Book ___, Page 469
Proven: Apr. 7, 1845

In the Name of God, Amen.

I, Dickinson Thurman, of the County of Hawkins and State of Tennessee, being weak in body but of sound and perfect mind and memory, do make and publish this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following, that is to say:

First. That after the payment of all my just debts, (I) bequeath to my wife Ann all my real and personal property to remain in her hands and under her control until my son William D. obtains the age of 21 years, then the plantation I formerly lived on joining C. C. Miller, to be sold and the proceeds of said sale of land to be equally divided between my two sons, James F. and William D. and daughter Mary Gillenwaters.

The black woman Emeline and children I give and bequeath to my wife Ann, together with the residue of my money, notes & dues of every kind, after paying all my just debts.

My father and mother are to have their support on the products of the lands gotten from my father & where he now lives.

And at the death of my wife Ann, or when she may choose to relinquish her claims to the plantation I now live on & also the plantation where Silas Williams now lives, I give and bequeath to my son William D.

All my stock of every kind and farming utensils to remain on the farm and for the use of the same except a certain sorrel mare which I give to my wife Ann for her exclusive benefit.

I will that my black man Harry remain in the family during my father and mother’s lifetime & then so long as my wife Ann chooses to remain living with William, but then to be sold and the proceeds of the sale to be divided between James F. and daughter Mary.

I will and bequeath to my wife Ann also, such of the household and kitchen furniture as she may want and the residue to be divided between James F. & William D. as my wife may think best.

I do hereby appoint James R. Forgey and my wife Ann Executor and Executrix of this my last Will & Testament, hereby revoking all former wills by me made.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal. This 15th March, 1845.

D. Thurman (seal)

Signed, sealed and published and declared by the above named Dickinson Thurman to be his last Will & Testament in the presence of:

H. Watterson
Robert Johnson

Transcribed by Betty Mize