Will Book ___, Page 493
Proven: Feb. 7, 1859
(Recorded P. 238)

I, Larkin Willis of Hawkins and State of Tennessee being of sound disposing mind and memory, do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following to wit:

First. After my just debts are paid, I want my wife Elizabeth Willis to have control of the tract of land where we now live on for her support during her lifetime, said land containing 200 acres more or less.

I also want her to have my gray horse and a mare and two of the choice cows out of my stock of cattle. Also my yoke of oxen, also all my stock (of) hogs and my stock of sheep and all my farming tools, together with all my household and kitchen furniture to have during her lifetime.

I want my black boy Lige to remain with my wife to serve her during her lifetime; also my black girl Juda to live with and serve my said wife as long as she may live.

And I want William Berry to have the whole use and benefit of the tract of land whereon he now lives rent free that is to the line of my old tract of land.

2nd. After my said wife’s death, I want my Executors to attend to selling what of my estate remains at my wife’s death and equally divide the proceeds of the same between my heirs and legatees; namely, James Willis, Samuel Willis, Patsy Kyle and Soloman Willis.

And lastly, I do hereby constitute and appoint my friends, John Mitchell and Swempfield Anderson Exec’s of this my last Will and Testament, revoking all other former wills and bequests by me made.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 14th day of October in the year of our Lord, 1846.

Larkin Willis (seal)

Signed, sealed and delivered in presence of us:

James Payne
George Payne
James M. Moneyhew

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