Image of Eli’s Will courtesy of Amy Cannavo25

Last Will and Testament

In the name of God Amen.

Be it known to all men that I Eli Branson of the State of Illinois and County of Fulton Being of Good memory and sound mind Here bequeath and Will my property as follows (viz) To my Beloved Wife Martha Branson I bequeath in ready money the sum of Three Hundred Dollars, 1 Cooking Stove at 28 dollars, two milch cows at 25 dollars, also all the furniture and household goods and the Poultry. I also Bequeath to Abram Branson my son two notes of hand on Calvin Branson of five hundred dollars each one of said notes was due September the first 1850 the other said note to be due the first day of September 1851, the aforesaid money to be collected by Daniel Bogue and applied in Such way as to the benefit of said Abram Branson until he becomes the age of 21 years. I also here Bequeath to my Son Samuel Branson the Farm on which I now live Being the South half of the North West quarter of Section fourteen Township Four North one East with all the Improvements thereunto Belonging the Farm to be conducted and managed By the aforesaid Danial Bogue in the best manner possible for the use and Benefit of my said Son Samuel Branson until he arrives to the age of 21 years. I also here Bequeath to my Daughter Marth Ellen Branson the proceeds of my Waggon and Carriage also 1 new Fan Mill in all worth some two hundred dollars. I here bequeath to my Three daughters Mary Cadwallader, Lydia Ann Bogue, Nancy Keatch, to be divided Equally the crops now on hand, the wheat and corn now on the farm two horses (to wit) the gray horse and the Bay mare and Cattle supposed to be worth one hundred dollars. I also bequeath to my two sons Calvin Branson & Eli Branson on dollar each. I also bequeath to my son Benjamin Branson in case he comes home from California unfortunate and without money two hundred dollars, one hundred from the estate of Abram and Samuel each.

As amendatory and supplement to this my last will and testament I here give and bequeath to my Wife Martha Branson and the children now at home the grain now on the farm for their use and benefit. I also here amend by giving and bequeathing to my Daughter Martha Ellen one hundred dollars a note of hand I now hold on Charles Russell. I also here appoint as my executor to settle the business of my Estate in conformity to this my Will, Daniel Bogue. In testimony whereof I now set my hand and affix my seal this third day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty.

In presence of
Isaac Cadwallader
Josiah Loll