Transcribed by Dana Hill from TSLA microfilm, Marshall Co., Roll 42

It is my will and I so direct that after all my just debets are paid all my property both real and personal of every description remain unsold and in the custody of my four children for the equal benefit of and support of Said Children until the youngest arrives at the age of Twenty one years (unless my executor should think and find it absolutely necessary to take the control and management of Said property into his hands in order that each child shall have equal & exact justice done to it and when my youngest child arrives at the age of twenty one years I direct that my property be equally divided between my said four children (viz) Nathaniel T. DRYDEN, Ephraim R DRYDEN, James N. P. DRYDEN and Mary E DRYDEN

Should one or more of my children desire to Sell his or her interest in my estate those interested may choose three or more disinterested commissioners who Shall divide and value my property equally among my four children share and Share alike- and Such one or more wishing to Sell, shall allow such as do not desire to Sell, the preference to the valuation of such interest and keep the property or any part thereof together over any other person or persons

I hereby authorise and impower my executor to carry into full and compleet force and effect the provisions of this will in every manner and shape as fully and compleetly as I can or could were I living or had done the same in my life time to make conveyances and titles without my decree or order from the court for said purposes; and his act in So doing Shall be good and valid to all intents and purposes and to act as Trustee and Guardian for such of my children as are not of full age

My executor is authorized to Sell my Negro man, at any time he may think the interest of the estate may demand the Same I do hereby nominate and appoint James N. HUNTER my executor.

In witness whereof I do to this my will Set my hand and seal. This 9 day of June 1862.

Robert M. DRYDEN (SEAL)

Attest

Jas. C PYLAND )

Josiah K. DAVIS ) Jurat Aug 4 1862.

T M HOWARD )

A BAXTER )

 

State of Tennessee)
Marshall County ) No

County Court Aug term 1862

Personally appeared here in open Court James C PYLAND, Josiah K DAVIS & A BAXTER the subscribing witnesses to the above will, and who after being duly sworn proved the due execution of the same as law directs

Witness my hand at Office August 4th 1862

R L ADAMS (Clk