Will of John Lester 13 Feb 1854 Written - Court Date 17 Apr 1854

Of sound mind and disposing memory though weak in body. To my beloved wife Emily Lester, 300 acres of land that I now live on. It is to be laid off of the west end of the survey so as to include the house, it being a track of land lying on the turnpike road leading from Princeton to Hopkinsville; also a negro girl Sabrina Catharen; negro child Lyda Catharine; mare by name of Nace and saddle and bridle, all household and kitchen furnity, all of which my wife is to have the use and benefit during her natural life and at her death to be equally divided between my children. To my son John Marion Lester, the remaining track of land that I now live on, supposed to be 150 acres; also negro by Grey, during his natural life and at his death the property to return to the ballance of my children. My wife Emily to keep my son John M Lester as long as he lives and to keep his property for his use and benefit. My wife to administer on my will. To George Lester, one horse. To my son Frank M Lester, one horse. To my son John M Lester, one horse. To my son Pollard Lester one horse. To my son Richard Lester one Horse. The residue of my estate undevised to be equally divided between my above named children after all my debts are paid. /s/ John Lester. Wit: G B Glass James Miller

County Court Order Book H Pg 273 17 Apr 1854. A writing purporting to be the last will and testament of John Lester dec'd was this day produced in court by Wilson L Pollard, who had possession of same, and thereupon Emily Lester, widow of decedent and J P McCain, by their attorny, appeared and opposed the probate thereof, alleging that the said writing is not the true last will and testament of said decedent. On motion, Wm H Edmonds was appointed Guardian ad litem for F U Lester, John M Lester & w P Lester, infants and orphans of said testator John Lester, and the evidence being heard, and the court being sufficiently advised, is of opinion that the said writing is not the true last will and testament of said deceased. It is therefore considered by the court that Emily Lester and J P McCain recover agains the said W L Pollard their costs in this behalf expended. On motion of Wilson L Pollard (the widow Emily Lester and J P McCain, the next of kin, appearing in court and waiving their right to administer) it is ordered that administration of the goods and chattels etc of John Lester dec'd be granted unto Pollard, who took the oath and with Richard C Groom and J B Groom, his sureties, entered into bond. It is further ordered that Joseph a McConnell, J B Groom and B J Grubbs (and being sworn may act) be appointed to appraise the personal estate and slaves(if any) of John Lester.
Source: Brenda Joyce Jerome. Caldwell County, Kentucky Will Book B 1835 - 1889 (Evansville, IN: Evansville Bindery, Inc., 1995), 123-124. - "Transcribed for use here by Christine Walters"

"In the name of God Amen, I , Cader BARNES of Christian County and State of Kentucky being in perfect mind and memory and knowing that mortality of my body and that it is appointed for all men once to die, First, I recommend my soul to Almighty God that gave it and my body to the earth from whence it was taken to be buried with a decent burial at the discretion of my Executors to be hereafter named and as for my worldly goods that God in his goodness has been pleased to bestow upon, I dispose of herein the following manner to wit. First, my will and desire is that all my lawful debts be faithfully discharged by said Executors by exposing to sale so much of my property as shall be sufficient to answer that purpose.
Item 2, I give and bequeath to my wife Winey BARNES one hundred acres of land situate and being in Christian County on the waters of the Muddy Fork Branch of Little River it being one half of two hundred acre survey she purchased of her brother George Kesterson also one sorrel mare and woman's saddle, two bed and furniture, two cows and yearlings also one loom and gears, a pot and bake oven likewise four pewter basons, two dishes and eight plates with seven knives and thre forks all the above named articles is now in the actual possession of my said wife Winey Barns.
Item 3rd I give and bequeath to my son-in-law Andrew COLLINS one bed and furniture which said Collins has now in his possession.
Item 4th I give and bequeath to my son-in-law James THOMAS one bed and furniture which said Thomas has now in his possession I do also bequeath to said Thomas my paper covered trunk.
Item 5th I give and bequeath to Richard Thomas my son in law one bed and furniture which said Thomas has now in his possession.
Item 6th I give and bequeath to my son Solomon 50 acres of land that I at present reside on, also one sorrel mare and black colt, oneyear old, likewise my saddle and bridle with a bed and furniture.
item 7th I give and bequeath to my daughter Milindy one bed and furniture also a bedstead and my cotton wheel. The residue of my property if any remains after discharging my just debts my will and desire is that it be equally divided between my son Soloman and my daughter Milinday.
I appoint William CARNEY and Elijah WHITNEY Executors of this my last will and testament. Signed sealed and delivered in the presence of : Attest: Abraham SMITH, James LAWRENCE, Samuell ORR Sr. The forgoing was produced in Court and proven by the oaths of Samuel ORR Sr and Abraham SMITH, ordered to be recorded Jun Term 1812 Christian County Court. Clerk John Reynolds
Source: Brenda Joyce Jerome. Caldwell County, Kentucky Will Book B 1835 - 1889 (Evansville, IN: Evansville Bindery, Inc., 1995), 123-124. - "Transcribed for use here by Christine Walters"

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