As with anything, this will makes for interesting reading. It seems that perhaps David Leitch was a younger man since he does not mention children, just his wife Kitturah. This is the first will in the first will book of Campbell County, Kentucky. Notice that Mr. Leitch says he is from Mason County. Campbell became a county December 17, 1794, barely a month after this will was written. Evidently he lived in the portion that became Campbell County.
Another interesting fact is that this will was proved in the January Court 1794 – were they like us and had a hard time remembering to write the new date? Earlier in the century the year began in March instead of January, but that was before this time.
In the name of God Amen. I David Leitch of Mason County and the State of Kentucky, being of sound mind and memory, do make and ordain this my last will and testament. First. It is my will that all my just debts be paid, after the payment of which just debts, I give, devise and bequeath unto my well beloved wife, Kitturah, all and singular my Estate, both real and personal of every denomination, to my said wife Kitturah forever.
And as for the purpose of the above devise and that the same may be rightfully carried into effect, I do ordain, constitute and appoint John Fowler, now living in Lexington, Kentucky, Daniel Weiseger of Frankfort and James Taylor of Mason County, aforesaid, to be my executors of this my last will and testament to carry the same into effect according to law. Further I do hereby constitute and appoint my beloved wife Kitturah to be executrix together with the executors aforesaid for the purpose aforesaid. In witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal this 8th day of November 1794.
David Leitch
Executed in presence of Joseph Strong, David Nesbitt, George Gordon, S. Legion
Mason January Court 1794
This last will and testament of David Leitch was proved by the oath of David Nesbitt a witness thereto and ordered to be certified.
Mason County to Wit
Personally appeared before us two of the Commonwealth’s Justices of the Peace, George Gordon and made oath that David Leitch, the within testator signed, sealed and acknowledged and pronounced the within as his last will and testament and that he was in his proper senses at the time as far as he knew or believes. Given under our hands this 28th of April 1795.
George Mitchell, Thomas Young
Categories: Old Wills
For more detailed information on this individual see Geni entry for Major David Leitch 1755 to 1794.