Will Book __, Page 277

In the Name of God Amen.

I George Karnes, Senior of the County of Hawkins and State of Tennessee being of sound and perfect mind and memory (blessed be God) do this 14th day of October, 1816, make and publish this my last Will & Testament in manner following, that is to say —

First. I give and bequeath unto my son Jacob Karnes a certain tract and parcel of land lying in the upper end of the tract of land whereon I now live, bounded as follows: Beginning at Crocketts Creek & running with the middle fence between where Jacob Moore now lives and the above mentioned Jacob Karnes. Thence to the foot of the hill that the meeting house stands on. Thence along the foot of said hill to the Meeting House spring. Thence to the S.E. corner of a field opposite thereto on the north side of the road. Thence a straight line to run with the eastern fence of said field and to continue beyond it to said George Karnes‘ line at the foot of Cany Creek Knobs. Thence with his land northeastwardly to Daniel Lipes‘ line. Thence with his line to [?] Howery‘s line. Thence along said boundary westwardly as far as it is from the beginning at the creek to Karnes‘ Cedar corner & from thence a straight line to the beginning, to him and his heirs forever.

Secondly. I give and bequeath to my son George Karnes a certain tract of land lying in the lower end of the tract of land whereon I now live. Beginning on the southeast boundary of my land at a point that will include the improvement where Isaac Barger tended on the south side of the creek. Thence a straight line crossing said creek to Moore‘s fence, from thence to the middle fence between myself & the said Moore to a cherry tree, then follow the middle fence about half way up the hill, then corner and run straight across the field to the fence that runs by the Grave Yard. Then follow that fence to a flat place near the spring branch. Thence a straight line to run so as to take two acres of the lower end of my lower field on tine north side of the road to my back line. Thence along my line to George Karnes‘ line. Thence along his line to the river. Thence up the river to where my southern boundary strikes the same. Thence with my boundary to the beginning, to him and his heirs forever.

Thirdly. I give and bequeath to my loving wife Elizabeth the use of half the balance of my land during her life or widowhood.

Fourthly. I give and bequeath to my son Andrew Karnes all the balance of my land subject to the use above mentioned, bounded as follows: Beginning at the before mentioned George Karnes‘ beginning corner in my southern boundary & running thence along along the different lines of this land, bequeathed to my son George to my line at the foot of Cany Creek Knobs, thence with my line along the foot of said knobs to the line of the land herein-before bequeathed to my son Jacob Karnes. Thence along the lines of the land bequeathed to my son Jacob to my southern boundary. Thence along the same westwardly to the beginning, to him and his heirs forever.

Fifthly. I give and bequeath one third part of all my movable property to my wife Elizabeth, to her and her heirs forever.

Sixthly. I give and bequeath to my daughter Elizabeth Wetty the sum of $350.00 in specie, to her and her heirs forever.

Seventhly. I give & bequeath all the residue of my personal Estate to my three sons, Jacob, George & Andrew, divided equally, share and share alike.

Eighthly. I give and bequeath to my son William Karnes the sum of one dollar to be levied out of my personal estate.

Ninthly. I have heretofore advanced to my son John his full equitable share, therefore I make no further provision for him.

Tenthly. I do hereby make and ordain my son Jacob Karnes Executor of this my last Will and Testament.

In witness whereof I the said George Karnes, Senior have to this my last Will & Testament set my hand & seal the day and year above written.

George Karnes (seal)

Signed sealed published & declared by the said George Karnes, Senior the Testator as his last Will & Testament in the presence of us who were present at the time of signing & sealing thereof.

George H. Etter
Daniel Howry

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