William Gadd's Will

[The following will was transcribed from the original leaving its spelling and punctuation in tact by Sandra Ratledge, great-great-great-great-granddaughter.]

Monroe CO, TN, Will Book A, p. 67, April 9, 1848
Last Will and Testament of William Gadd, Deceased

Be it remembered that on the ninth day of April one thousand eight hundred and forty eight I William Gadd of the county of Monroe and State of Tennessee being of Bad health but of Sound and disposing memory for which I desire to thank God do make and ordain this my last will and testament

Item 1st after my funeral expenses I wish all my debts paid

2nd I give and bequeath to my wife Sarah all my lands and moveable property during her widowhood or her natural life if she does not marry.

3rd In case of marriage or death of my wife Sarah then I wish all my lands and moveable property to be equally divided amongst my children viz Nancy McDaniel, Polly Brannon, Ansel Gadd, Ellender Gadd, Talitha Gadd, William Gadd, Daniel Gadd, Amos Gadd, Betsy Ann Gadd, Sarah Jane Gadd, and Martha Gadd If the same can be done equally without selling the same, but if not let all be sold and the proceeds of the Sale equally divided among the legatees

4th I do hereby make and ordain Ansel Gadd and Amos Gadd my sons Executors of this my last will and testament and date written

William [his mark] Gadd

Mathew M. Young
Daniel [his mark] Layman

William Gadd's estate settlement

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by
Sandra Ratledge

All you kinfolks, put some mail in that old box!