Will of Allen N. WOODS
Marshall County TN Will Book A
In the name of  God amen.  I Allen N. Woods of the County of Nashville and State of Tennessee calling to mind that all men are mortal and being now in a state of sound mind and Memory do make and ordain this my last will and testament - Viz- principally and first of all as respects such worldly estate as it has pleased God to entrust to my care my lawful debts and funeral charges being first paid.  I give and bequeath unto my wife martha Bana the childredn God has givin us. Viz, Margaret, Elizabeth, Margha, Rebecca and William Bradshaw and Eaqual portion of what money is on hand and also what is owning to me when collected and the proceeds of my carriage which I direct to be sold.
I also give and bequeath unto my wife Martha B. my horse I also order that my cattle household and kitchen funiture shall be kept for the use of my family unless my wife should marry I then direct it to be equally dividd between her and the above named children.  I also will and direct that the black girl named Ellen about Eleven years old now in my possession remain in the family untill Twnety on years old and be emancipated.  If it can be done consistently with the laws of the land without placing the family in danger thereby if otherwise she is remain in the family and be paid a reasonable complensation for her labour with the liberty of going to any free State or County that the Laws will allow her to enjoy equal liberty with its inhabitants.  I further direct and request that when my children grow up that my Executors have power to purchase a peace of land for them to live on on if their funds are sufficient provided they think best or expediant  I also do appoint William D. Ewing James L Wood and my wife Executors of this my last will and testament ratifying and confirming this my last will and testament for witness whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal this 12th day of June one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven Signed sealed and delivered in the presence of Francis H. Woods (Seal) Thomas A. Hall (Seal)  Lile A. Ewing (Seal)
               Allen N. Woods (Seal)