GREENE Co., TN - Abstract of the Will of Robert HAYS who married Jane COLLIER 03 Oct 1799 Greene Co., TN
Robert Hays dec'd ....Will proven 4th Jany 1841 Mins 19, page 194
In the name of God Amen, I Robert Hays of the county of Green and state of Tennessee being of sound and perfect mind and memory do make and publish this my last will and testament in manner and for following - First I direct that my funeral expences and all my just debts be paid.... Secondly I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Jane Hays all my household and kitchen furniture and one Gray mare and two Davison patent ploughs and one shovel phoughs and one log chain and two cows one red one and the other pided, and six head of sheep her choice of my floc, of sheep, and six head of hogs her choise of my stock of hogs, and one loom and all the utensils therunto belonging. To have and to hold the same during her natural life or as long as she remains my widow. Thirdly, wheras my wife Jane Hays is one of the legal heirs and representatives of Sarah Glasscock deceased and the said Sarah Glasscock having died possessed of a considerable estate in Washington county Tennessee therefore it is my will and desire that my wife Jane Hays shall take and receive the money that is coming to her from the estate of the said Sarah Glasscock deceased and that she shall have the sole use and inherit of the money for her support and it is also my will and desire that my executors shal use all lawful ways and means to have the money collected and paid over to my wife the said Jane Hays as soon as possible. Fourthly I give and bequeth unto my beloved wife Jane Hays one pair of trucks and one iron toooth harrow and one womans saddle and one riding bridle and saddle blanket, to have and to hold the same during her natural life or as long as she remains my widow. Fifthly, I give and devise unto my youngest son Thomas Hays his heirs and assigns all the lands whereon I now live situate lying and being in Green county on the long fork of Lick Creek and adjoining the land of Nathan Morelock, and Samuel Crawford, and Alexander English and Charles Hays, containing by estimation two hundred acres more or less to hold to him the said Thomas Hays his heirs and assigns for ever, provided the said Thomas Hays shall pay unto Margaret Rodgers wife of James Rodgers & Susannah Smith wife of Robert Smith the sums of money herin after mentioned. Sixthly I give and devise unto my oldest son Charles Hays his heirs and assigns one hundred acres of land situate lying and being in Green Co. On the waters of the Long Fork of Lick Creek adjoining my other tract of land and the land of George Monteeth and Alexander English and William Coulson and Elijah Coleson, it being the same and whereon the said Charles Hays now lives...... Seventhly I give and bequeth unto my son John Hays one bay horse called Dick and one pair ________ and two pair of gears ______ and back bands, and two pairs of hip straps and two collars and two blind bridles in full of his legacy _____ as heirin after provided I having heretofore advanced and given the said John Hays a certain tract or parcel of land situate lying and being in Green Co. on the Long Fork of Lick Creek adjoining my land where I now live and the land and the land of Robert C. Gray and the land of Nathan Morelock containing by estimation seventy five acres being the same land whereon Nathan Morelock now lives. Eighthly I will and order that my son Thomas Hays shall pay or cause to be paid unto my daughter Margaret wife of James Rodgers the sum of four hundred dollars that is one hundred dollars to be paid within two years from the time of my decease the other three hundred dollars to be paid annually. Ninthly I will and order that my son Thomas Hays shall pay or cause to be paid unto my daughter Susannah wife of Robert Smith the sum of four hundred dollars that is one hundred dollars to be paid within two years from the time of my decease, the other three hundred dollars to be paid annually. Tenthly I will and order that all my lands before mentioned mentioned and bequethed by me to my son Thomas Hays, and Charles Hays shall be valued and upon such valuation being made if there should be a deficiency after my said daughters have received the four hundred dollars each from my son Thomas Hays so as to make them my said daughters equal in shares with my sons the said Thomas Hays and Charles Hays shall pay my said daughters in proportion to the amount of the valuation of their said land and also if my son John Hays has been advanced over what will make him equal with my son Thomas Hays and Charles Hays and my two daughters Margaret and Susannah he is to pay back in propotion to the amount he has received over. Eleventhly I bequeth unto my son Charles Hays daughter Margaret twenty five dollars to get her a saddle. Twelfth it is my will and desire after the decease of my said wife Jane Hays that all the personal estate that shall or may remain over after the decease of her.... shall be equally divided between my three sons and two daughters..... Thirteenth as to all the balance and residue and remainder of my personal estate of what kind or nature soever I give and bequeth unto my three sons and two daughters as aforesaid. Fifteenth and lastly I do hearby nominate and appoint Nathan Morelock and Charles Hays my executors of this my last will and testament thereby revoking all former wills by me made in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this seventh day of November 1840. Signed, sealed published and declared by the above named Robert Hays to be his last will and testament in the presence of us who have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses in the presence of the testator.
Robert Hays signed "X" as his mark, Andrew Hays signed "X" as his mark and signed Richard Fincher and Cornelius Smith Jr.

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JEFFERSON CO., TN Probate/Chancery Court Records, TN State Library & Archives
Vol. 2 Page 626
State of Tennessee } July 19th 1828
Jefferson County }
In the name of God Amen. I James Hays being weak in body but in perfect mind and memory, doth make this my last Will and Testament., first of all I recommend my Soul to God that gave it and my body to be buried in some Christian burial at the discretion of my Executors, nothing doubting but that I shall receive the same again.
Secondly, I having given my beloved Sons Nicholas, John, James and Lewis Willis a sufficient apportionment of my property, when they left me, I rest it with them.
Thirdly I having my beloved daughter Elvira Stiffy her apportionment of my property when she left me. I rest it with her.
Fourthly. I will and bequeath unto my beloved daughter Silvia Longacre one note of hand for fifty dollars on Martin Bailey with Carr Bailey Security to be discharged in whiskey, also one desk to her and my beloved daughter Elizabeth with a price on it at twenty Six Dollars and they to decide which shall have it by paying the other thirteen dollars. I also will and bequeath unto my beloved daughter Elizabeth Six head of Sheep, which is now in her possession.
Fifthly, I will and bequeath unto my beloved son William Hays two notes of hand on Martin Bailey with Carr Pailey Security to them, one that is first due, and one that is due the last with a injunction on him to collect the ballance of the notes that is due from said Bailies and pay them over to them thay they may be distributed to, hereafter.
Sixthly. I will and bequeath to my beloved daughter Maria Hays the second note that becomes due on the said Bailies to be collected by my son William and paid over to her.
Seventhly. I will and bequeath unto my beloved son Enoch Hays the third note that becomes due on said Bailies for fifty dollars as aforesaid and collected and paid by my son William to my son Enoch.
Eighthly. I will and bequeath unto my beloved son Clayton Hays the fourth note of hand on the said Bailies for fifty dollars to be collected and paid accordingly.
Ninthly I will and bequeath unto my beloved daughter Maria Hays my Bed with all the furniture belonging to it together with my margin Bible and Looking Glass.
Tenthly and Lastly, I give unto my son William my Saddle, and to Enoch my great Coat and fire dogs, also my Gun, and farming utensils to be equally divided between my son William and Enoch and my son in law, Nicholas Yates And I also appoint authorise and empower my Son William Hays and Nicholas Yates to carry this my last Will into effect forbidding and disallowing all others
James Hays {Seal}
Signed Sealed and delivered in presence of us day and date above written
Rueben Churchman
Nicholas Yates
State of Tennessee
Jefferson County
Then was the foregoing last Will and Testament of James Hays duly proven in open court by the Oaths of Reuben Churchman and Nicholas Yates the subscribing witness thereto, and recorded. Jos Hamilton Ck.

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Williamson Co., TN Will Abstracts by F. B. Hays & H. D. Duke:

Page 20: HAYS, John dated 18 Nov 1831 probated Jan. Term 1832. Sisters: Jane HAYS, Easter FLOYD, Isabella HAYS. Brother: Arthur HAYS. Exec: Daniel BAUGH. Witnesses: Daniel Daugh, Nathaniel GRIFFIN, A. S. LAMB

Page 11: HAY, John settlement dated Apr 1832, Exr: Balaam HAY.
Lucy HAY allotment of Provisions dated 22 Jan 1832 & Apr. 1832, widow of Balaam HAY. Also sale of Balaam HAY property 07 Feb 1832 by Admx: Richard HAY.

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The Will of John HAYS of Smith Co., TN:
In the name of God Amen, I, John Hays of the County of Smith & State of Tennessee, being weak & afflicted in body, but through the mercy of God of sound mind & monory, but believing that as it is appointed of God, that my body is to return to the Earth from whence it was taken, & that my spirit must return to God, & that a furture State is to be of Rewards and Punishments - Do commit my Soul to Tod, hoping that through the mediation of the Lord Jusus Christ that I shall be accepted into a State of Glory. And therefore, do make & dispose of my Estate in the following manner (To Wit): First, that my beloved wife Mary, shall have possess & enjoy the land and Plantation & all its improvements whereon I now live shall remain Hers, & at her disposal, as it was when I married her, also a likely cow & calf, Also one Bed & furniture, also a white mare, also all her own hogs those in her own mark, an oven, & all and every article of domestic property or plantation tools and utensels which she was intitled to & in possession of when I married her, also a full support for one year out of the crop & stock, the cow called Love. Also a bed & furniture for two years & after which time I bequeathe it to my son Charles. Next I will & bequeath to my Daughter Margaret Davis a cow & calf called Rose, also half of a bed & furntiture.
Next, I give & bequeath to my son Charles a waggon and gears for two horses & the cover of said waggon, also two ?________? of cloaths of home made cloth, including velvet jacket & breeches, also the stockings to be woolen & a bever hat, one of the suits to contain a dimily jackett & breeches.
Next I give & bequeath to my daughter Hannah Horne two cows & calves, two cups & saucers of china. The name of the cows is Spot & ?Swan?, also half the feathers of one of my beds, & also half of the furniture of said bed.
Item, I give & bequeath to my daughter Jenny Shannon twenty dollars to be paid her one year after my decease.
Item, I give & bequeath to my son John Hays, a Negroe woman named Phebe by pay in the other legatees twenty dollars each eighteen months after my decease, also a hand screw.
Item, I give & bequeath to my daughter Nancy Hays, a Negroe Boy named Peter.
Item, to Moses Fountain Garrison twenty dollars, after the sale & collection of my estate is made.
Item, that the ballance of property yet remaining shall be sold, & the money arising with all other collections of debts owing to me & that may be collected, after all my debts are paid, to be equally divided among the Legatees. I also will & bequeath to Samuel Hays (son of Charles), a bay horse called Jolly, which Lewis Allen did formerly own. Signed & acknowledged the 22nd day of September 1814.
Upon examining this said testament I do acknowledge it to be my last will & testament the day & date above written. (Signed with seal) John Hays. Signed, sealed & Delivered in the presence of us Dan Burford and Lewis Allen
I hereby appoint John Horne Executor of this my last will & testament & Doctor Donnell if he will accept the same. Signed with Seal John Hays
Same Test: Dan Burford & Lewis Allen
Smith County, November Term 1814
Then the Last Will and Testament of John Hays was exhibited in open court and the due executive ?_____? of proven by the oaths of Daniel Burford and Lewis Allen, witnesses thereto and an motion ordered to be recorded and an motion of John Horn the executor therein named who qualifies & entered into Bond & Security according to law sellers as ?________? is granted him on said estate. Test: Robert Allen - duly recorded Book ?C? page 154.
This will was provided by Gene Hays of Paducah, KY - thanks so much, Gene!

SMITH CO., TN Will Abracts 1803-1896 by Key, Maggart & Turner 1985:
HAYS, James. 25 Oct 1811. Wife Polly. Sons Preston, James. Daughters Betsy, Jenny. Wit: E. W. DALE, Matthew ANDERSON, Edward FOSTER. Exs: wife Polly, father-in-law Henry THOMPSON & Adam DALE. Probated March 1812.

HAYS, Charles. 13 May 1819. Wife Elizabeth. sons: oldest son, John, now living on the Mississippi; 2nd son Joseph; Samuel; William; Andrew; James; Hugh; Nathaniel. Daughters Mary, Elizabeth HAYS. Wit: Josiah DUNCAN, David BURFORD, Charles McCULLAH. EX: son Samuel Hays. Probated August 1820.
The following, sent by Paul Owen, E-mail Plhown@aol.com, is a more comprehensive look at the last will & testament of the above Charles HAYS:
Smith County Record of Wills. The will of Charles hays was dated 13 May 1819 and was probated Aug. 1820. (Probate Record Book F, page 345, 26 Sept. 1820:
State of Tennessee Smith County - Be it known that I Charles Hays of the county and state aforesaid, being of sound memory and in my senses, wish while living and enjoying my senses to dispose of my real and personal Estate as I think best, in order to do justice and prevent disputes, do hereby make and ordain this my last will and Testament hereby revoking all former wills.
First I give and bequeath to my beloved wife Elizabeth Hays the following property for and during her natural life, (or during her widowhood) one negrew woman named Pat, one bay horse, Snip, two beds and furniture, two cows and calves, cupboard and part of citchen furniture such as she may think proper to take, twenty heads of hoggs, six head of sheep, also her saddle and bridle, the farm and mansion house whereon I now live for six years, one-third of said farm including the mansion house for and during her natural life or widowhood as hereto fore provided.
2nd second my oldest son John now living in Missouri and married, I give the following sum to do and dispose of as he may think proper (to wit) first beside that already given him I give one hundred dollars. To my second son Joseph, fifty acres of land whereon he now lives. To my son Samuel, fifty acres of land, beginning on the south side of the creek at Bennets corner thence north so as to include a farm where John Hays made, and run in a square for completion. To William Hays, fifty acres beginning at my south west corner running so as to include his improvement be the same more or less to be laid out as he may think proper, but adjoining. To Andrew Hays, fifty acres beginning at Wm Bennets north east corner, running south with said Bennets line til it strikes his brother Wm Hays line, thence east, thence north, thence west for corn implements, five head of sheep and ten head of hoggs, also one black horse, saddle and bridle. To son James Hays fifty acres of land beginning at my north west corner, at a white oak an tree? thence south, to Samuel Hays corner, thence east down to the creek, thence down the creek to where the original line as aforesaid be the same more or less also five head of sheep ten head of hoggs and one horse saddle and bridle.
To my daughter Mary Hays one horse saddle and bridle, one cow and calf five head of sheep, ten head of hoggs, one bed and furniture, and should the negrew woman Pat have any children, my daughter Mary is to have the oldest.
To my son Hugh Hays a tract of land beginning at the mouth of a branch where it empties into the creek by the field, thence south to the original line, so as to include all the land in the east side of the branch be the same more or less, also three head of sheep, and twenty head of hoggs, one horse saddle and bridle.
To my son Nathaniel Hays, he is to have the north side of the plantation not heretofore conveyed.
To my daughter Elizabeth Hays, one bed and furniture one cow and calf, five head of sheep, twenty head of hoggs, also the negrew woman Pat at the death of her mother, or expiration of her widowhood, and all Pats children if any except one heretofore willed to my daughter Mary. The balance of my property shall after paying of my debts be divided equally amongst my children share and share alike and I do hereby appoint my son Samuel Hays my true and lawful Executor, to execute this my last will and Testament, I witness whereon I have hereinto set my hand and seal this 13th day of May 1819. Signed sealed and delivered in the presence of
Charles X Hays

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Will of William MURRY of Wilson Co., TN:
Dated 16 Mar 1848, heirs: wife Pamelia; sons James, Foster, John, Jeremiah, Nathaniel, and Joseph MURRY; daughter Elizabeth HOBSON, Nancy CHAMBERS, Susan MOSS, Mary HESSEY; son William's heirs to wit Hamilton & Susan MURRY. Recorded 11 Nov 1850 (p. 244-245).

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VIRGINIA

Abstract of David Hays' Will
From "Chalkley's Chronicles of the Scotch-Irish in Virginia" Augusta Co., VA, Will Book 5, page 432.--27th February, 1775. David Hays' will--To wife, servant girl named Agness McGraw; to daughter, Johanna Buchanan; to daughter, Eloner Paxton; to daughter, Hannah Sawyers; to daughter, Mary Lapsley; to sons, David, William, Joseph, Robert, John, division. Executors, wife Isabella Hays, William Paxton, James Sawyers. Teste: Andrew Kinnear, George Berry, Agness Kinnear. Proved, 21st August, 1776, by solemn affirmation of the Kinnears. Isabella and Sawyers qualify. Paxton to be summoned. 19th August 1777, Paxton qualifies.

Will of Thomas Sims Sr.:
from the FTM homepage of Pamela Butler, E-mail: RBurle0193@AOL.Com
"In the name of God Amen I Thomas Sims Sener of Brumfield Parish and County of Culpeper being Sick and weak in body but of perfect mind and memory Thanks be given to God Therefore Calling to mind the Mortality of my body and knowing that it is Appointed for all men once to die do make and Ordain This my last Will and Testament that is to say Principally and first of all I do give and Recommend my soul into the hand of the Almighty God that gave it and my body I recommend to the Earth to be buried in a decent Christian Burial at the Discretion of my Executors nothing doubting but at the General Resurrection I shall reieve the same again by the Mighty power of God and as touching such worldly Estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me in this life I give devise and Despose of the same in the following Manner and form Imprimis. Item first of all I do Give and bequeath and bequeath to my eldest son Thomas Sims Junr. that part of my Estate that fell to him by division, and Likewise I do give and bequeath to my son Thomas Sims my negroe woman by name Milley and her Child to him and his heirs Lawfully begotten forever, Likewise my son Thomas Sims Juner is to pay Thirty pounds in gold or silver to my son William Sims Deceased Children Six Pounds to each Child as they come of age and other little debts comeing against me-
Item Secondly I do give and bequeath to my son James Sims my negro man Peter and all that fell to him by Division to him and his Heirs Lawfully begotten forever Likewise I do give and bequeath to Elizabeth Sims wife of James Sims my Gilt Looking Glass and I desire at her Death that one of her sons may have it.
Item Thirdly I do give and bequeath to my son Elijah Sims the land he lives on The Gardon excepted and Likewise a Negro boy by name Abraham and all that fell to him by Division to him and his heirs sons of his first wife Lawfully begotten forever-
Item Fourthly I do give and bequeath to my Daughter Amay Bobo a negro woman by name Cate, and all of her Children, and I desire if John Sims lives with Absalom Bobo and his wife untill he comes of age they may give him one of the Negro Children if they see proper, This Negroe woman Cate and all her Children, and all that fell to her by Division is to her her and her heirs Lawfully Begotten forever-
Item Fifthly I do give and bequeath to my two Grand Daughters Lucy and Anna Jones Daughters of my Daughter Sarah Jones deceasd a Negroe Woman by name Rose and a boy named Peter and all that part that fell to my said daughter Sarah Jones by Division to them and Their heirs Lawfully Begotten for Ever, This Estate they are to recieve at the day of of Marriage or Coming to Lawful age-
Item Sixthly I do give and Bequeath to my Son Zachariah Sims a Negro man by name Moses and all that fell to him by division to him and his heirs Lawfully Begotten for ever
Item Seventhly I do give and Bequeath to my son Richard Sims a Negro woman by name Dafne, and Likewise Thirty odd Acres of Land and all that fell to him by Division to him and his heirs Lawfully Begotten for Ever.
Item Eighly I do give and Bequeath Ann Graves an Negroe woman by name Winney and her Child and all that fell to her by Division to her and her Heirs Lawfully Begotten forever
Item Ninthly I do Desire that my Feather bed and Furtinure and what other things I possess may be sold to the highest bider in the Family and the Money Rising Therefrom be Equally Divided amongst all my Children- And Lastly I do appoint my sons Thomas and James Sims my hole and Sole Executors of this my Last Will and Testament hereby Revoking all former wills and Declaring this to be my my last will and Testament. In Witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand Seal This 21st day of April 1784
Thos (L.S.)
and Sealed and Declared Before us
Jas Sims Edwd Sims William Mason
At a Court held for Culpeper County the 18th day of July 1785
This last Will and Testament of Thomas Sims Decd was Exhibited to the Court by Thomas Sims one of the Exors therein named and was proved by the Oaths of Edwd Sims & William Mason two of the Witnesses thereto & Ordered to be recorded And on the Motion of the said Executor Certificate is granted them for obtaining a probate thereof in due form they having made oath thereto and given bond & Security according to Law Liberty being reserved for the other Exor therin named to Qualify when he may think fit.

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Will of Thomas Sims, II of Culpeper County, Virginia. 21 Oct 1809; 20 Feb 1809:
He bequeaths to his wife Mary all his estate, both real & personal, during her lifetime, and after her death it is to be sold and the monies to be equally divided among his children except dau Lucy to have in addition to her share specified personal property; the excrs., sons Reuben & John, to take into consideration amounts any of them owe to the estate. Children named: Lucy Sims, Francis Morris, Reuben Sims, Thomas Sims, Jeremiah Sims, James Sims, William Sims, Abner Sims, Caleb Sims, John Sims, and dau Mary Gore (last mentioned to have but one shilling and her children, Lucy and Burrell Gore, each to have seven pounds ten shillings when they come of age or marry). Wits: Nelson Colvin, William Colvin, Wm Wallis.
(Signed) Thomas Sims......WB E p.345; inventory WB F p.148.......

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William Sims will.
Written 29 May 1768; probated in Culpeper Co., Va 18 May 1769:
"William Sims of the County of Culpeper being low in body. To my well beloved wife, Martha Sims all my worldly goods and chattles both within my house as well wtout exception during her natural life or widowhood for to raise my children or till they all come of age. My wife now with child, if it lives to have an equal part. If my wife marries before children come of age, I appoint Thomas Sims & James executors.
Wit: James Sims (Signed) Wm. Sims
Ela. Sims
Jos. Stewart
18 May 1769. Exhibited to court by Thomas Sims & Joseph Stewart. James Sims the other executor refused to take upon himself the burthen of the exon. thereof." Inventory filed 15 June 1769. Val. 278/1/10 1/2 Culpeper Co., Va WB A- pg 477.
Martha Sims was appointed guardian of orphans of Wm Sims 10 Aug 1770, Culpeper Co., Va WB B, p.6

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Will of William Sims 1809
In the name of God, Amen. I William Sims of the county of Hanover, Do make and publish this my last will and testament in manner and form following (that is to say) First, I give and devise unto my two daughters Agness Walton and Sarah Walton all that tract or parcel of land lying on Rocky Creek in the county of Louisa, which I purchased of William Lipscomb, containing by estimation four hundred acres, to be equally divided between them share and share alike, to be held by the said Agness and Sarah to them their heirs and assigns forever. I Do also give and devise unto my grandsons William T. Sims, Garland L. Sims and Henry Sims all that tract or parcel of land situated on the south side of New-found River and lying partly in Louisa and partly in Hanover being the same which I purchased of Col.o John Mayo and Richard Baughan and containing by estimation three hundred and sixty acres, to be equally divided between them and to be held by them the said William T. Sims, Garland L. Sims and Henry Sims, their He heirs and assigns forever.
I Do also bequeath and lend unto Peggy Sims, widow of my son Garland, during her widowhood, all that tract or parcel of land whereon I now live, containing by estimation three hundred and twenty two acres, under the following restrictions to wit: she shall not clear any woodland, nor cut any timber except for repairing houses, or for fencing, firewood, ploughs, carts, and plantation utensils, to hold the said tract of land during her widowhood and no longer; and after the termination of her widowhood I give and devise the said tract of land unto my grandsons William T. Sims, Garland L. Sims and Henry Sims to be held by them, their heirs and assigns forever and to be equally divided between them.
I further give and bequeath unto my daughter Agness Walton the following slaves to wit: Daphne, Amy, Rachel, Overton and Dorcas, which Wm Walton her husband now has in possession. I further give and bequeath unto my daughter Sarah Walton the following slaves to wit: Nell, Anne, Kate, Huldah, and Joe; which Joel Walton her husband now has in possession.
I further bequeath and lend unto Peggy Sims widow of my son Garland, during her widowhood the following slaves to wit: Nelson, Faner, Polly, Annie and all their increases to hold the same during her widowhood and no longer; and after the termination of her widowhood I give and devise the said Nelson, Faner, Polly, Anne, and all their increase unto William T. Sims, Garland L. Sims, and Henry Sims, to be held by them their heirs and assigns forever and to be equally divided between them.
I further give and bequeath unto Peggy Sims widow of my son Garland fifty barrels of corn, fifteen bushels of wheat, and two thousand weight of Gross pork; which I design as a provision for her and her family for one year after my decease.
And lastly as to all the rest and residue of my personal estate it is my will and desire that it be divided between the aforesaid Agnes Walton, Sarah Walton, William T. Sims, Garland L. Sims, and Henry Sims in the following manner to wit: I give one third part thereof to Agness Walton; and one third part to Sarah Walton and the remaining third part to William T. Sims and Garland L. Sims, and Henry Sims to be equally divided between them; and lastly I appoint William Walton, Joel Walton, and Charles Thompson, Executors of this my last Will and Testament; hereby revoking all former wills by me made.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 18th day of March 1809.William Sims (Seal)Signed, sealed, published and ) declared by the above named )William Sims to be his last) will and testament, in the )presence of us, who have hereto) subscribed our names as )witnesses.William Nelson, Jr.Will Mills, Jr.
SOURCE: Microfilm Accession Number 916: TN State Library and Archives WALTON FAMILY Papers, 1710-18795 volumes File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives There is a book in the library of the DAR in Washington DC entitled "Walton-Sims of Eastern VA" by Norman Walton Swayne & Wm. H. Black, published 1961.

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Will of Daniel Coleman, 1763 (from VA Archives - USGenWeb) 29 August 1763 In the name of God amen, August, the twenty nineth day in the year of our lord Christ one thousand seven hundred and sixty three I Daniel Coleman of Southam Parish and county of Cumberland being of sound and perfect mind and memory thanks to Almighty God and calling to the uncertainty of this transitory life and all flesh must yield unto death when it shall please God to call do make and declare this my last will and testament in manner and form following: (not all copied) ITEM my negro woman named Hester and her two children Sid and Tom and my negro girl named Annis I lend to my daughter Mary Sims and to her husband Matthew Sims during their natural lives and after their decease I give the said negros Hester, Sid, Tom and Annis and all their increase from the date of these presents to be equally divided between all the children of my said daughter Mary to them and their heirs forever. Cumberland CountyWill Book 2, page 4 Probate: 22 January 1770

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NORTH CAROLINA

WILL OF THOMAS RICE
Will Book 2 Pg 438 - Caswell Co., NC
13 Apr 1800
In the name of God Amen, I Thomas Rice of the county of Caswell, being sick in body, but of perfect mind and memory, do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following. First, I give and bequeath to my beloved wife, ABIGAIL, the house wherein I now live with one Hundred and Fifty Acres of land to be laid off in or near a square to include said house and improvement to her use and behoof during her natural life, and the reaminder of my said tract of land adjoing I give and bequeath to my son, Zeri Rice, also the aforedsaid house and furniture with said hundred fifty acres to him and his heirs forever after my wife's death. Also, I give to my six children or their heirs, viz, Zeri Rice, George Sims, Robert Blackwell, Lancelot Johnson, Daniel Gwyn and Louest Vannoy, my three negroes, viz Charles, Ben and Lydda, the said Lydda to be valued and have liberty to choose her master. The other two to be sold and all three equally divided among the aforesaid six children or their heirs. I give unto Margaret Starkey a mare colt named Jewel and one featherbed. Likewise, it is my desire that a small tract of land on the north side of country line where John Payne (Taylor) formerly lived and my ......set of surveying instruments be sold to pay off my debts. All the remainder of my estate real and personal I give to my beloved wife during her natural life and at her death to be equally divided among her children. But it is my will and desire that each of the children shall have a home and a bed as they come of age or leaves their mother or what other property she can best share to be valued and counted in their dividend.
I constitute and appoint Robert Blackwell and Lancelot Johnson Executors of this my Last Will and Testament revoking all and every former wills by me made. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 13th day of April 1800.
Thomas Rice
Signed, seal and pronounced in presence of us
Thos Slade (illegible)
Zire Guegn (illegible)

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Click here for the will of Ann HAY (off-site)

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