Will of Jester Cornelius


The transcription of this will was generously provided by Arlis H. Graham





WILL OF JESTER CORNELIUS


The last Will and Testament of Jester Cornelius of Hempstead County in State of Arkensas.
I Jester Cornelius, considering the uncertainty of this mortal life, and being of sound mind and memory, do make and publish this my last Will and Testament, in manner & form following (that is to say):
I give and bequeath unto my eldest Daughter Mary Jane Harris a negro girl Ellen, I give and bequeath unto my second Daughter Millie Emeline a negro girl Martha, I give and bequeath unto my oldest Son James Franklin a negro boy Crawford, I give and bequeath unto my second Son Wm Green a negro boy Robert, I give and bequeath unto my third Son Robert Welch a negro girl, Missouri, I give and bequeath unto my third Daughter Malinda Caroline a negro girl Clara.
And lastly, as to all the rest, residue, and remainder of my personal estate, goods and chattels, of what kind and nature soever, I give and bequeath the same to my beloved wife Malinda, whom I hereby appoint sole Executrix without security, of this my last Will and Testament: hereby revoking all former wills by me made. In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal, the 25th day of February 1862



Jester Cornelius (Seal)

Signed by me at his reuqest

J.L. Bowen

The above instrument consisting of one sheet was now here subscribed by Jester Cornelius, the testator in the presence of each of us; and was at the same time declared by him to be his last Will and Testament, and we, at his request, sign our names hereto, as attesting witnesses.

Filed March 1863
J.L Bowen of Hepstead County
J.F. Sanders
J.C. Billingsley of Hempstead County

Hempstead County Arkansas
Will of Jester Cornelius, File 84
Filed March 4th 1863

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Arlis Graham found the original of the Will of Jester Cornelius in the bottom of an old box at the Court House in Hempstead Co. Arkansas in the summer of 1997.