Transcribed and submitted by Vicki Burress Roach

Will Book A 1854-1902 (1861)

Filed for probate May 15th, 1861

I, William Dilworth of the county of Tish. and state of Miss. do make and ordain this as my last will and testament revoking all and every testamentary disposition heretofore made by me.

1. I will that all my just debts be paid

2. I will and bequeath to my daughter Sarah Elizabeth $5.00 as her full share of my estate being all she is justly entitled on account of her want of filial affection to me her father.

3. I will and bequeath to my beloved wife Susan F. all my land negroes notes moneys stock of every description and all other property that I may die seized and possessed to have and to hold the same during her natural life and the products of the same to be applied to her support and maintenance and also to the support and maintenance and education of my beloved children William Franklin, Patrick Newton, Lafayette Searcy, Windsor Calvin and Thomas Marion until they shall respectively come of age and if my beloved wife Susan F. shall live until any one comes of age she will give to such child what property she can conveniently spare, which will be charged as an advance, but in no case to exceed the prorata share of said child in my estate, so that each one of my beloved children William Franklin, Patrick Newton, Lafayette Searcy, Windsor Calvin and Thomas Marion may have an equal share of all my estate at the death of my beloved wife Susan F. and at the death of my beloved wife all my estate will be divided among my beloved children William Franklin, Patrick Newton, Lafayette Searcy, Windsor Calvin and Thomas Marion, so as to make them equal

4. I will that if any of my negroes should become unruly so that my beloved wife Susan F. cannot manage them, profitably, that the probate court order said negro or negroes to be sold and the proceeds invested as said probate court may deem most adnisable

5. I will that my beloved wife Susan F. be not required to give security for any property willed to her by me, as all said property is given only during her natural life.

6. I will that Andrew B. Dilworth be executor of this my last will and testament.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 31st March A.D. 1861

Wm. Dilworth (seal)

Witness

J.M. Taylor

Daniel McDougal

B.F. Dilworth

Tho. W. Dilworth
(NOTE: These aren't my lines.