Will of S.H. Walker, County of Fayette, State of Tennessee.

[Preamble OMITTED]

First -- I desire that my body shall be buried in a plain cheap coffin in the Somerville burying ground.

Second -- I desire that all my just debts shall be paid as speedily as possible.

Third -- I give and bequeath my wife Edna B. Walker all of my real estate with the improvements and appurtenances thereto attached (except the shop and fixtures which will be disposed of in a manner as below) during her natural life. I also give and bequeath to my beloved wife all the monies on hand at my death. I also give to my wife Edna and Thos E.A. Fraser all my Bee stands on hand.

Fourth -- It is my will, wish and desire that Thos E.A. Fraser shall take charge of the shop and fixtures and have the same to his use and benefit subject only to such requirements hereinafter named -- I give and bequeath to Thos E.A. Fraser all the individual interest, which myself and him have in common, and to the metallic cases and wooden coffins on hand at my death, also all the lumber on hand at the shop and factories all to enure to him, the said TEA Fraser, for the term of seven years, in consideration of which it is my desire and injunction[?] that he take charge of my daughter Ellen Walker and my son Edgar F. Walker, board and cloth them decently and render them comfortable and to see to and educate my son Edgar F. with a reasonable English education, fitting him for the ordinary business pursuits of life. Should my daughter Ellen marry within seven years then in that case all charge of care and provision as to her by Thos E.A. Fraser is to cease at her marriage. I also bequeath to Thos E.A. Fraser my right to the burial cases and caskets for Fayette County bought of Crane Brig[?] & Co. of Cincinnati, OH.

Fifth -- It is [my] will and I bequeath to Thos E.A. Fraser and my son Edgar F. the entire interest in my letters of Patent for Bee Hives or [illegible] except the state of New York which I bequeath to my friend Francis Erickson for his kindness in many particulars.

Sixth -- In as much as Amanda Walker and Benjamin Walker, children by a former wife, have not conducted themselves as children should towards a Parent, thereby rendering themselves unworthy of any provision out of my small estate, I therefore make none, and it is my will and wish to leave them to their own resources and that they share no part in my estate real or personal whatever. My grandson Walker, son of Temple C. Walker, having been carried beyond my control by others friends[?] and not knowing what influences he is under I make no provision for him, and it is my will and desire that he have no part whatsoever in my real or personal estate.

Seventh -- I also give and bequeath to Thos E.A. Fraser my horses in addition to what is mentioned in the fourth clause of this, my will and last testament, with the same injunctions and requirements.

Eighth -- I hereby appoint my friend and stepson Thos E.A. Fraser as Executor of this my last will and testament. I desire that he should make no publick sale of my effects, but keep everything together that is not absolutely necessary to sell for support or for the purpose of paying debts, then in that case my Executor is authorised to sell either privately or publicly such portions of personal property as may be deemed necessary or most conveniently spared so as to not cripple the support of the family, all such effects as are not specified are to be held and used for common support of my wife and my child Edgar F. Walker.

Signed Nov. 16, 1862
Simon H. Walker

Witnesses:
G.W. Reeves
Levi Ketchum
J.A. Williams

Probated January 1863

[NOTE: Thomas E.A. Fraser gave the court a $20,000 bond and was formally declared the Executor of Simon's will.]

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