| Notes |
- Last Will & Testament of Alfred M. Carter
Elizabethton, Carter County, Tennessee
January 31st, A.D. 1845
In the name of God Amen. I, Alfred M. Carter, of the County of Carter, and State of Tennessee, being of sound mind and memory, but weak of body; knowing that it is appointed unto all men once to die, do make and appoint this my last will and Testament.
I give my Soul to God, who gave it, to be disposed of according to the
good pleasure of his will.
I do hereby nominate and appoint Evelina B. Carter, Samuel P. Carter, Wm.
B. Carter, Jr., and James P.T. Carter to be my Executrix and Executors.
Touching such wordly estate as it hath pleased God to favor me with, I
dispose of it in the following manner.
1. All my just debts I request to be paid by my Executrix andExecutors. In order that they may be able to do this, I desire that they shall have full power and authority to sell and dispose of, any part, or all of my personal or real property, at private sale, and to the best advantage.
However, should my Executrix and Executors believe, that, by continuing my business as it was conducted before my decease, they will be able to pay all my debts without disposing of any of my personal property, or real estate, I do hereby give them the entire control of the whole of my estate, both personal and real, for the space of five years, if so much be necessary, in order to accomplish this object: Allowing to them a fair and reasonable compensation for their labours: Provided herein, however, that my Executrix and Executors, either jointly, or separately, shall not be accountable to any of my heirs for any misfortune arising from bad trading, as from any other sources of loss which is beyond their control.
2. After my debts are paid, I wish that my wife, Evelina B. Carter, shall enjoy the use of my farm which lies on the Watauga River, (being a part of a Tract of land containing six-hundred and fifty acres, which was originally granted to Landon Carter), together with my dwelling house, lots of ground, in and about Elizabethton, with the forge and mills, and all the machinery attached thereto, and also, that she shall have the entire control and use of all my Slaves, during her natural life.
3. I wish that my property, of whatever kind, which remains after the payment of my debts, be equally divided between the following persons, viz. David W. Carter, the heirs of my daughter Elizabeth J. Rhea, Landon D. Carter, Samuel P. Carter, Wm. B. Carter, Jr. and James P.T. Carter, with the following exceptions: to wit, David W. Carter to receive four-thousand dollars less, and Landon D. Carter three thousand less than either of my other children, in asmuch as I formerly gave to them the sum attached to each of their names above.The heirs of Elizabeth J. Rhea to receive one sixth part of my Estate, after
the debts I owe have been discharged.
4. I desire that at the final division of my estate, (that is, after the decease of my wife); all my slaves shall form a portion of the property that shall fall to the lot of Samuel P. Carter, Wm. B. Carter, Jr. and James P.T. Carter, as I wish to prevent them being thrown in numerous hands. Witness
my hand [last line on tear in paper and is unreadable].
A.M. Carter (Seal)
Witness
Wm. L. Murphey
Wm. P. Brown
Aquila Moore
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1784 - 1850 (65 years)
