The Last Will of Johnson Walker
July 11, 1853 The Last Will of Johnson Walker.. "now in my 68th yr, possessing legal capacity of mind, being afflicted and knowing I soon must die"..After my just debts are paid, than all property to be kept together for the use of my wife Sophiah and my children who remain with her as a part of her family so long as she remains a widow..if she remarries that the executors to keep children or controlled by them, who I make the guardians for the use of my children as remain minors. As long as my wife and children remain a family and she my widow that the negroes and lands with all be kept for their support, when the youngest child becomes age 15yrs than a division be made of all. Then wifes share taken off and set for her and that the balance be equally divided, share and share alike, and if Martha Roberts is then alive to have a half share. I will that my executors set out my young children as _____I have, like, the old ones as they can and to keep the worth of it in a book which I have left for that purpose and at the general division and settlement to divide according to said book and when they are made equal, the balance to be equally divided amongst all my children, said division may take place at any time previous to the time of my youngest child's arriving to the age of fifteen years, provided my Executors all agree and think it best. I also wish my executors to permit my old black woman, Sindy to remain where she is with her husband so long as they conduct themselves right, and pay her ____ or until the general division. I do appoint, my wife Sophia Walker, Isham Walker, William Walker, Jesse Walker and James B. Walker, my Executors, to execute this my will on this 11th day of July, and year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and Fifty three. Signed and acknowledged Johnson (his x mark) Walker in the presence of
John C. Williams I John C. Williams and Simeon Bain do swear that Johnson Walker Signed, Sealed, publish ______ _______, declared, the written instrument of writing as and for his last will and testament in our presence and in the presence of the other subscribing witness there and that the said Johnson Walker at the time signing said will was of sound mind - So help us God John C. Williams Simeon Pain Subscribed and sworn before me Novv 8, 1853 A. J. Herdon Clrk Filed Nov 8, 1853 A. J. Herdon Clrk This part says #2
Subscribed and Sworn to before me Nove 8, 1853 This part says #3 Know all men by these presents, that we Sophia Walker, Isham Walker, William Walker, and James B. Walker and Jesse Walker, as principals and Boyd M. McCreary- Joel H. McBride, Robert Reynolds, William C. Baker and Charles Litteral as Securities are held and firmly bound unto the State of Missouri in the final sum of sixteen thousand dollars for the payment of which will and truly to be made, we bind ourselves, our heirs, Executors and Administrators jointly and severally firmly by these presents. Signed and sealed on this 14th day of November 1853__ The condition of the above bond is that of Sophia Walker, Isham Walker, William Walker and James B. Walker & Jesse Walker Executors of the last will and testament of Johnson Walker deceased_ Shall faithfully Execute the last will of the Testator, pay the debts and legacies, so far as the assets will extend and the laws direct and faithfully perform all things required of them as Executors by law, the provisions of said will or the order or decree of any Court having jurisdiction then the above bond to be void; otherwise to remain in full force____
Sophia (her x mark) Walker (Seal) This part says #4 Filed Nov 14, 1853 A.J. Herndon Clerk County of Howard, SS. The State of Missouri for all persons to whom these presents shall come greeting: Know ye that the last will and testament of Johnson Walker deceased hath in due form of law, been exhibited, proved and recorded in the office of the Clerk of the County Court of Howard County, a copy of which is hereunto annexed, and inasmuch as it appears that Sophia Walker, Isham Walker, William Walker, Jas. B. Walker & Jesse Walker have been appointed executors in and by the said last will and testament to execute the same and to the end that the property of the testator may be preserved for those who shall appear and have a legal right or interest therein in that the Next page says #5 Howard County Probate_Will of Johnson Walker said ____? will may be executed according to the request of the relation, we do hereby authorize them the said Sophia Walker, Isham Walker, William Walker & Jas. B. Walker & Jesse Walker, as such executors to collect and secure all and Singular the goods and Chattels, rights and Credits which were of the said Johnson Walker at the time of his death, in whosoever's hands or possession the same may be found, and to perform and fulfill all such duties as may be enjoined upon them by said will, so far as there shall be property, and the law charge them, and in general to do and perform all other acts which now are, or here after may be required of them by law. In testimony whereof, I, Andrew J. Herndon Clerk of the County Court in and for the COunty of Howard aforesaid, have hereunto signed my name, and affixed the seal of said Court, at office this 14th day of November, A D, 1853___ A.J. Herndon, Clerk
Recorded on the 18th day of November A.D. 1853 and before the delivery. Submitted by: |
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