1855 Kutztown
In the Name of God Amen
I Henry Saunder of the borough of Kutztown, Berks County and State of Pennsylvania, yeoman, being I healthy of body and of sound mind memory and understanding praised be to God for the same I do make this my last will and Testament in manner and form following to wit.
It is my will and I order and direct that all my just debts and funeral expenses, be duly paid and satisfied as soon as conveniently can be after my decease.
And as to such worldly estate as it has pleased God to entrust me with I dispose of the same as follows;
Also, I direct that a fair valuation or appraisement be made according to law of all my Estate real and personal by three competent and impartial neighbors.
Also, I direct that all my real and personal property be sold at public venue pr outcry, to the highest bidder for good currant money by my executors for its reasonable value in such manner as is usual in like cases, to insure the full and punctual payment thereof.
Also, I direct that my hereafter named executors purchase a handsome marble tombstone out of my Estate and have the same placed at my grave.
Also, I direct that my hereafter named Executors pay my son Daniel Saunder his heirs and assigns Fifty dollars as soon as convenient out of the first money they may receive out of my estate.
Also I direct that the next proceeds of the balance of my Estate heretofore ordered by me to be disposed of by my executors, be divided in eight equal shares, share and share alike. Between my Eight Sons, Jacob Saunder, Charles Saunder, John Saunder, William Saunder, Samuel Saunder, Isaac Saunder, Henry Saunder and Daniel Saunders, Share and Share alike in the following manner, to wit.
1st; I give and devise to my son Jacob Saunder one equal share of the net proceeds put of the balance of my Estate and to his heirs and assigns forever.
2nd; I give and devise to my son Charles Saunders, the Yearly Interest of one equal share out of the net proceeds of the balance of my estate. The court to appoint one Trustee to receive the Principal of his share and to pay my son Charles yearly and every year the Interest received from his share during his natural life and after death of my son Charles, the principal of his share to be divided evenly by his to his heirs and assigns forever.
3rd; I give and devise to my son John Saunders, the Yearly Interest of one equal share out of the net proceeds of the balance of my estate. The court to appoint one Trustee to receive the Principal of his share and to pay my son John yearly and every year the Interest received from his share during his natural life and after death of my son John, the principal of his share to be divided evenly by his to his heirs and assigns forever.
4th; I give and devise to my son William Saunder one equal share of the net proceeds put of the balance of my Estate and to his heirs and assigns forever.
5th; I give and devise to my son Samuel Saunder one equal share of the net proceeds put of the balance of my Estate and to his heirs and assigns forever.
6th; I give and devise to my son Isaac Saunder one equal share of the net proceeds put of the balance of my Estate and to his heirs and assigns forever.
7th; I give and devise to my son Henry Saunder one equal share of the net proceeds put of the balance of my Estate and to his heirs and assigns forever.
8th; I give and devise to my son Daniel Saunder one equal share of the net proceeds put of the balance of my Estate and to his heirs and assigns forever.
Item; I further direct that in case any one of my eight sons should make any demand against my estate of Books accounts, Bonds or interest or yearly compensation in the future or at any time after this (???) is my will and (???). That my executors shall not except or pay any account to any one of my eight sons out of my estate from the beginning of the (???) to this present date.
Item; provided always and I do hereby declare y will to be that if any one of my eight sons to them my estate or given by this my will shall on any court of law equity or otherwise controvert the same dispute or call in question the validity thereof any of the proceeds, provisions or dispositions hereby limited on given or made or herein contained; then and in such case the shared interest made or herein contained thane and on such case the shares of interest limitations do hereby limited. (???) to or in account of such person or persons so contriving my said will. Shall cease determine and be absolutely void to all intents and proposals, whatever as if such person or persons war or were naturally dead. And then and from thereforeth such estate, share or interest, limitations, powers, provisions and dispositions shall go and belong to and be restricted on the persons, who by virtue of this my will shall be next remainder after person or persons so disputing as aforesaid, provided he or they shall not controvert or dispute the validity of this my will pr any devises, limitations, powers, provisions or distributions herein contained or hereby made.
And lastly, I nominate constitute and appoint my said son Jacob Saunder and my said son Henry Saunder and Daniel A Wanner to be the executors of this my last will and testament, hereby revoking all other wills by me heretofore made, and declare thism and no other to be my last will and testament.
Daniel Xander |SEAL|
Note, the balance on first have seemed of (???) was intended after will signed. Samuel Saunder, on the second page on the fifteenth line was (????) before the will was (???)
Signed and sealed declared and published by the above named Henry Saunder as and for his last will and testament in the presence at his request and in his presence have subscribed our names as witnesses thereto.
Abraham Bieber
William Heidenreich
Berks Count SS on the 20th day of January Anno Domini 1855 appeared Abraham Bieber and William Heidenreich Esq. witnesses to the within instrument of writing and being duly sworn according to Law did dispose and say that they were present and did see and hear the Testator Henry Xander sign seal publish pronounce and declare this instrument of writing as and for his last Will and Testament and that at the time of the doing thereof he the said testator was of Sound Mind Memory and Understanding to the best of their knowledge observation and belief.
John Y Cummins
Deputy Register
Submitted by Michelle.
Last Modified