You can obtain a copy of the will from the Sumner County Archives.
Note: My copy is very faded and difficult to read.
In the name of God Amen:
I Richard Wilks Senior of Sumner County and State of Tennessee being weak in body but of
sound mind and memory do make and ordain this to be my last will and testament in manner and
form following to wit I desire . . . that my executor or executors is _ authorized to sell any part of
my estate either real or personal . . . I give and bequeath to my daughter Jane Wynn one negro
girl . . . Item I give and bequeath to my daughter Anna Wynn one negro girl . . . Item . . . land to
my beloved wife Ann all the tract of land I now live on together with all them other property I am
now in possession of consisting of negro, horses, cattle, sheep, hogs in during her natural life.
Item after the death of my beloved wife . . . except the land be sold to the highest bidder . . . my
children to wit minors, Richard William Jane and Ann . . . my two sons John Wilks and Samuel
Wilks . . . do hereby set my hand and seal this 1st day of November 1821 . . .
Richard Wilks
his
X
mark
...before us
John Lauderdale
John Booker
State of Tennessee
Sumner County Court November Session 1821
The last will and testament of Richard Wilks decd. was produced in Court for probate . . .