Autograph document signed by Daniel Rucker (1780-1833). Bourbon County, Kentucky, 27 September 1832. 3 pages. Undersigned by witnesses. To verso, autograph addendum by Clerk of Courts Thomas P. Smith. Bourbon County, KY, 2 September 1833. Docked below.

The manuscript will of Daniel Rucker (1780-1833) notably lists six named enslaved individuals: “ Will, Stuben, Caroline, Maria, Isaac, and Milly” which were to be left to his wife Elizabeth S. Rucker in addition to approximately 227 acres. Notably, it elaborates upon the slave Stuben: “I have given [Elizabeth] the use and management of my estate during her widowhood and whereas my negro man slave Stuben has become blind by misfortune it is my will that in consideration of his faithful services my wife shall keep and take care of him so long as she shall remain a widow and he shall live and whoever shall then take care of him shall be allowed by my executors such reasonable compensation out of my estate before any division as they may think proper for keeping said Negro if they (my executors) shall think his services not worth his Expense.”

Daniel Rucker and his family are listed in the 1820 and 1830 Federal Censuses which confirm that he did indeed own 6 slaves, though he owned a seventh in 1820. He would die just under a year after writing his last will and testament.

A fascinating will of Bourbon County landowner and enslaver with unique terms and conditions.




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