Thomas Gardiner
Last Will & Testament

In the name of God, Amen. I, Thomas Gardner, of this County of Washington, & State of Kentucky, being ver sick but of sound mind and memory and understanding do Constitute and do deem this to be my Last Will and Testament . . .

Item one: I bequeath to my wife Henrietta Gardner, a home and maintenance in the land Plantation and Appurtenances whereon we now live for her natural life also the use of every species of the personal property for her life and at her death to be divided amongst all of my children, namely: Sarah Martin, Raphiel Gardner, Clement Gardner, Thomas Gardner, Jane Davis, Ann Gardner, James Gardner, and Richard Gardner. That is the personal property only. I also give unto my wife a Negro woman Hannah during her life.

Item two: I give unto my two sons James Gardner and Richard Gardner the land and plantation I now live on.

Item three: I give to my Daughter, Ann Gardner, Negro girl named Suck. With this condition that if Suck should by chance have any increase the first on to belong to James Gardner and the second to Richard Gardner and the residue of the increase of Suck to belong to my Daughter, Ann Gardner.

Item four: I give onto my Daughter, Jane Davis, one Negro boy during her life and her death to her children.

Item five: I have assisted all of my other children which are married as much together will what will be their portion after their mother's death as I consider right.

Item six. I appoint my two sons, James Gardner and Richard Gardner, executors of this my last will.

Thomas 'X' Gardiner

Witnesses: John Lancaster, Burdit Vancleave, Joseph Gough.

Source: 'Wills of Washington Co., KY (1792-1858)', Compiled by Annie Walker Burns, Rt. 1 Box 119, Bennings, Washington, D. C.