THOMAS RAWLINGS, SR. LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT - HOWARD COUNTY, MISSOURI ************************************************************************ File contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Neil Smith USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, material may be freely used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material, AND permission is obtained from the contributor of the file. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by other organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for non-commercial purposes, MUST obtain the written consent of the contributor, OR the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. ************************************************************************ Last Will and Testament of Thomas RAWLINGS, Sr. dated 28 Jul 1845, proved and recorded on 23 Nov 1846, and again on 6 Oct 1852 in Howard County, MO Wills Book Volume 3, page 257, 258, and 300 and Volume 4, page 280 on microfilm C2847 at the Missouri State Archives. . [Transcribed exactly as written, punctuation added to improve readability. Thomas was the son of John and Nancy ROLLINS.] Vol. 3, page 257 I, Thomas Rawlings Sen. of the County of Howard and State of Missouri, being of sound mind and memory doth make constitute and ordain this instrument of writing my last will and testament in the manner and form following – First, it is my will that my funeral expenses and all my just debts be fully paid. Second, I give, divide, and bequeath to my beloved wife Ester Rawlings all of my estate of any description whatsoever during her natural life or widowhood. Third, I give to my son Commodore P. Rawlings the west half of the North East quarter of Section thirty four in township forty nine range fifteen, also the east half of the north west quarter of Section thirty four in township forty nine range fifteen, it being a part of the farm I now live on, at my wife's death. Fourth, I give all the balance of my estate at my wife's death to the rest of my children, namely John Rawlings, Ambrose D. Rawlings, Thos Rawlings, Emmecottee E. Calvert, Melvina B. Farris, Nancy H. Mullins, Lucy B. Head to be equally divided between them. Fifth, I have given to my eight last named children in advance the following sums (to wit – to my son Thomas Rawlings 100¢, to my son John Rawlings 100¢, to my son Ambrose D. Rawlings one hundred dollars, to my daughter Emmecottee Calvert 100¢, , to my daughter Mary S. Calvert 100¢, to my daughter Melvina B. Farris 100¢, to my daughter Nancy H. Mullins 130¢, to my daughter Lucy B. Head 180¢. Sixth, it is my will that each of them last named children should give an account of the money that was advanced to them at the division of my estate as each may receive their equal parts. Written with my own hands this 28th day of July in the year of our Lord Eighteen hundred and forty five A.D. I do appoint my sons Thos Rawlings and John Rawlings Executor of this my last will and testament. Thos. Rawlings {seal} Signed published and declared by the above named Thos Rawlings Sen. as and for his last will and testament in presence of us who at his request have signed as witnesses to the same. Washington Rawlings Hardin Coats T. Rawlings Aerial Gunnings witness Vol. 3, page 258 County of Howard The State of Missouri to all whom these presents shall come, Greeting: Know ye that the last will and testament of Thos. Rawlings Sen. Dec. hath in due form of law been entered, proved and recorded in the office of the Clerk of the County Court of Howard County a copy of which is hereto annexed and insomuch as it appears that John Rawlings and Thos. Rawlings have been appointed executors (the said Thos. Rawlings declining to accept) in and by the last will and testament to execute the same and to the end that the property of the testator may be preserved for those who shall appear to have a legal right or interest therein, and that the said last will and testament my be executed according to the request of the testator. We do hereby authorize the said John Rawlings as such executor to collect and secure all and singular the goods and chattles [sic] rights and credits which are of the said Thos. Rawlings Senr at the time of his death in whatsoever hands or possession the same my be found, and to perform and fulfil all such duties as my be enjoined upon him by said will, so far as there shall be property and the law charges him and in general to do and perform all other acts which now are or hereafter may be required by law. In testimony whereof I have hereunto signed my name and affixed the seal of said Court at Office this 23 day of November A.D. 1846 Leland Wright {seal} Clerk State of Missouri County of Howard I do hereby certify that the foregoing letters were recorded on the day of the date and before delivery of the same. Leland Wright Clerk Vol. 3, page 300 [John Rawlings as administrator along with Martin Calvert and C. P. Rawlings posted $4000 bond for the estate of Thomas Rawlings, dated and recorded 22 Nov 1846.] Vol 4, page 280 County of Howard The State of Missouri to all persons to whom these presents shall come, Greeting. – Know ye that the last will and testament of Thomas Rawlings deceased hath in one form of law been exhibited, provided and received in the office of the Clerk of the County Court of Howard County a copy of which is herewith annexed and John Rawlings, executor of said will having died with out fully executing the same and to the end that the said last will may be executed according to the request of the Testator, we do hereby appoint David Pipes administrator [unreadable] [unreadable] with the will annexed of the said Thomas Rawlings deceased, and authorize him as such administrator to collect and secure all and singular the goods and chattels, rights and credits which were of the said Thomas Rawlings deceased remaining unadministered in whosoever hands or possession the same may be found, and to perform and fulfil all such duties as may enjoin upon him by said will so far as there shall be property, and the law charges him and in general to do and perform all other acts which now are or hereafter may be required of him by law. In testimony whereof I Andrew J. Herndon Clerk of the County Court in and for the County of Howard aforesaid have hereunto signed my name and affixed the seal of said court at office on the 6th day of October 1852. A. J. Herndon clerk Recorded Oct 22nd 1852 and before delivery A J. Herndon clk