James Bartlett Born: 9 March, 1809 in TN Died: 21 March, 1885, Putnam County, TN Buried: Bartlett Cemetery Married: Elizabeth Verble Click on this link to open a new web page in WebRoots.com showing the ancestry of James Bartlett.	Elizabeth (Lizzy) Bartlett Born: 4 Oct, 1816 in NC Died: 17 Mar, 1911, Putnam County, TN of broken hip and pneumonia Buried: Bartlett Cemetery Parents: Henry Warvil Verble born 12 May 1768 in Boon, Rowan County, NC and Susannah Darr, born 14 July 1791 in Boon, Rowan County, NC Married: James Bartlett Click on this link to learn about Elizabeth's ancestors on RootsWeb.com
Joseph P. Bartlett Son of Joseph and Elizabeth Bartlett Born: 92 September, 1834 Putnam County, TN Died: 14 August, 1891 Putnam County, TN Buried: Bartlett Cemetery Never married	Josephene (Josey Bartlett) Born: 12 May, 1875 Died: 15 November, 1906 Putnam County, TN Burried: Bartlett Cemetery Listed in 1900 census as being a 22 year old black woman livng with Elizabeth Bartlett. Her occupation was shown as "Servant".
Lucy Bartlett was listed in Elizabeth Bartlett's household in the 1900 census as being a 33 year old black female. Her relation was listed as "servant" She was given six acres and other things in the second will written by Elizabeth Bartlett.	Putnam County Herald Obituary BARTLETT, LUCY: Two deaths, Mrs. Dan Brown and Lucy Bartlett, both of the 3rd District. [Date: 7/11/1907, Vol. V, No. 19, Page 4]
Clementine Verble Walker was Lizzie Verble's sister and was married to Jack Walker.  Read more about them in Lizzie's will below.

	When James died 21 Mar 1885, everything must have been split between Elizabeth Bartlett and their son Joseph P. Bartlett.  On Joseph's death on 14 August, 1891 everthing went to Elizabeth according to the terms of James' will. State of Tennessee Putnam County The Last Will and Testament of James Bartlett I, James Bartlett, do make and publish this as my last will and testament thereby revoking and making void other wills by me at any time by my mano(?). First – I direct that my funeral expenses and all my debts be paid as soon after my death as possible out of any money that I may die possessed on or may first come into the hands of my executors. 2nd – I give and bequeath to my wife Elizabeth Bartlett one half of all of my land during her lifetime and also one half of all my personal property and at her heath to go to my son, Joseph D. Bartlett. If the said Joseph D. Bartlett, should die before his mother or with any (illegible) then she is to do as she pleases with the said lands and personal property. 3rd – I give and bequeath to my son Joseph D. Bartlett one half of all of my lands and personal property excepting my bay mare Dolly and my household and kitchen furniture and all the cattle excepting the work oxen and if he should die without issue this part to return to his mother. If she is living and (illegible) I do nominate and appoint my wife Elizabeth Bartlett and my son, Joseph D. Bartlett, my executress and executor in whitness when of I do to this my will. Set my hand and seal this the 17th day of February, 1880. James Bartlett Signed and sealed in our presence: J. S. Watson Agnes Watson A Codicil to the Above Will It is my desire that my girl, Josey Bartlett, if she conducts herself rite and stay with my wife Elizabeth Bartlett till she is eighteen years old she is to have a horse. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- State of Tennessee, Putnam County Clerk, September Term 1885 The death of James Bartlett was this day suggested to the court and his will proven as follows. To wit this day then was presented in open court a paper written purporting to be the last will and testament of James Bartlett, read deceased, of Putnam County Tennessee, written on two sides of one sheet of (illegible) paper. Said will was dated 17 day of February 1885 and signed by the testator James Bartlett to said will and witnessed by J. S. Watson & Agnes Watson, the subscribing witnesses to said will who appeared in open court and after being duly sworn by W. J. Isben, Clerk, deposed and said that they were acquainted with James Bartlett, the testator to said will and that he signed said will in their presence and declared the same to be this act and deed and this last will and testament and codicil upon them to subscribe the same as witnesses to the same and that they at his request they then and there at his home signed their names thereto as witnesses to said will. They further said that he is the said James Bartlett, the testator, and was of sound mind and disposing memory perfectly so and said will being fully and duly proven the court was placed to order that the same to be recorded in the Book of Wills – the same not being contested. I do hereby certify that the above foregoing will and probate and codicil records this the 10 day of September, 1885. (illegible signatures of three people)

	This is a copy of James Bartlett's will as recorded in the Putnam County Court records. James Bartlett Will by Larry Feldhaus

Putnam County Herald Obituary

BARTLETT, ELIZABETH: Quite a large concourse of people, both kindred and friends, old and young, attended the funeral service of Mrs. Elizabeth Bartlett, deceased, the first Sunday in this month. Rev. Baxter officiating, by request Bro. B. F. Sloan concluded the service by a short exhortation closing with an old fashioned hand shake. . . paying the last tribute to the dear old sister who lived to be 95 years old died. She professed Christianity when but a little girl and lived a consistent member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church up to the day she departed this life, leaving a clear record behind. . . . [Date: 8/10/1911, Vol. IX, No. 32, Page 1]

	Elizabeth Bartlett died 17 March, 1911. She wrote three wills and all were probated. This was her last will. It was written 12 January, 1911 and probated 18 July, 1911. Seems it was the custom in those days to write a will when a person thought death was eminent. If death didn't occur, subsequent wills were written to express their desires as the situation changed. I'm not familiar with the practice of having prior wills probated. They should be replaced by later wills. Is it possible that her age and condition and three wills resulted in her will being contested? Could this be the reason Alfred Bartlett always said he and his wife Zona had to buy Elizabeth's farm and pay for it twice? Alex Verble (her executor) was a son of Lizzie's brother, David Alexander Verble. Alex's brother, John H. Verble, was willed the home and farm, with the exception of some acres willed to Alfred Bartlett.  Of interest is a reference in this last will that Alfred Bartlett owns land on the east side Elizabeth Bartletts farm. Probated July 18th – 1911 Bartlett Elizabeth I, Elizabeth Bartlett, do make and publish this my last will and testament, hereby revolking and making void all other wills by me at any time made. First – I direct that my funeral expenses and all my debts be paid as soon after my death as possible, out of any moneys that I may die possessed of, or may first come into the hands of my Executor. Secondly – I give and bequeath to John H. Verble, my home and farm situated on the waters of Falling 3rd civil district of Putnam County, state of Tennessee and bounded as follows, to wit: On the west by the lands of W. H. Walker, on the south by the lands of John Watson Deed & Dock Miller, on the East by the lands of Alfred Bartlett and James Bohanan, North by the lands of William Huddleston. Also 1 note I hold against him executed by himself as for Seven hundred and fifty Dollars, also On thousand Dollars of the money I have deposited in the Cookeville Bank, Cookeville, Tenn. I further direct him to keep the family cemetery in good repair, cleaned off yearly, fenced and tomb stones placed at the family graves without further charge. Thirdly – I give and bequeath to Alfred Bartlett, the Young Man I raised, about (illegible) five acres of land to be that more or less, situated in the eastern portion of the farm and joining the lands of James Bohannan on the east, Guy Bohannan on the North, John H. Verble on the west, and Dock Miller on the south beginning at the creek at or near the forks of creek, running south a strait line east passing a bluff of rocks then to or near a pig pen on top of hill, thence continuing north east to Dock Millers line. Also I direct he have one two horse wagon, one pair good mules, 1 bed and bed clothes, and one hundred dollars, in money. Fourthly - I direct that Eviline the Col. Lady who stayed with me and Coked and waited on me during my illness be paid by my executer One hundred and twenty five Dollars out of any money I may die possessed of or may come into his hand. Fifthly – I direct that the One Hundred Dollars bequeathed and set apart to the C.P. Church Cookeville, Tenn., that Fifty Dollars be paid to George Buckner my Nephew, Twenty Five to Bartlett McCommack, and Twenty five to Joseph McCommack instead of the Church, and I also direct that Bartlett McCommack have one of my beds & bed cloths. Sixth – I give and bequeath to Mat Conley on hundred and twenty five Dollars, instead of land for his services rendered me during my life time. Seventy – I give and bequeath unto the C.P. Church or trustees of same Dry Vally Tenn., Fifty Dollars to be used to the Glory of God. Eight – I direct nominate and appoint Allex Verbell sr., as my Executor and his shall be paid for his survices for acting for same One hundred Dollars, No bond being required of him I also give and bequeath unto him Four hundred Dollars in Money to be paid out of my estate. Ninth – I further direct that Allex Verbell as my executor take charge of all my property or means not bequeathed and specified in this will advertise and sell at sale at highest and best bider pay my debts and expenses out of same, keep the remainder if any for him self and own use. Tenth – I further direct that Lean McCommick, be paid twety five Dollars for services rendered me during my life time. Eleventh – I direct and request that some suitable Minister of the Gospel be employed some time in future to come to my old home stead and Preach my funeral, when most suitable and most convient to him and be paid for same Ten Dollars. Also I direct that John Waters dec’d., (best known as the little Preacher Boy) be paid Five Dollars to purchase Bible & Song Book. Lastly – It is my last desire and request that there be no controversy or litigation over this my last will and testament, by an person or kindred as to how I have bequeathed my effects as I am lawfully possessed of same, and do think and feel while in my right presence of mind have a perfect right to bequeath same to whom soever I may after due consideration, without compulsion or restraint, for my own peace and comfort and good will to all. In whitness whereof I do this my last will set my hand and seal, this 12th day Jany 1911. her Elizabeth X Bartlett Seal Mark Attest Benjamin F. Sloan Guy Bohannon Signed sealed and published in our presence and we have subscribed our names hereto in the presence of the testator, this the 12th day Jany 1911.

	The second will of Elizabeth Bartlett was writted 25 November, 1909 with codicils added 10 November, 1910. This will was probated 18 March, 1911, the day after Elizabeth died. In this will she gave Alfred Bartlett thirty five acres and Lucy Bartlett, who was listed in her household in the 1900 census as being a 33 year old black female. Her relation was listed as "servant" She was given six acres and other things. The strange thing is that Lucy Ann Bartlett has a tombstone in the family graveyard saying she was born 1 July, 1868 and died 23 June, 1907, before this will was written. Elizabeth left the rest of the farm to her brother-in-law, Jack Walker and his wife Clemintine, her sister. Probated July 18th – 1911 Bartlett Elizabeth I, Elizabeth Bartlett, do make and publish this my last will and testament, hereby revolking and making void all other wills by me at any time made. First – I direct that my funeral expenses and all my debts be paid as soon after my death as possible, out of any moneys that I may die possessed of, or may first come into the hands of my Executor. Secondly – I give and bequeath to John H. Verble, my home and farm situated on the waters of Falling 3rd civil district of Putnam County, state of Tennessee and bounded as follows, to wit: On the west by the lands of W. H. Walker, on the south by the lands of John Watson Deed & Dock Miller, on the East by the lands of Alfred Bartlett and James Bohanan, North by the lands of William Huddleston. Also 1 note I hold against him executed by himself as for Seven hundred and fifty Dollars, also On thousand Dollars of the money I have deposited in the Cookeville Bank, Cookeville, Tenn. I further direct him to keep the family cemetery in good repair, cleaned off yearly, fenced and tomb stones placed at the family graves without further charge. Thirdly – I give and bequeath to Alfred Bartlett, the Young Man I raised, about (illegible) five acres of land to be that more or less, situated in the eastern portion of the farm and joining the lands of James Bohannan on the east, Guy Bohannan on the North, John H. Verble on the west, and Dock Miller on the south beginning at the creek at or near the forks of creek, running south a strait line east passing a bluff of rocks then to or near a pig pen on top of hill, thence continuing north east to Dock Millers line. Also I direct he have one two horse wagon, one pair good mules, 1 bed and bed clothes, and one hundred dollars, in money. Fourthly - I direct that Eviline the Col. Lady who stayed with me and Coked and waited on me during my illness be paid by my executer One hundred and twenty five Dollars out of any money I may die possessed of or may come into his hand. Fifthly – I direct that the One Hundred Dollars bequeathed and set apart to the C.P. Church Cookeville, Tenn., that Fifty Dollars be paid to George Buckner my Nephew, Twenty Five to Bartlett McCommack, and Twenty five to Joseph McCommack instead of the Church, and I also direct that Bartlett McCommack have one of my beds & bed cloths. Sixth – I give and bequeath to Mat Conley on hundred and twenty five Dollars, instead of land for his services rendered me during my life time. Seventy – I give and bequeath unto the C.P. Church or trustees of same Dry Vally Tenn., Fifty Dollars to be used to the Glory of God. Eight – I direct nominate and appoint Allex Verbell sr., as my Executor and his shall be paid for his survices for acting for same One hundred Dollars, No bond being required of him I also give and bequeath unto him Four hundred Dollars in Money to be paid out of my estate. Ninth – I further direct that Allex Verbell as my executor take charge of all my property or means not bequeathed and specified in this will advertise and sell at sale at highest and best bider pay my debts and expenses out of same, keep the remainder if any for him self and own use. Tenth – I further direct that Lean McCommick, be paid twety five Dollars for services rendered me during my life time. Eleventh – I direct and request that some suitable Minister of the Gospel be employed some time in future to come to my old home stead and Preach my funeral, when most suitable and most convient to him and be paid for same Ten Dollars. Also I direct that John Waters dec’d., (best known as the little Preacher Boy) be paid Five Dollars to purchase Bible & Song Book. Lastly – It is my last desire and request that there be no controversy or litigation over this my last will and testament, by an person or kindred as to how I have bequeathed my effects as I am lawfully possessed of same, and do think and feel while in my right presence of mind have a perfect right to bequeath same to whom soever I may after due consideration, without compulsion or restraint, for my own peace and comfort and good will to all. In whitness whereof I do this my last will set my hand and seal, this 12th day Jany 1911. her Elizabeth X Bartlett Seal Mark Attest Benjamin F. Sloan Guy Bohannon Signed sealed and published in our presence and we have subscribed our names hereto in the presence of the testator, this the 12th day Jany 1911.

	The first of the three wills was written 20 January, 1902 with a codicil added 25 August, 1904. However, from the wording of the will, it appears that this will was written AFTER the second will which was written 25 November, 1909 and is more in line with the wishes outlined in the final will written 12 january 1911. Could this be the reason all three wills were probated? In this will Elizabeth notes that Jack Walker is getting up in years and the cemetery needs looking after, so she's giving the farm (minus what goes to Alfred Bartlett) to her brother John H. Verble with the provision he give Jack and Clem Walker a $3,000 note with payments of $500 a year for six years with interest. She notes she believes the farm is worth $3,500. Bartlett Elizabeth, Probated May the 8th 1911. To will. I Elizabeth Bartlett, have this day desided to make some change in my will that I have heretofore have made. I had heretofore willed to Jack & Clem Walker, my home place with the exception that I willed to Alfred Bartlett the east end of this farm from a hollow that comes down to the road near the end of the field as you go up the creek from there southardly to Dock Millers line, now aware of the age of Jack Walker and to have the Grave Yard looked after longer I will and bequeath to John H. Verble the lands of my home place with exceptions of this farm here to fore mention the condition that John H. Verble pay the Sum of Three Thousand Dollars $3,000.00 to Jack & Clem Walker, in payments of Five Hundred Dollars, each for six years after my death with intrust on all after the one year after said John N. Verble takes possession of said farm. It is further my will for Jack & Clem Walker or their heirs to have a lien on said land until the said sum or three thousand dollars and intrust are paid in full. Elizabeth Bartlett believes the said land designated in this will are worth Thirty five hundred dollars. I also give the $500.00 in this place to John H. Verble for the purpose of looking after the Grave Yard & to keep the Iron fence painted once during his lifetime. It is my will that John H. Verble on my death take possession of said farm and have this will……………….(about three lines are too dark to read)……………………over my grave’s tombstone like the one over the grave at my husband and that this one reserved by me for this grave be fences by my executor and get in good condition including the graves of the collered folks buried there in. I hereby nominate, constitute, and appoint Jack Walker as my executer of this my last will & testament, and having implicit confidence in his honesty and integrity, I direct that he wind up said estate without bond as required by law. In witness where of I have here unto set my hand on this January 20th 1902. her Elizabeth Bartlett Mark The above and foregoing instrument was signed by Elizabeth Bartlett, as and for her last will & Testament in the presence of each of us who at her request and in her presence of each other have subscribed our names here to as attesting witnesses, the day and year above written. T.L. Denny Benjamin F. Sloan By way of codicil to my foregoing will, I make the following changes, to wit; In the ninth section or clause, I direct that Bill McComack & wife Lee Ann have the free occupation of the remainder of my home place for but one year in lieu of three years, next after my death, and in the eight section or clause, where I direct that J. H. Verble have Four Hundred Dollars, I change & direct that he have Two Hundred, and Two Hundred dollars, I bequeath and direct that it be paid to the Presbyterion Church at Cookeville, Tennessee, and One hundred Dollars to the Presbyterion Congrigation at the Dry Valley Church, Putnam County, Tenn. By said Verble or my executor. This Aug. 25th 1904. Her Elizabeth Bartlett Mark The above Codicil was attached to said will and also signed by Elizabeth Bartlett making her mark thereto, and she acknowledged the same as a part of her last will & testament and made her mark to same in our presence and we at her request sign our names hereto as witnesses to same. This Aug. 25th 1904. T. L. Denny Benjamin F. Sloan State of Tennessee, Putnam County, I. W. O. Watson, Clerk of the County Court of said county, do hereby certify that the above and foregoing is a full, true and perfect copy of the last will and testament of Elizabeth Bartlett, Deceased, as appears from the original will, which is now on file in my office. This the 20th day of March, 1911. W. O. Watson, clerk By Algood Moore

	This is a copy of her wills as recorded in the Putnam County Court records. < Elizabeth Bartlett Will by Larry Feldhaus