Will of Jacob Bence of Pittsfield

Transcribed by Margaret Bence Davis

Jacob was born 21 Aug. 1819, in Metzingen, Wuertterburg, Germany. He died June 1887 in Pittsfield, Berkshire Co. Massachusetts. In Metzingen, Jacob's name is Philip Jakob Benz. At some point after his immigration the surname became Bence. This Will is filed in Probate Court, Pittsfield, Massachusetts

Submitted by Margaret Bence Davis

"Know All Men By These Presents, that I, Jacob Bence, of Pittsfield, Berkshire Co. Massachusetts, being of sound and disposing mind and memory, do make and publish this, my Last Will and Testament by revoking and making null and void all other and former Wills by me at anytime heretofore made."

First: I hereby constitute and appoint my son, John Bence, to be the sole Executor of this my last Will and Testament, directing my said, Executor to pay all my just debts and funeral expenses, the expenses of administration and the legacies hereinafter given out of my estate.

Second: After the payment of my said debts, funeral expenses and Expenses of Administration, I give to my wife, Catherine Bence, the use profit and income of all my estate of every name and nature whatsoever and wheresoever and whether now mine or hereinafter to be acquired, for and during her natural life, she to have and use the same so long as she shall live without let or hindrance.

Third: After the death of my said wife, I give to each of the following named children of mine tow?? , Jacob Bence, Jr., George Bence, Henry Bence and Catherine Bence, my daughter, the sum of two hundred dollars, and I direct my said Executor to pay over said sum of two hundred dollars to each of my said four children as soon after the death of my said, wife but within one year thereafter as conviently may be done-they and each of them to have and possess the same ? thme? and their and each and every of their Executors Administrators and Assigns forever. Fourth: All the rest of my estate whatsoever and wheresoever, I give, devise and bequeath to my son John Bence, he to have, hold and possess the same and all the same to him and his heirs, Executors, Administrators, and Assigns forever.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto let my hand and seal and publish and declare this to be my Last Will and Testament in presence of the witnesses named below. this twenty fourth day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighty five.

Jacob Bence

signed sealed published and declared by the said Jacob Bence as and for his last Will and Testament in presence of us who in his presence and the presence of each other and at his request have subscribed our names as witnesses hereto-

Jacob Ofimlieh? [marked with an x]
Louis Roehan
John White