I, William Arnold of the State of Kentucky and County of Grant, being of lawful age, and of sound mind, do hereby declare this to be my last will and testament, to wit:

To my dear wife I leave the house and premises on which I now live, with all the buildings and appurtenances thereon, to be held and enjoyed by her during her life time, and at her death the same is to be equally divided between my daughters, Sarah Wilson and Cassy Tully or their heirs on their demise, and the whole of the real estate which I now possess within the limits of the Town of Williamstown, I leave to my dear wife for her use and benefit during her lifetime, and at her death the same is to be equally divided between my two daughters aforesaid or their heirs.

I also direct that the remainder of my estate in Kentucky be sold and applied first to the payment of all my just debts and then the overplus, if there by any, to be equally divided amongst all my children. I further direct that my dear wife select from my personal property what may be sufficient and necessary for her own use, and the remainder consisting of household furniture, horses, cattle, sheep, hogs, farming utensils and every thing else of a personal character, except my Negroes, to be sold as well as the lands before mentioned. And the proceeds to be applied to the payment of my just and lawful debts and the surplus, if any, to be equally divided among my children.

I further direct that all my notes, bonds, _____, and amounts against every person be adjusted in the hands of my executors toward paying all of my just debts, and the surplus, if any, I desire to be equally divided among my children. I further will and direct that my Negro woman slave, Fan, shall remain and live with my wife until after her death, and then declare her free and give her her freedom in consideration of the faithful service to me for about forty years, and I hereby direct my executors to see the same carried into effect. My Negro woman slave, Mary and her children, I leave to my grandchildren, James and Alfred Hogan, and I wish my executors to act in the best manner they may deem proper with said Mary and her children until my said grandchildren shall both be of lawful age, and then said woman and her children to be given up to them.

To my  daughter-in-law, Charity Arnold, I give the house and lot in the Town of Williamstown in which she now lives and my slave girl Nancy, I give to said Charity and her children.

I further direct my executors to purchase from the proceeds in their hands a quarter section of land and give the same in my name to my grandson, Harrison Arnold, as soon as he becomes of lawful age, the said land to be located in same of the new states and territories, wherever my said grandson may choose, provided it does not cost more than 100 dollars.

My slaves, Jerry and his wife Franky, I leave to my dear wife during her life time and at her death I direct that they be set free in consideration of their faithful service to me. I further direct that the remainder of my slaves shall remain in slavery for the benefit of my wife and heirs for the next five years after my death and at the expiration of that time, I direct them all to be freed and direct my executors to see the same is carried into effect, and I further direct that my Green River or Grant _______ land be equally divided among all those who are my slaves at the time of my death on their becoming free, provided that any of said lands shall remain after paying my just debts.

I further direct and appoint Thomas Clark and John Furguson both of Grant County my executors of this my last will and testament and enjoin on them to carry into effect all the provisions herein contained, and knowing nothing more that I desire of importance to this my last will and testament, I hereunto set my hand and affix my seal this 17th day of November 1836.  Wm. Arnold. Signed in presence of A. Jonas, John Thomas.

(William Arnold's will was probated in Grant County Court December 1836.)