Muhlenberg County Kentucky
Wills: W
Elizabeth J. Wells, 1864
Image
Transcription
January the 19th 1864
Know all men by these presents that I, Elizabeth J. Wells, being in a low state of health but of sound mind and disposing memory and calling to mind the uncertainty of life and certainty of death, and wishing to dispose of the things of this world which the Lord has blessed me with.
1. My will is at my death that all my debts be paid.
2. I will my farm where I now live to my children until John becomes 21 years of age all of the children that is where [sic] also will my negro girl Percilla to stay here and cook and do for them til J.M. Wells becomes 21 years of age. M.P. Wells, J.L. Wells, B.C. Wells, and J.M. Wells are the four children that are here.
3. My will is that I want my son W.L. Wells to stay here and see to the children if he can and live here for as he has done, and Pus to cook and wash for him until he can get his house done or 12 months if he wants to.
4. My will is that W.L. Wells has one bed and stead and bed clothing, 3 quilts, 1 blanket, 1 sheet as Ann my daughter has had her bed and furniture. Also give my 4 sons the same of bedding and clothing, M.P. Wells, James F. Wells, Benjamin C. Wells, J.M. Wells.
5. My will is that J.F. Wells has one horse and saddle worth 86 dollars, also B.C. Wells to have one horse and saddle to be worth 86 dollars, also J.M. Wells to have one horse and saddle to be worth 86 dollars, also M.P. Wells to have one horse and saddle to be worth 86 dollars. I paid M.P. Wells 21 dollars which he is to account for and that leaves 65 as the other children have had horse saddle worth 86.
6. My will is that my 4 sons have one cow and calf worth 12 dollars each. I mean the 4 youngest as I gave to my daughter one cow and calf and also gave W.L. Wells one cow worth 12 dollars each.
7. My will is that my four youngest sons have 2 cows and calves choice of the cows for their use and benefit to keep on the farm and 2 2 [sic] white steer yearlings.
8. My will is that my 4 sons have 2 horses Kit and Pigeon for their use to keep on the farm to raise the children.
9. I want my 4 children to have all of my farming tools also all of my cupboard ware and cooking vessels to be for the use of the family and pot ware, also 1 square table to the children.
10. My will is that I appoint my son W.L. Wells executor to my will to carry it out and I want it done. Also give my 4 children to have all the feed and provisions that is here to do them this year. At my death I want all my personal estate sold but that part which is otherwise advised.
11. My will is that my negro man Richard be hired out at my death also want my 3 youngest children to be schooled as my other children have been out of the estate to have a common education and to understand figures to the single rule of three.
12. My will is if my children don't stay on the farm and break up and scatter, I want my farm rented and negro girl hired out til J.M. Wells is 21 years of age, also the 2 horses I gave them and 2 cows and 2 yearlings and all the other things that I left for the use of the children sold.
13. I, Elizabeth J. Wells, make this my last will and testimony where as fix my hand and pen this day and date above written.
Elizabeth her x mark J. Wells
Witness
F.L. Cary
W.W. Johnston
John C. Cary
James F. Dukes
State of Kentucky
Muhlenberg County Sct.
February County Court 1864.
The foregoing last will and testament of Elizabeth J. Wells, deceased, was exhibited into court and proven to be the act and deed of said decedent by the oaths of F.L. Cary, John C. Cary and James F. Dukes, three of the subscribing witnesses thereto, and ordered to be recorded.
Att. Tho. J. Jones Clk.
Source: Muhlenberg County Kentucky Will Book 3, pp. 209-210.
Contributed by Donald Hauser
Updated August 21, 2022