to William S. Chambers my negro man, Isaac.

Fourthly. I give and bequeath to my daughter Amanda Francisco‘s children…Mary Simmons, $200.00, and to Amanda‘s other children, namely Thomas, Daniel and Sarah Francisco, I give and bequeath the land whereon I now live, from the spring branch up the river adjoining the lands of T. Coldwell and James Hagood. The land to be at my wife’s death [sold ?] And the proceeds divided equally between the three last named children of my daughter Amanda Francisco.

Fifthly. I give and bequeath to my daughter Lois Miller’s three children, namely Daniel C. Miller, Rachael D. Miller and John P. Miller my two negro boys, Lewis and Charles.

I further give and bequeath to my grandson John P. Miller, one horse and saddle worth $100.00.

Sixthly. I give and bequeath to my daughter Rachael Miller my negro woman named Susan and her two little daughters, namely Sarah and Julia, during her natural life and then to said Rachael Miller‘s children.

Seventhly. The residue of my personal property undisposed of in the foregoing bequests, I direct to be sold and the proceeds of said sale to be equally divided between my three daughters, namely Amanda Francisco‘s, Lois Miller‘s and Rachael Miller‘s children.

Lastly. I do hereby nominate and appoint my son, William S. Chambers my Executor.

In witness whereof I do to this my last Will and Testament set my hand and seal. This fourth day of December, 1852.

Daniel Chambers (seal)

Signed, sealed and published in our presence and we have subscribed our names hereto in presence of the Testator.

H. Watterson
C. C. Miller

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