Susanna Cooly’s will, dated October 25, 1807, outlines her final wishes for her estate in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky. She bequeaths 50 acres to her son Job Mathias, with additional land allocated to her daughter Susanna Reaves during her lifetime. Proceeds from the sale of her horses are designated for her grandchildren, Susanna Reaves and Justus Mathias. Cooly also leaves personal items to her son and son-in-law, while designating Susanna Reaves the remainder of her effects. John McFarland and Samuel Reaves are appointed as her executors. The will was proven in court in December 1807.
In the name of God Amen.
I, Susanna Cooly of Muhlenberg County and the State of Kentucky, being
at present weak in body yet of perfect memory and presence of mind, thanks
be given unto God. Calling to mind the mortality of the body and knowing
that it is appointed for all woman kind once to die. I do make and ordain
this my last will and testament that is to say princepally and first of all.
I give and recommend my soul into the hands of Almighty God that gave
it, and my body to the earth to be buried in Christian burial at the
discrection of my executors, nothing doubting but at the general
ressurrection, I shall recieve the same again by the mighty power of God and
as touching such worldly estate wherewith it has pleased God to bless me in
this life. I give and devise and dispose of the same in the following manner
and form. ( viz )
First I give and bequeath to my loving son Job Mathias 50 acres of
land of my place, 20 acres of land on the Eastside, adjoining Samuel ?rakin,
and 30 acres on the north line adjoining Gilbert Evans and the balance of my
land I give and bequeath to my daughter Susanna Reaves, during her lifetime,
and after her death to her daughter, Susanna Reaves, if she outlives her
mother and if not to her next surving female heir of her children.
Secondly I ordain that my horses shall be sold and the money arising
from the sales to be put out to interest for the benefit of my grandaughter
Susanna Reaves and my grandson Justus Mathias and to be equally divided
between them.
I bequeth to my loving son Job Matthews,
one pair of gears, one leather collar, one pair of tames ?, one pair iron
traces, also one mattock and a sprouting hoe and one bed spread,and one
black broadcloth coat.
I bequeth to my son-in-law Samuel Reaves one black broadcloth great
coat.
And all the remainder of my effects, I leave, give, bequeth to my
daughter Susanna Reaves to make use of as she thinks proper and I do hereby
utterly disallow and disannul all and every other former wills, testaments,
legacies, and bequeathments and I do ordain John McFarland and Samuel Reaves
to be my sole executors of this my last will and testament in witness
whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this -- day of -- 1807.
Signed, sealed and published, pronounced and declared by the said
Susanna Cooly as her last will and testament in the presence of us who in
the presence of her and each other have hereunto subscribed our names this
25th of Oct. in the year of 1807
Susanna Cooly (seal )
John McFarland,
Wm. McFarland,
& Samuel Reaves
Muhlenburg County Sct.
December Term 1807
The last will and testament of Susanna Cooly dec'd was returned into court
and fully proved by the oaths of William McFarland a subscribing witness
thereunto and ordered to be recorded.
Att. Chas. F. Wing
Source: Muhlenburg County Kentucky Will Book 1, pages 82-84.