F. L. SANDERS
Last Will & Testament
Proven and set up at
July Term 1857

In the Name of Almighty God; Amen; I FERDINAND L. SANDERS of the county of Dyer and State of Tennessee being of sound and disposing mind and memory; but well knowing the shortness and uncertainly of mortal life the certainly of death; and remembering the unalterable decree of the Great Judge of all, that dust thou art and unto dust shalt thou return; do make and ordain and publish this my last will and testament hereby revoking and making void all other wills and testaments here to fore made and published by me; that is to say;

First; I direct that all of my just debts shall be paid out of any money that shall first come into the hands of my Executrix.

Secondly; That if I shall die before my beloved wife ELIJA J. SANDERS and with out issue. I give and bequeath to her all of my property both real and personal for and during the term of her natural life, But if she should have any child or children then the said property to go to my wife for life or until her second marriage remainder to said child or children; to be divided among them share and share alike.

Third; That if I shall die without issue and my wife shall marry again; I direct that the negroes and their increases belonging to her at the time of her marriage with me; shall be divided amongst her issue by said second marriage after her death; and if she shall die leaving no child or children then to be divided amongst such of her relations as she shall direct.

Fourthly; At the death of my said wife leaving no sorrowing child or children by me I give and bequeath unto my niece MARTHA HALE daughter of my sister NANCY P. HALE and her heirs forever my two negro boys BOB and JIMBO and all of my real estate, and personal property not otherwise appropriated.

Lastly: I do here by nominate constitute and appoint my well beloved wife ELIZA J. SANDERS, sole executrix of this my last will and testament.

In witness whereof I have here unto set my hand affixed my seal the 4th day of February in the year of Our Lord one Thousand eight hundred fifty four and of the Independence of the United States of America the 78th.

F. L. SANDERS (seal)

Witnesses:
H. L. FOWLKES
T. E. RICHARDSON