Kentucky Genealogy, Author at Kentucky Genealogy

Will of John Vaught, 1813

John Vaught’s will, dated June 11, 1813, outlines his wishes regarding his estate. He bequeaths his property to his wife, Elizabeth, for her lifetime, along with farming tools and household items. His children receive various gifts, including land, horses, and cows, with specific bequests to his daughters, Margaret, Eleanor, and Polly, and sons Abraham and John. Upon Elizabeth’s death, the remaining estate is to be sold and divided among all children equally. Elias Smith and John Vaught are appointed executors. The will was confirmed and recorded in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky.

Will of Richard Tyler, 1799

Richard Tyler’s last will, dated December 10, 1799, bequeaths his possessions, including household goods and enslaved individuals Nell and Sook, to his wife Sarah. Until their son Charles reaches adulthood, Nell’s ownership will be shared among the children. Tyler also instructs the sale of a headright obtained by Isaac Davis, with proceeds to be divided among his heirs. He entrusts the care of his sons John and Charles to Sarah, who is also named executor alongside Davis. The will was proven in court in January 1800.

Will of John Robert Talbert, 1813

John Robert Talbert of Muhlenberg County drafted his last will on December 11, 1813, expressing concern for his wife and children. He directed that part of his property be sold to pay debts, with the remainder managed for his family’s benefit while his wife remains single. If she remarries, the estate should be sold, and the proceeds invested for their sons, Abner and Oliver, to inherit at age 21. His wife Nancy was appointed as executor. The will was proven in court in April 1814.

Will of Francis Stump, 1801

Francis Stump of Muhlenberg County, Kentucky, made his last will on August 22, 1801, while facing illness. He appointed executors, including his wife Rachel, and bequeathed assets: 100 acres of his land and all personal belongings to Rachel, 100 acres to David Washbough, and 150 acres with a horse to George Hunsinger under specific conditions. He instructed the sale of certain lands to cover debts if necessary and revoked any previous wills. This testament reflects his wishes concerning estate distribution and care for family members. The will was validated in October 1801.

Will of John Smith, 1803

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.

Will of Frederick Sevier, 1804

Frederick Sevier’s 1804 will outlines his wishes regarding the distribution of his estate. He instructs that all debts and burial expenses be paid before dividing his property. His wife, Caterina, receives their home and 15 acres for her lifetime. The remainder is to be divided equally among six of his children, with two sons receiving half of a full share and one son receiving a token amount. He appoints Solomon Rhodes and Jesse Jackson as executors and revokes any prior wills. The will was witnessed and recorded in Muhlenberg County.

Will of Lenox Rose, 1806

Lenox Rose’s last will, dated August 28, 1806, bequeaths his estate to his wife Sarah Rose during her widowhood, with a provision that if she remarries, she will receive only certain items. The remainder of his estate is to be equally divided among their six children. Sarah is appointed as the executor of the will. The document was witnessed by William Cross, Isaac Davis, and Edward Williams, and was validated in court in October 1806.

Will of Joseph Rhoads, 1799

Joseph Rhoads, in his 1799 will, bequeaths his estate as follows: his wife, Elizabeth, receives their current plantation and household goods for her lifetime. His sons Jacob and Henry inherit a plantation on Mud River, while John and Daniel receive another adjoining plantation. Daughters Mary and Andrew Hunsaker are granted 200 acres of land, and daughters Hannah, Elizabeth, Catherine, and Rachel will share the plantation after Elizabeth’s death. Jacob and Henry also inherit 200 acres in Pennsylvania. Rhoads appoints Solomon and Daniel Rhoads, along with Elizabeth, as executors. The will was validated in court later that year.

Will of Henry Rhoads, 1812

Henry Rhoads of Muhlenberg County, Kentucky, drafted his will on April 15, 1812, bequeathing property to his beloved wife Barbary, including items she brought into the marriage and specific household goods. He allocated all remaining debts and property to his children—sons Jacob, Daniel, Henry, Solomon, David, and daughters Susannah, Caty, Elizabeth, and Hannah—to be divided equally. Rhoads appointed his brother Daniel and sons Solomon and David as executors of his will, revoking all previous wills. This document was acknowledged and recorded in court in August 1813.

Will of Daniel Rhoads, 1813

The will of Daniel Rhoads, originally written as “David Rhoads,” outlines his estate distribution on October 5, 1811. He directs that debts and funeral expenses be paid before bequeathing 80 acres of land to his wife Polly for her lifetime, after which it passes to their son Daniel. Additionally, he allocates land and livestock among his other children, including John, Henry, James, Lewis, William, and Ryla. Daniel names his wife and a friend, Solomon Rhoads, as executors and revokes any prior wills. The will was proved by witnesses in February 1813 and recorded in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky.