Note from Carol:
I obtained the will in Fayette County, Illinois, the location of Daniel's death. His tombstone says he died
August 1, 1832, but the will was sent to Sumner County, Tenn. by August 19, 1833. So I'm guessing it really
was 1833 . . . the will was sent to Sumner for witness corroberation . . . Will and Codicil to my great
great great-gradfather I obtained a copy of his actual will and codicil by visiting Sumner County in
1999.
The following is taken from my book:
Daniel McConnell, while still living in Sumner County, Tennessee, executed his Last Will and
Testament on January 12, 1825, leaving "the tract of land whereon I live of Two Hundred Acres
with all my stock of Horses, Cattle, Hoggs, Sheep, Household and Kitchen Furnishings and
Farming Tools," to his wife, Milly McConnell:
I, Daniel McConnel, of the County of Sumner and State of Tennessee, do make and ordain this my Last Will and Testament. I give and bequeath to my wife, Milly McConnel, the tract of land whereon I live of Two Hundred Acres with all my stock of Horses, Cattle, Hoggs, Sheep, Household and Kitchen Furnishings and Farming Tools During her Natural Life, at her Descease to be equally Divided among my Children by Name Elizabeth, Sally, Hesekiah, Rebeckah, Daniel McConnel's.
It is my will that when the aforesaid Heirs do come to mature age that my wife shall give them
such things out of my Estate as they need, and as she may think proper. Also, the part of the
estate of Kiah Blankinship which falls to her and is now unsettled, I do give to her During her
Natural life after that to be equally Divided between the before named Heirs. I do appoint my
wife, Milly McConnel sole Executrix to this my will and Testament. I do hereby disallow of all
other wills or legacies ratifying this to be my last Will and Testament. In witness whereof I have
set my hand and seal this the 12th day of January and in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight
Hundred Twenty Five.
Signed, Sealed and Delivered
In presence of: Daniel McConnell [SEAL]
Henry McAden
Hugh McAden
Isaac Cooper
NOTE from Carol:
Daniel's Last Will and Testament is interesting for a number of reasons. First, it places Daniel and
Milly in Sumner County, Tennessee in the year 1825 and even names their children: Elizabeth,
Sally, Hezekiah, Rebecca and Daniel. At first it seemed that their daughter, Elizabeth, was the
"Elizabeth McConnell" who married Leonard Riedle. After reading Rebecca McConnell's Last
Will and Testament, however, it is clear that the "Elizabeth" who married Leonard Riedle is
Daniel and Milly McConnell's granddaughter. Further research reveals that the children are listed
in their birth order. Second, the Last Will and Testament alludes to the "estate of Kiah
Blankinship" which Milly will benefit by but which is presently "unsettled." Kiah is evidently a
shortened form of Hezekiah, and as the first born son of Daniel and Milly was also named
"Hezekiah", it is the name of Milly's father (children are generally named after parents,
grandparents and favored siblings as a mark of honor). Last, in order for the Will to be admitted
into the Fayette County Probate Court it will have to be returned to the county where it was
signed to verify its authenticity, and we learn that Daniel and Milly resided in Sumner County,
Tennessee, at least until 1828, when an addendum was executed.
On the 25th day of October, 1828, while still in Sumner County, Tennessee, Daniel McConnell
executed an addendum to his Last Will and Testament (and sold his property on Goose Creek)
which stated:
In addition to this Will it is my will at present that if I should decease before I get myself settled
again that my wife, Milly McConnel shall keep full possession of all the money, property or
whatever I have in my possession in order to purchase land or whatever may be necessary for her
support. In witness whereof I have set my hand and seal this the 25th day of October, 1828.
Signed in presence of
acknowledged in presence Daniel McConnell {SEAL}
Daniel Carney
Winfrey McConnell