Kentucky Genealogy, Author at Kentucky Genealogy

Will of William Buckley, 1825

William Buckley of Muhlenberg County, Kentucky, drafted his last will and testament in 1825, directing the sale of his lands and the equitable distribution of proceeds among his children: Nancy, Ann, Mary, Isaac, Reuhana, Van, Cokey, Robert, Joseph, and William. He provided additional bequests to his daughter Ann for her care and specified gifts to Reuhana. Importantly, he excluded his daughter Sarah Showmon from inheritance due to prior gifts. His will was witnessed and validated by John McConnell and Thomas Wood.

Will of William Thompson Brown, 1877

William Thompson Brown’s last will, dated December 31, 1877, outlines his final wishes regarding the distribution of his estate. He instructs that all debts and funeral expenses be paid first. His two youngest sons, W.T. and Nathaniel, receive his farm and specific horses. Fanny Brown is to receive $50 to equalize her inheritance. The remaining estate will be divided equally among all his children. Samuel Brown is appointed as the executor, revoking any previous wills. The will was proven in court in January 1881.

Will of Thomas Bilbrew, 1827

Thomas Bilbrew’s last will and testament, dated December 12, 1827, outlines his wishes for his estate in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky. He directs that all debts be paid and bequeaths all real and personal property to his wife, Elizabeth, during her widowhood. He specifies the division of 200 acres of land among his heirs and outlines that a tract of land will serve as a home for Elizabeth, later to be divided among their heirs. Abraham Noftsinger and Peter Nall are named as executors of the will.

Will of Rebecca Bell, 1878

Rebecca Bell’s last will and testament, dated August 3, 1878, states that all her debts should be settled and her property, both real and personal, is to be divided equally between her two daughters, Sarah and Cynthia Bell. The will was witnessed by M.C. Hay and G.M. Fohl, and was proven in court during the September Term of 1878, subsequently recorded by Clerk John E. Reno.

Will of Simeon Bates, 1849

Simeon Bates, of Muhlenberg County, Kentucky, bequeaths all his property to his wife Betsy Bates for her lifetime, after which it will be divided among their three children: Richard W. Bates, Harry J. Bates, and Mitten Young Bates. He leaves each of his other children, William, Jesse, and Elizabeth Bates, a sum of five dollars, signifying this as their only inheritance. Simeon appoints John A. Towns as the executor of his estate. The will was witnessed and recorded in July 1849.

Will of Jacob S. Baker, 1841

Jacob S. Baker’s will, dated March 15, 1841, outlines the distribution of his estate in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky. He bequeaths his wife Salome the farm, household items, and one-third of his assets during her widowhood. Upon her death, he stipulates the equal division of his slaves among his sons and specific cash and land legacies to his daughters and sons. Notably, he appoints his sons David S. and Samuel as executors and emphasizes his desire for family harmony in settling the estate. A codicil from July 1843 modifies his initial bequest to favor his daughter Elizabeth.

Will of Elisha Atkinson, 1820

Elisha Atkinson’s 1820 will outlines his final wishes regarding his estate in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky. He entrusts his soul to God and specifies decent burial arrangements. His estate provisions include support for his son Jowel, distributing livestock and funds to his children, including Seth, Allen, Betty, Amos, and John S. He allocates enslaved individuals to certain heirs, with stipulations for their management and inheritance. The will revokes any prior testamentary documents, affirming this as his final testament, and was proven in court in 1835 and 1836.

Will of John Armstrong, 1808

John Armstrong’s will, dated May 3, 1808, outlines his wishes regarding the distribution of his estate in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky. He bequeaths his livestock and household items to his wife, Mary, appoints her and his son, George, as executors, and designates land allocations to his children. His daughter Jane receives a pot, while sons James and Matthew are granted land, contingent upon securing rights. Daughters Mary and Elizabeth are each bequeathed five shillings. The will was witnessed by William Thompson, Samuel Handly, and Jacob Anthony, and recorded in January 1818.

Will of Elijah Wilson, 1812

Elijah Wilson’s will, dated February 22, 1812, outlines his wishes for the distribution of his estate. He bequeaths all his property to his wife, Elizabeth, during her widowhood and stipulates that if she remarries, she retains a third of his personal property. The land he currently occupies goes to his son, Jeremiah, with instructions for the remaining property to be equitably divided among his daughters, Esther and Elizabeth, after Elizabeth’s death. He appoints Jeremiah Pugh and Thomas Salisbury as executors and revokes any previous wills.

Will of Francis Wills, 1812

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.