The first four books of wills date from the earliest in 1777 up to 1875. These books list the name of the deceased in alphabetical order rather than chronological order according to date. Book 1 contains the names A-D, Book 2 E-I, Book 3 J-N, and Book 4 O-Z. For Wills from Books 3-4.
All of the early wills are photocopies of the originals (which are specially stored to preserve them). Some of the copies are very light, others have been folded and much of the writing in the crease is difficult to read. The wills were extracted and submitted by Kim Livaditis unless indicated.
English, John Sr.
Book 1, Section “A”
Page 1 Robert Allison 26 Apr 1792
Wife: Anne Allison to be executors with the assistance of son Robert Allison. She is to continue living on the plantation with son Robert.
Younger daughters Jean Allison and Polly Allison with son Robert and wife Anne will equally divide the estate.
To daughter Anne all that is now called her own, 2 cows and calfs, one four year old horse, colt and her own clothes, bed and bed clothes.
To youngest son Robert: the plantation, 1 mare, 2 year old horse, colt and also the wagon and all implements belonging to the farm.
To each married child the sum of six shillings and that they assist in dividing the whole estate.
Witnesses: Robert K. Allison, John Anderson, George Bell
Page 2 James Allison 14 Sep 1794
Appoint my friends Robert Allison, Nathaniel Davis and James Charter my administrators.
To my wife Jane: 1 two year old horse, 1 gray horse, two cows, bed and furniture, chest and clothing.
To Elizabeth Scott: 1 horse and saddle
To Hannah Scott: 5 pounds
To Rachel Sharp: 5 pounds
To Ethen Allison: 5 pounds.
To daughter Elizabeth Allison: all remainder of my estate after debts are paid.
Witnesses: Elizabeth Allison, Frank Allison, John Adams, Michael Harrison.
[There was no notation as to who Elizabeth, Hannah and Rachel were.]
Book 1, Section “B”
Page 1 – 2 John Bullard 15 Oct 1780
To wife Mary Bullard: every part of my estate to her sole use and dispersal.
Witnesses: Joseph E. Nation, Elenor Nation, Anne Bullard.
No signature on the will.
Page 3-4 William Bean 06 Jan 1782
In the name of God Amen. I William Bean Sen. Being in perfect mind and memory and calling to mind the mortality of my own body and knowing that it is appointed for all men to die do make and ordain this to be my last will & testament revoking all others by me made. First principally and first of all I give and bequeath my soul to almighty God relying on his mercy through Christ and my body to the dust from whence it came & as touching my worldly estate wherewith it has been please to God to bless me with in this life. I give and bequeath in the following manner & form first of all I give and bequeath to my beloved wife Liddy one negroe girl named Grace and all my horses & cattle & hoggs & sheep & all my household goods together with the land and mill whereon I now live during her natural life & after her decease the land and mill to be given to my beloved son, Russell & the remainder that is given to my beloved wife at her decease to be equally divided amongst my children and all the residue and remainder of my estate real and personal after my just debts being paid to be equally divided amongst my surviving children. Also I leave my sons William & Robert and George executors of this my last will.
William [his X mark] Bean {Seal}
Signed, Sealed published & declared in the presence of us
This 6th day of January 1782
Thomas Hardeman
John [is F mark] Callehan
Robert Stone
The foregoing will was proven in Court by the oath of Thomas Hardeman on of the subscribing witnesses thereto at May Session 1792 and ordered to be recorded.
Note: William Bean, b. 1721, moved with his wife, Lydia Russell Bean, and six of their eight children from south of Danville, Virginia down into the present state of Tennessee in 1768 and became the first white settlers to establish a permanent home in this state. Their crude cabin stood on a site along side Boone’s Creek, about seven miles outside Jonesboro, Tennessee. There, Russell, the first white child born in Tennessee was delivered. Several of his sons fought in the Revolutionary War as Patriots and were among the “Overmountain Men” who marched from Sycamore Shoals to victory over the Loyalist troops of Col. Patrick Ferguson at the battle of Kings Mountain, SC. Lydia Bean was captured by Cherokees and rescued by Nancy Ward, a “Wonderful Woman” of that tribe. Russell became famous as a gunsmith and once lived and worked on the present site of the Blair-Moore House on Main Street in Jonesboro, Tennessee. He was also arrested and jailed by Judge Andrew Jackson (later President) but, who later joined together to fight a fire which threatened to destroy downtown Jonesboro. A full history of Washington/Grainger/Greene Counties cannot be written without appreciation for the Bean Family contributions to the development of its life.
References:
Bean, Joseph S., Editor, Clan Macbean in North America, Vol. II, Fifth Ed. Revised, Denver CO:Clan Macbean in North America, Inc. 1992.
Fink, Paul M., Jonesborough: The First Century of Tennessee’s First Town, Johnson City TN:Overmountain Press, Reprint 1989.
Ramsey, J.G. M., Annals of Tennessee, Johnson City TN: The Overmountain Press, Reprint, 1999.
Sakowski, Carolyn, Touring the East Tennessee Backroads, Winston-Salem NC: John F. Blair Co., 2000
Submitted by: Fred Bean, e-mail: Fbean60@aeneas.net
Posted 16 July 2007
Page 4 – 5 Adam Broyles 19 Apr 1782
To first born Moses Broyles: 200 acres of land and the land adjoining Adim Broyles, bought of Joseph Buller on the south side of the Little Limestone.
To my sons Aron and Joshua: the land I now live equally divided.
To daughter Milley Prentes(Trenton): 200 acres of land beside Adim Broyles bought of George Doughterly and 5 schillings sterling.
To Minney Broyles: 60 pounds of the currency to be paid in the year, bed and furniture, 1 cow and calf, 2 pots and a dutch oven.
To daughter Mary Broyles: 60 pounds currency, bed and furniture, 1 cow and calf, 2 pots, 1 dutch oven, negroes and Kentucky land.
To daughter Anne Brown: 5 schillings.
The family is to live on the plantation until all are married. The whole of the remaining estate to be equally divided at the year 1790.
Executors: Friends Joseph Brown, Moses Broyles, William Moor
Witnesses: John Waddle, Coonrod Willpightle, Mathias Broyles.
Page 6 – 7 Aron Burleson 16 Nov 1781
In Suleven Coanty in North Carolina.
To wife[ not named]: all real and personal estate.
To son John: 1 mare.
To son Jonathan: 1 mare.
To son Joseph: 1 mare.
To each son a good rifle when they come of age.
To daughter Elizabeth: 1 schilling sterling.
To son Thomas: 1 schilling sterling.
To daughter Sarah ,1 schilling sterling.
To son Aaron: 1 schilling sterling.
To daughter Rachel: 1 schilling sterling.
To daughter Naney [Nancy]: 1 schilling sterling.
To daughters Abigail, Mary, Roday each 1 cow.
To son James: all of my estate after everyone is paid.
Executors: wife and son Aaron Burleson.
Witnesses: Aaron Burleson, Thomas Williams, Henry Clark, Purwick Sheles.
Page 22 Benjamin Blackburn 10 Aug 1786
State of Franklin, County of Washington
In the name of God Amen
August 10th in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty six I Benjamin Blackburn of the state of Franklin and county of Washington farmer
Being very weak and frail in body but in perfect mind and memory thanks be given just God Therefore calling into mind the mortality of my body and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die I do make constitute and ordain this my last will and testament what is to say principally and first of all I recommend my soul into the hands of God that gave it me and my body I recommend to the earth to be buried in a decent Christian like manner at the discretion of my executors not any doubting but that at the general resurrection I shall receive the same again by the mighty power of God _ and as to such worldly estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me in this life __ I do give and bequeath and dispose of it in the following manner and form imprimis I do give and bequeath to my dearly and well beloved wife Mary Blackburn good sufficient genteel and handsome maintainance during her life of all things necessary & likewise a good comfortable home and one good cow to be kept and possessed by her as her own property__ Item I do give and bequeath to my beloved son Benjamin my great bible__Item I give and bequeath to each of my grandsons named Benjamin one good school bible __Item I do bequeath to my son John Blackburns son Samuel one good school bible __Item I do give and bequeath to my beloved sons Robert Blackburn and Benjamin Blackburn my bond on Hiram Gerim of three hundred pounds__ Item to my son Archibald Blackburn I do give and bequeath the land where on I now live only allowing him to pay to my son Samuel Blackburn forty pounds__Item I do give and bequeath to my dearly and well loved daughter Ann one good bed and bed clothes and hangings and chest the bedstead excepted__Item I do give to my dearly and well beloved daughter Elizabeth Bay my negro wench named Winnow which shall descend to her children at her death—likewise I do allow my son Archibald Blackburn to give her one good fifteen or twenty pound horse only keeping out of that the bond that he the said Archibald Blackburn owes to Thomas Bays__ Item I do give & bequeath my dearly and well beloved son John Blackburn my shoe buckles my great coat and the clothcoat and jacoat__Item I do give to my son Robert Blackburn my cotton coat & jacoat__I do give to my son Archibald my sheep my great pot and my table and whatever is in Alexander Mathis hands and other small articles I allow Archibald to clear my debts__ and for executors to execute my last will and testament I appoint constitute and authorise my trusty and well beloved son Archibald Blackburn and John Wear as my sole executors and I do hereby utterly discard revoke and make void and all and any other former wills and legacies by any ways made by me and I do acknowledge this and none other to be my last will and testament in writing witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal the day and year above written and sealed published and pronounced by the said Benjamin Blackburn as his last will and testament in the presents of the under named subscribers.
James Cunningham The foregoing will was proven in court by the oath of Andrew
Jeremiah Robinson Hannah one of the subscribing witnesses thereto on Aug 1791
Andrew Hannah & recorded
[Notice the foregoing will was not signed by the testator]
Contributed by James L. Wilson
Posted 23 July 2011
Page 9 – 10 Walter Bayley 10 Jun 1790
To wife [not named]: The land in Sussex Co. Virginia which is in care of Thomas Whitfield, 1 negro woman named Fanny, 1 negro boy named Harbot, 1 sorrel mare and filly, beds and furniture.
To Daughter Mary: 1 negro girl named Patty.
To Daughter Lucy: 1 negro boy named Charles. Mary and Lucy to equally divide the estate after his wife’s decease.
To Sarah Magget daughter of Mary Magget: 1 tract of land in Sussex Co. Virginia adjoining Benjamin Chaplains place and Joshua Mullins land. Also the smith tools and shop.
Executors: Joseph Green of Washington Co. North Carolina and Ethaldred Davis.
Witnesses: Tad Reneau, Archer Evans, Charles Evans.
Page 11 Thomas Bell 19 Mar 1792
To wife Elizabeth: (black maid[mare] on the farm?), saddle, bridle, bed and furniture, 1 cow called Churry.
To Son John: 1 bay mare, 1 rifle
To Son David: 1 bay mare, 1 rifle. David and John are to equally divide the land.
To daughter Sarah and Mary: they need to be taught to read God’s word and to cipher to the rule of three.
To brother John Bell: he is to be children’s guardian.
Executors: wife and brother William Bell.
Witnesses: Robert Carson, John Bell.
Page 12 Joseph Barron 02 Aug 1793
South of the Ohio River Territory
To wife Ann: all that the law allows. Mentions sons: John, Joseph, Henry, William and James.
To son James: he will receive the balance of my estate.
To daughter Sarah Dotson’s daughter Mary Dotson Ford,: 1 schilling
To Walker Barron: 1 schilling.
Executors: sons Joseph and William Barron.
Witnesses: John Kincheloe, Margaret Barron, Joseph Barron.
Pages 16 – 17 James Boring/Boren 14 Oct 1795
Territory of the United States South of the Ohio River.
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.
Page 18 Jiles Brooks 17 Jan 1799
To my wife Jean(Jane): to keep and have in her hands his worldly goods as long as she remains his widow.
The estate is to be equally divided between his children when his wife deceases and when the children come of age.
Executor: My trusty friend James Boyles.
Witnesses: Daniel Bayles, Coburn Finch, Anne Bayles.
Book 1, Section “C”
Page 1 James Cox 19 Oct 1777
Washington County state of North Carolina.
To my sons Abraham and William: 2 negro men slaves named Peter and Frank. The whole of my lands where I now live.
To daughter Jane: 50 pounds in cash.
To daughter Agness: 1 negro man named Charles.
To Jane and Agness: all of my stock and moveable estate.
His father left him some negro slaves which were never received. If they are recovered they are to be equally divided among his children.
Executors: Friends Abraham Cove, William Cose Jr., John Sevier.
Witnesses: John Carter, Christopher Cunningham, Emmanuel Carter.
Pages 14 Christopher Cunningham 10 Nov 1782
In the state of North Carolina.
In the Name of God Amen The tenth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand Seven hundred and Eighty two I Christopher Cunningham of the County of Washington and State of North Carolina being very sick and weak in body but of perfect mind and memory thanks be given to God. Therefore calling into 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 VIZ principally and first of all I give and recommend my Soul into the hands of God that gave it and as for my body I recommend it to the Earth to be buried in a Christian Like and Decent manner at the Desecration of my Executors Nothing Doubting but at the General resurrection I Shall receive the same again by the mighty Power of God and as touching such worthy Estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me in this life I give Devise and Dispose of the same in the following manner and form __________
Imprimis I give and bequeath to Mary My Dearly beloved Wife the third part of all my household goods and moveables together with the third part of all my Lands mesuages and tenements by her freely to be possessed and enjoyed during her Life
Item I give and bequeath to my Fifteen Children VIZ My Daughter Elizabeth Gatril my Daughter Susanna Robertson My Daughter Lydda Cunningham my son John Cunningham my Daughter Mary Job my Daughter Ann Orr my Daughter Sarah Cunningham my Daughter Jane Cunningham my Son Joseph Cunningham my Son Matthew Cunningham my Son Moses Cunningham my Son Aaron Cunningham my Daughter Aleman Cunningham and my Son David Cunningham all and singular my Lands mesuages and tenements together with all my household goods and moveables Equally and Evenly to be Divided amongst them and by them freely to be possessed and Enjoyed and if Either of the aforementioned Children Should Die before he or she heireth their Legacy then the Legacy of the Deceas’d Equally to be Divided between these that are Living Except My Daughter Elizabeth Gatril and my Daughter Susanna Robertson to have no part of the Legacy that John Musgroves Left to Mary my wife and after convenient time may be all my household goods and Moveables to be Sold at publick Sale and Division thereof to be made so as that my Executors Shall bid off and return into my wifes possession as much of the goods and Chattels as may be thought to be the Equal part of all those that are under her charge at the time my Land also to be kept undivided untill such time that my youngest child comes of age or such time as he may do for himself that it may be for the support of those that are yet to raise and as they shall come of age two men being Duly Sworn Shall Value off to them their Legacy according as things Sold at the Vendue And Do appoint and ordain Matthew Talbot and Joseph Tipton the sole Executors of this my Last will and testament And I Do utterly Disallow revoke and Disallow all and every other form will and testament in anywasy be fore now Ratifying and confirming this and no other to be my Last will and testament in witness whereof I have here unto set my hand and Seal this Day and year first above written
Christopher C C [X] his mark Cunningham
Signed sealed published pronounced and Declared by the Sd Christopher Cunningham as his Last will and testament in presents of us Robert Orr and Isaac Taylor Will probated May Sessions 1783
From ROSTER OF SOLDIERS AND PATRIOTS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION BURIED IN TENNESSEE page 46, compiled 1979 by NSDAR:
Christopher Cunningham, Sr. born c1720 death according to his will dated 10 November 1782 was buried in the Family Cemetery on Buffalo Creek, past Milligan College, Johnson City, TN married 1st Susannah Patton, married secondly Mary Musgroves (widow of John Musgroves). Children Chris, Jr. died 27 August 1781, Susana wife of Charles Robertson; Lydia; Elizabeth Gabriel; Mary Job; Ann Orr; Jacob; Joseph; Matthew; Moses; Aaron; David; Ellinor; Jane married Isaac Taylor; Sarah; and John.
Submitted by Dessie Little Simmons.
Page 5 David Crawford 07 Mar 1790
To daughter Savy (Sara) Evins: 5 shillings lawful money of the State of North Carolina.
To daughter Mary Riggs: 5 shillings.
To son John: 10 shillings.
To wife Fortame(?): the house, lands and goods.
Executor: Reuben Riggs
Witnesses: Reuben Riggs, Shadrack Haile, William Crawford.
Page 6 William Carson 13 Mar 1790
In the State of North Carolina – a Planter.
To wife Margaret: 1 horse, saddle, feather bed with covering, half of dresser(?) furniture, 2 cows (her choice of the stock), and decent support throughout her widowhood.
To oldest daughter Jannet: 1 horse worth 15 pounds, 1 saddle, bridle, 1 cow, 1 feather bed with covering, one fourth of the furniture, 10 pounds.
To daughter Mary: 1 horse, saddle, bridle, bed and covering, 1 cow, one fourth of the furniture, 10 pounds. She is to live with her mother on the land until of age or married.
To oldest son William: 10 pounds.
The executors are to divide remainder of the estate among his 3 sons.
Youngest son John: they are to furnish him whatever he needs to have a competency of English learning.
Executors: David Carson, John Strain.
No witnesses.
Pages 7 – 9 Hugh Campbell 12 Oct 1790
Washington County, North Carolina
To sons Hugh and Robert(?): They will equally divide the plantation between them. Each will get a 3 year old steer.
To son Hugh: the mansion and other houses.
To wife [no name]: she is to be comfortably maintained. One gray mare.
To daughter Sarah: all household furniture, a young colt, 5 cattle that she has always claimed as hers, 3 cows, 1 steer, 1 bull.
To son Samuel: 1 sorrel horse, 1 bay filly. As long as he agrees to live with the family he is to have his maintenance.
The rest of the horses and furniture stay in the house.
Executors: Old friends John Alexander, Thomas Rogers, John Campbell.
Witnesses: H. Gamsey, Francis Alexander, Eamon Sams.
Pages 10 – 11 Samuel Culbertson 24 Dec 1798
[This will looks as if it has been ripped lengthwise down the right side. Some words may be missing]
To wife Jane: She and the children will equally receive lands, each the same.Children: Josiah, Andrew, Samuel, James, Mary Weakfield.
Executors: Robert Love, Daniel McCrary, and ________________
Witnesses: James Deekins, John Young, Holland Higgins.
Pages 12-15 John Carmichael 27 Feb 1799
To wife Isabella: half of my land or plantation. She may choose from the goods and ________ I posses. Anything in the house to keep her and the children supported.
To son James: 20 shillings.
To oldest daughter Mary More: 5 pounds
To daughter Margaret Carmichael: 20 shillings.
To daughter Jeanny: 2 cows and calves.
To son George and other sons: my orchard and the two other sons have an equal divide of the land that lies in the grassy valley. George is to have the part with improvements next S. Knoxville.
To sons John and Daniel: the plantation lying on the River Tennessee.
To son David: that part of plantation I now live with Isabella. After she deceases it wil be in the care of son George for David’s use. The mill stands to be rented for 4 years. The rent is to buy utensils for John and Daniel.
To son William: after the 4 years of renting out the mill he is to have it.
To youngest daughter Elizabeth: 2 cows and calves.
Executors: David Thompson, Isabella Carmichael.
Witnesses: Peter Smeltzer, John Adams.
[A letter follows this will.]
Be it remembered that we John Adams and David Thompson at the hour of his death did hear that John Carmichael gives his daughter Margaret 1 negro and on being asked whether he would leave a negro girl to his daughter Betsy he said NO! He would not leave a negro to any child. But would leave the negro to his wife Isabella.
Witnesses: John Adams, David Thompson.
Page 16 George Caruthers 13 Feb 1799
To daughter Jean Smith: all books and a legacy willed to her mother by her grandfather.
To grandaughter of Jean Smith: bed, bedding.
Executor: Richard Smith.
Witnesses: John Bleakly, John McCall, Jean McCall.
Pages 21 – 22 Rudolph Cresallius [Cretsilus] 17 Jun 1787
In the State of North Carolina.
To eldest son John Cruthant Cresalius: one half the land at the end where he now lives.
To wife Elizabeth: remainder of land where I live and moveable estate. 1 brindle cow and a red heiffer.
To son Isaac: he will receive the land after his mother deceases.
To son John and Jacob: two thirds value of the estate after their mother dies.
He mentions daughters: Elizabeth, Barberry, Catherine, Dolly, Margaret, Grace.
Executors: Eldest son John Crecelilius and his wife Elizabeth.
Witnesses: James Cash, Abraham Riffe, Philipe Cousilon.
Book 1, Section “D”
Pages 3 – 5 Thomas Dillard 13 May 1784
County of Washington in the State of North Carolina
Wife Martha: the whole of his negros except for those specified later on.
Daughter Ellizabeth Hutching: negro named Jordan with her increase.
Son Benjamin: negros named Peter and Joe with the Virginia Land Warrant for 1,000 acres of land which I have delivered to my said son.
Daughter Winessophire[Winnesophia]: negros named Little Chloe and one called Sponer.
Daughter Mary Ann Love: negros Hannah and Bob who is the son of the negro Rouse.
Son Thomas: negros Ben and Usley.
Daughter Stacy: negros Lucy and Simon
Daughter Martha: negros James and Cate.
Daughter Anne: negros Sucke and Juda
Son John: negros Tom and Tamer
Daughter Rebeker: negros Rachel and ____________
My 2 sons Thomas and John: all the land I have a right to equally divided.
I desire the young children be surrounded and maintained and my children schooled by and from the labor of the negros and land left with my wife until they are of full age.
Each child to be given when they are of age or married: bed and furniture the whole to be worth 20 pounds money of Virginia currency..
Executors: wife Martha and Robert Love my son-in-law.
Witnesses: Edmond Sams, John Sams, John Webb
Page 6 Nathaniel Davis 21 February 1781
In Washington County, state of North Carolina.
Brother Robert Davis: all blacksmith tools, a horse called Tom, my stallion, colt and my cloths to be divided between Isaac and Robert. I also give Robert 100 acres of land I had of Biddle and what money is in Col. John Sevier’s hand. Take good care of our mother during her life and care for my 3 sisters.
Sister Mary: my mare called Vines, 1 cow and calf and half the land where I live.
Sister Ann: the other half of the land and a bay mare, 1 cow and calf.
Sister Elilzabeth: 100 acres of land at Bartels Spring, a young mare that I had of William Pruett, 1 cow and calf.
Brother Robert: 1 cow if he will get Ann a new side saddle.
Nephew James, son of Robert: the colt he calls his own.
Executors: Brothers Isaac and Robert Davis.
Witnesses: Robert Davis, Mary Davis
Proven in court May Sessions 1781.
Pages 7 – 8 William Daniel 23 May 1794
Washington County, Territory south of the River Ohio.
Wife Ann: the dwelling house and all improvements and all other property to her use.
Sons John and William: lands divided equally between them.
Five Daughters: Mary, Ann, Phebe, Jemimah, Alee [Alice], the other land to be sold and equally divided.
Son William: my rifle gun
Executors: my worthy friend Joseph Crouch.
Witnesses: David Job, Philemon Lacey
Pages 9 – 10 Isaac Denton Jul 1794
Washington County, Territory south of the River Ohio.
Two Sons Isaac and Jeremiah: all lands to be equally divided.
Wife Ann: to have estate in her possession, 20 pounds or 66 dollars and 4 shillings for the upkeep of my son Isaac.
Children: Jeremiah, Isaac, Martha, Agge, Elizabeth, to equally divide the rest of the estate.
On the death of my wife Susana Rider shall have 10 pounds..
Executors: friends Jese Whatson, David Job
Witnesses: Jessee Whitson, David Job
Book 2, Section “E”
Pages 1 – 2 John English Senior 20 Dec 1798
Wife Agness: one third part of all of my moveable items, property to be enjoyed by her and to her maintenence from the house.
Son Thomas: one half the plantation he now lives on to him and his heirs.
Son John: the other one half of the land I now live..
Grandsons John [Jordan] and Thomas English children of my son Aaron dec’d: to each a ________ when they come of age.
Daughter Jane English: 1 cow with one horn.
Daughter Ellizabeth English: 1 sorrel horse, if she wants to give it to her brother John he is to pay her 15 pounds.
Daughter Sarah Dadridge: 10 shillings.
Daughter Agness English: 1 black mare 4 years old.
Executors: sons Thomas and John
Witnesses: Andrew English, Isaac White, Thomas Robinson
Book 2, Section “F”
Page 1 Robert Fowler 22 Sep 1784
Wife Agnes Fowler: the land that he lives on should be sold and the money to be exactly divided between Agnes and his mother Ann Fowler and my child William Fowler.
Daughter Easter Fowler: she should have one __________ that is in the care of William Fowler.
Mother Ann: 1 gray mare.
Wife Agnes: 1 black mare, 1 bay colt that her father give her and all the property that her father giv her, one third of all of my estate as long as she remains a widow.
Son William: 30 pounds.
Executors: wife Agnes, son William Fowler
Witnesses: Abednego Inman, Sam Wilson, Molly Freeman
Wife Agness Fain: all the household furniture and disposal? of the stocks for the young children. Also the plantation.
Land to be divided among my sons.
Daughter Ruth Fain: 1 negro boy named Josiah
It is to be at the choice of my wife to sell him and cash the money.
[No executors mentioned.]
Witness: Rosanna Fain
Book 2, Section “G”
Pages 1 – 2 James Gallaher Sep 22 1791
In Washington County on the Westring Waters, living on the Noleychuckey River.
Sons George, Thomas, James: debts to be paid by them.
Wife Sarah Gallaher: to live on this plantation until the youngest son David is of age, then to make an equal divide of all the properties.
Executors: wife Sarah, sons George and John
Witnesses: George Gillespie, John Allison, Robert McFarlin
Pages 3 – 6 George Gillespie Senior 14 Dec 1793
In the County of Greene and Territory of the United States south of the Ohio River.
Wife Martha: 100 acres of land, a dwelling house, a large field before the barn door, orchard, use of the stable known as Stathorn Stable, 1 negro man named Dick, a negro wench named Else, 1 bed, bedroom furniture, 1 chest of drawers, my sorrel mare, my horse called Bob, her own saddle, 2 pots, 3 grown cows of her own choosing, 1 plough and tacking, 20 pounds cash and 6 shillings.
Son Thomas: 1 horse, To his son George, 20 pounds Virginia Cash.
Daughter Martha Jack: 1 horse worth 15 pounds, To her son George, 1 horse when he turns 15.
Daughter Jane Gillespie: a tract of land that I bought of James and Charles McCarthey in Greene County. 2 negro girls named Racket and Sue, 4 grown cows, a _______ kettle, pot, 2 beds, 2 bedsteads also the pewter that is in her possession. 1 bond upon Stephen Sunear? for 100 dollars.
Son John: the part of the plantation where he lives up the mouth of the Big Limestone, 500 acres of land that Thomas Shing? owes me, 1 negro girl in his possession, 1 negro fellow.
Daughter Elizabeth Hayes: 2 negro girls in her possession named Dorcus and Sally, 1 horse, to her son Charles Hayes, 1 horse when he turns 15.
Grandson George Gillespie, son of John: 1 horse when he turns 15
Sons George, Allen, James: the remainder of my estate equally divided.
Executors: wife Martha, sons George and Allen.
Witnesses: Henry Earnest, F.A. Ramsey, George Galleher
Book 2, Section “H”
Pages 1 – 2 Michael Hyder [Hider] 28 May 1790
State of North Carolina,
Wife Elizabeth: the plantation where we live, houses, orchards, appurtanences, hogs, horses, cattle, sheep and farm utensils.
Son Jonathan: to receive the plantation at the death of his mother. Also the land known as Kites on the other side of the branch, 200 acres.
Son Michael: the plantation known as Knelliams? 100 acres bought of Matthew Talbot Sr.. The other part of the said land (150 acres) to be divided between John and Michael.
Sons: Adam, Jacob, Joseph equally divide all stock, household furniture at his wife’s decease.
Executors: wife Elizabeth Hider, son Jonathan Hider
Witnesses: Edm. Williams, Robert English, Henry English
Pages 3 – 5 Charles Hay Dec 23, 1792
Territory south of the Ohio River.
Wife Rebecca: a feather bed, pair of blankets, sheets, a winter quilt, a patch quilt to use in the summer, saddle, books: her bible, Fourfold State of Man, Eskine’s Gospel Sonnets, her clothing and other books to be itemized.
Nephew Charles Greir: a dictionary and an old book of Arithmetic.
Nephew David Greir: my Bilble.
Nephew Charles Hatcher: 2nd Volume of Baxter’s Philosophical Enquiring into the Nature of the Human Soul.
Sister Hulda Greir: 4th Volume Dr. Dodridges Family Expository.
Sister Sarah Hatcher’s daughter Anna: 2nds Volume of Dr. Drodridges Family Expository.
Wife’s sister’s son Charles H. Nelson: 10 dollars to be given on him learning to read and write and the like.
Brother Reuben Hay: my wearing clothes, coats, jackets, breeches, cloak and woolen stockings. With his saddle tools.
Wife’s sister Sarah Robinson: 1 new bible or money to buy her one.
Wife Rebecca: one third the remainder of my goods and chattels plus the 2nd Volume of Dr. Dodridges Family Expository to be given to Anna Hatcher at her death.
Sister Hulda Greir’s daughter Sarah Greir and her sister Mary Greir, one fifth of the lands and remainder of the estate.
Wife Rebecca: the plantation, 123 acres. She shall keep the fences in good repair and take care of the fruit trees that they are not destroyed. At my wife’s decease all will be sold by public sale.
Executors: wife Rebecca, Capt. James Scott, Nathaniel Davis.
Witnesses: Henry McMullan, Agnos Davies, Mary McMullen.
Page 6 – 7 Robert Hampton No date, probated possibly 1796
Wife Mary: the plantation, at her decease it will go to son John.
Son John: the extra tract of land and the black mare.
Son Robert: _________ horse shoe bend.
Sons William and Jesse: 15 pounds each.
Son George: the land where Evans upper fence runs.
Executors: wife Mary and son John.
Witnesses: Samuel Hood, Reuben Bayles, Masey [Mary] Ecton
Book 2, Section “I”
Pages 1 – 2 James Irwin No date, possibly 1796
Washington County, South of the River Ohio.
Wife Mary: divide the land with son Benjamin. She uses the land to raise my small children as long as she is my widow. She may sell the land as needed.
Sons Benjamin, William, John, David and Joseph.
Son Robert: 15 pounds Virginia currency, 1 horse.
Daughter Lettice: 10 pounds.
Daughters Eleanor, Mary, Eliza: 10 pounds on condition that they behave themselves in a decent manner.
Daughter of Eliza, Rose: 5 pounds and the account that I have agaist Neil McFall, whose estate is in the hands of William Duffield in Pensulvaney, to be divided equally of all my children if obtained. The account in the hands of Col. James Johnson living in Penulvaney is to be divided in the same manner.
Executors: wife Mary, son Benjamin.
Witnesses: Rilchard Jones, Samuel King.
[No names starting with “J”]
Contributed to the Washington County TNGen Web site by Kim Livaditis. 1 November 2010