Prior Reeves - Executor Fincher Estate
Georgia
Newton County
In the name of God Amen. I John Fincher of the State and County aforesaid being weak in body but in perfect mind & disposing memory do make publish and declare this my last will and testament, in the following manner to wit.
First, I will that all my Just debts be paid.
Secondly, I give & bequeath to my daughter Mary Lambert one feather bed & steads & furniture One cow & calf & one sow & pigs which I have already delivered to her.
Thirdly, I give & bequeath to my son Christopher Fincher one horse saddle & bridel Cow & calf, one sow & pigs, which I have delivered to him.
Fourthly, I give & bequeath unto my daughter Margaret Pope one cow & calf one Feather bed stead & furniture one sow & pigs.
Fifthly I give & bequeath unto my beloved wife Nancy Fincher the residue of my property both real and personal during her natural life or widowhood for the purpose of raising and Educating my children and it is also my will & wish that as the balance of my children arrives at age or marries that thy be paid in proportion to those already married and at the death of my wife or her intermarriage with any other, that the whole of my estate be divided in the following manner to wit. I give and bequeath to my daughter Mary Lambert an equal part of my Estate. I give and bequeath to my daughter Margaret Pope an equal part of my Estate. I give and bequeath to my daughter Lucinda Fincher an equal part of my estate. I give and bequeath to my son James Fincher an equal part of my estate. I give and bequeath unto my son John I. Fincher an equal part of my Estate. I give & bequeath unto my daughter Permelia Fincher an equal part of my Estate. I give & bequeath unto my son Leonard Fincher an equal part of my Estate. I give and bequeath unto my daughter Nancy Fincher an equal part of my Estate. I give and bequeath unto my daughter Isabeal Fincher an equal part of my Estate. I give and bequeath unto my daughter Elithy Ann Fincher an equal part of my Estate. And in case my wife should marry I give & bequeath unto her an equal part of my Estate with my children. I do hereby constitute ordain and appoint my wife Nancy Fincher, John Clark, Prior Reeves & Pleasant Evans my lawful executors to this my last will & testament, hereby revoking all former wills by me made. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this the thirteenth day of October 1832.
Signed Sealed & acknowledged
in presence of John (his mark) Fincher
Turman Walthall
Edward W. Lane
L. P. Hargrove
John Clarke
Prier Reeves
Please (his mark) Evans
Georgia
Newton County
Court of Ordinary 1st July 1833
Personally appeared in open court John Clark and Prier Reeves and after being duly s worn desposeth and saith that they deponents saw John Fincher sign seal publish and declare the within writing to be and contain his last will and testament and at the time thereof he was of sound disposing mind and memory, and that he did it without fear or compulsion, to the best of the believe of deponents.
Sworn to & subscribed in open Prier Reeves
Court before me 1 July 1833 John Clarke
L. Hopkins, Clk, C. O.
Registered 3rd July 1833
L. Hopkins, Clk, C.O.
Georgia
Newton County
Agreeably to an order from your honorable body We have met & do hereby Certify that we have valued & duly appraised the articles produced to us by Nancy Fincher Executrix of John Fincher dec’d as above.
March 12th 1834
John Webb Appraisers
Prior Reeves
James Watters
I do hereby certify that the above appraisers were legally sworn by me & assigned the same March 12th 1834.
Thomas Wright J. P.
Registered 22nd Aug 1834
L. Hopkins Clk C. O.
Sources
Newton County, Georgia, Court of Ordinary, Record of Wills, Book 1, 1823-1851, Georgia Department of Archives and History. Microfilm 3435Inventories & Appraisements, Annual Returns & Vouchers, Sales Bills, Book 2, 1827-1837, Newton County, Georgia, Court of Ordinary, p. 387.