Elizabeth J. Wells 1864
January the 19th 1864
Know all men by these presence that I Elizabeth J. Wells being in a low state of health but of sound mind and disposing memory an calling to mind the uncertainty of life and certainty of death an wishing to dispose of the things of this World which the Lord has blest me with.
1st - My will is at my death that all my debts be paid.
2nd - 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; also will my negro girl Perseiler to stay here and cook and do for them till J.M. Wells becomes 21 years of age.
M.P. Wells, J.L. Wells, B.C. Wells, and J.M. Wells is the four children that is here.
3rd - My will that I want my son W.L. Wells to stay here an see to the children if he can and live here for as he has done, an Pus to cook an wash for him until he can get his house done or 12 months if he wants to
4th - My will 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.
5th - 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 has had horse saddle worth 86.
6th - My will is that my 4 sons have one cow and calf worth 12 dollars each. I mean the 4 youngest as I give to my daughter one cow and calf and also give W.L. Wells on cow worth 12 dollars each.
7th - 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 white steer yearlings.
8th - My will is that my 4 sons have 2 horses Kit and Pigion for their use to keep on the farm to raise the children.
9th - 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.
10th - 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.
11th - 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 has been out of the estate to have a common education and to understand figures to the single rule of three.
12th - My will is if my children don't stay on the farm and break up an scatter I want my farm rent and negro girl hired out till J.M. Wells is 21 years of age, also the 2 horses I give them and 2 cows and 2 yearlings and all the other things that I left for the use of the children sold.
13th - I Elizabeth J Wells make this my last will and testimony whereupon affix 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.