Will of Abner Davidson - 1840

Contributed by Orren Davidson

I, Abner Davidson of the county of Garrard and state of Kentucky, hereby declare and publish this as my last will and testament hereby revoking all other will or wills by me at any time heretofore made. Although I am weak in body, I believe I possess a sound and disposing mind and memory. It is my wish first that my executors, hereinafter named, as soon as may be convenient after my decease, sell at public sale all my property of every description and kind except the plantation wherenow I now live and upon such reasonable credit as they may deem expedient and the monies arising from said sale when collected I wish divided in the following manner: one third part to my beloved wife Rebecca to have use and control for and during her natural life and one hundred dollars to Polly McQuerry whom I have raised and as a token of my respect for her I also wish her to have her bed and furniture which has been set apart for her is not be sold with any other property – the remainder of the money arising from said sale of my property I wish divided into six equal parts – the first part I give to grandson Abner, son of my eldest son Jordon, but if my grandson Abner dies without heirs I wish the part given him to revert to his brothers and sisters in equal parts- the second part I give unto my son Jesse and the third part I give to my daughter Nancy Williamson and her heirs – the fourth part I give unto my daughter Betsy. The fifth part I give unto my grandson Abner Daniel Ray, son of my daughter Patsy Ray, and if my said grandson dies without heirs this part given him to revert to his brothers and sisters – the seventh part I give to my son Ahab and I also give him a filly known as the Shakespeare filly and his bridal and saddle which is not to be sold with any other property. I make this last provision because I have heretofore given to each of my children as they left me a horsebriddle and saddle – it is my wish and desire that my beloved wife Rebecca have use, control and live upon the plantation if she choses for and during her natural life and after the deceased of my said wife I wish the money hereby given to her to be divided unto size equal parts and descend in such manner as I have directed the remainder of money arising from my sale to my children and grandchildren – it is my wish and desire and I hereby appoint my beloved son Jesse and Daniel Ray executors of this my last will and testament. In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my hand this the 19th day of September in the year of our Lord 1840.

Abner x Davidson

(His mark)

Subscribed and acknowledged
In the presence of
Alexander Collier
Phillip Dunn

Garrard County Court

I certify that the will of Abner Davidson deceased was produced to court? at the November twenty-third 1840 and proven to be such by the oath of Alexander Collier and Phillip Dunn two subscribing witnesses thereto and approved and ordered to be recorded whereupon the same is truly recorded.

Alexander McKee