In the name of God, Amen.  I, BENJAMIN MERRILL of the County of Weakley and State of Tennessee being weak in body but of sound mind and memory blessed be the almighty God for the same, do make and publish this is my last will and testimony in manner and form following that is to say first I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife MARY MERRELL after paying all my just debts unpaid, all my estate both real and personal during her natural life time for her only purposes and support after the death of my beloved (page 149) wife MARY MERRILL.  I also give and bequeath unto the heirs of JAMES SLAUTER and JOSEPH RUTH one dollar each.  I also give and bequeath unto my three daughters CHAS. - MERRILL, JEMIM HIDE and LUCY CUNNINGHAM the sum of fifty dollars each clear and above and equal portion with the balance of my children.  I also give and bequeath an equal portion after the death of my beloved wife MARY MERRILL of all the property amongst all my children including the three daughters above mentioned.  I hereby leave DANIEL SMITH, LEMUEL MERRELL, and WILLIAMS MERRELL, Executors of this last will and testament hereby revoking all former wills by me made in witness whereof I have hear unto set my hand and seal this the 10TH of May, One Thousand Eight Hundred and Thirty Five.  Signed and sealed published by the above named BENJAMIN MERRELL to be his last will and testament in the presents of us. 

BENJAMIN MERRILL, (Seal) 

WILLIAM WESTERN 
J. M. FENNEL 

Typed & Submitted by Sandy Thompson Mattox 

 Taken from: 
 Historical Records Project - Official Project #465-44-3-115 
 copied under Works Project Administration 
 November 25,1938