Will of Absalom D. Looney

Dated: April 9, 1862
Proven: Jan’y Term, 1863

I, A. D. Looney of Hawkins County, States of Tennessee, do hereby make and constitute the following to be my last Will and Testiment, that is to say: At my death, I wish to be buried in a planin, decent manner. I want the expense of same to be paid out of any money or valuable property I may have on hand. I futher want all my just debts paid by my executor and Execurtrix. I further desire that my beloved wife Sally have full control and possession of my house and 100 acres of land joinging the smae, and timber to keep the same in good repair during her natural life, together with all my out buildings. She shall own and possess my negro boys Jack, Calvin and Gran, sometimes called Kziah during her natural life, and at her death to be sonld on a credit of 12 months to the hishest bidder, good security to be required, and the proceeds to be divided between my five daughters: Louisa Butchisson, Mary Ann Campbell, Margaret C. Looney, Sally Jane Looney & Susan Looney. My son Orvill B. Looney who is now in the army shall have and enjoy all the land I now own except what I have allotted to my wife, and at her death he is to have the portion that I have allotted to her. Also, provided always that a home for my single daughters should any there be at my wife’s death have a home at my old homestead. And in course of Providence, my son O. B. Looney should not return from the arymy, then I desire that the land I have gave my son O. B. shall be equally divided between my three daughters, Margaret C., Sally Jane and Susan Looney. I desire that my wife shall have and own all my stock, and request her to dispose of a sufficient amount to set my three single daughters upon an equal footing with those that have married. I have about $3,000 in notes that I desire my two daughters Margaret C. and Sally Jane Looney to have and design to assigning the same to them - they are to share and share alike. I desire that my daughter Susan have two negroes, one called Rosanah aged about 12 years, one boy called Nathan about 10 years. The two slaves is given to my daughter Susan to be used by her and to enjoy the same, but them and their increase are to descend to her lawful heirs according to the laws of the State of Tennessee. I desire that my wife shall have full control of all household furniture, grain, bacon, farming utensils-in short, all on the plantation at my death, having full confidence in her. I desire that my sons, William C., James G., Rufus G., John B., Abasalom L. and Isarel Looney be paid as present by my Executor, $10.00 each, I have heretofore provided for them.
I do hereby nominate and appoint my wife Sally Looney and my son O. B. Looney Executrix and Executor of this my last will and testament. Witness my hand and seal this 9th day of April, 1862.
Absalom D. Looney (seal)
Singned, sealed and delivered in presence of us: Jacob Miller, John R. Charles684