The Will of Edward Hamilton -- Bracken Co., Kentucky
Edward Hamilton was the son of John Hamilton, and my 5th great-grandfather. In his Will below, Edward names all of his children -- John, Samuel, William, Herrod, Rachael Mains, and Esther Mains(my 4th great-grandmother). Esther or Hester was married to my 4th great-grandfather, Oliver Laban Mains.
Dated April 23, 1826
In the name of God, Amen, I, Edward Hamilton, of the county of Bracken and the state of Kentucky, am in a low state of health, but perfect in mind, memory, and understanding, knowing it is appointed once for all men to die, I do make, constitute and confirm this my last Will and Testament.
1st of all, after my funeral expenses and lawful debts are paid, I will to my well beloved wife, Mary, one third part of all my real and personal estate so long as she liveth.
Second, I will that my son, Herrod, have the sum of one hundred dollars more to his share than any one of the rest of my hereafter mentioned children.
Thirdly, I will that the balance of my estate to be equally divided between my four sons and two daughters, (to wit), my son, John, and my son, Samuel, and my son, William, and my son, Herrod, and my daughter, Rachael Mains, and my daughter, Esther Mains, as before stated, I will that after the one hundred dollars to my son, Herrod, that an equal division be made with him, as well as the above named children, of all my real, as well as personal estate, after the deduction of that sum and my widow’s thirds as above stated.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this twenty-third day of April in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and twenty six.
Witnesses present:
Isaac Day, Jun.
John Hamilton
Edward (E - his mark) Hamilton
Bracken County, Kentucky
April 16, 1827
This last Will and Testament of Edward Hamilton, dec’d., was this day proven in open court by the oathe of Isaac Day, Jun., and John Hamilton, subscribing witnesses, thereto, and ordered to be recorded, which is duly done.
Att. John Payne, K.K.
Source:
Kentucky Probate Records, 1792-1977
FamilySearch Historical Records Collections
FamilySearch.org
Will Records, 1823-1833, Vol. C, Bracken Co., Kentucky, pg. 129
Transcribed by V. A. Burton