Near the end of his life, John Anderson called on County Clerk R. F. Samuels and Dr. S. A. McKay to witness his last will and testament in which he willed that his estate be sold and divided equally among his five children. The following are named in the 1850 household of John Anderson: Samuel H. Anderson (25), John D. Anderson (22), James H. Anderson (21), Ann E Anderson (15) (who married William Shane), and Susan Anderson (13), and are assumed to be his five children.
Anderson had Samuels sign his name, likely due to his weakened condition, in the presense of McKay, on 22 May 1856. The will was entered of record on 27 Jun 1856 following his death.
Bullitt County Will Book E, Pages 460-461
In the name of God, Amen. I John Anderson of Bullitt County, Kentucky, being now sick and feeble of body, but sound of mind and disposing memory, do make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner and form following.
It is my desire that all my just debts shall be paid and that the same may be done as speedily as possible. I do hereby direct my executor herein after named and appointed to collect all money that may be owing to me at the time of my decease.
It is also my will that my said executor shall sell all my lands, slaves and personal property, and do hereby vest him with full power and authority to sell and convey the same on such terms and credits and in such manner as he may deem best for my estate, and after the payment of my just debts as before mentioned, to divide the remainder equally amongst all my five children, share and share alike. I also give my said executor power and authority to compromise or submit to arbitration any and all suits and controversies I may have at the time of my decrease.
The yellow woman Emeline has been free for many years, and I make this acknowledgement in my will that my executor may have no difficulty on that subject.
I do hereby nominate and appoint Thomas W. Riley of the City of Louisville executor of this my will, and I declare this and this only to be my only true last will and testament. Given under my hand and seal this 22nd day of May 1856. (signed) John Anderson
Signed and acknowledged by the testator John Anderson (R. F. Samuels wrote testator's name at his request) in the presence of us the subscribing witnesses wh attest the same in his presence and in the presence of each other. (signed) R. F. Samuels, S. A. McKay
State of Kentucky, Bullitt county; Sct. I Robert f. Samuels, clerk of the county court for said county, certify that the foregoing last will and testament of John Anderson dec'd was this day June the 27th 1856 produced in open court and proven by the oaths of R. F. Samuels and Dr. S. A. McKay to be the last will and testament of said John Anderson dec'd, whereupon said will &c was ordered to be recorded which is truly done in my office. (signed) R. F. Samuels, Clerk, by R. H. Lansdale, Deputy Clerk
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The Bullitt County History Museum, a service of the Bullitt County Genealogical Society, is located in the county courthouse at 300 South Buckman Street (Highway 61) in Shepherdsville, Kentucky. The museum, along with its research room, is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Saturday appointments are available by calling 502-921-0161 during our regular weekday hours. Admission is free. The museum, as part of the Bullitt County Genealogical Society, is a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization and is classified as a 509(a)2 public charity. Contributions and bequests are deductible under section 2055, 2106, or 2522 of the Internal Revenue Code. Page last modified: 12 Sep 2024 . Page URL: bullittcountyhistory.org/bchistory/john-anderson-will.html
