Person:William Rector (15)

WILLIAM MERRIMAN RECTOR lived in Campbell County, Virginia. He later moved to Roane and Anderson County, Tennessee. He later moved to Warren County, Kentucky.

William was a blacksmith.

William moved with his parents to Roane County, Tennessee sometime before 1810. His grandparents (William and Ann Butler) along with many other relatives settled in this area during the early 1800's. Their exploration led Lewis Rector to follow them with William and the rest of his family a few years later.

William purchased property in Anderson County, Tennessee next to Lewis in1824. Lewis witnessed the indenture.

Anderson County, Tennessee court records ". . . declared that it had been represented to the general assembly that Thomas Butler, William Butler, James Gilreath, and Merriman Rector were dredging for salt in Morgan County, therefore, to encourage such activities, the above named peoplewere given the authority to enter upon lands in the vicinity of the salt wells in the three counties of Morgan, Roane, and Anderson. Land thus entered and used was exempted from taxation for the next fifteen years. (Source: Anderson County, Tennessee Court Records, Acts of 1831, Chapter 233, Page 193)

William moved to Warren County, Kentucky in 1833.

On August 25, 1836, William bought from Hugh W. Johnston and Wm. Feland, extrs. of will of Alexander Johnston, dec'd., lots near Martinsville. Wit: Eli Satterfield, G. Allingham. (Source: Warren County, Kentucky; Book 16, Page 310)

In 1839, William and seven other relatives sold property owned and occupied by the Rectors to Lewis Rector, John Potter and John Duckett. (Source: Warren County Deed Book 24, Page 292 )

In 1840 William and his family were living in Warren County Kentucky.

In 1850 William and his family were living in 2nd District, Warren County, Kentucky.

In 1852, William and six other Rectors bought fifty-five acres on the"fork of Drake's Creek and Barren River, Lot #5 for two hundred fifty dollars. (Source: Warren County, Kentucky Deed Book 24, Page 313)

Following his death 21 April 1879, the will of William M. Rector was produced, proven and recorded on 25 August 1879:

WILL OF WILLIAM M. RECTOR, WARREN COUNTY, KY

I W. M. Rector of Warren County State of Kentucky being of sound mind and memory do hereby make publish and declare this to be my last will and testament hereby revoking and making void all former wills by me at anytime made. First I order and direct my Executor as soon after my deceaseas practical to pay off and discharge all the debts dues and liabilities that may exist against me at the time of my decease. Second I give andbequeath to my Son Charles Eighteen acres of land on East side of a tract now owned by him. Third I order and bequeath to my Daughters Harriett Gott and Sarah A. Dirrett 53 acres of land being the same land purchased by me of R. G. Potter. My daughters Sarah and Harriett heretoforementioned are to have the use of said 53 acres of land but should theybecome dissatisfied and leave said land, I order that it be equallydivided among my heirs. I furthermore desire that at the decease of my daughters Sarah and Harriett the said 53 acres of land be equally divided among my heirs. I furthermore order and desire that should my son-in-law J. G. Dirrett live longer than his wife Sarah A. Dirrett heretofore mentioned that said Dirrett is to share equally in the division with my heirs. The within heirs mentioned in this will are to take care of and support me during my life. However I am to have possession of the homestead during my life. I furthermore desire that my son Charles act as my Executor. I also desire that this be recorded at my decease. In witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name this 18th day of July A.D. 1877

W. M. Rector X his mark

The above and foregoing instrument was at the date thereof signed sealed & published by the said W. M. Rector and declared as and for his last will and testament in presence of us and at his bequest and in the presence of each other in witness whereof we have subscribed our names John Thomas J. T. Tygret

State of Kentucky Warren County Ct. (SL)

I Ben F. Gardner Clerk of the Warren County Court do certify that the foregoing last will and testament of W. M. Rector was on this day produced in open court and proven by the oaths of John Thomas & J. T. Tygret the subscribing witnesses thereto. Whereupon the same ordered to be recorded which is accordingly done.

Given under my hand this 25th day of August 1879 Ben F. Gardner, clerk

William was buried in Burton Memorial Church Cemetery, Warren County, Kentucky.