Arrived in Todd Co in 1808 and settled in Elk Fork on a farm later owned by John Russell. Served in the first Todd Co Grand Jury in 1820 and was the first magistrate elected in the district. He enlisted in the War of 1812, but later sent a substitute. (Battle’s History of Todd County) Appears on 1840 and 1845 Tax Lists in Todd Co. He farmed land of several hundred acres, and gradually increased his slave holdings from 8 in 1820 to 22 in 1850 - 3 babies, 6 other children, a gaggle of adults and a 60-year-old woman. In 1860, he has land listed at over $23,000 in value.

Bernard’s will, dated 29 Sept 1869 includes “Gilly and Todd Atkins” among the grandchildren. His gggrandson was sure he had a Todd grandmother, Bernard’s granddaughter Henrietta has “Todd” on her tombstone.

The will also names son William M., daughter Mary Ann Cherry, son Booker B. Edwards, son Peyton G. Edwards, and daughter Louisa Young. Son-in-law George S. Young and Peyton Edwards were executors. It was recorded 11 Jun 1877. (Will Book M, p. 69)


There is no source for the birthdate listed here, but it appears at least consistent with the census: Censuses put him born 1775-1794 (1820), 1790-1800 (1830, 1840), 1784 (1850) and 1787 (1860). Since he settled in Todd Co in 1808, then he was probably born before 1790.

1820 Todd Co, KY: Bernard 2 u10 [BB, Wm], 1 26-45, 2f u10 [Gillie, Mary], 1 26-45; 8 slaves: 3 m u14, 3 f u14, 1 15-26, 1 26-45. (p. 128) (1/25/03)
1830 Todd Co, KY: Bernard 1 u5 [Peyton], 1 10-15[BB], 1 15-20[Wm], 1 30-40, 1 f 5-10 [Louisa], 2 10-15[Gillie, Mary], 1 40-50; 12 slaves: 1 m u10, 6 10-24, 2 f u10, 2 10-14, 1 24-36. (p. 368) (1/25/03)
1840 Todd Co, KY: Bernard 1 10-15 [Peyton], 1 15-20[BB], 1 20-30[Wm], 1 40-50, 1 f 10-14 [Louisa], 1 15-20 [Gillie or William’s wife], 1 50-60; 15 slaves: 5 m u10, 4 10-24, 1 24-36, 1 f u10, 3 10-24, 1 36-45. (p. 250) (1/25/03)
1850 Todd Co, KY: Bernard 66 VA; Peyton 24 KY; Martha 62 VA. (p. 278) (6/9/97) 22 slaves.
1860 Todd Co, KY: Bernard 73 VA (8000, $23500); P.J. 33, Mary F. 28, Ellen R. 15, Jas? B. 2, Bettis? 6/12 (Elkton, 6/9/1860 p. 681) (10/24/03)
1870 Todd Co, KY: Peyton G. Edwards 42 KY farmer (4000/3000) Mary F. 38, Ella R. 15, James B. 12, Mary F. 8, Bernard 83 VA (8000/2000); William M. 26 VA carpenter. (Allensville, p. 316, 8/27/1870) (2/27/2004)

Will Book M p. 69, Todd County, KY.

I Bernard Edwards of the County of Todd and state of Kentucky, knowing the uncertainty of life and feeling desirous to arrange my temporal matters do as to preserve pease and good feelings among my children afer my death, frelly possessed of all my natural[?] faculties and rightly understanding the nature, force and effect of this deed, do make and declare this instrument to be my last will and testament revolking all others.

Item 1st. I wish all first debts against me and my funderal expenses paid.

2d. I have heretofore given to my son William M. Edwards 100 acres of land and 20s per acre, also 1 negro boy worth 35 ? also at sundry times 750s in cash, together with a horse saddle and bridle worth 50s making three thousand one hundred and eighty dollars to be charged against him on the fair settlement of my estate. TO my daughter Mary Ann Cherry, I have given a negro worth Eighteen hundred dollars, one hundred dollars in cash and a horse, saddle and bridle worth one hundred dollars, making two thosand dollars to be charged to her in the settlement of my estate. To my son Booker B. Edwards I have given Eighteen hundred dollars in cash, one horse saddle briddle worth 100s, making nineteen hundred dollars to be charged against him. To Peyton Y Edwards I have given a horse saddle and bridel worth one hundred dollars used in view of his attention, care and devotion to me in my declining live I make no other charge against him. To Louicia Young, I have given negro boy worth Seven hundred dollards and a horse saddle and bridle at seventy five dollars making Seven hundred and seventy five Dollars to be charged against her on the final settlement of my estate against my grand children Gilly and Todd Atkins no advancements are charged.

3 I give and bequeath to my son P.G. Edwards one hundred acres of land to include the building and improvements attached to my present residence for which he is to pay three thosand five hundred dollars in the settlement of my estate. 4th I desire that the balance of the land belonging to me together with all my stock of crop description[?] be sold and the proceeds arising from teh sale of my land, stock, furniture and personal effects, together with all money, notes and accruels be equally divided amongst my children and my two granddaughters (they apportioning one share between them) do as to make them equal in the division.

5th I hereby ?? and appoint my son in law George S. Young and my son Peyton G. Edwards Executor of this my last will and testament - In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this 29th of September 1869.

Bernard Edwards

Attest: Robt Browder. G.S. YOung. Josephine Browder (mark)

Presentd to court 11 Jun 1877.