Will: 1905- Thomas White-Van Zandt Co., TX

Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Elnora Frances Cook-Wyrick
  <ejwaa@worldnet.att.net>

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LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF THOMAS WHITE:
Signed; 23 December 1903,   Filed;  27 February 1905

The State of Texas]
County of Van Zandt]

Know all men that I Thomas White, of said State and County, being of
sound mind but infirm in body and realizing the uncertainty of life, and
the certainty of death, do make and publish this my last will and
testament disposing of the remainder of my estate when I am dead.

First:  I Will and bequeath that my body shall be buried in a decent
but economical manner as becomes my station in life, and that the funeral
expenses  as well as expenses of my last sickness be paid out of any
personal property I may have at the time of my death, and should the
personal property be in-sufficient for said purpose then out of  so much of
my real estate as may be necessary for said purpose.

I have heretofore given to all my children that have reached and passed
the age of majority property equal in value to the property herein
after disposed of by this Will, therefore the names of said children are
not mentioned herein.

Second:  I Will and bequeath to my daughter, Birtie Louisa White, 40
acres of land, a part of the James Hamilton Survey, on which I now live
and being that portion on which my home is situated and lying on the
West side of the Wills Point and Iron Bridge Road, subject however, to the
occupancy of Mrs. Mary J. Howard during her life time as hereafter
set-out and explained.

Third:  I Will and bequeath to my son, Martin White, 18 acres of land
of said Hamilton Survey being that portion of my homestead tract lying
East of said Wills Point and Iron Bridge Road and 8 ½ acres of land same
Survey, out of a 10 acre tract adjoining  Burnett’s and Wilson’s tracts
and known as my timber tract;  This bequeath being subject only to any
sale of part of same that may become necessary to defray burial
expenses and expenses of last sickness as above set—provided; and also to
expenses of probating this Will and reasonable compensation to my executor
and Atty. For what they may do in the (premises)?

Fourth:    In view of the fact that I have become crippled and decrepit
and require constant  care and attention and being poor and unable to
hire such help as in necessary and having hired and employed Mrs. Mary J
Howard to live on  my said place and keep house for me and care for me
while I live, she having already been with me and cared for me a
considerable length of time, with-out  compensation and having contracted and
agreed to stay with-me and care for me the balance of my life, in
consideration of all of which I make this Fourth bequeath and direct that
after my death, she the said Mrs. Mary J Howard shall at her option
occupy and continue to live on the 40 acres of land herein before bequeathed
to my daughter Birtie Louisa White, during the life time of the said
Mrs. Mary J Howard, after which it shall vest as provided in Bequeath,
Second above.

Fifth:  I give and bequeath to the said Mary J Howard 1 ½ acres of land
out of the South West Corner of the 10 acres tract herein before
referred to.  This 1 ½ acres to vest in her absolutely and in fee simple at
my death. Provided that the bequeath of occupancy by said Mrs. Howard
of the 40 acres of land during her life time is conditioned that she
shall dwell and truly live on my place at my home and care for me and keep
house  for me during the remainder of my life, otherwise said bequeath
shall be void.

Sixth:   I hereby appoint J.J. Starnes, of Wills Point, Texas, executor
of this Will and direct that he be permitted to qualify without bond.

In  evidences of the above, I hereto subscribe my name in the presence
of W. J. Greer and J.A. Tucker who sign this instrument as witnesses at
my request.  This Dec. 23, 1903.
	   his
Thomas   x   White
	   mark

Witnesses:  W. J. Greer,   J.A. Tucker,

Filed Feb. 27, 1905