KAYS

Benton County, Missouri, Probate.

John R. Kays F.S. Feb. 1853  Wm P. Kays, Adm. (son of William) A.H. Russell and Benjamin Kearns securities

Wm Kays, 11 July 1854  Wm. P. Kays, Adm.

Sarah Kays 25 October 1857 Wm. P. Kays, Adm. (daughter of William)

William Kays left a will dated 24 January 1854 in which he named wife Margaret and child Sarah. Sarah received the bulk of the personal and real estate although other children were named. He devised to son William P., daughter Susan, widow of Jacob Dawson, daughter Lavinia Kays, children of deceased son John R. Kays (widow Lavinia) were to receive three negroes; the children of daughter Mary Heath, formerly the wife of Stephen Heath $20.00; the children of daughter Ann Terry, formerly the wife of William Terry $25.00; Elender Blue wife of Meredith Blue. Son William Kays to be Executor. Witnesses were Benjamin Hurons? Alexander H. Russell. Pvd. 11 July 1854 (Benton County Will Book A: 89-91)

H:439 23 February 1858 Sarah Kays of Benton County published last will and bequeathed to brother William P. Kays $5.00 and to his children $5.00; heirs of brother John R. Kays $25.00; heirs of my sister Mary Heath $25.00; sister Ellenor Blue or Elenor Bunch as it has been reported she is married to a William Bunch; $25.00 heirs of sister Ann Terry, deceased; to Nancy Jane Hitt daughter of my sister Susan Dawson, deceased; and following children of my sister Susan Dawson deceased: Albert Dawson, Seth Dawson, George Dawson and William B. Dawson; devised to Mary Dawson daughter of my deceased sister Susan the SW¼ frac 3-40-21 119.87 purchased by William Kays from the Springfield Land Office which I inherited by will and to her all kitchen and household furniture.  Wit: Stephen Skaggs and A.H. Russell.

George & Lettice Kays were both born 1750-1760; had grant in 1784 in Lincoln County in Kentucky (now Garrard County and another in Barren (now Monroe) 1799. Children: Hamilton, Sarah, Elizabeth, William, Mary. Dau. Elizabeth m. Warner Howser in Barren County, Kentucky.  Lettice was widow on 1825 tax list of Monroe County, Kentucky.