Dear All, Late week I completed a very successful research trip to Vincennes, Indiana. My goal was to verify my belief that Francis and Abagail Williams were the parents of William F. "Billy" Williams (Senior). Yes, without any doubt they were Billy's parents. Billy was born in December 27, 1803 at Fort Knox, Knox County, Indiana. He was one of nine children born to Francis and Abagail. I found quite a number of references to Francis in census records, court records, land records, jury records, Ft. Knox II papers and, finally, his will and the estate sale papers. I've copied his will into the text of this email and I would share other information if anyone is interested. I have not yet 'deciphered' all the court records. Brian Spangle and Donna Adams were extremely helpful as was the volunteer (I apologize for not getting her name) at the Lewis Collection. I was thrilled to hold the original will papers in my hands. I've transcribed the spelling as orginally written. :) Sorry for such a generic note with the text of the will, but I thought many of you would be interested. The will was found in the Probate Records of Knox County, Box 3, pages 48 and 49, Knox County Records Library, Knox County, Indiana. 48 In the name of God Amen, I Francis Williams on the 4th day of July 1812, of Knox County and Indiana Territory, Planter, being very sick and weak of Body, but of Perfect Mind and Memory, thanks be given to Almighty god, therefore Calling to mind the Mortality of my Body, Knowing that it is appointed once for all men Once to die, do make and ordain this my Last Will and Testament, that is to say first of all I give and Recommend my Soul into the hands of Almighty God, and Secondly; all my Lawful Debts to be paid and all after that, of my Personal and Real Estate, I do Desire to be applied for the Raising and Schooling of my Children, and the maintenance of my Wife Abigal, until the youngest Child comes of age, then whatever there is Remaining of the (?) $ Estate is to be divid in manner and form following, that is to say my Wife Abigal, is to receive one third part of all that is left of the (?) $ Estate, and the other two third Parts is to be Equally Divided amongst all my ch! ildren Debora, Daniel, John, Clarry, William, Betsey, Jane, Abigal & Francis, which they are to Enjoy forever and I also appoint my Wife Abigal and James Black Esq Executors, to this my Last Will and Testament, In witness whereof I have herewith set my hand and affixed my Seal this 4th day of July 1812 -- (In the Presence of (?)) Test. Willm Flowers his Sam McCutchin Francis X Williams James McCutchin mark Indiana Territory Knox County (?) On the 11th day of August 1812, Before me Robert Buntin Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of said County, Personally came William Flowers and James McCutchin two of the Subscribing Witnesses to the above Last Will and Testament of Francis Williams Late of Knox County Deceased, and Severally made Oath on the body Evangels of Almighty God that they be the Testator therein named Sign and Seal this Will and that they heard him Publish, Pronounce and Declare the same to be his Last Will and Testament, that at the time of his so doing he was, to the best of their apprehension of sound and Disparing memory and Understanding and that they Signed their names as Witnesses thereto in the Presence and at the request of the Testator, and in the presence of Each other and that James McCutchin, the other Witness also Subscribes his name thereto in the Presence and at the Request of the Testator, and in their Presence -- In Testimony whereof I have herewith set my hand the day and year above written -- R. Bunting clerk (???? very hard to read) Indiana Territory Knox County ? On the 11th day of August 1812, Before me Robert Bunting Clerk of the Court of Common Please in and for said County, Personally came Abigal Williams/widow/ and James Black, the Executors in the Above Will Named and Severally made Oath on the Holy Evangels of Almighty God that the above Instrument of writing is the true and whole Will and Testament of Francios Williams Late of Knox County Deceased that hath come to their hands or Possession and that they do not Know of any Other, In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand the day and year above written RBuntin Clerk (????) Letters Testamentory granted to the Exec therein Named