Monroe County Will Book A is the first recording of the wills for this county. If there were prior ones, they would have been in a loose form and not bound into a book as were these. In these wills, the full text of the material is given as recorded which means that you have access to the entire will and read for any differences that might appear in them. These are a great source of relationships within families.
Example from this volume:
JOHN LOTSPEICH - In the name of God Amen. I, John Lotspeich of the County of Monroe and State of Tennessee being weak in body But of Sound and perfect mind and memory. Do make and publish this my last will and testament in manner and form following first, I wish my property both real and personal divided between my beloved wife and children according to the laws of this State (Except a farm lying in the County of Rhea and State of Tennessee which I wish the Executor to dispose of as early as he may think best) I wish all my children to be made equal in the distribution of the property taking in view and some already received by Som of them. My Son Ralph Lotspeich having Rec'd having received five hundred dollars, etc. etc.
WPA Records
1990, paper, 152 pp.
ISBN: 9780788489129
101E-TN0641