WILL OF ROBERT GEORGE OF UTICA, INDIANA

Following is a transcript of Robert GEORGE's Last Will and Testament, transcribed in 1997 by Susie Wood Smith, a descendant of the WOODs who founded Utica, Indiana.

Susie offers the following synopsis of Robert George's relationship to the pioneer families of Utica, Indiana:

Robert George, son of Reuben George and Mildred Rogers, served as Captain under General George Rogers Clark in the winning of the Old NorthWest. He died "without issue" in March of 1804-1808 (there are 3 different records with varying dates) and left most of his land and holdings to the children of his half-sister, Margaret Sharon, as her husband, James Wood, had fought in the rebellion and Robert's brothers were loyalists. He spent his last few years with the family of James Noble Wood, and also left property and holdings to:
  • Nancy Smith (James N. Wood's mother-in-law), the widow of H. Smith;
  • Samuel Hay, the husband of Anne Wood (James N. Wood's sister);
  • Moses G. Wood (James N. Wood's brother);
  • A number of Fergusons (related through a sister of James N. Wood - possibly Nancy);
  • Francis McGuire, the husband of another sister (possibly Polly);
  • James Sweny (Sweeney), the husband of another sister (given name unknown); and
  • Benoni Wood, the eldest son of George Wood (another brother).

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    In addition, many of the males also fought under George Rogers Clark, alongside Robert George. This will was not filed until May 25, 1835.

    Last Will & Testament of Robert George

    Proven in open court May 25, 1835 and filed May 25, 1835.

    In the name of god, Amen. I Robert George of Clark County and Indiana Territory being of sound mind and Memory and understanding and considering the uncertainty of this Transitory Life, do make and Publish and declare this my last will & testament in manner and form following viz.

    First it is my will and desire that all my lawfull Debts, Doctor bills and Funeral expenses be paid which will be done by and under the directions of my Executors hereinafter mentioned.

    Second, it is my will and desire that James Noble WOOD shall have all that first choice of tract of land that I claim in [Grant] number seventeen in the County aforesaid and also second choice of one hundred acres in lot no. 159 in aforesaid County and further all my claim of Town lots in the Town of Clarksville and all my stock and moveable property except what is hereinafter mentioned.

    Third, it is my will and desire that Moses G. Wood shall have two hundred acres of land in lot no. 159 aforementioned provided he does ever return to this Country. If not it is my will that James N. Wood shall have the aforementioned two hundred acres.

    Fourth, it is my will and desire that Nancy Smith shall have a sufficient maintenance during her life from the rent arising from James N. Wood's part of Tract No. 17, and my house furniture during her life or widowhood and at her d...age [illegible] or marriage, it is my will that Nancy Wood shall have my bed and house furniture. It is also my will that the above mentioned Nancy Smith shall have my young bay mare.

    It is my desire that Samuel Hay shall have four hundred and ninety-eight acres of land laying on the state line below the Tennessee River on the Waters of the Ohio River.

    It is my desire that John D________ [illegible] shall have one hundred and sixty-six acres laying on the state line below the Tennessee River on the waters of the Ohio River.

    It is my will that John Ferguson shall have three hundred and twenty one acres of land laying on the state line below the Tennessee River on the waters of the Ohio River.

    It is my desire that James Ferguson shall have one hundred and sixty-six acres of land laying on the state line below the Tennessee River on the waters of the Ohio River.

    It is my will that Thomas Ferguson shall have one hundred and sixty-six acres of land laying on the state line below the Tennessee River on the waters of the Ohio River.

    It is my will and desire that William Ferguson shall have three hundred and twenty-one acres of land laying below the Tennessee River on the waters of the Ohio.

    It is my will that Francis McGuire, Junior shall have one hundred and sixty-six acres of land laying on the state line below the Tennessee River on the waters of the Ohio.

    It is my will and desire that James Sweny shall have one hundred and sixty-six acres of land laying on the state line below the Tennessee River on the waters of the Ohio.

    It is my will and desire that Benoni Wood, George Wood's son, shall have one hundred and sixty six acres of land below the Tennessee River on the waters of the Ohio on the state line.

    It is my will and desire that Robert G. Ferguson shall have one hundred and sixty six acres of land on the state line below the Tennessee River on the waters of the Ohio.

    It is my will and desire that Nancy Wood shall have one hundred and sixty six acres of land laying on the state line below the Tennessee River on the Waters of the Ohio.

    It is my will and desire that James N. Wood shall have one hundred and sixty six acres of land on the state line below the Tennessee River on the Waters of the Ohio.

    It is my will and desire that Margret Ferguson, John Ferguson's daughter, shall have one hundred & sixty-six acres of land laying on the state line below the Tennessee River on the Waters of the Ohio.

    It is my will and desire that Nancy Smith shall have one hundred & sixty-six acres of land laying on the state line below the Tennessee River on the Waters of the Ohio.

    It is my will and desire and I do hereby constitute and appoint my trusty & worthy friends James N. Wood, Samuel Hay & James Ferguson my executors to this my last will and testament whereunto I have set my hand and affixed my seal this ____ day of M_____, 18___ [looks like Mar., 1803, but I'm not sure.]

    Robt. George (seal)

    Signed Sealed and delivered in
    presence of Ezek. Jenkins

    Proven open court May 25, 1835
    by E. Jenkins

    Francis McGuire

    Other signatures illegible, but
    one looks like James N. Wood


    From Freda Roberts - Capt Robert George, Jane Elizabeth George Ferguson,Capt William George, mother would have been born Ca 1717.. I do not believe we are related to General George Rogers Clark .Mildred was the same age as Robert, Jane Elizabeth, William George. Plus Reuben & Mildred George had no son named Robert.


    Click here to return to the Clark County USGENWEB site

    Click here to proceed to PART ONE of this Utica Cemetery Index (Abernathy to Jackson)

    Click here to proceed to PART TWO of this Utica Cemetery Index (James to Smith)

    Click here to proceed to PART TWO of this Utica Cemetery Index (Snelling to Zinck)

    Click here to return to the Clark County Cemeteries main page

    © Nov 2004