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.
I Simien Bates of the County of Muhlenberg and State of Kentucky being of
perfectly Sound mind do make this my last will and Testament as follows. It
is my will and wish that my wife Betsy Bates shall have all of my property
both personal and real during her life and at her death it is my will that
my Estate be equally divided between her three children. That is Richard W.
Bates, Harry J. Bates and Mitten(?) Young Bates; the issue of my body by
Betsy Bates. It is my will that my son William Bates Shall have the sum of
five dollars of my Estate. It is my will that my son Jesse Bates have the
sum of five dollars of my Estate and it my will that my daughter Elizabeth
Bates Shall have the sum of five dollars of my Estate. The above named Sums
of five dollars to Each of the three last named children is all that I Ever
intend they Shall have of my Estate. I also herein appoint John A. Towns(?)
as my Executor of my Estate. Witness my hand and Seal this 26th day of May
one thousand Eight hundred and forty nine.
Simien Bates -Seal
his mark
Witness
Joseph L. Bard
James Drake
Commonwealth of Kentucky Muhlenberg County Sct.
July County Court 1849
The foregoing Writing purporting to be the last Will and Testament of Simion
Bates deceased was exhibited into Court and proved to be the act and deeds
of the Said Simeon Bates by the oaths of Joseph L. Bard and James Drake the
Subscribing Witnesses thereto which thereupon admitted to & truly Recorded.
Att. C. F. Wing -Clk.
Source: Muhlenburg County Kentucky Will Book 3, page 98.