John Smith’s last will, dated March 26, 1803, outlines his wishes for his estate in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky. He bequeaths his wife Mary a life interest in their plantation, two slaves, livestock, and household goods. His son Elias receives the plantation, several land parcels, and all unmentioned property. Daughter Elizabeth and stepson Jacob Keizer are granted 400 acres of land and slaves. Additionally, he allocates land and cattle to his niece Rachel and nephew Eric. Elias Smith and John Voight are named as executors, and all prior wills are revoked.
In the name of God Amen.
The twenty sixth day of March 1803
I, John Smith of the County of Mullenberg and State of Kentucky, Planter,
being very sick and weak in body, but of perfect mind memory, thanks to God
therefore calling to mind the mortality of my body and knowing that it is
appointed for all men once to die. I do make and ordain this my last will
and testament , that is to say princepally and first of all :
I recommend my soul to God that give it, And my body, I recommend to the
earth to be buried at the Direction of my Executors nothing doubting but at
the general ressurrection I shall receive the same again by the Mighty power
of God and as touching such worldly estate wherewith it has pleased God to
Bless me on the ways, I give and dispose of the same in the following manner
and form.
First I do give to my well beloved wife Mary, I give her living on the
plantation that I now live on during her life. I also give her a negro
called Melly and one called Batt, also four cows during her life if she
shall need them, one riding mare, 1500 Wt. of Flower, 500 Wt. of
Bacon, her bed and household furniture to dispose of as she thinks proper.
Next I give to my well beloved son Elias Smith the place I now live on, also
fifty acres of land a part of a survey bought of Sam'l Fulton, also a survey
of 68 acres joining the place I now live on. Also a survey of 200 acres
entered in the name of Magdelona. Also I give him all the rest of my
property that is not mentioned in this my last will and testament. I also
allow him to keep Magdelona my well beloved Daughter during her life.
next I do give my well beloved daughter Elizabeth and my stepson Jacob
Keizer 400 acres of land. 100 acres of Military bought by Matthew Kim. 100
entered in the name of John Moviller, 200 entered in the name of John
Bradley, also a negro called Charles and one called John.
Next I give my well beloved niece Rachel Tennett and Eric Tennett 200 acres
of land entered in the name of Elias Smith, also one cow to each of them. I
also give 200 acres of land entered in my name, to my daughter Elizabeth
and Jacob Keizer, and further I do constitute and appoint my son Elias and
John Voight to be the Executors of this my last will and testament.
I do hereby utterly disallow and revert all former testaments and wills by
this in Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and
date above.
John Smith ( seal )
Signed, sealed and published and pronounced and delivered by the said John
Smith as his last will and testament in the presence of us subscribers.
John Voight, John Hopkins, John Zimmerman, Sam'l Weir.
Mullenberg County, Sct.
May Term 1803
The last will and testament of John Smith, Dec'd was exhibited into court
and proved by the others John Zimmerman, John Hopkins, and Sam'l Weir,
Subscribed Witness there to and order to be recorded.
Att. C. F. W i n g Clerk
Source: Muhlenburg County Kentucky Will Book 1, pages 5-7