William Nelson Will of 1857

NELSON, GILCHRIST, HOOTMAN, DAWSON, GOULD, KENNEDY

Posted By: Jennifer Perkins (email)
Date: 11/12/2004 at 17:41:45

I William Nelson of the County of Van Buren and State of Iowa being of Sound mind do make and publish this my last Will and Testament revolking all former wills by me made at any time
heretofore
1st I direct that after my death my body be decently buried and that my funeral be Conducted in a manner corresponding with my Estate and Situation in life and as may be devised by my friends.
2nd I direct that all my just debts and funeral expenses be paid out of the first money that shall come into the hands of Executors from any portion of my Estate.
3rd I direct that each of my daughters Elanor Gillchrist, Margaret Hootman and Ann Dawson Shall receive one hundred dollars out of the first money after the payment of my just debts & funeral expenses.
4th I direct that my beloved wife Elizabeth Shall have and hold for her use and benefit during her lifetime what remains of my Estate after paying the above named expenses and portions provided She outlives me.
5th I direct that my household furniture equally divided among my daughters Elanor Gilchrist, Margaret Hootman and Ann Dawson after the death of my wife if She survives me.
6th I direct that after the Death of myself and wife Elizabeth that all the livestock, moneys and effects shall be equally divided between my three sons viz. Hugh Nelson, John W. Nelson and William Nelson.
7th I hereby appoint my Son Hugh Nelson executor of this my last Will and Testament hereby authorizing him to compromise adjust, reason and discharge in such manner as he must devise as proper, the debts and claims due me.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto Set my hand the 10th day of August AD 1857.

William Nelson

Signed and allowed by the said William Nelson in our presence and in the presence of each other.
Signed by us as witness in his presence and in the presence of each other this 10th day of August AD 1857.
Samuel Gould
James G. Kennedy