3.1.2.1.7.b. Transcription

Gibson County, Tennessee
Will Book “G”, Page: 18

Gibson County Court- November Term 1865

State of Tennessee
Gibson County
July 10th  A.D. 1857

     I, Mary Shelton, of the State and County aforesaid, being weak in body but of sound mind and disposing memory, make this my last will and testament as follows, to wit:
 
    First- I give to the children of my son Thomas E. Hale, twelve hundred dollars, to be equally divided between them.

     Second- I give to Mary Thomas, daughter of my son Elijah J. Hale, five hundred dollars.

     Third- I give to my son Hardy W. Shelton, my ox cart and the young yoke of oxen.

     Fourth- I give to my daughter Sallie N. Trout, a mahogany bureau and a bed and bedstead of her choosing.

     Fifth- I will that my land and all my perishable property shall be sold and after paying the above mentioned requests, the balance, if any, to be equally divided between my five living children, namely: John J.J. Hale, Mary A. Clements, Hardy W. Shelton, Martha W. Umsted and Sallie N. Trout.  I also will that my negroes shall be equally divided between my five said Children, provided it is my wish that the portion going to my daughters Mary A. Clements, Martha W. Umsted & Sallie N. Trout, shall as their own go to their children.

     Sixth- It is my wish, if it can be done, that my black woman, Matilda, may not be parted from her youngest Child and may choose which of my children shall have her.

                                                                                                                          Mary Shelton

Signed, Sealed and Delivered in presence of us
W.H. Stillwell
H.T. Jackson
Sworn by Stillwell

	Transcription note: Mary Jackson Hail Shelton was first married to James H. Hail, and then, secondly to Nathaniel Shelton, both of whom died in Halifax Co., NC.  Mary Shelton relocated to Gibson Co., TN in 1836 when Thomas E. Hale, her son moved to Gibson Co.  Her son listed as John J.J. Hale is also found listed as Joseph J.J. Hale and John Jonathon Hale.  At the time of Mary Shelton’s death, John J.J. Hale and  Martha Umsted were residents of Ouachita Co., Arkansas, with Mary A. Clements a resident of  Lafayette Co., Arkansas.

Transcribed by:
Richard A. Holt
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© 2003 Richard Holt