Will Book ___, Page 504
Proven: May Term, 1860

I Randolph Dulaney Wells of the County of Hawkins and State of Tennessee, being of sound and disposing mind and memory, but weak and feeble of body, considering the uncertainty of life and the certainty of death and for the purpose of settling my worldly affairs as far as may be, do make, publish and declare the following to be my last Will & Testament, hereby revoking and making void all wills which I may have made any time heretofore.

First. It is my will and desire that my Executor hereinafter named shall out of the first money that may come into his hands shall defray my funeral expenses and pay all my just debts.

Secondly. It is my will and desire and I do direct that my dearly beloved wife Matilda Wells shall have all the property that belonged to her at the time of our marriage — consisting of the following negroes, to wit: Eveline and her two children Sally & Margaret; Caroline and her child Mary, Nancy or Nan and that she have all other property whether is consisted of goods, chattels, money or any other valuable thing whatsoever that belonged to her at the time of the marriage aforesaid.

Thirdly. It is my will and desire that all the balance of my property, with the exception hereafter named, shall be divided between my wife Matilda and my little son John R. Wells as follows: One third thereof to my said wife..and two thirds thereof to my said son John R. Wells, reserving, however, to the said John R. Wells the household furniture that belonged to his mother and reserving to my wife Matilda $25.00 in cash.

Lastly. I do hereby nominate, constitute and appoint my friend Richard S. Horner my Executor of this my last Will & Testament.

In witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal. This 9th day of April, 1860.

R. D. Wells (seal)

Witness:

George R. Powel
A. Carmichael

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