Joseph Robards was born in Goochland county, Virginia, December 10, 1766, and moved with his

mother, in 1784, to Harrod's Station, in Kentucky, then a part 
of Virginia, and near what is now Harrodsburg, Kentucky.  He was 
in the war of 1812 and was a successful business man.  He was 
married to Miss Nancy Harris, September 11, 1806.  To them were 
born the following children:
  

 Joseph Robards, born December 10, 1766, died testate, December 5, 1858.  Nancy (Harris) Robards died testate, May, 1862.  They died in Breckenridge county, Kentucky.  See their wills.

7.  Luther McDonald Robards was born in Breckenridge county, Kentucky, July 30, 1815.  Died Novermber 15, 1876, in Phillips county, Arkansas.

Martha Newman, born in Breckenridge county, Kentucky, February 15, 1821, died April 15, 1872.  She was a daughter of Obadiah Newman, a native of Virginia and an early pioneer of northern Breckenridge county, Kentucky.  Luther McDonald Robards and Martha Newman were married April 30, 1840.  They lived in Breckenridge county, Kentucky, until 1854, when they moved to Arkansas.

The following are the children of Luther McDonald and 
Martha (Newman) Robards:
  

JOSEPH WARD ROBARDS
Vineyard, Arkansas

MARY FLORENCE (ROBARDS) WILLIAMS
Tyronza, Arkansas

ANNA HARRIS (ROBARDS) WOOTEN
Tyronza, Arkansas

LILIAN ROBARDS
Madisonville, Ky.

Editor Louisville Courier:
 

country might forever have a Democratic government.

He lived through a long and eventful period in the history of this country — in the history of the world.  He voted for Washington at his first election in 1789 — being then about twenty-three years of age — for Buchanan in 1856, and at every other presidential election, embracing a period of sixty-seven years.  This is a long political struggle; and we have had warm contests in every Presidential canvass since the second election of Washington, and yet he was in and through them all.  Fifteeen Presidents of these United States, thirteen of whom were elected to that office, — Washington, John Adams, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, John Q. Adams, Jackson, Van Buren, Harrison, Polk, Taylor, Pierce and Buchanan.  Upon the death of Harrison, Tyler succeeded him, by virture of his office as Vice-President; and Filmore succeeded Taylor by the same authority.  Many times during this period the Union seemed to be on the point of dissolution, and every patriot felt for his country.  But when his eyes were turned to behold for the last time the sun in heaven, their last feeble and lingering glance beheld the gorgeous ensign of the republic, now known and honored throughout the earth, still full high advanced, its arms and trophies streaming in their original lustre, not a stripe erased or polluted, nor a single star obscured.  So may it be when we die.

Mr. Robards was married to Miss Nancy Harris, near Harrodsburg, on the 11th day of September, 1806, removed to this county, Breckenridge, in 1808, lived near Stephensport eight years, and since that time on the farm near Harrodsburg.  He departed

this life on the 5th of December, 1858, at his residence, in the ninety-second year of his age.  Mrs. Robards, two sons and two daughters, still survive him.  His faculties were unimpaired to the last.  He was an indulgent husband, father and master; just in all his dealings, temperate and frugal in his habits, preserving through life much of the type of the olden time — a free unfettered race.  He was hospitable and kind without ostentation, as the writer of this article well knows, having received many proofs from himself and family.  Like many others in Virginia at that early period, he had been raised up in the established church, the Church of England, and still adhered to that faith, though he was not a communicant, that church not having ever been established or instituted in this community.  He was buried on the 7th day of December and the Rev. James Tayor, of the Methodist church, read the beautiful and impressive service of the Episcopal church.  We laid him gently down under his own forest tree, near the home he loved so well, where he had lived for more than fifty years, and
 

I, Joseph Robards of Breckenridge county, Kentucky, being old but of sound mind and disposing memory, do make this my last will and testament, hereby revoking all former wills by me made.

Section 1.  I devise to my wife absolutely, six negroes, viz.: Judy, Malinda, America, Margaret, a man Clayton, and a boy named Davy — also a claim I have on the United States Government for 1,000 acres of military land or whatever may be got in lieu of it, to dispose of as she pleases, including the future increase of said slaves.

Section 1.  I also devise to my wife (Nancy Robards), for and during her life, the following property, viz.:  The farm on which I reside, and the tract of land containing about 5-14 acres, all my stock, farming utensils, debts due me personally, except such as I may specifically devise in this will to others; also the following slaves, viz.:  Bob, Buck, Marriah and Crecy, and at her death these four slaves and their increase in future to be sold or divided into five equal parts.  To Alfred Robards, Eliza Willson, Luther Robards, and Elizabeth Cowherd each one-fifth and the fifth part to the children of Zeno Robards, deceased.

Section 3.  I will and devise (to take effect at my wife's death) to my son, Alfred Robards, the tract of land above divided to his mother for life conveyed to me by three separate deeds, by Edwards, by Farrot and by Beavin, making in all about 5-14 acres, which deeds are here referred to for a full description.

Section 4.  I will and devise to my daughter, Eliza Wilson, the sum of $200.00, two hundred dollars, to be paid out of my personalty after the death of my

wife.  This I give her to make the negroes I heretofore gave her equal in value to those given to her sister, Elizabeth Cowherd, the slaves heretofore given to Eliza Willson are Patty, Kitty and Harriet, which gift I hereby confirm.

Section 5.  I devise to my children, Luther and Alfred Robards, Eliza Willson and Elizabeth Cowherd, each an undivided 1-4 part of 1,000 acres of land in Callaway county which I have conveyed to them, which I hereby confirm,  I have also conveyed to Elizabeth Cowherd the slaves herein devised to her with some other personal property and give the same into her possession, which I hereby ratify and confirm, my said daughter is to make no charge for the hire of said slaves or be charged for board, etc., while she remains in the famly.  I devise that no appraisement of my estate be made until after my wife's death.

Section 6.  I have heretofore conveyed to my son, Alfred, a tract of land on the Tar Fork of Clover and now devise to him two beds, bedsteads and furniture, my desk, one dining table and cupboard, two cows and calves and twenty head of sheep, but not to be taken until after this mother's death unless she consent to it.

Section 7.  At the death of my wife the whole of my estate not herein divided is to be equally divided among all my children, the children of Zeno Robards, deceased, to take but one share in place of their father, and his children are not to be charged for raising or board while they live with me or my wife, I consider in this will I have done justice to my wife and children, taking in consideration what I have done for them heretofore.

Section 8.  I hereby authorize my wife if she deem it right to sell and convey the home farm devised to her for life and then to Alfred Robards by and with the consent of Alfred, in that event Alfred is to have the proceeds of the sale subject to his mother's use of it for life.

Section 9.  I hereby constitute and appoint my wife Nancy Robards my executrix with full power to carry out the provision of this will — and as I am not in debt request the court not to require security of her.  After the death of my wife if Alfred is living with her he is to have the provision on hand, finish the crop, and have half of it for the support of the family and hands.

Witness my hand and seal this 2d day of September, 1854.  Signed, sealed and published before J. Jennings, Wm. Moorman, W. Hussley.

JO. ROBARDS.

This is entered as a codil to my last will and testament:  it is My will and desire that after the death of my wife Nancy Robards that my son Alfred Robards shall have all of my stock of every description except one mare colt which I give to my daughter Elizabeth Cowherd and I also devise to Alfred Robards all of the farming utensils and wagon and one half of the kitchen furniture and also one half of the present year's crop of tobacco, and the other half of the tobacco and all of the grain raised on the farm to my wife.  The request is made to my son Alfred in 
consideration of his remaining with and taking care of his mother.

As witness my hand this 5th day of December, 1858.  Witness Nathan Board, Samuel B. Abell, Louis Ichenhauser.

JOSEPH ROBARDS.

 

Kentucky, Breckenridge County, Sct.
County Clerk's Office, December 20th, 1858.

The foregoing will was this day produced in court, duly and legally proven, and to be recorded.  The said will being proven by the oaths of J. Jennings and Morris Hussley subscribing witnesses thereto who made oath that the testate signed and acknowledged said writing to be his last will and testament in their presence and in the presence of Wm. Moorman and other subscribing witness that the said Moorman signed it in their presence and that they signed it in the presence of each other in the presence of the testator and that they believed the said testator to be of sound mind and disposing memory. 

I, Nancy Robards of Breckenridge county, Kentucky, being sound in body and mind do make and ordain this my last will and testament.

1.  I devise and will to my son Alfred Robards the following slaves viz. America, Davis, Fredreck, Harret, and Ben.  He is also to have choice of two others Malinda or Clara and Margarett and Green, this choice to be made after my death, I also devise to him the increase of all said slaves after this date.  The other two slaves left after his choice with their future increase I intend for the benefit of Luther Robards, but as they are unwilling to go south to live I wish my executor to sell them here to good masters and pay him the proceeds of sales, as I devise the same to him, I also charge the support of old Judy on Alfred Robards to whom I devise her for that purpose.

I have debts due me and money to the amount of about $1300.00 out of which I make the following devises:

2.  I devise to Eliza Wilson a note I have on her husband and Alfred Robards for about $102.00 and interest ammounting to over $200.00 and hereby release the payment of said note, I also devise to her the sum of one hundred dollars in cash to be paid by my executor to be paid out of said fund.

3.  I gave to my son Luther Robards some time ago the sum of three hundred dollars which gift I hereby confirm, and devise to him out of the share fund the sum of four hundred dollars to be paid in like manner.

4.  I devise to the children of Zeno Robards decd. one hundred and fifty dollars each, to be paid in like manner.

5.  I devise the residue of said sum and whatever else I may have to Alfred Robards, if said sum should be lost the said money devised are not to be paid out of other legacies but are to lose of said sum full short proportioned according to the amount.

I hereby appoint Alfred Robards executor of this my last will with full power as such to carry out this my last will, in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 27 day of February 1862, in presence of J. Jennings, William Miller Jr. 

In the second clause of the above will I devise to my daughter Eliza Willson the sum of $100.00 in cash, that clause is hereby revoked and set aside, in the 4th clause of said will I devise to the two children of Zeno Robards dec'd the sum of one hundred and fifty dollars each which I hereby reduce and change to one hundred each instead of $150.00 each as stated in said will.

7.  I hereby will and devise to my grand-daughter Eaun Robards the sum of one hundred dollars.

6.  I hereby will and devise to my grandson Wm. Robards out of said $1300.00 fund the sum of three hundred dollars.
 

8.  I give and devise to my grandson Joseph Robards, a good horse to be paid him by my executor.  The above devise for money is to be governed and controlled by my said will as to the falling short or loss of said $1300 and in case of loss to share prorates.  It is distinctly understood that in case of said sum or any part of said sum be lost those money legatees are to be paid out of said sum only.

Witness my hand this 28th day of May 1862, signed sealed and delivered in presence of J. Jennings, William Miller Jr. 

A copy of a letter written to Joseph Robards by John B. Thompson.

Frankfort Ky. 20th Dec. 1829
Joseph Robards Esq.

Dear Sir.  I rec'd yr note by Maj Sterret.  I am unable to give you any particular information in relation to you or yr brothers about Clover Bottom, or Armstead claim land — I can only respond to yr general enquiry that I have heard you had such claims — your brother I presume can give you the information you desire if you will inform what it is.

Benj Harden Esq tells me that the deed which was sent up a year or two ago for your brother G. to execute for a piece of land which you sold Harden —
 

was intertined by me (under your brothers orders) so as to make it peerport to embrace all the land, which you had saved — also tells me that he intends and will give you a writing correcting the mistake — I would advise you, when Mr. Harden comes to yr court to get him to execute such writing and have it recorded for fear after you and he, may both be taken out of this world, some difficulty may arrise, about it among those who may follow you.

Buckner is nominated Judge — I have no fear of his passing — Maj Sterrett will give you all passing new — your relations in the will — my respects to your lady. 

D. Brother I will be short in the first place, I have sold your part of land on with the other legates, which: in $13.33cts. in the next place I have drawn, for you two negroes, belonging to the estate of my mothers estate, $523. — was said to be her part agreeable to the judgment of Gideon Higgins George Bulcher and Buckner Miller.  I have seen my brother Jesse and he is so surprised that he tells people that the division shall not stand and will try to have the division over wy (sic) fathers estate.  Why to bring all into confusion and if this is the case you and Lewis Robards, will have to return the negroes of my mothers estate for I cannot store the property that I furnish her with as to good.  The negroes are marked and you must come up and do something with them and collect $77. — from the legatees to pay the balance to the others which was valued to $77. — more than our part.  I send $20. Bank-note on the bank of Russelville as I can't get no other.

On the back of the letter was the following:

The letter was written, folded, and sealed with sealing wax as envelopes were unknown, on the back was the address 

I have Rec'd two letters from- you I- have answered them by post, I do not no how to be more fully understood; than I have informed you, I stated in the first place that David Bayster had been out, and seen the land, or lands, watter; and in his opinion it would not be advisable; to attempt; to a division in the land, for said Bayster assigns his reason in the same as Archabald told you, that there was, only about 200 acres of land fit for cultivation; Bayster offered his claim for what he gave; to me or, N. Curd, Curd consulted Aarcher on the situation; and I, believe told what he has told you with respect to the land, South of Tennessee; I can only say that I have done all in my power, having no papers to justify myself more than I have done whether it is surveyed or not I cannot tell; I wrote to Major Crougham; and he wrote back, I sent a copy of Crougham letter to Sam McKee; by David Bell, which Bell informs me he gave it to David McKee, brother of Sam McKee who was one of the Dupety Surveyors; as to the direct Tax, I have paid and can only say that Wm Harden is in possession by the collection of Lexington: I wrote to you to have

suit brought against Joseph Lewis in my name for the Division of our part of land, Stating we had lost part of Land and perhaps might loose the whole, and that I had expended about $300, — to adjust the claim for the heirs of Wm Robards, which I failed in geting the decree of court of appeals, I have lost all my young negroe women, I can only say with old David, I am determined to go on my own way; all the negroe women that I own, is old Hannah, Fanny, and Libbia, none else, as God is in heaven; I want to see Brother Wiliam to make a settlement about the cost of the Suitt, he would not settle unless he knows how much land you sold and what you got for it I produced my paper you sent by Archer and your letter to me, I told him that you never sent me onne dollar.  The letter was before him, I send you two kinds of Tobacco seed the one Little Fresuk and the other Big Boram, each Bagg of seed has the name of the kind of Tobacco written on a piece of paper. David Bayster has all the Paper Respecting the place Warter Lands, Jesse assigns to me 400 acres, to David Bayster 250 acres, and the ballance to you, and Bayster gave up Jesse Bond, I have done the best for you and myself in that: case; if Bayster fails in getting Deed, we must fail: I am sorry that your wife is in a low state of health tell Nancy not to drink any tea or coffee, but to live on buttermilk and Rye mush the family give their love to you and all the family