The will of John Byrd, dated June 22, 1808, outlines his wishes for the distribution of his estate. He requests that all debts be settled before bequeathing his property. His wife, Rebecca, receives a negro man and household items for her lifetime. His daughters, Polly, Anne, and Sally, inherit a negro woman and her children, while his sons, John and Nathan, share a 200-acre tract of land and a negro girl. Byrd appoints Rebecca and Leroy Jackson as executors and specifies that his family should remain on the farm during his wife’s widowhood.
In the name of God Amen .
I, John 2nd of the State of Kentucky and County of Muhlenberg, being weak in
body but of perfect mind and memory do make and ordain this my last will and
testament. And as to my worldly effects, I give and devise in the following
manner. That is to say.
Item 1st, My will and devise that all my just debts be paid.
Item 2nd, I give and bequeath to my beloved wife Rebecca my negro man Curk
and all my household and kitchen furniture for and during her lifetime.
Item 3rd, I give and bequeath to my three daughters, Polly, Anne, & Sally my
negro woman named Phebe, and her two children, Philis and Tony to them and
their heirs forever.
Item 4th, I leave to my two sons John and Nathan the tract of land where I
now live containing two hundred acres to be equally divided between them. To
them and their heirs forever. Likewise my negro girl, Aggy to be equally
divided between them by my executor. My will is that my stock & farming
untensils be kept together for the support of my wife and family. It is
also my will that my lots in Lewisberg and such property as my executors
may think can be spared best without injuring my family, (should it be
thought necessary by them ) as will be sufficent to pay all my just debts
until my youngest child comes of age and during my wife's widowhood, it is
my will that my family reside on the farm that I now live on.
I do by their presence appoint my beloved wife Rebecca, and Leroy Jackson
excutors of this my last will and testament, hereby ratifying and conferming
this to be my last will and testament revoking all other wills by me made
in testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 22nd day of
June 1808
John Byrd (seal )
Test, R.D. McLean,
Jacob (Casuier?)
Muhlenberg County Sct.
May Court 1809
The last will and testament of John Byrd dec'd was exhibited into court and
proved by the oaths of Robt. D. McLean & Jacob Causier? . Subscribing
witness thereunto and ordered to be recorded.
Oct. 15th 1808 Att. Chas. F. Wing
Source: Muhlenburg County Kentucky Will Book 1, pages 98-100.