I James SMOTHERS of Sumner County and State of Tennessee, being in a low state of health but in perfect knowledge of his weakness doth acknowledge this to be his last will and testament.
First
I leave my soul to God and all my worldly goods as follows to wit:
Second
I leave all my property in the hands of my loving wife Margret SMOTHERS till the youngest
child is able to get his _ _ divided as follows: my first son is to have a reasonable good horse and
saddle and all the rest of the property to be legally divided between my wife and children. Dear
and loving wife and children this is my wish and advice to you _ which I lie on my dying bed that
you all live together and not separate yourselves from each other and help each other children,
help your mother and try and refrain from all evil practices. I wish Aunt Jemima SUMMERS to
live with thy family as long is she pleases- this being my last will and testament, _ on the 25th day
of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fourteen. Signed, sealed with
my hand and sealed with my seal in presence of us.
James SMOTHERS(( seal ))
Witness Jacob HARDIN
Levi SUMMERS
Executors
Wm DORRIS Esqr.
Marget SMOTHERS
Thomas SMOTHERS
State of Tennessee
Sumner County Court November Term 1814
The last will and Testament of James SMOTHERS dec'd was exhibited in Court for probate and
was therefore said will was duly proved by the oath of Levi SUMMERS a subscribing witness
thereto and ordered to be recorded and then being an Executor named in said will on motion it is
ordered that letters of Administration with said will annexed be granted & delivered to Margaret
SMOTHERS, widow and relict of said decedant who entered into and acknowledged his bond,
together with Alexander GWINN her security to the Governor in the penalty of five hundred
dollars conditioned as the law directs.