Will Book __, Page 476
Proven: Feb. 1854

Now, I, Nathan Vernon, in the Name of God, Amen, and being called to mind the uncertainty of life and the true certainty of death, and having been blessed with a small portion of property for which I am very thankful to my Creator for, and being of sound mind at this time which will enable me to dispose of such of my property as I am at this time desirous of doing which is as follows, Viz:

First. I will and desire and my will is that as soon after my decease as is practicable, I desire that my Executor or Administrator should my Executor refuse to serve, pay all my just debts and funeral expenses out of any money that may first come into the hands of my Executor or Administrator.

Second. My will and desire is that should I decease before my wife, then and in that case, I desire that my wife Elizabeth Vernon be will supported out of any means that is thought best by my Executor of Adm’r during her natural life.

Should there be that much of my Estate in the hands of my Executor or Administrator, and should my wife Elizabeth Vernon choose to leave my house or houses where I now live after my decease, then and in that case I desire that my wife have ten dollars out of any money that my remain or be in the hands of my Executor or Adm’r., and all further support and supplies stopped from my said wife Elizabeth.

Third. My will is: Should there be any lawful heir or heirs that have a lawful claim or claims to any portion of my Estate after my decease, for some of them are unknown to me at this time, my desire is for them to have one dollar each and no more of my Estate.

Fourth. My will and desire is that after the death of myself and my wife Elizabeth should there be any of my Estate left or unexpended, then and, in that case I give and bequeath the balance of my Estate to Thomas Coward an ediot boy, son of Patsy Coward, both relatives and are living with me at this time and have been for many years, taking care of me and my wife…

My will and desire is that Patsy Coward, mother of Thomas Coward whom I willed the remainder of my Estate to be, and I hereby appoint her the said Patsy Coward Guardian for her said ediot son Thomas Coward, and to receive from my Executor or Administrator all such Estate as may be coming to the said Thomas Coward, after all other expenses are paid and settled of. And to have full power and authority in dealing it out to her son, as thou it belonged to her, the said Patsy Coward, in every way, manner and form in taking care of her son, Thomas.

Fifth. Know ye that this is my last Will & Testament, revoking all other or former wills heretofore made by me, or all other deeds of gift or deeds of trust of any kind previous to the making of this will.

Lastly, I do hereby nominate and appoint my friend [blank space] my Executor of my last Will & Testament. In witness whereof I do hereunto set my hand and seal. This 12th day of January, 1851.

Nathan Vernon (seal)

Signed, sealed and published in the presence of the Testator This blank space 1851.

Attest:

Hugh Kirkpatrick
Joseph Conrad

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