Will of Sherrod Mayes

Will dated 11 Apr 1829 p 102 - recorded 5 Nov 1834, p 152 recorded 9 Jul 1836. Be it remembered that I Sherrod Mayes of the County of Grainger and State of Tennessee. Considering the uncertanity of this natural life and being of sound and perfect memory and mind Blessed be the Almighty God for the same, Do make and publish this my last Will & Testament in manner & form following (that is to say) First I give and bequeath to my beloved wife Elizabeth Mayes the use of all my estate both real and personal, her natural lifetime and at her decease, I bequeath to my five sons Thomas, William, Godwin, Dudley and Jonathan Mayes all of my estate that is remaining to be equally Divided among them. My daughters each be provided for by their grandfather Thomas Smith of Virginia as specified in his last will and testament which (bee?). Also I appoint and ... Levi Satterfield and Joseph Daniel of the county of Granger and State of Tennessee Executors of this my last Will and Testement without being bound or held to security for the performance of the same hereby revoking all former wills by me made In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the eleventh day of April in the year of our Lord One Thousand Eight hundred and twenty nine. Signed Sealed published and declared by the above named Sherrod Mayes to be his last Will and Testement in the presence of us who at his request and in presence have hereunto Subscribed our names as Witnesses to the same. Wit: Elijah Sims, Joshua Kidwell. (NOTE) It is thought that the second recording of the will had to do with the lunacy charges against Sherrods wife Elizabeth as Sherrods Estate 1st settlement was not until pg 272 Recorded 12 Oct 1837. By 1844 when son Dudley died he left his interest in his fathers land, which he stated had not yet been divided.

COURT: 30th TN report p 58. Sep 1849 Term of Supreme Court at Knoxville TN. Satterfield - Exuc. and Adm. VS Mayes & others: Ivey adm. VS Sattyerfield. Slave Lettice left to Elizabeth Smith Mayes (by Thomas Smith). At her death to her five daughters. Two daughters preceded Elizabeth in death, Patsy & Nancy. Priscilla after her mother. The heirs of the daughters sued for their share of the slaves. The slaves were ordered sold & split among the heirs of the five girls.