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Dr. Henry W. Adamson, 24, enlisted in the 2nd Dragoons of the U.S.

Army on October 31, 1836, in New York. He served as a private and a swordmaster. He was at Ft. Gamble in present-day Jefferson County, Florida, near Wacissa. He was 58, had blue eyes, brown hair, and fair skin. Exactly which company of the 2nd Dragoons that Henry Adamson was in is a matter of conjecture. We know that he enlisted in New York, so it is quite certain that he enlisted in one of the New York companies (E,F,G, or H). The record in the U.S. Army Register of Enlistments, 1978-1914, has his particular company letters blurred on the microfilm, although it seems certain that he served in Company F. It also appears that he served in another company as well, although that company cannot be deduced from the poor quality scan of this record. Dragoons used different tactics than cavalry. In the long history of the 2nd U.S. Cavalry (formerly dragoons), very few were actually killed. They were well conditioned in using the land and could live off of it very comfortably. Their horses were treated with great care and were protected from harm, being used primarily for transportation rather than battle. Unlike the cavalry, who went into battle with sabers drawn and clanking with buglers blaring away, the dragoons went into battle heavily armed and extremely stealthy, similar to Navy Seals of today. Dragoons learned a lot fighting the Seminoles in Florida, and would fan out and quietly sneak up on the enemy, often surrounded. They would wait patiently and, when the time was right, they would close in with massive firepower to subdue the enemy. In 1836, the 2nd Dragoons were issued the .54 calibre 1817 Common (Deringer) Rifle, which was converted to percussion. They were also issued the .36 calibre 5-shot Colt Patterson with loading lever (the same firearm issued to Texas Rangers). The rifle was effective to over 100 yards, and the Colt Patterson could quickly be reloaded in the field. As a result, the Dragoons had five times the firepower at close range than the standard single-shot pistols of the era. Dragoons were expert shots. On May 23, 1836, the United States Congress authorized President Andrew Jackson to raise an additional regiment of dragoons, from which the 2nd Regiment of Dragoons came into being. He appointed David E. Twiggs as Colonel; William S. Harney as Lt. Colonel; and 30 captains, lieutenants, and second lieutenants for 10 new companies, which were to be raised from Missouri, Virginia, and New York. One company, D, transferred from the 1st Regiment of Dragoons which was already in Florida at the time. They engaged in their first hostile action on July 19, 1836, when Captain Ashby repulsed a Seminole attack on a supply train they were escorting, killing one private and wounding ten others. On Christmas Day, 1836, companies E, F, G, and H sailed from New York to Charleston, South Carolina, with Henry W. Adamson among them. Company I joined them there and they proceeded to Florida, where they arrived at the mouth of the St. Johns River (in present-day Jacksonville) in January 1837. They marched to Ft. Mellon on Lake Monroe (present-day Sanford, Florida), where they arrived on February 8th. Two days later, on February 10, 1837, they were attacked repeatedly by more than 200 Seminoles during a three hour battle, with significant casualties on both sides, including the death of Captain Mellon in the 2nd Artillery. In April 1837, the remaining companies (A, B, C, and K) and their regimental headquarters moved to the new training facility at Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis, Missouri, under Colonel Twiggs. They left to join with the rest of the regiment in Florida on September 5th, and they arrived in Jacksonville, Florida, after a march of 1,200 miles in just 55 days.

On September 9, 1837, three companies of the 2nd Dragoons and two companies of Florida volunteers surrounded an Indian village, capturing it and the village chief, King Phillip, at dawn. The 2nd Dragoons participated in many skirmishes, pitched battles, and lengthy marches through much swampland facing an intelligent, skilled, illusive, and determined foe. Despite the many success of the dragoons, their campaign did not completely subdue the Seminoles. By late May, 1839, companies A, E, G, H, I, and K, left Florida for Fort Columbus, New York, and ended up at Fort McHenry, Maryland. They spent the summer and early fall recruiting, equipping, and drilling. They left for Florida on November 10, 1839, and arrived just before the New Year. After further campaigning, companies A,D,E,F, and G were ordered out of Florida on October 17, 1841, and proceeded to Forts Jessup in Louisiana and Towson in Arkansas. The remaining companies continued on campaigning until orders issued on May 29, 1842, sent them to Baton Rouge, Louisiana. During their whole service in Florida, the 2nd Dragoons lost two officers and 20 enlisted men killed in action. They also lost an additional five officers and 192 enlisted men who died due to the effects of climate or disease.

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The Adamson Family

The earliest known ancestor of our Adamson family was Dr. Henry William Adamson (1811-1861). He was born in London, England, on November 22, 1811. Henry was reared by pious parents, both members of the Presbyterian Church.73 Considering that Adamson was a Scottish surname and that Presbyterianism never really took hold well in England, save for among Scottish expatriates, it is very safe to assume that the Adamsons were originally from Scotland, perhaps arriving in London a generation or two before Henry. In fact, almost all Presbyterian parishioners in England during that time period were of Scottish origin. Some descendants believe that the Adamsons were originally from the Glasgow, Scotland, region. At any rate, in 1831, Henry married his first wife, Frances (1815-1843), in London. They had a son in London less than two years later, Thomas Henry Adamson (1833-1844), and the three of them set sail six months after the childs birth to New York on the ship Admiral Monsom,74 owned and operated by Captain Clay Monsom. Their ship arrived in the port at New York City on Friday, August 23, 1833. Frances is listed on the ships manifest as Mrs. Adamson. Henrys occupation was listed as gentleman, which clearly implies he was a man of substance who had no need for an occupation. The Adamsons lived in New York for some unknown period of time, and had their first daughter there. They then moved to New Orleans, where their second daughter was born, and Henry is said to have studied medicine there at Tulane University and became a physician. Dr. Adamson had at least three children by Frances: 1. Thomas Henry Adamson, born in February 1833, in London, England. Died circa 1844, in Whitesville, Duval (now Clay), East Florida. 2. Frances Adamson, born in 1835, in New York City, New York.75 3. Victoria Adamson, born in 1839, in New Orleans, Louisiana.76 The chronology of what happened next is not very clear, but it is certain that Dr. Adamson moved to Whitesville,77 East Florida, on April 4, 1839,78 and he served

From his obituary, Tattnall Journal, April 1861. Port of New York, manifest of all the passengers on board the Admiral Monson, arriving in the port on August 23, 1833. 75 1850 U.S. Census, Savannah, Georgia (Bethesda Orphanage). 76 Ibid.
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in the U.S. Army during the Second Seminole War. The details are not completely known, but it is known that he enlisted in the 2nd Dragoons of the U.S. Army on October 31, 1836, in New York City, as a private and a swordmaster, which is very in line with his genteel upbringing in London. He is known to have been at Ft. Gamble in present-day Jefferson County, Florida, at some point, although he likely traveled considerably during his service. He ultimately brought his family over to Whitesville, Florida, by 1839. The Adamsons would have likely known much hardship while living at Whitesville, as technically it was an unstable war zone with the relative safety of the fort nearby. Fort Heileman was a major military post, arsenal, quartermasters depot, hospital, rest camp, and a haven for refugees from the Second Seminole War.79 It also served as a staging area for troops to be sent to other parts of the state. Fort Heileman was established as a headquarters in 1836, by Major Hart, near the north and south prongs of Black Creek near Gareys Ferry (present-day Middleburg), East Florida. It was named in honor of the late Major Julius F. Heileman, who died earlier in the year from over-exertion at the Battle of Micanopy. By the time that Dr. Adamson arrived at Fort Heileman, the local population had increased enormously, as civilians sought security from the Indians. Militia units were also mobilized into service and army units arrived in large numbers. The results of the overpopulation were disastrous, resulting in a major epidemic breaking out due to the ignorance of proper hygiene in such cramped conditions. The results of this epidemic were catastrophic, sickening hundreds, killing many, and causing once-fit soldiers to be invalided out of service.80 Many people today do not realize how deadly the Second Seminole War was for Floridians, and how difficult the living conditions were of the inhabitants. The Adamson family knew these dangers and discomforts very well. Soldiers and civilians alike, traveling from post to post or town to town, were often killed in ambush by Indians. There were also suicides, even amongst officers, and at least one military post experienced a mutiny. These examples from the Niles Weekly Register (1811-1849) present a few items of interest, which would have been very familiar personally to Dr. Adamson and his family: Gareys Ferry, May 17, 1839 Col. Harney has returned from the southern coast, bringing with him a chief and 14 others of the Mickasu-

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Whitesville was located in Duval County, East Florida, at the time. Florida did not become a state until 1845, so East Florida was a territory at that time. The location of Whitesville is now in present-day Clay County, and was about two miles from present-day Middleburg. Whitesville no longer exists as a town, and Middleburg was known back then as Gareys Ferry. 78 Blakey, Arch Fredric Parade of Memories, A History of Clay County, Florida, Gainesville, FL: University of Florida Press; Appendix A, page 271. 79 Jones, William M., Fort Heileman, An Indian War Fort, Middleburg, Clay County, Florida, unpublished manuscript, Jacksonville, Florida; 1969. 80 Blakey, Arch Frederic General John H. Wider, C.S.A. Gainesville, FL: University of Florida Press, p. 90.

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kie tribe; Sam Jones and Coacochee (Wildcat) will not come in until after peace is made. Mutiny at Palatka, May 8, 1840 Lt. Merrils orders refused by troops. Company ordered to parade, they refused. Lt. Merril was subjected to some violence. Dr. Hitchcock succeeded in knocking down several of the mutineers, order was partially restored. Captain Lawtons company arrived in time to save lives of officers. From St. Augustine, August 22, 1840 Every day brings us details of small parties of dragoons and artillerymen and infantry, passing from fort to fort, shot down, murdered, and mutilated by straggling Seminoles in ambush. And what is this prolonged carnage for? It results in nothing but prodigal waste of the treasury, already nearly or quite exhausted, and the beneficiaries are the grasping, greedy, unprincipled contractors. By the early 1840s, the war was still raging, but the Seminole Indians who refused to move to the reservations out west gradually withdrew to the southern part of Florida. The importance of Fort Heileman diminished and the post was abandoned on June 18, 1841. It is likely that there was still a certain amount of activity in the area for a short time afterwards, but it likely diminished before long. Fort Heileman still appeared on maps of the region in 1846, but it is unlikely that there was any activity by that time. It appears that the Adamsons decided to stay in the area as the war drew to a close. Everyday life probably slowed down a bit as life became more peaceful and secure. The Adamsons converted to Methodism during their time at Whitesville, and they became involved in the local Methodist Church (likely the Black Creek Methodist Church). On July 18, 1843, the Whitesville post office was moved to Gareys Ferry.81 Tragedy struck on September 16, 1843, when Mrs. Frances Adamson died suddenly in Whitesville at the age of 28. As their son, Thomas Henry, was still alive at the time, it is presumed that he died shortly thereafter, as it is known the son was dead before Dr. Adamsons removal to Georgia about three years later. It has been said that they died of a fever but, if true, the type of contagion is currently not known. In all likelihood, they died from yellow fever, typhoid fever, cholera, smallpox, or malaria. The obituary of Mrs. Frances Adamson states: Departed this life, on the 16th September, 1843, at Whitesville, East Florida, in the 29th year of her age, Mrs. Frances Adamson, wife of Dr. H.W. Adamson. Sister A. attached herself to the M.E. Church on the 14th of May last. Although her stay among us has been short, her departure has afforded her bereaved husband and other surviving friends the clearest evidence that their loss is her greatest pain. In full view of death, she endured as seeing him who is invisible, frequently spoke of her departure with the utmost composure, and expressed an entire resignation to the

81

The name Gareys Ferry changed to Middleburgh on May 1, 1851, and finally to Middleburg on September 8, 1893.

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will of God. Although she left behind, an affectionate husband, and three small children (who will long feel and mourn her loss,), who must have been strong ties by which she was bound to earth, yet she met death like a good soldier of the cross. Oh faith and grace of our Lord Jesus, for life and for death, how blessed is thine influence! May the fullness of its inspiration be ours. Then shall we too depart, as departed our friend, challenging death for its sting, and the grave for its victory. A. Martin Jacksonville, October 20, 1843. In 1846, Henry took his two surviving daughters to Georgia. He put them in the Bethesda Orphanage in Savannah while he set up his practice in the town of Reidsville, Tattnall, Georgia, and he also apparently purchased a farm nearby.82 Life in the orphanage was not satisfactory for Frances and Victoria. Several letters they wrote to their father survive, pleading for him to return and bring them home. These letters were handed down in the line of Victoria, to her great-great-great grandchildren.83 Henry returned to Savannah sometime after 1850, to pick up his girls to bring them home for good. The 1850 U.S. Census has Henry living alone in Tattnall Co., Georgia, 35 years old, a physician, (and erroneously having been born in Scotland). His daughters, Frances and Victoria, were still at the Bethesda Orphanage at the time. He married, secondly, Anna Brazell (1826-1887), sometimes spelled Annie Braswell, on July 23, 1851, in Tattnall Co., Georgia, by Thomas S. L. Harwell, M.G. She was the daughter of John Brazell and Elizabeth Burton.84 She was reportedly unusually attractive, well known as the prettiest girl in Reidsville.85 They had the following children; his last child was born shortly after his death: 4. Richard Adamson, born 1851, in Tattnall Co., Georgia. 5. Elizabeth Adamson, born 1853, in Tattnall Co., Georgia 6. Emma Adamson, born 1855, in Tattnall Co., Georgia. 7. Joseph Adamson, born 1858, in Tattnall Co., Georgia.

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A distant cousin claims that Adamsons land was toward Glennville from Reidsville on the west side of Shepherds bridge. 83 Personal knowledge of Mrs. Mary Collins of Rockledge, Georgia, 2007. The letters are now in the care of Mr. Stephen G. Merriman, Jr., in Savannah, Georgia. Mr. Merriman is a descendant of Victoria Adamson and George Merriman. 84 John Brazell married Elizabeth Burton of Screven Co., Georgia, on July 28, 1825, and they moved to Tattnall Co., Georgia, circa 1832. John was a merchant and farmer in Tattnall County until 1867. Johns last will and testament was probated in November 1867, but his place of burial is unknown. They raised nine children, and two of their daughters married into the Sharpe and Tippins families, and their sons fought in the Civil War with the Tattnall Co. Rangers and Volunteers of the 61st Georgia Regiment of the Confederate Army. 85 Mrs. Mary Collins of Rockledge, Georgia, personal knowledge.

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Anna Elizabeth Adamson, born in late 1861 or early 1862, in Tattnall Co., Georgia, a few months after the death of her father. There is another child who shows in the 1870 U.S. Census as being born in 1868. His name is John Adamson. He was either an illegitimate child of Anna or, more probably, an adopted child or one of her grandchildren. Henry was apparently small in stature and quite confident. He spoke with an upper-class British accent, and was known to say, I cant, and I shant! (which was pronounced as I cahnt ahnd I shahnt!). He also invested in land around Tattnall County, and seemed quite smart with financial matters. On January 5, 1858, Dr. Adamson purchased four lots in Reidsville with improvements from the estate of fellow Englishman, Alexander McRae, who had originally purchased the property in 1849, and built a home on one of the lots. Ownership of the house transferred to Dr. Adamson at that time. Henrys house was a two-story, ten-room house (more recently called the Smith-Brewton House,), and it was typical of many 19th century homes in Georgia, in that it began modestly but was later enlarged and made more imposing. It could be described as the Plantation Plain or two-up, two-down type, which has been popular in the South since the 17th century. It had two upstairs rooms and two downstairs rooms, plus the back wing consisting of two downstairs rooms later used as a kitchen and dining room. It originally came with a detached kitchen, which was later joined by a breezeway, before being removed in 1919. The original stairway came down on the front porch outside the house.86 Dr. Adamson had previously joined the Methodist Episcopal Church in Whitesville, East Florida, in 1837. He became licensed to exhort in the church in Reidsville in 1848. In 1859, he became licensed to preach, to which he apparently devoted much energy. His preaching style has been described as instructive, plain, and pointed, and found its way to the heart of the attentive hearer. Henrys eldest daughter, Frances, married William I. Toole, of Bulloch Co., Georgia, on March 4, 1857. Daniel Sikes, M.G., performed the ceremony. Their marriage apparently was not a happy one. In 1858, they had a son together, named William Henry Toole (1858-1946). By June of 1860,87 Frances and little Henry were living in the household of Joseph and Mary Mattox. It has been said that William beat Frances and then abandoned her and their son. It is not known whatever happened to William Toole after that. What is known, however, is that Frances remarried a younger man named Robert J. Roland (1840-1909), who was from Ware County, Georgia. They were married on January 6, 1870, in Tattnall County. They had four daughters, namely Victoria (b. April 14, 1870), Frances W. (b. September 13, 1872), Emma M. (b. November 29, 1874), and Anna (born in 1878). All were born in Reidsville. On April 4, 1890, Frances Adamson Roland died in Reidsville. Her husband, Robert, remarried on June 20, 1899, to a Martha J. Taylor, and they

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Tattnall Journal, Tattnall County, Georgia, July 19, 1973. This house was torn down in 1973 for commercial development. 87 According to the 1860 U.S. Census for Tattnall County, Georgia.

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removed to nearby Toombs County, where they had a son, James Walton Roland, on February 19, 1905. William Henry Toole apparently followed his step-father and half-siblings to Toombs County. He had earlier married a woman in Reidsville, around 1875, named Mary, and they had eight children between 1877 and 1896: Walton, Ira, Cornellia, Sarah Elizabeth, Henry William, Fannie, Jonathan, and Lida Toole. William Henry Toole died on June 21, 1946, in Lyons, Toombs, Georgia. Henry Adamsons second daughter, Victoria, married George I. Merriman on March 20, 1861, about a month before her fathers death. They were married by William J. Jordan, M.G. George was from Connecticut. Dr. Adamson was a member of the Tattnall County Rising Sun Lodge, Number 20, of the Grand Lodge of Georgia in 1854. They used to meet regularly on the first Saturday after the full moon in each month. Henry clearly fell seriously ill around the summer of 1860, and he had to cease preaching during that time, much to his dismay. That winter, he was rarely to be seen outside his home. His friend, William J. Jordan, evidently visited him frequently during that time. Henry had evidently taken a turn for the worst by midApril, for he wrote a will on April 13, 1861. It is recorded in the Tattnall Co., Georgia, courthouse: A Record of the Last Will and Testament of H.W. Adamson, Deceased. State of Georgia Tattnall County In the name of God, Amen. I, Henry W. Adamson of said state and county being in feeble health but of sound and disposing mind and memory knowing that I must shortly depart this life deem it right and proper both as respects my family and myself that I shall make a disposition of the property with which a kind providence has blessed me I do therefore make this my last will and testament hereby revoking and annulling all others by me heretofore made. First, I desire and direct that my body be buried in a decent and Christian-like manner suitable to my circumstances and condition in life, my soul I trust shall return to rest with God who gave it as I hope for salvation through the merits and atonement of the blessed Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Second, I desire and direct that all my just debts be paid without delay by my executors herein after named and appointed. Thirdly, I give, bequeath, and devise to my beloved wife, Anna, my negro woman, Mary, and all my household and kitchen furniture without limitation or reserve. Also, my gold watch. Fourthly, I give and bequeath to my two daughters, Frances E. Tool and Victory Merriman in equal shares, my negro fellow of every which I value at fifteen hundred dollars, the share of my daughter, Frances E. Tool, I desire not to be subject to the debts liabilities of her present husband, William J. Tool.

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Fifthly, I give, bequeath, and devise to my sons, Richard and Joseph, to my daughters, Elizabeth and Emma, and any other that may be born hereafter, share and share alike my negro fellow, Jim, the whole of my lands lying and being in the County and State aforesaid, also all of my stock consisting of my horses, cattle, hogs, and sheep, likewise, all of my farming utensils of every description. Sixthly, I desire my wife, Anna, shall retain the possession of all the property herein conveyed to my children in the fifth item of this, my will, during her widowhood, and to manage and control the same as she may think best for the support and education of my children. Seventhly, I desire that my debts shall be paid as follows to wit: By using what money I may be possessed of notes and book accounts and if there be not an amount sufficient then my executors hereinafter named to sell my wagon and horses. Eighthly, I desire all of my book and surgical instruments to be sold only such as my wife, Anna, and two daughters, Frances and Victoria, may desire to keep for their own use in that case they or either of them may make such selection as they think proper and retain them and appropriate the same to their own use. Ninthly, I hereby constitute and appoint my wife, Anna, Executrix and my son-in-law, George I. Merriman, Executor of this my last will and testament this April 13, 1861. H.W. Adamson Signed, sealed, declared, and published by Dr. Henry W. Adamson as his last will and testament in the presence of us, the undersigned, who subscribed our names hereto in the presence of said testator at his special instance and request and in the presence of each other this April 13th, 1861. Alex. W. Daley A.P. Moore A. P. McRae Mr. Jordan wrote that, before he died, Dr. Adamson had difficulty worrying about how his wife and children would fare without him, but that he ultimately decided that God would take care of them. He quoted the dying Dr. Adamson, I have the victory over that I feel that if we must part, God will take care of them, so I am now ready to go. Mr. Jordan wrote that Henry remained in that state of mind unto the last. At about noon of the day he died, I went to see him, and found his mind clear. All afternoon he seemed to think of nothing but heaven and immortal glory, often exclaiming, Bless the Lord, for that perfect peace I feel. Among his last words were, The best of all is, the Lord is with me all the while. Henry died on Tuesday, April 23, 1861, at his home in Reidsville, Tattnall, Georgia. His cause of death was listed as consumption, which is an archaic medical term for pulmonary tuberculosis. Dr. Adamson is buried under a large obelisk in the

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Adamson Cemetery, now known as the Reidsville Cemetery in Reidsville. obituary states:

The Rev. H.W. Adamson died of consumption near Reidsville, Ga., on 23d April, 1861. He was born in London 22d November, 1811, reared by pious parents, both members of the Presbyterian Church. He grew up a steady youth. In his 21st year he was married in his native land, and came to New York perhaps in 1833. In 1837, he went in to the Indian war in Florida; in 1844 lost his wife, and about 1846 he located at Reidsville, and engaged in the practice of medicine extensively and successfully. In 1851 he was married to Miss Anna Brazell, of Reidsville, who is now with two little children, and two daughters by the first marriage, left to mourn their loss. He joined the M.E. Church in 1837, and ever after lived with an eye single to the glory of God. In 1848 he was licensed to exhort; in 1859, to preach, to which high calling he devoted his mind, strength, and energy. His preaching was instructive, plain, and pointed, and found its way to the heart of the attentive hearer. Some months before his death he was unable to preach, but he often wished to get able to do so. Through the past winter he was out but little, yet it was my privilege to visit him frequently, and ever found him composed and happy in a Saviours love. He had a hard struggle on account of his wife and children; but, said he, I have the victory over that I feel that if we must part, God will take care of them, so I am now ready to go. He remained in that state of mind unto the last. About noon of the day he died I went to see him, and found his mind clear. I cant stay here much longer; but what of that? I am ready to depart and be at rest. Bless God for perfect peace. All the afternoon he seemed to think of nothing but heaven and immortal glory, often exclaiming Bless the Lord, for that perfect peace I feel. Thus his heart was filled to overflowing, and among his last words were, The best of all is, the Lord is with me all the while. Anna Adamson was pregnant at the time of Henrys death, and that child was our ancestor, Anna Elizabeth Adamson (1861-bef. 1892), who later married Jasper Lewis Tom Wilson. See WILSON.

A record of the last will and testament of H.W. Adamson, Deceased.

State of Georgia Tattnall County In the name of God, Amen. I, Henry W. Adamson of said state and county being in feeble health but of sound and disposing mind and memory knowing that I must shortly depart this life deem it right and proper both as respects my family and myself that I shall make a disposition of the property with which a kind providence has blessed me I do therefore make this my last will and testament hereby revoking and annulling all others by me heretofore made. First, I desire and direct that my body be buried in a decent and Christian-like manner suitable to my circumstances and condition in life, my soul I trust shall return to rest with God who gave it as I hope for salvation through the merits and atonement of the blessed Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Second, I desire and direct that all my just debts be paid without delay by my executors herein after named and appointed. Thirdly, I give, bequeath, and devise to my beloved wife, Anna, my negro woman, Mary, and all my household and kitchen furniture without limitation or reserve. Also, my gold watch. Fourthly, I give and bequeath to my two daughters, Frances E. Tool and Victory Merriman in equal shares, my negro fellow of every which I value at fifteen hundred dollars, the share of my daughter, Frances E. Tool, I desire not to be subject to the debts liabilities of her present husband, William J. Tool. Fifthly, I give, bequeath, and devise to my sons, Richard and Joseph, to my daughters, Elizabeth and Emma, and any other that may be born hereafter, share and share alike my negro fellow, Jim, the whole of my lands lying and being in the County and State aforesaid, also all of my stock consisting of my horses, cattle, hogs, and sheep, likewise, all of my farming utensils of every description. Sixthly, I desire my wife, Anna, shall retain the possession of all the property herein conveyed to my children in the fifth item of this, my will, during her widowhood, and to manage and control the same as she may think best for the support and education of my children. Seventhly, I desire that my debts shall be paid as follows to wit: By using what money I may be possessed of notes and book accounts and if there be not an amount sufficient then my executors hereinafter named to sell my wagon and horses. Eighthly, I desire all of my book and surgical instruments to be sold only such as my wife, Anna, and two daughters, Frances and Victoria, may desire to keep for their own use in that case they or either of them may make such selection as they think proper and retain them and appropriate the same to their own use. Ninthly, I hereby constitute and appoint my wife, Anna, Executrix and my son-in-law, George I. Merriman, Executor of this my last will and testament this April 13, 1861. H.W. Adamson Signed, sealed, declared, and published by Dr. Henry W. Adamson as his last will and testament in the presence of us, the undersigned, who subscribed our names hereto in the presence of said testator at his special instance and request and in the presence of each other this April 13th, 1861. Alex. W. Daley A.P. Moore A. P. McRae

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