John Boatwright
Will Transcript - 1861

                In the name of God, Amen
I, John Boatwright being of advanced age and knowing that in my present feeble bodily condition, I may soon depart this life, but being now possessed of a sound mind and disposing memory, do make and ordain this my last will and testament.

Item 1st    I desire that my body shall be buried in a decent and Christian like manner, and that my Executer hereinafter to be named shall forthwith proceed with all reasonable and legal dispatch to pay all my just debts.

Item 2nd    It is my will and desire that all of my estate both real and personal shall remain in the control and custody of my beloved wife Jane for and during the term of her natural life, and after her death to be equally divided share and share alike, between my children; Zilpha Hartley, Permelia Hartley, George D. Boatwright, James T. Boatwright, Mary Jane Layton, Zacky Ann Amanda Harrison, and Susan Ann Perkins forever in fee simple, except as hereinafter excepted.

Item 3rd    The share of my estate which will go to my daughter Zilpha Hartley under the provision of the 2nd Item,  I give in trust to her husband, John Hartley to be held in trust by him for her sole and separate use, during the term of her natural life  free from his and any future husband's debts or liabilities in any manner or from whatever and after her death to be equally divided share and share alike between her children by her former husband, James Layton or her present or any future husband.

Item 4th    The share of my estate which will go to my daughter, Susan Ann Perkins under the provision of the 2nd Item above, I give in trust to Raiford Hartley, to be held by him for her sole and separate use free from the debts or liabilities of her present or any future husband, and at her death to be equally divided among her children share and share alike.

Item 5th    If my wife who is already helpless shall prefer after I am gone, to live with some of the children and not keep up the place and keep the personal property together; she may pursue such course, and my executer hereinafter to be named shall proceed to divide off my said estate as (pointed?) out in the proceeding sections or items of this my will, if in his judgment such course will be prudent and proper at the time.

Item 6th    I hereby nominate and appoint my son-in-law Raiford Hartley Executer of this my last will and testament.

(signed) John (X his mark) Boatwright

Signed sealed published and declared by John Boatwright as his last will and testament in the presence of us the undersigned who subscribed our names hereto in the presence of said testator at his special instance and request, and in the presence of each other this (Dec?  ) 1861.

Philip Clark
H. T. Turlington
Wm. G. Brantley

Carrie Smith.
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Revised: 05/15/12.