Francis Wills of Muhlenberg and Saint Margaret Parish, in good health, drafted his last will on April 7, 1812. He bequeathed all his land and household items to his wife until her death, along with a featherbed to his daughter, Courting Wills. His sons Josiah and Wyat each received five pounds, while the remaining amount was divided among his other three sons. Micash and John Wills were named executors. The will was verified by witnesses and recorded in Muhlenberg County’s official records in August 1812.
In the name of God Amen
I Francis Wills, of Muhlenberg and Saint Margaret Parrish, being in good
health in body and perfect memory, thanks be to Almighty God, and calling to
rememberance the uncertainty of this transitory life, and that all flesh
must yeild to death when it shall please God to call us home and the Merits
of Jesus Christ. I trust and believe as surely to be said, I will that all
my debts and dues that owe to manner of persons after my decease by my
excutors hereafter named.
I leave my rifle gun to be sold to pay my debts if needed and I then give
and bequeath unto my dear beloved wife, ( not named ) all my land with all
the household and utensils out of it until the death of my dear beloved
wife.
I give and bequeath to my daughter Courting Wills one featherbed furniture.
I give to Josiah Wills my son, five pounds and to my son Wyat Wills I give
and bequeath to him five pounds, and the balance I give to my other three
sons, John Wills, Micagh Wills, & Francis Wills, Jr. I give and bequeath it to
them and their heirs.
I leave my sons Micagh + John Wills excutors of this my last will and
testament. Given under my hand & seal this 7th day of April 1812.
Francis (X his mark) Wills (seal)
Test : A.B. Drake,
Louis Solomon
Muhlenberg Co. Sct. May Court 1812
Louis Solomon, a subscribing witness to the within instrument of writing
came into court, approved the same to be the last will and testament of
Francis Wills dec'd which is ordered to be certified.
Att. Chas. F. Wing C.M.C.
The commonwealth of Kentucky, Muhlenberg Co. Sct.
This day personally appeared before us John Dobyns and Wm Garrard, two
Justices of the peace in aforesaid Co., Albritton Drake being of lawful age
and made oath that Francis Wills dec'd his will bearing date this 8th of
April 1812 is the last will and testament of said Wills deceased and no
alteration ----? this given under my hand this 8th day of August 1812.
John Dobyns & Wm. Garrard
Muhlenberg Co. Sct. August Court, 1812
The annexed certificate of John Doybns & Wm. Garrard was produced into court
together with the dedimens ? there to anexed providing by the oaths of
Abritton Drake the within to be the last will and testament of Francis Wills
dec'd which is ordered to be recorded.
Att. Chas. F. Wing C.M.C.
Source: Muhlenburg County Kentucky Will Book 1, pages 140-142.