WILL: Mason Sheldon; Ellington, Chautauqua, New York

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Source: sampubco.com
Chautauqua co NY Will Book Vol. 4 page 480
Written: 28 Jan 1866
Probated: 11 Jul 1870

In the name of God Amen
I, Mason Sheldon, of the town of Ellington county of Chautauqua and state of
New York of the age of sixty two years and being of sound mind and memory do
make, publish and declare this my last will and testament in manner following,
that is to say:

First, I give and devise all my real estate of what nature or kind soever to
my wife, Nancy Sheldon to be held and enjoyed by her during the time of her
widowhood or up to the time of her marriage.

Second, I give and bequeath to my wife, Nancy Sheldon, all my personal estate,
goods and chattels of what nature or kind soever to be held, used and enjoyed
by her during the time of her widowhood or up to the time of her marriage. 
But in case she shall marry from the time of such marriage she shall be
entitled to one third part of the above mentioned real and personal estate or
the avails of the same. But in case of none marriage is in case of marriage
the portion to be enjoyed by her shall be held and enjoyed by her for and
during her natural life only had in either case to be accepted, received by
her in lieu of dower.

Third, I give and bequeath and devise all my real and personal estate from and
immediate by after the decease of my wife, Nancy Sheldon, or the avails of the
same to my sons, William Sheldon, Cyrus Sheldon, Osmer Sheldon, Clark Sheldon,
and James Sheldon and to my daughters Parthena Sheldon, Ida Sheldon and Julia,
wife of Adison Umfested to be divided equally between them share and share
alike.

Fourth, I do hereby order and direct that in case James Sheldon, minor herin,
shall leave the employ of his mother before the age of nineteen years, fifty
dollars a year shall be deducted from his said legacy and in case he shall
leave such employ after nineteen years old and before full age or majority,
one hundred dollars a year or in that portion for the time absent from her
employ, and added to the general funds and divided among the several heirs
above named equally as aforesaid.

And lastly, I do hereby nominate and appoint my wife, Nancy Sheldon, executrix
and William Sheldon and Cyrus Sheldon, my sons, executors of this my last will
and testament hereby revoking all former wills by me made.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 28th day of
January one thousand eight hundred and sixty six.

Mason Sheldon

The above instrument consisting of one sheet was at the date thereof signed,
sealed, published and delivered by the said Mason Sheldon as and for his last
will and testament in presents of us who at his request and in his presents
and in the presents of each other have subscribed our names as witnesses
thereto.
           Horatio N. Jacobs residing at Ellington in Chautauqua County
           E.S. Carpenter residing at Ellington in Chautauqua County

Recorded the foregoing last Will and Testament of Mason Sheldon deceased and
compared the same this 11th day of July 1870.  
                      H.O. Lakin, Surrogate