Person:James Stem (15)

email received from Rodney Bond 12 Dec 2007

In the name of God, Amen. I, James Stem, of the county of Henry and state of Tennessee, being weak in body, but in sound mind and perfect memory, blessed be God for the same, do this first day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty, make this my last will and testament in manner and form following, (viz). Item first, My desire that all just debts be paid. Item 2nd, The balance of my property, I wish my beloved wife Sarah, to have during her natural life or widowhood, for the benefit of herself and children. At her death or marriage, I wish all my property sold and equally divided between my two surviving children or the heirs of their body forever. I do herby appoint my friends, Richard Wright, Leonard Bullock, James Ogelvie, and James Moore, Executors to this my last will and testament. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal the day and year before mentioned. Signed and acknowledged in the presence of us, /s/ J. Bullock, T. H. Mays, Mary (X) Bullock, William Potts, Priscilla (X) Bullock, James (X) Stem. (S) Henry Co., TN Will Books, V–B 3/1827–1/1833, P86. • Settlement with Administrator of the Estate of James Stem, deceased. Amount of sale of personal goods $99.71. Amount of sale of land in North Carolina $1126.62. Expenses paid by Administrator $1186.33. Leaving a balance in the hands of the Administrator $40.00. Witnes our hand this 28th March 1835. /s/ Lenard Bullock, Administrator, … (S) Henry Co., TN Will Books, V–D, P5?.

This will brings into question the children of this couple. He mentions that he only has two surviving children, yet we know that there were at least three living at the time the will was written.