Source: Sumner Co. Will Bk 4, p 10, SCA Wills #774
I, Martin B. Shelton, of the County of Sumner, State of Tennessee, do make and publish this as
my last will and testament hereby revoking all others written by me heretofore made.
Item #1st - I direct that all my just debts be paid out of any monies that I may die seized and
possessed of.
Item #2d - I give and bequeath unto John Stark sixty five acres of land to be laid of my home tract
in the following manner: Commencing at the north Gate Port on the lane running from my house
to Esq. Harper's corner, thence with the northern fence of said lane to my and Harper line thence
with my & Harper line to my North East corner thence with my north boundary line to a point
where a line run straight to the Gate Port the commencing point. Will include sixty-five
acres.
Item #3rd - I give and bequeath the balance of my estate both real and personal to my adopted
daughter Louisa Montgomery the land I give to her for life remainder to her children the personal
estate I give to her free from the debts, contracts, liability of her present a (sic) any future
husband.
Item 4th - I appoint my adopted daughter Louisa Montgomery and her husband Executor of this
my last will and direct that they shall not be required to give security for the execution of the same
nor shall they be required to make any return or settlements with the court.
Item 5th - It is my will and desire that my faithful servant Levi shall have a home upon my place
as long as he lives or may desire so to do and my adopted daughter and her children are hereby
charged with his support and maintenance as long as he lives or so long as he continues to live
with them.
Witness my hand this 21st day of March 1870.
s/M. B. Shelton
Signed by the Testator in the presence and witnessed by us in his presence at
his request this 21st day of March 1870
s/Geo. W. Allen
s/A. Stark
State of Tennessee
Sumner County - Feb Term 1871
The last will and testament of M. B. Shelton was this day produced in open court for probate and
was duly proven by the oaths of G. W. Allen and A. Starks subscribing witnesses thereto which is
received by the court and ordered to be recorded.
s/Jesse Cage, Clerk