Will Book ___, Page 426

In the Name of God, Amen.

I, John Riggs of the County of Hawkins and State of Tennessee, being in a bad state of health, but of sound mind and memory, blessed be God, do make and publish this my last Will & Testament in manner and form following, to wit:

First. After all my funeral expenses and all my debts are paid, I do then give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Mary W. Riggs all the land that I am now seized and possessed of.

I also do give and bequeath unto my said wife Mary W. Riggs my black girl named Emily during her natural life or widowhood.

It is also my will that after my funeral expenses and debts are paid that the residue of my personal property go to my s’d wife Mary W. Riggs during her natural life or widowhood for the purpose of enabling her to raise and school my children with the exception of such negroes as I may now set apart:

It is my will that my black boy named Major and my black girl named Tabitha be sold at public sale to the highest bidder on a twelve months credit; the proceeds of sale applied to the use of paying my debts.

After my debts are paid the residue to be put at interest for the benefit of my heirs, namely, Willin E. D. Johns, a son that my wife had by her former husband; Samuel T. Riggs, James V. Riggs, Pleasant Marion Riggs, and my daughter Louisa J. Riggs, my heirs at law.

After the death or marriage of my said wife Mary W. Riggs, it is my will that all my personal property shall be sold by my Executor and the proceeds equally divided amongst my s’d sons and daughters, share and share alike.

Lastly. I do nominate and appoint Franklin G. Taylor my Executor.

In witness whereof I do to this my last will set my hand and seal this 31st day of January, 1849. Interlined before signing.

John Riggs (seal)

Signed, sealed and published in our presence and we have subscribed our names hereto in the presence of the Testator This 31st day of January, 1849.

John H. Cockreham
William [X] Roberson (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.