Will Book __, Page 88
May 30, 1813

In the Name of God, Amen.

I, John Christian Church of Hawkins County and State of Tennessee, being very sick and weak or imperfect health of body, but perfect mind and memory, thanks be to God for the same, and calling to mind the mortality of my body and knowing that it is appointed once for all men to die, do make this my last will and Testament (Viz):

Principally and first of all, I do give and recommend my soul into the hands of God that gave it and my body I recommend to the earth to be buried in a decent Christian burial at the discretion of my Executors, nothing doubting but at the general resurrection I shall receive the same again by the Almighty power of God. And as touching such worldly estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me in this life, I give, devise and dispose of the same in the following manner and form, Viz:

First of all, I give and bequeath to my three sons, Henry, Thomas and George an equal share of all I possess (i.e.) my land, messuages, tenements, including all my household furniture, still and utensils of every kind.

Secondly, I leave my wife Eleanor Church a child’s part during her widowhood, and after her decease, her part to be equally divided among the three above-mentioned boys.

Thirdly, I give and bequeath to my daughter Mary Anne Staples one dollar.

Fourthly, I give and bequeath to my daughter Mary Anne‘s daughter Nancy twenty dollars.

Fifthly and lastly. I give and bequeath to my three sons, Henry, Thomas and George all that is coming from William Warren’s note after William Armstrong is satisfied.

I do hereby utterly disallow, revoke and disannul all and every former testaments, wills, legacies, bequests by me in anywise made, confirming this and no other to be my last will and Testament.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal This 30th day of May, A.D., 1813.

John C. [X] Church (seal) (his mark)

Signed, sealed. published pronounced and declared by the said John C. Church as his last will and testament in the presence of us who in his presence and of each other have hereunto set our hands.

Test.

[Names of witnesses illegible]

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