John Purcell's 1834 Last Will and Testament

On 5 Jul 1805, Thomas Purcell had deeded his 400 acres to his son John Purcell. Then, on 1 Jun 1834, John Purcell signed the following will, essentially leaving his estate to Nathan Evans with the stipulation that Evans provide for Purcell's wife Doshy (Theodocia) during her lifetime. In 1845, Theodocia Purcell required Nathan Evans to secure his continued payment and support with a deed of mortgage for the slaves identified in John Purcell's will. Theodocia wrote her will 20 years later.

Evans signed a deed to Theodocia Purcell in 1850, giving over to her 107.5 acres of the 400 acre tract. Despite this deed, it appears that the entire 400 acres was still in Evans' hands when he died sometime before March 1851, for half of it, 200 acres, was sold by the Circuit Court to William Patterson to satisfy Evans' obligation to Theodocia Purcell, and then the other half was sold to a Louisville firm, Smith & Rowland to satisfy his debt to them [Deed Book N, page 286].

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Bullitt County Will Book B, Pages 374-375

In the name of God, amen. I John Purcell of Bullitt County and state of Kentucky, being sound in body and of disposing mind, but considering the uncertain continuance of human life and certainty of death, do make this my last will, and testament in manner and form following.

Imprimis. I will and bequeath all my personal and real estate and all my outstanding debts unto Nathan Evans after all my just debts and funeral expenses are paid, consisting of 500 acres of land on Crooked Creek and 50 acres of land on the waters of Wilson Creek; also four Negroes, George, Charles, James and Sophy and the residue of my personal estate, except what is hereafter mentioned, by the said Nathan Evans paying to my beloved wife $75 every year in cash between 25th December and the first day of March during her natural life; and also to find her in good and wholesome provisions during her life time, as good as the county affords. And if my wife Dosha should marry then and in that case the said Nathan Evans is not bound to board her any longer. And also the said Nathan Evans is to give my wife the choice of all my horses and her own saddle, and also one bed and furniture, being her choice; also her choice of the room in the house wherein I now live. I also bequeath to Mary Shain, an illegitimate child, one bed and furniture. It is also to be understood before the said Nathan Evans is to have all of my property in his possession he is to give bond and approved security to my executor for the faithful performance of this my will, and also is not to have the same until he arrives to the age of 21 years, and if he cannot give good and sufficient security, he is to give a mortgage on three Negroes George, Charles and Sophy for the conditions of this will. I also appoint William Hill as my executor in this will without security of this my last will and testament, hereby revoking all others I have made heretofore either verbal or written. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 1st day of June 1834. (signed) John Purcell in the presence of subscribing witnesses John Boots, Benjamin Collings, William S. Compton, William W. Hopkins.

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