Hugh McRacken/McCracken was an early resident of Eddyville, Caldwell Co., 1809-1811,1817-1824. Before 1809, he had resided in Bourbon Co. 1803 and 1807. In between, he appeared as taxpayer in Warren and Barren Counties and in GA. (He had sisters who w ere married in Warren and Barren.) In the early 1820s, he purchased several thousands of acres in Calloway Co.(See Jilson's books.) From 1825 through 1836 he was a resident of Calloway Co. By 1838, he was back in Caldwell Co. living on a large tract of la nd he owned jointly with Matthew Lyon, Jr. and heirs. I want to know more about this man. I have one reference from the Jackson Purchase which says that Hugh was the first real teacher in the area. Other than this reference, I have no information as to hi s profession. An inventory of his estate recorded in Caldwell Co. included an old Buffalo robe and a family Bible.

Calloway County, KY Willbook ??, page 113-4

I William Whitesides of the county of Calloway and state of Kentucky do make my last will and testament as follows viz. I give and bequeath to my cousin Samuel Whitesides of Hopkins County state afs'd and John Whitesides of the state of Missouri - coun ty to me unknown - Four hundred acres of land situated in Union County to be equally divided between them, the said Samuel & John Whitesides -- 2nd I give and bequeath to my friend Hugh McRacken the other entire whole of my estate real personal or mixed at his descretion to do my will, and justice to five persons of color this day, heretofore set free, and further to collect all debts due and pay all just debts against me, also in my name, and for me, to transfer three hundred acres of land sold M. M. Willis of Hopkins. I hereby nominate, certify & appoint James Brien ececutor of this my last will & testament. In testimony whereof I have hereunto caused to be subscribed my name & affixed my seal this 4th day of September 1834. William Whitesides

Signed sealed and delivered in the presence of

Peter Kesinger

Thomas X his mark Watson

John X his mark Tisdale

Entered 26 Feb 1838.

Caldwell County KY Willbook B, page 63

Eddy Bend, Caldwell County, Ky. 1st January 1842

It being the second day of the 72nd year of my life I Hugh McRacken being in mind sound as usual, do dispose first of trust reposed in me, likewise of the temporal things I possess -
1st William Whitesides in his lifetime did constitute myself his heir as appears on record in the Clerk's office, Caloway County, state aforesaid tho in fact only an agent in trust for the benefit and use of certain persons of color by him emancipated as appears also of record in the clerk's office afs'd, the avails of his Estate at my discretion to be distributd to the mother and children by him emancipated, and none else. Capt. James Brien of Caloway County preferred executor and officialing, I having complete confidence in the moral integrity of said James Brien in case of my decease do declare and appoint him my sucessor in the trust above mentioned on the terms. I am hereafter and in duty bound to: that to the best of his understanding he sustains t he will of said Whitesides and make distribution in manner and form as in duty deems advisable. I do positively disclaim any personal interest in, to, or out of the estate of the said Whitesides either in law or equity, in anywise or manner.
2ndly Of the temporal things I posess. That as soon as practicable Randall and Perry menservants by me hereunto emancipated but at my decease be paid each thirty five dollars per annum from and after the 1st day of January one thousand eight hundred and thirty six until they are made free in law. All my property except the land where I reside, Carrington Survey, I wish sold on a credit of twelve months as soon as convenient after my decease, and also debts collected so far as they can. It is my wish that Randall and Perry be paid one third of that allowed them for service after 1st Jan. 1836, as soon as convenient and in twelve months thereafter the ballance due them. I have a deceased brother James McRacken, also sisters Jean Shipley, Ruth Douglass, Mar y Shipley. Likewise one half-brother Elihu McRacken. After making provision for that named Randall and Perry, excepting and reserving the Cumberland whereon I reside Carrington's Survey, I do will that of the remainder of that I own - one fifth to the chi ldren of brother James McRacken, one fifth to the children of sister Jean Shipley, one fifth to the children of sister Ruth Douglass, obne fifth to the children of sister Mary Shipley, and one fifth to the half brother Elihu if he survives me, but if othe rwise, I will that fifth equally laid-- put to the first four named fifths, which will convert them to fifths. I will that the fifth or fourth, as the case may be, to the children of brother James McRacken, dec'd, also of Jean Shipley, Ruth Douglass, and Mary Shipley be proportioned alike, to males and females.
Lastly, To the two sons of sister Sarah Stice, I give and bequeath to Hugh M. Stice two thirds and to James Stice on third of my interest in and to the Carrington land whereon I reside, provided however if suit or suits be necessary to sustain my right in the same, that these be deducted from Hugh M. Stice and James Stice respectively the costs thus accrued. And futhermore I do nominate constitute and appoint James A Gracey and Frederick Skinner both of Eddyville, executors of this my last disposition of the means of sustenance left.

Witness my hand and seal the date first above written. H. McRacken

Signed sealed and declared as the last will of Hugh McRacken in presence of

R. A. Armistead

Joseph Boyd

Proven and entered 20 Nov. 1843