Wills and Probate Articles |
| Leon Reporter Leon, Decatur County, Iowa Thursday, February 28, 1901 The last will of MRS. MARY ARMSTRONG who died recently near Garden Grove, has been filed for probate. It is dated Feb. 23, 1891, in McLean County, Ill., being witnessed by John P. Rutledge and A.E. Langdon. After providing for the payment of all just debts she bequeaths to Charles McFarland one share of stock in the John Meecham National Bank of Farmer City, Ill., with accumulated dividends, to be given him when he reaches the age of 21 years. To her granddaughter, Dell May Armstrong, the sum of $100 when she is 18 years of age. To her granddaughter Alice Armstrong, $50 when she is 18 years of age. To her grandson John Armstrong, $50 when he is 21. To her granddaughter Belle Hamilton, $50 when she is 18. The balance of her property she bequeaths share and share alike to her four children, JAMES D., CHARLES E., and WM. L. ARMSTRONG, and MRS. ALICE HAMILTON. She names WM. L. ARMSTRONG as executor of her will without bond. Copied by Nancee (McMurtrey) Seifert "With permission from the Leon Journal Reporter" January 17, 2003 |
| Leon Reporter Leon, Decatur County, Iowa Thursday, May 20, 1897 The last will of SARAH J. AUSTIN, who died in Pope County, Minn., has been filed for probate. The will is dated at Davis City, Iowa, June 1, 1895, being witnessed by J.H. Robinson, Emma C. Lanning and Geo. P. Campbell. She bequeaths to her daughter MARY JANE BONDINETTE $5, to her son, CHARLES B. AUSTIN $5, to her son, LEWIS W. AUSTIN $5, and to her daughter, MATTIE LILLIE AUSTIN, she bequeaths all the remainder of her property, both personal and real estate, of every kind, and appoints her daughter MATTIE LILLIE AUSTIN executrix of the will without bond. Copied by Cordelia Suzann "With permission from the Leon Journal Reporter" November 21, 2002 |
| Decatur County Journal Leon, Decatur County, Iowa November 31, 1901 ORIGINAL NOTICE S. SAMSON, Administrator, Plaintiff vs. Unknown heirs of OLIVE BENNINGTON nee SAMSON. JOHN F. MASON, son of LYDIA MASON nee SAMSON, also the unknown heirs of LYDIA MASON, EUNICE COLE, daughter of SABRA NORTH nee SAMSON, also granddaughter of said SABRA NORTH being the daughter of LUCY A. TAYLOR name unknown, also grandson of SABRA NORTH name unknown being son of R.F. NORTH, W.S. WADE and HANNAH P. KELSEY, son and daughter of HANNA WADE nee SAMSON, LUCY WILSON nee SAMSON, ISABELLE F. ECKERT and AARON W. SAMSON, son and daughter of C.H. SAMSON, also MINNIE WECK granddaughter of C.H. SAMSON, and also the unknown heirs of HUGH M. SAMSON, son of C.H. SAMSON, ROSE MILLER, daughter of EUNICE KINNEY nee SAMSON, CORDELIA WAIT, MARTHA DAVIS and SYLVESTER POWELL, daughters and son of AMANDA POWELL nee SAMSON, PHEBE STEVENS and SAMSON POWELL, son and daughter of MARY A. POWELL nee SAMSON, also the unknown heirs of said MARY A. POWELL, MAUDE BOTKIN, daughter of SARAH F. OSBORN nee SAMSON, also LYDIA surname unknown, daughter of said SARAH F. OSBORN, PHEBE T. PRIEST nee SAMSON, defendants. In the District Court of Decatur County, Iowa, January term, A.D. 1902. In probate. To Said Defendants: You are hereby notified that there is now on file in the office of the Clerk of the District Court of Decatur County, Iowa, the petition and application of the plaintiff asking an order of court for the sale of lot 4, block 4, Irving's addition to the town of Van Wert, Decatur County, Iowa, and the proceeds received from said sale to be used and applied in the payment of the debts and liabilities of the estate of ELIZABETH W. DIBBLE, deceased. You are also notified that unless you appear thereto and defend before noon of the second day of said term of said District Court of Decatur County, to be held on the 20th day of January A.D. 1902, a default will be entered against you and judgment rendered as prayed in said petition. MARION F. STOOKEY Attorney for Plaintiff. Transcriber's Note: This contains a lot of names, so I thought it might be of interest; I copied it as it is written. Copied by Nancee (McMurtrey) Seifert July 18, 2001 |
| Leon Reporter Leon, Decatur County, Iowa Thursday, May 20, 1897 The last will of JOSEPH CREES has been filed with Clerk Stockton. It is dated Oct. 2, 1890, and is witnessed by F.M. Brammer. The will provides that all lawful debts be paid, and appoints his son MICHAEL CREES his executor. In the will he confirms all former gifts of personal and real property to his children. He bequeaths all the remainder of his personal property to his son JOSEPH R. CREES. He directs that after his death the land heretofore willed to ANNA D. CREES, be sold and the proceeds be equally divided between his sons MICHAEL and J.F. CREES, and his daughters, REBECCA DAVIDSON, MARIA ELLER, C.A. KOGER and SARAH BECK, after paying $100 to each of the daughters out of the sale of realty, and also that a suitable monument be set at the grave of ANNA D. CREES, deceased. Copied by Nancee (McMurtrey) Seifert "With permission from the Leon Journal Reporter" November 21, 2002 |
| Leon Reporter Leon, Decatur County, Iowa Thursday, February 24, 1898 The last will of PERRY W. DAVENPORT has been filed with the Clerk. It bequeaths after giving his wife her dower interest, to his son LEONARD LEO DAVENPORT, two-thirds of the south half of the southwest quarter of section 39, Center Township and half of the personal property, the other half being given to his wife. He appoints L.D. Garber as guardian of his son and John Allbaugh as executor of his will. Copied by Cordelia Suzann "With permission from the Leon Journal Reporter" December 1, 2002 |
| Administrative Settlement Book Volume 8, Pages 253-255 February Sessions 1844 Will of HARRIS GAMMON In the name of God Amen, I HARRIS GAMMON Senr. Of the County of Knox and State of Tennessee being at present in a low state of health but of sound memory and in my senses do now revoke and make void all others ever made by me or in my name declare this to be my last will and testament. First of all I bequeath my soul unto God from whence it came, wishing my body to be committed to the earth in a Christian Manner and after paying all my debts and legal demands the balance and residue of my property I devise to be divided in the following manner to wit, First I give and bequeath unto my Grandson Harris Cox, son of James Cox, my main Bridle and saddle. Then out of all the notes and debts that is coming to me to be collected by my Lawful Executor and to be divided among all my Children in the following manner to wit, John Gammon two dollars, Anna Gammon now Anna Bishop two dollars, Lewis Gammon two dollars, Leah Gammon now Leah Roberson two dollars, Harris Gammon two dollars with a double pane coverlet, Dozier B. Gammon two dollars, Lucy Gammon now Lucy Bible two dollars, Ailcy Gammon now Ailcy Cox two dollars, Sarah Gammon now Sarah Karns two dollars, William B. Gammon two dollars, Elizabeth Gammon now Elizabeth Cox I give and bequeath the residue of my money and property of every description. I appoint my son John Gammon, Executor to this my last will and Testament of Witness whereon I set my hand & seal this 14 day of January in the year of our Lord 1843 HARRIS GAMMON Signed & Sealed in the presence of John Jett Copied by Jan Lira |
| Leon Reporter Leon, Decatur County, Iowa Thursday, February 24, 1898 The last will of BURTON HAYES has been filed with the Clerk. It is dated at Leon, Dec. 31, 1896, and bequeaths all his property to his wife ELIZA HAYES, for use during her life. At her death it goes to his youngest son WILLIAM M. HAYES. Copied by Nancee (McMurtrey) Siefert "With permission from the Leon Journal Reporter" December 1, 2002 |
| Leon Reporter, Leon, Iowa Leon, Decatur County, Iowa Thursday, May 21, 1903 The last will of MRS. NANCY M. JOHNSON has been filed for probate. It is dated August 19, 1902, being witnessed by Emma A. Walters and A. Beatrice Campbell. She directs that all of her property, real and personal, be sold by the executor, and from the proceeds pay $200 each to her children, PARIS F. JOHNSON, ERASTUS O. JOHNSON and MAY BELL JOHNSON, and $200 to her granddaughter, NELLIE MARIE JOHNSON. The balance of her property is bequeathed to her son, RALPH JOHNSON, to be invested and used in educating him, whatever remains to be paid to him when he reaches his majority in May, 1906. She appoints Geo. P. Campbell executor of the will. Copied by Nancee (McMurtrey) Seifert "With permission from the Leon Journal Reporter" March 11, 2003 |
| Leon Reporter, Leon, Iowa Leon, Decatur County, Iowa November 25, 1897 The last will of ELIZABETH KENDALL has been filed with Clerk Stockton. It is dated at High Point, August 9, 1897, being witnessed by John Clark and M.V. McCleary, and bequeaths her household goods equally to her daughters, MARTHA KENDALL and ANGELINE PARSONS, and appoints NELSON PARSONS as executor. ~ ~ ~ ~ Leon Reporter Leon, Decatur County, Iowa Thursday, November 25, 1897 MRS. ELIZABETH KENDALL, one of the pioneer settlers of this county, died on Wednesday [November 10, 1897] of last week at her home near High Point at the advanced age of 72 years. She had been ill for several months with a complication of diseases. The funeral was held on Thursday, the interment being at the High Point Cemetery. [Elizabeth was born in 1825.] Copied by Nancee (McMurtrey) Siefert "With permission from the Leon Journal Reporter" November 26, 2002 |
| Decatur County Journal Leon, Decatur County, Iowa November 26, 1896 Tuesday the wills of JAMES MCCLARAN of Davis City and THOS. KONKLIN of High Point, both lately deceased, were filed with Clerk Gates. In his will THOS. KONKLIN instructs the executor of his estate to pay off all debts as soon as possible after testator's death. To his wife, MIRANDA, he bequeaths the home place of 120 acres in High Point Township, as long as she remains his widow, with the instruction that no mortgage is to be entered against same, and that his daughter, MARY, is to have the support of the estate as long as she remains single. All his personal property is willed for the support of his family and all property ordered sold except that needed on farm. After his wife's death, the testator instructs that his daughter, MARY, shall have support from the estate during her lifetime. After daughter, MARY's death, the property is to be divided among children -- CLARENCE W., JAMES T. and EDWARD KONKLIN, PHOEBE GARTEN, SARAH MCDOWELL and DELILAH KONKLIN. The testator's wife, MIRANDA KONKLIN is named as executor. This will was signed November 4, 1896, with CHARLES DODD and W.C. BROWN as witnesses. Copied by Nancee (McMurtrey) Seifert |
| Decatur County Journal Leon, Decatur County, Iowa November 2, 1905 The will of JANE LENTZ, late of Woodland Township, was made August 9, 1905, when she was 73 years of age, and will be probated at the January term of court. The witnesses to the will are JESSE STILL and MELLIE BEAVERS. By its provisions a grandson, JACOB LEWIS LENTZ, is given an equal share with his brothers and sisters in 192 acres of land in Woodland Township, that is a one-eleventh interest in said land. He is also given 4 horses, 7 cattle, 5 sheep, $350 in cash and a buggy and sleigh. CLARA CORNELIA PATON, a daughter, is bequeathed $50 per annum from January 1, 1903, to the date of the death of testatrix. All the rest of the estate is to be equally divided among MRS. LENTZ's son and daughters. Copied by Nancee (McMurtrey) Seifert "With permission from the Leon Journal Reporter" Copied August 29, 2001 |
| Decatur County Journal Leon, Decatur County, Iowa August 23, 1894 The will of the late MRS. ELIZABETH LOVING has been filed in the Clerk's office and will be admitted to probate about the 5th of next November. The will provides that the executor shall sell all undisposed real estate at the present market value. The sum of $1,500 is to be put at interest for the use and benefit of LOREY LOVING during her life time. If said fund is not exhausted at her death the residue is to go to the residuary legatees. To JAMES WAKEFIELD is bequeathed the home place in Leon, consisting of the north half of block fourteen. After the death of said WAKEFIELD, the property is to be sold and apportioned among his heirs. The executor is directed to pay him $500 in cash and loan $1,500, the interest to be paid to said WAKEFIELD during his life time. The interest on $300 is to be applied to the care of LOVING lot in the cemetery and the interest on the same amount is to be used for the support of the pastor of Loving Chapel. The following sums are bequeathed to the following parties: MARY ELLEN MILLER . .$300 AMANDA MAY HORN . . .200 BONAR ZENOR . . .200 ELLA HAMILTON . . .100 ANNA MCATEE . . .300 MARGARET CALVERT . . .100 SARAH MCATEE . . .100 MAY MCATEE . . .100 FRANK RICKS . . .200 SARAH LESTER . . . 50 FRANK ELLIS . . . 50 CATHARINE ENGLE . . .200 ANGELINE HEATON . . .100 CHRISTOPHER LOVING . . .100 MARY LEFOLLETT . . . 25 ALICE LEFOLLETT . . . 25 HENRY LEFOLLETT . . . 25 MAY MARTIN . . . 25 SARAH MARTIN . . . 25 ISAAC MARTIN . . . 25 LUCY MARTIN . . . 25 STEPHEN CROUSE . . . 25 MARIA CROUSE . . . 25 MRS. JAMES WAKEFIELD . . .200 MARGARET MALONE . . . 25 SARAH WALTON . . . 25 WILLIAM POWERS . . .100 REV. H.L. POWERS . . .100 The remainder of the estate, after payment of the foregoing bequests, is to be divided among the following named persons, share and share alike: LUCINDA BOLEY; MAHALA COOKSEY; EMELINE ELKINS; BERTHA ANN ARMSTRONG; WM. WAKEFIELD; SARAH JANE OGLESBY; ELIZABETH FARMER; the children of MARTHA ANN RUNNELS; the children of JOHN LOVING, the children of CHARLES WAKEFIELD; JOHN WAKEFIELD; MARY MCATEE; SARAH MCATEE and MARGARET CALVERT. JUDGE HARVEY is named as executor to serve without bonds. The witnesses to the will are R.W. MCCONN; H.R. LAYTON and E.B. MCCLELLAND. Copied by Nancee (McMurtrey) Seifert April 23, 2001 |
| Leon Reporter Leon, Decatur County, Iowa Thursday, October 8, 1896 The last will of JANE H. MCCUNE has been filed with Clerk Gates. After providing that the expenses of her last illness be paid, she bequeaths to the heirs of her brother, JAMES PATTERSON, $550; to MRS. MAGGIE KING, $100 and her personal effects in her house; to the Colored Freedmen's Mission of the Associated Church, $100; to the Associate Synod of North America, all the residue of her estate. She nominates and appoints Rev. H.S. Atchison to be executor of her will, which is dated at High Point, Dec. 5, 1887, and witnessed by Elias King and D.J. Masson. Copied by Nancee (McMurtrey) Siefert "With permission from the Leon Journal Reporter" November 19, 2002 |
| Leon Reporter Leon, Decatur County, Iowa Thursday, February 28, 1901 The last will of MATTIE LORD MCKIBBEN, who died in Mexico a few months ago, has been filed with Clerk Kehler. It is dated at Humeston, Iowa, March 12, 1900, being witnessed by George King and George McCullough. She bequeaths to the Women's Foreign Missionary Society of the M.E. Church the sum of $800. To her sister Mary Ella King and her husband George King, $200 in trust the same to be loaned and the interest paid annually to the Little Gleaner's Mission Band of Tick Ridge, near Garden Grove, as a part of their annual contribution towards the support of the work of the Women's Foreign Missionary Society of the M.E. Church, and at the death of the trustees, three other trustees shall be appointed by the officers of Des Moines Branch, the presiding elder of the Chariton District to be one of the trustees. To her sister, Elizabeth H. McKibben she bequeaths $1,000. To her sister, Mary Ella King the sum of $100. To Mary Ella King and George King, $1,000 in trust, the interest of which is to be paid annually to her sister Sarah Belle Kirby during her natural life. At her death the entire sum to be divided equally between her three brothers and sisters. A provision to bequeath something to her niece Harriette Eva McKibben is made in the will, but the paragraph is left incomplete. To her nephew, Harry Kirby the sum of $50. To her brother, J.O. McKibben, $50. To Annabel King she bequeaths her watch. To her father she leaves such of her personal effects as he desires to the extent of one-sixth of their value, the remainder to be divided among her brothers and sisters. The remainder of her property is bequeathed share and share alike to her brothers and sisters. Copied by Nancee (McMurtrey) Seifert "With permission from the Leon Journal Reporter" January 17, 2003 |
| Leon Reporter Leon, Decatur County, Iowa Thursday, June 6, 1901 The last will of WILLIAM MOON of Woodland has been filed with Clerk Kehler for probate. It is dated Oct. 22, 1894, being witnessed by George Hinds and Jessie Sinclair. He bequeaths all of his property, real and personal to his wife, SUSANNA MOON during her life time and at her death the property is to be divided as follows: To his son ISAAC MOON 20 acres in Woodland, to his son ABRAHAM MOON 20 acres in Woodland, to his daughter MARY ELLEN BEVANS 20 acres in Woodland, to his daughter JANE TOOD 20 acres in Woodland, to his daughter E.M. SINCLAIR 40 acres in Woodland conditioned on her taking care of her mother during her life. The personal property is to be divided share and share alike by the children. W.C. Cozad is named as executor of the will. Copied by Nancee (McMurtrey) Seifert "With permission from the Leon Journal Reporter" January 24, 2003 |
| Certified Copy of the Last Will and Testament of Christopher Osborn Decatur, Iowa, June 14, 1899. I, Christopher Osborn, do make and publish this my last will and testament. First - I direct that all my debts and funeral expenses be paid as soon as possible out of my estate, from the first money that shall come in the hands of my Executor (either real or personal). Second - I give to Elza H. Osborn $700.00 in a note given by John T. Osborn for consideration part payment. My farm, and further authorize my Executor to hold $550.00 (less funeral expenses) of the balance of my estate till Elza H. Osborns death, and if not needed for his support, then to be divided equally (share and share alike) the balance of my children, namely: Mary Tippie, Anna Bryant, Elizabeth Wion deceased, Ruth Patterson living, Anna Beck deceased, John T. Osborn living. 4 and last, I hearby appoint my son John T. Osborn my Executor of my estate and last will revoking all former wills made by me. Signed published and declared by the above named Christopher Osborn as and; for his last will and testament in presence of us who at his request have signed as witnesses to the same June 14, 1899 Witnesses to mark Christopher X Osborn Louis Stephens his mark James T. Gravath Source, Civil War Papers. National Archives Contributed by Debbie Patterson |
| Leon Reporter, Leon, Iowa Leon, Decatur County, Iowa Thursday, February 25, 1904 The last will of MARY J. REED has been filed with Clerk Kehler for probate. It is dated at Davis City, Dec. 18, 1903, being witnessed by J.N. Gates and Jesse E. Poush. The will bequeathes all her property, real and personal to her husband, HENRY REED during his lifetime, and at his death is to be divided equally between her daughter CARRY L. PIERCY, her son ELMER REED, and the children of her deceased daughter, ALLIE M. CARTWRIGHT. HENRY REED is named as executor without bond. Copied by Nancee (McMurtrey) Seifert "With permission from the Leon Journal Reporter" April 9, 2003 |
| Leon Reporter, Leon, Iowa Leon, Decatur County, Iowa Thursday, February 24, 1898 The last will of DAVID SPRINGER has been filed. It is dated at Leon, June 17, 1889, and bequeaths all his property, real and personal, to his wife, SARAH F. SPRINGER, provided she provides for the support and education of their minor children. At her death the property is to be divided share and share alike by all his children. He appoints SUSAN (Sarah?) F. SPRINGER executor of the will. Copied by Nancee (McMurtrey) Siefert "With permission from the Leon Journal Reporter" December 1, 2002 |
| Leon Reporter, Leon, Iowa Leon, Decatur County, Iowa Thursday, May 21, 1903 The last will of PETER C. STEWART has been filed for probate. He provides for the payment of all just debts and then bequeaths all of his property, real and personal, to his wife, HARRIET E. STEWART, during her life time, and at her death the property is to be divided share and share alike among all of his children, less the advancements he has heretofore made to each of them. The will is dated August 9, 1899, being witnessed by Geo. W. Sears and Geo. F. Wolever, and appoints his son, JAMES STEWART and wife, executors of the will. Copied by Nancee (McMurtrey) Seifert "With permission from the Leon Journal Reporter" March 11, 2003 |
| Leon Reporter Leon, Decatur County, Iowa Thursday, April 22, 1897 The last will of WILSON STONE, of Hamilton Township, who died Friday, April 16, 1897, has been filed with Clerk Stockton. It is dated Sept. 5, 1895, and after directing the executors to pay all debts against his estate, bequeaths to his wife, $2,000, the remainder of his estate to be divided as follows: To his daughter EMELINE, one-third; to his daughter EMELINE's oldest son, THEODORE, one-sixth; the remainder to the children of his deceased daughter, ADALINE, except ELMER BOZARTH, and to him the sum of $50 which amount had already been paid to him. Copied by Nancee (McMurtrey) Siefert "With permission from the Leon Journal Reporter" November 21, 2002 |
| Leon Reporter, Leon, Iowa Leon, Decatur County, Iowa Thursday, January 03, 1901 The last will of SARAH SWAN of Woodland has been filed with Clerk Stockton. After providing for the payment of all just debts she bequeaths all of her personal property to her daughter, SARAH A. SWAN, and during her life the use and benefit of the northwest quarter of the southeast quarter of section 12, township 68, range 24, Decatur County, Iowa, and at her death the land is to be sold and the proceeds divided equally between her children, FREDRICK SWAN, BENJAMIN SWAN, WM. SWAN, GEO. W. SWAN, T.J. SWAN, and MARY J. HARTMAN. She bequeaths outright to her son, GEO. W. SWAN, the northeast quarter of the southeast quarter of section 12 township 68, range 24, Decatur County, Iowa, and names GEO. W. SWAN as executor without bond. The will is dated September 28, 1898, and was witnessed by Ed. K. Pitman and A.J. Allen. Copied by Nancee (McMurtrey) Seifert "With permission from the Leon Journal Reporter" January 15, 2003 |
| Leon Reporter Leon, Decatur County, Iowa Thursday, March 19, 1903 The last will of the late GEO. W. TALLMAN provides: That all my just debts and funeral expenses be paid; that the residue and remainder of my estate both real and personal, I devise and bequeath to my wife, HARRIETT TALLMAN, during her natural life; after the death of my wife, HARRIETT TALLMAN, I will devise and bequeath all of my property, both real and personal, to my daughter, MARY HARMON, during her natural life only, that all residue and remainder of my estate I devise and bequeath to my three grandchildren, MRS. MABEL DYER, HERMAN T. HARMON and LULU HARMON; should any one of my said grandchildren die without issue, said share shall go to the survivor or survivors. I appoint James Grandstaff, of Leon, Iowa, as executor and exonorate him from giving bonds. Dated Nov. 5, 1902. Witnessed by Francis F. Bedier and Stephen Varga. Copied by Nancee (McMurtrey) Seifert "With permission from the Leon Journal Reporter" March 6, 2003 |
| The Davis City Advance Leon, Decatur County, Iowa Thursday, December 12, 1895 'Notice of Final Report' In the estate of BENJAMIN R. TAYLOR, deceased. In the District Court of Iowa, in and for Decatur Co. To FRANK TAYLOR, MARY WOOD, MRS. MILLIGAN, MRS. WARREN and heirs of MRS. BROWN; You are hereby notified that the undersigned, J.H. KLING, administrator for the estate of BENJAMIN R. TAYLOR, has filed his final report therein in the office of the clerk of the District Court in and for the aforesaid county, and has asked for its approval and his discharge from further duty or responsibility therein, and that said report and application for discharge will come on for hearing before the court aforesaid at Leon, Iowa, on the 20th day of January A.D. 1896 at which time and place you can appear and show cause, if any you have, why said final report should not be approved and the undersigned discharged from further duty or responsibility therein. -- J.H. KLING, Administrator. Copied by Nancee (McMurtrey) Seifert September 9, 2003 |
| Leon Reporter Leon, Decatur County, Iowa Thursday, May 30, 1901 The last will of MRS. OPHIA M. TURPIN, late of Davis City, has been filed with Clerk Kehler for probate. To her husband she bequeathes the sum of $300. To her son, FLOY SMITH and daughter, CORA FULTON, she leaves the southwest quarter of the southwest quarter of section 13, township 26, Decatur County, Iowa, with all appurtenances and also all her personal property, share and share alike. The will is dated at Davis City, Iowa, Dec. 17, 1900, being witnessed by W.W. Spargur and Mary E. Tharp. She named her brother, ZEDRIC GORE as executor of the will, but he has filed his declination and asks the court to appoint J.N. Gates executor. Copied by Nancee (McMurtrey) Seifert "With permission from the Leon Journal Reporter" January 23, 2003 |
| Leon Reporter Leon, Decatur County, Iowa Thursday, March 19, 1903 The last will of THOMAS WALLER, deceased, has been filed for probate and provides that his wife LAVINA T. WALLER shall have the use and benefit during her natural life of all his property, both personal and real, and at her death to be divided equally between his children and MISS ADDIE WILSON, the latter to share equally with the children except she shall receive $100 additional. The will further provides that if any one or more of his children shall attempt to bring his will into court to break it, such person or persons are barred, restrained and excluded from any and every provision made therein. Dated June 3, 1901. Witnessed by W.A. Boone and W.J. Edwards. Copied by Nancee (McMurtrey) Seifert "With permission from the Leon Journal Reporter" March 6, 2003 |
| Leon Reporter Leon, Decatur County, Iowa Thursday, June 24, 1897 The last will and testament of C. VAN WERDEN has been filed with Clerk Stockton. It is dated, Leon, Dec. 21, 1893, being witnessed by S.W. Hurst and W.A. Boone. After providing for the payment of the expenses of his last illness, and all other just debts, he bequeaths to his children EDWARD G., GEORGE W., HENRY C., WILLIAM and LOUIS PHILLIP VAN WERDEN, all of his property, share and share alike. In the event of the death of any of his sons prior to his death, then his share to go to his child or children when they shall become 23 years old. He appoints his sons EDWARD G. VAN WERDEN and LOUIS P. VAN WERDEN, executors without bond. Copied by Nancee (McMurtrey) Siefert "With permission from the Leon Journal Reporter" November 22, 2002 |
| Decatur County Journal Leon, Decatur County, Iowa July 8, 1897 The last will and testament of MAGGIE WILLIAMS was filed with the clerk Monday. The testator bequeaths all of her property, real and personal, consisting of a house and lots and furniture in Leon, to KATE ARNOLD and her husband, T.S. ARNOLD. The will makes provisions that all debts against the estate be paid from the estate. The devisees mentioned are requested to take charge of the testator's remains at her death, bury her decently, and erect a suitable tombstone at the grave, the expenses of this to be paid from the estate. In the event of the sickness of the testator prior to her death, the devisees already mentioned, were to take good care of her during such sickness. MR. and MRS. ARNOLD are named as executors without bond. The instrument was signed May 18, 1895, MAGGIE making her mark, and witnessed by J.E. BROOKS, W.F. TEW and MARION F. STOOKEY. Copied by Nancee (McMurtrey) Seifert |
| Leon Reporter Leon, Decatur County, Iowa Thursday, June 13, 1900 MRS. CAROLINE WILSON, of Decatur County, who recently returned from a visit to Oregon and Washington, was accompanied by her nephew, ALONZO GREENMAN, of Oysterville, Washington, son of VES GREENMAN who died some years since. While there MRS. WILSON's sister, MRS. SUSAN DAYMAN, died at her home near Portland, and later her husband also passed away. The deceased couple had no children and by a will left by MR. DAYMAN, their property, which was considerable, was left to their relatives. MRS. GREENMAN and her children of Oysterville, and MRS. WILSON, of this vicinity, receiving the bulk of the money and property left by deceased couple. We are informed that MRS. WILSON's bequest amounted to $1,200. -- LINEVILLE TRIBUNE. Copied by Cordelia Suzann "With permission from the Leon Journal Reporter" January 3, 2003 |
| Leon Reporter Leon, Decatur County, Iowa Thursday, December 28, 1899 The last will of STEPHEN WOOD has been filed with Clerk Stockton. He bequeaths the use of all his property to his wife, MARTHA WOOD, and at her death it is to be divided as follows: $500 to MRS. VIDA E. SMITH or her heirs. Whatever amount is owing him from the London England Branch of the Reorganized Church of L.D.S. shall be divided as follows: one-half to be donated to said branch of said church as a free will offering, the other half to be paid to his administrator. If said branch does not exist the money shall be spent by him in purchasing and distributing religious publications in the European mission of said church. His residence property in Lamoni with all the furnishings, is left to Elder James Caffall and wife, of Council Bluffs, during the remainder of their natural lives, and at their death it shall be sold and the proceeds used for European missions. To each of his brothers and sisters he bequeaths one dollar. The balance of his estate is to be used by the administrator at such times and for such purposes as he may think best in prosecuting the work of the Gospel in the European missions of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ, of Latter Day Saints. Herman C. Smith is named as administrator without bonds. The will is dated (*can't read), Lamoni (The rest is torn away..) Copied by Cordelia Suzann "With permission from the Leon Journal Reporter" December 15, 2002 |
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