Henry Davis’s last will, dated 1805, bequeaths his estate to his family, including his wife Fanny and children Randall, Henry, and a daughter. He grants Fanny a negro woman named Beck, household goods, and livestock for family support. Randall receives a plantation, while Henry gets the current residence and additional land. The daughter is allotted property on Cypress, with remaining slaves divided among the children. Proceeds from excess livestock sales are designated for education, and his debts are to be settled from estate income. Amy Davis and William Young are named executors.
In the name of God Amen
This is my last will and testament. I do give and bequeth unto Fanny Davis
my lawful married wife, one negro woman named Beck, the child she is big
with, I wish to ---- to my children. I also give unto her one bed and
furniture such household furniture as I now possess, such stock as might be
sufficent to support my family to be lodged in her hands. I give unto my son
Randall Davis the plantation I purchased of Nixon I give to him and his
heirs forever. I give unto my son Henry, the plantation which I now live on,
also sixty acres of land adjoining said tract of land which I purchased of
corner which is is to be deeded out of my property to him and his heirs
forever. I also give my tract of land on Cypress to my daughter which is to
be deeded also out of my property, the residue of my negros to be equally
divided amongst my children and their heirs forever. My stock of horses and
cows which is over and above supporting my family to be sold August next
at public auction twelve months credit. I also desire the executors to
allow my wife as much of the plantation as her folks can tend. the balance
to be rented for produce, Charlie also and Sory to be hired out early for
cash so long as my executors shall think proper to continue in that line
the rent of the plantation left to Randall is to be applied to schooling
him. the girls to be taught reading, writing etc. out of the income of my
estate the balance of my income to be applied to the education of my son
Henry, so far as to give him a liberal education. the balance if any to be
equally divided amongst my heirs. I desire the debts due me and my part
to discharge my debts. So be it I appoint Amy Davis and Wm.Young my
executors to execute this my last will
Henry Davis
Test; William Young executor
lewis Kincheloe
Warren Davis
Mullenberg County Sct.
April Term 1805
The last will and testament of Henry Davis Dec'd was returned into court
and proved by the oaths of -------- and ordered to be recorded
Att. C. F. Wing Clerk
Source: Muhlenburg County Kentucky Will Book 1, pages 47-49.