Kentucky Genealogy
The will of Lewis Reno, dated August 28, 1799, bequeaths a mulatto boy named Charles to his daughter Milly Kincheloe and the family plantation to his son Lewis Reno. The remaining estate is left to his wife Elizabeth for her lifetime, after which it will be divided equally among all their children. The will was proven in court on September 1799 by witnesses Isaac Davis and Moses Lucas, and ordered to be recorded.
Mathis Perril’s will, dated December 11, 1805, outlines his wishes regarding his estate while acknowledging his mortality due to illness. He bequeaths all his property to his beloved wife, Barbary, to manage until her death or remarriage. Afterward, the estate will be divided equally among their children, except for a sorrel mare, which remains Barbary’s. He appoints her as the sole executor and revokes any prior wills. The will was proven in court on April 6, 1806, by witnesses John and Eli Stuart.
George Naught’s last will, dated 1808, outlines his wishes for the distribution of his estate. He appoints Jesse Reno as executor and directs the sale of his possessions to pay debts. Remaining assets are to be shared equally among his children: Mary, William, Elizabeth, George, Isaac, Sally, Ruth, and Thomas. He also bequeaths five shillings each to Mary and Thomas and stipulates the sale of a sorrel horse under certain conditions. The will was proved in court in May 1809 and recorded in Muhlenberg County.
John McKinney, in his 1801 will, entrusts his soul to God and dedicates his body to a Christian burial. He leaves his entire estate to his wife, Mary, for life, with specific bequests of enslaved individuals to his son John, granddaughter Mary, and grandson John upon reaching adulthood. Upon Mary’s death, the estate is to be divided between sons John and James McKinney. He names Mary, John, and James as executors and revokes any prior wills. The will was validated in court in March 1801.
James McCartney’s last will and testament, dated May 21, 1814, bequeaths his 200-acre land in Muhlenberg County to his nephews, Thomas and James McCartney, with a contingency for Thomas Irvin if they don’t claim it. He also grants 100 acres on Pond River to Irvin, along with his horses and livestock to Thos. Irvin Sr. for disposition. Irvin is appointed executor and tasked with collecting McCartney’s accounts. The will was proven in court in August 1814, confirming its validity.
The will of Charles Lewis, dated November 1, 1806, outlines his last wishes regarding the distribution of his estate in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky. He bequeaths various enslaved individuals and horses to his children, specifying provisions for three youngest children to be made equal with their siblings. Charles grants his wife, Elizabeth Lewis, her life interest in several enslaved individuals, lands, and household items. After her death, the remaining estate is to be equally divided among all children. The will was validated in court in February 1808.
Jonathan Groves, in his will dated March 20, 1811, bequeaths his lands to his sons Isaac, Charles, and William, while his wife Edy Groves receives the remainder of his movable estate during her widowhood. Upon her remarriage, she is entitled to only a child’s share. He appoints William Weir, David Groves, and Edy Groves as executors and revokes any previous wills. The will was proven in court in April and May 1811, with witnesses including Joseph Groves and Susannah Gates.
The last will and testament of Christian Gish, dated June 20, 1812, outlines the distribution of his estate in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky. He bequeaths his plantation and personal property to his wife, Barbary Gish, until their son David reaches maturity. Each of his children, including Christian, Elizabeth, John, Samuel, Joseph, George, David, Sally, and Abraham, receives designated parcels of land, with conditions for payment and future ownership. Gish appoints John Noffsinger and John Gish as executors, revoking any previous wills.
Skinner Duvall’s will, dated September 17, 1809, from Muhlenberg County, outlines his wishes regarding the distribution of his assets. He revokes prior wills and allocates his land, plantation, household furniture, and livestock to his wife, Elizabeth Duvall, for her lifetime. After her death, these will be divided among his sons, Howard and Benjamin Duvall, along with small bequests to his other children and Manly Moore. Elizabeth and Elisha Duvall are named as executors. The will was validated in court by witness oaths in October 1809.
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.