Will Book ___, Page 202
Proven: Dec. Term, 1856

I, Rachel Forgey knowing the uncertainty of life and the certainty of death and being weak of body but sound of mind and memory, do hereby make and constitute the following my last Will and Testament, to wit:

Item First. My will and desire is that my body be decently buried in a plain manner, and that all my funeral expenses and just debts be paid in the first place.

Item second. My will and desire is that my two step daughters, Manerva and Matilda Forgey and my own daughter Susan Forgey, have each one negro girl, in addition to those left them by their father, all to be set apart to them by my Executors hereafter appointed, each of them two good beds and furniture, to be set apart in like manner.

Item Third. My will and desire is that my son James R. Forgey have in fee simple all the lands that I may die seized and possessed of, it being the land I inherited by the last Will and Testament of my husband James R. Forgey,

and in addition to the land, my Executors to pay to him, the said James R. Forgey the sum of six thousand dollars in cash or negroes belonging to my Estate, to be decided by them and paid accordingly.

The reason for this bequest is that his father provided for my son Gabriel in his will and did not for James, and this, I think, will make James nearly equal with Gabriel.

Item Fourth. My will and desire is that my Executors sell all the residue of my property of every kind whatever and such credit as is usually given in such cases, and our of the proceeds of the same, and out of the residue of my Estate of all kinds,

I desire them, first, to pay my daughter Susan Forgey Three thousand dollars ($3,000.), if so much there be, and all the residue if any to be equally divided between my three children, Susan, Gabriel and James R. Forgey.

I further request that my two step daughters, Manerva and Matilda and my daughter Susan have a home with my son Gabriel at the old place, so long as they remain single.

I do hereby nominate and appoint C. L. Miller and John Young Executors of this my last Will and Testament.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal This 24th day of November, 1856.

Signed, sealed and acknowledged

Rachel Forgey (seal)

In presence of us,

Jacob Miller
David Laughmiller
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.