Book ___, Page 468
Proven: Nov. 6, 1843

In the Name of God, Amen.

I, William Tucker, Senr. of the County of Hawkins and State of Tennessee, being of a sound and disposing mind and memory, bringing to mind the mortality of this life, knowing it is appointed to all men once to die, and having a desire to dispose of such worldly Estate as wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me, do make and publish this my last Will and Testament in manner following to wit:

Item First. I give and bequeath to my beloved wife Nancy, during her natural life, all and every part and parcel of the land and tenements whereon I now live, and at her death aforesaid lands to be equally divided between my two sons, William J. [junior?] & Hyram Tucker.

Item Second. After disposition or sale having been made of a sufficiency of my stock of horses and hogs and cattle as will satisfy all debts, dues or lawful demands against me, I give and bequeath to my wife Nancy all the remainder of my said stock and all farming utensils and all other such property as shall or may not otherwise be disposed of. Said property be converted to her use in raising her children.

Item 3rd. I give and bequeath to my daughters (eight in number) as follows: Jane, Matilda, Oltha, Rebecca, Ruth, Myra, Elizabeth, Minerva, unto each of the above named girls, my lawful daughters, I give and bequeath a good bed and all appurtenances pertaining thereto: bed clothes &c.

Item 4th. To my oldest son George I give and bequeath a two-year-old heifer, two sheep and a sow.

Item 5th. I give and bequeath to my second son John my oldest tract of land lying on or near the creek above this. I give and bequeath to my son John all said land held in or by title of two deeds when he becomes to be 21 years of age. Over said lands he is to have no power until he becomes 21 years of age, but the profits, products or produce of said lands shall be converted to the use and support of my wife Nancy and family.

Item 6th. To my sons William and Hyram Tucker, I give and bequeath a certain tract whereon I now live, held by title of one deed, termed the Middle Tract. The profits or products or produce of said land to be converted to the use and support of their mother Nancy Tucker and family until said William and Hyram become 21, at which time said land is to be equally divided between William and Hyram Tucker.

It is further my will and desire that my son John Tucker should remain with his mother, assisting her in having charge and raising her children.

Lastly, I do hereby constitute and appoint my trust friends Barnet Cantwell and John Cantwell of the said County of Hawkins, my sole Executors of this my last Will & Testament.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal. This 6th day of February A. D. 1843.

William [X] Tucker (seal) (his mark)

Signed in presence of

George Tucker
John S. Wells

Transcribed by Betty Mize