Wilhite Carpenter's 1898 Will

In his will, Judge Carpenter identified his wife Letitia, his daughters Sarah and Rhoda, and their husbands William Barrickman and W. O. B. McCarty. As a lawyer himself, he wrote his own will and it was verified following his death by two other lawyers who were familiar with his handwriting and signature. Note that his given name was spelled several ways, including Wilhite, Wilhoit, and Wilhoite, but it is Wilhite on his tombstone.

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Bullitt County Will Book J, Pages 231-232

In the name of God, amen. I Wilhoit Carpenter, being of sound mind and disposing memory and knowing the uncertainty of life and the certainty of death, do hereby make and ordain this my last will and testament, revoking all other wills heretofore made.

First, I will my soul to God who gave it.

Second, after my death I desire to be buried in a plain Christian-like manner at such time and place as my family and friends may desire.

Third, after my burial, I desire that all my just debts and funeral expenses may be paid as speedily as possible, and I desire the court to allow my executrix or executors, who I hereafter name, to qualify without being required to give security. And I hereby desire my executors to sell publicly or privately so much of my property, either real or personal estate as will be sufficient to pay all my just debts, and convey the same as I could do when living, without applying to court for a decree to do so.

I have given my two children, Sarah E. Barrickman and Rhoda McCarty but little and what I have given them or may give them before I die is not to be charged as advancements to either of them, but each of them and my wife Letitia Carpenter are to share and share alike, and I hereby appoint my sons-in-law William Barrickman and W. O. B. McCarty or either of them settle up my estate as speedily as possible with power to sell or divide any or all of my estate, both real, personal and mixed, and make deeds to same without applying to court to do so, consulting my wife as to her rights in my estate. And my wife is invested with the right to dispose of her portion of my estate as she may desire either by gift, will or otherwise if at the time of sound mind.

Given under my hand, having written this myself, believing it just and right, this 6th day of April 1887. (signed) Wilhoite Carpenter.

State of Kentucky Bullitt County Sct. I W. B. Tilden, clerk of the Bullitt County Court, certify that the foregoing last will and testament of Wilhoite Carpenter was on February 14th 1898 produced in open court and proved by the oaths of R. F. Hays and J. F. Combs to be wholly in the handwriting of the said Wilhoite Carpenter, and that the signature was his genuine signature, and the same being fully proved as required by law was admitted to probate and ordered to be recorded as the last will and testament of Wilhoite Carpenter, which with this certificate I have truly recorded in my office this 16th day of February 1898. (signed) W. B. Tilden, Clerk.

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