Amanuensis Monday: Philip Mulkey Will, written 1876

Thanks to John at Transylvanian Dutch for providing a framework (and nudge) for transcribing family records, news clippings and other treasures.

Will of Philip Mulkey, Proven Oct 1^st 1883,

            I, Phillip Mulkey do make and published my last Will and Testament hereby revoking and making void all former wills by me at any former time made.

First, I direct that my funeral expenses and my just debts be paid as Soon after my death as possible out of any money that I may die possessed, or may first come into the hands of my executors.

Secondly, I will to my daughter Sarah Furgerson one Dollar, -

Thirdly, I will to my Son Isaac Mulkey one Dollar;

Fourthly I will to my Son James Mulkey one Dollar;

Fifthly I will to my Daughter Rachel McAdams, one Dollar;

Sixth I will to my Daughter Ann Eliza Bayles one dollar.

Seventh, I will to my Daughter Elizabeth Mulkey one dollar,

Eight, I will and direct that my wife Mary Jane Mulkey have my farm on which, I am now living during natural lifetime or as long as she remains my widow after her death (or in the event she should Marry again) then my afore Said farm and all the right and title is to vest in my daughter Ida M Mulkey;

Ninthly I direct that all my personal property of every description go to my wife, and daughter in the same way and Conditions, that my farm is willed.

Lastly I hereby nominate and appoint James H. Walker and D. M. Sheffey, Executors of this my last Will and Testament.

                        This June the 5^th 1876,

Witnessed by

J.J. Carroll,                                                                                    Philip Mulkey

C.M. Merell,

Source: Hawkins County (TN) Will Book 1, pp. 555-556. 

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Notes - Mulkey family researchers from the families of James and Rachel have referred to Philip Mulkey disinheriting them because of their Union loyalties during the Civil War and have pointed to this will as evidence. While not discounting that there was family tension over the War, I do not see this will as evidence of such. Rather, it seems a standard will leaving property to support minor children. 

There is the possibility that Philip deprived them of money their maternal grandmother Sarah Hunt Duncan had intended them to have. In 1852, shortly before moving from Washington County, TN to Macoupin County, IL, she deeded 128 acres of land to Philip with the stipulation that he give $200 to his children when they come of age. I have not found the record yet of how he disposed of the land, nor have I seen any deeds that would support or contradict his executing Sarah Duncan's wishes.