The will of John Durelle, dated May 13, 1808, outlines his bequests amidst his declining health. He entrusts his soul to God and requests a Christian burial. His wife, Martha Durelle, receives his livestock, a sorrel horse, and a female slave, Ambut, for her life. His children receive varying inheritances, with son David getting five shillings, while Ephraim is allotted $30, Stephen a 190-acre land parcel, and John a 200-acre tract contingent upon Martha’s death. Daughters Martha and Rebeccah are bequeathed feather beds. Remaining property goes to Martha. The will was validated in court.
Will of John Durelle
In the name of God Amen
I, John Durelle, being very sick & in a low state of health but in my
perfect senses and memory, and knowing it is ordained for all men die, do
make this my last will and testament in the manner and form following.(towit)
In the first place I give and bequeath my soul unto God who gave it, and my
body, I resign unto the dust from whence it came not doubting but my soul
will receive it again at the great day of the resurection. I further devise
that my body shall be decently entered in a Christian like manner.
Item, I give and bequeath unto my wife, Martha Durelle my stock of cattle
and hogs, and sorrel horse,also one negro woman named Ambut during her life,
then the aforesaid negro and her increase to be equally divided among my
children ,except my son David Durelle is not to have any part thereof.
Item, I give and bequeath unto my son David Durelle five shillings.
Item, I give and bequeath unto my son Ephraim Durelle thirty dollars to be
paid out of my estate in the term of seven years.
Item, I give and bequeath unto my son Stephen Durelle a certain track or
parcel of land containing 190 acres entered and surveyed in the name of
William Wooten, which he is to have possession of when he arrives at the age
of twenty one years.
Item, I give and bequeath to my daughter Martha Durelle one feather bed and
furniture.
Item, I give and bequeath unto my son John Durelle a certain tract or parcel
of land containing 200 acres entered and surveyed in the name of Spencer
O'Neal. But he is not to have possession of the improvement or plantation
until the death of my wife, Martha Durelle. In case of any part of either
tract of land being lost there shall be an equal division of the part
remaining of the wood land.
Item, I give and bequeath unto to my daughter Rebeccah Durelle, one
featherbed and furniture.
Item, I further give and bequeath unto to my wife Martha Durelle all the
remainder of my property that is not heretofore mentioned in this my last
will.
Signed this the thirteenth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand
eight hundred and eight.
John Durelle ( his mark )
Test: Jesse Reno,
David Durelle
Test: Joseph Reynolds
Muhlenberg County Sct.
August County Court 1808
The last will and testament of John Durelle, dec'd was exhibited into court
and proved by the oaths of David Durelle & Joseph Reynolds, subscribing
witness thereto and ordered to be recorded.
Att. C. F. Wing
Source: Muhlenburg County Kentucky Will Book 1, pages 93-95.