Will Book __, Page 216
Proved: Nov. 25, 1828

In the Name of God, Amen.

I, William Gross of the County of Hawkins and State of Tennessee, being old and infirm and knowing that all men are born to die, But being of sound mind and memory do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament in writing.

I wish all my just debts to be paid out of my Estate.

Secondly, I give unto my beloved wife Nancy Gross the plantation whereon I now live, including all the land that lies on the south side of Big Creek within the first grant.

I wish my household and kitchen furniture, stock and farming utensils to be sold and my just debts to be paid and if any money should be left after all my just debts is paid, I wish it to be appropriated to the use of my beloved wife Nancy during her life.

I further will and bequeath unto my daughter Catherine Murphy 60 acres of land, to her and her children during their life. Beginning on Absoloms Looney’s line and running through the hundred acre tract including the farm whre she now lives.

I further will and bequeath unto my daughter Polly Grose 40 acres of land. Beginning at Big Creek and running to Catherine Murphy‘s line.

I further will and bequeath that the balance of my land be equally divided betweeen my three sons, James, William and Cornelius Gross.

I further will that my three sons, James, William and Cornelius, pay my daughter Sally Gilliam $130.00 in current money — half to be paid three years after my death and the balance three years after the death of my wife Nancy, admitting she outlives me.

And also, I further will that my three sons, James, William and Cornelius, pay Lewis Gross, son of John Gross, dec’d the sum of $80.00 in current money and Margaret Rorack $15.00, and Mary and Nancy Gross, children of my dec’d son, John Gross $30.00 each — to be paid in like manner.

And I will and bequeath unto my daughter Elizabeth Ford the sum of $5.00.

I do appoint my sons James and Cornelius Gross my Executors of this my last Will & Testament in writing, and wish them to enter on the business without giving security.

Revoking all other wills by me made.

William Gross (seal)

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal, This 22nd day of December, One thousand, eight hundred and twenty seven, in the presence of us:

James V. Campbell
Stephen Wilson

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