Crocker, Edwin H, Will 1858

Gibson County Tennessee Courthouse

Trenton, Tennessee

I Edwin H. Crocker being in a low State of health But of a sound mind, do make and publish this my last will and Testament, hereby revoking and making void all wills by me at any time heretofore made, In the first place I direct that my body be decently interred in a manner Suitable to my condition in life, and that my funeral expenses and all my just debts be paid out of the first money that may come into the hands of my executors.  Secondly, I lend unto my beloved wife, Centha Crocker, quantity of during her natural life, or widowhood, one hundred acres of land to be laid off in the South West corner of the tract on which I now reside, so as to include the dwelling house, out houses, and a sufficient quantity of the farm for her to cultivate, but in case my wife Should marry then I direct that my Wife have fifty acres during the remainder of her life.  Thirdly it is my will and desire that my Son Burton have twelve months more schooling than the girls.  Fourthly, I have this day executed my note to David Haste, R C Crocker & William Stone Security for the sum of four hundred and sixty five dollars due the 29^th of April 1860.  I direct my executors to collect my part of my fathers estate, as soon after is collected as possible and to use the same in paying off the above named note, and If it should so happen that the money cannot be collected in time to meet the notes I direct my Executors to advertise and Sell to the highest bidder a sufficient quantity of my land in the North East corner of the tract to pay off the said note.  Fifthly my will and desire is that my executors sell what surplus property I may possess of such as the family does not need, so that my family have a sufficient quantity of ??? to support one year and such stock as is necessary for them to live on.  Sixthly my will and desire is that the moneys that is left in the hands of my executors after settling in on my death, & funeral expenses be used in educating my children, the one that is unborn to share equally with the rest in case It lives.  Seventhly my will and desire is that my land be kept together until my youngest child becomes to the age of Twenty one years at which time I direct that my executors advertise and sell to the highest bidder on such time as may be thought best all of my lands that is not otherwise disposed of, and that the proceeds be equally divided amongst my living children or their bodily beings???  Eighthly, Should there be a surplus of money on hand after educating my children, my desire is that my executors keep it at interest for the use and benefit of my children until they become of age and that my child that is unborn share alike with the rest of my children.  Ninthly I hereby nominate and appoint my esteemed friend, and Brother, William Stone and Rufus C Crocker executors to this my last will and Testament written upon one sheet on paper this 9^th day of August 1858.

                                                                                                              His   

Signed, Sealed & Delivered in our presence.                           Edwin H  X Crocker (Seal)

                                                                                                               Mark

Joseph Morris

H B Howard

[Transcribed Jan 27, 2004, Max A. Crocker]