[28]
William was one of the few Gillenwaters in his generation to be
involved in the military. He was a captain and had a company of
Volunteers in the East Tennessee Militia. (Tennessee State Archives
Microfilm War of 1812, Books 6-10) William lived and farmed in Hawkins
county most of his life. In his late sixties he sold his farm
intending to move with his son George and daughter Lucretia to Monroe
County, Kentucky. Surprisingly, he mentioned but two of his children
in his will. I would surmise that most of his children had preceded
him in emigrating from Hawkins county.
His will is on file in the County Clerk Office, County Court
House, Rogersville, Hawkins, TN, Will Book #1, pages 230-231.
___________________WILL of WILLIAM GILLENWATERS
Dated Octo 25, 1856____________________Proven Jany Term 1857
________________________________[Proved 5 Jan 1857 Record 1 page
5]]
In the name of God, Amen. I give my body to the mother dust
and my immortal soul to God who gave it. The first, I wish
to be buried in a Christian manner. Second, I wish my burial
expenses paid out of my Estate. Third, I will to my beloved
wife Sally, her lifetime, all my property and one half of my
plantation I bought in the State of Kentucky in Monroe County
of James B. Tommas and the half belongs to my beloved son
George in the partnership purchase, and at my death and my
beloved wife Sally, I give him the whole of my plantation to
my son George and I bind him in this my will to pay to my
beloved daughter Lucretian Wax the sum of four hundred
dollars in cash. Also to pay unto my daughter Malvina King
one hundred dollars to be paid in two years after my death
and my wife Sally. Also I give all the money I have on hand
to my son George to lift my bond from James B. Tommas for the
above tract of land. And my personal property to be sold at
my death and my beloved wife. And to be legally divided
among all the balance of my children. I also bind my son
George to pay all my just debts.
_____In testimony given under my hand and seal the 25th day
of October 1856._________________________mark
In presence of us____________________Wm Gillenwater______seal
Test. Elijah C. Gillenwaters_____________his
______A. Carmichael
The deed of sale was recorded in Hawkins County, TN, Deed Book
24, page 69. On 18 September 1856 William sold his 500 acres, located
in Hickory Cove between Caney Creek and Big Creek. The land was
purchased by William E. Carmack of a family long associated with the
Gillenwaters. William Gillenwaters' son George testified on 1 Dec 1856
that the signature on the transfer was in his father's handwriting.