Book __, Page 121
Proven: March Term, 1862

In the name of God, Amen.

I, Thomas Cocke of Hawkins County in the State of Tennessee, being in the full possession of my ordinary powers of mind, but contemplating the uncertainty of life and being desirous of making such disposition of my worldly property and effects as after mature deliberation my own judgement and sense of duty appeares and as I anxiously desire for sufficient reasons to be carried into effect after my death do make ordain and publish this my last Will & Testament in manner and form following that is to say:

First. I desire that all my just debts if any should remain unpaid at my death, shall be paid out of my estate and I direct that any money which may be on hand and debts which may be due to me at my death and my personal estate as far as necessary shall be first applied to this purpose.

Second. For considerations satisfactory to my own mind, I give and bequeath unto my wife Lucinda absolutely for her own separate use and benefit 200 acres of land situate in County of Hawkins including the house wherein I now reside to be laid off as she may direct to have and to hold the same and every part and portion thereof in absolute fee simple, together with all my household and kitchen furniture, waggon, yoke of oxen and farming utensils of every description, the one fifth part of my live stock of every kind and description and also my two negro women slaves, Nancy and Catherine.

Third. All the residue of my estate property and effects of every kind and description real, personal or mixed in possession or in action wheresoever situate, including the tract of land whereon I now reside situate in said County of Hawkins, Joining the lands of John B. Proffitt, William Mays and the heirs of Thomas Stubblefield, dec’d and known by the name of Mulberry Grove estimated to contain 1200 acres more or less, I give, bequeath and devise unto William S. Creed, Mary A. Read, wife of Thomas R. Read, formerly Mary A. Creed, and Maryaner Moore wife of George W. Moore, formerly Maryaer Creed, to them and their heirs jointly and equally in fee simple subject to charges that my just debts which remain unpaid at my death be payed at my death.

Fourth. I direct that as soon after my death as practicable my Executors hereinafter named shall sell and dispose of all my personal effects and property, the proceeds thereof after paying my just debts and funeral expenses shall be paid equally to the said William S. Creed, Mary A. Read and Maryaner Moore.

I do hereby nominate constitute and appoint William S. Creed, Thomas R. Read and George W. Moore Executors of this my last Will and Testament, hereby revoking and making void all former or other wills by me heretofore made and declaring this to be my last Will and Testament, and I deem it proper here solemenly to declare to my relations and friends and to all other persons that the foregoing disposition of my property is made upon reflection and deliberation and is such as satisfies my own feelings and sense of justice.

Let no one question or attempt to disturb it after my death.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my hand and seal This ninth day of August in the year of our Lord A.D. One thousand eight hundred and forty-nine.

Thomas Cocke (seal)

Signed sealed and acknowledged by the said Thomas Cocke in our presence to be his last Will and Testament who have witnessed the same at his request in the presence of each other and in his presence the date above written.

Test:

Elisha Dodson
Hugh Cain, Jr.

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