Last Will of George M. Richardson dec’d
In the name of God Amen
Geo. M. RICHARDSON
Of the county of Clinton and State of Illinois being of sound mind and memory and considering the uncertainty of this frail and transitory life do therefore make ordain publish and declare this to be my last will and testament that is to say first It is my will that my executors have full power to dispose of any and all personal property belonging to me either at public or private sale as they may deem best and use the proceeds thereof for purpose of paying my just debts that may be against me and also for the purpose of supporting the family.
Second that it is my will that my Executors keep the family together educate them and provide for them.
Third that it is my will that my property both Real and personal be divided among my family according to the terms of the State of Illinois
Fourth that it is my will that my Executors have full power to collect –all rents—issues and profits—and the proceeds to be applied to the payment of debts---and support of family.
Fifth That it is my will that my sons John H and James B. Richardson be allowed to keep the colts—and steers that they claim and which I have given them.
Sixth—I hereby nominate constitute and appoint my wife Mary A. Richardson and my son Thomas J. Richardson to be executors of this my last will and testament and it is also my will that they be not required to enter into Bond
In witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal this 27th day November AD 1865.
The above Written instrument was subscribed by the said George M. Richardson and acknowledged by him to each of us and he at the same time published and declared the above instrument so subscribed to be his last will and testament and we at the testators request and in his presence have signed our names as witnesses thereto.
Geo M. Richardson (seal)
T. S. RAMSEY
Wm. BARNES
attest.
(Stamp)
State of Illinois
Clinton County
In the County Court of said territory
On Probate Jan term AD 1866
Personally appeared in open Court Thos. S. Ramsay and Wm. Barnes subscribing witnesses to the foregoing instrument of Writing purporting to be the last will and testament of George M. Richardson late of Clinton County deceased who being duly sworn according to law do depose and say each for himself that the foregoing is the last will and testament of the said George M. Richardson deceased that they subscribed their names thereto as the attesting witnesses at the request of the said testator and in his presence and in the presence of each other on the 27th day of November A.D. 1865 That he then and there subscribed his name thereto in our presence and declared the same to be his last will and testament And that the said Testator at the time of Executing the same as aforesaid was of full age of sound mind and memory and under no constraint.
T. S. Ramsay
Wm. Barnes
Subscribed and Sworn to
In open Court this 2d
Day of Jan A.D. 1866
R N Ramsay
County Clerk
This will was transcribed by Pamela Safriet from a copy of the FHC microfilm #1007839, Wills 1857-1914, Vol. A-C, record #82. Transcribed as written.