In the 1850 Will of Joseph Brown, of Porter County, Indiana, Joseph leaves
100 acres to Mrs. Elizabeth Layhew . She was present in the 1850 census
with him and the rest of his children, his g-children and Elizabeth's
daughter, Minerva and her family. (Think they knew he was dying and came to
be with him). Wife, Susannah Carter Brown, is alive but I don't know where
she was at this time...
Joseph also leaves "to my natural daughter, Minerva Brenen (Elizabeth and
Peter Layhue's daughter - he died 1837 in Spencer County, KY) an equal part
of my estate of every kind with my legitimate children share and share alike
all round..."
It has taken quite a bit of help from Spencer Countians to figure out that
Minerva b. 1828 was a child of Peter and Elizabeth Lahue- 1837 court order
mentioned Minerva as an infant heir of Peter Lahue.
But re-reading the will has me very confused!
Natural daughter versus legitimate children ??? Why does he call her his
"natural" daughter? I can guess that he feels Minerva is just like his
daughter - but the other children are his legitimate children with his wife,
Susannah.
Anyone out there who can translate English of 1850?
I have not yet found a divorce for Susannah and Joseph - but have the
feeling that is next...
Thanks for your help!
Kathie