I, W. H. Sowder, of Claiborne County, TN, being in feeble health of body, but sound mind and disposing memory, do make and publish this my last will and testament, hereby revoking all former wills by me at any time made.

     First, I direct that as soon after my death as possible my funeral expenses and just debts be paid, if there should be any
owing out of money of personal property on hand which will fall into the hands of my Executor.

     Second, I give and bequeath to my wife, Adeline Sowder, all my property of every kind and description both real and personal for her sole use and benefit during her natural life or widowhood, and I give her full power to use and dispose of any of the personal property in any manner she may deem best, but she is to have no right to sell or dispose of any of the real estate, but to have full control of the same, and is to have the right to use the rents and profits of the same for her sole use and benefit.

     Third. After the death of my said wife, Adeline Sowder, or after her marriage if she should marry again after my death, I give and bequeath to my son Jim Sowder, for and during his natural life that portion of my home farm lying in the sixth Civil District of Claiborne County, TN, lying about one mile north of the town of Arthur, on which I now live, lying between the County road and the line of the Southern Railway Company which includes the dwelling house in which I now live. My said son, Jim is to have said house and lot as home for him for and during his natural life, and at his death the same is to be sold and divided among my heirs in the manner which really would descend under the statute. My son, D. R. Sowder, and my grandson Gilbert Marsee, and my daughter Caroline Sowder, shall have the right to live with my son, Jim and make their home with him in said house if they so desire as long as they remain single. This does not mean that my son Jim is to furnish their support. It is my special request that my daughter Caroline Sowder, remain with my son Jim and care for him after the death of myself and wife, as long as she remains unmarried.

     Fourth. After the death of my wife, Adeline Sowder, or after remarriage, if she should marry after my death whatever property real or personal which I have bequeathed to her except that which has been disposed of in the preceding paragraph, and which she may die possessed of or whatever she may be in possession of at the time of her marriage, in the event she should marry again. I give, bequeath and direct that the same be divided equally among my following children: John Sowder, Polly Ann Sowder, Ollie Davis, Matilda Bostic, Caroline Sowder, G. W. Sowder, D. R. Sowder, Jim Sowder, Birdie Sowder, Sarah Sowder, and Malessay Collingsworth. In the event of the death of any of any of the above named children then that portion bequeathed to them shall go to their children if they have any, otherwise such portion shall go to the other children above named.

     Fifth. I nominate and appoint my wife, Adaline Sowder, the Executrix, and direct that she be allowed to act as such without having to execute bond. In witness whereof I hereunto subscribe my name on this 9th day of September 1912.

W. H. Sowder

Signed by said W. H. Sowder, as and for his last will and testament, in the presence of us the undersigned who at his request and in his sight and presence have subscribed our names hereto as attesting witnesses the day and date above written.

R. B. Marssee
S. R. H. Baldwin

Submitted by Margret Evans at evansmw@centuryinter.net