Extracted by Dan Wilson

THE WILL OF JAMES WILSON OF EASTON #5534, NORTHAMPTON CO., PA

I, James Wilson, of the Borough of Easton and State of Pennsylvania, do make and publish this my last will and testament.

I devise(?) first that all my just debts and funeral expenses may be settled as soon as commencement of my decease. I devise(?) also that the wholeÿof my household and kitchen furniture shall be and remain the absolute property of my beloved wife ELIZA ANN WILSON.

The rest and residue of my estate real, personal and mixed, I bequeath and devise(?) to my said wife and our children, viz. MARY C., ELIZABETH McKEEN and ANNA WILSON share and share alike (said bequest and devise(?) bring in lieu of dower to my wife) and my will is and I do appoint that my said wife shall have the guardianship and trustee(?) of my said children during their minority,and in case of her death or disabilit during the minority of said children then I will and appoint my brother JOHN WILSON in her place as their guardian, and in case of his refusal(?)_____ or decease, I then appoint my brother ALEXANDER WILSON to exercise guardianship over them during their minority.

I also authorize my said wife to dispose ofÿany part of the estate that she may deem unprofitable… :

(three lines of text is illegible)

It is my will that if my wife shall so elect, she may continue the merchantile(?) business with my stock in trade, and invest such of my estate as she may deem proper in the same for the benefit of herself and our children during their minority, ÿÿ the proceeds through(?) to be divided as aforesaid – and I do herebyÿappoint my dearly beloved wife ELIZA ANN WILSON and my brothers JOHN and ALEXANDER WILSON executors of this my last will and testament.

In witness whereof, I, James Wilson the testator, have to this my will, set my hand and seal this second day of April, one thousand eight hundred and thirty nine.

Signed, sealed and delivered(?) by the above named James Wilson… (illegible)

__________

** NOTES **

1. An inventory of property is attached to the will, and signed by Alexander Wilson and Eliza Wilson as the executors.

2. Daughter Mary C. mentioned above is MARY CATHCART WILSON (1st Presby Church of Easton records)

3. Daughter Elizabeth McKeen is ELIZABETH McKEEN WILSON (1st Presby Church of Easton records)

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