I am a direct descendent of Merrill Utley who married Winnifred JOnes, in fact, also Merrill Utley of Lyon County, born in 1901. I believe you will find the will of Merrill Utley in Will Book B; page 26; Calloway County; Murray, KY. To help you a small bit, in the "Franklin Favorite" newspaper, 175th anniversary 'Historical Review of Simpson County Kentucky' 1819-1994, an article excerpt states:
'In the years before 1819 there was activity and family life in the hamlet or crossroads that later became Franklin. Mr. Merrill Utley placed an ad in the August 14, 1819, "Russellville Weekly Messenger" that he had for sale 200 acres of good land on the Gallatin Road in Simpson county. He stated there was a good house and other necessary improvements with a 250 apple tree and 250 peach tree orchard.' Good luck!!