Will of James THOMPSON, deceased

I, James THOMPSON, being weak in body but sound mind and memory do hereby make and ordain this my last will and testament hereby revoking and making void all former wills by me at any time made. 

 First, I direct that my funeral expenses and all of my just debts be paid as soon after death as possible out of any money I die possessed of or which may first come to the hands of my Executor.  

2nd, I have already given and advanced to my daughter Elizabeth HENDERSON, now deceased, and Sarah AVERITT and Lucinda MILLER and Eliza MILLER, each the following named property, to wit, one horse or mare, one saddle, one feather bed and bedstead, and bed clothing, one cow and calf, one sow and pigs, six hundred and eighty-seven and one half dollars in negro property to each of them.  I have already given to these daughters above named, one spinning wheel each.  I have already given to my son William THOMPSON, now deceased, one horse, cow and calf, one feather bed and bedstead, and clothing, and one sow and pigs.  I have already given to my son John James THOMPSON, one hundred and eighteen acres of land lying on Knob Creek, Weakley County, being part of the land in which I now live, one horse, one saddle, amounting in all to ten equal shares with the above named heirs.  

3rd, I give and bequeath unto my beloved children, one dollar each above mentioned, to be paid out of my money that I may have on hand at my death or may be collected by my Executors afterwards.

Fourthly, I give and bequeath to my beloved wife all the balance of my tract of land on which I now live on to have and to hold during her natural life without being interfered with by any person or persons. After her death, my will is that my living grandsons, to wit, John Thomas THOMPSON and James McGraddy THOMPSON, to have said land with all its appurtenances.  Also I give to my beloved wife Malinda, the benefit of fowls and any other stock she may think proper for her benefit on said premises.  Also I give and bequeath unto her one bay mare and bay horse and all the balance of the stock of every description on my place.  Also all the household and kitchen furniture.  Also all the present crop on hand for her benefit and support.  And I do hereby appoint my beloved wife Malinda THOMPSON to be sole Executrix of this my last will and testament, hereby revoking all other wills and testaments made by me.  In testimony whereof, I have set my hand and seal this the 20th day of January 1868.

Test:
A. W. OLIVE
J.L. (X) MURRELL

NOTE:   it does not give a date that it was produced in court...pj