The Will of Horatio Nelson Graves

In the name of God amen. I, Nelson Graves of the County of Woodford and State of Kentucky being sound in mind do hereby make and ordain this my last will and Testament.
1. I, my executor Thomas Jett of Franklin County whom I appoint as such, is hereby directed to sell all my real and personal estate (the slaves excepted). As soon as possible, say on a credit of one or two years either at public or private sale. As he may deem proper and should the sale not be made in the lifetime of my Executor whoever may succeed him or be appointed to act under this will is vested with the authority hereby conferred on him. 2. I will to The Kentucky State Colonization Society one thousand dollars ($1,000.00). 3. To my executor Thomas Jett, I will Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00). 4. I also will that whenever my Executor shall sell the above property and collects the proceeds he is directed to pay over one half of it to my brothers and sisters and the children of Nancy Johnson, my deceased sister. They taking the part that would have belonged to their mother to be equally divided. 5. The other half is to be paid over to my slaves each and every one, to have one equal share. 6. Each and every one of my slaves is to be liberated and placed in the hands of The Kentucky State Colonization Society for the purpose of being colonized to Liberia. 7. I do hereby appoint Thomas Jett of Franklin County my Executor to carry into effect this my last Will and Testament. Given under my hand and Seal this 1st day of July 1853.

Nelson Graves (seal)