John S. Smith and William G. Shane were in the tavern business together in Shepherdsville when Smith died. Below is a transcription of his will, and images of the will and the inventory and sale of his estate.
Smith and Shane had purchased the ground and business from Joseph P. Simmons on 6 Mar 1854. Following Smith's death, his widow Catherine married Asa Newkirk, and on 20 Jul 1860 she sold her part of the business to Shane. That same day, by court order, the entire business and ground was sold to Thomas Joyce.
Bullitt County Will Book E, Pages 296-297
In the name of God, amen. I John S. Smith of the town of Shepherdsville, Bullitt County, Kentucky, being weak in body, but of sound mind and disposing memory, do make this my last will and testament.
First, I command my soul to God the father of all good graces. Second, I wish to be buried in a decent matter. Third, I wish all my just debts to be paid. Fourth, I will unto my wife the balance of my estate, both real and personal to dispose of in such way as she chooses with power to sell and dispose of the same for her own proper use and benefit. Fourth [sic], I appoint my beloved wife Catherine Smith executrix of this my last will and testament.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 12th day of December, A.D. 1854.
Signed by John Smith in the presence of the undersigned who witnesses the same in the presence of the testator and in the presence of each other. (signed) John S. Smith, R. F. Samuels, Nat P. Saunders
State of Kentucky Bullitt County Court, 15th January 1855. I Robert F. Samuels, clerk of the County Court, for said county, do certify that the foregoing last will and testament of John S. Smith dec'd was this day produced in open court, and proven by the oaths of R. F. Samuels and Nat P Saunders witnesses thereto to be the last will and testament of said John S. Smith, dec'd, who was of sound mind and memory at the time of the execution of the aforesaid last will and testament, whereupon said will was ordered to be recorded which is truly done in my office. (signed) R. F. Samuels, clerk by C. R. Samuels, 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: 06 Dec 2024 . Page URL: bullittcountyhistory.org/bchistory/johnssmith-will.html
