This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Etheridge, Mackey Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/He.2ADE/873.7.3.1 Message Board Post: This is the will of Meret Etheridge ( I am using their spelling) In the name of God, Amen. I, Meret Etheridge, being now in a low state of health, and knoing that I cannot agreeable to nature have too long to remain in this world, and feeling desirious to make a distribution of the property God has helped me with, and being of sound mind, make this my last will and testament, revoking all others. ITEM 1. After my decease, I wish my body to be interred in a decent manner, my soul I give to the God who gave it. ITEM 2. In the first place it is my will and desire that my Executors pay all my just debts. ITEM 3. I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Hopie Etheridge, one lot of land whereon I now live, being part of lots No. 144 and 145, containing 202-1/2 acres, more or less, during her natural life and after her death, go to and become the property of my son, Joseph Etheridge (married Elizabeth Branan), and Harris Etheridge (married Elizabeth Branan). I also bequeath to my beloved wife, Hopie Etheridge, one Negro man named Parker; one gray horse, two cows and calves; 10 heads of stock together with all my household and kitchen furniture, except what is hereinafter named, during her natural life. Then to be sold and equally divided among my daughters: Tabitha Hooks (married Archibald Hooks), Demarius Wheeler, (married John Wheeler), Nancy Fleetwood (married LeRoy Fleetwood), Rebecca Jones, (Married Francis M. Jones) and Amelia Etheridge, ( married George W. Tarpley). ITEM 4: I give and bequeath to my grandchildren, heirs of son William Etheridge, (married Nicey Underwood), deceased, all the demands I hold against him, the said William Etheridge. ITEM 5: I give and bequeath unto my daughter, Tabitha Hooks, all the demands I hold against her husband, Archibald Hooks. ITEM 6: I give and bequeath unto my daughter, Demanius Wheeler, one bed and furniture, one cow and calf and five dollars in cash. ITEM 7: I give and bequeath unto my grandchildren, children of Wiley Etheridge, (married Nancy Peacock). one tract of land whereon Wiley now lives, called the Jackson place, containing 110 acres and a rifle gun to be ewually divided between them when the youngest becomes of age and to remain in his possession until then. ITEM 8: I give and bequeath to my sons, Joseph Etheridge and Harris Etheridge, my gin and running gear and packing screw. ITEM 9: I give unto my daughter, Rebecca Jones one feather bed and furniture and one cow and calf. ITEM 10: I give and bequeath to my daughter Amelia Etheridge, one bed and furniture, one cow and Calf. ITEM 11: I give and bequeath to my daughters, Tabitha Hooks, Demarius Wheeler, Nancy Fleetwood, Rebecca Jones and Amelia Etheridge, one tract of land, known as lot No. 130, 130 acres in the 16th district of Dooly County, Georgia to be sold and wqually divided among them. ITEM 12: The balance of my property, not mentioned in this will I wish my Executor to sell, pay all my just debts, The balance, if any, to be equally divided among all my children. ITEM 13: I hereby nominate and appoint to this my last will and testament, my two sons, Joseph and Harris Etheridge, to be my Executors, Signed, sealed and delivered before us, this 10th day of March 1849 (signed Meret Etheridge). Recorded in Estate Accounts 1838-1850, page 607 This Meret Etheridge is said to be the son of Isaac Etheridge. But, that information is not supported either way in this will. I hope this helps, I have other bits and pieces on this line if you need anything else. Sylvia Linde