Will of James W. Clark  1857


State of Indiana
Monroe County
Will Bk 2, pages 282-283
No.1033

                    James W.Clark Last Will & Testament

Be it remembered that on the thirteenth day of June 1857 a copy of
the Last Will and Testament of James W.Clark late of Warren County,
Iowa,dec'd,was filed in the office of the Clerk of Common Pleas of
said County,which is in the words and figures following.

"In the name of the Benevolent Father of all. I,James W.Clark of the
County of Warren and State of Iowa being weak of body but in full
possession of all the faculties of mind do make,ordain,publish and
declare this to be my last Will and testament,here by revoking all
former Wills by me made.
  First I direct that all of my justs debts be fully paid and dis-
charged, the residue of my Estate I will bequeath as follows to wit:
  To my beloved wife Easter I will and bequeath the house and lot or
homestead,on which I now reside,together with the household and kit-
chen furniture, and also one third of the Estate.
  The balance of my estate to be equally divided between my children
share and share alike, except my oldest son William John Clark, who
has heretofore received three hundred dollars,he receiving equally
with the others after deducting three hundred dollars.
  I also direct that my Executors build to the Homestead a kitchen
and dinning room on the north side of the house and that the same
after it is weatherboarded be filled in with brick and to be fully
completed in a good and comfortable manner. I further direct that my
Executors build on the back part of the lot on which I now live, a
comfortable stable.
  I further direct that my Executors sell any or all of my Real
Estate, whether situated in this State (Iowa) or the State of Indiana
as they may think best and also direct that they sell my oxen and
large wagon as soon as possible after my demise.
  I also direct that they have the house fully furnished, and that
they pay for the same, as the work progresses. I also direct that
the eight hundred dollars left in my care for the use of Cynthia
Clark, my sister remain untouched during her life time. I also
nominate constitute and appoint my beloved wife,Easter and my son,
David Maxwell Clark, Executors of this my last will and testament,
giving unto them full power and authority to compound with conditions
and to do all and every act,that I could have done. I also nominate
my beloved wife,Easter,as Guardian of the persons and estates of my
minor children.
  The testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this
third day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight
hundred and fifty seven."
                                   James W.Clark    (seal)


James Warren Clark was a former resident of Monroe County, where he
married Easter Todd in 1829. He had just removed to Warren County,
Iowa when he wrote this will in February of 1857.

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