Will of John W. Manning
Probate Final Record, April Term 1841
Originally transcribed by Dorothy A. Taylor,
DeSoto Descendants, Vol. 12, No. 4, p. 211




In the name of God, Amen.

I, John W. Manning, being weak in body but of sound and disposing mind and memory, in order that no misunderstanding should arise after my death as regards to the distribution of my estate, do make and publish this my last Will and Testament. First, I commend my soul to God who gave it and my body to the dust desiring my friends to enter it decently. Item the First - the tract of land on which I now reside I desire should be kept for the use of my beloved wife Marilla and my children for, and during her natural life to be kept in repair and cultivated for their mutual benefit; and the following property I wish reserved for the use of the farm and their mutual benefit, to wit: all the household and kitchen furniture together with the farming utensils and such carpenters tools as may be deemed necessary for the use of the farm and the following horse beasts also to be kept for the use of the farm and family to wit, Bob a sorrel horse; Kitty a chestnut sorrel mare; Lisa a bay mare, and so much cattle, hogs, and sheep as may be deemed necessary by my executors herein after named, and so much of the corn fodder and other agricultural products as may be necessary for the support of the family. All the rest of my real estate, not herein after ordered to be sold, I wish to be kept for my wife and children equally as they respectively become of age.

Item the Second - I give and bequeath to my son Thomas H. Manning a sorrel filly named Nancy Magee, provided that this bequest is not to increase his portion of the estate. It is hereby ordered and directed that my town lots in Hernando shall be sold to the highest bidder together with all the rest of my personal estate, except the two negroes Judy and Winney, is to be sold. The proceeds after paying my just debts to be equally divided between my wife and children. It is my will and desire that the two negroes, Judy & Winney, are to be kept by my wife the use of her and the children until the youngest child becomes of age and then equally divided between my wife and children.

I hereby appoint Humphrey Cobb executor and my wife executrix and guardian of my children, unless she should hereafter marry, in which case it is my desire that some other person be guardian to my children.

In testimony hereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this fifth day of March A.D. 1841.

J. W. Manning    (Seal)

In Presence Of: Richard Ingell

Abner Powers

Hiram Payne


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