Will Book __, Page 223

In the name of God, Amen.

I, Thomas Gillenwaters, Sr. of the County of Hawkins and State of Tenn., being afflicted in body but of sound mind & memory, calling to mind the certainty of death, do make and ordain this my last will and Testament.

In the first place, I recommend my soul to that God who gave it, trusting that He will receive it into glory.

Next, I recommend my body to the grave in a plain, Christian manner.

As touching my temporal matters, I desire that all my just debts be paid in the first place.

I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Mary my young bay mare, two cows and calves, six head of sheep, one sow, six pigs & Rusia boar, two beds, bed steads and bed furniture, one Bureau, one cupboard, one folding cherry table, one chest, four chairs, one set of plates, set of cups and saucers, set of knives and forks, such of the casting as she wants for her own use, at her own disposal.

I further give unto my beloved wife all the proceeds of the remaining perishable property which I may die in possessions of, which property not otherwise disposed of in this instrument shall be sold on a 12-month credit and kept to her use during life, and at her death if there be a remainder, it to be divided among the children.

My land whereon I now live I give to my daughter Rachael Kyle and Robert Kyle, her husband, containing 210 acres down to the road called Cove Road, on the condition Robert Kyle will pay $550.00 within five years next after being possessed of s’d farm, to be paid in the following manner: To Betsey Kleper on order $100.00. To Patsy McCann $100.00; to Nancy Klepper $100.00. To Polly Gillenwaters $200.00, and the remaining $50.00 to be paid to my four sons, William, Robert, Joel and Thomas Gillenwaters, each an equal part.

I also give to Rachael one bed, bedstead and furniture, one pot, one kettle, three ewes and lambs.

I give and bequeath unto my youngest daughter Sally Simmons a tract of land containing 30 acres, adjoining the tract I live on, on Molsbee‘s Branch: Beginning on a white oak, William Gillenwater’s corner near the mouth of Molsbee‘s Branch, then with Cove Road to my old line and Molsbee‘s line, then crossing the branch various courses to the beginning.

I also give Betsy one bed, bedstead and furniture, one large kettle.

And I give to my daughter Polly a kettle.

I give Calvin M. Gillenwaters, my grandson, three ewes and lambs and one bed, bedstead and furniture and the crop being now commenced for this year by Robert Kyle and Calvin Gillenwaters. Robert is to have 2/3 of all that may be raised and Calvin 1/3, by their continuing to work together until the crop is finished and to have what bacon and corn it will require to do them this year which we have on hand.

My great coat I give to Calvin; all my other clothing to be give to my loving wife.

In witness whereof I hereunto set my hand and affix my seal. This 30th day of March, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty-one.

_________________(seal)

A codicil.

I further desire that James G. Simmons be appointed My Executor and Administrator and that he make no sale of any goods or chattels until in August next.

Also that said Simmons not be required to give security in this matter.

Also I give to my youngest son, Thomas, my Family Bible.

I desire that this shall be considered a part of my last and to be good and valid in fee simple.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand the day and year above written.

Thomas Gillenwaters (Seal)

Attest:

William Gillenwaters
David Patterson
Geo. Gillenwaters

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