Muhlenberg County Kentucky

Muhlenberg map

Wills: S

James S. Smith, 1854

In the name of God Amen. I, James S. Smith of the County of Muhlenberg and State of Kentucky, being weak of body but sound mind and disposing memory do make ordain and publish this as my last Will and testament.

1st I give and bequeath to my son John Smith one undivided half of the tract of land on which I now live to him and his heirs forever.

2nd The other undivided half of said tract of land whereon I live I give and bequeath unto the three natural heirs or children of my deceased son Moses F. Smith to be equally divided between them.

3rd I also give and bequeath to my son John Smith and his heirs forever two Negro women to wit. One named Clary and her daughter Margaret.

4th The Negro girl Margaret given above to John Smith now has three children, said children as well as said Margaret's future increase are to be equally divided between my two sons John and Peter and the children of my deceased sons Aaron A. Smith and Moses F. Smith.

5th I give and bequeath to the children of my deceased Son Moses F. Smith five hundred dollars in money equally divided between them when they severally arrive at age or marry.

6th I give and bequeath to the children of my deceased Son Aaron A. Smith five Hundred Dollars to be equally divided between them as they arrive at age or marry.

7th I give and bequeath to my son Peter Smith one negro boy named Sampson to him and his heirs forever.

8th After all my just debts are paid all the remaining personal property of every kind I hereby give and bequeath to my two sons John and Peter and the children of my two deceased Sons to be divided equally.

9th Having heretofore given to my daughter Jemima Price wife of Giles Price her full shear and portion of my estate I hereby give her one additional dollar.

10th The sums devised above to the children of Moses F. and Aaron A. Smith decd. is to bear interest from 12 months after my death.

I hereby appoint my son John Smith the executor of this my last will and testament hereby revoking all others or former wills made by me this 22nd day of July 1851.

James S. Smith

Teste
B.E. Pittman
W.A. Evans

Muhlenberg County Sct
November County Court 1854
The foregoing will of James S. Smith was produced into court and proved by the oaths of B.E. Pittman and W.A. Evans the subscribing witnesses thereto to be the act and deed of said decedent which was ordered to be recorded.
Att. Jesse H. Reno Clerk

Source: Muhlenberg County Kentucky Will Book 3, p. 151.

Contributed by Dorann O'Neal Lam

Updated August 15, 2022