Rainwater Wills

Page 1
The will of Thomas Fussell 1676-1735, Bertie Co., NC
The will of Rev. James Hembree, 1849, Anderson District, SC
The will of Aaron Rainwater ca 1790-1849, Logan Co., KY
Application for letters of administation for the estate of Annie J. Rainwater, ca 1835-1909, Richmond Co., NC
The will of James Rainwater 1806-1862, Pulaski Co., KY
The will of James Rainwater the Preacher, 1795-1865, Campbell Co., GA
The will of John Rainwater ca 1705-1777, Surry Co., NC
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 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 ca 1863-1889, Waller Co., TX
The will of William Rainwater ca. 1774-1825, Pulaski Co., KY
The will of William Jasper Rainwater 1823-1887, Washington Co., TX

Page 2
The will of Alexander Martin Rainwater, 1820-1890, Bedford Co., OR
The probate file of Job Rainwater, ca 1784-1863, Milton Co., GA
The will of John Rainwater, ca 1759/66 - ca 1832, Spartanburg District, SC
The guardianship of the minor children of Louisa Moore Rainwater, ca 1825 - ca 1876, Hamilton 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
Will & Probate listings without transcriptions

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 (X) Rainwater
Signed, sealed, published, pronounced and declared in the presence of us.
Jesse Brimp, John (X) 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

The Will of Thomas Fussell, 1676-1735, Bertie Parish, NC

4 Jun 1735, Bertie Parish, North Carolina
In the name of God, Amen. I, Thomas Fussell of the parish of Bertie in North Carolina being somewhat sick in body but of a sound, perfect, disposing mind and memory, thanks be to Almighty God for the same, and calling to mind the uncertain state of this transitory life and that all flesh must yield unto death when it shall please God to call, do make and order in this my last will and testament in the manner following:

First of all, I commend my soul into the hands of Almighty God hoping through the merits of my only Savior Jesus Christ to have full remission of all my sins and to inherit eternal life, and as to my body I commit to the earth from whence it came to be decently interred at the discretion of my Executor named, and as for my temporal estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me, I give and dispose of in the manner following, viz, in the first place, I do give or bequeath to my eldest daughter Elizabeth the wife of Gilbert Weaver, six hogs. Likewise to my daughter Mary the wife of John Rainwater, six hogs. Also to my daughter Martha the wife of John Arnal other six hogs more, and to my daughter Ann I do bequeath ten hogs. Likewise to my daughter Sarah, other ten hogs more. Likewise to my daughter Ann, I bequeath the gray horse called Shaver and the gray horse called Squirrel to my daughter Sarah. Also to my daughter Ann, I give the wooling wheel, two cows, two yearlings, one dish, one basin, one blanket, five hundred slay. Likewise to my daughter Sarah, I give two cows, two yearlings, one dish, the pot and cotton cards, the bed and two blankets belonging to the house. Likewise to my daughter Elizabeth the wife of Gilbert Weaver, I give the linen wheel and the four hundred slay. As for my son, Aaron Fussell, I make him my fully and wholly Executor of all the rest of my personal estate, as witness my hand this fourth day of June in the year of our Lord God 1735.

Thomas (X) Fussell
[Witnesses] William (X) Weaver, Richard (X) Head, John (X) Cook

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

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 [unknown] 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 [uncertain - might be precepts] 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 truely 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 truely 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

The Will of Rev. James Hembree, 1849, Anderson District, SC

In the name of God, Amen. I, James Hembree, Minister of the Gospel in Anderson District, SC being now in good health and of a sound disposing mind and memory and knowing that my earthly house of this labor made must be dissolved, that mortality may be swallowed up of life and to be ever with the Lord, I do make and ordain this, my last will and testament.

First--If my wife should be the longest liver my will is that my whole estate, real and personal, without exception, remain with her for her support enduring her natural life and at her death to be disposed of in the following manner. My will is that my black woman, Peggy, and her son, Grief Presley, have the liberty to choose their master, and that one of the executors gives them a pass for five days, to look out a person of their choice and as Peggy is near forty seven years old and is not very sound and Grief will be twelve years old on the 25th of August, next, I value them myself - the purchaser to give six hundred dollars or have them valued, the purchaser to have the same credit and terms as those who buy at my public sale - the money to be paid over to my executors as part of my estate, the ballance [sic] of my whole estate to be sold to the highest bidder consisting of two hundred acres of land, less or more, whereon I now live. Stock-horses, cows, hogs and sheep, household and kitchen furniture, plantation tools and every article I may possess - and as for Peggys household and kitchen furniture that don't belong to my estate, I have no claim to anything in her house, except the cotton wheel and cards and old table and now for the division.

Four of my children has been advanced above the rest - John and James Hembree, Winney Heaton and Polley Bowen. I have gave land to these four, therefore I bequeath to my son, Amariah Hembree, one hundred dollars and to Job Rainwater who married my daughter - Didama, one hundred dollars and to Daniel Gentry, who married my daughter Mahala, one hundred dollars. I also bequeath to William Heaton, who married my daughter - Hephzibah, five dollars and to his daughter, Betsy Lavinia, my grand-daughter - twenty dollars and for my beloved daughter Sally Day - she lives far off in Texas, I therefore bequeath unto her one dollar. When these bequeaths of three hundred and twenty six dollars are counted out with all the lawful expenses,the ballance of my estate to be equally divided amongst my three sons and four daughters(viz) Amariah Hembree, John Hembree and James Hembree, Winney Heaton, Didama Rainwater, Mahala Gentry and Polley Bowen and lastly, I do nominate and appoint my two sons John and James Hembree, executors of this, my last will and testament and as my wife is not capable of trading and doing business for herself, I appoint my son, James,guardian for his mother and I authorize him to sell any part of the stock or household furniture for her support as needed and I do hereby revoke amd make void all other testaments and executors by me in any wise before named, willed or bequeathed testifying and confirming this and no other to be my last will and testament in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the fifth day of May in the year of our Lord, One Thousand Eight Hundred and Forty Seven.

Signed,sealed and pronounced by the said, James Hembree to be his last will and testament in the presence of each other, have hereunto subscribed our names.
Jno. C. Griffin, James Hembree, S. D. Gailand, J. T. Whitefield

Personally appeared John C. Griffin and made oath the he did see James Hembree, Senr sign the above and foregoing as and for his last will and testament and state at the time of his signing the same,he believed he was of sound and disposing mind, memory and understanding and that C. D. Gailland and J. T. Whitefield, with his understanding, witness the same, and that they all signed in the presence of the testator and of each other. Sworn to and subscribed before me the 20th day of August 1849.
Jno C.Griffin

I Herbert Hammond, Ordinary of the district, aforesaid do hereby certify that the last will and testament of James Hembree, Senr, deceased, was admitted to probate in common form, on the oath of John C. Griffin, one of the witnesses to the same on this 20th day of August 1840 and that on the same day James Hembree qualified as executor of the same.
Given under my hand and seal this 20th day of August 1849
Herbert Hammond [Seal]

Transcribed and contributed by Glidie Rainwater Mobley

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

The Will of James Rainwater the Preacher, 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

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

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

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 report ¹ 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 Tomb Stone	$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

¹ This word is not clear. Report makes sense in the context of the document, but it appears to be Refactio or Reportio in most places where it occurs. This may be an official Latin legal term - I'm not certain.

Transcribed from photocopies of the original microfilm, provided by Glidie Rainwater Mobley

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

The Will of William Jasper Rainwater, 1823-1887, Waller Co., TX

Waller Co., TX
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 + 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. T. 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

The estate adminstration of Sam Rainwater, ca 1863-1889, Waller Co., TX

The State of Texas, Waller County
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. "

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.

Application for letters of administation 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]

Thanks to Howard Rainwater for a copy of this record

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