Will Book __, Page 234
Proven: March Term. 1859

I, Nathaniel Grigsby, do make and publish this my last Will and Testament, hereby revoking and making void all other wills by me at anytime made.

First. I direct that all my debts and funeral expenses be paid as soon after my death as possible out of any money that I may die possessed of or may first come into the hands of my Executor,

and should there not be sufficient means in his hands to pay all my debts, then I desire that my Executor sell any personal property that my wife Elizabeth may designate sufficient to pay any balance.

Secondly. I give and bequeath to my wife Elizabeth all my household and kitchen furniture, together with all the stock (except a small filly) I may die seized and possessed of at the time of my death, and all the farming tools of every description that I may have on hand at the time of my death. Also, my negro man named Jim to have and to hold during her natural life,

and at her death said property is to be sold and equally divided between the following named sons and daughters, to wit: Winny (now Winny Long), Henry, Jesse, Samuel, Sarena, Betsy Jane and James.

Thirdly. I give and bequeath to my son John $10.00 out of any funds that may remain in the hands of my Executor after my just debts are paid.

And should there be any money left in the hands of my Executor after paying the $10.00 mentioned in this bequest & all my just debts and funeral expenses, I direct that it shall be paid over to my wife for the benefit of my three youngest children, to wit: Sarena, Betsy Jane, and James.

Fifthly. I give and bequeath to my wife Elizabeth the use and control of the land I may die seized and possessed of at the time of my death, for the benefit of herself and the three youngest children, Sarena, Betsy Jane and James, during her lifetime,

and as my son Jesse is now living on my farm with me, my will and desire is that should he remain on the farm and pay my wife for the use of so much of the same as she may not want for cultivation, 10 bussels of corn and 10 bussels of wheat per annum, during her life, that he should have one third part of the land, but should he from any cause fail or refuse to pay said rent to my wife, then and in that case that part of the land devised to him shall go to my son James.

Sixthly. I give and bequeath unto my son James the remaining two thirds of all the land I may die seized and possessed of; also the one third part devised to Jesse should he fail or refuse to comply with the conditions mentioned in the Fifth bequest.

I also give my son James the sorrel filly I now own.

Seventhly. I give and bequeath to my grand daughters Mary Ann Couch & Martha Couch, one dollar and no more.

Lastly. I do hereby nominate and appoint Jas. M. Hord my Executor.

In witness whereof I do to this my will set my hand and seal. This 23rd day of February, 1859.

Nathaniel [X] Grigsby (seal) (his mark)

Joseph F. Hord
William [X] Jones (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.