John Hopson Jean
Last Will and Testament
In the name of God amen, I, John Hopson Jean of DeSoto County, State of Mississippi, being in ill health but of sound and disposing mind and memory calling to mind the frailty and uncertainty of human life and being desirous of settling my worldly affairs, do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament revoking all others.
First - I give devise and bequeath to my beloved wife, Elizabeth Ann Jean, my son, Jefferson Jean, my daughter, Jennetta Ann Jean, my youngest son, Joseph Edward Jean, my homestead containing six hundred acres of land to wit, the East half of Section Ten (10), Township four (4), Range six (6). The West half of the northwest quarter Section eleven (11), Township four (4), Range six (6). Forty acres in the southeast quarter Section three (3), Township four (4), Range six (6). I also give and bequeath to them eight head of the best mules and horses that are on my farm at my death, also all my cattle, all my hogs and sheep, two wagons and one buggy, all my farming tools and shop tools, all my house and kitchen furniture, all the growing crops of the farm and the rents accruing thereon. It is my will and desire that my beloved wife, with the assistance of Jefferson Davis Jean, carry on the farm to the advantage of all the above named, buy and sell such articles as may be necessary for their support and education, and that the above mentioned Estate be not divided among the above mentioned children until the death of my wife, Elizabeth Ann Jean. If she should die before Joseph Edward Jean becomes of age, the above mentioned Estate [is] to be equally divided among the above mentioned children each sharing alike in losses or profits. In the event that any of the above mentioned children should died without issue before coming of age, then his or her share is to be divided equally among the survivors, but if they should have issue, their offspring shall be entitled to their share, and should my beloved wife marry, I will that she shall have a fourth inerest in the above described property during her life and at her death, whether married or single, it is to be divided equally among the above named children.
Second - To my daughter, Mary Jane Wallace, I give and bequeath a lot of eight acres of land at Coldwater Depot known as Lot forty seven (47).
Third - To my daughter, Carolina Matilda Jean, I give and bequeath the South East quarter of Section twenty three (23), Township four (4), Range seven (7) containing one hundred and sixty acres.
Fourth - To my son, Jacob Thompson Jean, I give and bequeath the East half of the North East quarter Section nine (9) Township four (4), Range six (6) and the West half of the North West quarter of Section ten (10), Township four (4), Range six (6), or in lieu of one half of this quarter section, the notes I now hold for the payment thereof.
Fifth - The remainder of my effects embracing notes, mortgages, accounts, horses and mules, and whatever has not been provided for above, be made available and equally divided among my six children.
Sixth - It is my will that my beloved wife, Elizabeth Ann Jean, act as my executrix and I do not want the Court to require security of her for the faithful performance of her duties, or require her to make annual or other returns and empower her to appoint a Guardian for my children that are mentioned in the first clause of this will.
This twenty-eighth day of June, one thousand eight hundred and seventy one (1871).
Witness: W. A. Russworm, R. C. Orr, T. M. Dean, J. A. Dean
Signed: J. H. Jean
I, J. H. Jean, after due reflection have concluded to make some addition to the above Will still being of some mind and memory. It is my desire that my personal friend and neighbor, Harris O. Allen, as my Executor in conjunction with my wife, Elizabeth Ann Jean, and that he also act as Guardian of my minor children, and after the division of my effects among my children, it is my wish and desire that he will make annual returns to the Court of their interests. It is also my will that my son, Jefferson Davis Jean, shall have my rifle run and that Joseph Edward Jean have my shotgun.
It is my desire that my son, Jacob Thompson Jean, shall have nothing to do whatever with my minor children's affairs or have any control on my premises. This the nineteenth day of July, one thousand eight hundred and seventy one (1871).
Witness: W. A. Russworm, R. C. Orr, J. A. Jean
Signed: J. H. Jean
In order that my wishes in the foregoing will may be fully comprehended, I have concluded to make some explanations, still being of sound and disposing mind and memory.
It is my wish that my Executrix and Executor make no report to the Court in reference to the farm or proceeds of the farm at any time and that neither of them be required to give security for the faithful performance of their duties.
November 1st, 1871
Signed: J. H. Jean
Witnesses: W. A. Russworm, J. M. Dean, R. P. Jackson
The Will of John Hopson Jean was probated on September 30th, 1872.
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