In the name of God amen. I James P. Hurt of the County of Russell being now sick but of sound mind and disposing memory for which I thank God, and calling to mind the uncertainty of human life and being desirous to dispose of all such worldly estate as it hath pleased God to bless me with. I give & bequeath the same in the manner of following that is to say:
1st, After the payment of all my just debts and funeral expenses, I give to my dear wife Susan during her natural life or widowhood the following property to wit: the tract of land on which I now live, my three servants, Jacob, Ann, and Comodora, and also all the property of which I am now possessed that may not be sold for the payment of my debts or which may not be disposed of in the following legacy.
2nd, I desire that my tract of land lying in Washington County be sold immediately after my death and the interest of the money applied to the education of my three sons, Madison, Vincent, and Moses, if the youngest one, Moses shall be of age at that time I desire the principle to be equally divided between all my children.
3rd, At the marriage or death of my wife, I desire that all the property both real & personal be sold and the money divided between my children, which I give to them and their heirs forever.
Lastly, I do hereby constitute and appoint Silas B. Hurt Executor and Susan my wife Executrix of this my last will and testament hereby revoking all other or former wills made by me heretofore. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 13th day of March 1851.
James P. Hurt (Seal)
Signed, sealed, published and delivered by James P. Hurt as and for his last will and testament in presence and hearing of us who at his request and in his presence have subscribed our names as witnesses.
Isaac Johnson
John B. Herndon
Lewis Vencill x his mark
At a court held for Russell County Courthouse on the 8th day of April 1851. This instrument of writing was exhibited in court as and for the last will and testament of Jmaes P. Hurt deceased and proven by the oath of Isaac Johnson and John B. Herndon, two subscribing witnesses thereto and ordered to be recorded. And on the motion of Silas B. Hurt and Susan A. Hurt executor and executrin herein named who made oath and together John T. Smith, John W. Lampkin & Henry D. Smith their securities entered into and acknowledged a bond in the penalty of ten thousand dollars, conditioned as the law directs certificate is granted them for obtaining probate of said will in due form.
Teste James P. Carrell CRC