Will of Dorcas Blair
Shelby County, Tennessee

SHELBY COUNTY TENNESSEE
1860

Dorcas Blair

STATE OF TENNESSEE, }
SHELBY COUNTY COURT } April Term, 1860


TO Jane Blair

Whereas, it appear to our said court, that Dorcas Blair has departed this life, leaving a written Will, in which you are appointed Executor, which has been duly proven in open court, and you having given bond and qualified as such according to law, and our said court having ordered that Letters Testimentary issue to you accordingly: all of which appear of record.
These are, therefore, to empower you, the said Jane Blair to enter upon the execution of said Will, and take into your possession and control all the property of said Testators, to make and return to this court a lawful inventory thereof; to make due collection of all claims and pay all just debts of the same; and after settling up the business of said estate, you will pay over and deliver all property thereof that may remain in your hands, and in all resects fully discharge your duties herein, according to the provisions of said Will, and the laws of the land. Herein fail not. Witness, Clerk of said court, at office the first Monday in April 1867

State of Tennessee, Shelby Co. Court
Know all Men by these Presents, That we Jane Blair all of the County of Shelby, and State of Tennessee are held and firmly bound unto the State Tennessee, in the sum of Fifty thousand Dollars, for which payment well and truly to be made, we bind ourselves, and each of our heirs, executors and administrators, jointly and severally, firmly by these presents, Sealed with our seals, and dated this 3rd day of April 1860

The Condition of the above obligation is such, that if the above bound Jane Blair Executor of the last Will and Testament of Dorcas Blair deceased; do make, or cause to be made, a true and perfect inventory of all and singular the goods and chattels, rights and credits of the deceased, which have or shall come to the hands, knowledge or possession of said Jane Blair or into the hands or possession of any person or persons for her and the same so made, do exhibit, or cause to be exhibited to the County Court of said County, within ninety days from the date of these presents, and the same goods, chattels and credits of the deceased at the time of her death, which at any time hereafter shall come into the hands of possession the said Jane Blair or into the hands or possession of any other person or persons, for her do well and truly administer according to law, and o further make or cause to be made a true and just account of her said administration within two years after the date of these presents, and all the rest and residue of said goods, chattels and credits which shall be found remaining upon the said administration account, the same being first examined and allowed by the Court of the said County, shall deliver and pay unto such persons, respectively, to whom the same shall be due pursuant to the true intent and meaning of the will or testament made by the deceased, being thereto required, do render the said letters of administration (approbation of such testament being first had and made in the said Court) then this obligation to be void and of no effect, otherwise to remain in full force and effect

Jane Blair

In the name of God, Amen
I, Dorcas Blair, of the County of Shelby and State of Tennessee being of sound mind do make, ordain and declare this to be my last Will & Testament in the following words, viz -

1st I give and bequeath unto my Dear Sister, Jinsy Blair, the following slaves - Will & Martha, Othello, Alfred and Dansy, Liza and her children, Ellan, Paris, Lucy, Dick & Nathan, to her own separate use during her life and at their death to be disposed of by her as she may see proper.

2nd I also give unto my sister Jinsie, all of my real estate of which I may die seized, and possessed to her during her life and to be disposed of as she may choose.

3rd I also give unto my sister Jensy all of my household and kitchen furniture all of my corn fodder, stock of horses, cattle, hogs and all my personal property except as herein of as provided

4th I give unto my sister Jinsy my negro girl Harriet during her natural life and at her death it is my will that Harriet and her increase descend to William [Douglas?] Bell and be his absolute property.

5th I give and bequeath unto my Brothers George Douglass Blair the following slaves Touit, Henderson, Mills, Anthony and M[ierra], to be his during his natural life and at his death to be disposed of by him as he may think profits.

6th I also give unto my Brother George D, all the notes which Hi hold on Saml. M. Allen - amounting to about fourteen hundred Dollars in their face.

It is my last Will and desire that the foregoing be the final disport ---- of all my earthy effects and I do this in full possession of my faculties and hereby revoke and annul all and every other said which I may have heretofore made. And I do appoint my sister Jinsey Blair sole executor of this my Last Will and Testament.
This January 14th 1860
D Blair
Witness
UDL Stewart
his
N X Reed
Mark

Proven at April Term 1860 and is deemed to be recorded. Recorded April 11th 1860

John J [ ] clerk
By A J [ ] DC

No 2059
Dorcas Blair
Will
 

Submitted by Jennifer Sparks