I John Gourley of Sumner County and State of Tennessee do make and publish this as my last will and testament hereby revoking and making void all other wills by me made. First, I direct that my funeral expenses and all my just debts be paid as soon after my death as possible out of any money that I may die possessed of or may first come into the hands of my Executor herein after named.
Secondly, my will is that my plantation on which I now live shall be sold by my executors either privately or at public auction at such time as they may thing best for the interest of my children, also all of my stock of every description with this exception, some of my children not having been made equal with the balance in stock must first receive an equal quantity in value also my household and kitchen furniture and my farming tools be sold in like manner by my said Executors. My will is that the proceeds arising from the sale of the above named property together with all debts due me at the time of my death be equally divided between my children Samuel Gourley, Hannah Whitson, wife of Birom Whitson, Jno P. Gourley, Sarah Jane Stone, wife of Howard Stone, and Peter Gourley. Having made advancements to my children and the amount being charged to each on a book kept by me for that purpose I wish them to settle by said book those having received smaller amounts are to be made equal with the one that has secured the largest amount then I wish the remainder of my estate to be equally divided between the above named children.
Lastly I do hereby nominate and appoint my sons Samuel Gourley and John P. Gourley as my Executors. In witness whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal to this my last will and testament. This the 27th day of June, 1865.
John Gourley SEAL
Signed sealed and delivered
in presence of
Daniel Escue
Benjamin C. Bond
U.S. Inter. Rev.
J.L.B.
Aug 7th 1865
$7.00
State of Tennessee
Sumner County
John L. Bugg, Clk