Madison County, TNGenWeb

Contributed by W. Ross Berry, Linden, Michigan

Will of Cader Piercey Senr.

In the name of God. Amen. I Cader Peircey Senr. of the County of Madison and State of Tennessee being in perfect health and perfect mind and memory, Do this Seventh day of April One thousand eight hundred and forty one, make and publish this my last will and Testament in manner and form as follows (To wit)

1st, I leave to my beloved wife Lucy Peircey all my real and personal Estate during her widowhood.

2nd, I give and bequeath unto my two Sons Bryant and Cader Peircey, all the Land on which I now live to be equally divided between them according to quality and quantity, so that Cader’s part includes the building, or my present residence, and in case either Bryant or Cader Peircey die without issue the Survivor to have all the Land.

3rd. My will and desire is that all the residue of my estate, after the marriage or death of my wife be equally divided amongst all my children with two exceptions the first that Reuben Peircey receive one dollar as his part , and no more.

The second is that all the children or heirs except Reuben receive Fortynine dollars and Eighty seven cents more than the heirs of Nancy Berry, as they have received that amount in advance The right and title of the said property to be vested in them and their heirs forever. I hereby constitute and appoint, my son William Peircey, Thomas Sowell and Dempsey Nowell Executors of this my last will and Testament. Finally revoking all former wills and bequeaths And acknowledging this and this only to be my last will and Testament.

Signed Sealed Delivered and
pronounced by Cader Peircey Senr.

his
Cader C Peircey
mark

Testator of his last will and Testament in the presence of
Martin ?
Wm Peircey

At the bottom left on the original there is a notation that Wm. Peircey’s handwriting had been proved in court by two men (whose names are illegible). The names look like “Pharoah Buon and Benj’n Buon”. On the back of the will is this notation: “Proven in open court, Isham V. Harris, Chair and ordered to be record-Recorded.” Another mark says: “1841” [This was transcribed from a xerox copy of the original that was ordered from the Madison County, TN courthouse in Jackson, TN]

Contributed by Ross Berry, Linden, Michigan

JOHN PIERCY

I John Peircy of the County of Madison State of Tennessee, being of a sound mind and disposing memory, do make and publish this my last will and Testament, hereby revoking and making void all former wills by me made heretofore.

1st — I desire that, as soon after my death as convenient, enough of my personal property be sold at public sale, by my

Executor, as will pay my funeral expenses and all my just debts.

2nd — I loan to my dear beloved wife Sarah Peircy all the balance of my personal and real property during her natural life, for her support and mantainance.

3rd — I will and bequeath to Miles Kirby as Trustee for the use and benefit of my son Everett G. Peircy’s children that he may have by the present or any subsequent marriage or marriages, all the property, both real and personal, that I have loaned to my said wife Sarah Peircey as above, to be held by said Trustee for the exclusive use and benefit of my said son Everett’s children, for their support and benefit, and not to be subject for the debts of my said son, heretofore created, or to be hereafter contracted but is to be for my said grandchildren’s exclusive use and benefit, which is to be eagually divided after the death of my said wife Sarah, between my said Grand children on their arriving at the age of twenty-one years or marriage.

4th — I hereby nominate, constitute and appoint my friend Wiley Kirby my executor of this my last will and Testament.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this the 29 day of January A.D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty one.

Test.
I.D. McClellan
Wm. Croom

his
John P Piercy (seal)
mark

Croom and Tomlin proved
hand write of McClelland

(Note on back of this Will it says: John Piercy’s Will — 1852 — EM — Received by Court and ordered to be recorded J. M. Hanna (?) Chair Protem — Octo. Term 1852)

Transcribed from microfilm copy of original Will in the TN State Archives
by Melanie Atkins melanieatkins@chartertn.net 28 Oct 2003

Will of Ezekiel B. McCoy; dated 3 March 1838; presented in Court April 1838
Recorded in Will Book 2, Pg. 288-291
Madison County, Tennessee

In the name of God, amen, I, E. B. McCoy being infirm but of perfect mind & memory, do make this my Last Will and Testament.

Article first:I Will Soul to God and body to the Tomb to be decently buried at my own grave yard.

Article 2nd: I Will & bequeath to my beloved wife Ann L. McCoy in lieu of her dower of Land I give her four hundred dollars in cash, also I give her my negro woman named Holley, also one negro boy name Henry, also two horses, first to be chosen by herself out of all my horses except one, also three milch cows, & three head of any cattle, also two Sows & pigs, & twelve head of other Stock hogs, also one yoak of oxen, old waggon also three feather beds and furniture, also one China press, & one Sugar chest, for her to have & to hold during her natural life or widow hood and at her death or intermariage with any other person, then and in that case, the property to be Sold & Equally divided among my children that I have or may have by her.

Article 3rd: My Will is that all my Landed Estate that I may be possessed of at the time of my death Shall be Sold on a credit of one, two & three years at the equal & anuel instalments, & that all my Stock of Horses, cattle, Hogs of Every kind, Household & kitchen furniture, all that has not been or may hereafter be bequeathed otherwise, to be Sold on a credit of twelve months & the proceeds of Such Sales as are above Specefied to form a fund out of which all my Just debts are to be paid of which however is but very few, also all legacies that I may have or have after yet is to be added to the Same fund & equally divided amongst all my children Except that which I may otherways devise.

Article 4th: My will is that Ezekiel T. McCoy & John D. (G.) McCoy & Newton A. McCoy & Eliza Ann McCoy is to have each of them as good a horse as Thos. J. McCoy gets, & also equally as good education out of the money not otherwise appropriated.

Art. 5th: My will is that all the money that I may get from the estate Michal Gleaves, decest & also all the money that I may get from the Sale of the property & hire of the Negroes of the estate of Rachal Gleaves, decst. is to be divided equally among my first wifes children, the Said money is to be collected by my trusty friend Thomas J. Hargis to whom I appoint for that purpose, also if I Should recover any negro property from the above named Estate, to which is in Suit in Chancery, it is to be divided equally also among my first wifes children to them & their heirs forever.

Art. 6th: As to my lands in the Republic of Texas, I constitute Wilson Ewing & John D. Gillespie and appoint them Executors to attend to the lands in the following manner to wit, my Will is that my Sons Shall have two thirds of all the lands that I have in Said Republic to be Equally divided among them & my daughters is to have the remainder Equally divided among them. Both sons & daughters is to have the benefits of Said lands enduring their life & after their death to belong to their children forever.

Art. 7th: My will is that my negro man Isaac & his wife Sarah is to remain with my family till my youngest child becomes of age provided that they behave themselves well & if they do not, they or either of them as the case may be, Shall be hired out year by year till my youngest child becomes of age, & the proceeds be appropriated to the education of my children. My Executor & two Justices of the peace that he may chose is to be Judges of their conduct & when my youngest child becomes of age the Said negroes is to chose their master & be Sold to him & the proceeds of the Sale is to be Equally divided among all of my children.

Art. 8: I give & bequeath to my daughter Abigail Louisa Hobbs one negro girl named Jane & her Increase as to have and to hold untill her death & afterwards to her heirs forever.

Art. 9th: I give to my Son Dixon one negro boy named Ephraiem to have and to hold him & his forever.

Art. 10th: I give to my son Thomas J. McCoy one negro boy named Sam to have & to hold him & his forever.

Art. 11th: I give to my Son Ezekeal T. McCoy one negro boy named Andrew to have & to hold him and his forever.

Art. 12th, I give to my daughter Rachal Caroline Whitworth four hundred Dollars in cash in lew of a negro.

Art. 13th: I give to my daughter Margaret Caffry, four hundred Dollars in lew of a negro.

Art. 14: I give to my daughter Izabella Harges one negro girl named Rebeca & her Increase to have and to hold during her life & after her death to her children forever.

Art.15: I give to my daughter Martha one negro girl name Martee & her Increase to have & to hold hers & her heirs after her death forever.

Art. 16th: I give to my Son John G. McCoy one negro boy named Nathan to him & his heirs forever.

Art. 17th: I give to my Son Nathan (Newton) A. McCoy one negro boy named Washington to him and his heirs forever.

Art. 18th: I give to my daughter Ann Eliz McCoy four hundred Dollars in lew of a negro.

Art. 19th: My Will is that my negro boy Hiram is to be hired out till my youngest child becomes of age & the proceeds of his hire to be appropriated to the education of my children.

Art. 20th: My Will is that my negro girl Amy is to remain with the family till my youngest child becomes of age then to be Sold, her & her Increase if any to Some of my children to the highest bidder, & whosoever gets them or her, as the case may be, they are to belong to the purchasers and their heirs forever.

Art. 21st: My will is if Ever there is any Emancipation law past by any Government that any of my Slaves may be in, they Shall be emancipated agreeably to the laws of the land, any devise to the contrary not withstanding.

Art. 21st: (21st used twice) I want it distinctly understood that all the lands & negroes that I have given or bequeathed to my children Shall remain with them during their natural life, barring them or any other person from Seling or conveying away the Same as long as they may live and after their death the property is to (be) Equally divided among their children.

This I make my last will and Testament revoking all others and do constitute and appoint my trusty friend to Execute it as signed & sealed on this 3 day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & thirty eight all obliterations & interlineations was made before assssigned.

E. B. McCoy
(Seal)

Witness: Fleming Willis

County Court April Term 1838. Then the foregoing Will was produced in Court the Execution thereof was proven by Fleming Willis the subscribing witnesses to said Will & the hand write of said dec’d was proved by the oath of Amos Williams.

M. B. Stewart

From Nancy Noel

This is the will of JOHN A. GREER, b. 25 Feb. 1827 in Tennessee-d. 7 Feb. 1903. Buried at Riverside Cemetery in Jackson, TN. He was the son of ALEXANDER GREER(GRIER) and MARGARET I. SPRATT, who came to Madison Co. TN from Mecklenburg Co., NC.

John Greer had 2 wives; Louisa INGRAM and Alice MACKLIN, who survived him by 22 years, dying in 1925. He had no children by either wife, but he had many nieces, nephews and friends to whom he made bequests, hence there are many names from Madison County. As John Greer was my 3rd great uncle, many of the people mentioned are known to me, I have data on some of them which I am willing to share, and there are others whose connection to John Greer is a mystery to me. If anyone reading this has knowledge of any of these legatees, please email me at Nnoe1313@aol.com.

This was transcribed from a photocopy of the handwritten will just as it was written, spelling and punctuation was kept as in the original. I have put my own additions, within parentheses. If a word was illegible it will be either a blank____ or an attempted reading with (?) after the word. I have capitalized all names for the ease of the reader.

Nancy Noel, March 2002

---

John A. Greer
Will
Proven Febry 18th 1903
Minute Book 22 (of Madison County,TN)
Page 544-546

This my last will and testament
February 20th 1901 at 3:30 pm

I, John A. Greer of Madison County Tennessee do make this my last will and testament and revoking all former wills. I will my soul to my Heavenly Father.

1st. Whatever debts I may owe at my death shall first be paid out of my estate.

2nd I will and bequeath to my beloved wife ALICE MACKLIN GREER My entire house and lot of land, I now live on containing about four (4) acres of land and including the house and lot at the Northwest corner of the garden, and all property of every description on the place. I give her this at my death absolutely and forever. I also give her Twelve thousand dollars of my registered US 4% bonds due in 1925. Also Twelve thousand dollars of my registered US 3% bonds due in 1908. I also give her six thousand dollars of my registered US 4% bonds due in 1907. These bonds to be counted at their face value and premium and interest not to be computed on them. I also give her Eight thousand dollars of Bank stock that I have in the First national Bank of Jackson Tennessee. I also give her my storehouse and lot on Main St. and Central Alley now occupied by James and Nelson as a drug store. I also give her my house and lot on Main St. corner of Market St. now occupied by the Peoples Bank. I also give her one thousand dollars in money out of my estate. I also give her my entire lot in Riverside Cemetery on which Dr. JOHN I. TAYLOR is buried.

3rd I give to LEILA HARRIS, my first wife’s niece, Twenty one thousand dollars of my new 4% Water Works bonds City of Jackson Tenn. Also I give her Three Thousand four hundred dollars ($3400) of old Water Works bonds drawing 6% interest. None of these bonds are subject to City or County taxation. I also will her Two Thousand dollars of my registered US 5% bonds due in 1904, these bonds to be counted at their face value premium and interest not to be computed on them.

4th I give and bequeath to LOUISA MOORE, daughter LEILA HARRIS Six thousand dollars of my registered US 4% Bonds due in 1907 at their face value premium and interest not to be computed on them. I also give her Ten Thousand dollars of my City of Jackson Tenn. School Bonds drawing 5% and on which there is no city or county tax.

5th I give and bequeath to Mrs ANN DeBERRY my sister-in-law Two Thousand dollars of my registered US 4% bonds due in 19907. At their face value, premium and interest no to be computed on them.

6th I give and bequeath to LOUELLA MERRIWETHER who now lives with me Ten Thousand Dollars of my registered US 4% bonds due in 1907, at their face value premium and interest no to be computed on them.

7th I give and bequeath to EVA LOUISE TAYLOR daughter of Dr. JNO. I. TAYLOR decd, Ten Thousand dollars of my registered Us 4% bonds due in 1907, at their face value, premium and interest not to be computed on these bonds. I also give her the house and lot on Baltimore St in which her mother now lives.

8 I give and bequeath to INGRAM TAYLOR the son of Dr. JOHN I. TAYLOR dec’d Two Thousand dollars of my registered U.S. 4% bonds due in 1907, face value, premium and interest not to be computed on these bonds.

9th I give and bequeath to KATE JAMES Wife of E. L. JAMES, Two Thousand dollars of my registered U.S. 4% bonds due in 1907 at their face value, premium and interest not to be computed on these bonds.

10th I give and bequeath to WILLIE INGRAM Five Hundred Dollars in money out of my estate.

11th I give and bequeath to W D NELSON Five Hundred dollars in money out of my estate.

12th I give and bequeath to JOHN G. NELSON son of W. T. NELSON Two Hundred and fifty dollars in money out of my estate.

13th I give and bequeath to THOMAS CRAWFORD LONG Jr the son of my friend THOS. C. LONG the sum of Five Hundred dollars in money out of my estate.

14th I give and bequeath to the Presbyterian Church at Jackson, Tenn, the sum of One Thousand dollars in money out of my estate, for the education of the poor young men of this Synod, to the ministry, and I hereby appoint W A CALDWELL and W R THEUS as Trustees, to receive and manage this fund as the Church at Jackson shall direct.

15th I give and bequeath to SARA DAVIS My family Cook who has lived with me for many years, the small house and lot on the corner of Gordon Street and Gates Alley.

16th It is my will that there be set aside from my estate the sum of One Thousand dollars to erect a monument on my grave and for the keeping up of the same and it is my wish that a monument similar to the one over my first wife’s grave be erected over mine- And my executors are hereby directed to carry out this provision.

17th I give and bequeath to B A PERSONS(sic) my nephew, One Thousand dollars in money out of my estate. I also give him the tract of land on which MADISON MERIWETHER now lives, containing about 145 acres — I also give him the tract of land on which JO ESTES now lives, containing about 90 acres. Also I give him a strip of land East of W N McCLISH (?) containing about 11 acres. Also I give him about 200 acres of land I own north of the river and the big Slough, this being all the land I own in the river bottom.

18th I giver and bequeath to EMMA PERSON daughter of B A PERSON Two Thousand dollars of my registered U.S. 4% bonds due in 1907 — face value — premium and interest not to be computed on these bonds.

19th I give and bequeath to LIZZIE PERSON the daughter of B A PERSON Two Thousand dollars of my registered U.S. 4% bonds due in 1907.

20th I give and bequeath to ELENORA PERSON the daughter of B A PERSON Two Thousand dollars of my registered U.S. 4% bonds due in 1907 face value — premium and interest not to be computed on these bonds.

21 I give and bequeath to WALTER PERSON One Thousand dollars of my registered U.S. 4% bonds due in 1907 — face value — premium and interest not to be computed on these bonds.

22 I give and bequeath to BEN PERSON One Thousand dollars of my registered U.S. 4% bonds due in 1907 — face value — premium and interest not to be computed on these bonds.

23 I give and bequeath to my niece HIBURNIA NEAL (Neill) my storehouse and lot on Market St. now occupied as a drug store by Ward and Besh. Also I give her Two Thousand dollars of my registered U.S. 4% bonds due in 1907 — face value — premium and interest not to be computed on these bonds.

24th I give and bequeath to EMMA GATES my grand niece, Two Thousand dollars of my registered U.S. 4% bonds due in 1907 — face value — premium and interest not to be computed on these bonds.

25 I give and bequeath to FALLS NEILL, my grand nephew, Two Thousand dollars of my registered U.S. 4% bonds due in 1907 — face value — premium and interest not to be computed on these bonds.

26 I give and bequeath to LULA TYSON the wife of Jo. W. TYSON my storehouse and lot on the South West corner of Main and Market St now occupied by Mathis and Tomlin as a grocery store. I also give her Four Thousand dollars of my registered U.S.4% bonds due in 1907 — face value — premium and interest not to be computed on these bonds. This property is for the sole use and benefit of Mrs. Tyson, and is not to be subject to the control or debts of the present or any future husband she may have.

27 I give and bequeath to ANNA NOEL, my niece, my house and lot on the corner of Lafayette and Central Alley now occupied by EV BOND as a grocery store. I also give her Four Thousand dollars of my registered U.S. 4% bonds due in 1907, face value, premium and interest not to be computed on these bonds. I give this property absolutely to Mrs. Noel at my death and it is not to be subject to the debts or control of any future husband she may have.

28 I give and bequeath to SALLIE PERSONS(sic) wife of RUSH PERSON, my nephew, My house and lot on Liberty St now occupied by Mrs. BLANKENSHIP, Also I give her my small house and lot on Central Alley now occupied by ROB’T FLIPPIN as a barber shop. Also I give her one hundred acres of land in the 14th Dist of Madison County, and on which J.A. VANDIVER now lives. This property is for her sole use and benefit, and is not to be subject to the debts or control of her present or any future husband. I also give to Mrs SALLIE PERSON, Four Thousand dollars of my registered U.S. 4% bonds due in 1907, face value, premium and interest not to be computed on these bonds.

29 I give and bequeath to LEILA HICKS wife of JO B. HICKS my entire interest in the storehouse and lot on the corner of Liberty and Lafayette Sts now occupied by HAYS BROWN as a storehouse. Also I give her my dwelling house on Baltimore St now occupied by Mrs. HARRIS as a residence. I also give her my small brick house on the corner of West Chester and Railroad Street now occupied by Mrs. BLANCHARD. I also give her my small brick house on West Chester St. now occupied by Mr. CLINE. The above property is given to Mrs. HICKS for her sole benefit and is not to be subject to the debts or control of her present or any future husband she may have. I also give her Four Thousand dollars of my registered U.S. 4% bonds due in 1907 — face value, premium and interest are not to be computed on these bonds.

30th I give and bequeath to my sister, EMILY PERSON Five Thousand dollars of my registered U.S. 4% bonds due in 1907 — face value — premium and interest not to be computed on these bonds.

It is my express will and desire that should any of my legatees or heirs be dissatisfied with his or her part or portion of my property or money or bonds, that they whichever it shall be, shall not receive the shares or portions so set apart to them. And that his or her or their portions shall be equally divided among the other legatees, and that they he or she so objecting shall not receive one dollar from my estate.

If there shall be any residue of my estate left after making divisions as heretofore set out, it is my will that it be sold and the proceeds thereof to be equally divided among my sister EMILY’S children or their heirs —

Should at anytime after my death there not be money enough in the hands of my executors to fulfill all all(sic) my bequests as I have directed, Then it is my will that the Executors have full power to sell notes or bonds belonging to my estate sufficient to pay all matters as I have heretofore directed and bequeathed.

I nominate and appoint JULIUS W. VANDEN and WILL A. CALDWELLL as my executors, and having full confidence in their wisdom and integrity I hereby expressly waive the giving of bond by them.

I also appoint STODDERT CARUTHERS if living, to advise with my executors and to render them such legal services as they may need, and said Executors shall pay him reasonable fees for his services.

JOHN A. GREER

Witness:
JNO L. WISDOM
C.P. BLACK

Codicil to my last will (No date)

Paragraph no. 5 in my will above is hereby revoked: Mrs. ANN I. DeBERRY having died since the will was made, and the bequest therein will go with the residue of my estate.

JOHN A. GREER

JNO. L. WISDOM
C.P. BLACK

Codicil to this my last will. I wish to be buried by the side of my first wife.

OCT. 14TH 1901 JOHN A. GREER

This March the 8TH 1902 in this my last will made February 1901 I will LULA HICK(sic) my niece a small Brick [house] on West Chester St since that time I have seen propper(sic) to give that House to Mrs. SALLIE PERSON the wife of RUSH PERSON Sr. Now I want my executors to pay Mrs. LULA HICKS out of my estate One thousand dollars instead out of the residue of my estate. This the 8 {1902 written and then scratched out} of March 1902 (this enclosed in envelope and marked “this added to my last will”). [parentheses are JOHN GREER’s]

JOHN A. GREER

Codicil to my Last will and testament

In the Will heretofore made by me, I gave to Mrs SALLIE PERSON wife of RUSH PERSON, my farm in the 14th Dist. of Madison County on which J A VANDIFORD (sic) now lives— I desire now to revoke said bequest, and instead thereof to make the following: I give and bequeath my farm in the 14th Dist of Madison County of 100 acres, together with all the personal property of every kind belonging to me on said farm to J A VANDIFORD (sic) and wife. The said VANDIFORD (sic) having been a tenant of mine for many years, and being a worthy poor man.

I give to Mrs. SALLIE PERSON instead of the farm alluded to Two Thousand dollars of my U.S. 4% bonds maturing in 1925.

JOHN A. GREER

Witnesses
T.C. LONG
R.W.BOND

I also rent B A PERSON one hundred and twenty six acres of land known as the B. HARRIS land lying in the 18th Dist of Madison County Ten. for the sum of thirty five dollars per year each and every year during my life time payable annuery(?) payable the 1 day of December and said PERSON is to pay all Taxes and expences (sic)to keep up said place. At my death the said B A PERSON is to have the land without compensation to my estate. This Nov 25th 1902

JOHN A. GREER

Witness:
WR THEUS
TI(J?) TAYLOR

Jackson Tenn Nov 26th 1901 (unsure if this is the true date, or Greer made an error)

This enclosed Package of U.S. Bonds I give to SALLIE PERSON Junior the daughter of RUSH PERSON My Nephew, at my death. I want my executors to hand them to her in Person $4000.00

JOHN A. GREER (his signature)

(Possibly in a different hand) The above enclosed in envelope Marked, “MISS SALLIE PERSON Jackson Tenn $4000.00 US Bonds due in 1925”

“Master GREER HICKS — I give him these Bonds at my death & I want you to hold them for him.

JOHN A.GREER”

(In another hand) The above was written on an envelope which upon being opened was found to Contain 3- $1000.00 US 2% Bonds due in 1930-making $3000.00.

From Nancy Noel

Below a the transcript of Alexander Greer, b. 21 Mar 1788-d. 9 Sept. 1858. He was born in Mecklenburg Co. NC and died in Madison Co. TN. He is buried in the Old Salem Cemetery in Madison Co. He married Margaret I. Spratt possibly born in NC , in 1798, and she died in Madison Co. TN on 22 Jan 1841. They had 8 children, 2 died in childhood, Pleasant Alexander died at 1 yr of age, and Pleasant Theodore died at age 8. Three others died in their 20s. In this will, he leaves items to others, that belonged to “C. L. Greer”. This was his son, Charles Lafayette, who had died but 10 months prior to the writing of this will. The probate of this will is 1 yr to the month form his son Charles’ death. Charles was 23 at his death.

There are some portions of the will that were hard to decipher. If it was readable but questionable you will find a question mark inside of parentheses (?). If it was totally undecipherabole, there is a blank line ______ where the word is located. If I added any factual data, e.g., the full name where only initials are given the added piece will be parentheses C.(harles).

Nancy Noel, March 2002

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Madison Co. Will Book 7, page 27
Will of ALEXANDER GREER
Proven at October Term, 1858
(Probate-See Minute Book No 8-page 292

I, Alexander Greer of the State of Tennessee and County of Madison, do make and publish this my last will and testament, hereby revoking all other Wills made by me.

1st — I will and bequeath to my son James T. Greer the tract of land on which he now lives, with several other small parcels adjoining it. Beginning about eight poles on a line between Mrs. Elizabeth Roger’s place and Alexander Greer’s on the east side of the Lexington Rd, on A small red oak marked in a corner, thence south to my out boundary—all the land East of that line I will to him that I claim. I also give to my son James T. Greer the following name Negroes viz.—Moses, Jack, Big Henry, Ann, Harriet and her child, and all the children of Eliza who is now dead, together with all the property that I have heretofore given him—that is to say he is to have the use for and during his life and in no event is it to go to pay any of his debts or contracts. I also will and direct that five thousand dollars be set apart for the use and benefit of my son James T. Greer by my executors, their paying him the interest on the amount annually his lifetime. And at his death all the above willed property and money is to be equally divided amongst his wife and children, should he have any, if not it is to go back into my estate. The above five thousand dollars willed to James T. Greer is to be paid out of the proceeds of the sale of the Denmark land sold to John A. Greer.

2nd — I give and bequeath to my daughter Emily E. Person and her bodily heirs, the house and lot on which Benj. R. Person now lives. I also will to my daughter Emily a Note that I hold on John A. Greer for four thousand dollars due December the 25th 1861. also the following named Negroes, viz.—Isaac, Rose, Angeline about 13 or 14 years of age, yellow boy, Dick, about 14 or 15 years of age, a negro woman and two children which they have already sold and all the property I have heretofore given her, not hereiin mentioned.

3rd — I give and bequeath to my son John A. Greer, all the Denmark Tract of Land out(?) heretofore sold, including the Rainy Tract. I also give to my son John A. Greeer the following named Negroes viz.—Jones, Lucy, Isaac, Ned and Anthony and all the other property I have heretofore given him.

4th — I give and bequeath to my son Camillus P. Greer the (home?) tract of Land including several parts of Tracts ___ all the Land that I claim West of the line of the Tract that I have given my son James T. Greer. I also give to my son, C. P. Greer., the following Negroes viz.— Ben, Idella, Jim, Willis, and little Henry. I further give him the choice of four mules that is on my home place, also the Bay Mare that was claimed by my son C.(harles) L.(afayette) Greer. also the household funiture bedding &c., together with the farming tools and all the stock of Hogs, Cattle, and oxen, charging him with Four Hundred Dollars, the ____ of Hogs, Cattle and Oxen, together with all the property I have heretofore given him, that is to say, that he is to have the use of said portion for and during his life and in no event is it to go to pay any of his debts or contracts, and at his death the same is to be equally divided between his wife and children should he have any surviving him, if not, it is to go back into my Estate.

5th — All of my Books (except such School Books as my daughter Emily may want) I direct to be equally divided amongst my four children.

6th — I give and bequeath to my grandson, Benjamin Alexander Person all the School Books he may want that belonged to C. L. Greer also One Hundred Dollars to be paid out of the proceeds of the sale of the Denmark land.

7th — I also wish my executors on my granddaughter, Hiburnia Person graduating that they furnish her with a suitable watch and chain.

8th — I give to my grandson Rush Person, the double barrel Shot Gun that belonged to my son C. L. Greer.

9th — I also direct my executors on a William Marshall Person’s becoming of age is to furnish him with a Horse, Saddle and Bridle to be worth one hundred and fifty Dollars.

10th — I will to my grandson Charles L. Person the gold Watch that belonged to C. L. Greer, and to be kept and taken care of by his mother for him.

11th — I also direct my executors on Isham Burrow’s son that was named for me at the age of Eighteen years, to be furnished with a Horse, Saddle and Bridle to be worth One Hundred and Fifty Dollars.

12th — My will and Desire is that whatever moneys may be on hand after paying all my just debts, which I wish paid as soon as practible, also all Bonds, Notes and Accounts choses(?) on (in?) action my Railroad Stock and Railroad scrip also the proceeds of the sales of the unwilled property, I direct to be equally divided amongst my four children. The amounts falling to my sons, James T. Greer and Camillus P. Greer, I will to be held by my Executors and they are to pay said James T. & Camillus P. Greer the Interest on said amounts annually.

13th — Should any of the Negroes herein specifically devised die before going into possession of those to whom they are willed, then it is my will and desire that a negro of equal value be furnished to the person that the said Negro belonged.

14th — The unwilled Negroes I wish and direct to be divided in four equal shares and each child to draw a share. The Executors having the liberty of selling any of the Negroes they may think proper, that is not family negroes, and should they sell any the proceeds to be equally divided between my four children. All of my unwilled property I direct to be sold and divided as specified on the 12th Item.

I also direct my Executors to pay each one of my slaves, over twelve years of age, five dollars in money.

15th— The balance of the proceeds of the sale of the Denmark Land after reserving the five thousand dollars to James T. Greer and the four thousand Dollars willed to my duaghter Emily, and the one hundred Dollars to my grandson, Benjn. Alexander Person is to go into my Estate and be divided as the other Bonds and Notes before mentioned.

My two slaves Solomon and Rachael are at liberty to choose whoever they wish to live with, and whoever they choose, are to take them and take care of them—

I further will and appoint Benj. R. Person & John A. Greer, my Executors.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal, this the 13th day of August 1858—The word “reserving” outerlined(?) before signing

Alexander Greer— (seal)

Julius Johnson, Witness
Wm. G Smith

I Alexander Greer of the County of Madison, State of Tennessee do on this 18th day of August eighteen hundred and fifty eight make and publish this codicil to my Last Will and Testament.

Item — I will and direct that my son, C.P. Greer be charged to the sum of three thousand dollars in consequence of the valuation of the portion of land bequeathed to him in my will above written.

In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal on the day and date last above written.

Alexander Greer (seal)

Julius Johnson—Witness
Wm. G. Smith

Submitted by Denise L. Cozart

Will of Gilbert Cozart, Thursday, July 12, 1860
Probate Court, Madison County, Tennessee
Roll 534, Book 7, Pages 76-78

[Gilbert Cozart was son of Joshua Cozart and Elizabeth]

Gilbert Cozart
Will
Proven at August & Septr. Terms 1860 Probate —
See Minute Book No. 9, pp. 211, 216

In the name of God, Amen.

I, Gilbert Cozart, being of sound and sane mind, make this my last will and testament; hereby revoking all others heretofore made.

1st — It is my wish and desire that my funeral expenses and all my just debts be paid by my Executor who is hereinafter named, out of any of the moneys that may be on hand as soon after my death as may be practicable.

2ond — I will and bequeath unto my beloved wife Mary Cozart, all of my real and personal estate during her widowhood for the use and mutual benefit of herself and my children, but if she should marry, then in that case it is my wish and desire that my real and personal estate remain in common stock under the direction and control of my wife for the use and benefit of my wife and children until any one of my children shall marry or arrive at the age of twenty-one years of age at which time it is my wish and desire that such an one or ones of my children as may have married or arriven to the age of twenty-one years of age, have their portion of all my real and personal estate allotted unto them by commissioners appointed by the County Court for that purpose making my wife an equal sharer of the same during her natural life beginning with the first and second and so on until the youngest shall marry or become twenty-one years of age.

3rd — It is my wish and desire that after the death of my wife that her portion of my real and personal estate be equally divided between all of my children each to share and share alike.

4th — I will and bequeath unto my wife a sufficient amount of my stock of hogs, horses, sheep and cattle for their support and as much or many of my farming tools as may be necessary to carry on the farm, likewise two yoke of oxen and my wagon for the above named purpose and all household and kitchen furniture the balance to be sold together with the crop after leaving a sufficient amount of corn and fodder wheat for one year support by my Executor hereinafter named.

5th — I give and bequeath unto my wife and my children all the moneys that may belong to my estate after all my debts and legal expenses for settling up my estate shall be paid, to be equally divided between them each to share and share alike. It is further my wish and desire that the moneys belonging to my children be placed in the hands of a Guardian appointed by the County Court, and that they be sent to school and the tuition of each one of them be paid by said Guardian out of the money each one may have allotted unto them.

Lastly — I do nominate and appoint Radford Withers my Executor to my last will and testament.

In witness whereof I do to this set my hand and seal this 12th day of July 1860.

Gilbert Cozart seal

Signed, sealed and acknowledged in
our presence, and we have subscribed
our names as witnesses in the presence
of and the request of the testator

J. J. McLemore
G. A. McLemore
A. H. Cozart

Submitted by Denise L. Cozart

Will of Joshua Cozart, 1851
Probate Court, Madison County, Tennessee
Roll 533, Book 5, Pages 107-109

Joshua Cozart
Will
Proven at Dec. Term 1851
See Minute Book No. 6, p. 406

I, Joshua Cozart, do make and publish this as my last Will and Testament hereby revoking and making void all other wills by me at any time made.

First — I direct that my funeral expenses and all my debts be paid as soon after my death as possible out of moneys that I may die possessed of or may first come into the hands of my Executors.

Secondly: I give and bequeath to my beloved wife Elizabeth Cozart, during her natural life or widowhood, my tract of land on which I now live and stock of all kinds on it or belonging to me; also my farming utensils, household and kitchen furniture; together with all my slaves except my slave – named Green.

Thirdly: After the decease of my beloved wife my tract of land to be equally divided by a North and South line between my son Joshua M. Cozart and my daughter Mahuldy Cozart. I also give and bequeath to my son Joshua M. Cozart my slaves – Hester and her son John. And likewise to my daughter Mahuldy my slave – Martha, also to her one hundred dollars to be paid over to her by Executors as soon as collected out of the cash notes now in my hands.

Fourthly: — I give and bequeath to my grand son Berry M. Grey and my grand daughter – Cintha A. E. Grey my slave Green valued at Six hundred dollars.

My will is that my wife Elizabeth Cozart take my two grand-children, Berry M. Grey and Cintha A.E. Grey, under her care control; and the slave Green under her management and control whose services is to defray the expenses of their board clothing and schooling, till the two children are of age, but should my wife die before they are of age I will that my son Joshua M. Cozart and my daughter Mahuldy Cozart have the same control of these said children and my slave Green as directed above that my do. But should both these children die, I will that slave Green revert to my heirs named in my will.

Fifthly: — I give and bequeath to my son Gilbert Cozart a slave, Jeff, valued at three hundred and fifty dollars which he has already in his possession.

Sixthly: — I give and bequeath to my son Madison Cozart a slave – Sam valued at four hundred dollars, which he has already in possession.

Seventhly: — I give and bequeath to my daughter Jane Hathaway a slave – Lidia Ann, valued at four hundred dollars whom {s}he has already in possession.

Eighthly — I give and bequeath to my daughter Malinda Allen a slave – named Jack valued at four hundred dollars which she has already in possession.

Ninthly — I give and bequeath to the heirs of my son William D. Cozart, deceased, viz., Robert W. Cozart, Joshua Cozart, Gilbert Cozart, Newton Cozart, Henderson Cozart and Jasper Cozart. These last mentioned six to be considered as one heir; A. Haywood Cozart and Thornton L. Cozart; And as one heir Cintha A.E. Grey and Berry M. Grey, be made equal in this final division of my moneys and effects, including what they each have already received as I have mentioned above.

Lastly: I do hereby nominate and appoint my two sons Gilbert Cozart and Joshua M. Cozart my Executors.

In witness whereof, I do to this my will, set my hand and seal, this 27th day of _____ 1851.

Joshua Cozart seal

Signed, sealed and published in our
presence, and we have subscribed
our names hereto, in the presence
of the Testator, this day of 1851.

Test. Bird S. Jones
Test. Thomas Wright