James Harrison Reed's Last Will and Testament

Last Will of James H Reed

I publish this my last will and testament, my mind being clear and sound. First, Give and bequeath to my beloved wife, Nancy Jane Reed, all of my personal property to do with as she may please. I also give and bequeath to my said wife all of my real estate, which consists of my farm where I now live and all the appurtenances belonging thereto, to have and to hold as long as she may live, or during her natural life. My wish and desire is that my children to whom I am indebted shall not press their mother for payment. I have given to my sons, Hampton Homer, Eugene F., James Lee and Ira Milton, all the property I feel myself able and give them my blessing. To my daughter Lucy Virginia, Ida L, and Isa Dora I give and bequeath to them all my real estate which consists of the farm where I now live, but they shall not have possession of the same until after the death of their mother, Nancy Jane Reed, for I am determined that my wife shall have full control of the said farm so long as she may live, or during her natural life. I bequeath it my said farm to my said daughters equally and will that each one of them shall pay her equal proportion of my debts. I wish a tombstone to mark my last resting place, but do not wish my family to burden themselves with an expensive monument. I will and give this my last blessing to my dear wife and daughters hoping they will all meet me in heaven, when they are done with earth and earthly things. I pray God to give his grace to each of my sons and where I and my Master are they may be also when this life is over.

Witness my signature this the 6th day of June 1892 

Jame H Reed

x mark

Test.

R M Talbott

Reubin Haddox

West Virginia

Barbour County Court Clerk’s Offic, October 18th 1892.

The Last Will and testament of James H Reed, deceased was this day presented in said office for probate and the same being duly proved before me by the oaths of R.M. Talbott and Reubin Haddox, the subscribing witnesses thereto, was ordered to be recorded and a record thereof was made accordingly.

Attest: Fran E Daft Clerk