Will Book ___, Page 417

In the name of God Amen.

I Joseph Russell of the County of Hawkins and State of Tennessee, being of sound mind and perfect memory, but of infirm health have thought it expedient to make this my last Will & Testament,

and have bequeathed unto my widow during her natural life her choice of the building she now occupies or to have such made for her on any part of the land I have left to my son Joseph Russell as shall be comfortable, and at his expense.

Also two negro slaves by the names of Jinny and Tennessee, to be disposed of as she may think proper at her death.

Also one riding creature and two cows, to be delivered her out of my Estate, and my son Joseph is to find her a good sufficient maintenance.

I also appoint her Executrix to this my last Will and Testament.

I give and bequeath to my son William Russell $100.00; also unto my son Alexander Russell, I give and bequeath $200.00. Also I give unto my son Benjamin Russell, I give and bequeath $300.00. Also to my son James Russell I give and bequeath $300.00.

Also unto my daughter Betsy Myers, wife of Jacob Myers, I give and bequeath $300.00, to be paid in two years. But should the said Jacob Myers remove himself and family sooner, the foregoing sum to be paid on leaving the country.

I also give to her husband an anville, vice and bellows which are now in his possession.

Also I give unto my son Moses Russell, I give and bequeath $300.00.

All of the foregoing sums are exclusive of (what) has already been paid.

Also I give and bequeath unto my daughter Polly Russell a negro girl named or called Lucy, a mare called hers, two cows, a bed with sufficient furniture or a horse to (be) valued at $100.00 and $100.00 to be paid in four years.

Also I give and bequeath to my son Joseph Russell all my real and personal Estate except that which has heretofore ben named,

and desire him to be my Executor to act with his mother who has been appointed Executrix in a foregoing clause, and desire them to pay all debts justly due from my Estate and collect all debts due and faithfully pay off and perform all things required by this my last Will & Testament.

To all which I have hereby set my hand and seal this 20th day of November, 1816.

John [X] Russell (his mark)

Test:

Jno. A. Rogers
James Regan
William Bradley

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