Document. Will of William Rutledge Cowan of Sullivan, TN, Writ. 1868, Proven 1868

Tennessee, Probate Court Books, 1795-1927, pg 93 [pg 99-101] - https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/DGS-004769061_00913?cc=1909088&wc=10931262

William R. Cowan's Will

I, William R. Cowan, of the County of Sullivan and State of Tenn. being of Sound mind and disposing Memory and knowing the Certainty of death and the uncertainty of the time thereof, do make and publish this my last Will And Testiment in the manner and form following Viz.

It is my Will that my funeral expenses And All my just debts be first paid by executors hereafter mentioned of the first money of my estate that may come into their hands.

I give and bequeath unto my wife Nancy Cowan four hundred dollars ($400.) in lawful good money including a note I now hold on Jacob W. Thomas deceased for three hundred dollars ($300.) due April 4, 1858, in Gold paid her by my executors within twelve months after my death And also the use And one one portion of the West room of my present dweling house two good beds and bedding and all other Necessary furniture for siad room to make it Comfortable for her convenience to live in And the use of the kitchen any kitchen furniture that she may at any time Need And a good riding horse, saddle and bridle, And her comfortable support during her life, the property and last to be at her disposal at her death &c.

I give to my son & Malon Cowan, his heirs & assigns forever the tract of land whereon my dweling house now stands containing by estimation and recent survey and plat 466 acres more or less including the knob land oposite said deeded land reserving the West room and portion use of kitchen to his mother during her Natural life if she requires it And said Malon to support her during her life time as one of his family or separatly should his mother require it. Also to said Malon Cowan I give all my farming utensils, household and kitchen furniture except such as is reserved to his Mother All _______ (?) & all that may be on hand at my death also my Smith tools.

To my daughter Mary Ellen Delaney, to her and her heirs forever, I give and bequeath my tract of land known as the Peter Stofel farm by a recent survey and plat Containing 186-3/4 Acres more or less including all ___ (?) lands oposite said tract -- And 30 acres lately surveyed by J. Withers of the Mills tract adjoining the same including a spring at the Grave Yard, also one house if I should not give her one previous to my death.

I give and bequeath to my son George R. Cowan, his heirs and assigns forever one tract or parcel of land whereon said George R. Cowan Now lives known as the Bushang tract containing by recent plat and survey 246-1/2 Acres more or less by said George R. Cowan paying to my executors four hundred dollars $400. twelve months After my decease Without interest.

To my Son Robert Cowan, I give and bequeath two thousand dollars ($2,000.) of the cash and property I have let him have heretofore.

To my son Jacob Cowan, I give and bequeath two thousand dollars ($2,000.) of the cash and property I have let him have.

To my son Alexander Cowan, I give and bequeath two thousand dollars ($2,000.) of the cash and property I have let him have.

I give and bequeath to my son John Cowan two hundred dollars ($200.) to be paid him by my executors one year after my death as also the eighteen hundred dollars ($1800.) Already paid him in cash and property.

To my son Hardin Cowan, I give and bequeath the twenty hundred dollars ($2000.) already paid him in cash and property.

To my son Jesse Cowan, I give and bequeath one hundred dollars ($100.) in Addition to the eighteen hundred dollars ($1800.) I have already paid him in cash and property to be paid by my executors twelve months after my decease.

To my Grand Son James William Lightener Son of my daughter Sarah Ann Lyon deceased, I give and bequeath after my decease and to each of said J. W. Lightner half sister Mary F. Lyon, and Nancy Lyon, I give and bequeath one hundred dollars ($100.) each to be paid to J. W. Lightner in trust for his two half sisters until they come of age to be paid by my executors twelve months after my decease. I do give to said three children jointly all right and title and interest I have to allow hundred dollars ($100.) which I gave their mother when she married her last husband William J. Lyon.

To my daughter Susan Dunn, I give and bequeath the fifteen hundred dollars ($1500.) I have already paid her in cash and property, Also one hundred dollars ($100.) in cash by my executors twelve months after my decease. I give to Doct. Wm. T. Delaney twenty dollars ($20.00) for his Services attend on me during my late sickness. I will and direct that my tract of land known as the Mills tract containing by late survey and plat 314 acres more or less be sold on a credit of twelve and eighteen months by my executors taking sufficient security and retaining a lien on the same for the payment thereof if not sold previous to my death. I also direct that if I have any horses or Cattle at my death to be sold on twelve months credit.

I also will and direct that all money colected on hands after paying all Legacies debts and expences should be equally divided between all my children share and share alike the Children of my daughter Sarah Ann Lyon to be considered as one heir And hereby I nominate and appoint my son George R. Cowan, Malon Cowan, and Wm. T. Delaney executors to this my last Will and testament hereby revoking and disanulling all former wills or Gifts by me made in testimony whereof I have hereunto Subscribed my Name and Affixed my Seal this 24 day of Oct., 1868.

William R. Cowan

John R. Delaney
Andrew Cowan

Proven -- In Open Court, Nov. 2, 1868.
N. J. Phillips, Clerk.