REFERENCE: A B
C D E
F G H
I J K
L M N
O P Q
R S T
U V W
X Y Z
In the name of God Amen. I ARTHUR C ATKINSON of Clark County
and State of Georgia being in a sound mind and memory, knowing
that it is appointed for all men to die, do make and ordain this
my last will and testament that hereafter pointed out. Item 1st
My will and desire is that first all my just debts be paid by
executors. 2nd I will and bequeath to my beloved wife ELIZABETH
ATKINSON the third part of four tracts of land, to (viz) the
one I now live on and Lott No 220th in Pike County & Lott No
203 in Butts County and also another lot in said county whereon
ROBERT BROWN now lives. The land that I now live on I expect
to sell this season if sold the money arrising from that sale
to be divided between the three persons that I hear after point
out, equally. My wife, son Thomas, & son Washington. I will to
my wife three negroes namely, Lewis, Phillis, and Henritta two
beds and furniture and three cows, and calves, twenty head of
hogs, my flock geese and flock of sheep, which are fifteen, all
my house hold and kitchen furniture except the balance of my
beds, and one side board and my corn and fodder crop that are
growing to be my wifes the above property to be hers during her
natural life together with all my plantation tools & every other
tool that I have, and two horses one sorrel known as riding horse,
called Jolly one sorrel mare call Kitt one gigg and harness one
cart and oxen.
Item 3rd the above named tract of land I will and bequeath to
my two sons Thomas P Atkinson and Washington G Atkinson at their
mothers death to be equally divided between them at valuation
in their own judgement, if they can't agree to be left to three
disinterested persons chosen by them to value the same. I will
to son Thomas all that I have heretofore given him and will to
my son Washington one negroe girl valued by me at $250 named
Polly and sorrel horse named Bill, saddle and bridle, one bed
and furniture one side board and my big bible, one cow and calf.
I will to son Thomas and infant negroe boy, named William he
being the son of the above named Henritta who I have will to
my wife.
4th I will to Susannah Garrett and the heirs of her boddy to
wit her children one negroe girl named Betsy valued by me at
two hundred dollars, one bed and furniture, one cow and calf,
side saddle and bridle.
5th I will to Sarah Goss and the heirs of her boddy, to wit her
children one negroe girl named Sally valued by me at two hundred
dollars, one bed and furniture, one cow and calf, side saddle
and bridle to be worth twenty dollars.
6th I will and bequeath to my several children namely, Ann McKee
and Mary B Hancock, Winnefread A Fletcher, Joseph H Atkinson,
all of the property that I have given them it being to the amount
of two hundred dollars to each which I hold their receipts for.
7th I leave all the balance of my property thats unwilled to
be sold at the discretion of my executors and the money arising
from the sale of it to be applied to the payment of my just debts.
After my just debts are paid the remainder if any there be to
be equally divided between my six children namely, Winnefread,
Thomas, Washington, Mary, Susannah, and Sarah, and further my
will and desire is, at the death of my wife, for all her house
hold that she leaves to be sold, together with her three negroes
and increase if any to the highest bidder and the legatees to
buy them in and the moneys arising from that sale to be equally
divided between the six living children.
8th Lastly, I appoint my two sons Thomas P Atkinson and Washington
G Atkinson my executors, to act in my estate and in all things
touching thereof. I have hearby set my hand and caused my seal
to be fixed this the Eighteenth day of May Eighteen hundred and
twenty eight.
Signed sealed and acknowledged
in presence of us
Test
Bennett Luck
John Patrick
Benjamin Elsbury
Proved Clark County, 6th Oct 1828. Recorded Butts County Wills - Administration of Estates 1826 - 1841, p 67 - 69. This is what is today called an "exemplified copy," that is, a copy of will that was probated in another county, but a copy is filed in Butts County because there is property willed which lies in Butts County.
Georgia
Butts County
In the name of Almighty God Amen. I John R Cargile of said County being weal in body, but of sound and disposing mind and memory, do make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner following, that is to say. I bequeath my soul to the God who gave it, & my body to the dust to be decently buried near my house, at the place selected by myself. 2nd. I do charge all my estate of which am possessed or entitled to with the payment of my just debts, & funeral expenses & it is my will that my executrix shall, either publicly or privately, as to her shall seem best, dispose of such portions thereof as may be necessary for the payment of my debts, selecting such portions as can best be spared, except the plantation & ferry on which I reside. And I desire in this my will to give her full authority to make titles to all such estate as she may sell. 3rd. It is my further will that my executrix after disposing of such portions of my estate as to her shall seem advisable except the plantation & ferry where I reside, shall keep the residue together and cause it to be worked for the maintenance of herself and my children & for the education of the latters. 4th. It is my will that my wife Mary Cargile & all my children shall have my estate share and share alike and having already given to my daughter Mary Ann Stark a town lot in Jackson near the Methodist Church & such other property as she has in possession, it is my will that she should receive nothing more until all my other children shall have received as much as she has received at a fair valuation. 5th. It is my will that the portions of my estate herein bequeathed & devised to my children shall be paid them or delivered to them respectively as soon as they come of lawfull age, & to the girls when they come of lawfull age or marry. 6th. I constitute and appoint my beloved wife Mary Cargile sole executrix of this my last will and testament, with full authority to execute the same provided that if she should marry her authority as executrix shall cease determine & be utterly null & void.
Signed, sealed, published, & declared for & as the last will
& testament of John R Cargile in our presence who have at his
request witnessed the due execution thereof in his presence & in
the presence of each other this 23rd Jany 1834.
James Baley
Ebenezer Maddox
Samuel H McLin J.P.
Probated Feb 7, 1834. Recorded: Butts County Wills - Administration
of Estates 1826 - 1841, pages 279-280.
Georgia
Butts County
I Elizabeth C Dennis being weak in body, but of sound and disposing
mind wishing to dispose of my worldly affairs in the following
way (to wit)
First I commit my soul to him who gave it & desire that my body
after death should be buried in a decent & Christian like manner.
Item 1st. I request that all my just debts be paid by my executors.
2nd. I give and bequeath to my four sister, Martha Norris, Julia
M Price, Mary Bledsoe, Harriet Harkness, & my nephew John J L
Berry, three negroes, (to wit) Jemima, Sucky, & Sillah, also
all my stock of cattle hogs and sheep. It is my wish that Jemima
shall go into the possession of sister Martha & that Sucky shall
immediately go into the possession of Julia Price, and that Sillah
shall go into the possession of Mary Bledsoe, and there remain
until there can be a division on fair & equitable terms, my stock
as above named to be equally divided amongst them and if Sillah
should remain in the possession of Sister Bledsoe & not be able
to pay for her raising then my executor must see she is paid
until the time of the division. I also give my four sisters all
my bed clothing except such things as is hereafter named. I also
give to my sisters my things belonging to my kitchen to be equally
divided amongst them. Also all my affairs about my dary to go
to my sisters equally including knives forks spoons &Co.
Except eleven silver spoons. I also give to my sisters all my
corn cotton bacon fodder oats & all things about my smoke house,
also all my gees ducks &Co.
3rd. I give to my sister Bledsoe my trunk and all my wearing
apparel including my gold ring saddle bridles.
4th. I give to my sister Harkness my carpet.
5th. I desire my executor to make up to my three other sisters
the value of my carpet to make them equal with sister Harriet.
6th. I give to my nephew John J D Berry one hundred dollars to
make him equal with my four sisters.
7th. I give to my two nieces & nephew, Mary Ann M Bledsoe my
mahogany bedstead bed & furniture. To Martha E Price my next
bedstead bed & furniture. To John J D Berry a pine bedstead bed
and furniture.
8th. I give to my beloved brother John V Berry and my dear old
father all the demands I have against Brother John to be equally
divided.
9th. I give to Thomas J Townsend the tract of land I live on
also one hundred acres of land joining John Greer, and two mules
and two horses, I also give to him one half of my plow geers
including plows & hoes and waggon, also my beaureau large folding
table desk & book case and all my sitting chairs & clock, also
three beds bedsteads &
furniture. Also my grindstone. I also give two negroes, Rachel
& Clark, provided that Thomas J shall pay to Dennis L Townsend
five hundred dollars. In the event of Thomas refusing to pay
five hundred dollars to Dennis L then the negroes is to go to
Dennis L.
10th. I give to John Dennis the son of Isaac Dennis my gold watch
& chain.
11th. I give to William Armstrong, John Armstrong, James Armstrong,
& also to Sarah and Nancy, sisters of the above Armstrongs, who
is married & I do not know their husbands names & their heirs,
Sarah, Eli & Leroy. Sarah & Leroy to be sold by my executor in
Butts County & the money divided equally. Also my carriage & harness
including money notes & the whole residue of my estate except
such things as is hereafter excepted to be equally divided amongst
them & their heirs.
12th. I give to John Greer, Cagey and the notes I have on John
Greer & David Greer with the express understanding that Greer
is to see to the support and maintenance of my old negro Cagey
during his life time and request at his death to make provision
for the support of said negro, I also allow John Greer to retain
in his hands one thousand dollars to be used in settling up my
estate & for the Maintenance of my old negro, and after all debts
is paid and all expences, there should be any of the thousand
dollars in Greers hands, then he is to pay it over to the Armstrong
Family equally.
13th. I give and bequeath to Nancy Greer my loom & every thing
pertaining to it.
I charge John Greer with the faithfull execution of this will
as my sole executor and in the event of the failure of Greer,
I charge Britton Buttrill with the execution of the same. I hereby
declare the foregoing to be my last will and testament hereby
revoking all other wills.
Signed sealed and declared in presence of
Test
A L Robinson
S A Saunders
Sarah Hudson
I certify that the foregoing will was wrote on this day & signed
by the testator in the presence of the witnesses and was admitted
to be dated at the time of signing 26th day of April 1843 Wednesday.
I also certify I wrote the will & am one of the witnesses.
Proved May 8, 1843. Records - Some Wills, 1837-1845, Butts County, p 464-466.
Georgia
Talbot County
John Dennis of Jones County being now at my brother's in Talbot County in a state of good health and presence of mind through the mercy of God, having this in presence of mind when I left home without any persuasion or compulsion to make my will. I wish for these to be adistribution of all property both real and personal to the three named persons after my death, for to administer & sell according to law & divide it in this way after all debts if any & expense is paid let there be an equal division between my wife Chalotte, & my brother Peter excepting my brother William to have one thousand dollars of my estate is my last will & testament. Given from under my hand & seal this sixteenth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two.
Levi Lee
William Baty
Henry Riley
Proved 2nd Sept 1833. Recorded: Butts County Wills - Administration of Estates 1826 - 1841, pages 256-257. Note: The above named Charlotte Dennis is actually Elizabeth Charlotte Dennis.
Georgia
Butts County
Wednesday 14th June A.D. 1837.
Know all men by these presents that I, William S Douglas, of
the county & state aforesaid being at this time very much afflicted
in body but consider myself of sound disposing mind and memory
taking into view the shortness ands uncertainty of life, and
not knowing what may be the result of my present affliction,
and wishing to make some disposition of my estate, so that my
friends may be assisted in the distribution of the same should
I be called home to be no more. I do therefore by these presents
constitute and appoint this may last will and testament.
Item 1st. It is my will and desire that all my lawful debts be
paid.
Item 2nd. The balance of my estate after paying my debts as aforesaid
I wish equally distributed between my three little children whom
I love viz. Eugenius Lafayette Douglas, Marcellus Douglas, and
my little daughter Narcissa Weakley Douglas.
Item 3rd. My stock of goods house and lot &Co. I wish my
executors hereafter named to effect such sales and at such times
as to them shall seem best for the interest of the estate, leaving
it entirely at their disposal, but requesting them to exercise
a sound discretion and effect the sales as the times may present
or authorize the same.
Item 4th. I hereby constitute and appoint Thomas Douglas & Francis
Douglas, of the county of Butts and Robert Pearman of the county
of Morgan, my true and lawfull executors and do hereby earnestly
request those my three friends above named to take upon themselves
the execution of this my last will and testament and also endeavor
to have my little children morally and religiously instructed
so that may be prepared for usefulness in life and a happy Immortality
beyond the grave. And now feeling myself prepared for death and
trusting in the merits of my redeemer for salvation relying upon
the Grace of God, I bid the world and my surviveing friends a
friendly affectionate and final farewell hoping that I die in
peace with all mankind and in favor with God Amen. In presence
of
Jas H Campbell
Thos J Gresham
Robert G Duke
Recorded this 7th July 1837. Record - Some Wills, 1837-1845, Butts
In the name of God Amen. I David Evans of said state and county being of advanced age but of sound mind and memory knowing that I must shortly depart this life deem it right and proper both as respecting family and myself that I should make a disposition of the property with which a kind providence has blessed me. I therefore make this my last will and testament hereby ------ing and annulling all others by me heretofore made.
First I desire and direct that my body be buried in a decent and Christianlike manner suitable to my circumstances and condition in life my soul I trust shall return to rest with God who gave it as I hope for Salvation through the merits and atonement of the blessed Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Secondly I desire and direct that my just debts be paid without delay by my Executor hereinafter named and appointed.
Thirdly I give, bequeath and devise to my beloved wife Sarah Evans for and during her natural life only the Home and lands whereon I now live, said lands being parts of Lots No two hundred and fifty No two hundred and fifty one and No two hundred and forty two In the Third District of said county containing in all two hundred acres more or less. I also give and bequeath to my beloved wife in the same manner all my household and kitchen furnature and stock of all kinds consisting of mules cows hogs and all stock of which I may be possessed at the time of my death together with all farming utensils used and belonging to the farm.
Fourthly I will and direct that after the death of my wife that all the property which I have given and bequeathed to her for and during her natura life shall be sold at public sale by my executor hereinafter named and appointed
Fifthly I have heretofore given to my daughters Elizabeth W Sparks, Mary A Lunceford and my sons John B Evans, Willis J Evans, David F Evans, Stephen C Evans each fifty acres of Land which I have valued at Five hundred dollars per lot and I will and direct that My children named in this article shall each account for the sum of Five hundred dollars a piece in a final distribution of my estate after the death of my wife.
Sixthly. I desire and direct that after the death of my wife and sale of the property belonging to my estate by my Executor that my son Jessie E Evans, My Daughter Martha L Carter my son James A Evans and William H Evans and my daughter Sarah J McGough or their legal representative shall each receive five hundred dollars from the proceeds of the sale of my estate as herein directed should not be sufficient to raise the amount of five hundred dollars for such of my children here named then I will and direct that Elizabeth W Sparks Mary A Lunceford John B Evans Willis J Evans David F Evans and Stephen C Evans shall refund to my estate an amount sufficient to make the distributive share of all my children equal, If on the sale of my estate by my executor as herein directed there should be a residue after each of my children have received Five hundred dollars apiece and in the event I will and direct that said Residue shall be equally divided among my children and their legal representative share and share alike.
Seventhly I desire and direct my executor to sell immediately or as soon as circumstances will permit my Stallion named Charger and to use or invest the money in such way or manner as will best promote the interest of said estate.
Eighthly I hereby constitute and appoint my son John B Evans Executor of this my last will and Testament this May 8th 1873.
Signed sealed and delivered ad published by David Evans as
his last Will ad Testament in the presence of us the undersigned
who subscribed our names hereunto in the presence of said Testator
at his special request and the presence of each other this May
8th 1873.
W S Andrews
J H Benton
Thomas S Hammond
Codicil
State of Georgia, Butts County
Whereas I David Evans did on the eighth day of May in the year eighteen hundred and seventy three sign seal declare and publish my last will and testament in the presence of W S Andrews J H Benton and Thomas S Hammond who signed the said and testament as witnesses And whereas I am desirous to supply an omission therein. I therefore publish this Codicil to said will and testament.
First I desire and direct that all surplus property or such property sd may not be necessary for the use and comfort of my wife or necessary to be kept on the farm be sold by my executor after my death at public sale and the money arising from the sale of said property to be used or invested in such manner as will best promote the interest of my estate and I leave it with my executor and my wife to determine what property may be sold as directed in this article.
Secondly I will and desire that after the death of my wife that in the division of my estate and hereinbefore directed that my son John B Evans shall be trustee of the property that may come to the minor children of Jessie E Evans decd Martha L Carter decd James A Evans decd and that said trustee shall control said property for said minor children till they attain the age of twenty one or marry.
(July 1st 1873)
Be it remembered that I Charles Heard of the county of Butts
and State of Georgia being weak in body, but of perfect sound
mind and memory, doth this day make ordain and publish this my
last will and testament
First that all my debts shall be paid. Secondly that all the property belonging to my estate after the payment of my just debts to be and remain in the hands of my beloved companion Ellenor Heard, for her imediate use and benefit and at her control solely during her life or widowhood except two negroes (viz) Phillis and Betty her child which it is my express wish for them to be kept together and not seperated but to be and remain in her possession as above written. Thirdly after her death what property is left I wish to be sold and for Phillis and Betty her child to be sold together and after the sale I wish for an equal division to be made btween my four sons (viz) Stephen M Heard, Hugh H Heard, John J Heard & George W Heard. Fourthly I appoint my beloved wife Ellenor Heard my true and lawful executrix. Signed with my hand and sealed with my this twenty second day of July in the year of our Lord Eighteem hundred & thirty Three. Signed & sealed in the presence of us
Clary Burton
John (X) Burton
Robt D Cannon
Probated Sept 2nd 1833. Recorded: Butts County Wills - Administration
of Estates 1826 - 1841, page 233.
Georgia
Butts County
In the name of God amen. I Levi Jester of the state and county
aforesaid being aged and weake in body but of sound and disposing
mind and memory and caling to mind the unsartinty of life and
the sartinty of death do make and ordain this my last will and
testament in maner and form following.
1st I bequeath as a legacy to my beloved wife Rosanna all the
redey money that I may have at my death, out of which she is
to be sufficiently maintains and if there be an overplush at
her death it is my will that it be equally divided between my
daughter Mary Jester and my three sons Henry Benjamin and Abner
Jester shere and shere about and if there shold be a lack it
to be maid up by the sd Mary Henry Bengaman & Abner.
2nd I give bequeath and devise to my daughter Sarah Lofton wife
of John Lofton one nagro woman names Agg and her son Aron with
all her increas which she has alredey recivd and one dollar in
money to be paid when this my will is recorded, forever in fee
simple.
3rd I bequeath and devise to my daughter Nancy Hammond wife of
Charles Hammond one nagro garl names Sealey and her increas which
she has alredey recivd and one dollar in money to be paid when
this my will is recorded forever in fee simple.
4th I bequeth and devise to my daughter Mary Jester the following
nagros (that is to say) Candis and her five childring - Jack,
Andrew, Jess, Mary and Sam, allso two beads and furnitur one
pot oven scillot and frying pan, one set cups and sasors, one
set plates and a set of knives and forkes to be delivered to
hur when this my will is recorded forever in fee simple.
5th I give bequeath and demise to my son Henry Jester the following
nagros (that is to say) Mose Jacob Silvey and hur son George,
Sarah and Peter, also my intrest in my law suit in Morgan Superior
Court aganst George W Tuggle Admr of the estate of David Davis
to be recivd by him when this my will is recorded, forever in
fee simple.
6th I bequeath and devise to my son Bengaman Jester the following
nagros (that is to say) Dave, Isaac, Judia, Tempey, Adam, Mandy
to be deliverd to him when this my will is recorded, forever
in fee simple.
7th I bequeath and devise to my son Abner Jester the folowing
nagros (that is to say) Mount, George, Mariah, Green, Willis
and Tom to be deliverd to him when this my will is recorded,
forever in fee simple.
8th I bequeath and devise to my grandaughter Jain Mason wife
of Lenerd Mason one nagro gurl named Leeanna to be deliverd to
hur for hur use and the hairs of hur body when this my will is
recorded, forever in fee simple.
9th I allso bequeath and devise to my two sons Henry and Bengaman
Jester one nagro woman named Ader togther with all my houshold
and kitchen furniture, blacksmith bench and plantation tools
of every discription, all my ginns thrashings moshens and fans
and all my waggons, gear and horses and all others of my livestock
of every discription that I may have at my death together with
all the crop of every sort gatherd and ungatherd to be recivd
by them when this my will is recorded.
10th I constitute ordain and appoint my son Henry Jester my executor
of this my last will and testament. In testamoney whereof I have
hereto set my hand and affixet my seal this the fiftheenth day
of June one thousand eight hundred and thirty nine.
Signed seald published and declared
by the within named Levi Jester to be
his last will and testament in the
presance of us who have hereunto
subscribed our names as witnesses at
the request and in the presence of
the testator.
Clark Hamil
Samuel Bellah
Dolphin Lindsey
Thomas Folds
Recorded this 14th July 1841. Records - Some Wills 1837 -
1845, Butts County, p 69 - 70.
Georgia
Butts County
In the name of God, I Henry Lee of the county of Butts and State
aforesaid, being in sound mind and disposing memory do hereby
make this my last will and testament, in the first place, nominate
and appoint my sons Edward Lee and Stewart Lee my sole and only
executors. I give to my wife Lillis Lee, one certain negro woman
by the name of Linda, one bed and furniture one cow and calf
and one years provision during her life and at her death, to
be sold and equally divided amongst all of my children. Thirdly.
I give to my son Steward Lee, a certain negro boy by the name
of Benjamin. Fourthly. I wish the balance of my estate to be
sold and equally divided amongst the balance of my children.
I do hereby revoke all former wills, given under my hand ans
seal this twenty eighth day of August 1837.
Test
Joseph Key
William Allison
Wade H Giles J.P.
Recorded this 9th Nov 1837. Records - Some Wills, 1837-1845,
Butts County.
Georgia
Butts County
In the name of God Amen. I Rachel Magby, being weak in body, but sound in mind & Memory, do make ordain & constitute this my last will & testament hereby revoking all others, in maner and form following, that is to say. It is my wish and desire that all my property, both real and personal after paying all my just debts fairly and equitably, be equally divided between all my lawful heirs, and grand children in manner and form hereafter discribed, share and share alike, that is to say. To my son Laban Magbee one share in fee simple for ever. To my son Hiram Magbee, one share in fee simple for ever. To my daughter Tabitha Maxcy, one share during her natural life time, and then descend unto all her children, share and share alike forever. My daughter Elizabeth Apperson, one share during her natural life time, and then ro descend unto her lawful heirs share & share alike forever. To my grand children William Pryor, Susan Pryor, and Mary Pryor, one share being the lawful heirs of my daughter Mary Pryor deceased, which sd share I give and bequeath unto them forever, share and share alike. I give and bequeath to my grand son in law John P Wyatt one good feather bed furniture and stead.
Lastly,, I constitute make and ordain my son Laban Magbee and my friend E W Lane my executors to this my last will and testament in witness whereof, I the said Rachel Magbee have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty three, this 9th October.
Signed sealed and delivered
in the presence of us Her subscribing witnesses
James Thompson
Josiah Crain
George L Thompson
Proved Nov 7th 1833. Recorded Butts County Wills - Administration
of Estates 1826 - 1841, p239 - 240.
Georgia
Butts County
To whom it may concern, be it known that I John A Malone of the
county and state aforesaid being in sound and perfect mind and
memory do make and constitute this my last will and testament
in manner and form following (viz)
1st. I will that the whole of my property real and personal be
kept together I common for the use benefit and support of my
wife Martha Malone and my six children Henry W Malone Charles
B Malone Mary Adraan Malone Martha Malone Sarah Malone & Emily
Malone and is there is another born (which there is a prospect
for) to share an equal interest in my property with the rest
of my children. My property to be under the control of my executors
for the above mentioned purpose during the widowhood of my s\wife
Martha Malone and in the event of her marriage will that the
property be so divided as to give to my wife Martha Malone an
equal interest in my property with my children above named (with
the provision above named) all of my property both real and personal.
2nd. I will that my property may be managed in whatever way my
executors may think most advantageous for the benefit of my wife
and children above named untill they severally arrive at lawful
age or marriage in which event I will that they draw from my
estate then on hand severally each an equal proportion.
3rd. I will that my wife Martha Malone my friends Thomas Burford
and Britton Bittrill be, and they are hereby appointed (so far
as in my power to do, executors to this my last will and testament.
In witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed
my seal the 21st day of April 1837.
In presence of
Isaac Nolen
John A Malone A F Thompson
Elizabeth Harrel (Her Mark)
Recorded 16th Jany 1838. Records - Some Wills, 1837-1845,
Butts County.
Georgia Butts County
October the 22nd 1832.
I Green McCoy of the county and state aforesaid being sensible
from my present situation, of the near approach of that mortality
to which all humane beings are subject, but at the same time,
being sound in mind and memory do make this my 1st will and testament;
In words following (to witt) that is to say; I commend my soul
to God who gave it, relying on his clemency for eternal salvation,
and my body to its mother Earth. As touching my temporal estate,
its my will that it be distributed in the following manner (to
witt) Item first, I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Eliza
my house and household furniture; Item 2nd I give and bequeath
to my beloved wife Eliza a negro boy Shade during her natural
life, after which time, he is to revert back to my son James
H McCoy, and if my son James should die without issue, to be
equally divided among my father's heirs. Item 3rd I give and
bequeath to my beloved wife Eliza, a negro woman, Susan and her
child and increase, during her widowhood provided she will support
my son James without charges, if my wife will not support my
son James, without expence, or if she should marry, then and
in either case my executors herein after named shall immediately
take possession of the negro woman Susan child and increase,
for the benefit of my son James H McCoy, and if my son James
H McCoy should die without issue or in the event of his death,
then Susan her child and increase to be equally divided among
my fathers heirs. Item 4th When my son James H McCoy arrives
at the age of twenty one, my will and desire is that the above
named negroes, in the third Item to be delivered to him.
Item 5th the balance of my property, after my just debts are
paid, the money for which it brings shall put at interest for
the support and education of my son James H McCoy, and if my
son James H McCoy, should die without issue, then and in that
case to revert back to my fathers heirs
Lastly I nominate constitute and appoint my beloved Brothers,
Henry & Baley McCoy, my lawful executors to this my last will
and testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand
and seal the day and date first above written.
Signed and sealed
in presence of
Eli Buckner
Lorenzo G Kennedy
James King
Proved January 28, 1833. Recorded Butts Count Will - Administration
of Estates 1826 - 1841, p 202 - 203.
State of Georgia
Butts County
In the name of God Amen. I Thomas Runnels of the state and
County aforesaid being weak in body but of sound and perfect
memory & calling to mind the transitory things of this life,
of make and ordain this to be my last will and testament revoking
all others heretofore made by me.
1 It is my will that all my just debts shall be paid out of my
estate.
2nd That my wife Jane Runnels do remain in full possession of
all my property of every description during her life.
3rd It is my will that after the death of my wife, that all shall
be sold and equally divided between my four children to wit,
James Runnels, William Runnels, Thomas P Runnels, and George
S Runnels, it being intended by me in this devise that my daughter
Polley Coppege is to have no part of the property I now possess
as her husband Lewis Coppege having had what I think to be her
part all but one dollar.
4th I appoint Abner Bankston, Thomas P Runnels Exrs and my wife
Jane Runnels executrix to carry this my will into effect.
Given under my hand the 12th January 1827.
Acknowledged before
John Head
John Heard
His
Thomas X Hampton
mark
Proved 3rd Sept 1827. Recorded Butts County Wills - Administration
of Estates 1826 - 1841, p 28.
Georgia
In the name of God Amen. I, John Smith of the County of Putnam
& state aforesaid being weak in body, considering the uncertainty
of this mortal life & being of sound &
perfect mind and memory Blessed be Almighty God for the same,
do make and publish this my last will & Testament in manner and
form following, that is to say. After all my just debts are all
paid I give to my beloved wife Ann Smith, all my stock of horses,
hoggs, cattle, and Household ands Kitchen furniture.
2nd I lend to my beloved wife her lifetime two Negroes to wit,
Molly & Charlotte, also one hundred acres of land it being one
half of Lot No 186 in the 1st district Henry County and State
aforesaid.
3rd I give to my daughter Nancy C Smith one of the first born
living children that may be born from the body of said Molly
or Charlotte. Also one hundred acres of land after her mothers
death, it being the same I lent her mother also one bed and furniture.
4th I give to my daughters Mary & Martha P Brown & Nancy C Smith
after their mothers death the said Molly & Charlotte to be equally
divided between their three.
5th I give to my sons to wit, Thos, John, Wyat, Stephen, William
& Mansel Smith &
Sherwood Massey one dollar each,
6th and lastly I hereby nominate & appoint my beloved wife Ann
Smith & Richmond Brown Executors to this my last will and Testament
hereby revoking all former will by me made. In witness whereof
I have hereunto set my hand & seal this 8th day of July in the
year of our Lord, one thousand Eight hundred & twenty three.
Proved March 1, 1824. Recorded Butts County Wills - Administration
of Estates 1826 - 1841, p 26. This is an exemplified copy. Apparently
the land mentioned became a part of Butts County when Butts County
was formed.
Georgia
Butts County
In the name of God Amen. I William H Smith of the county aforesaid
being weak in body and wishing to set in order my affairs of
this life as I do not expect to remain in time long, and yet
being of sound mind and disposing memory, I make this my last
will and testament and appoint executors which will be after
named to carry into effect this will in full.
Item 1st. I will that all my just debts be first paid.
Item 2. I will that my two horses and my sheep and my cart and
oxen and all my cattle except four head be sold at the highest
bidder, and also my land, whereon I reside, to be sold at private
sale or public sale which ever my executors think best and the
proceeds of said sales taken by my executors, or so much thereof
as is necessary to buy a small bit of land and two cheap horses
such as will be sufficient to carry on a small farm for the support
of my beloved wife during her natural life or widowhood and also
that my wife have the balance of all my perishable property during
her natural life or widowhood.
Item 3rd. I will that al the money due me and all the overplus
arising from the sales of the above named property that is not
taken to buy the land and horses for my wife, be laid out by
my executors on interest and kept as belonging to my estate,
and if it should be thought by my executors that my wifes necessities
actually require any part of the above named money they have
the power to apply it or so much of it as is necessary to her
use.
Item 4th. I will that my son Joseph be boarded and sent to school
one year and the tuition paid.
Item 5th. I will that my son Simon be boarded and sent to school
Eighteen months and the tuition paid.
Item 6th. I will that at the death or marriage of my wife, that
all the property belonging to my estate be sold at the highest
bidder and a final distribution made according to the after items
named. If my wife should marry, she shall have given to her a
childs part of my estate.
Item 7th. I will that my eldest, James Smith and my daughter
Verlinda Wallace, and my son William B Smith and my son Ebenezer
Smith orphans, and my son Green Smith, and my son Elijah Smith
and my daughter Martha Smith and my daughter Kissiah Dawson,
and my son Joseph Smith and my daughter Elizabeth Smith and my
son Simon, all be considered by my executors as legal heirs of
my estate and an equal division made between them all except
my son William Smith, and the orphans of my son Ebenezer, my
son William Smith has had seventy dollars, which I hold his notes
for, that amount is to be taken out of his part, and the notes
given up to him, and also Ebenezer Smiths orphans there is seventy
five dollars to be taken out of their part, as I let their father
have that amount in his life time and whatever is comeing to
them after deducting, my executors is to pay to them as they
come of lawful age, and also a deduction of twelve dollars each,
out of the parts of my three married daughters parts for a bed
that I gave each of them Verlinda Wallace and Martha Smith and
Kissiah Dawson those deductions all to be made and then a division
to be made according to the several items of this will.
Item 8th. I will that my son Elijah Smith and Riley Wise & John
M Pearson be my executors, to carry into effect this my last
will and testament, this sixth day of August in the year of our
Lord, Eighteen hundred and thirty six.
Signed sealed in presence of
Test Humphry Gilmore Stephen X Baley (His Mark) James X Bentley
(His Mark) Recorded this 8th Sept. 1840. Records - Some Wills,
1837-1845, Butts County, Georgia, p 331-332.
Georgia
Butts County
In the name of God Amen. I Nathan Williams, being sound in
mind & memory, and calling to mind the uncertainty of life, noing
its appointed once for men to die. First. I recommend that my
body be buried in a decent & Christian manner, without ostentation
or show, & my soul to my maker who gave it, with a hope of blessed
immortality,
ans as to my worldly affairs, with which God has blessed be
with, its my will that all my just debts be paid first of all,
and then I give & bequeath in manner & form below (viz) first
I give & bequeath unto my beloved wife Elizabeth Williams, one
negro woman slave Anna, during her natural life, and at her death
to her two children, Martha & Mary, and also Peter, untill the
aforesaid children shall become of age, or marry, also two hundred
& fifty dollars in cash, also the house hold furniture & bedding
she brought with her.
Secondly. I give & bequeath unto my daughter Lydia Carter two hundred dollars. Thirdly. I give and bequeath unto my daughter Agnes R Evans negro boy Tom, and to the lawful heirs of her body.
Fourthly. To Clinton A Williams my son I give & bequeath the one half of lot of land No. 181 second district Wayne County also one hundred fifty dollars.
Fifthly. I give & bequeath unto my daughter Thurzy H Williams, the sum of two hundred dollars.
Sixthly. I give & bequeath unto Roland Williams my son the sum of three hundred dollars.
Seventhly. I give & bequeath to my daughter Nancy O Williams, the sum of three hundred & fifty dollars.
Eighthly. To James M Williams my son, the other half of lot of land No. 181 in Wayne County second district. Also ten dollars in cash I give and bequeath.
Ninthly. To William Williams my son I give & bequeath the sum of four hundred dollars one hundred to be spent in education as soon as possible.
Tenthly. To Nathan Williams my son, I give & bequeath the sum of two hundred dollars in cash besides what he has already received.
Eleventhly. To my daughter Martha T Williams the sum of three hundred dollars in cash. Also to Mary Ann Williams the likes sum. I give & bequeath them with a good bead & furniture apiece.
Twelfthly. Its my desire that after the completion of the present crop, that the crop with all the property not willed or mentioned heretofore be sold and after distribution, all moneys left be equally divided among the legatees, with the exception of a decent support for my wife & her little ones for the next years & a sorrel mare called Pigeon. And lastly, I constitute & appoint my nephew Stephen W Price, & my son Nathan Williams, my lawful executors, to execute this my last will & testament, hereby revoking all other wills heretofore made be me.
In witness & testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed my seal, this 14th of March in the year of our Lord 1836.
Duly executed in the presence of:
John Price , E W Lane
Silas Elliott J.P.
Proved 2nd April 1836.
Recorded: Butts County Wills - Administration of Estates 1826
- 1841, p 386 - 388.
In the name of God Amen. I John Williamson Senr a citizen of Butts County Georgia being sensible from my advanced age of the near approach of that mortality which all human beings are subject but at the same time in usual health and sound in mind and memmory do declare this my last will and testament revoking all others. I command my soul to God who gave it relying on his clemency for eternal salvation and my body to its mother earth to be decently interred at the discretion of my executors. As touching my temporal estate it is my will that it be distributed in the following manner (to wit)
1st I give and bequeath to my beloved children (to wit) Sally Moon, Polly McCluskey, William Williamson, Jinny (?) Doss, Adam Williamson and Elizabeth Powers one dollar each as their entire portion of my estate.
2nd I give and bequeath to my beloved grand son Nathan Williamson two lots of land Nos two hundred & thirty two and two hundred and fifty in the eighth district and one other lot of land No two hundred and fifty in the first district all originally of Henry County but now Butts County and two Negro boys one named Jack and the other Ben and a negro woman by the name of Rachel, and her increase.
3rdly I give and bequeath to my beloved son John Williamson all the residue of my property both real and personal.
4thly I constitute and appoint my beloved son John Williamson and my beloved grandson Nathan Williamson executors to this my last will and testament who are charged with its faithful execution after my death and not until then.
Signed and sealed
in presence of
John Loftus
Wm Harrison
Gustavus Hendrick
Proved 7th Nov 1831. Recorded Butts County Wills - Administration of Estates 1826 - 1841, p 157 - 158. [Note written in book by Probate Judge in 1975: Zjohn Williamson d. 10-9-1831 served in Rev. War with Virginia troops. Taken from Grave monument Williamson Knowles family cemetery.]
Georgia, Jasper County
In the name of God Amen, I Joel Wise being weal & feeble, but of sound mind and memory, do make this my last will and testament in manner & form following, that is to say, I desire that my executors hereinafter named shall reserve for John Stewart a competant maintenance out of my estate during his natural life. I further desire that all my children except Hugh Wise, shall have either in money or property, one hundred fifty dollars, to make them equal with said Hugh, then all my said children to divide the balance of my estate equally among them (including Hugh). I further desire that Augustus & Barney Wise shall have each one years schooling in addition to what they have heretofore had & all my said children that is younger than them shall be schoold in proportion to what the older ones have been, that is a good country school education out of my estate before their is any division made among any of them. I further desire that all my stock of every description with my present crop & all my household & kitchen furniture be sold to the best advantage & my plantation & ferry to be rented out for one year or more, as will be the most suitable, and each child to receive his portion as he becomes of age. I further appoint my sons Hugh Wise & Jacob Wise executors to this my last will & testament. I witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this 13th day of September 1825.
Signed sealed & delivered
in presence of us
John Burge
his
Barton X Martin
mark
Wm Hancock
Proven 5th Nov 1832. Recorded Butts County Wills - Administration of Estates 1826 - 1841, p 193 - 194.
In the name of God Amen, I, James Wooten being in a low state
of health, but of sound mind and memory do make and ordain this
my last will and testament. Item 1st I do yield my soul to that
God who gave it and my body to the dust from whence it came to
be buried in a Christianlike manner according to the discretion
of my executors.
Item 2nd I do next ordain that all my just debts should be paid
and next it is my wish that all my estate both real and personal
should be kept together untill my oldest child Edmund Flewellen
Wooten comes of age and then that an equal division of the property
should be made between my wife Anne Wooten, Addison Almarian
Wooten, Seaborn Lawrence Wooten, Simeon Wooten making the arrangements,
so that my wife shall have the house and plantation to hold during
her natural life, and afterwards to be divided among my children.
It is my further wish that my stock to the use of my family should
remain.
Item 3rd I do next appoint and ordain Etheldred McClendon and
James Peevy executors to this my last will and testament to do
all matters and things pertaining to the above as they in their
discretion shall think fit.
Signed
James Wooten
Farewell Jones
Bartholomew Stile
James Ransom
Proven 3rd August 1828. Recorded Butts County Will - Administration
of Estates 1826 - 1841, p 48).
In the name of God Amen, I Enoch Pearson of the State of Georgia
and County of Butts, being weak of body but sound of mind and
memory, do make this my last will and testament dated this 12th
April in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight Hundred & thirty
Item 1st I will that all my just debts be paid
Item 2nd I will that my wife Dianna Pearson, for her support
and maintenance, have the use, and benefit, of all the negroes,
namely Silvey and her two children Westley & William Henson,
Mariah & her child Martha Caroline, Lucey, Sarah, Isbel, Milly,
and all their increase during her natural life, and one hundred
dollars which I have John M Pearsons note for, due one year after
my death. And I further appoint and ordain William H Pearson
& John M Pearson, Guardians, to take care of the property, and
money, and apply it to my wifes necessities as her needs may
require it
Item 3rd To my son William H Pearson I will sixty dollars, to
be paid him out of any moneys that may be to spare out of my
estate to make him even with my sons John M Pearson, and Daniel
W Pearson, who has received land to this amount of five hundred
dollars
Item 4th To my son James Pearson two hundred and fifty dollars
to make up his land equal to John M Pearson and Daniel W Pearsons
hundred acres land at five hundred dollars
Item 5th To Robert Power my son in law, one dollar it being the
balance of his share of my estate
Item 6th To Mordecai Hill, my son in law, one dollar it being
the balance of his share of my estate
Item 7th To the heirs of my daughter Sarah Powers body five hundred
dollars if there be that amount to each distributive share in
cash or negro property to be applyed to the use of my said daughter
Sarah during her lifetime as her necessities may require, and
I appoint John M Pearson Guardian for said Sarah, so far as respects
the above named property, and at her death to divide in equally
among the heirs of her body
Item 8th To John Hill youngest son of my daughter Mary Hill at
her death, or at any time she shall please to give it up to him
the said J. Hill, if it has come into her hands, to make him
even with her son William P Hill; but she is to have the use
of it if she pleases as her necessities require it, four hundred
dollars in cash or negro property, if there be so much to each
distributive share, say five hundred dollars, when the negroes
is divided to make her one hundred, up, five hundred
Item 9th To the heirs of my daughter Elizabeth McKleroy five
hundred dollars in cash or negroe property, if there be so much
to each distributive share
Item 10th To my daughter Nancy Adairs heirs five hundred dollars,
in cash or negro property, if there be that much to each distributive
share, but she the said Nancy is to have the use of it during
her natural life if she wishes it
Item 11th To my daughter Harriet Head I have given a negro woman
Cate and her son bill at the price of five hundred dollars to
make her equal with them that has received that amount
Item 12th If at the death of my wife there remains a remainder
after the before recited, is fulfilled, it shall be equally divided
between all the before named, except Robert Power, and Mordecai
Hill they are to have no part thereof
Item 15th I will that all debts due me, not herein mentioned
and the negroes herein named and their increase at the death
of my wife be sold and the money appropriated as directed in
the different items
Item 14th I will that William H Pearson and John M Pearson be
my executors to carry into effect this my last will and testament
hereby revoking the former ones, as witness my hand and seal
this 12th April 1830
Test
Frances Douglas
Mahala M Hays
William P Hill
Recorded the 7th July 1831. Butts County Wills - Administration
of Estates 1826 - 1841, p 151 - 153.
In the name of God Amen. I Robert Humber of the state and
county aforesaid do make publish & declare the following as my
last will & testament.
Item first. I desire the payment of all my just debts.
Item second. I give and bequeath to my daughter Martha C Bickerstaff,
the negro girl Fanny which she has in her possession aged about
ten years.
Item third. I give devise and bequeath to my beloved wife Eleanor,
and my children Charles C Humber, William C Humber, Robert C
Humber, John S L Humber, & Ann E Humber, the plantation whereon
I now live containing about two hundred & ninety three acres
of land and all my negroes, nine in number, to remain unsold
and undivided, for the maintenance support & education of my
said wife & children, until my youngest child arrives at the
age of twenty one years & then said land & negroes to be sold
&
equally divided between my wife & all my children. And in case
either of them shall marry before the youngest child arrives
at the age of twenty one years, he, she, or they shall remove
off of said land & the rest remain thereon as before.
Item fourth. I request that my executor shall sell any part of
my stock or household or kitchen furniture he may think is more
than necessary for the use of said plantation &
for the use of my wife & children aforesaid.
Item fifth. I do hereby constitute & appoint Benjamin F Ward
executor to this my last will & testament.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this 26th
May 1842.
Signed sealed & declared
in presence of us
H Williams
J N Davis
Jonathan G Davis
Recorded this 15th July 1842. Records - Some Wills, 1837-1845, p 432.
Bond and Oath, Temporary Letters of Administration.
Georgia, Butts County
Know all Men by These Presents, that we J.C. KIMBELL as principal,
and W.J.WOOD as surety are held and firmly bound unto G.D. HEAD,
Ordinary of said County, and to his successors in office, the
sum of Two Thousand Dollars and No Cents, to the payment of which,
well and turly to be made, we bind ourselves, our heirs, executors
, andadministrators of us and each one of us firmly by these
presents. Subscribed with our hands and sealed with our seals,
this 25th day of June, 1941.
The Condition of the above Vond or Oblicgation is such, that whereas, the above bound J.C. KIMBELL has this day applied to the said G.D. HEAD, Ordinaor, for and has obtained Temporary Letters of Adminsitration of the goods and chattels, rights and credits of W.B. KIMBELL, deceased: Now if the above J.C. KIMBELL shall carefully collect and preserve from waste or loss all the goods and chattels and effects of the said W.B. KIMBELL, deceased, and shall make or cause to be made, a true and perfect inventory of all such estate, and the same being so preserved, do surrender up such estate and effects with the inventory aforesaid, unto the legal and proper administration, on or by the first Monday in August next, or so soon thereafter as th e Ordinaoy shall direct, with all his other actings and doings therin, then this obligation to be void; otherwise to remain in full force in law.
J.C. KIMBELL (his signaure)
W.J.WOOD, (his signature)
Georgia, Butts County.
I do solemnly swear that W. B. KIMBELL, deceased, died intestate,
so far as I know or believe and that I will well and truly administer
on all the estate of the deceased, and disburse the same as the
law requires and discharge to the best of my ability all my duties
as temporary Administrator. "So help me God".
J.C. KIMBELL (His signature)
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 25th day of June, 194
G.D. HEAD (his signature) Ordinary