This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Burton Classification: Will Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/an/xAB.2ACI/2167 Message Board Post: Will of Sherod Burton dated July 6, 1816, proved and recorded in August 1816 in Garrard County, Kentucky, Will Book D page 335 “In the name of God Amen- I Sherod BURTON of the County of Garrard and State of Kentucky, being weak in body but of sound mind and memory, thanks be to God for his mercies, therefore calling to mind the mortality of my body and knowing that it is appointed to all men once to die, do make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner and form following, to wit- Principally and first of all I give and bequeath my spirit into the hands of Almighty God that gave it and as for my body I recommend it to the earth to be buried in a Christian and decent manner according to the discretion of my executor, not doubting but at the general Resurrection I shall receive the same again by the almighty power of God that gave it. And as touching such worldly estate as it has pleased God to bless me within this life, I remise and dispose of the same in manner and form following, to wit - Imprimis it is my will and desire that my Negro man Ned shall serve my beloved wife Letty BURTON during her widowhood, if my said wife shall think proper to marry and does so, said Negro man shall then be free but with this exception, said Negro shall pay to my wife the sum of Fifty dollars. If my wife does not marry, but continues a widow during her natural life, it is my will and desire that at her decease said Negro be free without paying any thing. Item – Whereas my said Negro man Ned owns some property it is my will and desire that at my decease the same shall not be considered as any part of my estate, be given to him as his own property to be at his disposal to do with as he shall think proper. Item – It is my desire that the balance of my estate at my decease shall be equally divided between by beloved wife Letty BURTON and my beloved son John BURTON. Lastly, I ordain nominate and appoint my beloved brother Abram BURTON to be sole executor of this my last will and testament to see the same performed according to my true intent and meaning. In witness whereof I the said Sherod Burton have hereunto set my hand and seal this 6th day of July 1816 Sherod Burton {seal} Signed sealed and acknowledged in the presents of us who were present at the signing and sealing hereof as his last will and testament. Garret Gromer John Gully, Senr. John Bedster John Gully, Junr. Daniel Sims Garrard County Jct. August Court 1816 I do hereby certify that this last will and testament of Sharod Burton, dec’d, was returned to court at the court aforesaid and proved by the oath of Garret Gromer and John Gully, Junr., two subscribing witnesses thereto and ordered to be recorded and the same is truly admitted to record. Test: Benjamin Letcher CGC”