Old Wills

John Yates 1816 Will – Washington County

John Yates is my 4th great-grandfather.  I am unsure about his parentage.  He married Henrietta Cambron,, daughter of Henry Cambron and Margaret Harbin, November 6, 1798, in Washington County.  John’s will was written only three weeks before probate; evidently he knew he was on death’s door.

In the name of God, Amen.  I, John Yates, of Washington County and state of Kentucky, being infirm of body, but of perfect and sound memory, thanks be to God for it, and calling to mind the uncertainty of this life, knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die, do make and constitute this my last will and testament in the manner and form following.

First, I recommend my soul into the

hands of God that gave it me, hoping that the merits of my Blessed Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, to receive the same again at the general resurrection, and my body to the earth, to be buried in decent form according to the direction of my Executrix or Executor, hereafter named.

Second.  After my just debts are paid I will and bequeath unto my beloved wife, Henrietta, all my estate, real and personal, during her natural life on condition hereafter named.  It is my will she should school my children, those that have not any schooling, to have two years, and whenever any of my children arrives at age 21 or marries, to have one of my estate, one horse for use, one cow and bed furniture and after the death of my wife, the residue of my estate, real and personal, to be equally divided amongst all my children.  And lastly, I do hereby nominate and appoint Henrietta, my wife, and Henry Fenwick, Executrix and Executor to this my last will and testament, revoking all other wills made by me, given under my hand and seal this twenty-fourth day of April in the year one thousand eight hundred and sixteen.

John Yates

Signed and acknowledged in presence of William Wright, Robert E. Yates, James Austin.

At a County Court began and held for Washington County on Monday, the 13th day of May 1816.  This last will and testament of John Yates, deceased, was proven by the oaths of William Wright and James Austin, two of the subscribing witnesses thereto and ordered to be recorded and on the motion of Henry Fenwick, the Executor therein named, he having executed and acknowledged bond as the law directs, in the sum of seven thousand dollars and certificate is granted him and a probate thereof in

due form.  Henrietta Yates, the Executrix therein named appearing in court in person and refusing to qualify.

Atteste.  John Hughes

2 replies »

  1. Could John Yates from Washington County Kentucky be the father of John B. Yates born in Washington County Kentucky in about 1801 a few years after he married Henrietta?

Leave a Reply