The State of Alabama, Tallapoosa County

In the name of ???, I, Ezekiel Chester, of the county and state aforesaid, being of sound mind and disposing memory, but weak in body, knowing it is appointed unto all men to die, do proceed to make this my last will and testament, hereby revoking all others previously made.

1st - after my death I want my body decently buried and funeral expenses paid.

2nd - I do hereby appoint my two sons, Asa C. Chester and Jonathan Chester my executors, to execute this, my last will and testament.

3rd - I want all my just debts paid.

4th - I want my property equally divided into six parts and ??? one sixth to be divided equally between my two step children, Elizabeth Reynolds and Jacob Chester, and the other to be equally divided between my son David Chester and Sarah Bright, Asa C. Chester, Susannah Welsh and Johnathan Chester, and each one of them must account for what they have had or received from me either in money or property, and I have here set forward the amount of what I have let each one have in money and property.  My son David has had Seventy Dollars, Sarah Bright had Twenty Five Dollars, Asa C. Chester One Hundred and Fifteen Dollars, Susannah Welsh One Hundred and Seventy Five Dollars and Johnathan Chester Four Hundred and Forty Nine Dollars.

5th - I want my estate to be settled with as little expense as possible.  My property must be appraised and if either one is willing to take any portion of the appraisement, they shall have the privilege of doing so.

6th - my executors shall have the right of disposing of my property as they may think best, either at public ??? or privately.

7th - I hereby appoint Asa C. Chester and Johnathan Chester my executors, to execute and carry out this, my last will and testament, in witness whereof I, said Ezekiel Chester, hath hereunto set my hand and seal this Twentyninth day of Decr, One Thousand Eight Hundred and Forty Nine in presence of Joseph A. Smith and John C. Smith.

By Ezekiel Chester (his mark)   Personally before me in open court at the regular term. 

1855 Joseph A. Smith and John C. Smith witnesses to the foregoing will, who after being sworn state that the said Ezekiel Chester signed sealed and published and declared the foregoing will to be his last will and testament in their presence and that said Ezekiel Chester was of sound and disposing mind and that they witnessed the same at the request of said Ezekiel Chester sworn to and inscribed in open court.  M. Lyle, J. P. Court

 Ordered that said will be admitted to probate and filed and recorded.   1855

 The State of Alabama, Tallapoosa County

 South Carolina Magazine of Ancestral Research Vol. 1-20.---- George M. Funderburk has applied for Admin. on the estate of Ezekiel Chester, late of Tallapoosa County, Al. 2, March 1858