Will Book __, Page 378

State of Tennessee, Hawkins County.

In the name of God, Amen.

I William McCarver, Sen’r being weak in body but sound in mind do make and ordain this to be my last Will and Testament, revoking all others heretofore by me made, to wit:

Item 1st. I recommend my soul to God and body to a decent burial.

2nd. A certain piece of land sold to Thomas Amis and a conditional line made by said Amis and myself, William McCarver, Sen’r., beginning at a spring near the creek that John Watts now uses water out of. Thence with a straight line with the fence towards the river to a large forked white oak three. Thence with the fence to river. All east of the above named line belongs to said Amis.

3rd. I give and bequeath to my beloved wife Margaret McCarver the lot around the house and garden and privilege to both apple orchards for fruit. I further will that she shall have all my household and kitchen furniture except one bed, and that my son William is to get equal to the one that my son Alexander has had.

I further will that all the property that my wife brought here when we were married, that she may dispose of it at her own will.

The balance to be divided between my two sons at her death, or if she should get married.

I will that she shall have a horse worth $75.00 and a saddle and bridle during her life, then to be divided between my two sons.

I further will that she may have a support out of the smoke house and corn crib and wheat that is on hand at my death.

I will my wife once choice cow and calf and four choice hogs and one sow and shoats. 4th. I further will that my farm shall be equally divided between my two sons if they can agree themselves on dividing. If not, to choose three disinterested men to divide it for them.

I will also that each of them shall have access to all waters on the farm and also to both apple orchards for fruit. Each privilege to the barn.

All my loose property to be divided between my two sons if they can agree. If not, to sell and divide the money, and also the moneys on interest.

I will my land to my sons and their heirs…

5th. I further will that my wife have a neat sustenance off the farm during her natural life or widowhood. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand This 5th of September in the year of our Lord, 1856.

William [X] McCarver (seal)

Witnesses:

J. W. Cain
James B. Amis (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.