An index of Washington County, Tennessee Wills has been posted on the Washington County, Tennessee Archives website. There are over 7000 wills. Wills after 1959, can be found in the Probate Office at the Washington County Justice Center.
I was one of the volunteers who worked on this project. It was exciting to see some of my ancestors’ wills. If you want to order a copy, be sure to read the instructions posted on the website.
Betty Jane
The will or estate inventory on this page for:
Jacob Klepper
John Merideth
Mordecai Price Inventory
Peter Range, Sr.
Jessee Riggs
Isaac White
Also selected Wills from 1777 up to 1875: Will Books 1 -2 and Will Books 3 -4
Washington County, TN Will Book 0; pg. 42
Dated 14 Oct 1795 in Washington Co. Tennessee
In the Name of God Amen I James Boring of the County of Washington and Territory of the United States South of the River As to my Memory Blessed be God do this tenth day of October in the Year of our Lord one thousand Seven hundred Ninety five: Make & publish this my last Will and Testament in Manner and form as followeth that is to Say
First of all I Recommend my Spirit to All Mighty God Who Gave it and my Body to be Buried in a plain and Desent Manner as Soon as convenently Will permit-, my funeral Expences and All my just debts to be paid;
First I give and Bequeath unto my Son William Boring one hundred Acres of land being the part of the Land by me purchased and now live on and possess to him his heirs and assigns for Ever as it is Laid off and was marked by James Stuart Esquire;
Item I give and Bequeath Unto my Son John Doupon Boring one shilling to him his heirs and assignes for Ever;
Item I give and bequeath to my Son Channey Boring one hundred and fifty acres of Land including the hole Improvement by me made to him his heirs and assigns for Ever as is Marked and Surveyed by the Said James Stuart as above;
Item I give an bequeath to my Son James Boring one hundred acres of Land to him his heirs and assigns for Ever as above marked;
Item I give and bequeath unto my Daughter Rachel Price Wife of Mordecia Price his heirs and assigns (struck through) adjoining the Land of Said Mordecia Price as above;
Item I give and bequeath Unto my Daughter Aborilla More [Moore] fifty acre of Land to her, her heirs and assigns for Ever marked as above;
Item I Give and bequeath to my Daughter Temperance Boring fifty acres of land to her and her heirs and assigns for Ever marked as above;
Item I give and bequeath to my Daughter Martha Ball fifty acres of Land to her her heirs and assigns for Ever Marked as above;
Item I Give and bequeath to my Daughter Frances Downing fifty acres of Land to her her heirs and assigns for Ever as marked as above;
Item it is my Will and pleasure that Sarah my Wife Shall have full and free Privelge of the Mansion house Wherein I now Live or any other that may (be) Built before my Decease During her Natural Life and all the household furniture With Sufficient Maintenance of the Place here to fore Dismissed unto my Son Chaney Boring and at the Decease of Sarah my Wife All the Said house hold furniture unto my Son Chaney Boring his heirs and assigns for Ever and Last of all I allow that all my funerall Charges and Lawfull Debts due to me and all other matters Either by contract or Bargan I do give and bequeath to my Son Cheney Boring his heirs and assigns for Ever.
And I do hereby apoint my Son Chaney Boring Wholy and Sole Executor of this my Last Will and Testament hereby Revoking all other Wills and Testaments by me Made before- this Date in Witness Where of I have hear unto Set my hand and Seal this forteenth day of October one thousand Seven hundred and Ninty five.
Signed Sealed and Delivered in presence of us Horatio Ford (X) Edward Smith (X) Signed: James (X) Boren.
Washington County, TN Will Book 1, pages 316-317.
John Bowman, b. 1773, Rockingham Co. VA; d. 1843, Washington Co. TN; m. Eve Elizabeth Steele, 1796 in Rockingham Co. VA. His will was written in October 1840 and proved in January 1843, the presumed month of his death. The will is brief in that it appears that most of his heirs had already received their inheritance. It is a bit unusual as it contains several contextual errors, hopefully of no consequence.
I, John Bowman, of the State of Tennessee, Washington County, being now in feeble health but of sound mind and memory but knowing that it is appointed for all men to die, and such worldly estate it has pleased God to bless me with, I now make this instrument of writing my last will and testament as directed in the following manner:
First – that all my just debs should be paid out of my estate.
Second – I leave John and Madison to take care of my beloved wife Eve; they are to maintain her or cause it to be done by their heirs or assigns.
Third – Catherine Klepper has got her part of the estate.
Fourth – Susannah Klepper has got her part of the estate.
Fifth – I leave to Sarah Zimmermans heirs of her body one thousand dollars after Jacob Bowman get four hundred dollars if it can be collected.
Sixth – Mary Highsinger [Hysinger] has got her part of the estate.
Sevetnh – Joseph Bowman has got his part of the estate.
Eigtht [Eighth] – Isaac Bowman has got his part of the estate.
Eigtht [Ninth] – Rebecca Meads [Mead] has got her part of the estate.
Tenth – Daniel Bowman has got his part of the estate.
[Eleventh and Twelfth are missing]
Thirteenth* – Benj. Bowman has got his part of the estate.
Fourteenth – Samuel Bowman has got his part of the estate.
Fifteenth – I hereby nominate and appoint my two sons Joseph and John Bowman Executors of this my last will and testament, hereby revoking all other wills, legacies and bequests made by me and pronounced this to be my last will and testament. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal the sixth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty.
John Bowman, (Seal)
Signed, sealed and acknowledged
In presence of us:
Test.
Wm. D. Smaulen [Smallen/Smallin]
Solomon [“X” his mark] Smaulen [Smallen/Smallin]
Joseph Bowman
The foregoing will was proven in open Court by the oaths of Wm. D. Smaulen [Smallin/Smallenn] & Joseph Bowman, two of the subscribing witnesses thereunto at Jan [January] term 1843.
[ ] indicates additions, corrections or comments by the transcriber.
Transcribed by Ronald L. Akers from a photocopy of the original; spelling and composition have been left unchanged from the original.
[Note: This is a handwritten will found in Washington County, TN Will Book 2, page 570. Will written 5 August 1887, probated February Term 1888. It was written on stationary from Office R.K. Collins, Buggies, Carriages, Phaetons, Hacks and Market Wagons, also Fancy Light Harness.]
Johnson City, Tenn., August 5th, 1887.
I, R.K. Collins of Johnson City State of Tennessee and Washington Co, recognizing that fact that life is always uncertain, and being now of sound mind and memory do now make this my last will and testament in manner and from following.
First, I desire that my funeral expenses and just debts be paid out of the property of which I may die seized.
Second, I will and bequeath all the remainder of my property both real and personal to my beloved wife. S.M. Collins to be hers absolutely and to be dispensed of by her according to her wishes.
I appoint my wife to be sole executrix of this my last will and testament. In testimony where of I hereunto set my hand and seal and publish and decree this to be my last will and testament in presence of the witnesses named below on this the day and date before mentioned.
R.K. Collins
Signed sealed and published by the said R.K. Collins, as and for, his last will and tesment [sic], in presence of us, who at his request and in his presence and in presence of each other, have subscribed our names as witnesses hereto.
J.T. Kincanon, Johnson City, Tennessee
L.A. Calvin
Note: If anyone has information about this business that was in Johnson City during 1887, please notify Betty Jane Hylton
Submitted by Dessie L. Simmons.
Washington County, Tennessee, Will Book 2, Pages 117-120
In the name of God Amen.
I John E. Cossen of the State of Tennessee and County of Washington being of sound mind but weak of body and calling to mind my Mortality and in anticipation of that event do ordain and establish this my last will and Testament in the manner following as to the disposition of such worldly goods as it pleased God who gave it my Imortal [sic] Spirit trusting that through the all sufficient merrits [sic] of the everblessed Saviour by whom constant meditation and intercession and through an unshaken faith therein I have assurance of acceptance, and after further committing my body to the Earth its natural Element untill [sic] the Morning of Resurrection when I trust it shall be fashioned according to in likeness of him who is the Resurrection and the life.
The expenses of which Interment I direct in the first place to be paid by Executors hereinafter named out of my Estate – then for the support of my wife Mary E. Cossen and Children I bequeath to her the said Mary E. Cossen and for life the House and improvements together with the improved quarter of the home lot where I now live and also one quarter of an acre off of the Samuel G. Chester lot next to it to be added to it together with the Rents and proffits [sic] arrising [sic] from them and so much of the proceeds of my Lime Stone farm now deeded to my son Orfilla E. Cosson and as much of the proceeds of my Panther Springs farm as will give her the said Mary E. Cossen a comfortable support as long as she lives and for the support of my minor children and which speciffic [sic] bequests of the said house and lott [sic] at the death of my sd. wife Mary E. Cossen to go to the use and benefit of my daughter Clarinda D. Cosson during her natural life and her heirs after her provided she should have any if not it shall be equally divided among the other children Angelina E. Mason, Orphilla E. Cossen, Mary B. Cossen, John L. Cossen and Sidney H. Cossen for their youse [sic] and benefit. In adition [sic] to the intrest [sic] above bequeathed to my daughter Angelina E. Mason I give the use and profits of one half acre of the Samuel G. Chester lott [sic] next to Dr. Edward Armstrong’s house and lot during her natural life. It is then to go to her son J. W. E. C. Ryland if the said named J. W. E. C. Ryland should die without issue then the lott [sic] may be equally divided amongst Angelina E. Masons other children haveing [sic] already given to the said Angelina E. Mason one cow bed and Bedsteads with bedding cupboard furniture one set of Windsor chairs, side saddle and Bureau
5th I also bequeath to the said Clarinda D. Cossen the Curreld? Bureau which I had made for her also one set of Windsor chairs Bedstead Bedding and furniture and cupboard furniture. I also make her equal with Angelina E. Mason if it can be made out of what I leave behind without distressing any one of the family.
I bequeath to my daughter Mary B. Cossen for her support the other unimproved half acre lot next to Nelly Helms lot it being part of the lot on which I now live and which she receive the ? and proffits [sic] during her natural life and then to her children if she should have any. If not then it shall be divided as above specified and also the sd Mary B. Cosson is to have the press and Serena D. Cossens Bureau and set Windsor Chairs Bed Bedstead and furniture and press furniture, a Saddle equal to my other Daughters.
In as much as I have given to my son Orfilla E. Cosson a deed in fee simple to LimeStone farm on which my father lived for his support nevertheless it is not to interfere with the provissions [sic] in this will for the support and maintaince of my wife M. E. Cosson, his mother. I also give him my Shaving Box and apparatus his Brother Edwin W. Cossons saddle and an equal portion of my shop tools such as saws planes, Augers Chisels and all other tools with my son John S. Cosson and Sidney H. Cosson.
6th I will and bequeath to my two sons John S. Cosson and Sydney H. Cosson for their youse [sic] and support after ? use bequeathed my wife M. E. Cossen all my Panther Spring lands in Jefferson & Grainger Counties in the State of Tennessee to have and to hold and the proceeds of the same their natural lives and in the event that they should neither have any heirs it shall go to their Brothers or sisters that may survive them or to the children of the Brothers and Sisters. The land is to be divided as equal as it can be for quantity quality timber and convenience of watter [sic] but if either should die while a minor in age then the surviveing [sic] Brother shall inherit the whole of said land and in addition to the above John S. Cosson is to have my watch and riflegun his Black Saddle and Sidney H. Cosson is to have the gun given to him by his Brother Edwin W. Cosson (deceased) and the long cased Brass Clock and a good Saddles, but in the event that either should ? Medicen? of the three sons named above have for the purpose of Practicing medison [sic] for a livelyhood [sic] then in that case he is to have my medical shop and all the Books and furniture and all that belongs to that department. Including instruments and all other things, but should neither incline to the profession then they shall be soald [sic] by my executors at the highest bidder and the proceeds given to my wife for her and such children as may be single to live uppon [sic]. All my debts that can be collected is to be paid over into the hands of my wife for her and the childrens support each Executor to be paid as the law directs.
As the laws of this state now prohibit the liberation of slaves it is my wish that my negro BenJo be still hired out as long as he is able to do work and receive full wages and to have out of his wages yearly as he earnes [sic] it twenty five dollars for himself for to cloth himself instead of his mistress Mary E. Cosson finding him and the remainder is to be paid over into the hands of my wife M. E. Cosson for her support and any children that may be still single, but if Ben should become unable to do a mans daily labour so as to receive full wages then his pay must be in proportion to what it was when he was able. Ben is to live with my wife and be at her control but not to be sold out of the family unless he desires it, then and in that case the proceeds of this sail [sic] is to be divided between my wife and single children. The proceeds of my railroad stock which is two hundred dollars if any should be got shall be equally divided between my wife and children yearly.
I do hereby lastly constitute and appoint my trusty friends Alexander N. Harris and John A. Wilds Executors of this my last will having this day revised and made appropriate a former will drawn up in my own handwriting on the first day of April 1851 – And I hereby revoke every former will and establish this as my last Will and testament in witness whereof I have here unto set my hand and affixed my seal this 18 day of August 1858. Signed sealed and acknowledged in the presence of us 18th August 1858.
John E. Cosson {seal}
Test. A. G. Mason }
William M. Fleming }
State of Tennessee }
Washington County }
County Court January Term 1865 the foregoing will was presented in open court and proven by the Oaths of A. G. Mason and William M. Flemming the subscribing witnesses thereto and ordered to be recorded and Alexander N. Harris One of the Executors mentioned in said will appeared in Open Court gave bond & qualified as the law directed this 20 Jany 1865.
Jos A. Conly Clerk
Microfilm Roll No. 169, Washington Co. County Clerk Wills, Washington County, Tennessee, Volumes 1-2, Aug 1779-Feb 1857, Sep 1858-Oct 1889
Submitted by Sherry Cook.
Washington Co. TN Wills, Book 1 (Aug 1779 – Feb 1857), page 117
In the name of God Amen:
I Charles DUNCAN of Washington County and State of Tennessee being of perfect health of body and sound mind and memory, thanks be given unto God. Calling to mind the mortality of my body and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die; Do make and ordain this my last will and testament that is to say principally and first of all. I give and recommend my soul unto the hands of almighty God that gave it and my body I recommend to the earth to be buried in a decent Christian manner at the discretion of my Executors nothing doubting but that at the general rescurection I shall receive the same again by the almighty power of God. And as touching such worldly estate where with it hath pleased God to bless me in this life. I give demise and dispose of the same in the following manner and form. First I give and bequeath to Luranah my dearly beloved wife the land and farm where I now live during her life or widowhood together with all my household and kitchen furniture, farming utensils, horses, cows, sheep, and hogs. Secondly, I give and bequeath unto my sons William, John and Robert all my lands amounting to 444 acres to be equally divided among them and their heirs forever, as follows that is to say, to my son William one hundred and forty eight acres including where he now lives, to him and his heirs forever. him the aforesaid William paying to my son Raleigh three hundred dollars in trade equal to corn to two shillings per bushel to be paid at the expiration of two years after my decease. To my son John one hundred and forty eight acres including where he now lives to him and his heirs forever. him the aforesaid John paying my son Marshall three hundred dollars in trade, valued equal to corn at two shillings per bushel and to be paid at the end of two years after my decease. And likewise to my son Robert one hundred and forty eight acres including where I now live to him his heirs forever. After the decease of my beloved wife and him the said Robert paying my son Joel three hundred dollars in trade valued equal to corn at two shillings per bushel and to be paid two years after my decease. And if my son Robert should decease without lawful issue of his body begotten, then the aforesaid one hundred and forty eight acres of land to be equally divided among all my sons and daughters, share and share alike. Thirdly all my goods and chattels that remain after my wifes decease to be sold and equally divided among my daughters Sarah, Stacey, Nancy, Elizabeth, Mary, Margaret and Lorarey share and share alike. And as my sons William and John built the saw mill at their expence my will is that they have all the profits arising from sd. mill and lastly I appoint and constitute my beloved wife Susannah Duncan Executrix and my son William executor of this my last will and testament and I do hereby revoke and disanull all former wills and this only to be and remain my last will and testament and I do hereby revoke and disanull all former wills and this only to be and remain my last will.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this 14th day of April in the year of our Lord 1817.
Charles (X his mark) Duncan (seal)
Signed sealed, published & pronounced and declared by the Sd. Charles Duncan as his last will and testament in the presence of us who in his presence and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names.
/s/ H.Y. King, Richard Carr, Wm. Carr.
The above Will was proved in open court by the oaths of Richard Carr and William Carr two of the subscribing witnesses thereto at July Sessions 1818, and ordered to be recorded.
Washington County, Tennessee Will Book 1, Courthouse, Jonesborough Tennessee.
I Elizabeth C. Johnson of the County of Washington and state of Tennessee do hereby make and ordain this as my last will and testament.
(First) I will and direct that at my death my three slaves Martin, John and Eliza be free and if the laws of the state will permit them to remain here I desire they should do so. If they cannot remain free in Tennessee then I will and direct that my Executors herein after named shall furnish them each a horse and money sufficient to bear their expenses to a free country. If the horses are not necessary to their journey they are to be sold and the proceeds applied to defraying their expenses. The funds necessary to their removal will be taken out of my debts or from the sale of property.
(Second) I will and devise to Houston a free man of color but indentured to me and to James, William and Samuel children of Henderson a deceased servant of mine; one half of the farm on which they now live, Houston to have as much of the tract of land as Henderson’s three boys. The land is to be divided equally into two parts by running a division line from the river to the back line on the top of the mountain. They, that is Houston and Henderson’s three children, are to have the lower or west end of the farm on which their cabins are on. They are also to have their stock of all kinds and wagons and ploughs. Eliza is to have her home with Houston and the boys if she remains in the state if she chooses to live with them. Cynthia may live with them also unless she marries then she must remove. The trust of land thus devised to Houston and James, William and Samuel. I hereby authorize the said Houston as a trustee for the other three to sell at any time he may think proper having confidence in his honesty and the proceeds of said sale shall go one half to himself and the other half to said three boys, James, William and Samuel being from persons of color and minors at this time in giving Houston the power to sell. I will direct that he shall only have the power to sell to Eliza Jane Carter my niece as she is to get the other half of the farm.
(Third) I give and devise the other half of said farm to my niece, Eliza Jane Carter for her sole and separate use and benefit free from the control of her husband not subject to any of his debts or liabilities existing at present or hereafter enacted my object being to provide a home for my niece during her natural life and at her death to her children. I also will and devise to the said Eliza Jane Carter on the same terms and conditions as the tract of land above mentioned the mill seat and land thereto belonging supposed to contain about three acres. All of the devised in the foregoing clauses is situate in Washington County on Nolichucky River and adjoining the lands of Dr. Isaac Taylor and others.
(Fourth) the houses and lots I own in the town of Jonesbourgh, I direct my executors herein after named to sell upon such terms and at such times as they may think best and the money arising from said sale and all other moneys I may have after paying my funeral expenses and debts and the expenses of the removal of my three slaves first named in this will. I give and bequeath to my three sisters, Sarah H. Hale, Louisa M. Jones, Mary M. Stuart and Ann M. Hoss, wife of Henry Hoss share and share alike. Mrs. Hoss is my cousin and I desire to treat her as a sister. The money thus given to my three sisters and cousin is not to be subject to the debts or contracts of their husbands but for their own sole and separate use.
(Fifth) I will and bequeath all my household and kitchen furniture except my clock, to my niece. My clock I give to my nephew, Samuel Hale. My debt will be paid out of the debts due me if sufficient. If not, out of the proceeds of the sale of my houses and lots and any part of my estate, either real or personal, not specifically disposed of in this will; I give and devise to my niece, Eliza Jane Carter to her sole and separate use from the contracts of her husband.
I hereby nominate and appoint my friends Henry Hoss and John F. Deadend as executors of this my last will and testaments hereby revoking all former will and testaments by me made. In witness whereof, I have them unto set my hand and seal this 20th day of September in the year 1861.
NOTE: Elizabeth was born in 1790 and died in 1861. She is buried in the Old Jonesboro Cemetery. Elizabeth was one of 11 children born to Major James Sevier (b.25 Oct 1764) and Nancy Conway (b. 22 Mar 1772 d. 15 Jul 1843). Major James Sevier was the son of General John Sevier and the grandson of pioneer Valentine Sevier.
Submitted by Rose Johnson Tate, Menifee CA.
Washington County, Tennessee Will Book 1, Courthouse, Jonesborough Tennessee.
I make this as my last will and testament – with regard to my personal affairs it is my will and wish first of all that my debts be paid. I do not wish any more of my property sold than will effect that purpose. After that whatever balance there may be remaining, whether it be real or personal ,by gifts or descents, or any manner whatever within my control, I give to my wife, Elizabeth C. Johnston, to be for her use and disposal. I request of her to make some provision in her lifetime for the emancipation of our colored people at her decease. It is not my wish that they should remain in bondage after our decease. Now in order that this my will shall be carried into effect, I do hereby appoint [Left blank by James Johnston. rjt] my Executor and my wife my Executrix. Given under my hand this 31st day of December 1847.
Signed sealed and acknowledged in presence of William A. Sevier and John Hunt.
NOTE: He was born in about 1785 and is buried in the James Sevier Cemetery. James and Elizabeth married abt. 1810. I find no record of children from the marriage. Major James Sevier willed a “9 year old Negro girl” and her “increase” to James Johnston and his wife Elizabeth. Major Sevier’s will is in Washington Co. Deed Book 23, p. 408. The will is dated Feb. 1840. RJT
James Johnston purchased 81 acres of land from George Henley and Jacob Handell on 11/11/1836. On that same day he purchased 117 acres from George Henley for $1,000. All this land was in Washington County. Washington County Deed Book V21/P 86.
Submitted by Rose Johnson Tate, Menifee CA.
I Jacob Klepper of Washington County State of Tennessee, being weak in body but of sound mind and judgement calling to mind the uncertainty of life do make and publish this my last will and testament in the manner following eizi[?]:
Sec.1st. It is my will that after my death all my just debts and funeral expence be paid by my Executors out of any money that may be on hand or the first money that may come into their hands.
Sec. 2d. I give and bequeath to my beloved wife Catherine [Bowman] the South west room in my mansion house, the bed, stead, and bedding and the secretary that is in it, also her choice of tables in the house, the cupboard and its ware with a sufficient quanity of kitchen furniture &endash; she is to have her support and maintainance out of the proceeds of the farm on which I now live; and that said maintainance shall be a lien on said farm, during her natural life or widowhood, but in case of her marriage, she thereby forfeits her maintainance and use of room but retains the above named personal property.
Sec.3d. I give to my son Henry the farm named in the above section estimated to contain two-hundred acres (more or less) he to have full control and management thereof from the time of my death, subject to the incumberance set forth in the second section, that is he to furnish his mother a comfortable and ample support in accordance with the above condition and the entire farm shall stand bound for same. I also give him choice of my two farm wagons and my wheat fan.
Sec. 4th. I give and bequeath to my daughter Eliza Hagy [to be a Civil War widow] the farm on which she now lives adjoining the land of Wm. Mathes, Jacob Bowman & others estimated to contain One hundred and forty-six acres (more or less) and in any case she dies without issue or childless, then in that case, said land to revert to my Estate and be sold by my Executors and the proceeds thereof equally divided between my following named sons and daughters, Joseph Klepper, John B. Klepper, Henry Klepper, Sarah Carr, Susanah Range and Catherine Range. I also give to my said daughter Eliza [a] Note I hold on A.J. Hagy for One hundred and thrity five dollars, with its interest, bearing date July 18th, 1860.
Sec. 5th. It is my will that shortly after my death my Executors sell on such time as they may think best for the interest of, the Estate, all the remainder of my personal property, the proceeds of which, together with the money when collected, that may be due me, be equally divided between the following named sons and daughters Joseph Klepper, John Klepper, Henry Klepper, Sarah Carr, Susannah Range and Catherine Range. And whereas I have heretofore pertioned off fully, my other children, not named in this will, I therefore give them no interest in the provisions [decisions] thereof.
Sec. 6th. And last I hereby appoint my son John B. Klepper and my son-in-law John H. Range the Executors of this my last will and Testement and hereby revoke all former wills made by me.
Witness my hand and Seal. This 18th day of Jan. 1862
[Interlined before signed] [signed] Jacob Klepper {Seal}
Attes’d, Wm. J. Strain, G.W. Telford
The foregoing will has duly processed in apes. [Appealet?] Court at April Term 186[2**] by Wm. L. Strain, G.W. Tilford Subscrbing mailing [?] is and ordered to be recorded and John B. Klepper, John N. Range, the Executors named there in appear in Open Court gave Bond & approved security and was duly qualified as Exectuors. [signed] J.A. Conley [Clerk]
Transcribed from the original contained in Washington County, TN, Will Book 2, pages 80-82, spelling and composition have been left unchanged from the original.
** As he died 26 March 1862.
Notes added by the transcriber: Ronald L. Akers, 21061 Vandenberg Ave., Riverside, CA 92518-2889. rlmlakers@earthlink.net
I John Merideth of Washington Co State of Tenn Being of Sound mind But feeble in health Publish and declare this my last will and testament.
1st I desire that all my just debts if any Shall be paid.
2nd That Tomb Stones of decent patern Shall be erected at all the graves of my family buried at Union Church yard.
3rd I direct that my Son Andrew Merideth be paid the Sum of twenty five dollars out of any moneys in my estate and my daughter Catherine Miller one Dollar
4th I direct that my daughter Diella be paid one hundred dollars out of the proceeds of my estate.
5th I direct that the remainder part of my estate Shall be devided equally among my daughters Ceila and Dellia and my Sons Robert H. and Oscar and Elbert
6th I appoint J H Jones of Co and State above mentioned as executor of this my last will and testament and that no bond be required.
7th I direct that the trustees of Union Church be paid the Sum of Twenty five dollars and money to be used in keeping the church yard in repair.
8th I direct my executors to Sell my real estate… and devide the proceeds are direct above.
Witness my hand and Seal this the 7th day of Aug 1902.
John Merideth
Attest
M D Love
Alphus Green.
Note: John Merideth (Meredith), a millwright, farmer, carpenter, married Phebe Jones, December 1862 in Carter County, Tennessee. He was born October 25, 1830 in Virginia. Phebe, born June 12, 1834 in North Carolina, was the daughter of John Jones and Keziah Perkins. Between 1870 and 1880, they moved from Roan Mountain in Carter County to Washington County, eventually living in Cherokee community. John Meredith was listed in the 1880 Census in Washington County. John died November Phebe predeceased him January 24, 1895. They are both buried, with separate headstones, at Union Church of Christ, Cherokee in Washington, County.
John and Phebe had six children: Celia, Dellia, Andrew, Robert, and twins, Elbert and William Oscar. Celia married Edward Hensley, and Robert married Dona Crosswhite. All of whom are buried at the Union Church of Christ. William Oscar, who went by Oscar, married Maranda Fine. They are buried at Glenwood Union Church of Christ in Jonesborough, TN. Oscar and Maranda had two daughters a son. One of the daughters, Pearl Meredith Kite, had the original of John’s will in her keepsakes. The will is written on lined paper in pencil. It is folded and in an envelope with “Grandpa Meredith will on property owned in New Mexico” in Pearl’s handwriting.
The will mentions John’s daughter Catherine Miller. She was not living with the family during the census in 1870 or 1880.
Submitted by Connie Padgett, connie.padgett@worldnet.att.net
MORDECAI PRICE INVENTORY & ESTATE RECORDS
INVENTORY: Washington Co., Tennessee; Inventory Book 00, pgs. 126-127; November Sessions 1799; Mordecai Price An account of the property of Mordecai Price, deceased. Seven head of hoges, five cows & three calves, two 2 year old & five yearlings, nine Sheep, twenty four head of hogs, fifteen geese. One Rifle gun, one still & three tubs, one waggon and geers, one straw knife and bone, one anvil, Two feather beds & furniture, Two pewter dishes & eleven plates, four basons, Five knives & forks, Fifteen Spoons, eight tin cups, Six cups & seven saucers, Two bowles & one coffee pot. One bottle, one mug and Six crocks. Two pails & one bucket. One tub, three iron pots, two ovens, one skillet, one frying pan. Seven chairs, one chest, One looking glass, one pair of fire tongs, two smoothing irons, one pair of –, one table, one wheel, one pair of wool cards, one brush, Three saddles & one bridle, one p. of bridle bits, three books, Two kegs, one Ladle & flesh fork, one razor, one pair of presses, one log chain, one loom, two slays & a pair of gears. Three axes, one wedge, one mattock, Three Bells, one auger, two handsaws, five ploughs , six ?, one seythe, four reaf hooks, two pot racks, one branding iron, one pair of stirrup irons, one drawing knife, one half bushell, one ? box, Two baskets, a quantity of flax-sixteen pound, & one quarter of wool, one pound of cotton, three clevises, seven ?, one pair of saddle bags, one pair of hinges.
ESTATE SETTLEMENT: Washington Co., Tennessee; Receipts belonging to the settlement of the Estate of Mordecai Price, dec’d. 1815 thru 1818 pgs. 127-128;
Where as I Benjamin Price Legatee of the Estate of Mordecai Price deceased received of Rachael Price forty two dollars & eighty four cents, it being part of my fathers estate as our of the Legatees rec. by me Feb 11th day 1815.
Benjamin Price {his seal}. James Robinson.
Where as I Henry Ausmus Legatee of the estate of Mordecai Price deceased, received of Rachel Price forty three dollars it being the money of my fathers estate as one of the Legatees
Rec. by me February the ? day 1815. Henry (X ) his mark Ausmus. (his seal).
Where as I Thomas Price Legatee of the Estate of Mordecai Price deceased received of Rachael Price forty two dollars & eighty four cents, it being the money of my fathers estate as one of the Legatees rec. by me April 4th day 1815.
Thomas Price (his seal) Test. James Robinson.
Where as I Christopher Price Legatee of the Estate of Mordecai Price deceased received of Rachael Price forty two dollars & eighty four cents, it being the money of my fathers estate as one of the Legatees rec. by me February 11th day 1815.
Christopher (X) his mark Price. {his seal}
Test James Robinson.
Where as I James Price Legatee of the Estate of Mordecai Price deceased received of Rachael Price forty two dollars & eighty four cents, it being the money of my fathers estate as one of the Legatees rec. by me February 11th day 1815.
James (X) his mark {his seal}.
Test James Robinson.
Where as I Mordecai Price Legatee of the Estate of Mordecai Price deceased received of Rachael Price forty two dollars & eighty four cents, it being the money of my fathers estate as one of the Legatees rec. by me February the 25th day 1818.
Mordecai Price {his seal}.
Where as I Dolphin Price Legatee of the Estate of Mordecai Price deceased received of Rachael Price forty two dollars & eighty four cents, it being the money of my fathers estate as one of the Legatees February the 25th day 1818.
Rec. by me Dolphin (X) his mark Price. (his seal). Test. James Robinson.
Where as I Sarah Price Legatee of the Estate of Mordecai Price deceased received of Rachael Price forty two dollars & eighty four cents, it being the money of my fathers estate as one of the Legatees rec. by me February the ? day 1818.
Sarah Price (X) her mark
Submitted by: Lyle & Selena DuLac, lvd@interworldnet.net
Note: Peter Range, Sr. really needs no introduction to the people of Washington County, TN or the readers of the WAGS Bulletin. Peter was an early pioneer in Washington Co. coming probably in the late 1780’s following the Revolutionary War, from his younger life in Pennsylvania and initial family beginnings in Virginia. The establishment of his family business enterprise and home are all well chronicled in WAGS’ History of Washington County, Tennessee, 1988, wherein his house (still standing) appears on page 155, his mill on page 191 and family history on pages 457-8. Peter born in New Jersey in 1749, died in Washington Co, TN in 1817 and is buried with his wife and several family members very near his stone house in Johnson city, TN*. His will is contained in Washington Co, TN records, Will Book #1, pages 114-118. It is a classic will of the period and contains many genealogical helps for people researching this family. Its transcription follows, made from a photocopy of the original record. Spelling, punctuation and capitalization are basically per the original. Items in brackets [ ] are words in question by the transcriber.
In the name of God Amen, I Peter Range of the State of Tennessee and County of Washington, Being weak and Low in health But in sound mind and memory thanks be given to God. Calling unto mind the mortality of my Body and Knowing that it is appointed for all Men once to die do make and ordain this my Last will and Testement that is to say principally and first of all I Give and Recommend by soul into hand of almity God and Gave it and my Body I Recommend to the Earth to be buried in decent Christian Buriel at the disretion of my Executers and as Touching such worldly estate wheare with it has pleased God to bless me in this life. I give demiss and despose of the same in the following manner and form.
First I give and bequeath to my beloved son Jacob My plantation with all other apertaninces belonging theare to and he the said Jacob is to keep my wel Beloved Wife with him and to youse her as a tender Son would thear Mother also it is my will and Desire that he Jacob shall keep my three Daughters Barbary, Sarah and Rachel as Long as the keeps single and yosue them as a tender Brother ought to youse his sisters, it is also my Desire tat Jacob pay my Son Peter one thousand Dollars in the term of five years and he Jacob is to let Peter injoy that part of the plantation wheare he now lives until he pays him the Money.
Further more I give and bequeath all Moneys that is in my posestion or Due to Me To my son Jacob to be his, it is also my desire that Jacob pay my son Isaac nine hundred Dollars and one horse, saddle and bridle to the worth of one hundred Dollars to be paid to him in two years from the time of the sale of property.
Further more I give and bequeath to my three Daughters Barbary, Sarah and Rachel Each of them a good Bed; and all the Rest of my household furniture and stocks I want sold and one third of the money arising from the sale I give and bequeath to my beloved wife, the other two thirds of the money to go to my Daughters allowing them all an Eaqul part but my three Daughters that now lives with me Barbary, Sarah and Racahel to have on hundred dollars more then the Rest to make them Equal with the others, it is also my Request that Jacob pay my son John one Dollar as he has already got his part that I alow him.
Lastly I make Constitute and ordain my Sons John and Jacob to be my Executers of this my Last Will and Testament and I do heareby utterly Disalow Revoke and disannul all and Every other former Testament, Ratifying and Confirming this and no other to be my Last will and Testament in witness wheare of I have heare unto set my hand and seal this Six of august in the [year] of our Lord one thousand Eight and Seventeen.
Attest
John Mallone
Jonathan Hammer[x] his mark
Peter X Range {Seal}
Mark Mears [x] his mark
This is to Certify that wee are all Agreed to this Will given under our hands this second day of December 1817.
Elisabeth Range
Elisabeth Miller
John Range
Susanna Davalt
Jacob Range
Barbara Range
Peter Range
Sary Range
Isaac Range
Rachel Range
Margaret Davault
Know all men by these present that we Jacob Range and John Range, James Meloon, Jonathan Coreathers [Crethers?] are held and firmly bound unto Joseph Mixniman [?], Gouvenor [?] as his security [?] in the just & full sum of four thousand dollars to be held [?] on condition that John Range and Jacob Ranage shall will and truly execute all the duty of executors of the last will and testament of Peter Range deceased according to law and settle with those who are entitled to receive by virtue of said will witness our hands & seals this 19th day of January 1818.
Test.
Jas Sevier
John Range {Seal}
Jacob Range {Seal}
James Meloon {Seal}
Jonatha Crethers {Seal}
Note: The Peter Range Cemetery can be found in the cemetery section.
Submitted by. Ronald Akers, 13203 Clyde Park Ave., Hawthorne, CA 90250-4915, 310-643-6849, e-mail: rlmlakers@earthlink.net. [Ronald is the great x 3 grandson of Peter, see WAGS Bulletin, Vol. 26, No. 1, page 53.]
Washington County, Tennessee Will Book 2, pp. 189-190
I, Jessee Riggs, 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 funeral expenses and all 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 executor.
Secondly, I bequeath to my beloved wife Hannah Riggs the farm I now live on, bounded by John Whitlock (or heirs), Charles Bacon, Endymon Yoakley, Uriah Hunt and others containing 167-1/2 acres more or less, to have and to hold during her natural life, or so long as she remains my widow and further my will is that my beloved wife have the property that she had at the time of our marriage for her to have the full control to do as she sees fit with, it by will or any way that seems to her that is just and right. The property that I had at the time of our marriage and the property we have made since or may make hereafter. My will is that my beloved wife have the control of said property and make use of said property to her special benefit during her natural life or so long as she remains my widow, and others to be sold by my Executor to the best advantage and the money to be put to uses hereinafter described.
Thirdly. My will is that William Riggs have the lower end of the farm where I now live, the one half of the above mentioned farm after the death of my beloved wife Hannah Riggs or at the end of her widowhood of the said Jesse Riggs. My will is that Elizabeth Combs my Granddaughter have the upper part of the as above described farm containing one half of said farm to hold unto her heir his natural life and them to her bodily heirs. My will is that she have no power to sell her life dower in said tract only to use said lands to her own special benefit, and my will is that her bodily heirs have no power to sell the said land in the lifetime of their mother, after her death, their to do as they please with said tract of land.
My will is that my daughter Elizabeth Murray, who is now dead, her heirs to have no more of my estate as my son William Riggs bought of her and Jessee Murray her husband the entire content in my estate during her lifetime and paid her for the same. My will is that my property be sold after the death of my beloved wife if she continues to remain my widow and if not be sold at the end of her widowhood, as described in the foregoing will, and the money divided by my executor to William Riggs if living, if not to his representatives, and in the same manner to my Granddaughter Elizabeth Combs, each one to have an equal share of the money that my personally property may bring.
Lastly, I do hereby nominate and appoint Henry Lady my Executor. In witness whereof I do to this my will set my hand and seal This 11th day of June 1866.
Jessee Riggs (Seal)
Signed, sealed and published in our presence and we have subscribed our names hereto in the presence of the Testator this 11th day June, 1866.
Test
Nathan Shipley
Elbert A. Shipley
The foregoing will was presented to the court for probate at the April, Tenn 1869 and proven by the month of Nathan Shipley and Elbert A. Shipley the two subscribing witnesses thereto and ordered to be recorded.
J. F. Grisham, Clerk
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES FOR JESSEE RIGGS
Holston Baptist Association Minutes 1869, Obituary, p. 6 and 7
While we rejoice at the growth of our Churches, it becomes our painful duty to chronicle the mournful fact that two of our beloved and much respected ministers have fallen since our last annual meeting: Rev. Jesse Riggs and Rev. A. B. McGarry. Bro. Riggs had been in the ministry about forty years, and was pastor of Double Springs Church all this time. He was a bright and shining light to all, and incessant in the labor for the cause of Christ. Bro. McGarry had been engaged in the Masterís cause about twelve years and was a successful laborer in the vineyard of the Lord.
We tender their families and surviving friends our heartfelt sympathies, and commend them to the Lord and the Word of His grace for comfort in the hour of their trial.
W. A. Keen, Chairman of Committee
From: SOLDIERS OF THE WAR IN 1812 BURIED IN TENNESSEE
RIGGS, Jesse, (8-22-1792 – 1-27-1869) Sullivan county. Married 1st, Mary Ann Barron (8-12-1813 – d. 10-1852) married 2nd, Hannah Humphreys (11-4-1858) (living in Washington County in 1883); Pvt. Capt. Amon Barron’s Co., Col. Ewen Allison’s Regiment East Tennessee Militia (1-1-1814) War Department and Tennessee State Archives; Double Springs Baptist Cemetery (Kendrick’s Creek), Sullivan County Tennessee.
From: TENNESSEE’S PIONEER BAPTIST PREACHERS (Sketches of Tennessee’s Pioneer Baptist Preachers: being, incidentally, a history of Baptist beginnings in the several associations in the state.by J J Burnett. Johnson City TN: Overmountain Press, 1985, reprint of 1919)
“Rev. Jesse Riggs: Forty years a Baptist minister; born August 22, 1792; died January 27, 1869” tombstone inscription at Double Springs Church.
Through the representations of Elders W. A. Keen and W. K. Cox, the subject of this sketch seems to the writer like an old acquaintance. Nevertheless, he has to confess that he has been unable to secure data and definite information for a sketch at all worthy of his subject. The scene of his labors, however, was in upper East Tennessee, the upper Holston country. He was about forty years pastor of the Double Springs Church, which was the largest church representing in the Holston Association in 1845, reporting that year 223 members. Brother Keen always regarded Jesse Riggs as his spiritual father and his father in the ministry – always spoke of him as Father Riggs. In a great meeting held by him and William Cate (1841) with the Fall Branch Church, during Brother Riggs’ pastorate of that church, Brother Keen (with seventy-five others) was converted, and was led down into the water and baptized by Father Riggs.
He was married to Mary Ann Barron, August 12, 1813, and to Hannah Humphreys, November 4, 1858.
In Minutes of the Holston Association for 1869 is a published obituary of Elder Jesse Riggs, “a beloved and much respected minister of the Association for fory years and pastor all that time of Double Springs Church.” It spells something for a man to be pastor of a church continuously for forty years
Jesse Riggs, it is said, when thoroughly stirred, was a powerful exhorter; but steadfastly believed some very hard doctrine – in fact thought that whatever was to be would be sure to come to pass, and that the Lord didn’t very much need human help to carry on His business. So, in the meeting above referred to, he had a suspicion at first that a good deal of the so-called “revival” was “fox-fire,” and was about to shake off the dust of his feet against the place and leave the meeting. Brother Cate said to him, “Brother Riggs, how long have you been pastor of the church? How long have you been praying for these sinners?” “All the time.” was the reply. “Now, Brother Riggs, why should you be so scared when the Lord so marvelously answers your prayers?” Brother Riggs saw the point, and broke forth in a most wonderful exhortation.”
WAS JESSE RIGGS A BROTHER TO LEVI RIGGS?
I know that ‘a Jesse Riggs’ was a brother to Levi Riggs and Ninian Riggs who were all sons of John Riggs, the sons were all born in Maryland. My first knowledge of John Riggs in Tennessee is when he purchased land on the French Broad in Jefferson county in April 1811. In 1815 the following were on the tax lists of Isaiah Midkiff in Grainger county; Ninian Riggs, Jesse Riggs, Jesse Riggs, Jr., and a man named Ammon Barron, indicating they all lived in the same vicinity. By 1817 Jesse and Jesse Jr. had disappeared and my ancestor, Levi Riggs appeared, near by Ninian Riggs and Ammon Barron. The significance of Ammon Barron becomes apparent when we find a marriage of Amon Barron to Nancy Riggs 29 October 1813 in Jefferson county and the marriage of a Jesse Riggs to Nancy Ann Barron (see wife #1 in above biography) in Jonesboro on 27 July 1831 (discrepency in dates). Also the Jesse Riggs in the above biography served in the War of 1812 under Captain A. Barron.
In application for pension the wife of Jesse Riggs, Hannah, states that her husband was a hatter by occupation at the time of his enlistment. In the settlement of the estate of James Blair in 1833 (I didn’t record where) cash was paid to Jesse Riggs for 3 wool hats. It would seem that Jefferson and Grainger would be too far away from Washington or Sullivan to be dealing in hats between the two areas. I suppose it is possible that Jesse Riggs, the preacher, had to have another occupation to support his family (no children are ever mentioned)
The 1860 census of Washington Co., TN shows Jesse Riggs, age 67, Baptist minister, born in Maryland and his wife Hannah, age 57, b. TN. My great great grandfather, Levi Riggs, was born in Maryland 15 February 1794 and Ninian Riggs was older than either of them.
Unfortunately there were other Riggs families in the Jefferson/Grainger area with seemingly no relationship. There were several Jesse Riggs also. My hope was to find evidence in Washington or Sullivan counties which would link, Jesse the preacher, to my Levi. Did the John Riggs family live elsewhere in Tennessee between the time they left Maryland and the date John purchased the land in 1811 in Jefferson County, could that place have been Washington county? Migration patterns lead me to believe the family came down the Shenandoah Valley from Maryland and upon arriving at the Holston they rafted down river to ??? before they arrived in Jefferson county.
John Riggs, the father of the above sons and many more children, was listed in the 1830 census of Jefferson County as being between 80 and 90, there was a female in the household 70 to 80.
Contributed by Jill Rich (jillslp@naxs.com) for use on the Washington County, Tennessee TNGenWeb Project
Washington County, Tennessee, Wills Book 2, 1858-89, pages 97-98.
I, Phobe Stuart, of Jonesboro Te do hereby make and publish this as my last will, as follows. –
I give and bequeath to Mary Stuart Slemons my china tea sett, (distinguished by having a small flower) consisting of a teapot, sugar bowl, 11 cups & 12 saucers; also a sett of 12 teaspoons I have had for forty years, also, my sugar Tongs; Mrs. Randolph’s Cook Book, “Dodridge’s Rise & Progress,” and my “Scrap Book”-To Alice G. Slemons one half dozen dessert Silver Spoons; To Jas H. Dosser’s oldest daughter one half dozen dessert Silver Spoons; To Thos E. Dosser’s daughter “Cally” my silver cream spoon; To Alice Nelson, my Secretary, Book Case, and all my books not otherwise disposed of; also my parlor looking glass, the same having been the property of her great grand mother; To Ann Nelson I give my silver table spoons, six in number; my wedding quilt I give to Mr. Wm. C. Slemons; To Rev. R. P. Wells, one Hundred dollars; To each of his daughters fifty dollars, to be expended towards their education; also my dozen silver teaspoons, ? dozen to each daughter,
I desire my bound boy “Ed.” to be bound out to some good person who will learn him a trade; and I give him my bed, known as “Aunt Clara’s bed” – my bound girl Minerva, I wish left in charge & under the entire control of her grand mother, and I will her (Minerva) my (usual sleeping) bed.
The House & lot, upon which I live, with all that is appurtenant thereto; together with all personal property of every discription, not herein specifically disposed of I direct to be sold by my Executors, as, also, I direct them to collect all debts dues & demands coming or that may be due me, by operation of law, or in any other manner whatever, if the sum can be collected, and the proceeds thereof, I will and devise as follows: All my just debts and funeral & medical expenses I wish paid, reserving a fund sufficient for my tombstone, and an enclosure to my grave; and the balance, or residuum of my estate, after discharging the expenses of its administration, my will and desire is that it shall be disposed of as follows: – Six hundred dollars to the “Odd. Fellows Female High School” of Jonesboro. Te., which sum I especially direct shall be appropriated by the Trustees of said School only in repairs, or towards the completion, of their present buildings, and the balance of my property, or estate, whatever that balance may be, I will and devise to the Trustees of said School, and their Successors in office, to be held in trust, & in perpetuity, for the education of poor girls, whose parents are unable to educate them, & who reside in Jonesboro, or vicinity. Said poor girls may be selected by the Trustees of sd School, and educated at their school, on the usual Terms of tuition, common in the schools of the town of equal grade; but in the event said school shall be suspended, the income of the fund hereby appropriated; shall be expended in the education of poor girls in any other good School in Jonesboro in operation.
To enable my Executors to carry out fully the last two provisions of my Will, I give them five years time, during which they may rent my said property, and they may defer its sale until such time as they may deem proper, but not longer than five years, My Executors shall, also, designate the mode in which said fund for the education of poor girls shall be invested; and in their discretion, they may direct whether the principal & interest, or the interest only shall be applied to this purpose; my intention in making this bequest is, if possible, to provide a perpetual fund, for the education of such poor girls, as, without such assistance, would receive little or no education; and I wish my Executors, in their just discretion, to arrange a plan to allow the income of this fund, or the fund itself, to go free, unencumbered [sic], and uninterupted [sic], to this object; and I have selected the Trustees of the Jonesboro “Female High School,” now under charge of Lodge No. 40, I. O. O. F. to be the medium through which this may be effected. Should said Trustees decline to execute this Trust in the manner proposed by my Executors, or should said School come under the direction of other Trustees, then this bequest is to be executed in any other mode my Executors may devise; or descend to the Trustees who may succeed the present management of said School.
I hereby nominate & appoint A. G. Graham, and Jas. H. Dosser, Executors of this Will.
Witness my hand this 12 January 1859 –
Phebe Stuart
Executed & Acknowledged in presence of us 12 Jany. 59.
John Keyes
Wm. P. Brewer
The foregoing Will was duly proven in Open Court at Feby Term 1863 by John Keys
State of Tennessee}
Washington County}
Wm. P. Brewer the subscribing witnesses there to ordered to be recorded and Jas H. Dosser one of the Executors named there in apprd in open Court gave Bond with approved Sicurity [sic] & qualifd [sic] J. A. Conly Clerk Co.
Note: Phoebe Stuart was the “next friend” to the former slaves of Loyd Ford, Sr. in the Ford vs. Ford trials. The former slaves were suing the children of Loyd Ford, Sr. for their freedom, which Loyd Ford, Sr. had granted them in his will. These trials took place in the 1840’s and early 1850’s. Thomas A.R. Nelson was the lawyer for the former slaves.
Submitted to the Washington County TNGenWeb Page by Betty Jane Hylton, 29 July 2009.
In the name of God amen:
I Isaac White of the State of Tennessee Washington County being for a long time in low health and weak in body but still of perfect sound mind and memory knowing that it is appointed for all men to die and for the distribution of such worldly estate as it has pleased God to bless me with do make this instrument of writing my last will and testament in the following manner – First I give and bequeath to my beloved wife Sarah my Negro woman named Beck during her life and after her death to be the property of my son Terry White should he be living and all my household goods and furniture I leave to my wife and son Terry to dispose of their pleasure Item – I give and bequeath to my son Terry my two Negro boys named Sam and Ned together with all stock of horses, cattle, sheep and hogs, farming utensils, still and vessels and every other article belonging to me not otherwise disposed of, but he is to fend my wife with a horse bridle and saddle at all times when she shall choose or want it her own pleasure and also to fend her in sufficient and decent apparel and that during her life or continuance to dwell with him and to also pay after the death of my wife to my sons William, Stephen, Richard and to my daughters Mary wife of Thomas Gibson, Susannah wife of Daniel Denton, Anna wife of Elijah Keen the sum of one hundred dollars each -and as I have heretofore given and conveyed to my other sons their portion in land I hereby bequeath the several sons given as their portion of my estate – Lastly, I nominate and appoint my beloved wife and my son Terry Executrix and Executor of this my last will and testament, hereby revoking and disanuling all other wills, legacies and bequest by me heretofore made and making this my last will and testament. In testimony whereof I have hereby set my hand and affixed my seal this Fifth day of May in the year of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Nineteen.
Signed and sealed in ISAAC WHITE {Seal}
In the presence of:
NATHAN SHIPLEY
WILLIAM GRIMSLEY
Transcribed and submitted by: Carla Gruber