In the name of God amen, I Thomas Spence of said State and County being of advanced age in ill health and knowing that I most shortly depart from this world deem it right and proper both as it resects?(respects?)  myself and my family that I should make a deposition of the property with which a kind proverdence (providence) has blefsed (blessed) me I therefore make this my last will and Testament hereby revoatteing (revoking) and annulling all others made by me.
Item first.  I desire and direct that my body be buried in a decent and Christian like manner suitable to my circumstances and condition.  My soul I trust shall return to rest with God who gave it as I hope for eternal salvation through the blefsed (blessed) Lord and Savier (Saviour) Jesus Christ whose relegion (religion) I have profeped (professed) and as I humbly trust enjoyed for some years.
Item second.  I give and devise to my beloved wife Jane with whom I have lived? In the strictest quiete and love for forty years half of the lot of land where in I live at that time and lot of land in Baldwin Co. One hundred and eighty eight I think in Sixth District containing two hundred two and a half acres with all the rights members and appurtainenments (appurtenants) to said lots of land in any appertaining.  I also give unto my wife my black horse also my stock of cattle and hogs together with my household and kitchen furniture including beds and bedding together with my farming untencils (utensils)  together with what cash I my (may) leave all the above-named property to be in her hands and at her desposal (disposal) during her lifetime and then to be equally divided between my two sons Andrew W. Spence and John M. Spence.
Item third. Constitute and appoint my beloved wife Jane Executrix and my sons Andrew W. Spence and
John M. Spence executors to this my last Will and Testament this 14th day of January 1847.                                       /S/  Thomas Spence
Signed sealed declared and published Thomas Spence as his Last Will and Testament in presence of us the subscribing who subscribed our names in the presence of said testators and of each other this 14th day of January 1847.
/S/ Wiley Holland
William G. Hatcher
Robert Hatcher
Georgia/Wilkinson County
Court of Ordinary, March Term 1847
The within Last Will and Testament of Thomas Spence having been duly proven at this regular term in open court upon the oaths of Wiley Holland and Wm. G. Hatcher and Robert Hatcher, subscribing witnepes (witnesses) to said Will=ordered that the same be admitted to record.
Test:     /S/ Saml Beall JJC
E. I. Gilbert, Clerk    G.B. Burney JJC
Meret Ethedge JJC
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Source:  Wilkinson County Account Book 1841-1850, pages 461, 462.
Research of: R. Elizabeth Brewer, March 14, 2012.