Last Will & Testament of John Sparks

Harris County, Georgia


Will of John Sparks

In the name of God Amen.

I John Sparks of the County and State of above written being in a low state of health but of 
sound mind and taking into view the certainty of death and after committing my body to the 
Grave and my Soul to God who gave it will my property in the following manner.

Item 1

I wish all my just debts paid in such manner as my executors hereafter may judge best by the 
sale of a part of my property as they may think most advisable and in such time as they may 
think best.

Item 2

I wish all my property both personal and real that shall remain after paying my just debts 
left and remain in the possession of my affectionate wife Elizabeth Sparks for her use and 
for the purpose of raising and schooling my three youngest children Newton, Wm. Arnold and 
Artemesia and in case of my wife's death before the children is of age the property still to 
remain together until they are of age, my wife if then living is to retain the property in 
possession during her lifetime.

Item 3

And whereas I have given to my oldest son Wilkenson Sparks Six Hundred dollars, to my oldest 
daughter Attalissa Stephens Five Hundred dollars, to my second son Giles P. Sparks Five 
Hundred dollars to my second daughter Elminah E. Darden One Thousand dollars and provided 
that their shall be after my three children above named become of age a sufficient property 
remaining and my executors deem it just shall give to each one the sum of Eight Hundred 
dollars and after my will is carried into effect and my wife departed this life that their 
shall be an equal distribution of the property remaining taking into consideration the 
different sums received by them.  My affectionate wife Elizabeth Sparks, my son Wilkinson 
Sparks my executors to carry this my last will and testament into effect.

Signed, sealed and acknowledge in the presents in the year of our Lord One Thousand Eighteen 
Hundred Forty April 1st.

John Sparks 						James W. Jacks
Josiah McClung
Lundy Bass






Personally came into open court John W. Jacks, Josiah McClung and Lundy Bass and after being 
duly sworn sayeth on oath that were subscribing witnesses to the within will and that they 
saw John Sparks assign the same for the purpose therein contained.

Sworn in open court this 6 day of July 1840 

James Burr						James W. Jacks
							Josiah McClung
							Lundy Bass