Kentucky Genealogy contains information and records for Kentucky ancestry, family history, and genealogy. Specifically, it provides sources for birth records, death records, marriage records, census records, tax records, court records, and military records. It also provides some historical details about different times and people in Kentucky history.
The State of Kentucky is situated between 36 degrees 30 minutes, and 39 degrees 10 minutes, north latitude; and between 81 degrees 50 minutes, and 89 degrees 26 minutes, west longitude — and includes all that portion of territory which lies south and westward of a line, beginning on the Ohio river, at the mouth of the Great Sandy river, and running up the same, and the main and north-easterly branch thereof, to the great Laurel ridge or Cumberland mountains; thence south-west along said mountains, to a line of North Carolina. It is bounded north by Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio; east by Virginia; south by Tennessee; and west by the Mississippi river and State of Missouri. It is three hundred miles in length from east to west, and one hundred and fifty miles in mean breadth; and contains 42,600 square miles, or about twenty-seven million acres.
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.
