Of sound mind and disposing memory though weak in body. To my beloved wife Emily Lester, 300 acres of land that I now live on. It is to be laid off of the west end of the survey so as to include the house, it being a track of land lying on the turnpike road leading from Princeton to Hopkinsville; also a negro girl Sabrina Catharen; negro child Lyda Catharine; mare by name of Nace and saddle and bridle, all household and kitchen furnity, all of which my wife is to have the use and benefit during her natural life and at her death to be equally divided between my children. To my son John Marion Lester, the remaining track of land that I now live on, supposed to be 150 acres; also negro by Grey, during his natural life and at his death the property to return to the ballance of my children. My wife Emily to keep my son John M Lester as long as he lives and to keep his property for his use and benefit. My wife to administer on my will. To George Lester, one horse. To my son Frank M Lester, one horse. To my son John M Lester, one horse. To my son Pollard Lester one horse. To my son Richard Lester one Horse. The residue of my estate undevised to be equally divided between my above named children after all my debts are paid. /s/ John Lester. Wit: G B Glass James Miller

County Court Order Book H Pg 273 17 Apr 1854. A writing purporting to be the last will and testament of John Lester dec'd was this day produced in court by Wilson L Pollard, who had possession of same, and thereupon Emily Lester, widow of decedent and J P McCain, by their attorny, appeared and opposed the probate thereof, alleging that the said writing is not the true last will and testament of said decedent. On motion, Wm H Edmonds was appointed Guardian ad litem for F U Lester, John M Lester & W P Lester, infants and orphans of said testator John Lester, and the evidence being heard, and the court being sufficiently advised, is of opinion that the said writing is not the true last will and testament of said deceased. It is therefore considered by the court that Emily Lester and J P McCain recover agains the said W L Pollard their costs in this behalf expended. On motion of Wilson L Pollard (the widow Emily Lester and J P McCain, the next of kin, appearing in court and waiving their right to administer) it is ordered that administration of the goods and chattels etc of John Lester dec'd be granted unto Pollard, who took the oath and with Richard C Groom and J B Groom, his sureties, entered into bond. It is further ordered that Joseph a McConnell, J B Groom and B J Grubbs (and being sworn may act) be appointed to appraise the personal estate and slaves (if any) of John Lester.