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Rainwater Wills
Index of Rainwater Wills
The will of Aaron Rainwater ca 1790-1849, Logan Co., KY
The will of Alexander Martin Rainwater, 1820-1890, Bedford Co., OR
Application for letters of administration for the estate of Annie J. Rainwater,
ca 1835-1909, Richmond Co., NC
Probate of the estate of Hugh Rainwater, 1814-1874, Lawrence Co., AR, abstract only
The will of Rev. James Rainwater, 1795-1865, Campbell Co., GA
The will of James Rainwater 1806-1862, Pulaski Co., KY
The probate file of Job Rainwater, ca 1784-1863, Milton Co., GA
The will of John Rainwater ca 1705-1777, Surry Co., NC
The will of John Rainwater, ca 1759/66 - ca 1832, Spartanburg District, SC
The will of John Wesley Rainwater, 1808-1888, Bedford Co., TN
The probate records of Joseph Rainwater 1824-1873, Wood Co., TX
The will of Josiah W. Rainwater 1843-1934, Wilbarger Co., TX
The guardianship of the minor children of Louisa Moore Rainwater, ca 1825 - ca 1876, Hamilton Co., TX
The will of Miles Rainwater 1818-1884, Pulaski Co., KY
The estate administration of Robert Rainwater, pre 1775-1824, Stewart Co., TN
The estate administration of Sam Rainwater (AA), ca 1863-1889, Waller Co., TX
Estate Sale of Solomon Rainwater, Sr., ca 1765-1814, Pendleton District, SC
The guardianship of the minor children of Wesley H. Rainwater, 5 May 1865 & 10 Apr 1867, Pulaski Co., AR
The will of William Rainwater ca. 1774-1825, Pulaski Co., KY
The will of William Jasper Rainwater 1823-1887, Washington Co., TX
Will & Probate listings without transcriptions
Sources
The Will of Aaron Rainwater, ca 1790-1849, Logan Co., KY
Logan Co., KY Wills, Book H pg 72
I, Aaron Rainwater hereby declare this to be my last will and testament; disolving all others heretofore made by me. Article 1 - It is my desire that so much of my present property as may be required for that purpose, shall be sold and the proceeds applied to payment of my just debts and funeral expenses.
Article 2 - I bequeath to Polly Rainwater, my wife, during her natural life, my tract of land with every other species of property belonging to my estate; with all notes, dues and accounts of every description which may at that or any future time, become deed from others.
Article 3 - It is my desire that the property both personal and real, belonging to my estate, shall be sold, soon after the death of my wife, and the proceeds - after paying to Caroline M. Stinson; James C. Rainwater; Parks R. Rainwater; and Fereby (Phoebe) F. Couch; one dollar; - as a special legacy, be divided between Elizabeth E. Rainwater; William C. Rainwater; Mariah A. Rainwater; Mary J. Rainwater; Zilpha I(sabelle) Rainwater and Martha S(usan).
Article 4 - I hereby nominate my friend, Williamson Chapel, executor, of this, my last will and testament. Given
under my hand and seal this 15th day of March 1849.
Aaron Rainwater {seal}
Signed and sealed in the presence of Bedford G. Williams, Asa Hardison
In County Court held for said county, at the courthouse in Russellville on the 28th day of Jan 1850, the above
writing was produced in court. Proved in Open court by the Oaths of Bedford G. Williams and Asa Hardison,
subscribing witnesses thereto to the said deed, and last will and testament of Aaron Rainwaters, deceased,
and ordered to be recorded. Thereupon, said will together with this certificate hath been duly recorded in
my office. Given under my hand and seal as clerk of said court, the date given above.
M. B. Morton, Clerk
Transcription provided by Glidie Rainwater Mobley
Printable transcription in PDF format
The Will of Alexander Martin Rainwater, 1820-1890, Bedford Co., OR
Benton Co., Oregon, File #0598
I A. Martin Rainwater of the County of Benton, State of Oregon, being of sound mind and memory, do make, publish and declare to following to be my last will and testament:
First: I direct that all of my just debts be paid in full
Second: I give and bequeath to my sons, John R. Rainwater, Daniel W. Rainwater, James W. Rainwater, and Aaron E. Rainwater each the sum of five dollars, I having heretofore advanced to each of them sufficient property to make the portion received by them out of my property equal to the bequests hereafter made to my other children.
Third: I direct that my lands which I now own bring a portion bring a portion of my donation land claim not 697 and claims 61 & 39 in th 11 S R 5 & 4 in Benton County Oregon be divided into five equal parts, in size, division to be made by lines running parallel with the west lines of my dontation land claims and that I bequeath the same as follows:
1st, I give and bequeath to my son Martin Coleman Rainwater the first tract so far partitioned on the west side thereof.
2d, I give and bequeath unto my daughter, Ida B. Reece, the second tract so far partitioned from the west side of said donation claim.
3d, I give and bequeath unto my daughter, Bessie Rainwater, the third tract so far partitioned from the west side of my said donation land claim, subject herein to the life estate of my wife, S. C. Rainwater, as hereinafter provided and bequeathed.
4th, I give and bequeath unto my daughter, Annie M. Stahl, the fourth tract of land so partitioned from the west side of my said donation land claim.
5th, I give and bequeath unto my daughter, Emma J. Morrison, the fifth tract of land so partitioned from the west side of my donation land claim.
Fourth: I give and bequeath unto my wife, S. C. Rainwater, the third tract of land herein above mentioned as bequeathed to (Bessie) Rainwater to have and to hold during her natural life, the same to her in lieu of diverse interest in and to my estate.
Fifth: I bequeath all of the remains of my property both personal and real wherever situated to all of my children, share and share alike.
Sixth: I hereby nominate and appoint my sons-in-law, Fred Stahl and John Reece to be the executors of this my last will and testament.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this the 24th day of December 1889.
A. M. Rainwater {seal}
The foregoing instrument was signed by A. M. Rainwater in our presence and at the same time
declared the same to be his last will and testament and we at this request and in his presence
and in the presence of each other, subscribed our names as witnesses hereunto - that the said
A. M. Rainwater at the time he executed said instrument was of sound and disposing mind and
memory and under no restraint whatever.
Witness our hands to this the 24th day of December 1889.
C. M. Langdon, Albany, Oregon
J. K. Weatherford
Printable transcription in PDF format
Application for letters of administration for the estate of Annie J. Rainwater, ca 1835-1909, Richmond Co., NC
North Carolina, Richmond County
In Superior Court, K. D. Grant being sworn, doth say that Annie J. Rainwater, late of said County, is dead
without leaving any will and testament, and that K. D. Grant is the proper person entitled to letters of
administration on the estate of the said Annie J. Rainwater. Further, that the value of said estate,
so far as can be ascertained at the date of this application is about $24, and that Lucy Grant is
entitled as heir and distributee thereof.
K. D. Grant
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 23rd day of December 1909. Thomas L. Covington, Clerk of Superior Court. [1373]
This is Annie J. Bennett Smith Rainwater, widow of James Rainwater. Thanks to Howard Rainwater for a copy of this record
Probate of the estate of Hugh Rainwater, 1814-1874, Lawrence Co., AR, abstract only
Administrator appointed 9 Apr 1875, Francis Marion Rainwater (son)
Heirs (1875): Francis Marion Rainwater, Riley G. Rainwater, Martha A. Rainwater, Sarah E. Rainwater, Jasper Rainwater, Joseph T. Rainwater, Mary Rainwater Guthrie, Elvira Rainwater Lindley — all of Lawrence County. Sarah Rainwater and [unreadable], the minor children of William Columbus Rainwater, decd., of Kansas.
Heirs (13 Oct 1877): Mary Rainwater Guthrie, Riley G. Rainwater, John J. Cross (husband of Adeline J. Rainwater), Sarah E. Rainwater, Francis Marion Rainwater, Elvira Rainwater Lindley. George Thornburgh as Trustee for Jasper Rainwater, Joseph T. Rainwater, and William Columbus Rainwater's heirs. [571]
Printable transcription in PDF format
The Will of Rev. James Rainwater, 1795-1871, Campbell Co., GA
Campbell Co., GA
Georgia Will Book "B" , pages 58-62
State of Georgia, Campbell County. In the name of God, Amen. I, James Rainwater, of said county being of sound and disposing mind and memory but sensibly impressed with the uncertainty of life and being desirous of making some disposition of what property God hath blessed me with do make, ordain, and publish this to be my last will and testament, hereby revoking all others heretofore made by me.
Item First. I give and bequeath to my beloved wife, Nancy A. Rainwater, one hundred and seventy acres of land to wit the west half of the lot of land on which my house where I now reside stands and to include said houses; and seventy five acres of land immediately west and adjoining to said one hundred acres. This I give and bequeath to her for and during her natural life or widowhood.
Item Second. I also give and bequeath to my said wife, Nancy A. Rainwater, the following household furniture: one folding table, one cupboard, one bedstead and one half dozen chairs, with such cooking utensils as may be necessary; also one cow and calf and farming implements for one horse, and also necessary table furniture. The bequests in this second item are given under the same restrictions as in the first item.
Item Third. I also give and bequeath to my said wife all my right, title and interest in two negroes to wit, Morgan and Alsie, and also one bed and furniture with one years provisions; these I give to her and her heirs forever.
Item Fourth. Having heretofore given my daughter, Emily Golightly, one thousand dollars in money and provisions, I hereby confirm the same to her and her heirs forever and I also now give and bequeath to her an equal proportion of my estate with the rest of my children after they have received money and property to the amount of one thousand dollars.
Item Fifth. Having heretofore given my son, Z. Miles Rainwater, deceased, one thousand dollars in money and provisions, I hereby confirm the same. I also now bequeath to his wife, Lilly Ann, and their five children an equal proportion of my estate with the rest of my children after they have received money and property to the amount of one thousand dollars.
Item Sixth. Having heretofore given my son, Joseph Rainwater, one thousand dollars in money, I hereby confirm the same to him and his heirs forever. I also now give and bequeath to him an equal proportion of my estate after the rest of my children shall have received money and property to the amount of one thousand dollars.
Item Seventh. Having heretofore given my daughter, Clary Sanders, four hundred dollars in money and property I hereby confirm the same to her and her heirs forever. I also now give and bequeath to her six hundred dollars and an equal proportion of my estate after the rest of my children shall have received one thousand dollars in property or money.
Item Eighth. Having heretofore given my daughter, Sarah Moseley, four hundred dollars in money, I hereby confirm the same to her and her heirs forever. I also now give and bequeath to her six hundred dollars and an equal proportion of my estate with the rest of my children after they have received money and property to the amount of one thousand dollars.
Item Ninth. Having heretofore given to my daughter, Christina Sanders, three hundred dollars I hereby confirm the same to her and her heirs forever. I now give and bequeath to her and her heirs seven hundred dollars and an equal proportion of my estate after the rest of my children shall receive money or property to the amount of one thousand dollars.
Item Tenth. Having heretofore given to my daughter, Frances Miller, and her three children two hundred dollars, I hereby confirm the same to her and her heirs forever. I also now give and bequeath to her and her heirs eight hundred dollars and an equal proportion of my estate with the rest of my children after they shall have received in money or property the sum of one thousand dollars.
Item Eleventh. I give and bequeath to my daughter, Catharine E. Rainwater, one thousand dollars and an equal proportion of my estate after the rest of my children have received money or property to the amount of one thousand dollars.
Item Twelfth. Having heretofore given my daughter, Martha Segar, one thousand dollars I hereby confirm the same to her and her heirs forever. I now give and bequeath to her an equal proportion of my estate after the rest of my children shall receive money or property to the amount of one thousand dollars.
Item Thirteenth. I do hereby nominate and appoint my son, Joseph Rainwater, and my sons in law, Jessie Moseley, G. H. Sanders, and Pierce Sewell my executors to this last will and testament contained in this and foregoing items.
In testimoney whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this the 10th day of January 1865.
Signed, sealed, and acknowledged and published in our presence and we have witnessed the same at the request of
James Rainwater and have signed and witnessed the same in his presence. Interlined (?) before signed.
James Rainwater, Test.
[Witnesses] G. T. Camp, Abraham Miller, Wiley Steed
Transcribed and contributed by Erin Leongomez
Printable transcription in PDF format
The Will of James Rainwater, 1806-1862, Pulaski Co., KY
Filed in County Court in 1862, Pulaski Co., KY
Book 6 Page 115
I, James Rainwater of the County of Pulaski and State of Kentucky do make this my last will and testament. I give to my beloved wife, Mary, all my household and kitchen furniture, and all my stock of every description which I may own at the time of my death. Also the use and occupation of my farm during the time she remains my widow, but if my said wife should marry after my death, she is only to have what the statute law of Kentucky provides for widows. I also freely empower my wife to sell any of my stocks she may think to be a surplus, either privately or publically, and loan out the proceeds thereof and the occurring interest thereon she may use for the maintenance of her and my infant children. Likewise, if she should use any of the principal in case of necessity, she is not to be accountable thereafter. I also request my wife to collect all my bonds and notes in hand, and dispose of the money in the same manner that of the proceeds of the sale.
I likewise request my wife to give to each of my five infant children: Mary, Sarah, Amanda, Samantha and Alethia whenever they may have come of age: one feather bed and bed stead, one colt, one cow, two head of sheep and one cow to be as near of equal value as possible. And at the death of my wife, I wish my executors to make sale and conveyance of my land and to expose to sale to the highest bidder all my property, to collect all my debts and distribute the proceeds equally among my children who may survive me, and to the children or heirs of such of my children as may not survive me, to be paid to the [unreadable] the same amounts and proportions that their parents would have been entitled to receive had they or either of them been living at the time of said distribution.
And lastly I appoint my sons, William H. Rainwater and Enoch Rainwater, executors of this my last will and testament. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 8th day of March 1859.
James Rainwater
Attested: E.J. Seivers, Isaac Isabell
Printable transcription in PDF format
The probate file of Job Rainwater, ca 1784-1863, Milton Co., GA
State of Georgia, Milton County
30 Sept 1863
1 sow and six pigs 50.00
4 large hogs 400.00
7 small hogs 145.00
One lot of farming tools 40.00
One cow and calf 225.00
Two heifers 250.00
One road wagon 200.00
One rifle gun 25.00
One loom 5.00
One pair warping bars 5.00
One side saddle 20.00
Some fifty bushels wheat 350.00
Some fifty bushels corn 175.00
One small pen shuck 10.00
Two sides bacon 70.00
About 150 lbs salt 105.00
Four feather beds & four bedsteads 250.00
One straw bed & bedstead 25.00
One wardrobe 30.00
One chest of drawers 50.00
One trunk and 2 chests 12.00
One lot of books 50.00
One book box 5.00
One clock 25.00
14 setting chairs 14.00
One dining table 6.00
One wash pot 15.00
One lot cooking utensils 40.00
2 pair fire dogs 10.00
One lot crockery 60.00
Knives, forks & spoons 12.00
All other household and kitchen furniture
not enumerated before 185.00
3 bunches yarn 45.00
One lot bed clothes 150.00
500 bundles fodder 40.00
One spinning wheel & cards 15.00
3 lots of land 120 acres 2400.00
_________
$5544.00
We do certify upon oath that so far as was produced to us by J. M. and L. D. Rainwater, temporary administrator of Job. Rainwater, late of said county, the foregoing contains a true inventory and appraisement of the Estate of Job Rainwater continued – goods and chattels of said Job Rainwater to be best of our judgment and that we were all duly sworn (one of the commissioners Robert Thompson having duly sworn the other four and then William D. Rucker having sworn him) to perform their duty according to law.
Given under our hands and official signatures this 30th day of September 1863
William D. Rucker, W. J. Lackey, John Chaffin, Robert Thompson, James W. Ridgeway, appraisers
Georgia, Milton County Inventory of the Rights and Credits of Job Rainwater late of said county and state.
Cash on hand 830.00
One note on C. E. Rucker due January 9th 1859 for 200.00
Credited Feb 9, 1860 with $14.00
One note on S. Y. Rainwater due Jan 22nd 1859 200.00
One note on Hampton Smith due Mar 12 1859 for 200.00
Credited Mar 12 1860 with 14.00
One note on J. M. Rainwater due Jan 7 1859 for 200.00
Credited Jan 7 1860 with 14.00
One note on A. D. Gentry due Jan 8 1859 for 200.00
Credited Jan 8 1860 with 14.00
Two notes on L. D. Rainwater
One due Jan 7 1859 for 200.00
The other due Dec 25 1863 for 50.00
One note on William McDonald due April 9 1859 for 200.00
One note on P. F. Rainwater due Feb 1st 1860 for 200.00
Credited Feb 27 1861 with 14.00
The above inventory of the rights and credits of Job Rainwater deceased is correct and true to the best of our knowledge this 30th Sept 1863. John M. Rainwater, L. D. Rainwater, Administrators
The final document in the probate file of Job Rainwater is a record of the estate sale, not reproduced here because of length. The sale was held in October 1863. A number of individuals who are probably relations purchased items at auction, including: S. Y. Rainwater, J. L. Hembree, L. D. Rainwater, Hannah Rainwater, P. F. Rainwater, S. B. Rucker, Jod Rucker, J. M. Rucker and G. E. Rucker.
Transcription contributed by William Rainwater
PDF of printable transcription
The Will of John Rainwater, ca 1705-1777, Surry Co., NC
4 November 1771 Surry County, North Carolina
I, John Rainwater of Surry County, North Carolina, being now in perfect sense and memory, thanks be to God, but yet considering that life and sense is uncertain, do make and ordain this my last will and testament. My soul I recommend unto the hands of God. My body I recommend to the earth to be buried in a Christian manner, and as to my worldly estate, I give, devise, bequest and dispose of the same in the following manner and form.
First, I give to my daughters, Mary, Sarah, Betty, Winney, Milley and Molley, to each Five Shillings Prov., money to them and raised out of my estate the same is in full and a bar from their obtaining any more. I give to my son, John, Five Shillings Prov., money to be raised aforesaid, the same is in full and a bar from his obtaining any more unless he should succeed his brother James as Trustee in the management of that part of the estate which I give for support of my wife and son William. I give my plantation and all my land, my negro man Jack and all other of my estate of what kind soever to the whole and sole use, support and maintenance of my wife and son William during their lives, and do hereby will and subject the same into their hands, care and management of my son James, whom I hereby constitute and make Trustee to appropriate the said estate to their sole use, support and maintenance as aforesaid, to them either jointly or single in such way and manner as he the said James shall judge and think the most to their profit and best for their support and comfort. And if any part of the said estate should remain after their decease, my will and intent is that he, the said James, his heirs and assigns, enjoy the same forever. If my son, James, decease before my wife and son William, I will that my son John succeed my said son James in every point as Trustee.
Lastly, I appoint my wife, Mary, Executrix and my sons, John and James, Executors of this my last will to see that all things be performed according to their true intent and meaning thereof. And I hereby disannul and revoke every former will and ratify and confirm this and no othere one to be my last will and testament. In witness thereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal, this 4th day of November 1771.
John {his X mark} Rainwater
Signed, sealed, published, pronounced and declared in the presence of us.
Jesse Brimp, John {his X mark} Pain
North Carolina, Surry County Court, May 1777
Jesse Brimp, one of the subscribing witnesses to the last will and testament of John Rainwater made oath that he saw the
said John Rainwater publish and declare the same to be his last will and testament; that he was of sound and disposing mind
and memory and that at the same time, he saw John Pain sign the same as a witness and on motion it was ordered to be recorded.
Recorded accordingly, Jo Williams, County Clerk
View a copy of the original
PDF of printable transcription
The will of John Rainwater, ca 1759/66 - ca 1832, Spartanburg District, SC
State of South Carolina
In the name of God, Amen. I, John Rainwaters of Spartanburg District in the state aforesaid, farmer, being in health of body and of sound mind, memory, and understanding, praised be God, for the same, do make this my last will and testament in manner and form following.
1st. I will and divise that I may be decently buried and also that all my just debts be paid.
2nd. I give, bequeath and devise unto my beloved wife Susannah [Bobo] Rainwater all my estate both real and personal of what or nature or kind, [unreadable] at the time of my death, to have and to hold and enjoy the same during her natural life. And at the decease of my wife, my will and devise is that the whole of my estate both real and personal be equally divided among all my children who may then be living to them and their heirs forever, except for my son William Rainwaters, and as I have already advanced him more than his proportional part of my estate. My will and devise is that my executor may pay to him one shilling only.
And I do nominate, constitute and appoint my friend Elisha Bomar and James K. Nance my co-executors of this my last will and testament, hereby revoking and making void all and every other will or wills at any time heretofore by me made, and do declare to be my last will and testament. In writing whereof I do hereunto put my hand and seal the 11th day of July 1825.
Signed sealed and published in the presence of us,
Note in the space where the words friends Elisha Bomar and James K Nance were written were other words which were
crossed out and then inserted, also the word my between Nance and executor intertwined before signed.
John {his X mark} Rainwater
[witnesses] Simpson Bobo, Washington Bomar, Wm Bomar
True Copy of the Sale Bill for the personal property of the Estate of John Rainwater, deceased, Dec. 18, 1833
3 Negros, Hannah, Canzada & Charlotte to Wm. H. Farrow $345.00
1 Sorrel mare to Wm. Rainwater 29.50
1 small waggon to Wm. H. Farrow 11.00
1 loom to Wm. Rainwater 1.00
1 lot tables & chairs to Wm. Rainwater 1.00
1 pot rack to Wm. Nance .87 1/2
1 hoe to Ransom White .50
1 pot each to James Selmon Jr. 1.00
1 large pot & hooks to Hiram McCarly .37 1/2
1 large pot & hooks to John D. Harmoning 1.18 3/4
1 lot pots to Jonathan Low .25
1 [unreadable] to Jonathan Low 1.06 1/4
9 head of sheep to Jonathan Low 10.37 1/2
1 ax and wedge to Zach Wingo Jr. .62 1/2
1 ax and wedge to Moses McCarly 1.06 1/4
1 frow and coulter* to Daniel Stephens 1.00
1 plow to Marquis Parkerson .37 1/2
1 mattock to Richard Powell 1.06 1/4
1 pair gears to Wm. H. Farrow 1.00
2 hoes & grubing hoe to Wm. Rainwater .60
1 jar to Hiram McAbe .56 1/4
1 jug to Hiram McAbe .25
1 jar to Wm. Rainwater .18 3/4
Water vessels to P. C. Caldwell .13 1/4
Water pails to James Selman .13 1/4
1 jug to John Fortenberry 1.00
1 grindstone to Jesse Wingo 1.00
1 cutting box to Wm. Nance 2.25
Skillet & pan to James Selman .37 1/2
1 kettle to Wm. Rainwater .62 1/2
Tongs & poker to James Nance .62 1/2
Smothering irons to John Cowen .50
1 pair to stilliards* James Selman 1.12 1/2
1 barrel to John Fortenberry .25
Cards & wheel to Zach Wingo 1.18 3/4
Pickling tub to P. Caldwell .31 1/2
____________
419.62 1/2
2 hogsheads & box to Tho. Tinsley Jr. .18 3/4
5 first choice hogs to John Fortenberry 5.00
5 second choice hogs to John Fortenberry 3.00
5 third choice hogs to R. White 1.50
5 fourth choice hogs to James Nance 1.00
Tray & sifter to E. Hemperly .75
1 meal gum to Wm. Rainwater .25
Coffee mill to John Cowen .62 1/2
Brass kettle to Wm. Trimmier 2.75
Brass spoon & dish to John D. Harmoning 2.06 1/4
2 brass to John Fortenberry 1.12 1/2
Bucket & spoons to Wm. Lee .50
Knives & forks to Enos Lewis 1.25
One half dozen plates to Enos Lewis .25
Cups & saucers to M. McCarly .31 1/4
1 pole to Jesse Wingo .50
Bowls to M. McCarly .31 1/4
Puter* coffee [unreadable] to James Tap .12 1/2
Candlestick to R. Foster .50
Candle molds & sheep shears to R. Foster .50
Cupboard to Wm. Nance 9.50
Decanters & bottles to P. Caldwell .62 1/2
Walnut table to E. Lewis 2.87 1/2
Large Bible to Thos. Hagnus 3.00
White cow & calf to John Fortenberry 12.50
2 yearlings to John Finch 6.00
Chairs to Rainwater 3.06 1/4
Side saddle to Waters Farrow 2.25
Trunk to Sarah Selman 3.37 1/2
Large chest to James Nance .56 1/2
Bed and stead and furniture to Enos Lewis 9.87 1/2
Bed and stead and furniture to John Fortenberry 12.37 1/4
___________
88.50
Saw & drawing knife to Ramson White 1.06 1/4
Adds* & square to John Tap .62 1/2
2 augers & 2 chisels to John Bomar 1.12 1/2
Lot bedding to Sarah Selman 2.06 1/4
Looking glass to Harper Henderson .31 1/4
1 basket to Marquis Parkerson .25
Lot men's clothing to Wm. Rainwater 1.00
Lot puter* & razor to James Tap .12 1/2
Clevis to John Fortenberry .18 3/4
____________
John D. Harmoning 6.75
419.62 1/2
88.50
____________
574.87 1/2
*Frow: a wedge-shaped cleaving tool, also spelled froe.
*Coulter: a knife or sharp edged wheel attached to the beam of a plow.
*Stilliards: scales, contemporary spelling is steelyards.
*Puter: pewter
*Adds: adze
This probate file consists of 24 documents. The earliest date is on a document in which E. Bomar declares himself to be the executor of the estate of John Rainwater, on 24 Oct 1832. Application for the will to be probated was made on 17 Sept 1833 by James K. Nance. Administrator's bond was issued to John D. Harmoning on 3 Dec 1833, and an additional bond was issued to John D. Harmoning and Silas Rainwater on 5 Jan 1835. Also included is a bill for $2.00 from coffin maker John P. Martin. The appraisement of the personal property, dated 3 Dec 1833, is for an amount under $400.00. Some of the final filings are dated as late as 1836. No significant personal names are mentioned in any of these documents.
From Spartanburg County File #1670. Photocopy of microfilmed original from the South Carolina Department of Archives and History. Our thanks to Eddie Herring for assistance in parsing some of the words in the original.
Printable transcription in PDF format
The Will of John Wesley Rainwater, 1808-1888, Bedford Co., TN
Will Book 1 pg 771
I, J. W. Rainwater do make and publish my last will and testament, hereby unmaking all others made by me at any time heretofore.
1st, I request and [unreadable] executor pay off all debts due by me to anyone and to pay all my funeral expenses out of any monies that I may die possessed of, in that may first come into his hands.
Secondly, I will and bequeath to my wife Polly all of my landed estate and all personalty (after paying my debts and funeral expenses) during her natural life. And I desire to provide for a support for my wife's sister, Elizabeth Adcock. And to this end I direct that she make her home with my wife during the natural life of both of them and in the event that said Elizabeth Adcock should outlive of my wife, then I direct that she enjoy the same rights and priviledges that I have above directed for my wife, that is, that she have full control of all my property both real and personal during her natural life with the priviledge of selling any of the personal property that may be necessary for her support, as my wife shall have during her natural life.
Thirdly, I will and bequeath at the death of both my wife Polly Rainwater and her sister Elizabeth Adcock that my real estate be sold at public outcry to the highest bidder on one, two and three years time with two approved [unreadable] with [unreadable] the land to secure the purchase money. And that my personal property if any be in hand be sold on twelve months time in the same manner and at the same time that the land is sold and after paying expenses necessary in the winding up of said estate, I direct my Executor to divide the [unreadable] proceeds equally, one half to my nearest of kin and one half to my wife's nearest of kin, as the [ink blot] directs in such matters.
Fourthly, I direct my Executor (which should have been stated above) to place a marble slab at the head of my grave, also at my wife's grave with suitable inscriptions to mark the same. Also a slab to Elizabeth Adcock's grave.
Fifthly, I hereby nominate and appoint T. F. Smalling my Executor to carry out the directions above.
This April 7th 1888
J. W. {his X mark} Rainwater
We T. L. McCerney of Bell Buckle and R. A. Stover of Bell Buckle sign this instrument as witnesses
in the presence of and at the request testator he having first signed the same in our presence,
stating this to be his last will and testament, April 7th 1888
T. L. McCerney, R. A. Stover, J. W. Watson
Printable transcription in PDF format
The probate records of Joseph Rainwater, 1824-1873, Wood Co., TX
No. 25, Estate of Joseph Rainwater, deceased
Final report, filed Sept. 22, 1879
M. D. Laukford, Clerk Co. Court, Wood Co.
Now came W. W. Rainwater, administrator of Joseph Rainwater, deceased, and submits this, his final reportio of the condition of said estate.
Report states that at the date of the filing of his last report he had overpaid to the heirs of said estate and for expenses the sum of $125.00 as shown by the vouchers filed with report, all of which were filed in the court house of this county, vis the 11th Dec 1878. That since the filing of said report, he has received for the sale of 160 acres of land and rents, $641.00. That he has paid and since that time to the heirs of estate, and for expenses of administration the following sums of money as shown by vouchers as follows:
Voucher No.:
| 1. To E. C. Bell for tombstone | $32.00 |
| 2. To W. J. Jones Co. [ ? ] | 2.00 |
| 3. To Elisha Crow, Atty. | 30.00 |
| 4. To L. B. Wright, Atty. | 25.00 |
| 5. To K. A. Fowler & wife | $125.00 |
| 6. To Jno. Q. Cox & wife | $20.00 |
| 7. To Jonathan Russell, per M. L. Russell for Robert Rainwater | $95.33 |
| 8. To Jno. P. Williams, for taxes | $3.60 |
| Total paid out | $332.93 |
| Overpaid by me | $125.00 |
| My portion as and of the heirs | $253.80 |
| $711.73 | |
| Estate & Heirs due me | $70.73 |
And now having shown a full and complete administration of said estate your report prays that those
citations issued according to law to all persons interested in said estate, and that in a final
hearing of this report, to be finally discharged from his trust.
D. W. Crow, Atty.
Two documents follow this one in the file. The first is a document of the county court discharging W. W. Rainwater of his duties. The second is a certification of R. L. Hayes, Publisher, that the notice has been printed in The Winnsboro Sentinal in accordance with the law. Six vouchers follow and are sumarized here:
Summary of vouchers:
| Jason Ayer and wife, the daughter of Joseph Rainwater | horse, bridle and saddle |
| Emma L. Ayer, the wife of Jason Ayer | $150.00 |
| Mary Ellen Rainwater, now Mary Ellen Fowler | $250.00 |
| Julia P. Rainwater, now Julia P. Cox | $250.00 |
| Robert Rainwater, son of Joseph Rainwater, and Jonathan Russell, Robert's heir | $95.33 |
| C. Rainwater, son of Joseph Rainwater | $253.80 |
Transcribed from photocopies of the original microfilm, provided by Glidie Rainwater Mobley
Printable transcription in PDF format
The Will of Josiah Rainwater, 1843-1934, Wilbarger Co., TX
Written 13 Dec 1930, Filed 20 Mar 1934
Wilbarger Co., TX, #1145
Know all men by these presents: That I, J.W. Rainwater a resident and citizen of the State and County aforesaid being of sound mind do make and constitute this my last will and testament.
My wife Elizabeth J. Rainwater will properly care for my burial and expense of last sickness (should she survive me), pay all necessary expenses for the same, and pay all my other just and legal debts.
All the property that I am not possessed of, both real, personal or mixed, I hold in common with my said wife, an undivided one-half interest. I specially will and desire that my wife, Elizabeth J. Rainwater, at the time of my death, shall take possession of my entire property of every description and the said Elizabeth J. Rainwater use and occupy the same as her own property, and at her death (should she survive me), I bequeath to Miles Rainwater our home where we now live, and that our household and kitchen furniture to be divided as near equally among the children as possible.
I invest my Executors with full power and authority to sell and convey any part of my estate, real or personal, by consent of my wife, and my wife shall not be held accountable to anyone for money or property used by her as designated authorized use by the provision of this will; and at the death of my wife, I wish and direct my Executors to distribute my estate equally among out children.
I hereby will, constitute and appoint Miles Rainwater and Charles A. Aderholt Executors of this my last will and testament, without bond or security, and that the court exercise no control over my estate except to admit this will to probate.
I hereby revoke, cancel and declare void any will or wills that I may have heretofore made or executed, and constitute this my last will and testament. In testimony of all of which I hereunto afix my seal and sign my name in the presence of these subscribing witnesses & signed witnessed in the town of Vernon, Tex. on this 13th day of Dec. 1930.
J.W. Rainwater
Attest: M. Rainwater, R. L. Luttrell
Printable transcription in PDF format
The guardianship of the minor children of Louisa Moore Rainwater, ca 1825 - ca 1876, Hamilton Co., TX
Pg. 206
State of TX, Co. of Hamilton
In [unreadable] Hamilton Co., A.D. 1876
The petition of Abner Rainwater, a resident citizen of said county to honorable D. C. Smith judge
of said county shows unto your honor that he is the father of the following minors to wit.: Emma J.
Rainwater, John T. Rainwater, Alex F. Rainwater, Mary F. Rainwater, Ruth A. Rainwater and Marthy H. Rainwater.
That all except Emma J. and John T. Rainwater are under the age of 14 years, that they have come into
theirs as heirs of their mother about $100 in the state of Georgia, that they have no legal guardian of
said inheritance, that their mother is dead, that they all reside in this county, therefore petitioner
asks that he be appointed guardian of the estate of said minors under the age of 14 that citation be posted,
that the same be contested if such proper, that citation issue to the two named minors over the age of 14
to appear at said time and choose them a guardian as petitioner will ever ask.
Abner Rainwater
Filed in my office Oct 21, 1876
The State of Texas, Co. of Hamilton
To the sheriff of [unreadable] constable of Hamilton Co.
Greetings. Whereas application has been [unreadable] filed in my office by A. Rainwater for guardianship
of the estate of the following minors to wit. Alexander F. Rainwater, Mary F. Rainwater, Ruth A. Rainwater
and Marthy H. Rainwater [there is another line at the bottom of this page, but the bleedthrough is such that
it was impossible to read]
P. 216
The State of Texas, Co. of Hamilton
Know all men by these presence that we John Potts as principal and J. W. Campbell and T. Vaughn as sureties
are held and finely bound unto the county Judge of Hamilton Co. and his [unreadable] successors?) in office
in the sum of four hundred dollars conditioned that the said John Potts will faithfully discharge all the duties
of guardianship of the Estates of Emma Rainwater, A. F. Rainwater, Mary F. Rainwater, Ruth A. Rainwater, Martha A.
Rainwater and John T. Rainwater, minors.
Witness our hands this the 6th day of July 1877
John Potts, J. W. Campbell, T. Vaughn
Approved this the 11th day of July A.D. 1877
D. C. Smith, County Judge HC
Transcription contributed by Michelle Ganus Taggert
Printable transcription in PDF format
The Will of Miles Rainwater, 1818-1884, Pulaski Co., KY
14 May 1883, Pulaski Co., KY
Book 7 Page 101
I, Miles Rainwater of Pulaski County, Kentucky do hereby make my last will and testament in the manner and form following, that is to say:
1st, I desire that all the perishable part of my estate be immediately sold after my decease, except one mare and one cow, all the sheep and hogs on hand, one wagon, all the farming tools of every description, all the gearing, all the household and kitchen furniture of every description, all the meat and corn on hand, which I give to my wife, Frances Rainwater, during her lifetime. After the payment of my debts and funeral expenses out of the proceeds of my perishable property not excepted, I give to my two sons Terrell Rainwater and Erasmus M. Rainwater, and my grandson John Silas Rainwater, two hundred dollars each provided the property brings that amount, should there be more, the remainder to be equally divided among my children. I give to my two sons, Fountain Rainwater and James Rainwater my home lands consisting of four tracts containing [about] three hundred acres, at the decease of my wife, Frances Rainwater. At my decease Fountain and James Rainwater to have the use and proceeds of the above mentioned lands by them maintaining my wife, Frances Rainwater, during her life, and my daughter Sarah Rainwater, so long as she remains single.
2nd, I give to my daughter, Mary E. Gossett, my farm known as the William Rainwater farm and 3rd, I give to my daughter, Frances J. Tarter, my farm known as the Thornton Bernard farm. 4th I give to my daughter, Courtney E. Hainey, my farm known as the Giles Hendricks place. 5th, I give to my daughter, Sarah A. Rainwater, my farm known as the Irvine place, and lastly do I hereby constitute and appoint my two sons, Fountain and James Rainwater, executors of this my last will and testament, hereby revoking all other former wills or testaments by me heretofore made. I desire that my executors be not required to give security. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this 14th day May 1883.
Miles Rainwater
Attest: E.T. Barker, Enoch Rainwater
State of Kentucky, County of Pulaski, Sct.
I, John S. May, Clerk Pulaski County Court, do hereby certify that the foregoing instrument of writing purporting
to be the last will and testament of Miles Rainwater, dead, was at the February Term 1884 of court aforesaid produced
in open court and proven by the oath of E.T. Barker, one of the two subscribing witnesses thereunto to be the last
will and testament of Miles Rainwater, dead, and by said court ordered to be recorded as such. Wherefore the same
and this certificate hath been duly recorded in my office. Given unto my hand this 5th day of March 1884.
Attest: John S. May, clerk
Printable transcription in PDF format
The Estate Administration of Robert Rainwater, pre 1775-1824
Stewart Co., TN, Book 3 Page 102
Additional return of Robert Rainwaters, deceased
April 1st 1824, Mourning Rainwaters
1 feather bed - $10.00, 1 Bridle - 7 1/4 cents
This feather bed is to be sold by order of the court, November Term 1824
Book 3 Page 332
Settlement with Mourning Rainwaters, Executrix
Stewart County, State of Tennessee, August Term 1824
Ordered by the court that William Trowsdale, Richard Taylor and Frederick Gross be appointed commissioners
to settle with Mourning Rainwaters, Administratrix of Robert Rainwater, deceased, and make return to next term.
A copy test, M. Williams, clerk
We the undersigned Settlee with Mourning Rainwaters, Administratrix to the estate of Robert Rainwater, deceased,
agreeable to the [unknown] order, and find in her hands after settling all demands against the estate, two hundred
and eighty seven dollars and twenty cents. Given under our hand and tests. this 9th of Sept. 1824.
William Trowsdale {seal}, Richard Taylor {seal}, Frederick (his + mark) Gross {seal}
Book 3 Page 11
Mourning Rainwaters, additional bond for Executorship
Know all men by their presents that we, Mourning Rainwaters, John Deer and Bartlote Posey,
are held and firmly bound unto the Governor and over the State of Tennessee aforesaid or his successor in office in the
just sum of five hundred dollars to be paid to said Governor or his successors in office or their appointees which
payment will and truly to be made, we bind ourselves his executor, we sealed with our seals and dated this 7th day of
February 1825.
The condition of the above obligation is such that of the above bound Mourning Rainwaters, Administratrix of the
estate of Robert Rainwaters, deceased, being required by the petition filed at the November Term 1826 of James W.
Nicchols and Jacob Winters, the former security of the said Mourning Rainwaters as Administratrix aforesaid to
come foreward and enter into new security for her said Admin., now then for if the said Mourning Rainwaters do well
and truly administer according to law and shall deliver and payments. Such person or persons respectively as the
same shall be due pursuant to the true intent and meaning of this administration. Then the above obligation to be
void else to be in full force and virtue.
[unknown] and acknowledged in open court, February Term 1825
Mourning (her + mark) Rainwaters {seal}, Bartlett Posey {seal}, John (his + mark) Deer {seal}
Test. M. Williams, clerk
Printable transcription in PDF format
The estate adminstration of Sam Rainwater, ca 1863-1889, Waller Co., TX
The State of Texas, Waller County
February 1st 1890
Know all here by their presents that I, Matilda Rainwater, widow of Sam Rainwater, deceased,
duly empower and select E. L. Gray as the proper person to administer the estate of my late husband,
Sam Rainwater, in my place and stead and I hereby renounce all my rights to said administrator in his favor.
Matilda Rainwater
Witnesses: T. G. Graham, Henry Mason
Estate of Sam Rainwater, deceased, No. 242
In County Court, Waller County, Texas
Now comes E. L. Gray, administrator of the estate of Sam Rainwater, deceased, and says that the only property within his knowledge or information belonging to the decedent's estate is to wit as follows:
Item 1. Real property. 187 acres of land out of the Padillo 2 Lioguro in Waller County set apart to decedent as a deed of partition between Jane Carter, Mose Williams and decedent Sam Rainwater by deed of record in Book 10 page 135 of Waller County Deed Records,
Item 2. Saddle ponies.
Item 3. Saddle ponies.
Item 4. Head horse stock - title in litigation.
With the aid of C. N. Quillen and H. J. Harvey, two of the appraisers heretofore appointed by said court in the above Inventory is made and contains a file and complete inventory of the property of the estate of said Sam Rainwater that has come to [unclear] knowledge.
Sworn to and subscribed before me this the 30th day of January 1890 to which I hereto sign my name and
affix my seal of office.
{seal} A. J. Harvey, N. P. W. C. Texas
With the assistance of the two appraising aforesaid the foregoing property is valued as is follows said appraisers working the valuation.
| Item 1. | 187 acres land | $10 per acre | $1870.00 |
| Item 2. | 2 Saddle Ponies | $30 each | $60.00 |
| Item 3. | 2 Saddle Ponies | $15.00 each | $30.00 |
| Item 4. | 4 Head Horse Stock | $15.00 each | $60.00 |
| Item 5. | 12 Head Cattle Stock | $5.00 per head | $60.00 |
| Item 6. | 1 Wagon | $30.00 |
What the amount set opposite each article is, is the true value thereof according to our knowledge and
belief in inspecting the property.
E. L. Gray, C. N. Quillen, H. J. Harvey
Sworn to and subscribed by C. N. Quillen and H. J. Harvey this the 31st day of January 1890 to certify
which I hereunto sign my name and affix my seal of office.
{seal} A. J. Harvey, N. P. W. C. Texas
Filed February 1st 1890
Transcribed from a photocopy of the original. The other three documents in this administration are the petitions to have the administrator assigned and have no genealogical significance. Sam Rainwater was the son of Wiliam Jasper Rainwater (anglo) and Jane Carter (AA).
Printable transcription in PDF format
Estate Sale of Solomon Rainwater, Sr., ca 1765-1814, Pendleton District, SC
The estate administration file of Solomon Rainwater, Sr. consists of 17 documents, many of which are receipts scrawled on tiny scraps of paper. This inventory of the results of an auction appears to be the most genealogically significant. That the estate's contents were disposed of in this way suggests unpaid debts or back taxes were a problem. The dollar values in this record appear to be given in dollars, cents, and fractions of cents.
The estate's administrator, John Harris, was appointed on 14 Nov 1814, so it is reasonable to assume that Solomon died shortly before that date.
A true and perfect inventory of all the goods, chattels and personal estate of Solomon Rainwater, late of the State of So. Carolina, Pendleton District, yeoman deceased, made by us whose names are hereunder subscribed the 3rd day of December in the year of our Lord 1814.
|
Crop of wheat, rye, corn & potatoes Horses Horned cattle, sheep & hogs Forrage Cotton, wool & flax Ploughs & other implements of farming Household furniture Cooper ware Poultry Kitchen furniture Tanned leather & raw hides Rifle gun Wearing (sic) apparel Saddles and saddle bags Bees caps Shoe tools Debts Total 4 hogs Appraised by us this day and year above written. Alex. Moorhead, James Moorhead, Abraham Eldridge |
$202.50.0 95.00.0 177.00.0 19.00.0 23.00.0 59.12.5 121.12.5 26.25.0 9.00.0 52.75.0 9.25.0 15.00.0 10.50.0 11.00.0 4.00.00 3.50.0 41.25.0 $79.25.0 6.00.0 $85.25.0 |
|
|
Widow Rainwater Widow " Widow " John Fretwell " Widow Rainwater " Robert Gordon Aaron Oliphant Tarlton Hall Widow Rainwater " John Rainwater Widow Rainwater Job Hammond Benjamin Griffin John Hunnicutt Job Hammond Huly Roberts William Heaton Richard Adams Bennett W. Hall George Vandavier Charles Richy Job Rainwater Richard Phillips Widow Rainwater James Hillwee or Millwee Elisha Lewis Widow Rainwater Richard Phillips Tarlton Hall Caleb Smith Widow Rainwater Joseph Taylor Richard Phillips Caleb Smith Joseph Richy Luton Brady Widow Rainwater Aaron Oliphant William Brunter Seth Dildy Hugh Gaston (name unclear) Amariah Felton John Hollis (name unclear) [unreadable] Richardson [unreadable] Bennett Hall [unreadable] William Hall Widow Rainwater John Grimes John Mills Nathan Horne Nicholas Welch Elisha Lewis Tarlton Hall William Hall Walter C. Dickson Thomas Davis John C. Anderson John Mills John Lolly John Anderson Widow Rainwater Joshua Rainwater John Grimes Widow Rainwater Widow Rainwater Widow Rainwater Widow Rainwater Amariah Felton Nicholas Welch Widow Rainwater Widow Rainwater Widow Rainwater Solomon Rainwater |
Household furniture " " 1 Walnut chest 1 Walnut table " " 1 gun 1 wheel 1 lot pots 1 stack of rye 21 bushels wheat 3 barrels wheat 3 barrels wheat 3 barrels wheat 3 barrels " 3 " 3 hogshead " 3 " 4 " 1 hogshead " 1 sythe & cradle 1 cutting box 1 lot hogs 1 spade 1 lock chain 1 set gears & swingletree " 1 lot tools 2 mattocks " 1 lot of tools 1 draw knife 1 lot tools " " 1 lot leather 1 bed stead 1 hide tan leather 1 lot tools " 1 raw cowhide 1 born steer 1 [--] and jointer 1 fat hog " " 7 geese 1 lot cattle 1 cow & calf 3 yearlings 1 cow 2 sheep " " " " 1 pair stelyards 1 lot teaware 1 lot tinware " 1 teaware 1 sorrel mare 1 sorrel horse 1 bay colt 1 lot kitchen furniture 2 axes 1 jug 1 lot fodder 1 jug 1 pair free dogs 1 lot bells & guns 1 beer seap 1 half bushel [unclear] 1 broad ax and hammer |
5.50.0 3.50.0 5.25.0 6.00.0 5.00.0 2.25.0 1.25.0 15.00.0 1.00.0 3.62.5 55.00.0 3.00.0 11.50.0 4.00.0 15.75.0 6.75.0 6.50.0 6.62.5 6.25.0 6.12.5 12.25.0 6.00.0 8.25.0 13.62.5 6.25.0 2.00.0 30.00.0 0.75.0 4.75.0 1.00.0 3.13.5 3.12.5 2.50.0 1.50.0 1.62.0 0.43.5 1.12.5 2.50.0 1.87.5 10.12.5 1.00.0 3.12.5 1.37.5 1.25.0 1.50.0 2.37.5 1.75.0 5.87.5 5.00.0 4.25.0 2.50.0 40.25.0 11.00.0 15.00.0 11.75.0 5.50.0 5.25.0 4.62.5 4.62.5 3.00.0 4.50.0 5.37.5 2.12.5 2.25.0 5.37.5 35.00.0 31.12.5 24.75.0 5.50.0 3.00.0 1.25.0 10.00.0 3.12.5 3.00.0 0.50.0 2.25.0 0.12.5 2.81.3 245.56.3 |
| December 16th, 1814, A. Moorhead, clerk List of the second sale on the 30th December 1814. |
||
|
Mary Thomas John Rainwater Widow Rainwater " Richard Phillips John Rainwater Widow Rainwater Solomon Rainwater Widow Rainwater " " John Rainwater George Vandiver Widow Rainwater |
One plow Two plows One Coulter plow Two [unreadable] One looking glass One pair saddle bags One lot potatoes One lot potatoes One lot chairs One lot potatoes One lot flax One lot cooper ware One lot straw One lot wearing apparel |
1.50.0 1.25.0 0.50.0 1.50.0 1.00.0 4.50.0 1.61.4 3.25.6 1.00.0 1.00.0 0.31.5 0.31.4 0.25.0 0.12.5 17.62.2 + 245.56.3 263.18.5 |
| December 30th, 1814, A. Moorhead, clerk | ||
Anderson County Estate Papers, Box 16, #578, Roll C1133. Photocopy of the microfilmed original
contributed by William Rainwater.
Printable transcription in PDF format
The guardianship of the minor children of Wesley H. Rainwater, 1865 & 1867, Pulaski Co., AR
May 5th, 1865
In the matter of the estate of W. H. Rainwater, dec'd.
Amanda P. Rainwaters having applied for and obtained letters of administration in the estate of W. H.
Rainwaters, deceased, from the clerk of this court in [unreadable] thereof on the 27th day of May
1864, and filed her affidavit and bond in the sum of one thousand dollars with E. Swagerty and M. D.
Rainwater1 as her securities, and upon inspection of said bond it is
considered and ordered that the same and the securities thereon be approved as good and sufficient
and that the letters granted to the said Amanda P. Rainwaters as aforesaid be appointed as good
and sufficient.
April 10th, 1867
In the matter of the Guardianship of the minor heirs of Wesley H. Rainwater, dec'd.
Upon the examination of the petition of W. P. Maxwell2, filed herein on this day,
praying to be appointed
guardian of Albert M. Rainwater, George W. Rainwater, Josephine Rainwater and Wesley H. Rainwater, minor
children of Wesley H. Rainwater, dec'd, and upon the learning and consideration of said petition, it is
considered and ordered by the court that said W. P. Maxwell be and he is hereby appointed such
Guardian upon his filing the bonds required by law.
1Manson D. Rainwater, Wesley H. Rainwater's brother.
2William P. Maxwell, second husband of Amanda Hendricks Rainwater.
The probate file consists of 12 documents, of which these are the most genealogically significant.
Original contributed by Glidie Rainwater Mobley
Printable transcription in PDF format
The Will of William Rainwater, ca. 1774-1825, Pulaski Co., KY
6 January 1825 Somerset, Pulaski County, Kentucky
Book 2 Page 192
We, the undersigned, being called upon by William Rainwater, do in his last sickness to hear what disposition he wished made of all his goods and chattels, do declare that the said Decedent wished and desired all his goods and chattels, both real and personal, remain in the possession of his wife, Patsy, during her life or widowhood, to support herself and raise and educate his infant children. He made no further distribution.
Distribution, January 6, 1825
Thomas Whitely, Abraham Rainwater
At a County Court held for Pulaski County, Kentucky, at the courthouse thereof in the town of Somerset, on Monday
this 7th day of February A.D. 1825, this instrument of writing was exhibited to the court as the Noncupative Will
of William Rainwater, deceased, and proved by oath of Thomas Whitley and Abraham Rainwater, and ordered to be recorded
and the same is done accordingly.
Attest: Will Ford, clerk, Pulaski County, KY
PDF of printable transcription
The Will of William Jasper Rainwater, 1823-1887, Waller Co., TX
Waller Co., TX
August 22, 1887
In the name of God! Amen. I, W. J. Rainwater being of sound mind and discretion do make and publish this my last will and testament.
1st I give devise and bequeath to Jane Carter two hundred acres of laid out (sic) of my homestead tract to include my residence and improvements to be laid off in convenient shape commencing on the west line of the tract and running east for the required number of acres said land is to the said Jane Carter for life with the remainder at her death to my brothers and sisters as hereinafter named.
2nd I also give to the said Jane Carter my two gray horses and wagon all my household and Kitchen furniture and all meat, corn and other provisions on hand at my death.
3rd I give devise and bequeath to Sam Rainwater and Mose Williams the balance and remainder of my homestead tract of land after the two hundred acres given to Jane Carter for life are taken off to be equally divided between the said Sam Rainwater and Mose Williams. Said land is given to them in fee Simple absolute.
4th I give and bequeath to my nephew W. T. Carrington twenty five cows with their calves out of my stock of cattle.
5th All the rest, residue and remainder of my estate of every Kind not hereinbefore disposed of I give and bequeath to my brothers and sisters to wit- A. F. Rainwater, George Rainwater, Adeline Hosea, and Louisa Harris including also the two hundred acres of land hereinbefore devised to Jane Carter for life after the termination of said life estate. The property herein devised and bequeathed to my said brothers and sisters is to be divided between them equally, share and share alike.
I nominate and appoint my nephew W. T. Carrington Executor of this my will and direct that no bond be required of him as such. I further direct that no proceedings be required in the administration and settlement of my Estate except to probate this will and return an execution and appraisement of my Estate.
Witness my hand this September 8th 1885, W. J. Rainwater
Signed in presence of Robert C Watson, T. S. Reese
Testators name signed by me in his(?) presence at his request he being unable to write - Robert C. Watson
Filed August 22, 1887
Transcribed and contributed by William Rainwater
PDF of printable transcription
Will & Probate listings
Aaron E. Rainwater, 5 May 1935, Kitsap Co., WA, File #4758 [1275]Annie Rainwater, 2 Nov 1940, Book G pg 342, Anson Co., NC [986]
Crosby D. Rainwater, 5 Aug 1906, Taliaferro Co., GA [778]
David Tillison Rainwater Sr., 13 Nov 1866, Anderson Co., SC [675]
J. D. Rainwater, 10 Feb 1893, Conway Co., AR, probate records only [617]
Solomon Rainwater Jr., 1856, Hancock Co., GA, probate records only [163]
Stella Rainwater, 1890-1911, Burleson Co., TX, probate minutes USGenWeb transcription
William H. Rainwater, 6 Oct 1889, Brown Co., IN, estate inventory, Box 62 file 11 [193]
William Rainwater, Apr 1839, AL, probate records only [290]
Sources
- 163: In the Name of God, Amen: Index of Georgia Wills, 1733-1860, Ted O. Brooke, 1976, Pilgrim Press, PDF
- 193: Brown Co., IN Abstracts of Probate Records, 1836-1945, Helen H. Reeve, published 1992, Brown County Historical Society, Nashville, IN, PDF
- 290: Glidie Rainwater Mobley (Rainwater family) grmr@emerytelcom.net
- 571: Lawrence Co., AR Loose Probate Papers, 1815-1890, Marion Stark Craig, M.D.,published 1983, Little Rock, AR, PDF
- 617: Conway Co., AR Wills and Probate Records, Emogene Tindall, published 1984, North Little Rock, AR, PDF
- 675: Kim Wilson (Rainwater-Harper family), kimwilson@mail.utexas.edu
- 682: Bedford Co., TN Wills, Helen C. and Timothy R. Marsh, published 1984, Marsh Historical Publications, Shelbyville, TN, PDF
- 778: Taliaferro Co, GA Records and Notes, Alvin Mell Lunceford Jr., published 1988, The Reprint Company, Spartanburg, SC, PDF
- 972: Index to South Carolina Wills, SC Dept. of Archives and History, Roll #2 of 3
- 986: Howard Rainwater (North Carolina Rainwaters)
- 1275: Kitsap Co., WA Probate Index, 1861-1944, Puget Sound Genealogical Society
- 1287: Oregon State Archives online databases
- 1293: Index to Probate Cases of Wood Co., TX
- 1323: Index to Probate Cases, #237, Waller Co., TX, 1 Oct 1873-6 May 1940, WPA
- 1373: Estate Records, 1772-1933, Richmond Co., NC, Medlock-Yoe, Book 3, Myrtle N. Bridges
