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The last Will and Testament
of William Hess, decd.
In the name of almighty God, I William Hess of the State of Arkansas, Independence County, do make and declare this my last will and testament in manner and form following. I do hereby appoint my oldest son, Thomas Marion, my sole executor of this my last will and testament and after he has settled my estate in a legal, just and proper manner, it is my will that he give to my wife, Angeline, one hundred and fifty dollars in money as personal property and forty acres of land for her own use and benefit so long as she remains single, but when she marries the land shall fall back to my heirs. And I will him to give my daughter Gertrude one hundred and fifty dollars and also to my heir yet unborn of my wife, give one hundred and fifty dollars when they become of age. And the balance of my estate both real and personal to be equally divided between the remaining four heirs Thomas Marion, Binks, Lucy Rolly, and Fanney Ferriby. And it is my will that my son Thomas take charge of Binks, Lucy Rolly and Fanney Ferriby, raise and educate them and when they become of age or marry then give to each of them their portion of my estate.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this third day of September in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and sixty one.
William Hess
The above instrument consisting of one sheet was subscribed in presence of each of us and was at the same time declared by him to be his last will and testament and we at his request signed our names hereto as attesting witnesses.
John James Hancock
Charles O'Neal
(Document contributed by Pauline Mitchell Pierce)