Muhlenberg County Kentucky
Wills: H
Joseph E. Heck, 1864
In the name of God amen. I Joseph Heck of the County of Muhlenberg and State of Kentucky, being of sound mind and of disposing memory for which I thank God, and calling to mind the uncertain tenure of human life and being desirous to dispose of all such worldly goods as it hath pleased the Giver of All Good to bless me with, to wit:
First, I bequeath to my beloved wife Catherine Heck the plantation on which we now live, together with all stock, grain, and all monies, notes, etc., due me, or that may be in my possession at my death; also my Negro man Edmund during her life or widowhood, and at her death or marriage the said Negro Edmund is to belong to my son Evan Rodgers Heck to whom I bequeath the said Negro Edmund after his mother's death or at her marriage, forever.
Second, I bequeath to my son Evan Rodgers Heck at the death or marriage of his mother Catherine Heck to take and to have full and complete possession of all the property both personal and real, money and notes bequeathed to his mother as above stated.
Third, I will and bequeath to my son Randall Davis Heck, who now resides in the state of Texas, one bed and furniture, two head of horses to the value of sixty-five dollars, and one hundred and ninety-three dollars in money, which property and money he hath already received; and I further give and bequeath to my said son R.D. Heck the further sum of fifty dollars to be paid to him by my executor (hereinafter mentioned) after the death of my wife.
Fourth, I will and bequeath to my daughter Frances Adeline Roll one Negro woman named Jane together with her children, four or more in number, also her future increase which slaves are now in her, my said daughter's possession; also one bed and furniture, one horse, one cow and calf which said horse, cow and calf hath already been received by her, my said daughter, and further the sum of fifty dollars to be paid her by my executor at the death of my wife.
Fifth and lastly, I do hereby constitute and appoint my son Evan Rodgers Heck executor of this my last will and testament, hereby revoking all other will or wills, testament, or testaments by me heretofore made.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal, this 18th day of December 1858.
Joseph his x mark Heck
Witnesses: David Dillman, G.W. Combs, Milligen S. Dillman, J.R. Wakeland
State of Kentucky, Muhlenberg County, April Term, April 25, 1864
The foregoing last will and testament of Joseph Heck, deceased, was produced to court and proven to be the act and deed of said decedent, the oath of G.W. Combs and David Dillman, two of the subscribing witnesses thereto and ordered to be recorded.
Att. Thomas J. Jones, Clerk
Source: Muhlenberg County Kentucky Will Book 3, p. 218.
Contributed by Dorann O'Neal Lam
Updated August 2, 2022