Will Book __, Page 395

In the Name of God, Amen.

I Christian Pearson of Hawkins County, State of Tennessee, being of sound and perfect mind and memory (blessed be God) do this 14th of May in the year of our Lord 1819 make and publish this my last Will and Testament in the manner following that is to say.

It is my will and desire to give all my Estate to all my sons and daughters to be divided equally between them provided nevertheless and upon condition that none of them attempt to raise an account against my Estate for work that they did for me after they arrived of age and in case any of them do attempt to raise an account as above stated, then, it is my will and intention that each one of them so raising an account shall have one dollar each to be levied out of my Estate and in that case, it is my will and intention that the balance of my Estate be equally divided among the rest of my sons and daughters…

First. Provided none of my sons and daughters attempt to raise accounts against my Estate… I give and bequeath all my Estate both real and personal to all my sons and daughters, namely Michael Pearson, Betsy Jones, Polly Shanks George Pearson, Christian Pearson, Caty Begley, Lawrance Pearson, John Pearson, Henry Pearson, Sally Pearson, Peggy Nash and Sassy Pearson to be equally divided among them, share and share like to them and their heirs forever.

Secondly. Provided any of them raise an account as aforesaid, then I bequeath to each of my sons and daughters so raising accounts against my Estate as aforesaid the sum of one dollar… to be levied out of my estate to them and their heirs forever.

Thirdly. If any of my sons and daughters shall raise an account against my Estate for work done after they came of age as aforesaid, then and in that case I give and bequeath all the balance of my Estate after the one dollar apiece for such as raised accounts is taken out to all my sons and daughters that do not raise accounts.. .to be equally divided among them, share and share alike.

And I do hereby appoint my sons Lawrance Pearson & Henry Pearson Exec’s of this my last will and testament.

In witness whereof, the said Christian Pearson, Sr. have to this.. .set my hand and seal the day and year above written.

Christian Pearson (seal)

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

Hezekiah Hamblen
Robert Carden
James Carden
J. W. Carden
A. Chesnut

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