The following does not have any typographical errors.
JOSEPH W. ARCHER SR's. WILL
The last Will and Testament of Joseph Archer
I Joseph Archer being in perfect senses and knowing the uncertainty of life and the certainty of death do now make and publish this my last will and testament herby revoking and making void all other 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 my death as possible out of any money that I may die posessed of or that first came into the hands of my executors or executor.
Secondly, I give and bequeath to my beloved wife Mary Ann Archer all the property belonging to the house that she brought to it with her when we married and all articles of her own manufacture since our marriage and a good cow and her support off the farm and if she makes choice to stay in the house with my son Elijah Archer then in that case he shall furnish her a comfortable and decent support and treat her well and take care of her, but if she desires to leave the house and remains a widow then Elijah Archer is to furnish annually or quarter annually enough to support her wherever she is living whatever any too good and desinterested men may say that she has need of for her own support but she is not to be turned out of the house against her free will as long as she lives a widow.
Thirdly, I give and bequeath to my son Elijah Archer my home farm and improvements to go into full possession at the time of my death by his well and truly supporting his step mother and providing for her comfort and pleasure on the terms given in the second section of this my will.
Fifthly, As I have given my sons Silas, William, Joseph and Jonathan and my daughter Nancy their full share in land money and property I therfore allow them nothing more.
Sixthly, I direct that all my property not disposed of already in this will be sold at publick vendue by my executors to the highest bidder continued next column and the proceeds of the sale to be applied to the payment of my debts and expenses of said executorship and the ballance if any there be I allow to be equally divided among my three daughters Susannah Merrit, Looamy Smith and Elizabeth Archer and two sons Jurial D. Archer and Thomas Archer My daughter Elizabeth to get the bed that belongs to her if she has not got it before my death as my oldest son Benjamin has not been heard of by me for many years and I do not know whether he is living or dead, I direct that if he is alive and comes or sends for it in two years after my death he be paid the sum of ten dollars out of my son Elijahs portion to be paid by Elijah out of any of his own means. And to my son Elijah I give my family bible and allow him to keep it and never sell it or part with it as long as he lives but to read it and improve in so doing.
Seventhly, As there is a flattering prospect of valuable minerals being dug on my farm and myself and my son Elijah who falls heir to the farm at my death have entered into a partnership business with one Joseph A. Conley about the mines on the farm I hereby appoint my son Elijah an perpetual agent to settle and receive my portion of the proffits of said mines from the said Joseph A. Conley and I also allow him to keep to himself one half of the part of proffits coming to me and to divide the other half equally amongst all his brothers and sisters annually and the possession of the mines is not to go into the possission of Elijah with the land but as an agent and is to belong to my heirs in proportion to the direction given above.
Lastly, I nominate and appoint R. S. Ferguson and Elijah Archer my executors to carry will into effect in witness whereof I do to this my will set my hand and seal this 16th day of June 1854
His
Joseph X Archer Seal
Mark
Signed sealed and published in our presence and we have subscribed our names hereto in the presence of the testator this 16th day of June 1854
Test
John Nelson
Joseph Beals Jr.
Susannah Archer's Will
I Susannah Archer of Washington County, Tennessee being old and feeble but of perfect sound mind and memory do make and publish this as my last Will and Testament hereby revoking and making void all other wills by me at any time made, and acknowledge this and this only.
First - I will and dsesire that all my just debts and funeral expenses be paid out of any money's that may first come into the hands of my executor.
Secondly - I will and bequeath to my beloved daughter Catherine Archer, all my property bothe real and personal. My real property consists of about forty acres of land being in two parcels, one parcel of said real estate lying adjoining J. F. Grishams and being all the land that my original deed covers - except what I sold off to m son J. M. Archer lying adjoining a lot I gave to my daughter Martha Millhorn. I intend my said daughter Catherine, to have each piece and every part thereof with all and ______? on my personal property including Notes-Chases, in action on any other ______? that may be due me at my death, I will that she have and hold the absolute control and possession of the same - I give this to her for her addection and ______? kindness to me in my declining years, having given to my other heirs all that I intend them to have of my real estate.
Lastly - I hereby appoint my friend James M. Grisham executor to see that the provisions of this will is fully carried out and as I owe no debts or but very little and expect that to be shortly settled, there will be but little to do in the settlement of my estate except to see that my said daughter Catherine Archer retain possession of my property in accordance with the provisions of the foregoing will - In Testimony thereof I have hereto _________? my name making my mark this 29th day of July 1871.
Signed and acknowledged
in our presence and at
her
the request of the _____?
Susannah X
Archer ( Seal )
Francis M. Walker
mark
John
F. Grisham
The foregoing Will was presented to the County Court of Washington County Tennesee at its Febry term 1887 and proven by the Oaths of Francis M. Walker and John F. Gresham the two ________?
witnesses their to and there being no exceptions take thereto the same was _________? to probate and ordered to be entered of record
Jacob Leab
County Court Clerk
Created and Maintained by:
Lawrence A. Boyle
labrover@sbcglobal.net