Book 2, Page 48
Proven: February Term, 1868

(blank spaces indicate unreadable words or letters)

In the Name of God, Amen.

I James Davis of the County of Hawkins and State of Tennessee blessed be God being in perfect and disposing mind and memory do this 21st day of September in the year of our Lord One Thousand and Eight Hundred and Sixty Six make this my last will and testament in the manner following.

First – I give and bequeath to my four sons namely, Madison, Asa, John and George Wesley the tract of land upon which I now live to have and to hold forever and to be equally divided between them share and share alike and my said sons Madison, Asa, John and George Wesley for and in consideration of which they are to pay four hundred dollars to my other four children namely Nancy and her heirs, James, and Minerva one hundred. James and his heirs Eliza Ruth, Tilda Ann, George Lafayette and Amanda one hundred dollars. Larkin and his heirs, Henry, La___, Mary James and Larkin one hundred dollars and Malinda and her heirs.

Second – It is my will and wish the share to be allotted to my son Asa is to be laid off adjoining the lands of my said son Asa on the west of my land and with a line parallel to his land.

Third – It is my will and wish that the share to be allotted to my son George Wesley is to be laid off on the east end of my land in order to join the lands of my said son George Wesley and to begin at a point where the spring branch crosses my line that runs from the farm which my son George Wesley purchased from Rial Johns thence down the branch to its junction with the creek thence up or down said creek so that a straight line to the top of Copper Ridge will include his compliment.

Fourth – I give and bequeath to my grandson Cornelius Davis my sorrel colt to have and to hold as his property.

Fifth – I give and bequeath the balance of my property to my sons and daughters to be equally divided between the.

In witness whereof I do this to my last will and testament set my hand and seal the year and date above written.

James [X] Davis (his mark) (Seal)

Signed, sealed and published in the presence of:

William Green
George W. Debord
Isaac Snider

Transcribed by Betty Mize