Book __, Page 124
Proven: March Term, 1853

Know all men by these presents that I, Thomas Coldwell, being of sound mind and body, but calling to mind the uncertainty of human life, and desiring to settle my worldly affairs, do ordain and publish this my last Will and Testament, revoking and annulling all others.

First. I direct that all my just debts and funeral expenses shall be paid.

Secondly. I will and bequeath to my beloved wife Sally…during her natural life or widowhood one third of the plantation on which I live, including the dwelling house and out houses thereto attached. Also, all my household and kitchen furniture, farming utensils, including wagon or wagons, blacksmith tools and one half of the stock on my farm at my death; also all my slaves.

Thirdly. To my son James, I bequeath all my lands including — after her death — the part willed to my wife, also after the death of my wife, I bequeath unto my son James all the personal property, including wagon or wagons on my farm and blacksmith tools, except the slaves which has been devised to her and also one half the stock of all kinds, and grain on hands on the farm at my death.

Fourthly. To my son Benoni I will and bequeath in lieu of his, Benoni’s interest in my land and personal property, that James pay him — Benoni — the amount proposed in the agreement made and entered into between them, James and Benoni, heretofore.

In addition to which, after the death of my wife, I direct that my slave Pompey be left to Benoni.

Fifthly. To the children of my son Andrew F. Coldwell, dec’d., and after the death of my wife, I will that my slave Ellen be sold and the proceeds of her sale be equally divided to said children of Andrew F. Coldwell.

Sixthly. To my son Abiram Coldwell, I bequeath after the death of my wife, my slaves Frank and Susan.

Seventhly. To my daughter, Indiana Chenwith, during her life and after the death of my wife, I will my slave Mary, and after the death of Indiana, said Mary and her increase be equally divided among the children of Indiana.

Eighthly. After the death of my wife, it is my will that my son James shall have my slave Bob and that he shall maintain Old Cynth.

Ninthly. It is my will that if my slaves should increase hereafter during my life or the life of my wife, that the two oldest of the increase living at the death of my wife shall belong to my son James, and the balance of such increase, if any such, shall be equally divided between (the children of) my son Andrew F. Coldwell, dec’d, for one part, and my son Abiram and my daughter Indiana, but to go to my daughter Indiana and her children in the same manner as the slave Mary is willed.

Tenthly. It is my will that all my property not otherwise devised shall belong to my wife during her natural life or widowhood and to pay my son James after her death, and my wife and son James are charged with the payment of all my just debts, and are hereby appointed Executor and Executrix of this my last Will and Testament.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal. This 15th day of November, 1852.

Thomas Coldwell (seal)

Signed, sealed and acknowledged in presence of us:

H. Watterson
Jesse M. Lyons
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.