Will Book __, Page 116

I, John Crozier make and publish this my last Will and Testament hereby revoking and making void all other wills by me at any time made, being of sound mind and memory.

First. I direct that my funeral expenses and my debts be paid as soon as possible after my death out of money that I may have or that may first come into the hands of my Administrator.

Secondly. I give and bequeath to my beloved wife Elizabeth all my land and personal property consisting of the following, to wit:

All my household and kitchen furniture and all my stock of every description consisting of horses, cattle, hogs, sheep and many other articles too tedious to mention, as long as she lives, at her heath all land and personal property remaining after paying all her expenses and the land be equally divided between my four daughters (viz) Susannah, Agnes, Casander and Nancy Isabella, and if any of them be dead…heirs to have their mother’s part and also all the personal property whatever there may be of every description shall be equally divided between the above named daughters or their children as aforesaid.

Thirdly. The heirs to choose some three disinterested persons that is suitable to make said division if they can agree about it, and if there be any orphans, their guardian to superintend on their part, otherwise the County Court to appoint someone to act for them, but if they cannot agree about persons to make said division, then and in that case the Administrator if any may be shall proceed and ask the County Court to appoint men as aforesaid to make said division, and in case there should be a disagreement among the heirs about that, the Administrator shall forthwith proceed to give lawful notice by advertisment and sell all the property both real and personal to the highest bidder on a twelve months credit.

And if there be no Administrator then and in that case any one of the heirs shall or may complain to the County Court which shall appoint an Administrator and take bond and security according to law and sell the same as above mentioned, and shall divide out equally among the several heirs accordingly but should they make a division of the property the husbands of the daughters shall have power to sell the lands and make titles for the same, but should the wife be made the guardian of the orphans, shall have power to sell the property or rent it out as may be deemed best and shall be governed according to law as guardians in other cases.

In witness whereof I do to this my will set my hand and seal 25th of July, 1845.

John Crozier (seal)

Signed, sealed and published in our presence and we have subscribed our names hereto in the presence of the Testator This 25th day of July, 1845.

Test:

Nicholas [X] Beckner
William [X] Grigsby
Joseph Jenkins

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