Wills of Montgomery County, GA 1810-1850
from "A History of Montgomery County, Georgia to 1918"; pages 353,354, 355. by Robert Scott Davis, Jr.

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*Washington County Records that include present-day Montgomery County.

Will of William Ryals

State of Georgia
Montgomery County

In the name of God, Amen.

I, William Ryals, of the State of Georgia and County of Montgomery, being in a low state of bodily health, but of sound mind and memory, do hereby make and declare this my last will and testament, that is to say -

First - To my beloved wife, Edith Ryals, and to my youngest son, John B. Ryals, I give and bequeath my plantation on which I live known as the Ford Tract containing two hundred acres, together with my gin, gin house and remaining gear complete, thirty head of stock cattle, thirty head of stock hogs, eight head of fatted hogs, twenty head of sheep, my cream horse, saddle and bridle, the sugar corn and plants now upon my plantation, my cart and gear complete, three of my bush ploughs, one shovel, one sotch scooter and one scooter and set of gear complete and three negroes viz: Dinah and her two children Ben and Lydia; also one hundred bushels of corn and one thousand pounds of fodder, together with all my household and kitchen furniture (except one feather bed and furniture), all of which I give and bequeath to my wife and son John B. to be held equally by them for and during the natural life of my wife and at her death to belong to my son John B. Ryals.

Second: To my son John B. Ryals, I give and bequeath my rifle gun with the appurtinances thereto belonging.

Item - To my beloved son Joseph Ryals I give and bequeath my negro boy Allen.

Item - To my beloved son William R. Ryals I give and bequeath my negro boy Simon.

Item - To my beloved daughter Elizabeth Womack I give and bequeath my young sorrell horse which was brought by my black mare.

Item - To my beloved daughter Matilda Ryals I give and bequeath one feather bed, bedstead and furniture and young sorrell horse brought by my cream mare.

Item - To my daughter Winneford Calquhoun I give and bequeath Twenty-Five Dollars to be paid her by my Executors out of the proceeds of my undivided estate.

The residue of my estate not particularly mentioned, after my just debts are paid, I give and bequeath to my children to be equally divided as follows: To my son Joseph Ryals, William R. Ryals, Mary Hall, Penelope Conner, Elizabeth Womack, Matilda Ryals, and the children of my daughter Winneford each an equal share, that is to say divided into seven equal parts, each having one, my three grandchildren Thomas B., Mary Ann and Edith Calquhoun one.

Item - To my son-in-law Angus Calquhoun I give and bequeath one dollar, having no desire for him to enjoy more of my estate.

Lastly I do hereby appoint my two sons, Joseph Ryals and William R. Ryals Executors of this my last will and testament, hereby revoking all former wills by me made.

In witness whereof, I have herewith set my hand and seal this 24th day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty seven.

Wm. Ryals (Seal)

Signed, sealed, published and declared by the above
named William Ryals to be his last will and testament in the
presence of us, who have hereunto subscribed our names as
witnesses in the presence of the testator.

George Wyche
Needham R. Bryan
Benj. F. Harris, J.P.C.M.C.

Georgia, Montgomery County

Geo. Wyche, Needham R. Bryan and Benj. F. Harris, came into court and having duly sworn upon the Holy Evangilist of Almighty God, that they saw William Ryals, the testator, sign, seal, publish and declare this writing to be and contain his last will and testament. 

Submitter: Gayle (Ryals) Kitrell

• Will of John B. Ryals

• Will of Joseph Ryals

• INDEX

 Will of Joseph Ryals

State of Georgia
Montgomery County

In the name of God, Amen.

I, Joseph Ryals, of said state and county, being of advanced age but of sound and disposing mind and memory deem it right and proper, both as it respects my family and myself to make a disposition of the property with which a kind providence has blessed me

I therefore, do make and publish this my last will and testament hereby revoking all wills heretofore by me at any time made.

Item 1st: I devise and direct that my body be buried in a decent and Christian like manner without great show or unnecessary expense. My spirit I trust will return to God who gave it.

Item 2nd: I devise and direct that all my just debts be paid by my executors herein after named in the manner herein after pointed out.

Item 3rd: I give bequeath and devise to my beloved wife Lucy Ann with whom I have lived in the strictest quiet and love for thirty-six years, the lot of land including the house and premises where I now live, known as the Dempsey Wood Tract, containing seven hundred acres more or less. Also one other lot known as the Frederick Frances Tract including the Dead River Island, containing two hundred eighty seven and a half acres more or less with all the rights amenities and appurtenances to said lots of land in any wise appertaining or belonging, free from all charge or limitation whatsoever to her own proper use benefit and keeping during her natural life and then to her children in the manner herein after mentioned. I give and bequeath to my beloved wife in the same manner all the farming utensils laid upon and belonging to my plantation of every description whatever, and my Bay mare (Kate), and our other farm horse and all my stock cattle, hogs, sheep, and goats, geese and poultry, all my household and kitchen furniture and my Buggy and my horse cart.

Item 4th: I give and bequeath to my beloved wife for and during her natural life my Negro man Allen about thirty nine years old, my Negro man Philip about sixty years old, and my Negro woman Hetty about forty years old, and at the death of my beloved wife to be divided among all her children in the manner herein after pointed out.

Item 5th: All the property both real and personal given my beloved wife and specified in item 3 and 4 of the above at her death I hereby direct to be sold by my Executors herein after named and the proceeds arising from such sale to be divided equally among all my children, share and share alike, subject to such restrictions and limitations as are herein after imposed.

Item 6th: I devise and bequeath to my beloved Daughter Harriet G. Cuttnoch, wife of Cason A. Cuttnoch and to her child or children by her present or any future husband free from the debts or disposition of her husband or any future husband my Negro woman Penny about twenty one years old. Also one lot of land known as the Hardy Wood Tract whereon my daughter Harriet now lives containing three hundred and thirty eight acres more or less with all the rights amenities and appurtenances to said lot of land in any wise appertaining or belonging free from all charge or limitation whatsoever during her natural life then to her child or children. I further give and bequeath to my Daughter Harriet an equal portion with my other children of the property left to my beloved wife during her natural life to be distributed at her death as provided in item 5th of the above the same to be subject to the like restrictions and limitations as are provided in the foregoing part of this item for the above property given my daughter.

Item 7th: I give and bequeath to my beloved son James G. Ryals my Negro boy Frank about nineteen years of age to him and his heirs forever. Also two government land warrants the one for forty acres the other for one hundred and twenty acres, or the land upon which they may be laid forever in fee simple. I further give and bequeath to my son James an equal portion with my other children of the property given my beloved wife to be distributed at her death as provided in Item 5th.

Item 8th: I give and bequeath to my beloved Daughter Elizabeth S. Morris, wife of John Morris, my Negro woman Jane about seventeen years of age and her child Jincy about six months old, together with an equal portion with my other children of the property given my beloved wife to be distributed as provided in item 5th of the above to her during her natural life free from the disposition of her present or any future husband and then to be equally divided among all her children.

Item 9th: I devise and bequeath to my beloved Daughter Ann E. Swain (widow) my Negro boy Henry about fifteen years old. Also three fourths of a lot of land known as the John Douglas land lying on the Oconee River and including what is called the foard shoals on said River containing one hundred and seventy five acres more or less. Also an equal portion with my other children of the property given my beloved wife to be distributed as provided in item 5 of the above to her own proper use benefit and behoof during her natural life free from the disposition of any future husband she may have and then to be equally divided among all her children.

Item 10: I devise and bequeath to my beloved Daughter Mary C. Rambo wife of Dr. John Rambo my Negro boy Billy about thirteen years old. Also a lot of land known as the Mill tract containing one hundred acres more or less adjoining the Bells ferry Land on the South and land of John A. Morris on the north with all the rights members and appurtenances thereto appertaining or belonging Except the Mill Seat and its privilidges, Mill House, Mill Rack, Gin and all the appurtenances thereto belonging. Also an equal portion with my other children of the property given my beloved wife to be distributed as provided in Item 5 of the above to her own proper use benefit and behoof during her natural life free from the disposition of her present or any future husband and then to her child or children.

Item 11th: I give bequeath and devise to my beloved Daughter Josephine L. McLeod wife of George T. McLeod my Negro girl Hannah about nine years of age. Also a tract of land known as the Willcox Tract surveyed under headright and containing six hundred acres more or less bounded on the north by land of John B. Ryals and south by land of Thomas B. Conner with all the rights amenities and appurtenances thereto appertaining or belonging. Also an equal portion with my other children of the property given my beloved wife to be distributed as provided in Item 5 of the above to her own proper use benefit and behoof during her natural life free from the disposition of her present or any future husband and then to her children.

Item 12th: I devise and bequeath to my beloved Daughter Lucy Joanne my Negro boy Bob about seven years of age and my Negro boy Charles about four years of age. Also a tract of land lying on William’s Creek containing six hundred acres more or less surveyed by headright for my father William Ryals and with all the rights amenities and appurtenances therewith appertaining and belonging. Also an equal portion with my other children of the property given my beloved with to be distributed as provided in Item 5 of the above to her own proper use benefit and behoof during her natural life free from the disposition of any future husband she may have and should she die having faird a child or children then to such child or children. But should she die without issue, then to be divided equally among her brothers and sisters.

Item 13: I devise and direct that the remainder of my property both real and personal not otherwise heretofore disposed of of what kind whatsoever it may be be sold by my Executors hereinafter named and that the proceeds arising from such sale thereof be applied to the payment of my just debts. But should the money arising from such sale be insufficient to pay all the demands against my Estate, I hereby direct that all the negroes belonging to my said Estate be hired out for the term of one year and that in such contingency my beloved wife be supplied with at least one years provisions. Should there be any overpluss arising from the sale and hiring herein provided for after the payment of all my just debts I devise and direct that such overpluss be divided equally among all my children including my beloved wife Lucy Ann.

Item 14th: I hereby constitute and appoint my beloved wife Lucy Ann, Executrix and my beloved son James G. Ryals Executor of this my land will and testament.

In witness whereof, I the said Joseph Ryals have to this my will consisting of the five and a half foregoing pages set my hand and seal this the 6th day of May 1858.

Joseph Ryals (Legal Seal)

Signed, sealed published and dictated by the above named Joseph Ryals as his last will and testament in presence of us, who at his request, in presence of testator and in presence of each other have subscribed our names as witnesses hereto.

William D.W.C. Conner
W. Warren Conner
James C. Conner
Jas. C. Ryals

Georgia
Montgomery County

Before me came James C. Ryals and W. Warren Conner at chambers on the 9th Sept 1859 for the purpose of proving the last will and testament of Joseph Ryals. They being subscribing witnesses to said will and the said will having been brought before that time before me for probate by the Executors Lucy A. Ryals and James G. Ryals.

Submitter: Gayle (Ryals) Kitrell

• Will of John B. Ryals

• Will of William Ryals

• INDEX

Will of John B. Ryals

State of Georgia
County of Montgomery

In the name of God, Amen.

I, John B. Ryals of said state and county deem it right and proper both as respect my family and myself that I should make a disposition of the property with which a kind providence has blessed me, do therefore make this my last will and testament hereby revoking all others heretofore made by me.

Item 1st I desire and direct that my body be buried in a decent and Christian like manner suitable to my circumstances and condition in life without any unnecesary expense.

Item 2nd I desire and direct that all my just debts be paid without delay by my Executors hereinafter appointed, as I am unwilling that my creditors should be delayed in their right especially as there is no necessity for delay.

Item 3rd I give bequeath and devise to my beloved wife Francis H. Ryals the tract of land on which I live with all the improvements thereon or in any way appertaining or belonging including the Gin, Ginhouse and screen with all the cotton seed from this years crop and my half of a Sugar Mill owned jointly by me and Martin T. Massie, also my Negro man Essex about forty two years old and my Negro girl Caroline about eighteen years old, also my two mules known as Puss and Nell, and all that part of my stock of cattle known as my swamp stock and all my stock of hogs of every description and kind, and all my house hold and kitchen furniture of every description and kind whatsoever except three Beds, Bedsteads and Furniture, also my carriage and harness and best horse cart, and all my flock of geese and one fourth part of my farming utensils, that is plows, hoes, and axes, and all her portion of her father’s estate, Five Hundred and twenty five dollars which I wish to be used and disposed of as directed in the old mans will all without reserve or limitation. The bequests made to my wife are in lieu of her whole dower.

Item 4th I give bequeath and devise to my beloved son Bryan H. Ryals one feather bed, bed stead and furniture.

Item 5th I give bequeath and devise to my beloved daughter Mary Ryals one feather bed, bed stead and furniture.

Item 6th I give bequeath and devise to my beloved son Henry C. Ryals one feather bed, bed stead and furniture.

Item 7th The residue of my property both real and personal whatsoever and wherever it may be, I give bequeath and devise to my children including the one my wife is now going with to wit: William R. Ryals, John J. Ryals, Joseph M. Ryals, Eliza Clements, Wilson R. Ryals, Bryan H. Ryals, James C. Ryals, Mariah Gray, Edith McLendon, Mary Ryals, Henry C. Ryals, Sarah Elizabeth Ryals, Thomas F. Ryals, Frances J. Ryals, Albert L. Ryals, Georgia H. Ryals, Ann Eliza V. Ryals, and the one my wife is going with as named above, each sharing equal and alike, it not being my wish to make any difference among my children in the division of my estate. This being the case, I direct that in the division that those children who have left me may be in possession of from my estate, except three beds and furniture, shall be taken in.

Item 8th I direct that my Executors see to the support of my family for twelve months from my estate.

Item 9th I hereby constitute and appoint my beloved son William R. Ryals and my worthy friend and relative Thomas B. Calhoun Executors of this my last will and testament.

This 17th day of July 1862.

John B. Ryals, Legal Seal

Signed, sealed declared and published by John B. Ryals as his last will and testament in the presence of us the subscribers who subscribed our names hereto in the presence of said testator at his special instance and request and of each other.

July the 17th 1862.
W. Warren Conner
Daniel D. Wall
Alexander McGregor
William D.W.C. Conner

Montgomery Court of Ordinary, July Term 1863.

The will of John B. Ryals being produced in open court for probate by the executors, who have filed their petition to prove the same, and the witnesses to said will, William D.W.C. Conner, Daniel D. Wall, and Alexander McGregor, having subscribed the following affidavit endorsed on said will, July Term 1863 Montgomery Court of Ordinary, came into open court at the regular term of the court, William D.W.C. Conner, Daniel D. Wall, and Alexander McGregor and being duly sworn depose that they saw John B. Ryals sign and publish the within as his last will and testament while of sound and disposing mind, that they witnessed the same for him at his request and in his presence and of each other and that the same was executed voluntarily by him on the day it purports to have been executed.

Sworn to and subscribed in open court, July Term 1863. James G. Conner, Ordinary

William D.W.C. Conner
Daniel D. Wall
Alexander McGregor

And also in like manner at the said July term of the said court of ordinary appeared William D.W.C. Conner and Daniel D. Wall who having been sworn depose that they saw John B. Ryals sign and publish the within codicil to his last will and testament while of sound and disposing mind, that the witnessed the same for him at his request and in his presence and of each other and that the same was executed voluntarily by him on the day it purports to have been executed and that Wilson W. Conner and William R. Ryals signed with them as witnesses to said codicil.

Sworn to and subscribed in open court, July term 1863. James G. Conner, Ordinary

Daniel D. Wall
William D.W. Conner

Codicil to the last will of John B. Ryals

Item 1st The Negro Girl Caroline given to my wife in the third item of my will having had a child since I made and signed said will, and it being my wish that said child should not be parted from its mother, I do therefore give and bequeath said child to my wife together with my young horse two years old known as Sams Colt.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal, this twenty third day of March 1863.

John B. Ryals, Legal Seal

Submitter: Gayle (Ryals) Kitrell

• Will of Joseph Ryals

• Will of William Ryals

• INDEX

ABRAHAM LAMB

Will of ABRAHAM LAMB, Montgomery County, Georgia Deed Book CPG

20th July 1802

To Whom These Presents Shall Comes, I ABRAHAM LAMB, of Montgomery County, Georgia, Planter, send Greetings: For and in consideration of the natural love and affection I bear towards my loving wife, MARY LAMB, and for her better maintenance and support, I have given and granted and by these presents do freely give and grant unto my loving wife all and singular my goods, chattels of every description, my lands and Negroes and stock of all kinds which I possess, and all my household furniture to her freely and completely to enjoy during her lifetime or until she remarries, and after her death or remarriage I give unto:

My Loving Son REUBEN LAMB a Negro wench named "Rose" and her girl named "Kate" and all their increase forever. Likewise a Negro boy named "Jeff" upon condition of his paying $150.00 unto CHRISTOPHER SNELL one year after my death and my wife Mary’s death, and also paying $150.00 unto my loving son ISAAC LAMB, in the same manner one year after my death and my wife’s death, likewise all of my stock of hogs I give unto my son REUBEN LAMB after our deaths.

I Give Unto My Loving Son JESSIE LAMB, I give to him a Negro boy named "Hardy" and unto my loving son ABRAHAM LAMB JR., I give unto him a Negro boy named "Sam". I give unto EDMUND JORDAN 200 acres of land over across the line in Burke County and this the tract lying on the Beaver Dam and likewise I give all my household furniture of every description and all my stock of cattle unto my son ABRAHAM LAMB JR. and MARTHA BARROW.

I Also Give Unto my Daughter LYDIA SANFORD a horse and other properties after our deaths. And before signing these presents I have delivered unto my loving wife, MARY LAMB an inventory of all of the above items signed by me and in my name bearing the date of the 20th of July, 1802 and for her to have and to hold the above from her death without any manner of consideration. In witness whereof I have set my hand and seal this 20th day of July in the 26th year of Independence.

ABRAHAM LAMB

Witnesses:
Charles Higdon
Charles X Wheeler
Reuben Hargrove

Submitter: Amanda B. Logue

• INDEX

Hamilton Family Wills

INDEX

WILL OF
JOHN HAMILTON

In the Name of God Amen. I, John Hamilton, of the county of Nansemond, being sick and weak of body but of sound perfect . . . and give thanks go to God for . . . and as its appointed once for all men to die . . . I ordain this to be my last will and testament. I give my soul to God that gave it and my body to commit to the earth to be decently buried at the discretion of my executor hereafter named and . . . touching what I . . . my God hath give me in this life. I give and bequeath in manner as follow---I give and bequeath to my three sons James, William B., and Steward Hambleton all my tract or parcels of land situate lying and being at a place called Salem, 200 acres at deed of sale will more plainly approve of . . . of land to be equally divided between them in quantity and quality when they attain to the age of 20 and 1 years to be for them . . . I give and bequeath unto my daughter-in-law, May Hobgood, at the day of her marriage one small iron pot, one spinning wheel and six head of cattle all of them to be bred and their . . . I give and bequeath to my daughter, Mary Hambleton, at the day of her marriage three cows and two heifers . . . being of my proper mark but on the contrary . . . one spinning wheel, one small wooden box and one small looking glass. I give and bequeath unto my two sons John and Andrew Hambleton . . . I give and bequeath to my beloved wife, Catherine, . . . whereof I have set and affixed my seal the 25th day of February 1706.

John Hambleton

Witnesses of the Will: Richard Wynne, Henry Pullen, Daniel Ellett

From North Carolina Wills, Vol. XII, page 73.
This Will was probated April 25, 1711.

NOTE:
John Hamilton died in Nansemond County, Virgiinia, shortly before April 25, 1711, and his Will was probated in Nansemond County (where later all records were burned). But he also owned land in North Carolina and the will was recorded there, as well.

INDEX

LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF
WILLIAM HAMILTON

In the Name of God Amen. I, William Hamilton, of Wake County, in the state of North Carolina, being very old, but of sound mind and memory do hereby make my last will and testament, disposing of my worldly effects in manner following. First, I give and bequeath to Keziah Dorman alias Hamilton who was esteemed my legitimate daughter though I never was married to her mother 200 acres of land at Terrible Creek on hereon I now dwell with all the . . . . Secondly, I give and bequeath to Rachel Dorman, who was supposed to be my wife one . . . . Thirdly I give and bequeath to Andrew and Stuart and Karen Happock and Elizabeth the children of said Rachel Dorman who go by the name Hamilton five shillings each. Fourthly, I give and bequeath to the representatives of Rachel Stogden five shillings among them. Fifthly, I give and bequeath to the representatives of Jemima Phillips another daughter to the said Rachel Dorman five shillings among them. Sixthly, I give and bequeath to the said Keziah all the residue of my worldly effects whom I appoint my executrix. As witnessed my hand and seal this 27th day of August in the year of Christ one thousand seven hundred and eighty-six at the house of M. Livingston at Middlebrook.

William (His Mark) Hamilton

Signed Sealed and declared to be the Testator's last will and testament in the presence of Lewis Jones, James Morris, John Wrench.

This Will was proven June term of court in 1788 by the oaths of Lewis Jones and James Morris and ordered to be recorded, and was duly recorded Wake Co. Will Book #2, page 182.
From the Will, it is apparent that Rachel Dorman was his "common law" wife and that according to the laws of the State of North Carolina they were never legally married. There is quite a lot of information that indicates William Hamilton belonged to a religious sect that accepted more than one spouse and his Will was worded in a way to make it possible for his children to inherit his land without any law suits or court scrapes.

NOTE:
William Hamilton, son of John Hamilton, lived in Orange and Wake Counties, North Carolina. In 1732 he was living in Edgecombe County, North Carolina, when he was a witness to a deed from Phillip Maulkey and his wife to David Hopper. He had been there only a short time for in 1728, William Hamilton and brother, Stewart Hamilton, made a deed jointly to James Hamilton, their brother, for two hundred acres patented November 20, 1728, adjoining the lands of Richard Woodward on Long Island. This information found in the North Carolina Historical Register by Hathaway, Vol. 2, page 454, and deed also recorded in Chowan County, North Carolina, records in Deed Book C-1.

INDEX

WILL OF
STEWART HAMILTON

In the Name of God Amen. I, Stewart Hamilton, of Montgomery County and State of Georgia, being of sound and perfect mind and memory, do this fourteenth day of January, eighteen hundred and twenty-four, make this my last will and testament. That is to day, first, I give and bequeath after my death all of my property that I now possess and the increase of it to my beloved wife, Clarry Hamilton, if she should live longer than me, and at her decease she can give the property to such of my children as she pleases. I will all to her. I give my children no part of my property except one dollars worth to each one of them is all I give them. This my last will and testament. In witness whereof the said Steward Hamilton has hereunto set my hand and signed, sealed, published and declared in presence of all.

Duncan McCrimmon Stewart Hamilton
Malcolm Peterson
Geo. Wyche

This Will is recorded Montgomery County, Georgia, Wills 1806, 1832-1863, page 23. Stewart Hamilton died in 1831 in Montgomery County and is buried in the Hamilton Cemetery located near Kibbee, Montgomery County, GA, his grave marked by DAR.

INDEX

WILL OF
CLARISSA HAMILTON

Montgomery County, Georgia. In the Name of God Amen.
I, Clarissa Hamilton, being weak of body but of sound disposing mind do ordain this my last will and testament in manner and form viz: At my death I give and bequeath unto my son, Benjamin Hamilton, or his heirs, the sum of one dollar. I give and bequeath unto my son, Solomon Hamilton, or his heirs, the sum of one dollar. I give and bequeath unto my daughter, Rebecca Story, or her heirs, the sum of one dollar. I give and bequeath unto my daughter, Cynthia Hamilton, or her heirs, the sum of one dollar. I give and bequeath unto my son, Josiah Hamilton, my negro man, Jack. I give and bequeath unto my son, William Hamilton, my negro man, Tom. I give and bequeath unto my daughter, Clarissa Connell . . . my negro woman, Margaret, and her child, Cutty. I give and bequeath to my daughters, Sara Burch and Rosanna Gillis, all the rest and residue of my estate, goods and chattels . . . after paying all my just debts I nominate, constitute and appoint my son, John Hamilton, sole executor of this my last will and testament thereby revoking all other previous wills by me made at any time . . . I have hereto set my hand and seal this first day of May one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven.

Clarissa (Her Mark) Hamilton

This Will recorded in Montgomery County, GA wills 1806, 1832-1863, page 43.

INDEX

WILL OF
JOSIAH HAMILTON

State of Georgia, Montgomery County. In the Name of God Amen.
I, Josiah Hamilton, of said State and County being of advanced age but of sound and disposing mind and memory knowing that I must shortly depart this life; deem it right and proper both as respect my family and myself that I should make a disposition of the property which a kind Providence has blessed me. I do therefore make this my last will and testament hereby revoking and annulling all others by me hereto made.
Item 1st. I desire and direct that my body be buried in a decent and Christian like manner suitable to my circumstances and condition in life my soul I trust shall return to rest with God who gave it as I hope for salvation through the merit and atonement of the blessed Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Item 2nd. I desire and direct that all my just debts be paid without delay by my executors herein after named and appointed.

Item 3rd. I have deeded to my beloved wife lot of land valued at thirty-four dollars, also I give and bequeath to my beloved wife one hundred and twenty-five dollars to make her equal to my son Josiah Hamilton which I have advanced two hundred and fifty-nine dollars and fifty cents.

Item 4th. I give and bequeath to the children of Nancy Cobb two hundred and fifty-nine dollars and fifty cents to make them equal to my son Josiah.

Item 5th. I give and devise to the heirs of son Nicholas P. Hamilton two hundred and four acres of land which has been deeded to my son Nicholas P. Hamilton in advancement and the sum of eighty-two dollars and fifty cents to make him equal to my son Josiah B. Hamilton.

Item 6th. I give and bequeath to my daughter Lucinda Calhoun two hundred and fifty-nine dollars and fifty cents to make her equal to my son Josiah B. Hamilton.

Item 7th. I give and bequeath to my daughter Mary Adams two hundred and fifty-nine dollars and fifty cents to make her equal to my son Josiah B. Hamilton.

Item 8th. I give and bequeath to my son Charles S. Hamilton one hundred and eighty-four dollars and fifty cents to make him equal to my son Josiah B. Hamilton.

Item 9th. I give and bequeath to my son John H. Hamilton in advancement one hundred and sixty-five dollars. I give and bequeath to him ninety-four dollars and fifty cents to make him equal to my son Josiah B. Hamilton.

Item 10th. I give and bequeath unto my daughter Clarissa O'Conner eighty-seven dollars in advancement also I give one hundred and seventy-two dollars and fifty cents to make her equal to my son Josiah B. Hamilton.

Item 11th. I give and bequeath to my daughter Martha Ann Palmer two hundred and fifty- nine dollars and fifty cents to make her equal to my son Josiah B. Hamilton.

Item 12th. I give and bequeath unto my daughter Mary Ann Hamilton two hundred and fifty-nine dollars and fifty cents to make her equal to my son Josiah B. Hamilton.

Item 13th. The residue of my property both real and personal wherever and whatever it may be including that given to my wife Mary in the first Article of this Will for and during her natural life, and after her estate therein is over I give bequeath and devise to my minor daughter Mary Ann in fee simple and forever and I hereby appoint my trustworthy son Charles S. Hamilton guardian of the person and property of my said minor daughter Mary Ann.

Item 14th. I hereby constitute and appoint my sons Charles S. Hamilton and John H. Hamilton my Executors of this my last Will and testament October 7th, 1868.

Josiah Hamilton

Signed Sealed declared and published by Josiah Hamilton as his last will and testament in presence of us the undersigned who subscribed our names hereunto in the presents of said testator at his special instance and request and in the presence of each other October 7th, 1868.
John McLeod
John H. Hamilton
Elizabeth (Her Mark) Newmans(?)
Mary (Her Mark) Remis(?)
Witnesses
Montgomery Court of Ordinary May Term 1870.

(Recorded Book of Wills #A, page 147)

NOTE: "The son, Andrew Jackson Hamilton, was not mentioned in Josiah Hamilton's Will and it is supposed this may have been due to the fact that he was considered dead. Deed Book V, page 471, Records of Jefferson County, Florida, dated September 18, 1865, shows that Mrs. C. C. Hamilton purchased from Samuel Hamrick and Sarah M. Hamrick forty acres of land, description as follows: Southwest quarter of section nine, township 1 North, range six East, for $92.50. Witnesses to this deed were A. D. Walker and J. T. Walker. The writers visited Vidalia, Georgia, and talked to a number of the descendants of Josiah Hamilton, father of Andrew Jackson Hamilton, and these persons all remembered Andrew Jackson Hamilton from their younger days. Many of them were unaware as to what happened to him. From conversations with these people it was evident that one of two things happened that caused Andrew and his wife to suddenly leave Georgia and settle in Jefferson County, Florida: he either left to avoid capture by Union troops for a reason unknown, or he left to avoid the consequences of a domestic quarrel.

1880 Census, Madison County, Florida, shows Andrew Hamilton living in Madison County and wife Mrs. C. C. Hamilton, and daughter Amanda, daughter Ella, daughter Emma, and son Johnny."

(The above was written January 1968 by Curtis Leon Hamilton and Letty Hamilton Flewellen--children of John Henry Hamilton and Christianna Holland; John Henry was the "Johnny" in above 1880 Census.)

Hamilton Wills submitted by Olivia Williamson Saffold

WILLIAMSON FAMILY WILLS

JOHN WILLIAMSON   ANDREW JACKSON WILLIAMSON

INDEX

Will of Andrew Jackson Williamson

State of Georgia Emanuel County
last Will and Testament of Andrew J. Williamson Sr.
I, Andrew J. Williamson Sr. of Said State and County being of Sound and disposing Mind and Memory do make this My last Will and Testament hereby revoking all wills heretofore Made by Me
(Item One)
I Wish My Executors as Soon as possible after My Death to Sell all of My property and convert the same into Cash Money and divide the same eaqueally between My heirs to Wit. John A. Williamson Millie Gillis Dicy Phillips D. S. Williamson Bettie Phillips Nancy Corbin Mary Autrey Sarah J. Wilkes Josephine Wilkes Teresa Calhoun M. M. Williamson and heirs of Victoria Anderson My deceased Daughter to have one Shar equal With my other Children above Named also the heirs of My deceased Son James R. Williamson to have one equal Share of My estate these above Named being heirs named as the beneficiares of this last Will.
(Item Two)
I mention(?) as the property I now owne four Hundred Sixty Acres of land lying and being in the 50th District of Montgomery County Georgia some land lying on penelton Creek also about Six Hundred and fifty Acres of land lying in the 50th District of Emanuel County Georgia all of this property is the property intended to be bequeathed in this Will also all the personal property I now owne consisting in hogs Sheep Cattle and horses together With all other personalty I owne now or May herafter acquire
(Item Three)
I do hereby appoint D. S. and M. M. Williamson My Two Sons as the Executors of this My last will and as compensation for their services to have the Commission allowed by law to take from the residuory of this estate.
In testomoney Whereof I have here to set My hand and affixed My Seal this 8th day of December 1904
his
Andrew J. X Williamson Sr. (Seal)
mark

Signed and published by Andrew J. Williamson Sr. as his last Will and Testament in the presence of the undersigned Who subscribed our Names here to as Witnesses at the instance and request of the said Testator and in his presence and in the presence of each other this the 8th day of December 1904

Witnesses M. F. Mosley
A. M. Wilkes
M. F. Findley

Emanuel County Will Book A, Page 21-22

NOTE: Andrew Jackson Williamson served as a member of the Georgia House of Representatives from Montgomery County 1853-54. Both he and Lecy Ann died at the home of their daughter, Nancy Corbin, and are buried on their old homeplace beside S.R. #297, south of Pendleton Creek bridge, now in Toombs County, GA.

Submitted by Olivia Williamson Saffold

WILL OF JOHN WILLIAMSON

State of Georgia

County of Emanuel

In the name of God Amen I John Williamson of the county and State aforesaid being in a low State of helth and of a Sound Disposing mind and memory do make Publish and declare this to bee my last Will and Testament herby revoking and making null and void all Former wills made by me.

First I Direct that all my just debts bee paid then I give devise and bequeath unto my well beloved Wife the land and place whereon I live except what was given off to Thomas Morris and Martha Williamson from the Survey which was granted to Sessions(?) lying on Pendleton Creeke in the county aforesaid also one negro girl named Laurah age nineteen years old also twenty cowes and thare calves and also all my hoges and the best horse I have and one yoke of oxens and waggon and carte and Shugar mill and Shugar biler and the blacksmith tools and all my Plantations and farming utentials and one fether bed and all the kitchen furniture and I further direct that one negro boy bee bought from fifteen to Sixteen year old out of my propity Which She my Said Wife is to hold and keep during hur natural life or widowhood and faire management and then after hur death or unfar management to become the propity of all my children and thare issue except my Daughter Martha hur Shear is bee vested in hur and the heirs of hur body and further as I have given off Some propity to some of my oldest I direct that the balanc of my children Shall have thare legal Sheare made up and Shear alike then if thar bee aney other propity lift I give and bequeath it to all my children to bee Equeally divided betwean them all Shear and Shear alike except my Daughter Martha hur Shear is to bee Selfs and the heirs of hur body only and lastly I hereby nominate and appoint my well beloved Sons William J. Williamson and Andrew J. Williamson my Executors to this my last Will and testament in Witness Whareof I John Williamson have hereunto Set my hand and affixed my Seal this Sixth day of november Eighteen hundred and fifty Signed and delivered and published in the present of us who have hereunto Subscribed our name as witnesses thare unto in presents of Each other and in the presents of the testator

Georgia Emanuel County Court of Ordinary

September term first day 1851

The Within will and testament of John Williamson having been duly proven at this regular turm in open court upon the oathes of Elisah Wilkes and Alexander Wilkes and Elias Wilkes and John McIntosh the court ordered the Same to be admited to record

Jordan Flanders CCO

Will Book A, Page 70-71, Emanuel County Records

NOTE: This is the father of Andrew Jackson Williamson. John Williamson and Elizabeth Sullivan(t) were married in Montgomery County in 1811.

submitted by Olivia Williamson Saffold

JOHN WILLIAMSON   ANDREW JACKSON WILLIAMSON

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