Will of John Chastain, Hall, Georgia http://files.usgwarchives.net/ga/hall/wills/jchastain.txt ----------------------------------------------------------------------- USGENWEB PROJECT NOTICE: In keeping with the USGenWeb Project policy of providing free information on the Internet, this data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material These electronic pages cannot be reproduced in any format for profit or other gain. Copying of the files within by non-commercial individuals and libraries is encouraged. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. GAGenWeb Archives File Manager, Hall County Carolyn Golowka, -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Submitted by Bill Stephenson, January 2001 Transcription of the Estate Papers of John Chastain, Hall County, Georgia, 1853, by William L. Stephenson, Jr., January 2001 Page 191 Georgia Hall County In the name of God Amen I John Chastain of the County and State aforesaid being weak of body but of sound and disposing mind thanks be to God for the same and calling to mind the mortality of the body that it is Ordained once for man to die do Constitute appoint and ordain this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following First, I bequeath My Soul to God who gave it and My body to the dust from whence it came. Second, It is my will that all my legal debts be justly paid by my Executors hereafter mentioned. Third, I give and bequeath unto My Son John P. Chastain Five dollars in cash. Fourth, I give and bequeath unto my dearly beloved grand daughter Sarah A. Chastain and of daughter Elias Chastain deceased One note of hand of Three hundred dollars together with the Interest on said Note which Note was made to me by the said Elias E. Chastain. Fifth, I Give and bequeath unto my dearly beloved daughters to wit Lavina Thesler, Emma W. Jacobs, Malissa Barnes, Ann Kelton all my Estate both real and personal that is not otherwise devised and it is My will and desire that they the above mentioned four daughters do equally divide my whole Estate among them without a sale but if it should so happen that they should disagree on a division then it is my Will that all my Estate both real and personal (except the two first bequests) Should be sold for cash and the Money equally divided among my four daughters to wit Lavina Thesler, Emma W. Jacob, Melissa Barnes, and Ann Kelton. Sixth, I do hereby constitute and appoint Thomas Barnes and Charles Thesler my Executors who are to see the above will carried fully into effect hereby revoking all other will or wills made by me. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal This the 24th day of March 1853. In presence of L. A. McAfee John Chastain Davis Whelchel Lewis Jones Georgia Hall County Court of Ordinary March Term 1864. In open Court Came Charles Tesler and Thomas Barnes and produced the last and testament of John Chastain deceased and the witnesses to said will to wit- David Whelchel and Lewis and they being the said David Whelchel and Lewis being duly sworn depose and say that they saw John Chastain signed & seal the above instrument as his last will and Testament That he was of sound disposing mind and memory and the same freely voluntarily of his own accord so far as they know or believe That they signed the same as witnesses in his presence at his request and saw L. A. McAfee do so likewise. Sworn to and Subscribed in Open Court This March 7th 1864. A. M. Cochran David Whelchel Ordinary Lewis Jones