Transcription Copyrighted 2000 by Patricia Scott
NOTE: This copy provided specifically for use on the Pulaski Co MOGenWeb
site ONLY.
No copies or reproductions in any manner may be made without written
authorization from the Copyright holder.
Record Wills Pulaski County Book A
1833 - 1875
Page 1
Cary BOYD's last will & testament
The last will and testament of Cary Boyd of the County of Crawford and State of Missouri -
I, Cary Boyd considering the uncertainly of this mortal life, and being of sound mind and memory do make and publish this my last will and testament in manner and form following (that is to say);
First; I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Lydia BOYD, after paying my just debts and funeral expenses, all of my personal estate whatever, and whatsoever of what nature, kind and quality soever the same may be for and during her natural life and to and for her only use, benefit and support during her natural life, and it is my will that my wife have the sole control and management of my said personal estate for her support and maintenance during her natural life and for no other purpose whatever. And from and after the decease of my said wife, I give and bequeath all of my said personal estate unto my nephew Francis BOYD to and for his only use, benefit and behooff (sic), which said legacy given to my said wife as aforesaid Thereby declare is intended to be and is so given to him in full satisfaction and recompense of and for her dower and this when she may or can in any wise claim or demand out of my estate.
And I do hereby constitute and appoint Lydia BOYD and Isaac Clark executors of this my last will and testament I hereby Revoking all former will by me made.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 27th day of July in the Year of Our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two.
Cary Boyd (seal)
Filed August 19, 1833, R. B. Hanson, Clerk.
Page 3
In the Name of God Amen, I, Robert Bennett HARRISON of the County of Pulaski and State of Missouri, being in good health of body and of sound and disposing mind and memory, praised by God for the same and being desirous of settling my worldly affairs whilst I have strength and capacity so to do and considering the certainty of death and the uncertainty of the time thereof and that I may be the better prepared to leave the world whenever it should please God to call me hence. Do therefore make and publish this my last will and testament, hereby revoking and making void all former wills by me at any time heretofore made.
First and principally I commit my soul into the hands of my creator who gave it and my body to the earth to be interred in some christianlike burying gowns at the direction of my executor herein after named.
And as to such worldly estate wherewith it has pleased God to entrust me with I dispose of the same as followeth. 1st, after paying all just demands that are against me, I give and bequeath to my beloved and much respected companion, Mary S. HARRISON, all my estate and property of whatever kind or nature, the same may be both real and personal, monges goods and chattels, rights and credits in ____ our hands or possession the same may be and I do hereby appoint my worthy friend Abraham NORTH executor of this my last will and testament and require of him to see that it is fully complyed (sic) with and executed.
In witness thereof, I, Robert Bennett HARRISON to this my last will and testament contained in one page have set my name and affixed my seal this 28th day of July 1834. SIGNED: R. B. Harrison Attest: William T. NORTH and Sarah C. North
Recorded by the court October 1, 1836, Edwin Swink, Clerk.
Page 5
Be it remembered that I, John WILLIAMS of the State of Missouri and County of Pulaski, considering the uncertainty of life and the certainty of death, and being of sound and disposing mind, do dispose of my property in the following manner, viz. To my dearly beloved wife, Margarett, and my heirs, I will and bequeath all my personal property and interest after my just debts are paid and I appoint Green B. WILLIAMS my sole executor to execute the same. Signed, sealed and delivered in presence of the undersigned this 21st day of August in the year of Our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty six. SIGNED: John WILLIAMS (his mark) WITNESS: Josp DODSON, Michael WISDOM and William EASTICE
Will filed August 6, 1836.
Recorded October 8, 1836 by Edwin SWINK, Clerk.
Page 7
In the Name of God Amen, I, Robert WEGER of the County of Pulaski and State of Missouri, being in perfect mind and memory thanks be given to the Almighty God, calling into mind the mortality of my body and knowing that it is appointed for all men to dy (sic). I make and ordain this my last will and testament that is to say principally and last of all, I give and recommend my soul unto the hands of the Almighty God that gave it and my body I recommend to the earth to be buried in a decent and christianlike burial manner at the discretion of my executors nothing doubting. But I shall receive the same again by the mighty power of God and as touching my worldly estate wherewith it has pleased God to bless me with in this life, I give dismiss and dispose of the same in the following manner and form, viz:
1. First I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife, Mary WEGER, my gray mare called Dove and two cows and calves and all of the household furniture which I do not want sold, but for my loving wife to keep.
2. Secondly, I further bequeath unto my loving wife, Mary WEGER, all of my improvements where I now live and all of the ____ of my horses, cattle and sheep and hogs and ____ and farming tools so long as she remains my widow.
3. Thirdly and it is my will that my executors shall have full power to sell and dispose of my improvements and all of the rest of my property so far as will settle and pay off all my just debts.
4. Fourth and it is further my will that the remaining of anything left after paying off all of my just debts that it go to the aid and support of my wife and children so long as she remains my widow.
5. Fifth and I further do appoint John WEGER and Thomas WEGER Executors to this my last will and testament and I do hereby utterly disannul all other wills and testaments, and confirm this to be my last will and testament and no other. In witness thereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 25th day of March in the year of Our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven. SIGNED: Robert WEGER (his mark). WITNESS Present at the time of signing and sealing: Jacob NEWMAN, J. N. B. DODSON
Filed June 5, 1837, Edwin Swink, Clerk.
Page 10
In the name of God, Amen, I, Thomas STEPHENS, of the County of Pulaski and State of Missouri, calling to recollection that all men have to due and being weak of body but of sound mind and memory, and for the better settling my worldly affairs after my death, I do make and publish this my last will and testament in manner and form following. (to wit). Item 1 it is my will that my funeral expenses and all my just debts be fully paid. Item second, it is my will that I give, devise and bequeath to my beloved wife, Elizabeth STEPHENS, all and singular the tract of land whereon I now live with all things appertaining thereto it being west part of the north west quar. of section twenty four in township thirty seven north of range number ten west continuing one hundred and thirty one acres and seventy and hundredths of an acre lying and being in the county and state aforesaid to her heirs and assigns forever. I furthermore give and bequeath to my beloved wife aforesaid my four Negroes namely RICHMOND, BILL, PHAN and TIL, also my stock of horses and cattle consisting of eight head of horses and seven head of cattle with all my household and kitchen furniture of whatever name or nature the same may be to her, her heirs and assigns forever. Item third, I will and bequeath and devise to my four children, namely JOHN STEPHENS, WILLIAM STEPHENS, ELIZA APPLEBEY and AGNES WILEY five tracts of land lying and being in the State of Virginia, and designated as follows; one tract patton No. 2070 bearing date 25th of August 1809, and patton dated 31st day of August 1812 in the County of Kenawba (??) on Little Cole River containing three hundred and ninety acres of land. Also one other tract of land No. 2071 ___ bearing date 27th day of August 1812 cituate in the county and state aforesaid and contains two hundred and fifty acres of land which was pattented to the testators and one John HARRIS on the 13th day of January 1815, also one other tract of land lying and being in the State of Virginia and Kanowba County No. 2071, 25th day of August 1819 and pattented to the testator and one John HARRIS on the twentieth day of January 1815 containing two hundred and fifty acres of land. Also one other tract of land lying and being in county and state aforesaid No. 2070 and pattented to Thomas STEPHENS Junr. containing one hundred and eighty acres of land which patten bears date twenty fifth day of October 1814, also one other tract or parcel of land No. 1111 July 7th 1801, pattented to Thomas STEPHENS, twenty fifth day of October, 1814 lying and being in the county and state above written, all of which five tracts of land and all my interest therein I wish and will to my four children before mentioned with all things appertaining thereto belonging, to be equally divided as they may agree amongst themselves. I furthermore will to my four last mentioned children all my interest in and to the estates of John PERKINS TATE (could be "late") of Buckingham Co, Virginia, deceased, to be equally divided between them, their heirs and aligns forever and I further will and bequeath to my wife Elizabeth STEPHENS, my ___ and one yoke of oxen. I further will and bequeath unto Jane LEEK, the wife of James LEEK two __ifers to her and her children forever, and lastly I do hereby appoint John APPLEBA & Joseph WILEY to be executors to this my last will and testament, revoking and annulling all other will or wills by me heretofore made ratifying and confirming this and no other to be my last will and testament. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 12th day of December, 1839. SIGNED: Thomas STEPHENS.
Signed, published and declared by the above named Thomas STEVENS to be his last will and testament in presence of us when at his request have signed as witnesses to the same. SIGNED: James HARRISON and William LEEK (his mark).
Filed and recorded on March 23, 1840, E. Swink, Clerk.
Page 14
I, Archibald MCDONALD of the County of Pulaski and State of Missouri do make and publish this my last will and testament hereby revoking and making void all former wills by me at any time heretofore made and first I direct that my body be decently interred (sic) in some suitable or convenient burial ground and that my funeral be conducted in a manner corresponding with my estate and situation in life.
And as to such worldly estate as it hath pleased God to entrust me with, I dispose of the same as follows:
First I direct that all my debts if any and funeral expenses be paid as soon after my decease as possible.
Secondly, I will and bequeath unto my loving wife, Narcissa MCDONALD, all my lands and appurtenances, thereunto belonging or in any wise appertaining to her own proper use and benefit without condition that she may at any time dispose of the same as she may think proper. Also, I will my Negro boys ALEXANDER and LEWIS to my wife Narcissa MCDONALD without conditions to be disposed of as she may think proper. Also all my personal property, horses, cattle, sheep, hogs and household furniture etc. I will to my wife Narcissa MCDONALD to be used and disposed of as she may think proper.
I also will to my son, James MCDONALD, the sum of five dollars. Also to my daughter, Elizabeth P. HARBISON I will one cow and calf and the sum of five dollars. Also I will to my daughter, Jane POTETE the sum of five dollars.
And I do hereby make and ordain my beloved wife, Narcissa MCDONALD, executor of this my last will and testament in witness whereof, I, Archibald MCDONALD, the testator have to this my last will written on one sheet of paper, set my hand and seal this the eight day of March in the year of Our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty nine.
SIGNED: Archibald McDONALD (seal)
Signed, sealed and delivered in the presence of us who have subscribed in the presence of each other. Joseph RIDEN and Samuel G. POTETE.
Filed and recorded on September 20, 1840 by E. Swink, Clerk.
Page 17
I, Robert WRIGHT of the County of Pulaski in the State of Missouri do make and publish this my last will and testament in manner and form following, that is to say:
First it is my will that so much of my property be sold as will pay all my just debts with the exception of two brown mares known by Spider and Peg.
Second, I give, devise and bequeath to my beloved wife, Lydia WRIGHT, in lieu of her dower the plantation we now reside during her natural life and all the live stock, horses, cattle, sheep, hogs, tc. by me now owned and kept thereon. Also all the household furniture and other items not particularly named and disposed of otherwise in this will during her natural life as aforesaid. At the death of my said wife, all my right title and claim to the land on the south side of the Prairie Branch to my youngest son, JAMES. Third, I give and devise to my eldest son WARREN all my right and title to the land on the north side of the Prairie Branch; also one blaze faced filly claimed by him. Fourth, I give and devise to my eldest daughter, JANETTY, one sorrel filly two years old past. Fifth: I give and devise to my youngest son JAMES one roan horse call. Sixth: I give and devise to my two youngest daughters so much as will make their portion equivalent to my eldest daughter JANETTY as they may become of age. Also it is my will that at the dearth of my beloved wife, there shall be equal division taken into consideration what I have bequeathed to my more eldest children of the property remaining in possession of my heirs. And lastly, I constitute and appoint Robert M. CASE to be the Administrator to this my last will and testament, revoking and annulling all former wills by me made and ratifying and confirming this and no other to be my last will and testament in testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this the 6th day of January in the year of Our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty one. Signed, published and declared by the above Robert WRIGHT as and for his last will and testament. Signed: Robert WRIGHT (his mark) In presence of us who at his request signed as witnesses to the same. Signed: William CASE and Gibson JACKSON.
Filed and recorded on February 16, 1841 by E. Swink, Clerk.
Page 20
In the name of God, Amen, I, James HARRISON of the County of Crawford and State of Missouri being sick and weak in body, but of sound and disposing mind thanks be to God for his mercies, and calling into mind the certainty of death and the uncertainty of the time thereof and the more effectually to gard (sic) against the possibility of dying intestate, do make and ordain this my last will and testament in the manner and form following, to wit:
1st. I commit my soul to Almighty God who gave it and my body to the earth to be buried in a decent christian like manner at the discretion of my exeuctors hereinafter named, and as to such worldly estate as it has please God to bless me with, I give and dispose of at in the the following.
2nd. I give to my beloved and affectionate wife LOVISA HARRISON, my tract of land upon which I now live together with all appertainances thereunto belonging or in any wise appertaining to the same and all my stock of every description and all my household and kitchen furniture and farming tools or such part thereof as my wife LOVISA HARRISON may think proper to keep and my five Negroes named as follows, ARCH, BOB, BETSY, J and SOOKY, during her natural life and at the death of my wife LOVISA HARRISON, I wish the whole of my property to be sold and the proceeds of the land equally divided amongst my right children named as follows; JOHN B. HARRISON, JAMES P. HARRISON, PAMELA M. LENORE, WILLIAM P. HARRISON, BENJAMIN B. HARRISON, MARY M. HARRISON, THOMAS C. HARRISON and ELIZA S. HARRISON.
3rd. I give to my son, JOHN B. HARRISON the sum of fifty dollars.
4th. I give to my son JAMES P. HARRISON the sum of one hundred dollars.
5th. I give to my son WILLIAM P. HARRISON the sum of One hundred and fifty dollars.
6th. I give to my son BENJAMIN B. HARRISON the sum of two hundred and fifty dollars.
7th. I give to my daughter, MARY M. HARRISON the sum of three hundred dollars.
8th. I give to my son THOMAS C. HARRISON the sum of three hundred dollars.
9th. I give to my daughter, ELIZA S. HARRISON the sum of three hundred dollars.
10th. And I do furthermore wish all my mercantile business closed in whatever way my executors herinafter named may think proper and after all my just debts are paid that are now due or that may become due and all those special legacees that are herinbefore mentioned and paid, then the bnalance to be equally divided amongst my eight children as named in the 2nd strain in this will.
11th. And any time that it may be the opinion of my executors that my wife LAVISA HARRISION has more property of any kind than she wishes to keep, I wish the same to be sold together with my blacksmith tools and the proveeds of the sale to be equally divided as named above.
12th. And I ish my said wife LOVISA HARRISON to furnish all my children with one bed and bedding that have not had the same in such manner and at such time as she may deem most expedient.
13th. And all the money that I have on hand I wish appropriated to the payment of my just debts and I do appoint my said wife, LOVISA HARRISON executrix and my two sons, JOHN B. HARRISON and JAMES P. HARRISON executors to this my last will and testament. In testimony of which, I hav hereunto set my hand and seal this 28th day of August in the year of Our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty six.
SIGNED: James HARRISON (seal)
Signed, sealed, acknowledged and delivered by the said James HARRISON to be his last will and testament. in testimony thereof, we, John DUNCAN and Robert DUNCAN have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses in the presence of the said James HARRISION and at his request and in presents of each other this 28th day of August A. D. 1836. SIGNED: John DUNCAN and Robert DUNCAN.
Filed and recorded on August 23, 1842 by Robert A. Hardin, Clerk.
Page 23-A
In the name of God, Amen, I, DAVID J. WOODS of the County of Washington and State of Tennessee, being sick and weak in body, but of sound and disposing mind thanks be to God for his mercies, and calling into mind the certainty of death and the uncertainty of the time thereof and the more effectually to guard against the possibility of dying intestate, so make and ordain this my last will and testament in the manner and form following. (to wit)
1st. I commit my soul to Almighty God who gave it and my body to the earth to be buried in a decent christian like manner.
2nd. Such worldly estate as it has pleased God to bless me with, I kispose of it in the following manner (to wit):
I give and bequeath unto my beloved sister, MARY GILLILAND, my whole estate, personal and real after all my debts are paid to have and to hold so long as she shall live or remain unmarried. In case my sister MARY should marry, I give unto her fifty acres of land deeded to me by JACOB BRILES, the remainder of my estate I give and bequeath to the children of my beloved sister AMANDA FIDELIA who is the consort of IVAN WADDLE. In case my beloved sister MARY GILLILAND should die without having married, I give and bequeath the whole of my estate to the children of my beloved sister AMANDA FIDELIA. I do appoint my brother-in-law IVAIN WADDLE executor and my sister MARY GILLILAND executrix of this my last will and testament. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 17th day of September in the year of Our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty three. SIGNED: D. J. WOODS (seal)
Signed, sealed, acknowledged and delivered by the said David J. WOODS to be his last will and testament. In testimony whereof we, Jerell DODGE and Robert A. HARDIN have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses in presents (sic) of the said David J. WOODS and at his request and in our presence of each other this 17th day of September A. D. 1843. SIGNED: Jerell DODGE and Robert A. HARDIN.
Filed and recorded January 8, 1844 by Robert A. Hardin, Clerk. Witness Jerell DODGE's signature attested to by Washington A. DODGE and Jerrel G. DODGE, his sons.
State of Missouri}
County of Pulaski}
I, Robert A. HARDIN, Clerk of the County Court within and for the County and State aforesaid,
do hereby certify that Median F. SMITH is a lawful and active Justice of the Peace for Cullen
Township within and for the county aforesaid and that full faith and credit is due to his acts as
such officer as witness my hand and seal of court this the 6th day of March A. D. 1844. SIGNED:
Robert A. HARDIN, Clerk.
Page 25
Know all men by these presents that I, Lorenzo HOVEY of the County of Pulaski and State of Missouri, do make and publish this my last will and testament hereby revoking and making void all former wills by me at any time heretofore made . And First, I desire that my body be decently interred. Second, that my personal property such as was ____ and be sold so enough of such property to pay all my just debts. The balance of my personal property such as bed and bed(d)ing, dishes, chests, trunks, etc. I bequeath unto my children to be equally divided amongst them or the spending of such property if sold by my executor when they shall ____ at such and___ as to capable of taking care of same. Also, I bequeath unto my brother ELIAZOR my library of books excepting such only as my children may need in their early education as also my wearing apparel. And further it is my will that my estate be sold as soon & on such terms as my executor may think most advisable and the proceeds thereof be appropriated education of my children excepting only the one tenth of such proceeds which I bequeath to my brother ELIAZOR to be appropriated to his own use for the spread of the gospel. And also a sufficient amount of said proceeds as will support and render my wife MARGARET comfortable during her natural life and so long as she shall continue my widow. Provided also that it shall not require more than one third of the above mentioned proceeds. And I hereby constitute and appoint my brother ELIAZOR HOVEY to be the executor to this my last will and testament. And lastly I hereby commit the guardianship of all my children until they shall respectfully attain the age of eighteen years, unto my brother ELIAZOR HOVEY. And I also direct that the expenses of the maintaining and education of any said children until they shall attain the age aforesaid or become entitled to the sum ordain of money hereby provided for their benefits respectfully shall be bourn by my said brother out of the moneys or assets belonging to the estate. The witness whereof I the testator have hereunto set my hand and seal this eighteenth day of April in the year of Our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty four. SIGNED: Lorenzo HOVEY Signed, sealed and delivered in presence of us who have subscribed in the presence of each other. SIGNED: Robert G. CLARK and Mary A. CLARK (their marks).
Filed and recorded on May 22, 1844 by Robert A. Hardin, Clerk.
Page 28
In the name of God Amen. I, Silence HINSON of the County of Pulaski in the State of Missouri, being of sound and disposing mind, thanks be to God for his mercies and calling to mind the certainty of death and the uncertainty of the time thereof, and the more effectually to guard against the possibility of dying intestate, do make and ordain this my last will and testament in the manner and form following, (to wit).
1st. I commit my soul to Almighty God who gave it and my body to the earth to be buried in a decent and christian like manner at the discretion of my executors hereinafter mentioned, and so to such wordily estate as it has pleased God to bless me with, I give and dispose of it in the following manner.
2nd. I give to my daughter, NARCISSA RIDDLE late NARCISSA HINSON one dollar.
3rd. I give to my son PHILIP HINSON one dollar.
4th I give to my son JOHN HINSON one dollar.
5th. I give to the heirs of my son WILLIAM HINSON one dollar.
6th. I give & bequeath to my two grandchildren SARAH JONES and JOHN JONES the place where I now live and all my stock of every description to be equally divided between them at my death.
7th. I give to my granddaughter above mentioned, all my household and kitchen furniture, farming tools, book and poetry of every description with the exception of one good bed and beding which I will and give to my grandson, JOHN JONES beforementioned.
8th. I give my two grandchildren above mentioned SARAH and JOHN JONES all my money or claims of debt which I may be posse(ss)ed of at my death to be equally divided between them after the payments of all my just debts provided that nothing contained in this will shall effect any of the above mentioned property during my natural life, but at my death to descend to my heirs according to the former provisions of this my last will and testament.
9th. And lastly I do ordain and appoint my son, PHILLIP HINSON executor of this my last will and testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 26th day of June in the year of Our Lord Eighteen hundred and forty three. SIGNED: Silence HINSON (his mark).
Filed and recorded on October 22, 1844 by Robert A. Hardin, Clerk.
Page 30
In the name of God Amen.
I, William MOORE of the County of Pulaski and State of Missouri, calling to my mind the uncertainty at what time my life shall terminate, and being of sound and disposing mind and more effectually to guard against any difficulties which might arise after my death, I deem it necessary to make and publish this my last will and testament.
In the first place, I commit my body to the dust from which it came and my soul to Almighty God who gave it, and that my body shall be enterred in a decent and christian like manner.
2nd. It is my request that my funeral and other necessary burial expenses be first paid.
3rd. I will that all my just debts be discharged at as early a period as will possibly admit of whatever they may be after which and the payment thereof I do.
4th. I will and bequeath unto my beloved and affectionate wife ELIZABETH ANN MOORE, and unto my children each and every (one?) of them and equal portion of my property, real and personal, money and evidence of debt to be divided amongst my wife and children whose names are as follows: MARGARET JANE, GEO I., MARI, and WILLIAM HENRY MOORE in an equal proportion each taking a childs part. It is my will and request I do hereby appoint JOSEPH JOHN OWEN my executor to carry into effecting my last will and testament. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this the 29th day of May A. D. 1844. SIGNED: William Moore (seal).
Filed and recorded on February 3, 1846 by Robert A. Hardin, Clerk.
Page 32 illegible.
Page 33
In the name of God Amen, I , MICHAEL STUART of the County of Pulaski and State of Missouri, on this 8th day of May in the year of Our Lord one thousand eight hundred & forty eight, being in rather a bad state of health but of sound and disposing mind and knowing the certainty of death & the uncertainty of the time thereof, & in order the more effectually to guard against dying intestate, I do make & publish this my last will & testament hereby revoking and setting aside as a nullity any and all other wills whatsoever.
I commit my soul to the hands of Almighty God who gave it & my body to the earth to be buried in a decent & christian like manner at some suitable graveyard at the discretion of my executor herein after to be named. And as to such worldly effects as it has pleased God to bless me with, it is my will to dispose of the same in the following manner, (to wit).
First I give & bequeath to my kind affectionate and loving wife MARGARET STUART, during her natural life, the farm upon which I now live together with everything thereunto belonging as in anywise appertaining together with all my farming tools of every description and all my household & kitchen furniture of every description and all my stock such as horses, cattle, hogs, sheep and any other description of perishable property. Also all grain, groceries and provisions of every kind that may be on hand at the time of my death provided never the less the above is to stand subject to the payment of all my just debts.
Item 2nd. I give and bequeath to my beloved son WILLIAM H. STUART, all moneys I may have on hand at the time of my death, also all debts that may be owing to me of every description to be collected by my executor herein after mentioned for the use and benefit of my above mentioned son WILLIAM H. STUART.
And I do hereby nominate constitute and appoint my beloved wife, MARGARET STUART, executrix to this my last will and testament not on the least doubting but what she will carry into effect the purposes for which this instrument is intended.
In testimony whereof I have ____ to set my hand & affixed my seal the day & year above written. SIGNED: Michael STUART (seal).
Recorded February 8, 1849 by Andy Anderson, Clerk.
Page 36
In the Name of God Amen.
I, George W. GIBSON of the County of Pulaski & State of Missouri, calling to my mind the uncertainty at what time my life shall terminate & being of sound and disposing mind & more effectually to guard against any difficulties which might arise after my death. I therefore deem it necessary to make & publish this my last will and testament. In the first place, I commit my body to the dust from whence it came & my soul to Almighty God who gave it & that my body shall be interred in a decent & christian like manner. 2nd. It is my request that my funeral and other burial expenses be first paid. 3rd. I will that all my just debts be discharged at as early a period as possible a _____ of whatsoever they may be after which and the payments thereof . I do 4th will & bequeath unto my beloved & affectionate wife, MRS. CHARLOTTE GIBSON all my goods & chattels, land & ____ments, moneys & other evidence of debt which is or may be mine at the time of my death to be hers, my wifes, except what is hereinafter mentioned during her natural life. 5th. I will and bequeath that at my wife's death, all my real estate, lands & ___ments shall belong to my ____ (sister?) MARY E. P. LAUGHLIN. 6th. I will and bequeath with each of my brothers viz. THOMAS GIBSON, JOHN GIBSON, JEFFERSON GIBSON & SAMUEL GIBSON each the sum of one dollar. 7th. I will and bequeath unto each of my sisters, viz. SARAH MORRIS & MARIAH JANE GIBSON each the sum of one dollar. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this twelfth day of February in the year of Our Lord one thousand eight hundred & forty nine & in the presence of ALLEN HAMER & NELSON ALEXANDER as witnesses. SIGNED: G. W. GIBSON (seal).
Recorded on April (?) 31, 1849 by Andy Anderson, Clerk.
Page 38
The last will and testament of RICHARD WYNN of Pulaski County, Missouri. In this my last will and testament made this October the ninth one thousand eight hundred and fifty two.
I bequeath to my beloved wife, HARIET WYNN, all my real & personal estate during life or widowhood after all my debts are paid to ___ at her control to use and dispose of as she may think best for the support of her and hers.
I want my children to be educated our of my estate, my son ABSOLOM NIMROD? WYNN to have an extra education, he being an invalid. I want my son WILLIAM to have a certain bay mare 4 years old he now claims with a saddle and bridle. My son ROBERT to have a certain sorrel filly he now claims, bridle & saddle. My son, MATHEW to have a certain b___ he now claims, saddle and bridle. The rest my children, SUSAN and PERMEALA INR_ARD & HARRIETT EDMOND and ABSALOM NIMROD? to have a _____ _____ in proportion to my three eldest children.
At the death of my wife HARRIET WYNN, I want all my real estate & personal estate as property sold and divided amongst my seven children: WILLIM WYNN & ROBERT WYNN & MATHEW WYNN, SUSAN WYNN, ABSOLOM WYNN, PERMELIA JOCAFORY? WYNN, _ORREST EDNY WYNN, share and share alike and ____ and lastly I constitute and appoint my said wife HARRITT WYNN and my said son WILLIAM WYNN and my said son to be the executors to this last will and testament.
In testimony whereof I set here unto my hand and seal this October the ninth day one thousand eight hundred and fifty two. SIGNED: Richard WYNN (seal). WITNESS: Abaham Johnson, Solomon Hawkins, Wilbert A. Hawkins.
Filed and recorded on November 29, 1852 by W. W. McDonald, Clerk.
Page 40
I, THOMAS GRISHAM of the County of Pulaski in the State of Missouri do make and publish this my last will and testament in manner and form following, that is to say; first it (is) my will that my funeral expenses and all my just debts be fully paid. Second, I give, devise and bequeath to my beloved wife, MARY GRISHAM, in lieu of her dower all my estate except what I bequeath to my children during her natural life & widowhood and all the livestock, horses, cattle, sheeps, hogs ___ by me now owned & kept. Also all the household furniture and other items not particularly named and otherwise disposed of in this will during her natural life or widowhood as aforesaid. She however first disposes of a sufficiency thereby to pay my just debts as aforesaid and that at the death or marriage of my said wife, all the property hereby devised or bequeathed to her as aforesaid or so much thereof as may then remain as expended to my five children; JOHN S., WILLIAM E., MARTHA, GEORGE W., EMILA and to their heirs and assigns forever. Third I give and devised to my oldest (page torn) JOHN S. a mare named Em, a sad(d)le & bridle and to his heirs and assigns forever.
Fourth I give & devise to my second son WILLIAM E. a mare named Jude, a sad(d)le & bridle and to his heirs and assigns forever.
Fifth I give and bequeath to my son GEORGE W. a hors(e), bridle & sad(d)le worth sixty dollars to be received by him at the age of fifteen years and to his heirs and assigns forever. Sixth I give and devise to my daughter MARTHA one cow & calf worth ten dollars, one bed and bed close (sic) worth twenty dollars and to her heirs & assigns forever. Seventh I give and devise to my daughter EMILA one cow and calf worth ten dollars, one bed and bed close (sic) worth twenty dollars to be received by them at age of eighteen years to her and her heirs and assigns forever. And lastly I hereby constitute and appoint my said wife, MARY GRISHAM, to executrix to this my last will and testament revoking and anulling all former wills by me made and ratifying, confirming this and no others to be my last will and testament. In testimony whereof I have here unto set my hand and seal this the 20 of November A. D. 1852. SIGNED: Thomas GRISHAM (Seal)
Filed and recorded January 5, 1853 by W. W. McDonald, Clerk.
Page 44
Know all men by these presents that I, ZADAC DENISON, do make this my last will and testament. That after my death and my wife, ELISABETH DENISON death, I do give all of my land to my son THOMAS DENISON. If I shall di(e) before my wife ELISABETH DENISON dies, the said ELIZABETH DENISON is to hold the land in her possession during lifetime and have her support of off the land during her lifetime and at the end of her death, the said THOMAS DENISON to have all of my interest with title & claims forever to and keep.
This January 1 1853. SIGNED: Zadoc DENISON
Filed and recorded on January 29, 1853 by W. W. McDonald, Clerk.
Page 46
I, JOHN DUNCAN of the County of Pulaski and State of Missouri being feeble but of sound mind in view of the uncertainty of life and the certainty of death, do make and ordain this my last will and testament. First I consign my soul to the care of Almighty God and my body (to) the earth whence it originated. And as to such earthly estate as it has pleased God to bless mw with, I do dispose of in the following manner, to wit. I do give and bequeath to my beloved and affectionate wife MANDY DUNCAN all my estate both real and personal consisting of the plantation upon which I now reside and my horses, cattle, sheep, hogs, farming utensils, household and kitchen furniture together with all money I have on hand and all that is owing to me together with everything else of which I am now possessed of when I am the just and legal owner to have ____ during his natural life and at the death of my aforesaid wife, I wish my whole estate to equally and ____ my eight children named as follows: to FRANCES ANN and WILLIAM, SARAH & HENRY J. & MARY M. & MARTHA & JOHN & W. BARKLEY & last I do ordain and appoint my brother W. L. DUNCAN to be my executor of this my last will and testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal ___ of sealing this eighteen day of August in the year of Our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty seven 1847. SIGNED: John DUNCAN (seal).
Filed and recorded on March 16, 1853 by W. W. McDonald, Clerk.
Page 48
Know all whom it may concern that I, RICHARD JONES, being in my right mind an(d) in fear of the Lord with one sense of my soon having to depart this life so as this 16 day of February in the year of Our Lord eighteen hundred fifty three, make this as my last will and testament as follows, to wit: I do first will and bequeath unto my beloved wife SARAH my mansion. Hers as I ___ arra__ thereto as having as long as she lives and remains my widow, and I so further will that she have six and eight head of milk cows that she thinks best to chose and that she have as many stock hogs as shall be ___ for her use and the family and owi__ are her mechaly as and further that she have some five head of horses for use of family and herself to work with farm with, and I do further will that all of my remaining portion of my personal property estate be sold on twelve month credit at public sale to the highest bid(d)ers except my beef cattle that I am now afeeding (?). I wish them to be taken and sold in the McCovis Market so soon as circumstances will admit of all except 7 or 8 head of them which I request to be kept and fed until they get in good market order then to be taken and sold at St. Louis and proceeds of my cattle as well as the proceed of my other personal property be applied first to the payment of my just debts, secondly that the remainder of the proceeds be equally divided among all of my legal heirs except that the four oldest children to wit, REBECA P., ELIZABETH & CLAYBORN & T. F. JONES shall be subject to a deduction of fifty dollars each of their part of legacy for property allredy (sic) received and I do further will that at the execution of___ within mention time to wit, the death or marr(i)age of my said widdow (sic) that the land and other property be sold and in equal distribution of the proceeds be made among all of my legal heirs and I do appoint T. F. JONES my executor to cary (sic) into effect this my last will and testament all of which I do declare to be my last will and testament. In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal this day and year above written. SIGNED: Richard JONES (seal). WITNESS: W. C. YORK and Napoleon WILSON
Field and recorded April 5, 1853 by W. W. McDonald, Clerk.
Page 52
I, Thomas SPEAKMAN, of the County of Pulaski and State of Missouri being sick and weak of body but of sound and disposing mind and well knowing the certainty of death and the uncertainty of the time thereof, and being unwilling to die intestate, do make and ordain this my last will & testament mostt surely countermanding & sealing this my last will and set ____ yet noughtt any & all other will that may have heretofore been made by me in any way, manner or form whatever. Item 1. I will and bequeath my soul to Almi(gh)ty God who gave it and my body to the earth to be buried in a christian like manner at some suitable graveyard 1st to discretion of my executors herein afterwards appointed and as to such worldly estate as it has pleased God to bless me with and after the payment of my just debts, I will & bequeath the same of whatever nature real person as mixed to my beloved wife, ELENDER SPEAKMAN during her natural life and at her death, to be equally divided among my five children, to wit; MATILDE H. & JAMES & LUANDA & SAMUEL T. and SARAH Y. SPEAKMAN and I do hereby appoint JAMES P. HARRISON my executor of my last will and testament hoping that he will cary (sic) into effect or course the same to be ____ the provisions of this my will as set forth above in testimony of which I have here unto set hand & seal this 12th day of June A. 1853; signed, sealed and acknowledged in the present (sic) of Wilbert A. Hawkins and Mary M. Harrison as in the present (sic) of all. SIGNED: Thomas SPEAKMAN (his mark) (seal).
Filed and recorded on June 29, 1853 by W. W. McDonald, Clerk.
Page 54
In the name of God Amen. I, Thomas SPEAKMAN of the County of Pulaski & State of Missouri being sick & weak of body but of sound & disposing mind & well knowing the certainty of death & the uncertainty thereof, & being unwilling to die intestate, do make & ordain this my last will & testament hereby countermandeing & seting (sic) at naught any and all other wills that may have been heretofore made by me in any way, manner or form whatever. Item first. I will & bequeath my soul to God who gave it & my boddy (sic) to the earth to be buried in a christian like manner at some suitable graveyard at the discretion of my executor herein afterwards appointed & as to such worldly estate as it has pleased God to bless me with - after the payment of my just debts I will & bequeath the same of whatever kind, real or personal or mixed, to my beloved wife, ELENOR SPEAKMAN during her natural life & at her death to be equally divided among my five children to wit: MATILDA H., JAMES, LUCINDA, SAMUEL L. & SARAH T. SPEAKMAN & I do hereby appoint James P. HARRISON executor of this my last will and testament hoping that he will carry into effect or cause the same to be done the provisions of this my last will as set forth above. In testimony of which I have hereunto set my hand & seal this the 12th day of June A.S. 1853. Signed, sealed and acknowledged in the presence of Wilbert A. HAWKINS & Mary M. HARRISON & in the presence each other. SIGNED: Thomas SPEAKMAN (his mark) (seal).
Filed and recorded on June 27, 1853 by W. W. McDonald, Clerk, by B. ELLIS, Deputy.
(this is a duplication of previous will)
Page 56
I, ISAAC N. DAVIS of the County of Pulaski and State of Missouri do make and publish this my last will and testament in manner and form following, that is to say;
First it is my will that my funeral expenses and all my just debts be fully paid.
Second, I give, devise and bequeath to my wife ELIZABETH DAVIS in lieu of her dower absolutely an equal part of all my real and personal estate with my children named as follows: O. W. DAVIS, MATILDA A. DAVIS, W. G. DAVIS, DANIEL E. DAVIS, ANDREW J. DAVIS, HENRY (?) DAVIS & GEORGE W. DAVIS and where as the first named five that is O. N. DAVIS, MATILDA A., WILLIAM G. DAVIS & DANIEL E. and ANDREW have each received from two hundred and fifty dollars, it is my will that that sum be made up to my wife ELIZABETH DAVIS and my two youngest children, that is HENRY and GEORGE W. after which the remainder I wish to be divided equally among all the persons before mentioned, share and share alike.
Third, I wish all my property, real and personal, to (be) sold to the highest bidder at twelve months until at such time for the advantage of the legatees.
Fourth, I will that my son OLIVER N. DAVIS act in the capacity of guardian to my two sons HENRY and GEORGE W. without having himself give necessity. ____ lastly, I hereby constitute and appoint my said son OLIVER N. DAVIS to be the executor to this my last will and testament marking and annulling all former wills by me made and ratifying and confirming this and no other to be my last will and testament. In terstimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this sixth day of April in the year of Our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty. SIGNED: Isaac N. DAVIS (seal). Signing, publishing and declared by the aboved named Isaac N. DAVIS as his last will and testament in presence of us who at his request have signed as witnesses to the same. SIGNED: William GILLESPY, W. W. GILLESPY.
Whereas I, Isaac N. DAVIS of Pulaski County and State of Missouri having made and duly executed my last will and testament br_(page torn) date the sixth of April one thousand eight hundred and fifty, now I do hereby declare this present writing to be as a codicil to my said will and answer this same thants (?) and taken as past. And I hereby declare it is my will that if any of the above named legatees without issue or children from their body, their share shall be equally divided between the remaining children or child it shall be for their use and benefit. In witness thereof, I have this day set my hand and seal to this condicil. SIGNED: I. N. DAVIS (seal).
Filed September 30, 1854
Page 36
In the name of God Amen. I, GEORGE W. GIBSON of the County of Pulaski & State of Missouri, calling to my mind the uncertainty at what time my life shall terminate & being of sound and disposing mind & more affectedly to guard against any difficulties which might arise after my death, I therefore deem it necessary to make & publish this my last will & testament. In the first place I commit my body to the dust from whence it came & my soul to Almighty God who gave it and that my body shall be interred in a decent & Christian like manner. 2nd. It is my request that my funeral and other burial expenses be first paid. 3rd. I will that all my just debts be discharged at as early a period as possibly admit of whatsoever they may be after which and the payment thereof. I do 4th will & bequeath unto my beloved & affectionate wife, Mrs. CHARLOTTE GIBSON all my goods & chattels, land & ....ments, moneys & other evidences of debt which is or may be mine at the time of my death to be hers, my wife's (sic), except what is herein after mentioned during her natural life. 5th I will and bequeath that at ______ _____death, all my real estate lands & ___ments shall belong to my niece MARY E. P. LAUGHLIN. 6th I will & bequeath unto each of my brothers, viz; THOMAS GIBSON, JOHN GIBSON, JEFFERSON GIBSON & SAMUEL GIBSON each the sum of one dollar. 7th I will and bequeath unto each of my sisters viz; SARAH MORRIS & MARIAH JANE GIBSON each the sum on one dollar. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this twelfth day of February in the year of Our Lord one thousand eight hundred & forty ____ & in the presence of ALLEN HAMOR & NELSON ALEXANDER as witnesses. SIGNED: G. W. Gibson (seal)
Witness names: Allen Hamor & Nelson Alexander (his mark)
Filed and recorded December 31, 1849 by E. H. Henderson, Clerk.
Page 38
The last will and testament of RICHARD WYNN of Pulaski County, Missouri. In this my last will and testament made this October the ninth one thousand eight hundred and fifty-two. I bequeath to my beloved wife MARTHA WYNN, all my real & personal estate during life or widowhood after all my debts are paid to have at her control to use and dispose of as she may think best for the support of her and hers. I want my children to be educated out of my estate. My son ABSOLOM MINOS (?) WYNN to have an extra education; he being an invalid. I want my son WILLIAM to have a certain bay mare 4 years old he now claims with a saddle and bridle. My son ROBERT to have a certain sorrel filly he now claims, bridle and saddle. My son MATTHEW to have a certain b__tt he now claims, saddle and bridle. The rest my children SUSAN and PERMEALA INRENALD & HARRIETT EDMOND and ABSALOM MINOS to have a _errsud brec (page torn) in proportion to my three oldest children. At the death of my wife, HARRIET WYNN, I want all my real estate and personal estate as property sold and divided amongst my seven children WILLIAM WYNN & ROBERT WYNN & MATTHEW WYNN, SUSAN WYNN, ABSOLOM WYNN, PERMEALA JOCAFRY (?) WYNN, HARRIETT EDNY WYNN, share and share alike. And lastly I constitute and appoint my said wife HARRIETT WYNN and my said son WILLIAM WYNN and my said son to be the executor to this last will and testament. To testimony whereof I have hereunto my hand and set this October the ninth day one thousand eight hundred and fifty-two. SIGNED: Richard Wynn (seal) Witness: Abaham Fat_sen, Solomon Hawkins and Wilbert A. Hawkins.
Filed and recorded on November 29, 1852 by W. W. McDonald, Clerk of the County Court.
Page 40 1/2
I, THOMAS GRESHAM of the County of Pulaski in the State of Missouri, do make and publish this my last will and testament in manner and form following, that is to say first, my will that my funeral expenses and all my just debts be fully paid. Second, I give, devise and bequeath to my beloved wife, MARY GRESHAM in lieu of her dower all my estate except what I bequeath to my children during her natural life or widowhood, and all the livestock, horses, cattle, sheep, hogs ___ by me now owned & kept. Also all the household furniture and other items not particularly named and otherwise disposed of in this will during her natural life or widowhood as aforesaid. She however, first disposes of a sufficiency thereof to pay my just debts as aforesaid and that at the death or marriage of my said wife, all the property hereby divided or bequeathed to her as aforesaid or so much thereof as may then remain unexpended, to my five children; JOHN S., WILLIAM E., MARTHA, GEORGE W., EMILA, and to their heirs and assigns forever. Third I give and devise to my oldest son JOHN S. a mare named Em, a saddle & bridle and to his heirs and assigns forever. Fourth, I give & devise to my second son WILLIAM E. a mare named Jude, a saddle & bridle and to his heirs and assigns forever. Fifth, I give & devise to my son GEORGE W. a mare, bridle & saddle worth sixty dollars to be received by him at the age of fifteen years. and to his heirs and assigns forever. Sixth, I give and devise to my daughter MARTHA one cow & calf worth ten dollars, one bed and bed clothes worth twenty dollars and to her heirs & assigns forever. Seventh, I give and devise to my daughter EMILA one cow and calf worth ten dollars, one bed and bed clothes worth twenty dollars to be received by them the age of eighteen years to her and her heirs and assigns forever. And lastly, I hereby constitute and appoint my said wife MARY GRESHAM to executrix to this my last will and testament revoking and annulling all former will by me made and ratifying, confirming this and no others to be my last will and testament. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this the 20 of November AD 1852. SIGNED: Thomas Gresham (seal).
Signed, publish and delivered by the above named THOMAS GRESHAM as and for his last will & testament in presence of us who at his request have signed as witnesses to the same. SIGNED: John Ayms (seal) and James McDillon (seal).
Filed and recorded on January 5, 1853 by W. W. McDonald, Clerk of the County Court.
Page 44
Know all men by these presents that I, ZADOC DENISON do make this my last will and testament. That after my death and my wife ELISABETH DENISON death, I do give all of my land to my son THOMAS DENISON. If I shall die before my wife ELISABETH DENISON does, the said ELIZABETH DENISON is to hold the land in her possession during her lifetime and have her support of off the land during her lifetime and at the end of her death, the said THOMAS DENISON to have all of my interest with title & claims forever to and keep. This January 1st, 1853. SIGNED: ZADOC DENISON
Filed and recorded on January 29, 1853 by W. W. McDonald, Clerk of the County Court
Page 45
I, JOHN DUNCAN, of the County of Pulaski and State of Missouri, being feeble but of sound mind, in view of the uncertainty of life and the certainty of death, do make and ordain this my last will and testament. First, I consign my soul to the _or_ of Almighty God and my body the earth whence it originated. And as to such earthly estate as it has pleased God to bless me with, I do dispose of in the following manner, to wit. I do give and bequeath to my beloved and affectionate wife NANCY DUNCAN all my estate, both real & personal consisting of the plantation upon which I have resided, all my horses, cattle, sheep, hogs, farming utensils, household and kitchen furniture together with all money I have on hand and all that is owing to me together with everything else of which I am now possessed or of which I am the just and legal owner, to have __ ____ during her natural life, and at the death of my aforesaid wife, I wish my W____ estate to equally ____ among my eight children named as follows to FRANCES ANN & WILLIAM SARAH & HENRY I. & MARY M, MARTHA J. JOHN J. W. BARKLY & last I do ordain and appoint my brother __ L. DUNCAN to be my executor of this my last will and testament. In testament whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal by way of sealing this eighteen day of August in the year of Our Lord one thousand eight hundred & forty-seven, 1847. SIGNED: John DUNCAN (seal).
Filed and recorded on March 16, 1853 by W. W. McDonald, Clerk of the County Court.
Page 48
Know all whom it may concern that I, RICHARD JONES, being in my right mind and in fear of the Lord with___ since of my soon having to depart this life, do on this 16 day of February in the year of Our Lord eighteen hundred fifty-three, make this as my last will and testament as follows, to wit; I do first will and bequeath unto my beloved wife HANAH my mansion house and farm attached thereto as long as she lives or remains my widow. And I do further will that she have six or eight head of milk cows or she think best to chose and that she have as many stock hogs as shall be necessary for __ use and the family, and ___ are her ______ __- and further that she have five head of horses for use of family & has will to work _____ (blotched with ink) farm with. And I do further will that all of my remaining personal property estate be sold on twelve months credit at public sale to the highest bidder except my beef cattle that I am now a feeding. I wish them to be taken and sold in the HoCovis (?) Market so soon as circumstances will admit of all except for 8 head of them which I request to be kept and fed until they get in good market ___, then to be taken & sold. __ lands and proceeds of my cattle as well as the ____ of my other personal property be applied first to the payment of my just debts, secondly that the remainder of the proceeds be equally divided among all of my legal heirs except that the four oldest children to wit, REBECA P. ELIZABETH & CLABORN & T. F. JONES shall be subject to a deduction of fifty dollars each of their part of legacy for property already received and I do further will that at the executor of the within mention time to wit, the death or marriage of my said widow that the land and other property be sold and an equal distribution of the proceeds be made among all of my legal heirs and I do appoint Y. Y. (?) JONES as my executor to carry into effect this my last will and testament all of which I do declare to be my last will and testament. In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal this day and year above written. SIGNED: Richard Jones (seal).
Witness: W. C. YORK and Napoleon WILSON.
Filed and recorded on April 5, 1853 by W. W. McDonald, Clerk of the County Clerk.
Page 52
In the name of God, Amen. I, THOMAS SPEAKMAN of the County of Pulaski and State of Missouri, being sick and weak of body but of sound and disposing mind and well known the certain of death and the uncertainty of the time thereof, and being unwilling to die intestate, do make and ordain this my last will & testament hereby countermanding & sealing this my last will and setting apart nought any & all other wills that may have heretofore been made by me in any way word or form whatever. First I will and bequeath my soul to Almighty God who gave it and my body to the earth to be buried in Christian like manner at some suitable graveyard at the discretion of my executor herein afterwards appoint and as to such worldly estate as it has pleased God to bless me with, and after the payment of my just debts, I will & bequeath the same of whatever nature, real personal or mixed, to my beloved wife ELENDER SPEAKMAN during her natural life and at her death, to be equally divided among my five children, to wit; MATILDA H. & JAMES & LUCINDA & SAMUEL T. and SARAH T. SPEAKMAN and I do hereby appoint JAMES P. HARRISON my executor of this my last will and testament hoping that he will carry into effect or cause the same to be done the provisions of this my last will as set forth above. In testimony of which I have hereunto set my hand & seal this the 12th day of June AD 1853. Signed, sealed and acknowledged in the presence of WILBERT A. HAWKINS and MARY M. HARRISON and in the presence of all others. SIGNED: Thomas Speakman (seal)
Field and recorded on June 27, 1853 by W. W. McDonald, Clerk of the County Court.
Page 56
I, ISAAC N. DAVIS of the County of Pulaski and State of Missouri do make and publish this my last will and testament in manner and form following, that is to say;
First it is my will that my funeral expenses and all my just debts be fully paid.
Second I give, Devise and bequeath to my wife ELIZABETH DAVIS in lieu of her dower absolutely an equal part of all my real and personal estate with my children named as follows: O. N. DAVIS, MATILDA A. DAVIS, W. G. DAVIS, DANIEL E. DAVIS & ANDREW J. DAVIS, HENRY DAVIS & GEORGE W. DAVIS, and whereas the first named five, that is; O. N. DAVIS, MATILDA A., WILLIAM G. DAVIS & DANIEL E. and ANDREW _____ each received from two hundred and fifty dollars and is my will that the sum be made up to my wife ELIZABETH DAVIS and my two youngest children, that is HENRY and GEORGE W. after which the remainder I wish to be divided equally among all the persons before mentioned, share and share alike.
Third I wish all my property, real and personal, to sold to the highest bidder at twelve months until at such tie as my executors shall think the most advantageous for the advantage of the legatees.
Fourth I will that my son OLIVER N. DAVIS act in the capacity of guardian to my two sons HENRY and GEORGE W. without being bound to give security. ___ lastly, I hereby constitute and appoint my said son OLIVER N. DAVIS to be the executor to this my last will and testament revoking and annulling all former wills by me made and ratifying and confirming this and no other to be my last will and testament. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and my seal this sixth day of April in the year of Our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty. SIGNED: Isaac N. Davis
Signed, published and declared by the above named ISAAC N. DAVIS as his last will and testament in presence of us who at his request have signed as witnesses to the same. SIGNED: William GILLESPY and W. W. GILLESPY.
Whereas I, ISAAC N. DAVIS, of Pulaski County and State of Missouri, having made and duly executed my last will and testament ___ (page torn) date this sixth day of April one thousand eight hundred and fifty. Now I do hereby declare this present writing to be as a codicil to my said will and amend the same thereto and taken as past. And I hereby declare it is my will that if any of the above named Legatees without issue or children from their body, their share shall be equally divided between the remaining children or child it shall be for their use and benefit. In witness thereof I have this day set my hand and seal to this codicil. SIGNED: I. N. Davis.
Filed and recorded on December 30, 185_
Page 59
In the name of God Amen. I, THOMAS A. WOOD, being afflicted and in bad state of health, but of sound mind do make this my last will and testament. 1st. I will my soul body and spirit to my Heavenly Creator knowing that it is his unalienable right. Second, I will that after my funeral expenses and all just debts are paid, that my effects shall be disposed of as herein mentioned. Thirdly, I will and bequeath unto my beloved wife MARGARET WOOD all my estate in any shape, manner and form after my just debts are paid saving to my dear and loving children as they _______ _____ of age namely WM F. WOOD one dollar, MARTHA E. WOOD one dollar, THOMAS W. WOOD one dollar, MARIA T. WOOD one dollar, JESSE J. WOOD one dollar, SAMUEL * WOOD one dollar, MARGARET L. WOOD one dollar, and do appoint my beloved wife MARGARET WOOD my executor to carry out my will and wish in my above will. This 25 day of December, 1853. SIGNED: Thomas A. Wood.
Filed and recorded on January 31, 1854 by W. W. McDonald, Clerk of the County Court.
Page 60
Pulaski County, Missouri.
In the name of God Amen. I, JOSEPH H. ELAM of Pulaski County, Missouri, knowing the uncertainty of life and the certainty of death and being in low health but in my proper mind do make this my last will & testament. First, that all my just debts be paid. Second, that my beloved wife as we have lived in peace and harmony together and her name is DELILAH ELAM, have all my real & personal estate to have & to hold for the use & benefit of herself, & to assist her in raising her & my beloved children during her widowhood & if she marry, then __ that want the property to be sold, that it may be equally divided among my beloved wife & children.
Lastly, I want my beloved wife appointed administratrix or any person or persons that she may choose, be as they giving bond & approved security as the law requires. Given under my hand and seal this 26th day of March, AD 1854. SIGNED: Joseph H. Elam (seal)
Filed and recorded April 14, 1854 by W. W. McDonald, Clerk of the County Court.
Pages 62 and 63 too light to read.
Page 64
October 4, 1855
Being of sound mind, I do make this my last will and testament setting aside all other wills that may have heretofore been made. 1st of all I will and bequeath my soul to God who gave it and my body to the dust from whence it came. 2nd. Secondly I wish all my just debts paid. 3rd. I will and bequeath to my beloved wife MARY GILLESPY as here named the following tract of land: to wit, the North east fractional quarter of section twenty-two in township thirty-six of range thirteen west containing one hundred and twenty-six acres and sixty-two hundredths, to have and to hold the same for her support and the support of the family during the term of her natural life or so long as she may remain my widow & at any time she may feel disposed to marry, then I will and bequeath the above tract of land to my son JAMES C. GILLESPY. I also will and bequeath unto my son JAMES C. GILLESPY another parcel of land to wit, the east half of the south east quarter of section fifteen in township thirty-six of range thirteen west containing forty-one acres 28/100 of an acre to a continual line as specified in a deed given to JESSE N. GILLESPY. Also another parcel of land, to wit the north west fractional quarter of the south west quarter on left bank of Gasconade river of section fourteen in township 36 of range thirteen west or so much of it as shall extend down to a conditional line as specified in JESSE N. GILLESPY deed provided he complies with the following condition, to wit, that he, JAMES C. GILLESPY, is to support minor heirs until they become of age. The above named tract of land to be valued by CYRUS COLLEY, JESSEE A. RAYL and GEORGE SALTSMAN, also the expense of supporting minor heirs which is to be allowed JAMES C. GILLESPY out of the valuation of said land, and the remaining portion of the valuation of said land after deducting out two hundred and fifty dollars to make him equal with JESSEE * & WILLIAM W. GILLESPY to be paid to the estate in five years. Also, two cows and calves, two ewes and lambs and portion of the stock hogs. I also will and bequeath unto my beloved wife MARY GILLESPY the household and kitchen furniture and a sufficiency of the farming tools to attend the farm, one horse and mare, one wagon and yoke, steers and cows & calves to support family; also a years support for the family. I will and bequeath to my daughter MARGARET E. GILLESPY one mare in fold, saddle & bridle, two cows and calves and two ewes and lambs, one bed and bed clothing. I will and bequeath unto my daughter RACHEL GILLESPY one bed & bed clothing, one mare in fold, saddle and bridle, two cows and calves, two ewes and lambs. I will and bequeath to my daughter ELISABETH ANN one bed and bed clothing, one mare in fold, saddle & bridle, two cows and calves, two ewes and lambs to be given her when she becomes of age. I will and bequeath unto my daughter MATILDA A. GILLESPY one bed and bed clothing, one mare in fold, two cows and calves, two ewes and lambs to be given her when she becomes of age. I also will that all my slaves be hired out until my youngest child becomes of age and then be sold and the proceeds equally divided between my lawful heirs. I will also the remaining portion of my personal property sold and the proceeds divided equally between my lawful heirs. In testimony whereof I have set my hand and seal. SIGNED: William Gillespy (his mark) (seal) I appoint JESSE A. RAYL and JAMES T. MESINGTON as my administrators. ATTEST: James T. MESINGTON and CAMPBELL HIBBS.
Filed and recorded on October 8, 1855 by W. W. McDonald, Clerk of the County Court.
Page 69
Will of ISAAC LAWSON, decd.
I, ISAAC LAWSON of the County of Pulaski and State of Missouri, do make and publish this my last will and testament in manner and form following; that is to say first of all, it is my will that my funeral expenses and just debts be fully paid. Second, I give and devise unto my dear beloved wife her PRICILLA C. LAWSON lawful dower in all my personal property and one third of my home farm containing 8 1# 61/100 to hold during her natural life. Third, I give and devise unto my five heirs (to wit) C. H. LAWSON, JULIAN BRADFORD, MARGARETT KAPPS, MARY E. MALONE and WILLIAM T? LAWSON one dollar each to hold during their natural lives. And unto my daughter KEZIAH FROME one hundred dollars to hold during her natural life. Fourth I give unto my four heirs, to wit LEWIS L. LAWSON, MARION K. LAWSON, MARTHA HANE LAWSON, EMER JANE LAWSON, the remaining of my estate to be equally divided among themselves. And lastly I hereby execute to this my last will and constitute (?) and appoint J. L. MATHEWS to be my executor to this my last will and testament revoking and annulling all former wills by me made, ratifying and confirming this and no others to be my last will and testament. In testimony thereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this the 6th day of August, 1855. SIGNED: Isaac Lawson. I assigned the name of Isaac Lawson to the above at his request in the presence of Wm Williams and B. F. Hunuth. SIGNED: J. L. Matthews.
Filed and recorded on August 16, 1856 by W. W. McDonald, Clerk of County Court.
Page 73
In the name of God Amen. Being of sound mind I do make this my last will and testament. First of all I will all my just debts to be paid. Secondly I will and bequeath unto my beloved wife ELIZABETH STARK the farm on which I now live, enough of farming utensils to will said farm, a certain mare named Sise, also another mare named Jane, one horse named Jeff, one mare named Mary Blain, one horse named Pluck, also three yoke of oxen and my wagon, six choice cows, also twenty-five head of sheep, all my stock of hogs, all of the household and kitchen furniture except two beds and bed clothing, all the fowls & a certain boy named JOHN, and a certain woman named PATSY, also a certain boy named EDWARD to have and to hold all the above named property during the term of her natural life. Thirdly I will and bequeath to my daughter MARIANN ROGERS a certain negro woman named EASTER, also a certain negro girl named MALINDA. I will unto my son-in-law K or R. M. ROGERS one dollar. Fourthly I will and bequeath unto my daughter MURRELL a certain negro woman named CHARITY and a certain boy named JAMES, also a certain negro girl child yet unnamed. I will unto my son-in-law JOHN MURRELL one dollar. Fifthly I will and bequeath unto my (son) THOMAS JEFFERSON STARK a certain negro boy named WASHINGTON, a certain boy named FOSTER, also a certain negro girl named SARAH JANE, bed and bed (clothing), also a certain mare named Puss, also a horse named Vito. Sixthly I will and bequeath unto my son WILLIAM MORE STARK a certain negro girl named JANE and a certain negro boy named AMOS, also a negro boy named HIRAM, one bed and bed clothing. After the death of my beloved wife ELIZABETH STARK, I will and bequeath unto my two sons THOMAS JEFFERSON & WILLIAM MORE STARK all of the above named which I willed unto her to be equally divided between them. I also will and bequeath unto my two daughters MARIANN ROGERS and MARGARET MURRELL a certain parcel or tract of land containing one hundred & sixty acres being and lying in Right County, Missouri, to be equally divided between them. The remaining portion of my perishable property my two sons THOMAS J. and WILLIAM M. STARK can retain on the farm or sell as they may see proper. In testimony whereof I do hereunto set my hand and seal. SIGNED: Thomas W. Stark
Filed and recorded on February 2, 1857 by W. W. McDonald, Clerk of the County Court.