Book ___, Page 472

In the Name of God, Amen.

I, Abraham Vernon, of the County of Hawkins, State of Tennessee, being of sound mind and memory, blessed be God, do this eighth day of January in the year of our Lord, One Thousand eight hundred and twenty-five, make and publish this my Will & Testament in manner following, that is to say:

First. I give and bequeath unto my loving wife Rebecca Vernon, after paying my debts, all my free hold and personal Estate, except my elder brother Nathan Vernon, I give and bequeath $20.00.

Also my younger brother Harland Vernon, I give and bequeath $20.00, each out of my Estate, and the residue to be at the disposal of my wife as she wishes, and my negroes named Jacob, Junie and her two children Jack and Malinda, I wish her to keep them if they are obedient to her, and at my wife’s death I wish them to be set free, and if they should be disobedient to my wife, she may dispose of them as she pleases.

And also, I appoint my said wife Rebecca Vernon sole Executrix of this my last Will & Testament in the presence of us who are present at the time of my signing and sealing thereof, the year and date first above written.

Abraham Vernon (seal)

Witness:

Nicholas Long
Jesse Dowell

Transcribed by Betty Mize