Benjamin Chestnut
Will
Submitted by Vera Burnham
Source: Microfilm of Will Book 4, page 108
I, Benjamin Chestnut of Laurel County, and State of Kentucky, being of sound mind and disposeing memory do hereby make this my last will and testament, hereby revoking all former wills and testaments made by me.
1st., I will that all my just debts and funeral expences be paid
2nd, I will that my daughter Nancy Martin, the wife of Joseph Martin, and the children of my daughter, Hily Mavin ? now deceased, and Blevins Chestnut my son, have all my estate after my death to be specific about it my will is that the estate that I have shall be divided into three equal parts, my daughter Nancy Martin, to have one part, my daughter Hilley's children to have one part, and Blevins Chestnut one part of all the property of every kind that I may have after the payment of my just debts and funeral expences as above specified.
3rd, As to my other children I have heretofore furnished for them and have given them all that I intend that they shall have.
4th, If either of the above named persons to wit ; Nancy Martin, my daughter Hilirs children or Blevin Chestnut's should die before I die, leaving children, then in that event the children shall have their part instead of them. It is distinctly to be understood that it is to give to them and if they are dead, to their children, and if any of their children be dead without issue the remaining children are to have the part hereby divided. Given under my hand this the 24th day of Febuary 1872.
Benjamin X (his mark) Chestnut
Witness ; James B. Moore, and Granville Pearl
Whereas on the 24th day of Febuary last, I made the foregoing will and in as much as I am now living with Blevins Chestnut and his wife Polly is very kind to me and waits upon me freely and kindly, I hereby give and bequeath to her, my mare at my death. I have given to Blevin Chestnut the smallest---- of the two that sorel mare has foiled a short time back for taking care of both. And if I should die before I should dispose of the other mule, then Blevins Chestnut is to have that also and I hereby change my will to that extent given under my hand the 11th day of May 1872
Benjamin X Chestnut
Witness ; G. Pearl, and Mary J. Chestnut
State of Kentucky
Laurel County, Court November term 1874
A paper purporting to be the last will and testament of Benjamin Chestnut dec'd was produced in Court and Proven by the oath of G. Pearl, James B. Moore, and Mary J. Chestnut, subscribing witness there to where upon, the court ordered the same to be recordedAtt. W. Jones, Clerk.