Will of James Waller, filed in Sparta, GA. in 1816. Book I.
In the name of God Amen. I James Waller of the County of Hancock and State
of Georgia being in a low state of health at present but thanks be to God of
sound and disposing mind and memory and calling to mind the frailty of life
do make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner and form
following first. I bequeath my soul to God that gave it to me, my body to
be buried in decent Christian burial at the discretion of my Executors - as
touching my worldly estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me in this
life, I give, devise and dispose of the said in the following manner.
First. My will and desire that all my just debts be honestly paid.
Num. 1st. I give and bequeath unto my loving wife, Elizabeth Waller during
her natural life, my plantation whereon I now live, household and kitchen,
furniture and plantation utensils, stock of every kind or nature, wagon and
gear, oxen and ox cart, Gigg and Harness, two Negroes, Sam and Lewis- if she
should marry, the property willed to her as above should be taken out of
hand and equally divided between my children.
Item I give and bequeath unto my loving daughter Martha Waller two
Negroes, Sabe and her child Harry, one horse, bridle and saddle.
Item I give and bequeath unto my loving daughter Polly Davis two Negroes,
Sally and her child, Moses, horse, bridle and saddle.
Item I give and bequeath unto my loving son Ellis M. Waller one Negro boy
Jonas, horse, bridle and saddle.
Item I give and bequeath unto my loving daughter Elizabeth Evans, one
Negro woman Vincy, horse, bridle and saddle.
Item I give and bequeath unto my loving son James Waller, on Negro man
Lige, horse, bridle and saddle.
Item I give and bequeath unto my loving daughter Phillis Waller one
Negro, horse, bridle and saddle.
Item I give and bequeath unto my loving daughter Eby Waller, one Negro,
horse, bridle and saddle.
Item I give and bequeath unto my loving son Irvin Waller, one Negro,
horse, bridle and saddle.
All my property not willed to be for the support of and education of my
minor children until they become of age and at that time to be equally
divided. my children eight in number, Named?, Martha, Polly, Ellis,
Elizabeth, James, Phillis, Eby and Irwin.
And I do hereby nominate and appoint my loving wife, Elizabeth Waller,
Joel D. Newsom, Samuel Ransom - Executors of this my last will and testament
and do hereby disannull all former wills by me made and publish this and
pronounce to be my last will and testament.
I witness whereon I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 20th of May
1816.
Test James (X) Waller SEAL
Georgia, Hancock Inferior Court, sitting for ordinary purpose on 03 Feb.
1817.
The last will and testament of James Waller, dec. was duly proven in open
court by the oaths of Elias Champion, Edward Barnes and Thomas Williams the
(subserving?) witnesses thereto and ordered to be recorded and that letter
testamentary be granted to the nominated Executors who qualify to the same,
Joel D Newsom and Samuel Ransom* were duly qualified.
* Isabelle Waller (Eby) was married to John Ransom.
Do not know connection with Samuel.
Hancock Inferior Court sitting for ordinary purposes 03 March 1817
Elizabeth Waller nominated executor in the last will and testament of James
Waller, dec., came into court and was duly qualified whereupon it is ordered
that her name be inserted in the letter testamentary with Joel D Newsom and
Samuel Ransom who have been formerly qualified.
An inventory and appraisment of the personal property of James Waller dec.
taken 13 Feby 1817.
one bay mare $10. One black mare $20, $ 30-
one grey horse $50. one sorrel horse $20 $ 70-
one sorrell do $20. one grey do $75 $ 95-
1 yoke of steers $50. 1 ox cart $25 $ 75-
1 bay horse $100 - 1 grey horse $75 $175-
6 goats @ 100c. 1 Gigg - $100 $106-
1 Waggon and Gear $50. 1 Cotton Gin $25 $ 75-
amount forwarded $ 626-
Elias Champion his mark
Edward Barnes
Tho ( ,) Williams
his mark