Will Book ___, Page 430
Proven: Apr. Term. 1858

Hawkins County, Tennessee

I, Robertt Rogers, Sen’r. do make and publish this as my last Will and Testament hereby revoking and making void all other wills by me made at any time.

First. I direct that all my funeral expenses and all my debts be paid as soon after my death as possible out of any money that I may die possessed of or may first come into the hands of my Executor.

Second. I give and bequeath to A. L. Rogers, my son, a tract of land No. 1 in District No. 2, containing 80 acres more or less.

There is a note to be credited out of the value of the said land for $150.00, or over perhaps, I think that is now in the hands of George Powel. This I give and bequeath to Pleasant L. Rogers, my son.

The same number of acres in district No. 2 in being a portion of the same lot. Credits out of the same for the sum of between fifty and sixty dollars I think. The amount of the said credits to be paid to Mariah Rogers and her two children, to wit: [illegible] Rogers and Arthur Rogers.

Fourth. I give and bequeath to my son Robert Rogers 120 acres more or less out of the old home. Same tract of land in District No. 2. The land to be divided by a surveyor and marked.

Fifth. I give and bequeath to Mariah Rogers my daughter being part of the same tract of land, fifty acres be the same more or less.

It is my wish that the County Court of this county will appoint a County Surveyor and three impartial free holders to lay off and divide the same lands in proportion to the amount herein given to each one.

It is my will that my son John Rogers be allowed $1,200.00 out of the property sold at my sale, or that may come into the hands of my Executors hereafter.

It is my will and desire that Anderson C. Rogers my grandson be allowed $500.00 whenever he becomes the age of 21 years or more.

Now if the said Anderson C. Rogers should die before he arrives at the age of 21 years, then the amount that is given him to be divided between my heirs equally.

It is my will and desire that my black girls Mandy and Margaret be sold at my death on a credit of twelve months to the highest and best bidder.

It is my will and desire that my upper tract of land from the marked line on the top of the ridge running with the spur to the top of Clinch Mountain be sold on a twelve months’ credit to the highest bidder — supposed to be 200 acres more or less.

It is my will and desire that my wife Catherine Rogers shall have the following named slaves, to wit: Silvey, Albert, William and Tom and their increase, during her natural lifetime or widowhood,

and if she should marry, then the property is to be taken and sold on a credit of twelve months to the highest bidder to pay the debts then on hand, and the residue to be equally divided between my lawful heirs.

Now, if there is not property enough sold to pay my debts in the amount that I have willed to be sold, and to pay the amount that is given in money, it is my will and desire that there should be a sufficient number of slaves sold to pay the amount that is due.

I will to my wife Catherine Rogers one gray mare and colt.

I furthermore will to my son Robert Rogers one sorrel colt.

The balance of my stock to be sold and all other property except that my wife is entitled to by law to be sold on a twelve months’ credit to the highest bidder.

My daughter Maria has a filly that she is entitled to by law.

Peter Rogers, a man of color owes me $100.00, his part for prosecuting a suit where he was a party concerned, and it is my will that my Executors should collect the same and apply it to paying my debts and…

I appoint my son A. L. Rogers and John A. Wilder my Exec’ s.

In witness whereof I do to this my will set my hand and seal This 24th day of March, 1858.

Robert Rogers (seal)

Signed, sealed and published in our presence and we have subscribed our names hereto in the presence of the Testator This 14th day of March, 1858.

Test:

John Vaughan
William Faris

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