Shelby Co., KY Will Book 5, p. 303-304

Last Will and Testament of David Standiford

I, David Standiford of Shelby County, State of Kentucky, do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament and as touching any worldly goods and estate which it has pleased God to bless me with in this life, I give and dispose of the same in the following form.

Item.  I give and bequeath to my loving wife Frances all that part of my plantation on which we live together with the woodland herein described; Beginning at the Northeast corner of the Orchard thence East to the line of William Harris land, thence South with his line to the corner of a lot that William Standiford settled and West with the line of fences to the Northwest corner of the Meadow and the course continued to Mr. David Harbison's land, thence North so far as a line East will strike the Beginning.  Also and half of the Meadow and also during her natural life two horses, her choice, and half of my cattle, sheep and hogs--two feather beds and bedsteads and bed clothing as common.   Two ploughs, one bear shear, and shovel, two pairs of gears, clevices and double trees, one axe, on hoe, and all the household and Kitchen furniture except the beds and bedsteads that have not been described.

I also further give and Bequeath to my wife one Negro girl named Rachael until she comes to the age of 21 years.  Rachael was born the 27th day of October, 1811, and when she shall arrive to the age of 21 years she is to be set as full authority to act for herself, and I further direct my Executors to discharge their duty in every respect to her full release from slavery as can be according to Law.

Item. I give and bequeath to my son James Standiford one hundred acres of land on hich he now lives to be laid off in the same way as Mr. John Haribosn once did lay it off and no more to him or his heirs forever.

Item. I give and bequeath to my son William Standiford eighty dollars to him and his heirs forever.

Item. I give and bequeath to my son Abraham Standiford one horse colt called his and if said colt should dye or anything happen to him before he was fit for use then in that case he is to have one near its worth one hundred dollars in place, and also eighty dollars to him and his heirs forever.

Item. I give and bequeath to my daughter Rebecca one hundred and fifty dollars to her and her heirs forever.

Item. I give and bequeath to my daughter Susanna one hundred and fifty dollars to her and her heirs forever and also to have the tract of land on which I now live to be sold after the death of my Wife or at any subsequent time with her consent but not without, and if agreed to only have her support not to have one third of the money arriving from the sale of land but at the same time I wish her well supported if it takes all that remain and also I authorize my Executors to convey the said tract of land in full absolute manner as can be by words aforesaid and after all my debts are paid, and the legatees the balance that may remain to be equally divided between the following children to wit: Ann (Nancy); Sarah; Elizabeth; David; John; William; Rebecca; Susanna and Abraham--to them and to their heirs forever.

I do hereby appoint my wife Francis (Ashby), my son David, and Pearson Willis, my son-in-law, as my Executors to this my last Will and Testament revoking all others.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this fourteenth day of January in the years of our Lord 1820.

Signed. David Standiford (Seal)

In the presence of: Richard D. Waters, Wyatt Harris, James Dunn and George. W. Nichols.

Shelby County February and March County Court 1822:
A writing purporting to be the last will and testament of David Standiford deceased was produced in court by David Standiford [Jr.} and Pierson Willis two of the executors named in said Will whereupon James Dunn, George W. Nuchols and Wyatt Harris thereof the subscribing witnesses to said will being duly sworn state that the said David Standiford did sign, acknowledge and publish said writing as and for his last Will and Testament and that they believe he was of sound disposing mind and memory at the time of signing the same which Will is ordered to be recorded and thereupon David Standiford and Pierson Willis, two of the executors named in said will came into court and took upon themselves the __ them of the executors of the same and having taken the oath as required by law and entered into bond with Francis Davis and Isaac Collier their securities in the penalty of $4,000 (?) conditioned as the law directs a probate of said Will is granted them in due form of law and on motion it is ordered that time is given the other executors to .....

Jas. L. Whitaker