Last will and testament of John P. Mitchell decd. Madison County, Kentucky, 13 April 1861. 4 pages, 4to, 7 1/2 x 12 in. Docketed to verso. Framed to 22 x 18 in. Informational plaque to frame recto. 

The last will and testament of John P. Mitchell (1792-1861) from Madison County, Kentucky. A bulk of his will involves him splitting up his estate's acreage between his wife and children; however, there is an interesting provision regarding a personal enslaved person: 

"I also wish [his wife, Sophia] to have [his] negro man Peter during her lifetime and if said Negro outlives [his] wife I wish him to remain amongst [his] children and not sold out of the family." 

An uncommon provision that ensured a measure of continuity and protection for Peter by keeping him within the family rather than subjecting him to the uncertainties of sale.

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