In the name of God, Amen.
I William WILKEN of Germantown, County of Clinton, State of Illinois, being of sound mind and memory, do humbly make publick and declare this to be my last Will and Testament.
1st It is my Will that all my funeral Expenses and just debts be fully paid.
2nd. It is my will that after my death all the property that I may (be?) seized and possessed off, both Real and Personal or of what ever kind soever shall be and belong to my beloved wife Bernardina Wilken to have and to hold the same during her natural life, to use the same as she may see fit for the benefit of herself and our children.
3ed. After the death of my beloved wife the property remaining unexpended shall go to my children, share and share alike.
4th. I do hereby appoint my wife Bernadina Wilken Executrix of this my last Will and Testament and ask the Hon. Court and the same is my will that she shall not be required to give bond as such Executrix.
In witness whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal this 11th day of April AD 1888.
William Wilken (seal)
The forgoing writing consisting of one sheet being declared by the Testator Wm Wilken as his last Will and Testament signing the same in our presence and requesting us the undersigned to witness his signature in his presence and in the presence of each other the day and date before written.
Henry SCHURMANN (sp?)
Gerhard SUTFELD
State of Illinois: In the County Court of said County
Clinton County: In probate May Term A.D. 1888
Formally appeared in open Court Henry Schurmann and Gerhard Sutfeld subscribing witnesses to the (a-----?) instrument of writing, purporting to be the last Will and Testament of William Wilken, late of said county, deceased, who being duly sworn according to law, do depose and say each for himself that they were present and saw the said William Wilken sign said Will in their presence, andat they believe that the said Testator was of sound mind and memory, of lawful age, and under no constraints when he signed said will.
Subscribed and sworn to in Henry Schurmann
open court this Seventh day of Gerhard Sutfeld
May A.D. 1888. Filed May 7/88
Louis Elwaug (sp?) County Clerk
Transcribed by Carol Windle