Will - William H Bowman

William H Bowman's last will and testament has been copied from probate files in the courthouse of Shoals, Martin Co, Indiana. 

   A copy of the original document is shown first, and, because some words are difficult to read, full transcription follows.  For purposes of authenticity, I have transcribed this will exactly as it is written - with all punctuation, spelling, and sentence structure the way it appears in the original text.

In the name of the Benevolent Father, I, William Boman of the county of Martin and state of Indiana do hereby make, publish and declare this my last will and testament, ____ing and making void all former wills by me at any time heretofore are made.

First, it is my will and desire that all my just debts and funeral expenses be paid as speedily as possible out of my personal estate left at the time of my decease and if not sufficient personal estate, then out of the proceeds of sale of real estate. Second, it is my will and desire that my executor out of the estate erect or cause to be erected at my grave a monument suitable to my station in life.

Third, it is my will and desire that all of my personal property of which I am seized at the time of my decease be sold at public sale by my executor, but my executor may sell my real estate of which I may be at my decease at public or private sale as he may desire best said sale to made on such terms as my executor may deem best. It is my desire that my said executor pay to such of my older heirs as may be in need a portion of their share of my estate previous to the complete settlement of my said estate.

Fourth, I give and devise my estate as follows: I give and devise to my beloved wife Julia Boman my home farm of one hundred and sixty-seven acres to have and to hold during her natural life. I also give and bequeath to her one year's provisions, my household and kitchen furniture, one cow and fifty dollars in money.

Fifth, I give and bequeath to my son John R. Boman one ninth of my estate after the payment of debts.

Sixth, I give and bequeath to my son William H. Boman one ninth of my estate after the payment of debts.

Seventh, I give and bequeath to my son Jacob W Boman one ninth of my estate after payment of debts less one hundred dollars which is due me from said Jacob W Boman and I hereby release said Jacob W Boman from said debt.

Eighth, I give and bequeath to my daughter Mary J. Scott three fourths of one ninth of my estate after payment of debts and I also give and bequeath to her son William Norman one fourth of one ninth of my estate.

Ninth I give and bequeath to my daughter Sarah C. Webster three fourths of one ninth of my estate after payment of debts and to her daughter Alice McClelland I give and bequeath one fourth of one ninth of my estate.

Tenth, I give and bequeath to the heirs of my deceased daughter Amanda Kannedy one ninth of my estate after payment of debts.

Eleventh, to my grandson William S. Sipes I give and bequeath one ninth of my estate after payment of debts.

Twelfth to the heirs of my deceased son James I. Boman I having paid doctor bills and funeral expenses and will have erected at his grave a monument and also having previous to his death furnished him twenty five dollars making in all one hundred dollars I give and bequeath to his children one ninth of my estate less the one hundred dollars. It is further provided that the youngest child reputed to be his child shall have no part of said estate.

13th to the children of my deceased daughter Elizabeth Webster I give and bequeath three fourths of one ninth of my estate after payment of debts.

14th to my granddaughter Mary E. Kannedy I give and bequeath one cow and one bed.

15. I nominate and appoint my son William H. Bowman executor of this my last will and testament.

In witness thereof I have this 31 day of August 1892 being of sound mind and disp_____ memory set my hand and seal.

William Boman