Will of Emily A.H. Ballard Read

The state probate image files on FamilySearch have become an untapped resource for new information. Last night's find was a copy of the last will and testament of my 4th-great-grandmother, Emily Ann Heslopp Ballard Read, in the Kentucky Probate Records, 1792-1977, for Barren County.

FamilySearch - Kentucky Probate Records 1792-1977, Images 4, 5

The wording is faint, but my best transcription is as follows:

I, Emily A.H. Read, of Barren County, Kentucky, do hereby make this my last will and testament. 1st, I will and desire that my mare, corn, sheep, and all my poultry, four large and six silver teaspoons, my twelve silver knives and six forks, and all my household and kitchen furniture, be sold after my death, and the proceeds of the sale be equally divided between my children, namely I. F. [Isaac Franklin] Read, Sarah Jewell, J. W. [James William] Read, Geo. W. Read, B. B. [Bland Ballard] Read, Emma Patten, and Laura Ettinger, daughter of my son Samuel Read, decd, one share, and Richard Tamblin and Ella Lackey, children of my daughter Angelina Tamblin, decd, one share, making eight shares in all.

2nd, I will and desire that my whole tract of land including all on East side of Stowball, except one acre, which I reserve for a burying ground, and about one hundred acres on West side of said road be sold, and the proceeds of the sale be equally divided between the above named heirs, except any interest that my son, G. D. [Guilford Dudley] Read may claim and prove, which I will and bequeath to his wife Ellen Read for the separate use and benefit of the said Ellen Read and her children.

Lastly, I [hard to read] and appoint S. J. Jordan Executor of this my last will and testament. Given and in my hand this July 31st, 1883.

Emily A. H. Read
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Emily passed away on 19 December 1884. Below the will transcribed above, is a very faint entry recording the will with the Barren County Court in January 1885. The will appears in Will Records, 1884-1902, Vol. 5.

It's interesting that Emily didn't provide specifically for son Guilford Dudley Read (my third great-grandfather) in the shares to be divided among the children, but she directed interest be set aside for his wife Ellen "separate use and benefit". I hope more Barren County records help shed some light on this. Guilford ran a butcher shop in Glasgow, Barren County, Kentucky.