Will Book __, Page 255

Be it understood that I, Arthur Hale of the County of Hawkins and State of Tennessee, being of sound and perfect mind and memory do make and publish this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following, that is to say:

First. I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Jane Hale the tract of land on which I live during her lifetime or widowhood, then to be divided be-tween my two youngest daughters, Alis and Marthy.

Also I give and bequeath to my two eldest daughters a old tract or part of an old tract and entry land joining Barnabas Kelly and David Tate, divided equally between them — Hiley J. Hale and Betsy Viney Hale.

Also, I bequeath to Kindred Hale my son, a tract of land that I bought of Jesse and R. Jackson called the Barber Jay Place, all the above named land lying in said County and on the waters of Beech Creek.

Also, I give and bequeath to each heirs and my wife a bed and furniture and stead to be made equal.

Also to my wife and children all my property remain in the hands or under control of my wife as long as the children remain with her. When they leave or have a need of it, they to have their proportional part of property.

My son Kindred Hale is to have a horse, saddle and bridle.

Also that a brown filly be sold and the moneys divided between Hiley J. Hale and Betsy Viney Hale.

Also that my wife and my son Kindred sell such surplus property as they do not need and youse the proceeds for support of the family.

In witness whereunto I set my hand and fix my seal This 19th May, 1845.

Arthur Hale (seal)

Riley Jones
James Charles
Alexander Hale

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