Pettis County, Missouri - Wills


Will of Hetty Thomas

Pettis County, Missouri
Will Book, __?
drawn January 4, 1864

I Hetty Thomas 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 and form following that is to say, first It is my will that all my just debts and my funeral expenses be paid.

Second. I bequeath to my only surviving child James H. Thomas the sum of One thousand dollars.

Third. It is my wish that my black boy named Wilson should remain with my son James H. Thomas subject to the control of my executor until the year 1870 at which time he is to be free, and if he so remains with my said son until the said period 1870 and faithfully demeans himself as a servant in taking care of and supporting my son James H. Thomas, it is my wish that as compensation for his faithful services he shall receive of my executor at the expiration of said term of service the sum of one hundred dollars.

Fourth. I give my black girl named Harriet to my niece Cynthia M. Thomas until the year 1870 at which time if she is not set free by the laws of the state, I wish her to be hired out and the proceeds applied to the support of my son James H. Thomas if he should live and needs assistance or if he prefers she is to be given up to him, and if neither of the foregoing contingencies should occur, said girl Harriet is to remain the property of Cynthia M. Thomas a slave for life.

Fifth. I appoint my brother John E. Crawford my Executor and wish him to carry into effect the provisions of this will and after defraying all expenses, if any assets should remain in his hands unappropriated to add it to the sum given to my son James H. Thomas.

In witness whereof I have hereto set my hand and seal this 4th day of January in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty four.

Hetty Thomas (her mark) (seal)

The above instrument consisting of one sheet was now here subscribed by Hetty Thomas the testator in the presence of each of us and was at the same time declared by her to be her last will & testament, and we at her request sign our names hereto as attending witnesses.

John E. Crawford, Pettis Co., Mo. Jacob Yankee, Pettis Co., Mo.

Pettis County Court March 7, 1864

The last will and testament of Hetty Thomas was presented in Open Court and proved by John E Crawford and Jacob Yankee the subscribing witnesses thereto in according with the requirements of law and the same is ordered to be certified.

Given under my hand and the seal of said Court at office th (transcription ends)


* * * * * * * * * * *

Transcribed by Cathy Warbritton as is and as a service. She is not researching these families and does not have further genealogical information on them.