Will of Mary Whitnel Parker of Davidson County, Tennessee, 29 February 1832

Mary was my 5th great-grandmother. Her maiden name is usually listed as Whitnel, however, I have no primary source for this information.  She was probably born in North Carolina. Her husband was Charles Parker.

In her will, dated 29 February 1832, she mentioned my 4th great-grandmother, Dicey Parker Lanier, and Dicey’s husband John Lanier. She also mentions another daughter, Sally Parker Pearce.

Mary had been widowed for about 18 years at the time her will was written, and was probably living with one of her children, which is why she had only her bed, bed “furniture” (linens) and personal items to bequeath.

Tennessee Wills and Probate Records 1779-2008

I, Mary Parker of the county of Davidson in the state of Tennessee do hereby make my last will and testament as follows –

1st, I give to my daughter Dicey R. Lanier all the property of every description that I die possessed of with the exception of one bed and bed furniture.

2nd, I give to my daughter Sally Pearce one bed and bed furniture.

Lastly I do hereby constitute and appoint my son-in-law John Lanier my sole executor to this my last will and testament hereby revoking all others heretofore made by me.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this Feb’y 29th, 1832.

Signed, sealed, published, and declared in presence of Wm. B. Ewing, John Patterson. (signed) Mary Parker (seal)” 

During the Davidson County, Tennessee court session in January, 1833, a paper purporting to be the last will and testament of Mary Parker decd. was produced in open court and proved this.

William B. Ewing and John Patterson the subscribing witnesses to said paper being duly sworn depose and say that they became such in the presence of the said Mary and at her request and that she executed said paper in their presence and that they verily believe she was of sound mind and memory at the time of doing so. It is therefore ordered that said paper be admitted to record as such will of said Mary decd. Test. Henry Ewing, Clerk of said court.