Will Transcriptions

Transcriptions of wills on file in the Cumberland County Courthouse.

To preserve space on this page, we have typed words only, not including spacing, seals, etc. For ease of reading I have capitalized all surnames. Where slaves are named within the text, I have placed the name in italics. In most, if not all cases, an X in the signature denotes their mark and is not an initial. Blanks have been left where the words were undecipherable. PLEASE NOTE: No guarantee of accuracy of names, parties involved, or actual content is suggested or implied. Please verify your own sources.

William ANDERSON

Brief General Form of A will of William Anderson in Cumberland County & the State of Kentucky hereby make this my Last will and Testament.
First I Direct that my just Debts Be Paid By J.W. ANDERSON my Son.
Second I Give to my w3ife the Dwelling house and Land Connected therewith and now occupied By J.W. Anderson my Son except a part of the Same Land. 3 I Give to my Son J.W. Anderson Beginning two Dogewoods thence the old (the Dogwoods is the two that the Gate is Swunge to) Fence Row A Strate Line to A State to A Statke in the North Line thence From the two two Dogewoods A Strate Line S. to a Stake in South Line. all on the wet Side of that Condisuile (?) Line 4 I Give to my Son. I Give to my wile one mare and colt and one cow one bed-sted and safe Cubarde wash Kettle and the milke vesle is to be Divided Between my wife and Son. (these things is at the old place) and the wagon to use By my wife and Son 5 I give my side Saddle to S.C. Anderson my son wife. I Give my Saddle to my son 6 I hereby appoint W.G. Riddle to Be executor of this will in Testimony whereof I hereto Set my hand this October the 17, 1897.
William X his mark Anderson
Signed and published as his Last Will by the Said William Anderson in the presence of us who in his Presence and in the Presence of Each other have hereto Subscribed our names as witnesses Cumberland County
W.G. Riddle
J.W. Anderson
W.E. Riddle
Ed. Daniel

 

WILLIAM C. ARMS

Know all men by thes [sic] present came greeting, that I William C. ARMS knowing and considering the uncertainty of this life and being of sound mind and memory, do make and declare and publish this my will and testament. First, I do bequeath and give to my son S. L. ARMS one black more mule which is all of the stock I own. Second, all of my shop tools. Third, all of my house hold [sic] and kitchen furniture, beds and bed clothing. Fourth, one shot gun [sic]. In testimony I William C. ARMS subscribe my name and affix my seal this the 7th day of June 1901.
his
William C. X Arms
mark
Attest
A. W. Sharp
Robert Kirby
State of Kentucky
County of Cumberland
I, J. M. COLLINS clerk of the Cumberland County Court certify that the foregoing will of William C. ARMS was produced in open court at the December Term 1903 and fully proven by the oaths of A. W. SHARP and Robert KIRBY the subscribing witnesses thereto and ordered to record, and the same together with this cerfiicate has been duly entered of record in my office in Will Book "I" at page 232
Given under my hand this the 14th day of December 1903
J. M. COLLINS, Clerk

Submitted by Robin Poindexter.

GEORGE A. BOW

I, George A. BOW, being of sound mind, do hereby make and publish this my last will and testament, hereby revoking any former will [sic] I may have made. FIRST: It is my will that all my just debts and funeral expenses be fully paid as soon after my death as can conveniently be done. SECOND: It is my will and I do hereby bequeath to Della POINDEXTER; Hettie GROCE, Bessie RIDDLE, Lessie BOW; Ora GARNER, and Mary BOW the sum of $1.00 each. THIRD: I do hereby bequeath unto my daughter Dovie BOW all of my property, both real and personal, to be here fee simple and she is to furnish my wife, Orlena BOW, a home as long as she lives or as long as she remains my widow. My daughter, Dovie BOW, is to have full control of this land to use as she sees fit and to manage as she desires. This November 29th 1944.
Attest: Edna COLLINS
WITNESSES: Clarence RUSH
Edna COLLINS
State of Kentucky
County of Cumberland, SCT.
I, Edna Collins, Clerk of the Cumberland County Court, do hereby certify that the foregoing will of George A. BOW, deceased, was on this day produced into open court, and fully proved by the testimony of Edna Collins and Clarence RUSH, the two subscribing witnesses thereto, and was established to be the last will and testament of George A. BOW, deceased, and ordered to record. And the same with this and the foregoing have been recorded in my said office in Will Book "K" at page 432 therein. Given under my hand this the 12th day of November, 1951.
Edna Collins, CLERK
by J. W. Collins, D. C.

Submitted by Robin Poindexter.

PLEASANT BOWMAN

In the name of God Amen I Pleasant BOWMAN of Cumberland County , State of Kentucky, being of sound mind and memmory, do make this my last will and testament as followeth towit, 1st: All the property that I have given to my children mentioned in this claus[sic], belongs to them and their heirs forever, that is to say the property they now have in possesion, towit, Granville BOWMAN, Frances C. TAYLOR, Ann P. NEWBY, Pamela P. THURMAN, Marley P. WALTHALL and Micky W. MOTLEY 2nd:: I give to my son Wilson BOWMAN three negroes towit, Amos, Henry and Elizabeth, one feather bed which he has got and the furniture, three dishes, six plates, half dozen knives and forks, and half dozen cups & saucers, one pot and one d__ch ___in, to him and his heirs forever. 3rd: I give to my son Lenaras BOWMAN the tract of land, that I now live on, three negroes towit,John, David & Carolina one feather bed and furniture, thirty head of hogs, two dishes, six plates, half dozen cups and saucers, half dozen knives and forks, to him and his heirs forever. SB[?] I give to Anne P. NEWBY one negro boy Serry by name, to her and her heirs forever. 4th All the remainder of my estate is to be equally divided amongst all my children, Granville BOWMAN, Willson BOWMAN, Lenaras BOWMAN, Frances C. TAYLOR, Ann P. NEWBY, Pamela B. THURMAN, Marley P. WALTHALL and Micky W. MOTTLEY[sic] and their heirs forever. Last I do appoint my two sons Granville BOWMAN and Willson BOWMAN my two lawfull executors of this my last will and testament revoaking [sic] and disannlling{sic] all other and former will maide[sic] by me either in word or writing, rattifying[sic] this to be my laste[sic] will and testament, whereunto I set my hand and seal, this fifteenth day of January one thousand eight hundred and twenty three.
Pleasant BOWMAN, Seal
Kentucky Sct
I Milton KING, Clerk of the County Court for the County of Cumberland do certify, that the within will of Pleasant BOWMAN deceased, was proven and ordered to record at the present November term, and I have truly copied the same of record in my office in Will book B page 293 Given under my hand this 28th day of November 1825
Milton KING


JOHN COE

In the name of God Amen. I John COE of Cumberland Cunty Kentucky being now in good health and in Burksville and knowing that we all have to die doe [sic] hereby make my last will. I desire all my just debts be paid--I give to my Grand children the children of my dead daughter Fanny POINDEXTER seven hundred dollars that is one hundred for each one there being seven now when the youngest child is free and my wife dead. I give to my Grand children the children of Polly DUEESE seven hundred dollars for their share to be paid to them when the youngest becomes of age and my wife dead. I give to my daughter Malinda SHORT, wife of William SHORT three fifty acreback of of [sic] land whare [sic] they now live ??? of sand tracts patented in my name tho other I improved of William A. I also give to her a negro girl named Mary aged about 13 years now in her possession said land and negro is for her use and benefits so long as she may live when she is dead to her legal heirs of her body. I give to my daughter Jemima SPEARMAN one negro woman named Patty aged about 34 years also. One negro girl named Jemima aged about 5 years-- I also give her a negro boy named Frank which was heretofore given to her my said daighter is not to have any of the incread of said negro. Girl Patty that is all born after this time. Said increase if any! Shall be equally divided between Jessee and Jefferson, my son, Coe and Jemima SPEARMAN and Malinda SHORT during their lives that is Mrs. SPEARMAN and Mrs. SHORT this devise to Jemima SPEARMAN is for her use and benfits whenshe is dead to go to the heirs of her body after my wifes death. I want said negro woman Patty to live near her husband say not farther than five miles so long as they remain as they now are that is she must be hired out if need be to affects that object. I give to my son Jessee COE Negro boy Thomas aged about 9 years also a negro boy Jo aged about 9 years and my negro man Ransom. I give to my son John J. Coe negro Boy William aged about 8 years also negro boy Eqekial aged about six years and a negro woman Betty with a request of my beloved son that he should be of steady habits and take good care of said slaves and not hurt them. I give to my beloved wife, all my of estate both real and personal during her life that is she is not to want for any thing [sic]. If there is more land than she may desire I want it to be rented out until my wife is dead and all the land not herin divided now owned by me to be rented out each year until the year nineteen hundred and ?? proceeds eually divided between my sons Jessee and Jefferson, Jemima SPEARMAN, and Malinda SHORT evenly. Mrs. SHORT share to be paid to her to clothe and educate her children at the end of that time above I desire my land not herein divised to be sold and the oney to be divided between the heirs of Jessee COE and Jefferson COE, Jemima SPEARMAN and Malinda SHORT. I hereby appoint my son Jesse and John J. COE and my son Isiah COE executoers my last will hereby revoke all wills heretofore made by me
Given under my hand and seal this 25th day of November 1853
John COE
Att:
J. A. HAGGARD
R. C. LOGAN
M. MARTIN
State of Kentucky
Cumberland County
I James HAGGARD Clerk of the County court for said county do certify that the within will of Jno Coe decd was produced in open court at the June term 1854 and proven by the oaths of James HAGGARD, Robert C. LOGAN, and Meredith MARTIN the three subscribing witnessess thereto and ordered to record and the same truly is coppied [sic] of record together with this my certificate in my office in Will Book #E page 346 Given under my hand June 17th 1854
James HAGGARD
by M. MARTIN

submitted by Robin Poindexter.

WILLIAM GRAY

Cumberland County- State of Kentucky
William GRAY of the above county and State, Being of Sound Mind and Disposing Memory, do make my last Will and Testament in Maner and form as follows to wit: 1st) I have nothing except what the good Lord has blessed me with therefore I commit my sole and body to Him. 2nd) It is my will and desire that all my Just debts and Burial expences be paid out of my estate. 3rd) It is my~ will and desire that my Daughter Caroline GRAY have out off-- my estate one Horse Saddle and Bridle worth $130.00. Also a Cow & calf. Also all her own Beds & Bed clothes such as she has made her self and one years Provisions. 4th) It is my Will and desire that all my remaining Property be Sold, My lands included, to the Highest bidder upon Such terms as my Executors herein after named may think best. My home tract of land to be divided into three Equal parts or tracts: The one lowest down the Branch to include the Dwelling House and All out Buildings & the Middle one to include the House & all out Houses whare Josephus GRAY now lives & the upper one to include the Dwelling House and out Houses whare Jefferson GRAY now lives. My tract of land in Marshal County Ky is to be Sold in a body And upon Such terms as My Executors may think right & proper & I hereby empower them to make any transfer on Deeds that may be necessary to any and all the foregoing lands. 5th) It is my will and desire that the proceeds of My estate be equally divided among all my Heirs, Except the Specified devises herein named, to wit: Mrs. Polly BROOKSes Heirs, Mrs Sarah OGDON & Heirs, Mrs. Rachal PALMORE and her Heirs, Wm.P. GRAY, Jas. P. GRAY, Jackson P. GRAY, Jefferson GRAY, Josephus GRAY & Caroline GRAY. Each one to be charged with the following Sums which I have already given them in my life time: Mrs. OGDON & Heirs $1070.00; Wm. GRAY $55.00; Jas. GRAY $120.00; Jackson P. GRAY $105.00; Mrs. RAchel PALMORE & Her Heirs $120.00; Josephus GRAY $55.00. 6th) In consideration of the kindness and attention of My Daughter Caroline to me Since the death of her Mother I Give to her $600.00 to be paid to her out of my estate by M~ Executors. 7th) It is my Will & desire that my Executors give to my grand Daughter Mary MOODY One Horse Saddle & bridle worth $130.00. 8th) It is my will and desire that if any of my Heirs named in this Will should be disatisfied and become obstinate that what I have willed them Shall be equally divided amongst the remainder of my Heirs, A Thing I hope & trust will not occur. 9th) I do will & desire & hereby Constit~e & apoint my friend'CAs, F. ALEXANDER & my son Jackson P. GRAY as Executors of this my last will & testament Hereby Revoking all other & former wills by me.

Made Dec 4 1866 William GRAY
(Attny) his X mark
W.C. TURNER
John SMITH
submitted by Pat Quick

JACOB S. LOLLAR

I Jacob S. LOLLAR being of sound mind and knowing that I will soon die the death of nature hereby will and bequeath my property as follows I want my wife Elizabeth LOLLAR to have all my lands her lifetime at her death to Ellen LOLLAR, Susan LOLLAR, and S. B. LOLLAR provided he will come and take possession and keep there as a family. I also bequeath all my house hold [sic] furniture and kitchen furniture to the said Elizabeth LOLLAR, Ellen LOLLAR, Susan LOLLAR, and S. B. LOLLAR so long as they stay together as a family the one that wont stay as a family I want them void I want all my horses, hogs, cattle, and all the stock I have and all my farming implements I will and betqueath in the same like manner I want my Exer. to receive the proceeds of my tobacco and I want all my just debts paid out at the end of year out of stuff made on my farm. If these should not be enough made to pay it I there request my Exer. to sell stock or land with ever he deems propper [sic] enough to finish paying my just debts that being all I appoint Drury C. LOLLAR my exec. not to be required any security this being my last will and testament I affix my seal this April 21, 1884
J. S. LOLLAR
Attest
Preston L. CARY
I. N. LOLLAR
State of Kentucky,
Cumberland County
I N. B. CHEATHAM clerk of the Cumberland County Court, certify that the foregoing will was produced in open court at the May Term 1884 and proven bt the oaths of Preston S. CARY and I. N, LOLLAR the two subscribing witnesses thereto to be the last will and testament of J. S. LOLLAR deceased and the same was ordered to be recorded and filed, and the same has been truly entered of record in my office in Will Book "H" page 262
Given under my hand this 13th day of May 1884
N. B. Cheatham
May 17th 1884
Apprais [sic] list of all the personable property of J. S. LOLLAR deceased, P. S. CARY and I. N. LOLLAR, appraisers.

Submitted by Robin Poindexter.

JOSEPH RIDDLE

This is to sertify [sic] to all whom it may concern that I Joseph RIDDLE of Cumberland County and state of Kentucky, hath this day taken my pen in hand to make my none [sic] last will and testiment [sic] whare in [sic] I leve [sic] all my land, whare [sic] on we now live for the benefits [sic] of my beloved wife Rhoda RIDDLE and Lu wise and Shadrak M. RIDDLE, all the part of the two Sur [sic] Surveys that shants sold is to be rented out, and the rent to be for the use of Rhoda and S. M. and L. M. and Ruth S. if she stays with hur [sic] mother and the land is not to be sold nor divided while these ? lives and tha [sic] that take care of S. M. is to have his part of the land at his deth [sic] allso [sic]. Tha [sic] that take care of Lu w is to have hur [sic] part at hur [sic] deth [sic]. the 1 survay [sic] and the part of the other that is joining it that is not sold, is to be divided between the 6 garles [sic] and S. M. equl [sic] but not until after the deth [sic] of the above named, and Ruth is to have a colt that is none [sic] by the name of hamten and one bed and furniture and a cow, besides hur [sic] part of o [sic] the land all so [sic] Joseph F. RIDDLE if he stays and takes care and dus [sic] his part, is to have a hors [sic] that is to be worth one hundred dolers [sic] or fifty ackers [sic] of land, that is on the ridg [sic] between Henry R. RIDDLE and J. F. RIDDLE which he choses [sic] and the 1 hundred and 80 ackers [sic] is to be divided between Isaac R., N. A. R. R., and and [sic] J. F. R and ans [sic] if thare [sic] is any surples [sic] property it is to be for them that takes care of thar [sic] Mother, Sister, and Brother take notes if Jo. F. RIDDLE quits home he is to have a cordin [sic] to the time he stays if he leve [sic] at the age of nineteen or twenty he must have a hors [sic] worth fifty dolers [sic] and a sute [sic] of good genes [sic] and if he makes anything to spean [sic] let him git [sic] him a sadle [sic] and bridel [sic] all so [sic]. Luwise is to have a bed and furniture and when she is dun [sic] with it tha [sic] that take care of hur [sic] is to have it. All so [sic] S. M. RIDDLE is to have a bed and furniture and he is to du [sic] with hit [sic] as it suts [sic] him. I consider that J. M. RIDDLE has his part, of my estate tharefore [sic] I dont [sic] give him but ten dolers [sic] more, this is my will which I wish be dun [sic] with out [sic] any disputing among my children. this wos [sic] rote [sic] with my one [sic] hand this twentith [sic] sixth day of Aprel [sic] 1856.
Joseph RIDDLE
N. R., Henry R. RIDDLE, and A. C. RIDDLE has had thar [sic] full shear [sic] of my estate tharefore [sic] tha [sic] havnt [sic] no clame [sic] on whot [sic] is here left, take notes if S. M. RIDDLE gits [sic] abel [sic] to go about and se [sic] to his bisnes [sic] he is to have a hors [sic] besides his part of the land. I have sold to my son, Abijah C. RIDDLE a certain peace [sic] of land, Beginning on a chessnut [sic] in my field running with a crop fence east to the east line of my land, also from the chesnut [sic] a north direction to the north line for the sum of one hundred and fifty dollars to be paid in three payments for which he has executed his notes and when he lifts said notes if I am dead I authorize and improwe my friends B. G. MARCUM an [sic] John A. CRAFT to convey a title to said land to A. C. RIDDLE and his incepors [sic]. A. C. RIDDLE has had his full part of my estate what N. R. RIDDLE has in his hands of property he is to have and not be troubled about it that will make him eaquall [sic] to the rest of the heirs August the 18th 1856.
Joseph RIDDLE
Attest
John A. CRAFT
Basley F. MARCUM
Kentucky Cumberland County
I James HAGGARD clerk of the Cumberland county court certify that the foregoing last will and testament of Joseph RIDDLE deceased was produced in open court at the September Term 1856, and proven by the oath of John A. CRAFT on of the subscribing witnessses there to, and said CRAFT also proved the signature and attestation [sic] of Basley G. MARCUM the other subscribing witness and ordered to record and the same is truly ordered of record in my office in Will book E. Page 510.
Given under my hand this 11th day of September 1856
James HAGGARD clk

JACOB SCOTT

Know all men by these presents that I Jacob SCOTT of Cumberland County and State of Kentucky being poorly in health of body but of sound mind and memory do make this my last will and testament in way and manner following First I five to my son Martin SCOTT one roan mare and coalt [sic] to him and his heirs forever Secondly I give to my daughter Fereby SCOTT one bed and furniture which is at my son's Wileby SCOTT token and her heirs forever. Thirdly, I give to my daughter Leurany SCOTT one bed and furniture and bed stead [sic] to her and her heirs forever. Fourthly, my wish and desire is aft my death that my land and all my stock of hogs and cattle and farming tools and household furniture be sold at a credit of twelve months and after the money is collected and all my just debts paid forty dollars be reserved for my son Ephaim to buy him a horse beast and the remainder of the money arising from the sail [sic] to be equally divided amongst all my children Polly MCCALLEY and Solomon SCOTT and Nancy SCOTT and Wiley SCOTT, Martin SCOTT, Fereby SCOTT, Leurney SCOTT to them and their heirs forever. Fiftly, I give to my daughter Nancy SCOTT all my sheep and all my fowls to her and her heirs for ever [sic]. Sixthly my present crop of corn to be sold and equally divided as my other stock. I nominate and appoint my naibors [sic] Philip LAWSON and Clemant SCOTT to be administrators of this my last will and testament and all wills that may have been made by me heretofore revoked and this stand as my last will and testament. This 17th of Ocy 1834.
Signed and delivered in presence of
Phillip LAWSON
his
Ephraim Prewit
Jacob X Scott
Solomon Prewit
mark
Kentucky Cumberland County
I James HAGGARD deputy Clerk of the Cumberland County Court do certify that the within last will and testament of Jacob SCOTT deceased was proved in open court in the January Term 1835 examined approved of and ordered to record and proved by Philip LAWSON and Ephraim PREWIT and ordered to record and the same is entered of record in Will Book "C" p 138
Given under my hand this 10th of February 1835
James HAGGARD


ELIZABETH SHEY & EMILY WRIGHT

In the name of God Amen. Thanking our spreme ruler for his kind benefactors, and being of sound mind and good memory, we do by these presents make and adopt this our last will and testament , and dispose of our property as follows, towit: we give Pleas. P. WRIGHT all of our land the same that was will to us and inherited from our mother Margaret SHEY, being about 75 ot 80 acers [sic], to have and hold unto the said WRIGHT his heirs and assigns forever. Witnesses our hands the 12th day of March 1894
her
Attest
Elizabeth X Shey
Scott Walker
mark
W. O. Ferguson
her
Emily X Whight (WRIGHT)
mark
State of Kentucky
Cumberland County
I J. M. Collins clerk of the Cumberland County court do certify that the foregoing will of Elizabeth SHEY and Emily WRIGHT was produced in open court at the October Term 1902 and proven by the oaths of W. O. Ferguson and J. A. Dixon to be the act and deed of said Elizabeth SHEY and Emily WRIGHT and ordered to be filed and recorded, and the same and this certificate has been duly entered of record in my office in will book "I" page 188 Given under my hand this the 13th day of October 1902
J. M. Collins, Clerk


MARGARET SHEY

In the name of God amen!!! I Margareth SHEY of Cumberland County Ky being weak in body but of sound mind and disposing memory do make this my last will and testament, hereby setting aside any will or wills heretofore made, and disposing of my property both real and personal in the following manner. To wit, first I desire all my gust [sic] debt to be paid out of my estate. 2nd It is my will that my son Pleasant SHEY shall have the land whereon I now live for his own propper [sic] use and benfit forever to dispose of as he may think propper it is more over my wish and desire that he shall take care of and protect my three daughters that now lives with me namely Aseneth, Elizabeth, and Emily SHEY so long as they live a single life or die if they choose to live with him. 3rd I give to my son M. C. Campbell SHEY one dollar. 4th I give to my daughter M. Jane SHELLY one dollar. 5th I give to my daughter Margaret SHELLEY one dollar. 6th I give to my son Leeper SHEYS and William and Samuel Wesley SHEY one dollar to each. 7th I give to my grand daughter Aseineth C. VINCENT one cow and womans saddle as respects the property set apart for her. A. C. VINCENT my will is that Pleasant SHEY retain and take care of it until she arrises [sic] a mature age or becomes a married woman and if it should so be she dies previous to its being delivered to her then and in that (?????), my will that the same be converted to the use of my son Pleasant SHEY and his three sisters, who are now living with me. 8th I give and bequeath to my three daughters a tract of land adjoining the land set apart for my son Pleasant it being a tract of land surveyed and patend [sic] in my name which land I give to the above mentioned daughters namely Aseneth, Elizabeth, and Emily SHEY forever for their use and benefit to dispose of as they may see or think best. 9th My will is that after the above bequeathed property is taken out of the estate and delivered to the ligates whatever may remain of each and every description be equally divided between Pleasant SHEY, Aseneth, Elizabeth, and Emily SHEY by sale or otherwise as may be appointed Ex of this my last will and testament and it is my wish that the court permit him to qualify as such without giving any security. July 10th 1848
Attest
Margarette SHEY
Tho. WATKINS
his
Benjamin X SIMPSON
mark

by
N. B. Cheatham

Submitted by Robin Poindexter.

Elisha Embry 

State of Kentucky
In the name of "God "Amen
I Elisha Embry of the County of Cumberland and State afore said being some what advanced in age, but of sound and disposing mind and knowing it is appointed for all men to die have thought proper to dispose of my worldly estate as the following lines will exhibit and I declare this to be my last will and testament for that purpose.
In the first place I recommend my soul to God, and that my body be decently interred and that all my just debts be paid.
Second I give and bequeath to my wife Nancy Embree all my estate both real and personal consisting of land, Negroes, stock of all kinds and all my evidences of debts due me and like wise every species of property whatever that maybe on hand at the time of my death. Should she survive me for and during her natural life, like wise the product arising out of it after my decease. Third I nominate, constitute, and appoint my son Andrew J. Embree and my son Elisha Embree as soon as he shall arrive to lawful age, My executors and my wife Nancy as executrix to this will and they are fully authorized to sell or manage any part or the whole of my said estate in any way they may deem proper for the ultimate interest and benefit of my legates herein after named Fourth I wish my two sons Elisha and John Nicholas to have a liberal education and my wife Nancy is fully authorized to perfect that as much desired object out of my estate place in her hands, and no account is to be kept against this and in the event of my wife Nancy's death previous to this completion of their education my son Andrew J. Embree is to retain and set apart in his hands as an executor a sufficient portion of my estate for the use benefit, support and education of my said sons Elisha and John Nicholas Embree. Which amount is not to be considered as forming a part of their distributive share on a final dividend of my estate and against my legates. The remainder of my property can then be disposed to the best advantage under the direction of my son. Andrew J. amongst all my legates after taking into consideration the respective sums which each of my children has already received as here in after set down to each. So as to place all upon equally. All the children of my daughter Elizabeth who has departed this life late to form one distributive share and the amt. Previously given to her as has ---set down is to form a part of that distributive share together with some notes which I now hold on her Husband William H. Bledsoe. Which is not to carry any interest and none is to be charged. Fifth I sold a Negro girl named Lucy for the sum of $450. Which girl is charged to and offers a part of the sum as charged herein to my daughter Elizabeth late Elizabeth Paine, which sum has been leaned at interest which has increased the sum to $534.37/100 for which amount I now hold Ryoden and Sweeny note. Is equity that the children which my said daughter had by her first husband William Bledsoe should receive sum together with all interest it may have produced at the time of my death over and above their distributive share. My executor & Executrix if in life are therefore directed to pay out of my estate that sum with its interest as previously stated to Harriet, Nancy, Agnes and William Bledsoe as they may require it or to their legal representative. I have given to my daughter Minerva Furgus formerly Minerva Embree to her and the natural issue of her body the sum of $590.50/100 amts. As a part of her distributive share which she is to charge with on final divisions of my estate. I have given and ever to my daughter Margaret Graves in property the amount of seven hundred and ten dollars Which forms a part of her portion of my estate and for which sum she is charged to account for a final settlement of my estate. The Negro girl Susan forms a part of this charge, which I give to my said daughter Margaret and the issue of her body forever. I have given to my daughter Jullia Winfrey the value of $488. With which she is chargeable on a final division of my estate. As a part of her distributive share. The Negro girl Milley formed a part of this his charge which I give to my said daughter Julia Winfrey and the issue of her body forever. I have previously given my daughter Sarah Daugherty the value of $256, which forms a part of this distribution. Share that she is charged with that amount. If after my death, my wife Nancy Embree should marry then in that event immediately after this marriage my son Andrew J. Embree & Elisha if of sufficient age as Executors shall take into possession the whole of my property on hand and her power as an Exectrix\rive shall cease. & Determine a one third part of my property shall be set off to her during her natural life which shall return to be divided amongst my legates. Should my wife Nancy depart this life before me I wish at my decease that all my property be equally divided or sold at public sale and the proceeds divided or sold at public sale and the proceeds be divided among my legates setting apart first a portion sufficient for the education of support of John & Elisha and my said son Andrew J. Embree is to take charge of the same for that purpose as stated in the 4# item of this will and on a final division each child or legates is to charged with the amount set down and charged them as above as a part of their distributive share. I nominate, constitute and appoint my son Andrew Jackson Embree as trustee with full power to take charge of whatever distribution portion of property or maine which maybe allowed to my daughter Sarah Daugherty on a final division of my estate to take charge of & Manage the sum to the best advantage for the benefit of my said daughter Sarah and the issue of her body. Minerva Furgus, Sarah Daugherty, Francis M.K. Daniel Margaret Graves, Andrew J. Embree, Julia Winfrey, Elisha and John Nicholas Embree. I declare to be my Legatees of this my last will and entitled each to distribute shares together with the grand children, Harriet, Nancy, Agnes, and William Bledsoe, and Elizabeth Francis Paine children of my daughter Elizabeth who are entitled to one distributive all under the direction and upon principles as previously set forth. In witness where of I have here unto set my hand and like wise acknowledge the same to have been duly executed and its contents perfectly understood before its execution. Given under my had this 26th day of January in the year of our lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven. Elisha Embree (seal) >Test >Hugh R. Nixon >James L Parke >Jof Bledsoe Codicil As a codicil to the annexed will I Elsha Embree have thought proper to alter my said will so far as the Negro girl Jinny is concerned. She being generally known as yellow Jinny and one of my slaves will to my wife Nancy during her natural life. In as much as said girl Jinny has been a faithful and obedient slave I have thought proper to declare that after the death of my wife Nancy that said slave yellow Jinny shall be permitted to enjoy all the privileges of liberty and remain no longer in a state of slavery and my legates as named in the annexed will are not to be permitted to take her into a division of property. If I should survive my wife at my death she is to enjoy the privileges of liberty as previously set forth and I like wise direct that the sum of $100 to be set apart out of my estate at the death of my wife and at my should I survive her for her use and benefit. The last statement is hard to read and I believe incomplete. source: Will Book C pg 403-405 dated 26 Jan. 1837 Cumberland Co KY (submitted by Jim and Helen)


Vincent Taylor Will

State of Kentucky Cumberland County Sct
I Vincent Taylor of the County and State aforesaidbeing of Sound mind and disposing memory do make ordain and publish this my last will and testament in manner and form following towit
I will and desire that all of my just debts and legal liabilities if any exist at my death be paid My Son Joseph P. Taylor received of me in his life time by way of advancement one negro boy named Sanston one waggon two horses one bed and furniture and I paid off for him said Jos P Taylor--two notes to Joseph S. Bledsoe amounting at the time of Payment principal and intrest[sic] to the sum of $1350.00 Since which time the said Joseph P. Taylor has departed this life I now confirm the gifts of the property before advanced to him and give and bequeath the two notes aforesaid to the childen of Said Jos P Taylor--viz Daniel V Taylor- Mildna F.B. Taylor- & Ellen Tucker Taylor-to them and their heirs forever which is in full of all that I design them to have.
My home tract of land beginning a line commencing in Parmleys line corner to two Beeches thence Southeast to a hickory South west to a gully corner to a black walnut thence South running with said gully to Potters creek thence srossing the creek straight on to the fence on the Cedar hill thens east with the said fence to the top of the hill then South to the road leading to the Red Banks thence with said road to corner white oak thence in a north direction to corner Chestnut corner to james V Taylor-thence with JW Taylers line to the Simmermans Survey thence with said line to Philpotts line thence with said line west to Cumberland River thence up the River to the line of Taylors heairs thence with said line to Seris Parmaleys line thence with Said line to the Beginning corner to two beeches in Said line I give and bequeath to my daughter Mrs. P.B. Newby the widow of Ed. W Newby Deceased until the youngest child of Napolean B Taylor becomes of the age of Twent one years then the said land is to be equally divided and to pay to the Said two children to with Josephine Taylor and John Edward Taylor to them and their heirs and assigns forever but if either of Said children should Die before arriving at full age or marries the part devised to such one Shall go the the three Sons of R C. Taylor- towit Emitte(?) Erastus & Enerint(?) Taylor-I give and bequeath to my son Tarlton S Taylor- tract No 2 commencing on the cave hill corner on two red beeches in the line between V Taylor and A Skipworth running west with a lane toa corner hickory on the top of the ridge corner in Tract No 1 to a corner white oak in the road leading to red banks thence in a northerly direction to a corner Chestnut in James V Taylors line thence with Said line to Pottoers Creek crosing the creek corner to two beechtrees, thence with Said Skipworths line to the top of Cave hill to two red beechs the beginning corner also twelve acres of land on the cave hill lying adjoining Asford Skipworth and William A Paul to have and to hold the aforesaid to him the said Tarlton S Taylor and his heirs forever.
I give and bequeath to Granville A Taylor for and during his natural life and at his death to the issue of his body lawfully begotten Tract No 3 which is bounded as follows viz commencing in Ricis Military corner to two beechs thence west to a beech and hiskory thense south and corner in the line of tract No. 2 on a beech and hickory thence East with the line of tract No 2 to two red beech corners of tract No 2 thence with Skipworths line to the corner of the 12 acres Survey beloning[xic] to Tarlton S Taylor tract No 2 thence with Said line to WA Paull line thence with said line to the HC Norris line thence with said line to the line of the Heirs of WM Taylor thence with Said line to the Millitary[sic] thence west with said line to the Beginning two corner Beeches but in no event to be subject to the Debts or liability of said Granvill A Tayler[sic]
I give and bequeath to Mrs EA Beazley for and during her natural life and at her deth to the children of her body lawfully Begotten the following Described tract or parcel of Said being tract No 4 Commencing on Rices Millitary line corner to two beeches thence SouthEast to a _____hickory Between tract No1 and tract No2 thence with line of tract No 2 East to hickory and Beech thence North with line of tract No 3 to the Beginning corner on two beeches in Rices millitary line to the soles separate and Exclusive use of hers the said EA Beazley During her life and at her death to the children of her Body Lawfully Begotten and in no event is this land to be subject to the liabilities or under the controll of her husband Phelix O Bezley But at the death of said EA Beazly to pass and go to the children of his body lawfully Begotton.
I have advanced for and to my son R.C.Taylor nine hundred Dollars I have his note for $100.00 which I will and Desire Shall be given up to him I now give and bequeath to said RC Taylor $100 additional be paid him by my Executers which is infull of all my estate that I wish him to have except the residuary bequest I paid for a tract of land on which James V Tayler now lives bought from Ashford Skipworth and wife and for which tract of land Said James V Taylor has a deed I will and desire this last mentioned tract of land to Said James V Taylor and his heirs heirs [sic]forever in full of what I desire him to have of my estate except residuary bequest
I give and bequeath to Wilson M Taylor- one hundred dollars to be paid him by my Executors and one bed and furniture in full of all that I wish him to have of my estate Except the residuary bequest next following.
The residue and remainder of my Estate of any kind I will and direct Shall be Sold at publick auction and converted into money and divided among my children and the children of such of them as are dead except the heirs of Jos P Taylor. Decd that is the children are each to have one Share of such remainder and the children of any that are dead or that may died to have the part of their ancestor.
I hereby name nominate and appoint Granville A Taylor James V Tayler and Tarlton S Taylor Executors of this my last will and testament if one or more of them dies or fails or refuses to qualify those who act or ____to have all the power and authority of the three I do not wish the court before whom this will is proven to require any Security of Either one or all of my Executors nor need they make or return any inventory or appraisement of Said Estate but wind it up at the earliest practible period and at as little expense as possible I do this because I have the utmost confidence inthe Executors they they will fully carry out my wishes as indicated int he foregoing will.
I will and direct that the widow of N.B. Taylor shall educate his two children out of the proceeds of the farm given to her for and until the youngest child arrives at age In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this the 24th day of April 1866.
Vincent Taylor (Seal) Witness: WF Owsley, EW Newby, TT Alexander


W.T. Taylor- Deed of Sale:

Know all men by these presents that I W.T. TAYLOR and Lela Bell TAYLOR wife of the aforesaid W.T. Taylor both of Cumberland County State of Kentucky do by these presents Sell alien and convey unto Allen Smith of the County Cumberland all of the undivided Interest of and any kind and vinture in and to the lands which the Grandfather of Myself W.T. Taylor willed unto my Father Granville Taylor for life, and at his death to Myself & the other children& have at law of My Fathersaforesaid Said Will is of record in the County Court Clerk office of Cumberland County and in Will book and is the same land on which My Father Granville Taylor lived and died and is situated on the South Side of Cumberland River- My interest is one ninth, and I the Said Lela Bell Taylor wife do Relinquish all right of Dower or homestead in and to Said one 9th Interest, The Consideration money this deed and Conveyance is the Sum of One hundred Dollors[sic], all of which paid Except the Sum of nineteen Dollars to be paid in the Futur[sic]and whereas there is now a Suit pending in the Cumberland Circuit for a division and an allotment to Each of heirs in & to Said land- Now I herein direct that the part owned by me be allotted to the Said Smith & we do warrent defend the title to be clene[sic] from the claims of all persons Whomsoever.
W.T. X-his mark Taylor Lealor B. X-her mark Taylor


Ballenger Wade

I, Ballenger WADE of cumberland county and State of Kentucky, do hereby make this my last will and testament in manner and form following towit, after all my just and lawful debts are paid, that after my decease, all my real and personal estate, (except my negroes) to be sold and eually divided amongst my children (taking into consideration the sum already advanced by me to those to be after named in this instrument, and which sums they shall account for out of their parts (namely Pierce WADE, Richard WADE, James WADE, Jerrimiah WADE, Mary KING, Sally WILLIAMS, Elizabeth HAYS, Rachel GRAY, Judith CRAIG, and Tinsey COOKSEY; Richard WADE is to account for two hundred and eithy one dollars, being the amount of a certain tract or parcel of land, containing one hundred and forty and a half acres, whreon he now lives to which I made him a deed; also for four hundred and eithy four dollars and fifty cents paid for him to Henry CARE. Pierce WADE is to account for five hundred dollars, Rachel GRAY is to account for five hundred dollars. James WADE is to account for two hundred and fifty dollars, being the amount of two tracts of land, one whereon he now lives, containing fifty seven acres, the other a part of a survey of two hundred acres, his part of said survey to join John CHANDLERS line on the South, and run from thence to the top of dividing ridge, between Mud Camp and Marrowbone according to the survey, already made by Thomas BARTON, to which tracts of Land I shortly intend, making him a deed--Jerimiah WADE is to account for six hundred dollars, the amount of the land whereon he now lives, the amount above stated being brought down to the Standard of Silver. Mary KING being without an heir of her own body, I bequeath unto her ten dollars as her portion, I also bequeath unto her during her natural life, an equal part with the rest of my children, provided however, that she shall be security or otherwise, make such part safe and secure, to be delivered to my heirs at her demise. But it shall be considered as her perogative to bestow or bequeath the whole amount to anyone or more of such heris, at her own will and pleasure. And whereas my negroes desire to continue in my family, I do hereby have it as my will, that they shall be valued personally by disinterested men, and shall have the privilege of chossing their own master or mistress, who shall be allowed to take them at their valuation, but if none of the legatees will purchase them at said price, they shall be sold to the highest bidder, and the money arising from such sales or sales, divided as the rest of my estate--I allow Elizabeth HAYS, the refusal of one hundred acres of land, which I purchased of John R.H.PALMORE, at one hundred dollars, but if she does not desire to purchase at that price, the land to be sold to the highest bidder as the rest of my property. And whereas I have lent money to Peter and John SIMMERMAN to the amount of $1716.31 in Specie or US paper, I leave it as my will, that my executors, collect said money according to contract, if not collected before my decease. Also a judgement in Salisbry Court, NC against Jerimiah WADE, Senior for five or six hundred dollars, I know not the particular amount, I leave it to Edward WADE, provided he shall see fit to collect said judgment if not any other of the legatees, may collect it for their own use. I leave as the executors of this my will, William B. COOK, Isaac McBEE, Everard CLARK and George B. HARLAND, any one or more of them. Witness my hand and seal this 3rd of September 18224. Ballenger WADE (seal) Teste: Bennet ONEAL, Samuel B. McCOLGAN, Thomas JOHNSTON, Richard WADE, Cumberland County KY I Milton KING, Clerk of the County Court for the County aforesaid, do certify that the within last will and testament of Ballenger Wade deceased was produced in open court at the January term 1825 and proved by the oath of Richard WADE, one of the subscribing witnesses thereto, and ordered to record. And I have truly recorded the same, with this certificate in my office in Will book B page 267.

Posted by Jay Eldredge

Will of Robert Turk Williams In the name of God, I, Robert Turk Williams of Cumberland County and the State of Kentucky, being feeble in body but of sound mind and disposing memory, do make this my last will and testament revoking all other wills and codicils heretofore made by me. 1st, It is my will and desire that all my just debts and funeral expenses be paid. 2nd, I give and bequeath to my beloved wife Alice Williams all my cash, cash notes, stock and other property of every description whatever to do with as she pleases forever without imposing any conditions on her whatever. 3 Whereas my mother Jane Williams has heretofore made an attested will leaving to me all her lands, cash, cash notes and personal property go to my wife Alice at the death of my mother to have and to hold to her and her heirs forever. And having implicit confidence in the honesty and integrity of my friend Henry S. Pace, I nominate and appoint him executor to this my last will and testament. Witness my hand this 6th day of August 1884 R. T. Williams attest: C. J. Clare, H. C. ......... W. M. Furkin State of Kentucky Cumberland County Sct. I, ... B. Cheatham Clerk of the Cumberland County Court certify that the foregoing will or R. T. Williams deceased was produced in open court at the September term 1884 and proven by the oaths of H. C. ..... and W. M. Furkin two of the subscribing witnesses there to, to be the last will and testament of R. T. Williams deceased and the same was ordered recorded and filed and the same has been timely entered of record in my office in Will Book H page 270. Given under my hand this 10th day of September 1884 ..... B. Cheatham, clerk


Will of GERROTT WILLIAMS Cumberland County Will Book E page 170 In the name of God amen July 25th this in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-four. I Garrott Williams of Cumberland County and State of Kentucky being very sick and week of body but possessing sound mind and memory do publish and make known this my last will and testament as to the matter and form as followeth that is to say my will is that all my just debts be first paid out of my estate as soon as may be after my decease by my executors hereafter anominated and appointed ---Secondly I leave and bequeath to my beloved wife Winifred Williams all of my real and personal estate in during her natural life and at her death my will is that my real estate should be equally divided among my last children namely as follows Louisiana Williams, Garrott Pegram Williams, James C. Williams, Susannah Williams, Alfred C. Williams & Benjamine M. Williams. I do nominate and appoint Winifred Williams & Osborne Williams executors of this my last will and testament hereby annulling and making void all former will or wills by me made or said to be by me made and only do declare this to be my last will and no other. In testimony hereof have set my hand and affixed my seal the day and year first above written. Garrott Williams (seal) Witness: Seth Williams Lemuel Williams Thos Williams State of Kentucky, Cumberland County Sct., I James Haggard Clerk of the County Court aforesaid do certify that the within Instrument of writing purporting to be the Last will and testament of Garrott Williams Dec'd was produced in open Court at the July Term 1853 proven by the oaths of Lemuel Williams and Seth Williams two of the subscribed witnesses and ordered to record and the same is truly Recorded in my said office in Will Book E page 170 Given under my hand this 13th day of July 1853 Jas Haggard C by M Martin, Clerk