Abraham Field's 1852 Last Will and Testament

Abraham Field wrote his will in July 1852, and it was recorded in August. Essentially, he left it up to his heirs to divide up most of his estate, which they did later.

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Bullitt County Will Book D, Pages 475-476

I Abraham Field of the county of Bullitt and state of Kentucky do make, declare and publish this paper to be my last will and testament.

1st. Having heretofore given sundry Negroes to each of my five children considered by me to be equal in value, now my will is that such advancement be so held and regarded in the further distribution of my estate.

2nd. As regards advancements of personal property at different times made by me to my children, minutes of most of which are to be found on my books, my will and desire is, and I hereby invest my executors hereafter named with full power, to settle and arrange the same upon equitable principles, and in that as in every other matter of importance connected with the adjustment of my affairs, a majority of them are to govern.

3rd. I give unto my son Abram H. Field (being the youngest) my buggy, my wardrobe of clothes, one bed, bedding, furniture, and my cloak.

4th. I give unto my grandson Abram Field Brooks my gold watch to be kept by him in remembrance of myself whose name he bears.

5th I desire that the shotgun now belonging to my son Alfred J. Field be purchased of him, preserved for and given when he is old enough to my grandson Abram H. Bowman in remembrance of his father whose property it once was.

6th. I give and bequeath all my estate real, personal and mixed not above disposed of to my five children, Richard H. Field, Alfred J. Field, Abram H. Field, Elizabeth E. Brooks and Mary Jane Trunnell, share and share alike, regard being had to advancements of personal property made them as before referred to.

7th. I do hereby constitute my three sons, Richard H. Field, Alfred J. Field, Abram H. Field, and my son-in-law Solomon N. Brooks executors of this my last will and testament, and instruct that they be permitted to qualify as such without give any surety. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 29 day of July 1852. (signed) A. Field

Signed, sealed and acknowledged in our presence this 29 day of July 1852. (signed) Lorenzo Hogland, Lloyd Friddle.

State of Kentucky, Bullitt County Court, 16 August 1852. This last will and testament of Abraham Field dec'd was this day produced in open court of said county for record, and said will was duly proved by the oaths of Lorenze Hogland and Lloyd Friddle, subscribing witnesses thereto; that the said decedent A. Field signed and acknowledged said will in their presence and said Lorenzo Hogland and Lloyd Friddle signed the same in his presence, and in the presence of each other as witnesses thereto at his request; that at the time of so executing said will decedent was in his proper senses and mind. Whereupon said will as fully proved is ordered to be recorded, which is truly done in my office. Att. R. F. Samuels, clerk.

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