WILL

NOTLEY MADDOX

Shelby Co., KY

August 4, 1818

 

(Son of John and Mary Dyson Maddox and married to Susannah Burch)

(Born in St. Mary's County, MD, lived his adult life in Culpeper County, VA and went with his son John and several daughters to Shelby County KY where he died)

 

Transcribed by Agnes Donally

 

 

In the name of God, Amen.  I Notley Maddox of the County of Shelby and State of Kentucky being aged and infirm and in a languishing condition but yet possessing my usual intelligence and understanding do make ordain and publish this my last will and testament.  My body to be consined to the earth by decent burial but my spirit I commend to God who gave it.

 

As for the property I am possessed of it is my wish and will that as near as practicably convenient it is to be disposed of as follows ~~

 

1st        It is my wish and desire that my son John Maddox be and I do hereby appoint him to be my sole executor to carry into effect this my last will and testament.

 

2nd        To my daughter Polly Turner I give and bequeath one Negro boy named Ben and one Negro girl named Winney during her life but not to be sold by her or her husband but to be retained for her children.

 

3rd        To my daughter Sally Thorn I give and bequeath one Negro boy named George and one Negro girl named Cat as her absolute property forever.

 

4th        To my daughter Elizabeth Roberts I give and bequeath one Negro boy named Harry and one Negro girl named Caroline during her life but not to be sold by her or her husband but to be retained in the family for the use of her children after her death.

 

5th        To my son John Maddox I give and bequeath my wagon and one black horse as his own absolute property forever.

 

6th        To Joshua Turner husband to my daughter Polly give one bay mare as his own property.

 

7th        The balance of my personal estate consisting of four Negroes Aaron, Jenney, Charity and Moses and some household furniture to be equally divided between my three daughters Polly, Sally and Elizabeth but if a satisfactory division cannot be made by themselves they shall not have ____ but three or more ____ disinterested persons shall be chosen by the parties whose decision shall be final and valid between them.

 

8th        The land I hold in North Carolina and County of Ash I do hereby give and bequeath to my son Bennet as his own absolute property forever.

 

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 4th day of August 1818.

 

Sined sealed and acknowledged in the presence of the subscribing witnesses.

 

                                                            Notley Maddox (seal)

 

Attest

            George Bergen

            James Martin ?

            Matthias ?

 

Shelby County

March County Court 1820

 

A writing purporting to e the last will and Testament of Notley Maddox deceased was produced in Court by George Bergain and the said Bergen an Matthias ? two of the subscribing witnesses thereto being duly sworn say that the said Notley Maddox did sign seal and deliver the said instrument of writing as and for his last will and Testament and that they believe he was in his perfect sences and memory at the time of doing the same.

 

Whereas ~ will is ordered to be recorded and thereupon John Maddox the Executor named in said will came into Court and took upon himself the burthen of the Execution thereof and on his motion ______ till next Court is given him to qualify and give bond agreeable to Law.

 

Att. James L. Whitaker Ck