Will Book __, Page 488

In the Name of God, Amen.

I, James West of the County of Hawkins and State of Tennessee, being weak in body but in perfect mind and memory, thanks be given unto God.

Calling into mind the mortality of my body and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die, do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament. That is to say:

Principally and first of all, I give and recommend my soul into the hand of Almighty God that gave it and my body I recommend to the Earth to be buried in decent Christian burial at the discretion of my Executors, nothing doubting but at the general resurrection I shall receive the same again by the mighty power of God.

And as touching such worldly Estate wherewith it hath pleased God to Bless me in this life, I give, devise and dispose of the same in the following manner and form:

First. I give and bequeath to Nancy my dearly beloved wife all my household and kitchen furniture and farming utensils and movable effects and all my stock, horses, cattle, sheep and hogs and ten negroes, to wit: Joe, Cate, Sind, Sall, Anderson, Looney, Jeff, Bets, Lisa and Sook and their increase, which she is to have her lifetime

and at her death all to be equally divided amongst my heirs to wit: John, William, Bayless, Samuel, Winney, Elizabeth, James, Polly, Calvin, Gideon, Lucy & Nancy.

Also, my lands which is to be equally divided among the said heirs at my wife’s death by her freely to be possessed and enjoyed,

and I do hereby utterly disallow, revoke and disannul all and every other former testaments, will, legacies, bequests and Executors by me in any ways before named, willed and bequeathed, ratifying and confirming this and no other to be my last Will and Testament.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this fifth day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand, eight hundred and thirty four.

James West (seal)

Signed sealed published pronounced and declared by the said James West as his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who, in the presence of each other, have hereunto subscribed our names.

Beverly Smith

This Hawkins County Will was transcribed by Kevin West.