Last Will and Testament
of James M. Vance, Jr.

James M. Vance made his will when he joined the Confederate Army. He was captured by the Union Army between 1862-63 at the Battle of Murfreesboro (Stone River). He was shipped to Lake Michigan (Mackinac Island) and placed in a prison camp. He and two other boys escaped and were trying to make their way back to Giles Co. TN when he came down with the measles and died. The other two boys made it back and related the story to his family.

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Will of James M. Vance Giles County, Tennessee

In the Name of God Amen I Jas. M. Vance of sound Mind & memory do make publish This My Last Will & testament.

Item 1st I give and bequeath to My Mother Nancy E. Vance Ten Dollars which is to be all that she are to have out of My Estate

Item 2nd I give to My Oldest Brother G.W. Vance Ten Dollars which is to be all that he are to have out of My Estate.

3rd I Give to My brother Andrew (J?) Vance Ten Dollars which is to be all that he are to have out of My Estate.

4th I Give to My Brother Jacob M. Vance Ten Dollars Which is to be all that he are to have out of My Estate

5th I give to My brother Christopher H. Vance Ten Dollars Which is to be all that he are to have out of My Estate

6th I Give to My Brother John C. Vance one Negro boy Named Jerry.

7th I Give to My only Sister Mary (J?) Vance three Negroes To Wit William & Mary, Jim Kisby

The Ballance of My property of Every description to be sold on a Credit of 12 Months Which My Just debts are to be paid & the entire residue of My Estate I give to My beloved & only Sister Mary J. Vance to be kept at interest Until She becomes of age or Marries and should She die Without (heirs?) It is My Wish that It be given to My Brother John C. Vance if he be Living. Hereby revoking all other Wills by Me Made

Signed in the presence of Witness This 10 day of May 1861 (witnesses names unreadable) James M. Vance