Will Book __, Page 225
Proven: Dec. Term, 1858

In the Name of God, Amen.

I, John Gibbons of the County of Hawkins and State of Tennessee, being of sound mind and memory, but weak of body and knowing the uncertainty of life and the certainty of death, do make and publish this as my last Will and Testament, hereby revoking and annulling all others made by me.

First. I direct that all my fuenral expenses be paid and all my just debts be paid as soon after my decease as practicable out of moneys in the hands of my Executors hereafter named.

Second. I give and bequeath to my son William Gibbons one negro slave named William one bed and bed clothes.

Third. I give and bequeath to my son James Gibbons the sum of one thousand dollars in money on the express condition that James shall apply in proper person to my Executors within the period of two years from the time Executors shall qualify in Court. Should he not apply for said money, my Executors shall divide among my three children.

Fourth. I give and bequeath to my son Robert Gibbons one negro slave named Bob.

Fifth. I give and bequeath to my daughter Elizabeth Larkin one negro slave named Julia Ann and one other named Mary Ann which is all I intend my said daughter to have of my Estate.

Sixth. I give and bequeath to my daughter Mary Godsey one slave named Moriah and one other named Preston and one other named Sealah, which slaves and their increase are to remain in the possession of my daughter and be subject to her control during her life, and at her death said slaves and their increase are to be divided equally among her children.

Seventh. After my decease, I desire that all the money that I have on hand at my death and all that is due me be divided by my Executors equally among my children, as follows, to wit: My grand children Mary Ann Gillenwaters, Elizabeth Gillenwaters, Nancy L. Miller, and Susannah A. Gillenwaters; the children of my daughter Nancy Kinkead, dec’d. to draw the portion of their mother and to be equally divided among them, and the balance to be equally divided among William Gibbons, James Gibbons & Robert Gibbons, my sons, and my daughter Mary Godsey.

Eighth. It is my will that after my death my slave Reuben and Mary be set free.

Ninth. The property remaining at my death shall be sold by my Executors and the proceeds thereof divided among the following children, namely my grand children: Mary Ann Gillenwaters, Nancy L. Miller, Susannah A. Gillenwaters the children of my daughter is to draw their mother’s part, and William, James and Robert Gibbons and Mary Godsey.

Tenth. I do hereby nominate and appoint my friend Rob’t Cooper, Esq. and my son Robert Gibbons Executors of this my last Will and Testament and desire that the County Court shall not require bond & security of them.

In tesimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 31st day of May, 1852.

John Gibbons (seal)

Signed, & published in our presence:

William R. Pearson
James Carmack
Robert Cooper

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