Recorded 9 January 1824

In the name of GOD Amen. I Alexander Faris of Maury County and State of Tennessee being old and infirm in body but in perfect mind and sound memory do make and ordain this to be my last Will and Testament in form and manner viz. I recommend my soul to God who gave it and my body to be decently buried in the ground, 1st

To my well beloved wife Elizabeth Faris, I will and bequeath my whole estate, real and personal, during her natural life except what shall otherwise be disposed off hereafter.

2nd as to my oldest children Thomas C. Faris, Moses A. Faris and Mary Ann Faris, now Walker they having already received as much of my estate as is my intention ever to give them.

3rd To my daughter Sarah Faris now Kirk I leave and bequeath a certain negro girl named Maria or her value at my wife’s death or sooner if the Executors and Executrix think proper or prudent so to do, provided John Kirk hath drew a suit he commenced against me, nor shall not institute any other for the recovery of said girl,

4th to my sons John Faris and Adam Faris I leave and bequeath one negro boy named Addison to be delivered at my death or the discretion of the Executors.

5th to my son Alexander Faris I leave and bequeath the plantation that I now live on also a Tract known by the name of the Knob Tract and a negro boy named Stephen and half dozen silver tablespoons lettered “F”, at the death of my wife provided he attends to the duties of the farm and the wants of the family, and keeps no other stock than for the use of the family.

6th To my son Caleb Faris, I leave and bequeath a tract of land, known by the name of Scotts place and a trade, if no trade, and attends to the duties of the plantation to have an equal divide in the negroes hereafter named together with Leah Faris now Alexander, Mary A. Faris and Rody E. Faris which I leave and bequeath all my negroes at my wife’s death, not otherwise appropriated by this will. And I hereby nominate and appoint my well beloved wife and my faithful son Alexander Faris and my neighbor Hugh Douglas Executors and Executrix to execute this my last Will and Testament given under my hand and seal this 8th day of May in the year of our Lord, one thousand, eight hundred and twenty. Signed, sealed and approved as my last Will and Testament.

Alex. Faris : Seal

Test.

John , Jurat

Daniel McKennon, Jurat

Edward McFadden, Jr., Jurat

Contributed by Susan Hurt Volunteer for Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness