In obedience to an order from the worshipful County Court of Franklin to us the under signed directed we have proceed and appraised all the personal Estate of John Glass Decd as was shown us by the Admis as pr foregoing Lest.
Andrew S. Brooks
Henry L. Muse
Zachariah Finney
At a Court held for Franklin County at the Courthouse the 2nd day fo August 1841
This Inventory and appraisement of the Estate of John Glass Decd was returned and ordered to be recorded.
Teste.
Moses G. Carper  CFC

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, and to all whom these presents may concern, be it known that I, John C. Davidson, of the County of Leavenworth and State of Kansas, being of mature age and sound mind and realizing the uncertainty of life and the certainty of death and being desirous of making full and complete provision for the final settlement and disposition of all my worldly goods and possessions after my dissolution, do hereby make and declare this my last Will and Testament.

First. It is my wish that all my just debts and funeral expenses, be first paid out of my estate.

Second. I give, devise and bequeath to my brother Thomas Davidson all of my property, both personal and real, during his natural life, and at his death, it is my wish, that said estate be sold and equally divided among my nephews and nieces, as follows: share and share alike, Clyde C. Davidson, one sixth; Bertha Howard, one sixth; Thomas Alexander Davidson, one sixth; Paul G. Davidson, one sixth; and Belle Norwine, daughter of my sister Martha J. Stafford, deceased, one sixth; Leta M. Davidson, one twelfth; John C. Davidson, one twelfth; the last two mentioned are children of my nephew John C. Davidson Jr., deceased and Hattie Davidson. The interest of said last mentioned children shall be paid to the Tonganoxie State Bank, to be held in trust for said Leta M. Davidson and John C. Davidson until they reach the age of majority.

I make constitute and appoint Thomas Davidson, without bond, of Leavenworth County and State of Kansas, executor of this my last Will and Testament, and I hereby _____ each and every will and codicil heretofore made by me.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 17th day of May 1918.

{signed} John C. Davidson

The foregoing instrument was subscribed in our presence and acknowledged to us by said testator, and subscribed by us at the request of said testator, in his presence and in hte presence of each other, this 17th day of May, A.D. 1918.

{Signed} {3 signatures}

State of Indiana, Clark County, Sct:

To any Person Empowered to Solemnize the Rites of Marriages in said County, Greeting:

You are Hereby Authorized To  join together, in the honorable state of Marriage,

Samuel Weeks and Martha R. Smith

for which this shall be your sufficient warrant.

Given under my hand, as Clerk, and the Seal of the Circuit Court of said County, at the town of Charlestown, this 4th day of October 1876

Alez? James, Clerk

State of Indiana, Clark County, SS:

This is to satisfy that Samuel Weeks and Martha R. Smith were joined together as Husband and Wife, by virtue of a License issued by the Clerk of the Clark Circuit Court, this 4th day of October 1876, by me

R.L. Howe, VDM

Eliza Ann Stafford
vs
Elias Stafford}
And now on this day comes the said Plaintiff Eliza Ann Stafford by Green + Foster her attorneys and it appearing to the satisfaction of the Court that on the 22nd day of April AD 1871 a summons was duly served herein on the said Defendant Elias Stafford by the Sheriff of Leavenworth County, to whom the same was directed and delivered by delivering a c____ thereof to ___ the said Defendant personally at and within said Court of Leavenworth before the return day mentioned in said Summons and the said Elias Stafford still failing to f____ answer or de____ to the Petition of the said Plaintiff herein ____therefore this action being called for trial was submitted by said Plaintiff to the Court and came on for trial and to be heard by and before the court upon the Petition of said Plaintiff herein and the Evidence adduced and the Evidence and proof having been offered herein and the court having heard the same and being now well advised in the premises doth find for the said Plaintiff Eliza Ann Stafford and that her said Petition is true – and that said Plaintiff had been an actual resident in good faith of the state of Kansas for one year and more next preceding the filing of her Petition herein and that she was a resident of the said county of Leavenworth at the time of the filing thereof and the Court doth further find that said Plaintiff and Defendant were married as in said Petition is alleged and that said Defendant Elias Stafford is guilty of Adultery and of gross neglect of duty as charged and alleged in said Plaintiff’s Petition. It is therefore and for and because of the fault of said Defendant Elias Stafford __ of the Court now here considered ordered adjudged and decreed that the said Plaintiff and Defendant herein be divorced from the bonds of matrimony and that the marriage contract and relation heretofore existing between said Plaintiff and Defendant be and the same is hereby dissolved set aside and wholly annulled and the said Plaintiff wholly released from the obligations of the same: and it is further considered ordered and adjudged that the guardianship custody, support and education of Charles E. Stafford the minor child of said marriage mentioned in said Petition be entrusted to said Plaintiff and the said Defendant forever joined from in any manner interfering with her control guardianship custody or education of said minor – and it is further ordered that said Defendant be enjoined from claiming or exercising any right to the use benefit or enjoyment of any services or ____ of the said John M. Stafford a minor child of said marriage mentioned in said Petition and that said Plaintiff be entitled thereto. It is now by the court here further considered ordered and adjudged that said Plaintiff Eliza Ann Stafford as alimony __ have and recover of and from the said Defendant Elias Stafford the sum of one thousand dollars together with all her costs by her in and about their suit in the behalf ___ and that execution issue therefore and that the said Plaintiff Eliza Ann Stafford further have and recover as alimony of and from the said Defendant Elias Stafford the further sum of forty dollars per month from the present time ___ three months ___ and that the same be paid in quarter yearly installments of one hundred and twenty dollars each reckoning from this date and unless the said Defendant Elias Stafford shall and do for or cause to be ____ to the said Plaintiff Eliza An Stafford the sum of One hundred and twenty-dollars on the day of each and every January April July and October in each and every year from and for the present time, that execution shall issue therefore and if any of said installment or any portion thereof shall hereafter become due and be not then paid execution shall issue therefor together with the cost thereof.

There has been a bit of a mystery surrounding Martha Jane Davidson, sister to my husband’s great-great grandfather, Thomas Talbot Davidson.  I knew that she was married to a Dr. Elias Stafford and that she moved away, she was much younger than him (about 25 years), and that she seems to disappear.  Elias had been married before and had 4 children with his first wife, Eliza Ann.  I wrongly assumed that she had died and then he married Martha.

Apparently, he was having an affair with Martha.  He made his wife sign away their homestead, took the money and left with Martha – leaving his wife with nothing.  He was a physician and made around $2000 a year, so he had enough money to give her something to live off of.  No wonder why Martha and Elias left town.

State of Kansas
Leavenworth County} SS
In the District Court of Leavenworth County State of Kansas

Eliza Ann Stafford Plaintiff
vs
Elias Stafford Defendant } Petition

The said Eliza Ann Stafford the Plaintiff in this action complains of the said Elias Stafford the Defendant herein and Plaintiff avers that she has been an actual resident in good faith of the State of Kansas and of the County of Leavenworth in said State for one year and more next preceding the filing of this her Petition and that she is now at the time of the filing hereof of this Petition a resident of said County of Leavenworth – Said Plaintiff further avers that heretofor to wit on or about the 24th day of February AD 1848 she was married to said Defendant Elias Stafford at Oskaloosa, Mahaska County, Iowa and that said Plaintiff and Defendant then and there entered into the marriage contract and relation to and with each other – said Plaintiff further avers that ever since that time she hath upon her part conducted herself as a faithful and obedient wife towards the said Elias Stafford her said husband. And said Plaintiff avers that the said Elias Stafford the said Defendant disregarding his duties of a husband toward this Plaintiff his said wife was on or about the 5th day of January AD 1871 Guilty of Adultery with one Martha Jane Davidson and that said Defendant has been and is guilty of Adultery with said Martha Jane Davidson on dies other days and times before and since that time in said County of Leavenworth and at or near Tonganoxie in said County the precise times and places of said offense being unknown to the Plaintiff – said Plaintiff further avers that said Defendant in further disregard of his duties toward this Plaintiff as his said wife was on the day and year aforesaid and on ____ days and times before and since that time guilty of extreme cruelty toward said Plaintiff and gross abuse of her in that he said Defendant caused this Plaintiff and with threats put this Plaintiff in fear of personal violence at the hands of said Defendant and said Defendant was on said ____ ____ day and ever since that time hath been and is guilty of a gross neglect of his duty towards this Plaintiff his said wife in this that about this time he sold and conveyed the homestead of this Plaintiff & Defendant and by undue means.
compelled this Plaintiff to join him in a deed therefor and when he said Defendant received the consideration of + for such sale + convey such, he said Defendant then abandoned this Plaintiff and has since that time refused to live with her and has failed ever since that time to furnish her with food or clothing but did then go away and to parts unknown with said Martha Jane Davidson and in wild and reckless living did waste and spend the money, the proceed of said sale of said homestead as aforesaid. Said Plaintiff further avers that there has been born to said Plaintiff and Defendant four children two of whom are still under the age of majority. Said Plaintiff avers that she has no means to support herself or said children or to provide for their maintenance and education – Said Plaintiff further avers that said Defendant is a practicing physician of sill and ability in his profession +  that he is thereby enabled to make and receive moneys sufficient for the support of himself and this Plaintiff and his said children and that the annual income to said Defendant from the practice of his said profession has been heretofore about two thousand dollars per year, ____ which said Defendant has other means and property the amount and value of which is unknown to this Plaintiff – Said Plaintiff now therefore prays that she be divorced from the bonds of matrimony with said Defendant and that the marriage contract and relation heretofore existing between this Plaintiff Eliza Ann Stafford and said Defendant Elias Stafford be dissolved and held for naught and this Plaintiff released from all obligations of the same. Said Plaintiff further prays that such divorce be granted for + because of the fault of said Defendant and that he be forever barred from any claim in or to any property which may be acquired by this Plaintiff.  Said Plaintiff further prays that she be decreed the custody control and management of said two minor children John M. Stafford aged 18 years and Charles E. Stafford aged 8 years and Plaintiff further prays the court that she be allowed such alimony out of the property of said Defendant as the court shall think reasonable not less than two thousand five hundred dollars in gross or three hundred dollars per annum in installments as the court may seem just and equitable and this Plaintiff prays for all such other and  further relief in the ____ as to the court should seem meet and proper and she ___  ____ entitled to.

Green + Foster  Atty for Plaintiff

State of Kansas
Leavenworth County} SS
Eliza Ann Stafford of lawful age and being duly sworn makes oath and says that she is the Plaintiff in the above entitled action. Affiant further makes oath and says that the foregoing petition in said action is true.
Eliza Ann Stafford [signed]
Signed in my presence and sworn before me this 18th day of April AD 1871
MJ VanDoren Notary Public

___ sais brough to obtain divorce alimony + custody of children + other relief for all of which __ petition. Clerk of District Court will please issue Summons to said Defendant returnable according to Law.
Green + Foster Attys for Plff

This Indenture made this fifteenth day of June AD One Thousand Eight Hundred and Sixty eight by and between John Sprey and Ruth Ann Sprey his wife of the first part and Brantley Stafford of the County of Leavenworth and state of Kansas of the second part, Witnesseth that the party of the first part in consideration of the sum of five hundred and twenty five dollars duly paid the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged have granted bargained and sold and by there presence do grant bargain and sell the said party of the second part his heirs and assigns for ever all that part and parcel of land situated in the County of Leavenworth and State of Kansas to wit: The undivided half of of the South East quarter of the South West quarter of Section four (4) Town Eleven (11) in Range twenty [unreadable] of land with all and every the appurtenances thereto belonging unto him the said Brantley Stafford and to his heirs and assigns forever, and the said John Sprey and Ruth Ann Sprey [?] with the said Brantley Stafford his heirs and assigns that the possession to the said premises with the appurtenances to the said Brantley Stafford his heirs and assigns will forever Warrant and defend.

In witness whereof the said John Sprey and Ruth Ann Sprey his wife has signed these presents this 15. day of June AD one Thousand Eight hundred and Sixty eight. (50 [?] Stamp affixed)

John Sprey (seal)
Ruth A Sprey (seal)

State of Kansas
County of Leavenworth} In this 15. day of June AD one thousand Eight and Sixty eight before me the undersigned a Notary Public in and for the County of Leavenworth and State of Kansas personally came John Sprey and Ruth Ann Sprey his wife who is personally known to me to be the identical persons is affixed to the foregoing instrument of deed as grantors and acknowledged the same to be there own voluntary act and deed for the use and purposes therein mentioned. In winter whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal this 15. day of June AD 1868.

Wilson H Fox
Notary Public
Recorded October 23. AD 1868 at 3 1/2 o’clock PM
John W.othieweiz Register of Deeds

6th [of April 1827] John Garrott, Jane Reed

I hereby certify that the within named couple were joined together in marriage by me this 7th day of April 1827. Given under my hand + seal this 22nd day of May 1827.  K____ Allen

This Indenture, made this the first day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and Seventy Seven, between Lyman P. Weeks of Baldwin City in the County of Douglas and State of Kansas of the first part, and Mary Weeks of the second part. Witnesseth, that the said party of the first part, in consideration of the sum of Fifteen hundred $1500.00 Dollars to him duly paid has sold and by these presents does grand and convey to the said party of the second part her heirs and assigns all that tract or parcel of land, situated in the County of Douglas and State of Kansas and described a: follows to wit: the North west quarter (1/4) of the South East quarter (1/4) of Section number fifteen (15) in Township Number Fourteen (14) in Range Number Twenty (20), with the appertenances, and all of the estate, title, and interest of the said party of the first part therein, and the said Lyman P. Weeks does hereby consent and agree that at the delivery hereof he was the lawful owner of the premises above granted and seized of a good and indefeaseble state of inheritance therein  free and clear of all incumbrance and that he will Warrant and Defend the name in the quit and peaceable possession of the said party of the second part her heirs and assigns forever against all persons lawfully claiming the same.

In Witness whereof, the said party of the first part has hereunto set his hand and seal the day and year last above mentioned.  Signed Sealed and Delivered in the presence of S.N. Walker.

Lyman P. Weeks
Addie M. Weeks

State of Kansas, County of Douglas} SS

Be it Remembered that on this first day of January A.D. 1877 , before me, a Notary Public, in and for said County and State came Lyman P. Weeks and Addie M. Weeks to me personally known to be the same person who executed the foregoing instrument and duly acknowledge the execution of the same.

In Witness whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name and applied by official seal on the day and year last above mentioned.

S.N. Walker Notary Public

Received May 30, 1877 at 2:20 P.M.

[? his name] Register of Deeds

I think that they must have made a mistake in the date on the deed.  Sarah Weeks didn’t die until 1875 and Samuel married Martha in October of 1876. It would have been a simple mistake to leave the seven off.

This Indenture made this the Twenty six day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and Seventy in between Samuel Weeks Peter H. Weeks Mary Weeks only heirs at law of Sarah A. Weeks deceased except the party of the second part, of Baldwin City and State of Kansas of the first part and Lyman P. Weeks of the second part.  Witnesseth, that the said parties of the first part in consideration of the sum of One Thousand ($1000) Dollars to them duly paid have sold and by these presents do _____ ______ and quit claim unto the said party of the second part his heirs and assigns forever.  all that tract or parcel of land situated in the County of Douglas and State of Kansas and described as follows to wit:  The South three and one third (3 1/3) acres of the North Six acres of the South Forty (40) acres of the East Sixty (60) acres of the South West quarter (1/4) of section thirty four (34) Township Fourteen (14) Range Twenty (20) formerly Block Seventy Eight (78) in Baldwin City as shown by the Plot on file in that office of the Register of Deeds of Douglas County Kansas, with the appertunances unto the said party of the second part his heirs and assigns forever.

In witness whereof, the said parties of the first part have hereunto Signed. Sealed and Delivered in the presence of S.N. Walker

Mary Weeks {seal}
P. H. Weeks {seal}
Samuel Weeks
Martha R. Weeks

State of Kansas
County of Douglas}
Be it Remembered that on this first day of January A.D 1877, before me a Notary Public in and for said County and state came Mary Weeks Peter H. Weeks to me personally known to be the same persons who executed the foregoing instrument and duly acknowledged the execution of the same.
In Witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my official seal on the day and year last above written. S.N. Walker Notary Public

State of Indiana
Clark County}
Before me William C. Hester a Notary Public in and for said Clark County and State of Indiana personally came Samuel Weeks and Martha R. Weeks and acknowledged the execution of the foregoing deed.
Witness my hand + notarial seal William C. Hester Notary Public
Recorded June 16 1877 at 11 am ? Register of Deeds

Be it Remembered that on the 13th day of March AD 1871 Letters of Administration in Common form were granted to P. Peterson Pierce ___ the estate of Jacob Peirce late of Rayne Township dec’d who did on the 8th day of  March 1871 at 3 o’clock am  he having first given bond to the Commonwealth in the Sum of Five Hundred Dollars conditioned according to law with John A Kinter and Joseph Longhey as Securities Same day Administrator Sworn According to law.

D. R. Lewis

Register

(See Bond + c filed)

I’m still trying to fully understand this document, as the legal mumbo-jumbo is like a foreign language to me.

Some of the facts I know:

Charles Moorman, Sally’s father, died October 23, 1803.

Nancy Moorman, Sally’s mother, received Land to live on after the death of her husband. (I have a document which shows her allotment dated 1804).  I’m not sure when Nancy died.  I have seen some list her death in 1847, but I have nothing to back that up.  Does this document mean that she has died and Sally is getting a portion of her mother’s allotted land?  Is that what “Dower Land” is?  I’m not clear on this.

Lemuel Moorman is Sally’s brother.

From what I understand, Francis & Sally sold their portion of this land to Sally’s brother Lemuel.  Sally wasn’t able to come to town to acknowledge that she wanted to sell the land.  They were either concerned that maybe her husband was selling it without her consent (since it was her mother’s land) or else they wanted to make sure that she was relinquishing her right to dower in the land (and couldn’t get the land back upon her husband’s death).  They sent out 2 Justices to speak with her privately and make sure that this was what she wanted to do.

I’ve transcribed this document to the best of my ability under the images.  (I’m always happy to receive corrections of my mistakes!!)

I would love to know what the full meaning of this document is if you understand it.

The CommonWealth of Virginia to David Pegram and Richard Hobson Gent. Justices of Bedford County _____ whereas Francis L. Lee + Sally his wife by their certain Indenture of bargain  + Sale bearing Date the 23rd Nov. 1813. have sold and conveyed unto Lemuel Moorman the fee simple Estate of their portion of Dower Land of Nancy Moorman widow ___ of Charles Moorman Dec’d lying and being in the County of Bedford and State of Virginia whereas the said Sally cannot conveniently travel to our Court of our said County of Bedford and State of Virginia to make acknowledgement of the same. Therefore we give you or any two or more of you power to receive such acknowledgement as the said Sally shall be willing to make before you of the conveyance aforesaid contained in the said Indenture which is hereto annexed and we do require you that you do personally go to the said Sally and examine her privately and apart from the said Francis L her husband, and whether she be willing the said Indenture together with this acknowledgement should be recorded in our said County Court and when you have received her acknowledgement + examine her as afors’d that you distinctly + openly certify us thereof in an ___ Court under your Seals sending then there the s’d Intenture and this ____ Witness James Steptoe Clerk of our said Court the 28th day of Nov’r 1813.

In the 38th Year of our Independence.

J Steptoe [signed]

Bedfort County to wit

In obedience to the within Commiss. to us directed we did go to the within named Sally Lee and examined her privily and apart from her husband whether she freely and voluntarily relinquished her right to the within mentioned Land and she saith she doth freely and willingly relinquish her right to the same in fee simple without the threats or persuasions of her husband and is willing that the same should be recorded in the County Court of Bedford.  Given under our hands and Seals this 30th day of November 1813.

Dan’l Pegram {seal}

Rich’d Hobson {seal}

At a Court held for Bedford County at the Courthouse the 27th day of December 1813.  This Commission was returned executed + Ordered to be recorded.

Teste  J Steptoe CBC

This is a deed I found during my trip to Sigourney, IA earlier this year.  The transcription follows the images.

Know all men by these presents that we Dorothea Henrietta Helena Francy and Louiza Sanchez Teresa the two last is husband + wife all lawful heirs of Nicholas Sanchez Teresa decd of the county of Keokuk and State of Iowa for the Consideration of two hundred + fifty dollars do hereby Convey to Frederick Peter + Philip Sanchez Teresa of Keokuk County State of Iowa all our interest and claim in the following described Real Estate Situate lying and being in the State of Iowa Keokuk County to wit the South half (1/2) of the north East quarter (1/4) and the west half (1/2) of the South East quarter (1/4) of Section twenty five (25) in township Seventy four (74) north of Range eleven west containing one hundred and sixty (160) acres more or less and the said above mentioned heirs of Nicholas Sanchez Teresa will warrant the title of the same against all persons whomsoever in witness where of we have hereunto subscribed our names this fourteenth (14) day of January AD 1854

Henrietta Sanchez Teresa
Helena Sanchez Teresa
Dorothea Sanchez Teresa
Francis Sanchez
Louise Sanchez

in presence of
Horatio J. Yapp
Meshack? Davis

State of Iowa
Keokuk County

On the 14th day of January AD 1854 before me the undersigned a justice of the peace in and for said County appeared Dorothea Henrietta, Helena Francy + Louiza Sanchez Teresa who are personally known to me to be the identical persons whose names are affixed to the foregoing deed of consequence as grantors and acknowledged the same to be their voluntary act and deed in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand.
Horatio J. Yapp
Justice of the Peace

The foregoing deed was filed in this office for Record January 24th 1854 at 12 o’clock
H. L Smith Recorder
Pr MM Crocker

The transcription follows the image.

This indenture made this twenty second day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and forty nine between Milton Brittian + Nancy Brittian of the county Keokuk and state of Iowa of the one part and Levi Frisler of the state county and state aforesaid of the other part Witnesseth that the said party of the first part for and in consideration of the sum of forty three dollars lawfull money of the United States to them in hand paid by the said party of second part the Receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged  by the said party of the first part have Granted bargained and sold by these presents do grant bargain and sell unto the said party of the second part and his heirs and assigns forever all that tract or parcel of Land lying and being in the County of Keokuk and state of Iowa. To wit,

Seven acres of Land Running parrellel with west line running north and south in the North half of the East half of the South West Quarter of Section No. Seven (7) Township 74 North of Range (12) West. To have and to hold the above described premises hereby sold and conveyed unto the said Levi Frisler his heirs and assigns forever to gether with all and singular the appartenances thereunto belonging , or in any wise appertaining to his own proper use and behoof and Milton Brittain + Nancy Brittain his wife for their loirs executors  and administrators. The aforesaid track or parcel of Land and appertenances to the Levi Frisler his heirs Executors and administrators against the claims of all and every person whatever will Warrant and forever Defend In Testimony whereof the said Milton Brittian and Nancy Brittian his wife have hereunto set their hands and affixed their Seal the day and year bove written

Signed sealed and deliverd in the preasence of William S Day and Charles P Lyon

Milton P Brittian {seal}

Nancy Brittian {seal}

State of Iowa Keokuk County}

Personally appeared before me the ___ signed Justice of the Keokuk County and acknowledge the deed of conveyance to which this is affixed to be their act and deed for purposes therein mentioned and also Nancy Brittian the wife of Milton Brittian being seperately examined seperately apart from her husband freely and volintarly Relinquish all and Every species of Right of Dower.

Given under my hand this 11th day of January 1850.  William L. Day JP KC

The above Deed was Filed for record November the 18th 1850 at 1 o’clock PM

B P Showhan Recorder

Joseph Campbell was a half-brother to my husband’s 3rd great-grandfather, William Campbell.  They both lived in Indiana County, PA.

Joseph appears to have been pretty well off.  He even owned a silver watch worth $10. 

Inventory of the Goods and Chattels, Rights and Credits of Joseph Campbell late of Center Township Indiana county, deceased.

Indiana County, ss.

We John H. Allison + W. H. McMullen do swear by Almighty God, the searcher of all hearts, that we will well and truly, and without prejudice or partiality, value and appraise the Goods, Chattels, and Credits of Joseph Campbell late of Center Township Indiana County, deceased, and in all respects perform our duty as appraisers, to the best of our skill and judgment, and that as we shall answer to God at the Great Day.

Sworn and subscribed before me this 29 ” day of May 1879} John H. Allison        W H McMullen

D. R. Lewis Register

3 Cows – $15                        $45.00
3 Yearling calves 6 18.00
2 Spring calves 3 6.00
One Sorrel mare & colt 50.00
” Brown mare & colt 60.00
Six Shoats 10.00
5 Sheep 12.50
5 Lambs 10.00
One Farm Wagon 18.00
” Spring Wagon 15.00
One corn drill 2.00
” Harrow 2.50
” Log Chain 1.00
One Spread chain .50
” cultivator 2.50
” Plow 1.50
2 Setts Heavy harness 25.00
Single trees 1.00
One man’s saddle 2.00
2 Riding Bridles 1.50
2 Halters .50
One mattock .75

carried over $285.25

Amount brought over $285.25

One manure fork .50
2 cant Hooks .50
One Hoisting jack .50
” Half bushel measure .50
” Sheep Skin .50
” Half Barrel salt .50
One fanning mill 8.00
” Grain Shovel .25
2 pitch forks .20
1 pair hay ladders .50
Hay fork and tackle 9.00
4 Bushels of wheat $1 4.00
4 Do Oats 1.00
5 Old Barrels .25
One Grindstone .50
A lot of loose irons about saw mill 1.00
4 Acres of oats in ground 12.00
3 Do in Growing wheat 9.00
4 Do ” corn 16.00
5 Do ” Rye 10.00
One old axe .25
One half interest in Russel Mower 20.00
” Hay Rake 12.00
” Old Sled and Box 1.00
” Lot of Oak posts 1.00
One Garden Spade .40
2 corn Hoes .40
2 Hives of Bees $4 8.00
2 mowing scythes 1.00
One Grain cradle 2.00
One lot of feathers 3.00
” spinning wheel .50
2 Grain Rakes .30
” piece of Harness .50
One large chest and contents 4.00
” small chest of drawers 1.50
stand .50
[new page]
one large chest and contents 4.00
” small chest of drawers 1.50
” ” stand .50
” clock case 1.00
One Bedstead and bedding 3.00
” Do ” Do” 5.00
4 Bed quilts 4.00
map of Indiana County 1.00
2 sickles .40
One side saddle 3.00
” lot of wool 5.00
” churn .50
meat vessels and cider Bbl. 2.00
2 Spinning wheels 2.50
One Reel 1.00
One churn 1.00
Old Bread tray .50
Flour and corn meal 1.25
4 Grain sacks 1.00
One Bureau 5.00
” Bedstead and Bedding 10.00
” Table and cover 4.00
” Do 3.00
One Stand .60
11 chairs 40c 4.40
One Rocking chair 1.00
A lot of Books 10.00
One Bedstead and Bedding 6.00
” Dough Tray 1.00
One clock 2.50
2 old looking Glasses 1.00
One cook stove 3.00
Contents of cupboard 4.00
A lot of crockery and Tin ware 1.50
One silver Watch 10.00

We do Certify that after being duly sworn as appraisers, we attended at the late residence of Joseph Campbell deceased, in Center Township Indiana County, on the 5th day of June A.D. 1879, when and where the foregoing articles were exhibited to us, an that we appraised the same as above stated.
Witness our hands this Fifth day of June 1879.
John H. Allison
W H McMullen

The transcription of the will follows the images.

In the name of God Amen, I Joseph Campbell of the Township of Center, County of Indiana and State of Pennsylvania being impressed with a Sense of the uncertainty of human life but being of Sound and disposing mind and memory do hereby make this my Last Will and Testament and first all Just debts and funeral expenses being paid I give and bequeath the remainder of my personal estate and effects (except my silver watch) to my wife Rebecca to be at her Sole disposal. my silver watch above excepted I give and bequeath to my Daughter Sarah Ann and further I give and devise in ____ to my wife Rebecca without power to Sell or alieviate my Real estate on Which we now reside with the improvements thereto belonging to be held and managed by her for her Sole use and benefit during her natural life and further I direct that upon the decease of my wife Rebecca my Real estate shall be disposed of and the proceeds distributed as follows. To my Daughter Sarah Ann Two Hundred and fifty Dollars and the remainder of said proceeds of Real Estate shall be divided equally among my three Daughters viz: Sarah ann.  Rebecca Jane and Nancy Ellen and I do hereby nominate constitute and appoint William McCrea of Blacklick Township Executor of this my last Will and Testament In Witness Whereof I Joseph Campbell the said Testator have to this my last Will and Testament Set my hand and Seal this 21st day of December AD 1872

Joseph Campbell (Seal)

Signed, Sealed, published and declared by the said Testator Joseph Campbell as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who in his presence and at his request and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as Witnesses thereto

John Allison
W H McMullen

Indiana County SS Be it Remembered that on the 29th day of May 1879 before me Register of Wills for Said County was duly proved and approved the foregoing Instrument of writing as and for the Last Will and Testament of Joseph Campbell decd who died on the 16th day of May 1879 at 9 o’clock PM by the _____ of John H Allison and W H McMullen the subscribing Witnesses thereto Wm McCrea the executor named therein being dead + the widow having ____ her right Same day Letters Cum Testemento Annexo issued to John Davis + Sarah A. Campbell they having given bond to the Commonwealth in the Sum of Fifteen Hundred Dollars Conditioned According to law with W. H. McMullen and John H. Allison as Security. Same day administrators Sworn according to law. (See will + probate filed)

D R. Lewis Register

On Christmas Eve, while my kids were busily playing with their new toys (they each opened one present early), I spent a few hours scanning in documents.  Honestly, I barely even made a dent in the pile – but it felt good to at least start sifting through all of it.

Among the documents in this pile was a will for my husband’s 3rd great-grandfather, James H. Leonard (1796-1892).  It’s been sitting there for at least five years. 

Well, now it will see the light of day and be posted for the world to see!!!  I’m only transcribing the actual will, below the images.

Do you have any important documents that haven’t seen the light of day for years?  Share them!!!

The last Will and Testament of James H. Leonard of the Town of Newfane in the County of Niagara + State of New York.

I, James H. Leonard considering the uncertainty of this mortal life + being of sound mind and memory do make and publish this my last Will and Testament in manner + form following that is to say:

First, I give and bequeath unto my two sons Dewitt C. Leonard + Henry B. Leonard + unto my daughter Eliza Jane Sawyer the sum of two hundred dollars each, to be paid to them from the proceeds of the real or personal estate I should be possessed of at the time of my decease + to be paid to them within a reasonable time after my decease for their use forever.

Second, All the rest and residue of my real + personal estate not herein before given + bequeathed after payment of debts, funeral expenses + e I give unto my five children Dewitt C. Leonard, Henry B. Leonard, Eliza J. Sawyer, Roxanna Spencer, + Maria Peck to be equally divided between them, that they share + share alike for their use forever and I do here by constitute and appoint Augustus B. Kendall of the Town of Newfane, sole executor of this my last Will and Testament hereby revoking all other heretofore made wills by me.  Witness my hand + seal the twenty eighth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand and eight hundred and eighty.

James H. Leonard (Seal)

The above instrument consisting of one half sheet of paper was now here subscribed by James H. Leonard the testator in the presence of each of us + was at the same time declared by him to be his last Will and Testament + we at his request signed our names there to as attesting witnesses.

Anthony McKee residing in Newfane Niagara County NY
Martha A. McKee residing in Newfane Niagara County NY

He lived in Bedford County, Virginia and died in 1772.  He didn’t own much!

I find it interesting that his estate was inventoried in 1772 and it wasn’t recorded in the Court until 1779.  Is this normal?  Or does this have something to do with the fact that the Revolutionary War was going on during this time?  Just curious.

My transcription of the document follows the images.  I know I made some mistakes.  I’m always unsure how to write the little symbols and such also.  I just do my best and move on.

Inventory of the Estate Jeremiah Wade Dec’d

One Man’s Hat at Value 0.12.6   Two Books 0.2.0L  ……………….. 0.11.6
One Bed + Furniture L 4.0.0  Twelve Barrels Corn [961?]…………..8.16.0
Old Iron 17/6  Two Bells /1/……………………………………………………..1.1.6
One Mans old Sadle………………………………………………………………..0.10.0
one Old Bag + one Case Knife………………………………………………….0.1.0
one pr Specs + Two Combs 1/…………………………………………………..0.1.0
One White Horse……………………………………………………………………3.10.0
Eight Head meat Cattle…………………………………………………………..14.0.0
one [Fro?]1/6   One old Bed Tyke 2/…………………………………………0.3.6

Inventory of the Estate Jeremiah Wade dec’d. Taken this 10th day Oct 1772. Taken by James Hilton. Er of s’d  Wades Estate + appr’d by Wm. Hudnall, Wm Adams + James Mitchell on Oath pursuant to an Order Court

Wm his X mark Adams
James Mitchell
WiHudnall

In a Court held for Bedford County 22d day of Nov 1779. This Inventory and appraisement of the Estate of Jeremiah Wade dec’d was return’d to Court and Ordered to be recorded
Teste J. Steptoe, Cl.

I love how clear this document is – nothing is faded, it’s written in large lettering, and it’s so easy to read! If only all of the wills I have could be so simple.

The only thing that disappoints me about this will is that he doesn’t list out his children – he simply wanted an equal division amongst his children.

The transcription follows the images.  I hope there is another Wade researcher out there that will find this useful!

In the Name of God Amen I Jeremiah Wade of Bedford County being verry Sick and Weak in Body but of perfect mind and memory, Thanks be to God for it – and knowing that it is appointed Once for all men to Die do make and Ordain this my Last Will and Testament, first I give and Recomend my Sole into the hands of Almighty God that gave, and my Body to the Earth to be Buried in a Desent Christian manner at the Discretion of my Exetors. and for my Worldly Estate wherewith it hath plesed God to Bless me with in this Life I give and Bequeath as followeth, But first my Will and Desire is that my Just Debts Shall all be Paid and then an Equal Division made among my Children and I doe appoint Richard Ballanger, James Hilton and Natha N. Hilton to be my Exetors. to pay my Debts + Receive what is due to me and this I ordain my Last Will and Testament In Witness whereof I hearunto I have Set my hand Seal this Eight Day of July 1772

Teste
Abraham Ervine
Jesse Hilton
Elizabeth Mitchell}              Jeremiah Wade [seal]

_________________________________________

At a Court held for Bedford County September 28th 1772 This Last Will and Testament of Jeremiah Wade Dec’d was Proved by the oaths of Abraham Ervine and Jesse Hilton and Ordered to be Recorded, and on the Motion of James Hylton one of the Executors therein Named who made Oath thereto Certificate is Granted him for obtaining Probate thereof in Due form, giving Security.  Whereupon he Together with Guy Smith his Security entered into and Acknowledged their Bond in the Penalty of Two Hundred and fifty Pounds for the Said James Hyltons due and faithfull administration of the Said Decedents Estate and Performance of his Will, Liberty being Reserved to the other Exers. named in the said Will to Join in the Probate thereof when they shall think fit.
Teste
Jas Steptoe Cl.: [?]

I, William Stevens an ordained minister of the Gospel do hereby certify that I did on the 18th of January A.D. 1842 solemnize the rites of matrimony between John C. Davidson and Sophia Talbott both being of lawful age. Given under my hand this 14th day of February A.D. 1842.
William Stevens
Filed for record February 25th 1842
By William P. Matthews Do                        Eli Carter Clerk

I found this will in the Keokuk County Courthouse in Sigourney, Iowa.  It was file No. 1187, in a large bundle of loose papers.  I don’t think that the clerk was very happy that I wanted copies of them all, but oh well- that’s their job, right?

I Frederick Sanches Tereso of the County of Keokuk and State of Iowa do make this my Last will and Testament.
first, I will that all of my just Debts and Funeral Expenses be paid out of my personal property and all of the ballance of my Property both Personal and Real Except that hereafter Excepted I do will and bequeath to my wife Matilda Jane to have and to hold During her Lifetime and at her Death then what is Remaining of my property is to be divided Equally among my children Milton F, Helen Handelman, Nancy, Sheridan, Viola Theodore + George Oscar and if my son Milton Shall Stay on the presmises and assist his mother in managing and caring for the Property untill the Youngest one of my children Shall become of age then it is my will that in addition to having an Equal Share with the other heirs above named he is to have the North East quarter of the North West quarter and the North West quarter of the North East quarter of Section Twenty Five (25) Township Seventy four North of Range No thirteenwest, which he is to have for the Services that he is Required to perform as above and Should he fail to perform Said Services as above Stated then all of my property Remaining at the Death of my wife including the above Described Land to be Equally Dividing among my heirs above named and Should my wife Die before my youngest child becomes of age then it is my will that my Son Milton manage and controll my property Remaining at that time untill the youngest heir becomes of age + I do choose my wife Matilda Jane to act as my Executor with my Son Milton has her assistant with of which shall be Required to give bonds and it is my wish and will that my property be divided by my Heirs mutually among themselves without Having the Same to go into Court Witness my Hand this 24th day of August 1881
Fred Sanchez Tereso
witnessed by
Jos Merryfield
___________

Commission to Appraisers.
State of Iowa,          } SS.       Estate of John Robertson Deceased.
Washington County

To David Teter, Hugh Draper [Frank ? is crossed out], and Walter Mckinnie:
You are Hereby Notified that you have this day been appointed to appraise all the personal property belonging to the estate of John Robertson, deceased, and after being sworn as required  by law, you will proceed with the least possible delay to perform your duties in the premises, and file your report in the office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of said County.
A copy of the Inventory filed by the Administrator of said estate is hereto attached, and in performing your duties as appraisers, you will affix to each item or article in said list whatever sum you consider to be its present cash value.
Witness, J. A. Cunningham Clerk of said Court, with the Seal thereof affixed, at Washington, this 19th day of March A.D. 1879.
J. A. Cunningham, Clerk of the District Court
J.B. Tiller, Depy.

Oath of Appraisers
State of Iowa,
Washington County,}SS
We and each of us do solemly swear that we will well and truly, without partiality or prejudice, value and appraise the goods, chattels, and personal estate of John Robertson deceased, so far as the same shall come to our knowledge; and that we will in all respects perform our duties as appraisors, to the best of our skill and judgment, as required by the foregoing commission

Walter McKinnie [signed]
David Teeter [signed]
Hugh Draper [signed]
Subscribed and sworn to this 21 day of March A.D. 1879
By Walter McKinnie David Teeter + Hugh Draper
J.A. Cunningham __CC
J.P. ______ ___

[page break]

1 Gray Horse     50.00
1 Dun Horse     30.00
1 Brown Mare  60.00
6 Milch Cows  112.00
3 Steers   54.00
7 Shoats  21.00
1 Wagon  12.00
1 Buggy  15.00
2 Satts of Harness  10.00
1 Corn Planter. 25.00
1 Stirring Plow  2.00
1 Gopher Plow .25
1 Reaper + Mower  10.00
1 Hay Ra____  1.50
1 Harrow.  1.00
1 Saddle  .50
1 Grind Stone  .20
1 Cross Cut Saw. 1.50
1 Lot Barbd Wire  2.00
1 Trow ______  1.50
1 Satt Sleigh Bells  2.00
1 Pair BobSleds  3.00
1 Wheel Barrow  .75
1 Lot Sacks  1.20
1 Lot Shools  .25
1 Lot Forks  .75
1 hoe .10
3 AugurS  .40
3 Ream_s  1.00
1 Hand Saw  .25
1 Brace  .25
2 Bitts  .10
[page break]
1 chisel  .[0]5
1 file  .10
1 _row Wedge  .20
1 Ring Maul  .15
2 Log Chains  .75
1 axe  .20
1 SauSage Mill  .75
1 Rifle  4.00
1 Lot Corn  20.00
1 Lot Hay  6.00
1 Lot Wheat
1 Lot Oats  9.00
1 Lot Wheat
1 Lot of Barrells.  .20
1 Cupboard  2.00
2 Tables. 5.00
3 Stands.  2.00
2 Lounges  1.50
2 Satts of ChairS  3.00
2 Rockig ChairS 1.00
1 clock  7.00
1 watch.  7.00
1 Cook Stove  4.00
1 Parlor Stove  1.50
1 Lot Books  12.00
1 Ladder  .50
1 Monkey Wrench  .25
1 Grubbing hoe  .10

His will was written on 27 Oct 1863 in Mahaska County, IA.

Will of Thomas Stafford

Last Will and testament of Thomas Stafford of Mahaska County and State of Iowa.
First  I give to my beloved wife Elizabeth Stafford the interest of One Thousand Dollars during her natural lifetime.  I direct that One Thousand Dollars be loaned and the interest thereof be paid to her Semi annually if needed by my Executors hereinafter named
Second   I give and bequeath to my son Brantley Stafford One Thousand three hundred and Ninety-one Dollars
3d  I give + bequeath to my son Elias Stafford One Thousand Three hundred + Ninety one dollars.
4th  I give + bequeath to my son Eli Stafford One Thousand Three hundred and Ninety One Dollars
5th   I give to my son Henry Stafford two notes of hand that I hold on him for one hundred + Seventy dollars dated May 8th 1854 + one for Four hundred Dollars dated August 28th 1863
6th  I give and bequeath to my son William Stafford fournotes that I hold on him, one for One Thousand Dollars dated January 1st 1859, one of same date for Two hundred + thirty dollars + 3 cts, one for forty-five +70/100 dated May 28th 1861.  Also Four hundred Dollars due me on a house + Lot I Sold him
7th  I give + bequeath to my son Elam Stafford One Thousand + Sixty Nine dollars
8th  I give + bequeath to my daughter Philaner Atkins Eighty three Dollars
9th I give + bequeath to my Grand daughter Abigail Robbins the sum of Fifty dollars
10th  I give + bequeath to my Grand Daughter Philana Shaw Fifty Dollars
11th  I give + bequeath to my GrandSon James M Shaw Fifty Dollars
12th  I give + bequeath to my Grand Daughter Louisa Shaw Fifty Dollars
13th  I give + bequeath to my Grand Son Ebenezer Shaw Fifty dollars
14th  I give + bequeath to my Grand Daughter Mary H. Shaw Fifty Dollars
15th  I give + bequeath to my Grand Son William H. Shaw Fifty dollars
16th  I give + bequeath to my Grand Daughter Mariah Coffin Ten Dollars
17th  I give + bequeath to my GrandSon Thomas McCleain One Dollar
18th  I give and bequeath to my Grandson Alexander McCleain Ten Dollars
19th  I give + bequeath to my Grandson William H. McCleain Ten Dollars
20th  I give + bequeath to my GrandSon Elam McCleain Ten______
21st  I give + bequeath to my GrandSon Brantley McCleain One hundred and Seventeen Dollars
22d  I give + bequeath to my Grand Daughter Elizabeth McCleain Ten Dollars

And I further direct that all my Real Estate be sold and conveyed by my Executors on the following terms.  That public notice be given at least four weeks before the sale, and sold at Auction to the highest bidder on a credit not exceeding twelve months.  The purchaser giving his note, with interst from date of Sale with approved Security.
I further give to my beloved wife the household + kitchen furniture, except one bed + the furniture therefor which I give + bequeath to my Grandson Brantley McCleain
All the balance of my property and effects I direct to be sold at public Sale by my Executors
I also direct the One Thousand Dollars set apart for the use and benefit of my Wife (or so much of it as shall not be required for her comfort) shall be at her death divided equally between my children
I now appoint Daniel Pressnall and Andrew C. Williams my Executors.  This 27th day of 10th month A.D. 1863
Attest John Stanley
Charles Wing
John Lamborn
Thomas Stafford

The will was written a few days before he died.  I have scanned it in here and will transcribe it below.

Know all men that I John Robertson of Washington County Iowa being of sound mind and Memory do make and publish this my last will + testament as follows to wit
Item 1st
It is my will that all my Just debts be first paid.
Item 2nd
I give and bequeath to my son Alexander C. Robertson all that part of the North East quarter of section No. thirty four (34) in Township No seventy five (75) North of Range No. (8) Eight west lying East of the railroad also the timber lot commencing at the North West corner of the North East quarter of teh south west quarter of L__ No 18 in Township No 74 north of Range No Eight west thence south 44 rods thence East 40 rods thence North 44 rods thence west 40 rods to the place of beginning
Item 3rd
It is my will that the portion of the North East quarter of section No thirty four (34) in Township No seventy five (75) North of Range No 8 west lying west of the rail road also the timber lot beginning at the south East corner of the North west quarter of the South East quarter of section 29 in Township 74 North of Range No seven (7) West together with my personal property be sold and out of the proceeds there shall first be paid to my daughter Mary Glenn the sum of four hundred dollars + the remainder after paying expenses of executing this will shall be equally divided between my daughter Mary Glenn and the heirs of my deceased daughter Rachel A Lynn
Item 4th
It is my desire that Walter McKinnie act as executor of this my last will + testament
In testamony wherof I have hereto set my hand this 25th day Feb AD 1879
John Robertson [signed]
We the undersigned in the presence of Each other and the above signed testator have at his request signed as wittnesses of the above proper by him declred in our presence to be his last will +testament this 25th day of Febuary 1879

Walter McKinnie [signed]
Joshua Ca__ [signed]

State of Iowa SS
Washington County} J.J. A Cunningham
Clerk of the Circuit
Court in and for said County to hereby certify that on the 16th day of September 1879 before the Circuit Court in and for said county the forgoing instrument of [?] was duly proven and admitted to Probate as the last Will and Testament of John Robertson deceased.
Witness my Signature and Seal of office this 30th day of September 1879.
J A Cunningham Clerk Circuit Court

Nov 23 – 1934

To whom it may concern I wish all of you to know that I wish my two youngest sons George Agee 3511 – 43rd St Sioux City Iowa and John Agee of Delphos Iowa to be the administrators of my estate. My children that have paid money which I have credited on my book or that holds notes that have not been credited on my book shall be paid and after my other debts have been paid and after my property has been sold the money remaining shall be evenly divided between my eight children signed

Ari Agee

At the request of Ari Agee and in the presence of us we hereby subscribe our names as witnesses to the above instrument.

Dated at Mt. Ayr Iowa, this 28th day of November 1934.

W. T T____  Witness

Jorgsen Dolbey Witness

And here also is the Certificate of Proof of Will: