Madison Co., TN -- Will Book 3:341, Dated 9 March 1841

Verbatim transcript; Brackets [ ] enclose punctuation for readability:

In the name of God Amen I Balam Newsom of the county of Madison and State of Tennessee being of sound mind and disposed to make a disposition of my property make this my last Will and Testament in effect as follows (viz.)

First to my beloved wife Betsey Newsom I give my tract of Land whereon I now reside with all the plantation utensils Household furniture and my stock of every kind [,] also a negro girl named Dolly to have and to hold the above named property during her natural life.

Secondly, I give and bequeath unto my sons Lemuel, Balam & James an equal part of the aforesaid tract of land after the death of my wife [,] they paying to my son William or his children the sum of one Hundred dollars in consideration of my having left him no share in the land as I once intended to do. James share of said tract of land is to include the ground whereon my dwelling and out houses now stand. I wish it distinctly understood that I wish my sons Lemuel & Balam to have that portion of my tract of Land whereon they now reside at present and the aforesaid division made with the view as equitable as possible. I also bequeath to my son James the farming utensils and household furniture which be on the place at the death of my wife.

Thirdly, I give and bequeath unto my daughter Polly Lester one negro girl slave named Eliza during the natural life of my daughter aforesaid [,] at her death the said slave Eliza and her Increase I bequeath to my Grandson Thomas Hudson Williams son of the said Polly Lester by a former Husband.

Fourthly, I give unto Hiram Anderson one dollar and to Betsy Lester & Polly Duncan each twenty dollars of my estate.

Fifth, I give and bequeath unto my son James Newsom his pick of three of my best sows and calves out of my Stock also my cupboard and sugar chest at the death of my wife provided he resides with his mother until her death.

Sixthly & lastly, at the death of my wife Betsey the slave Doly and Increase together with with [sic] the balance of my stock and Horses [,] sows [,] Hogs [,] Sheep [,] & etc. to be sold, and the money divided equally among the following Children viz.Solomon, Robert, William, Lemuel, Balam & James Newsom my sons each one share [,] to following children of my daughter Rhoda Reeves one share viz. Betsy, William, Balam, Lucinda, & John Reeves these five to have the share of their deceased mother, my daughter Lucy Sanford & Jane Garland each a share.

I do here nominate and appoint my son Balam Newsom as Executor of this my last Will and Testament. In Testimony whereof I have this the 16 day of July A.D. 1840 set my name and seal.

/s/ Balam Newsom (seal)

Test: C.A. Hill, John Dearmore
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