Will Book ___, Page 493
Proven: Nov. 7, 1842

In the Name of God, Amen.

I, Francis Winstead, of the County of Hawkins in the State of Tenn., being weak of body but of sound mind and memory, knowing the uncertainty of life and the certainty of death, do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament, that is to say:

I do recommend my soul to Almighty God who gave it and desire that my mortal body shall be decently committed to the earth with the usual Christian rites according to the discretion of my Executors hereinafter to be named,

and as to the worldly Estate or property it hath pleased Almighty God to bless me with, I dispose of it in the following manner, to wit:

I give and bequeath unto my dearly beloved daughter-in-law, Margaret Winstead, widow of my son Ephraim Winstead, dec’d late of said County and State, all my estate or property of every description now owned by me or which may be hereafter owned by me, to be at her absolute disposal and control forever, in consideration of my love and affection for her and also in consideration of the love and affection she has always bestowed upon me, and am only sorry that I have not more to give unto her to remunerate her for her kindness and attention shown to me by her in my old age.

And it is my desire and I do request and ordain that my said daughter-in-law Margaret Winstead, together with my grand son James Winstead shall be my Executor and Executrix to my last Will and Testament.

And I do hereby request that the County Court shall qualify them as such without requiring from them bond and security, having full confidence that they will discharge their duties and discharge any debts which may be contracted on account of my funeral &c.

Wherefore in witness whereof I have hereto set my hand and seal this 20th day of September, 1842

Frances Winstead (seal)

Signed, sealed and published in the presence of us as the last Will and Testament by him.

Jesse Cope
Paschal Martin

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