Source: Wilson County, Tennessee, Wills & Inventories, Aprile Term 1843, page 25.
I Benjamine Eskew of Wilson County State of Tennessee, do make and publish this as my last will and Testament, hereby revoking and making void all other wills by me at any time made.
First, I direct that my funeral expenses and all my debts be paid as soon after my death as possible out of any moneys that I may die possessed of, or may first come into the hands of my Executor.
Secondly, I give and bequeath to my wife, Nancy Eskew the whole of my land during her natural life, and two head of horses, and my cart and yoke of oxen and fifteen head of sheep and fifteen head of hogs and all my geese and two cows and calves and all my household and kitchen furniture that she wants likewise two ploughs and two set of gear.
Thirdly, I give and bequeathe to my son William Eskew my chest of carpenters tools.
Fourthly, I give and bequeathe to my three daughters Jane Eskew, Nancy B. Eskew and Fanny Eskew, 1 bed and furniture a piece.
Fifthly, my will and desire is that all the ballance of my property be sold and the money equaly divided among my children Elizabeth Baird, Alfred Eskew, Jane Eskew, Andrew Eskew, William Eskew, Parthena Smart, Charles Eskew, Nancy C. Eskew, Benjamine J. Eskew, Wiley Eskew, Fanny Eskew, Robt. B. Eskew.
Sixthly, my will and desire is that after the death of my wife Nancy Eskew, all my land be equally divided among my sons Alfred Eskew, Andrew and William Eskew, Wiley Eskew, Charles Eskew, Benjamine J. Eskew, Robt. B. Eskew.
Lastly, I do hereby nominate and appoint Alfred Eskew and Andrew Eskew my Executors, in witness whereof as I do to this my last will, set my hand and seal this twenty-fourth February in the year of our Lord Eighteen hundred and forty-three.
(his )
Benjamine ( X ) Eskew (seal)
(mark)
Signed sealed and published in our presence and we have subscribed our names hereunto in the presence of the Testator, This twenty-fourth day of February Eighteen hundred and forty-three.
Test
Philip Smart
Jesse A. Grigg
State of Tennessee Wilson County Court Aprile Term 1843
The last will and Testament of Benjam. Eskew Decd. was exhibited in open Court and was fully proven by the oaths of Philip Smart and Jesse A. Grigg the subscribing witnesses thereto and was ordered to be recorded as the will of said decd.
Recorded 26th February 1844
J. S. McClain clerk