The following is the Will of Thomas Martin probated the first Monday in December 1854.

"Know all men by these present that I, Thomas Martin, planter of the county of Weakley and State of Tennessee, being of sound disposing mind and memory do make and publish this my last will and testament.

First, I give and bequeath to my beloved wife, Drucilla Martin, during her life the following property, negro woman, Edith, and her three children and increase, also the residence on which I now reside, with as much ground as she may want for her farming purpose, also household and kitchen furniture, stock, farming tools, etc.

Second, after the foregoing bequest, my will and desire is that, all my lands, negroes, money and proceeds of perishable property be equally divided between my wife, Drucilla, Elizabeth Farmer, William Martin, Mary C. Williams, Carolin Nowlin, Martha Higgs, Susan Adams and Malinda Glass.

Third, as to the negroes which each one of my daughters may draw in the above mentioned division, I bequeath each ones portion to her and the heirs of her body during her life, free from the control of her husband.

Fourth, having made advances to all my above named children when they married, some in land, others negroes and money, my desire in order to make an equal distribution is that at the division, each child shall make out an inventory of the property received, when received, how much and value when received, except a small negro girl named Jenny which I gave to Martha Williams, daughter of Mary C. Williams, said negro shall not be accounted for by said Mary.

Fifth, at the death of my beloved wife, Drucilla, my will is that all of her property shall be equally divided between my above named children, Elizabeth, William, Mary C., Caroline, Martha, Susan and Malinda.

Sixth, I ordain and appoint my son, William Martin, and my son-in-law, James Adams, as my executors of this my last will and testament.  They shall receive for their trouble fifty dollars each and no commission.

In testimony, whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal and publish and declare this my last will and testament in the presence of John E. Vincent and John M. Vincent.  This the 22nd day of November A.D. 1854. 

Signed  Thomas Martin"