John Sessions
Lowndes Co., AL Will Book B
I, John Sessions, of the County of Lowndes and State of Alabama, being weak in body but of a strong mind and memory, do this day make and publish this, my last Will and Testament in manner following (viz.)
In the first place, I give my Soul to Almighty God who gave it to me and my body to them dust whence it was taken to be interred in a decent Christian like manner. It is my will and desire that all of my just debts should be paid. It is my will and desire that all of my lands, stock of every description, household and kitchen furniture shall be for the use of my beloved wife, Elizabeth Sessions, during her natural life and at her death to go to my youngest children by her.
I give unto my son, Gustavus Adolphus, a certain Negro boy by the name of Arthur, to be in part of his share of this estate and when the estate is divided if he had not an equal share of the estate then in that wont he is to have an equal share with the rest of my children by my present wife. It is my will and desire that my Negroes (viz.) Lucy Miranda & Tobe be kept together for the maintenance of my wife and her youngest children and at the death of my wife, to go to my children by my present wife accept the one which Lucy is now (?) with. I give unto my children (viz.) John James Sessions, Martha Elaine Watts, Eliza Margaret Watts & William J. Sessions, the following Negroes (viz.) Matilda, George and the one that Lucy is (?) with if it should live, to be equally divided amoungst the aforementioned children. I do hereby nominate and appoint my beloved wife, Elizabeth Sessions, Executrix and William F. Browning Executor of this my last will and Testament. In witness whereof I have herewith set my hand and seal this Twenty eighth day of July in the year of our lord Eighteen hundred and thirty five. John Sessions (SS) Signed sealed in the presence of Isaac Smith James Daniel James Norman