Will Book __, Page 165
Proven: Apr. Term, 1861

I Rebecca Dodson do this day make this my last Will and Testament, being of sound mind and usual knowledge, do this day will and bequeath my property as follows, Viz,

I give unto my youngest son William Dodson my bay horse, second choice of beds and one year’s provisions of what I have.

I secondly give unto my youngest daughter Winnie Dodson first choice of beds and Bureau and a one year’s provisions, and all of my table ware and cooking vessels.

I thirdly give unto my grandson John Hamilton the bed that I once gave his mother Anna Hamilton, dec’d, which bed was left with me and son in my care, and one year’s provisions.

And the rest of all my personal property to be sold at out cry to the highest bidder, and the residue with my present claims be used in paying my just debts and that the remainder of the residue be equally divided between my children, Viz: Delana Stanberry, Arthur Dodson, Elizabeth Yates, Winny Dodson, William Dodson, John Hamilton, and that Arthur Dodson take John Hamilton to raise if it seems to my Executor that William Dodson cannot manage him to an advantage.

I give to Wm. M. Arnott possession of the land willed to me for my lifetime and then to my children by my husband John Dodson which has been sold to said Wm. M. Arnott by them. I further appoint Wm. M. Arnott as my Administrator of this my last Will & Testament. This the 2nd day of March, 1861.

Rebecca [X] Dodson (seal) (her mark)

Witness:

Wm. M. Arnott
Anderson [X] Stanberry (his mark)

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