Will Book __, Page 377
Proven: Oct. Term, 1856

*** Nuncupative ***

We, R. M. Bishop, Ward Mustin, George R. Stubblefield and S. Brooks do state the nuncupative will of Joel Mathis was made by him on the 28th day of August, 1856, in our presence to which was specially required to bear witness by the Testator himself in the presence of each other, that it was made in his last sickness in his own dwelling house where he had been living for several years, and the same is as follows, to wit:

It was his last will and desire that his effects should be disposed of after his decease in the following manner:

1st. That all his just debts be paid out of his effects

and the remainder of his estate be divided among his children in the following manner: that his daughter Nancy have a separate sum of $200.00.

The remainder to be divided among his heirs, to wit: Nancy, Mary, Joseph, Leannah, Nila, share and share alike.

2nd. That my land that I bought a short time ago from John Brooks and his wife, my will is that my wife and children move to said lands, that my wife and above children have and hold the said lands during my wife’s natural life.

Then my desire is that my Executors sell said land at public or private sale as they may think best, but if my wife and the same can be sold as the law directs, either public or private as they may think best.

3rd. My will and desire is that my wife and children have my bay mare and that they use her for the benefit of all the family and if the said mare brings a colt next spring that my daughter Nancy is to have it.

4th. My will and desire is that my Executors sell all my personal property at public sale except one year’s support for my wife.

5th. My will and desire is that all my effects remain in the hands of my Executors until after the death of my wife or be loaned out at interest and at the death of my wife to be paid over to my children as described above.

6th and last. I hereby nominate and appoint William C. Kyle, John Altom and S. Brooks my Executors of my last Will & Testament.

Made out by us and signed the 27th day of August, 1856.

R. M. Bishop
Ward [X] Mastin (his mark)
S Brooks

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