WILL OF JOHN KIZER

Following is a verbatim transcript of the last will and testament of John KIZER, born about 1765, probably in North Carolina. He is found in Stewart County by 1809, perhaps earlier. As is evident from his will, he was a prosperous farmer of the time. He died in Stewart County in 1846. This will can be found in Stewart County Wills and Administrations, Book E, page 370.

Transcribed by Stephen W. Moody-August 1998

I, John Kizer, 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 debts be paid as soon after my death as possible out of any moneys that I may die possessed of or may first come into the hands of my Executors. Secondly, I give and bequeath to my wife Hannah all my beds and bed clothing, household and Kitchen Furniture, one yoke of Oxen and Cart, the gray horse and mare and colt, Bridle and Saddle, and one third of all my cattle, hogs and sheep and Two ploughs and Gear as her right and property and the following during her natural Life, to wit: the place on which I reside, including Twenty poles south from my dwelling house, the line then to run east and west as far as my Land extends. Also a Negro man whose name is Samuel and Jane his sister and her child during her natural Life. Thirdly, I give and bequeath unto my three grand children, Robert and Mary and Elizabeth Kizer: George and Bob and Nancy and Elbert, her child, and also my Worden and Leek tract of Land, together with that part of the Plantation being and lying south of the Dover and Charlotte Road, running with said Road East to the first point of the Gin House Hollow. Also, my Waggon & farm mules and a third of the cattle, hogs and sheep. Fourthly, I give and bequeath unto my Grand children, James and Elizabeth Knight: Azwell and Harriet. Fifthly, I give and bequeath unto my Daughter Louisa: Jackson and Ned and Caroline and one third of my cattle, hogs, and sheep, together with that part of my Land lying and being on the south of that given to my wife and north of the old part given to my grand children, Robert, Mary and Elizabeth Kizer which also includes the Wilson Sink Tract of Land. And fifthly (sic), old Nancy is free and at Liberty to Live with whom she pleases. And sixthly, I appoint Jacob Parchment my Executor in witness whereof I do to this will set my hand and seal, this 31st January 1844.

(signed) John Kizer {Seal}

Signed, Sealed and published in our presents and we have subscribed our names thereto in the presents of the Testator this 31st January 1844]

Jacob H. Parchment

his

William X Moor

mark

State of Tennessee}October Term 1846

Stewart County}The above Instrument of writing was presented in open Court and the Execution thereof duly proven by the oaths of Jacob H. Parchment and William Moor, subscribing witnesses thereto, and the same is ordered to be recorded.

Test: W. Cook, Clk.