The Shemwell Family

Transcription: "I Elijah McGee of the State of Tennessee and the County of Wayne, do make and publish this my last will and Testament hereby revoking and making void all other wills by me at any time made. 1st: I direct that my funeral expenses and all my just debts be paid as soon after my death as possible, out of any monies that I may die possessed of or that they first come into the hands of my Executors. 2nd: I bequeath that my land containing some over six hundred acres being the land in my possession and all of it be it more or less, be divided into such lots as in the opinion of the heirs and Executors may think will be the most advantage to the owners of the Estate and sold to the highest bidder according to the common rules of selling and receiving the payment on a one and two years credit. And I further ordain that all my person property be sold on twelve months credit, taking notes and good security except what is otherwise ordered. And further that my ready money after paying as above directed be equally divided amongst my lawful heirs as soon as such will be done: Viz: the heirs of Lewis McGee, deceased; also Mary Reeves, my daughter deceased; Elijah A McGee, deceased; Sintha Manerva Gorden, deceased, my daughter. Nannie J. Sewell, deceased, my daughter. James McGee; Thomas McGee; Elisha A. McGee; Bathshebe MCGee; Jenima Crassno, my daughter; Wiley H McGee. All my lawful heirs. 3rd: Next that the proceeds of the above proceeds of my effects after settled be divided equally amongst each of those above named heirs. And the children of each deceased heirs to receive one share as one child after the following distribution is made. First, I ordain that my daughter Bathsheba for and in consideration of the great care and services she has and may render for me til my death have fifty dollars in cash and one years support, according to the way which formerly lived to be set apart out of my effects by the good and lawful sum over and above in equal share with the balance of my children. And I have given to all equally alike on their certain use or managing offered them after those gifts in consideration of their needs. I advanced to them as follows as part of my Estate at my death, To Lewis, my Son Twenty Dollars worth of property before his death. To Mary Reeves, my daughter Sixty dollars in provisions before her death. To Sintha M Gordon Sixty Four 50/100 Dollars before her death for which I hold F.M. Gordon's note which is to be given up to him by my executor when deducted out of F.M. Gordon's are of my estate with interest. Lastly: I do hereby nominate and appoint S. M. Sewell and Thomas McGee my executors. In witness whereof I do to this will set my hand and seal this 28 day of September 1878 Elijah X His Mark McGee Signed, sealed and published in our presence and we have subscribed our names hereunto in the presence of the testator this day and date above written. S. Stelle Jany 17, 1882 J. A. Stelle"