James LEAR ¹

  General Notes:

James Lear of Garrard County, Kentucky, is a proven son of James Lear of Culpeper County, Virginia, by virtue of identifying himself as a brother of William of Fauquier County, Virginia in an 1837 court proceeding. See General Note for William of Fauquier County. More information about James Lear of Garrard County and his family can be found in the Research Note for my William Lear, presumed uncle of James. ²

  Birth Notes:

James was age 72 when he provided an affidavit in 1837 in support of a claim by the heirs of his brother, William, for Revolutionary War benefits.

  Burial Notes:

Tombstone is illegible.

  Noted events in his life were:

1. Will: 1831, Garrard County, Kentucky. ³

Will of James Lear, Deceased
Dated 25 May 1831, Proved Jan 1842, Book K:415

[The copy I have of this will, although obtained directly from the courthouse, is difficult to read. Below is my best effort at a faithful transcription]

"I James Lear being in perfect health and sound mind and knowing the foibles of human nature are that many by accident or otherwise drop off suddenly and thereby not leaving not leaving any written will behind them, involve their heirs in Law about their substance, for remedy whereof, I do ordain this as my last will and testament, viz, That all my land is to be equally divided between my two sons, William and James, and that William _____ and David Lear assist in the division of two tract of land if they cannot divide between themselves; and the remains of my property of all kind, and all money and bonds for money, be equally divided between my four daughters, viz, Susannah, Mary, Nancy and Lucy; signed in the presence of S. Roberts and Amos Park, this 25 May 1831."

/s/ James Lear

Witnesses:
Amos Part
S. Roberts

Proved Jan 1842

James married Nancy HILL on 12 Dec 1787 in Culpeper County, Virginia.¹ (Nancy HILL died before May 1831 in Garrard County, Kentucky ³.)