Volume 3, Number 1 - Winter 1967-68


The Last Will and Testament of Jesse Yarnall
Harrison County Kentucky, Will Book A, Pages 125-127

sent by Mrs. Jessie Cox

I, Jesse Yarnall of Harrison County and the State of Kentucky, being weak in body but sound in mind and memory, thanks be to God, and calling to mind the shortness of life and certainty of death, and that it is appointed for all men to die, I do hereby make my last will and testament. My soul I resume to God who gave it; and my body I wish to be given a decent burial in a Christian-like manner, and all resonable charges to be paid out of my estate, first. Then the balance, both real and personal, to be disposed of in the following manner

Firstly, I give and bequesth to my son, John Yarnall, the place whereon he now lives, including half the said bottom, together with his improve ments.

Secondly, I give and bequesth to my son, Samuel Yarnall, the place whereon he now lives, together with the improvements where James Smith lived, to include half of that land commonly known by the name of Peach Bottom, extending out to Roder's old east side line.

Thirdly, I give and bequesth to my son, Issac Yarnall, the plantation whereon he now lives, including all the land lying on the east side of the river as it was laid off by James Coleman; also my wagon, iron tooth harrow and cutting barge.

Fourthly, I give and bequesth to my beloved wife, Ann Yarnall, one mare, one cow, four sheep; to take her choice out of each stock, all of which creatures are to be kept winter and summer on the place and will be taken care of by my son, Issac, for her use at his own expense. And if said cow should die, Issac is to furnish her milk, also another is to kept in like manner. She is to have that part of the home that I now live and lodge in, being the north east end with the loft belonging there unto entirely for the use of her and my daughter, Sally. Also a sufficient quantity of fire wood, ready cut and hauled to the door-also the whole of the flax on the place, both cleaned and uncleaned, is for the use of my wife and daughter, Sally, also two hives of bees, her choice out of that stacked with the second row from the ground, and eight now empty hives, for her own use and my daughter, Sally's. They also are to have free privilege of all the fruit on the place of every kind, to take what is for their own use, and one barrel of good cider is to furnish them with 400 weight of good flour, four bushel of corn and 250 weight of pork with salt sufficient to preserve it; the same to be paid annually. And if in case, the above-named Issac Yarnall should fail in performing and she sees cause to leave him, he shall be compelled to pay her any sum of money she shall demand, not exceeding $36 a year. Which the said Issac is bound to comply to his mother during her natural life or widowhood. But if Sally should marry and leave her mother, then the said Issac is to be freed from half of the above flour, corn and pork.

Fifthly, I give and bequesth to my son, David Yarnall, the place whereon he now lives, containing 129 acres by survey; and in case the said David Yarnall should lose the land above named, he is to have the same quantity of bottom land out of the bond I have on Samuel McMillian for the im provements and difference of land.

Sixthly, I give and bequesth to my daughter, Sally, $600, to take her first choice out of my cash notes and bonds to that amount together with the interest thereunto belonging. Also Sally is to have one brown mare, commonly called her's before, with her bridle and saddle. Also all the household and kitchen furniture with the loom and tacking. Also one new case of new drawers which is due from Charles Relso. However, my wife is to have the use of one bed, bedding and bureau during her life or widowhood, then to go to my daughter, Sally.

Seventhly, I give and bequesth to my son, Joseph Yarnall, $200 to take his choice, next to that amount after Sally has chosen out hers-my executors heretofore named to draw for him or make the choice.

And the balance of my cash notes and bonds is to be divided equally between my three sons, to wit, John, Samuel, and David, after David takes out $300 on account of his land being in dispute: to be divided by my executors. Also my man, George, with a copper still, with the balance of my movable property, is to be sold, and equally divided between John, Samuel, and David, only such part as has already been named or shall hereafter be mentioned.

Also my will is that my son, Issac, coming or moving on the place where I now live, shall have all the crop of wheat and rye now in the ground belonging to me; also the whole of what grain and hay is in the barn and what hay is in the meadow. Also all the corn to go to my son David, of the best there is; also my desire is that my three sons, John, Samuel, and David shall have all that land that I have bond on Samuel McMillan for, which is, 1,280 acres, after there is 129 acres of bottom land, which was in exchange for the land David lives on; the balance to be equally divided
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between the aforesaid John, Samuel and David; also my trade notes and accounts to be divided equally between the aforesaid John, Samuel, and David.

Lastly, I do appoint William Benjamin Hodge, Sr., and Josiah Griffith my whole and sole executors of my last will and testament; ratifying and confirming this and no other to be my last will and testament. In witness I here unto set my hand seal this 8th day of April in the year of Our Lord 1809
Jesse Yarnall
Witnesses; Thomas Hawkins, Jacob Loomard, William Rolston, and Leonard Stump.

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'Going to Mill' wood cut image by John Gerten

"Going to Mill" by John Gerten


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