I John Stark of Sumner Co., Tenn. taking into view the uncertainty of life and being weak of body yet of sound mind do make the following disposition of my property.
In order to prevent any misunderstanding in the family I give in the first place to my son Thornton Stark a negro fellow named Phil who I bought of Mr. Bailey Washington in Va. together with a negro girl named Mary, this bequest to take effect at my death..
To my son John Stark I give a negro boy named Charles and a negro girl named Jane provided he does not carry the said negroes to the Illinois country where I understand they are prohibited to be carried, if he removes to that country as is supposed. In order to retain them in the family I desire these 2 negroes to be sold to my other sons and the money arising therefrom to be given to him.
I give to my beloved wife Sarah Stark all the other negroes which I have together with my stock of horses, cattle, hogs and sheep, and all of my household furniture during her natural life with the exception of 1 feather bed and furniture to each of our daughters Prudence Stark and Charlotte Stark.
To my daughter Prudence Stark I give a negro boy named Bob.
To my daughter Charlotte Stark I give a negro girl named Lucy. The time when these 2 last bequests take effect is to be at the discretion of my wife.
I give to my daughters Elizabeth Shelton and Thamer Byram in equal portions after my wife's decease all the stock of horses, cattle, hogs and sheep as also the unbequeathed household furniture.
I give to my son Jeremiah Stark after my wife's decease a negro boy named Josha.
I give to my son Akexander Stark a negro wench named Indy after my wife's decease. To his son John Stark my grandson, on his attaining 25 years of age, a negro boy Lewis.
Also I give to my son Thornton Stark after my wife's decease a negro wench named Sook together with her 3 children Ninney, Jacob and Ned. But he is to pay any debts I may owe, and he is also to have all the children which the said negro Sook may have in future. And the girl Winney above named he may have immediately.
I do appoint my beloved wife Sarah Stark and my son Thornton Stark Executors of this my last will and testament.
| John Stark | Seal | |
| Dan Smith | |
| Thomas Stark |