Will of William COWDEN
Marshall County TN Will Book A
pg 36
I William Cowden do make and publish this as my last will and testament hereby revoking and making void all other wills by me at any time made.  1st I direct that my funeral Expences and all my debts be paid as soon after my death as possible out of any monyes that I may die possessed of or may first come into the hands of my Executors. Secondly I give and bequeath to my wife Rhoda my houses and land also my negrogirl named Eliza and her increase if any during her widowhood or until my oldest son named John Coden arrives at the age of Twenty one years or could have done if life lasted this I direct that the aforesaid property sold to the best advantage and the proceeds of said property be equally divided between my wife Rhoda Cowden and all of my children and further I direct that the said Rhoda Cowden shall Board and School all of my children and defray all necessary expences that occur with them during her widowhood or untill they arrive at the age of Twenty one yeras or marry.  Also I bequeath to my wife Rhoda Cowden her lifetime my two cows my spotted mare Household and kitchen funature farming utentials fifty Barrels of Corn twenty five Bushels wheat one thousand pounds of pork and I further direct that all the ballance of my property that I now possess be sold on a Twelve months credit to the highest bidder and the proceeds of said property including all the rest of my moneys be equally divided between my wife and children when collected Lastly I do hereby nominate and appoint Humphrey N. Cowden * John F. McClelland my lawful Executors.  In witness whereof I do this my will set my hand and seal this 28th day of August 1839.
            Wm Cosden (Seal)
Witness: Wm L McClelland, Morgan Clayton
Probated Oct 7th, 1839