Will Book A
Cherokee County, NC

In the name of God, Amen.

I John L. Stiles of the state and county above named being of sound and disposing mind, memory and understanding, but realizing the uncertainty of life, do make publish and declare this my last will and Testament.

I direct that my executors hereinafter named do after my death, give my body a decent burial agreeable to the wishes of my family.

I will that my said executors do pay out of the proceeds of my estate remaining after my death the cost of my funeral and burial, as provided for above, and pay any and all just debts which I may owe at my death.

All the rest and residue of my estate I will and devise to my lawful heirs to be equally divided among them.

Should my wife May Annie Stiles survive me it is my will that she have during her natural life the enjoyment of the life estate in Tract # 18 District # 8 Cherokee County, N. C. and the use of the dwelling.

I hereby nominate and appoint my son W. D. Stiles of Fannin County in the state of Georgia the executor of this my last will and Testament.

Witness my hand and seal this July 21st 1913.

John L. Stiles (seal)

signed, sealed, published and declared by John L. Stiles to be his last will and Testament in the presence of us who at his request, and in his presence and in the presence of each other do hereunto subscribe our names as witnesses. This July 21st 1913.

Martha J. Dickey
Marshall W. Bell

transcribed by Stephen Ratledge,
gr-gr-grandson of John "Black Fox" Stiles