WILL OF JOHN MAY - (1843) Jackson, Madison Co., Tenn. Will Book "4" Pp. 97-98 In the name of God Amen, I, John May of the county of Madison and State of Tennessee being in Sound mind and perfect memory but being weak and feeble in body and feeling a desire to dispose of such property as it has pleased God to bless me with I do make and publish this my Last Will and Testament. First, I direct that all my Just debts may be paid as speedily as convenient also my funeral Expenses. Secondly, I give unto my beloved Daughter Mary Taylor a negro called Big Henry and a boy named Turner which negroes are to be held in Trust by my Executors their heirs and for her use and benefit during her life and at her death to be Equally divided between all her children by said Executors. Thirdly, I give and bequeath unto my son John May three negroes to wit. Ellmder?, Jefferson and Chester. Fourthly, I give unto my son-in-law William C. Hutchison one negro fellow called little Jim? and a negro boy named Jacob. I give and bequeath unto my son-in-law Dawson D. Bennett a negro called Big Jim and three hundred and fifty dollars which I desire he shall lay out in the purchase of a likely girl to wait upon his wife as a house__? I give and bequeath unto my son Philip May the following negro property to wit. Jerard and Maria his wife & their son Ag__? and Patsy his wife and Warren? and Jessie? and their children which negroes are to be considered in full of all the negro property he is to get from my estate. I give and bequeath unto my son William May's children two negroes to wit. David and Matt but said negroes are not to be taken from my Estate until said children shall arrive at Lawful age. It is my Will and desire that my Grand daughter Nancy Tennessee Newsom shall take choice of my five horses if she chooses to do so in part pay.? of what I may be owing her if she shall not choose said horse then money shall be paid her. It is my further Will and desire that if any of the before mentioned negroes shall prove refractory or not answer the purpose of those to whom I have given them that they are at liberty to sell them if they choose and buy others if they think proper with the proceeds. I further direct my Executors to sell one of my waggons as it will not be needed on the plantation. All the balance of my property of whatever nature one kind ? either lands negroes stock of all kind Household and Kitchen furniture farming utensils debts money or ? owing my Estate or on hand. I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Nancy May to do as she pleases with at her death hoping she will so dispose of it as to do equal Justice and give Equal Satisfaction to our children as fair as is practicable. It is my Will and desire that in case of my death that the property herein bequeathed away shall be taken away by those to whom it is given as soon as soon as the ?ro? now in hand shall be gathered in and saved. I do hereby autorize my beloved wife to give out to our children such portions of property from time to time as she may think she can spare without diminishing her own comfort and maintenance. I do hereby constitute and appoint my friend Adam Huntsman, Dawson B. Bennett and William Hutchison Executors of this my last Will and Testimony whereof I have here unto set my hand and seal this 4th of October 1843. Attest. Wm. P. Godwin James Cook Signed John May (his mark (x)) \ seal\ ==================================================================== USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons or organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor. This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Laura W. Griffith ====================================================================