1882 Alsace Twp
In the name of God, Amen. I Jacob Heckman of Alsace Township, Berks County and State of Pennsylvania, while I am sick and weak of body but if sound mind, memory, and understanding, do make and publish this my last will and testament hereby revoking and making void all former wills by me at any time heretofore made.
First: I order my hereinafter named Executor that after my death my body be buried in a Christian like manner and my funeral be conducted in a manner corresponding with my situation in life, and as soon as conveniently after my death I order my hereinafter named Executor to pay all my legal debts if any shall be including funeral expenses.
Second: With, what earthly goods it has pleased God to entrust me with at the time of my death I give and bequeath to my beloved wife Matilda Heckman, real and personal and mixed, to her sole use and benefit for ever.
Third: If my wife Matilda should think fit or it is to her advantage to sell, my real estate she can do so, and give deed or deeds as good and valued as if I was living, provided she makes a purchase of other real estate for the amount realized out if the one so sold.
Fourth: If my son, arrives at the age of twenty-one years, that is my son Adam Heckman, then my real estate shall be appraised by six disinterested competent men, and he shall have the right to appoint said six men and after they are duly sworn according to law they shall appraise and make a just valuation of said property and my son Adam shall hereby have the chance to take and keep y real estate on said appraisement and if he does not wish to take it as above mentioned then it shall be sold at public sale to the highest bidder and the money realized out of said sale be equally divided among my three children namely my son Adam, Ann Kitty intermarried to John Gift and Catharine intermarried with Franklin Schmeck, share and share alike.
Fifth: Should my wife Matilda marry at any time after my death, then she is hereby deprived of all the bequests made to her herein, this will and my estate shall be settled in the manner prescribed by this will immediately, but as long as she remains my widow it shall not be disbursed, and in case she marries my brother George Heckman shall take charge if my Estate and administer it according to the forgoing will, if she remains my widow it shall not be disturbed until as aforesaid.
And Lastly: I hereby nominate, constitute and appoint my beloved wife Matilda Heckman my Executrix of this my last will and testament in witness whereof I have hereunto affixed my hand and seal this twenty-seventh day of August A.D. one thousand eight hundred and eighty one (1881 Aug. 27th)
Jacob Heckman |SEAL|
In witness whereof we the undersigned have at the testators request and in the presence of each other and the testator signed our names as witnesses to this last will and testament.
Witnesses
Daniel N Wentzel
Fred J Grotent
Registers Office, Berks County SS. On the 1st day of July AD 1882, before me P Y Edelman Dept. Register of Wills personally appeared Daniel N Wentzel and Fred J Grotent the subscribing witnesses, to the foregoing will being duly sworn doth depose and say that they were present and did see and hear Jacob Heckman, the testator sign seal publish and declare the foregoing instrument of writing as and for his last will and testament. That at the time of so doing he was of sound mind memory and understanding to the best of their knowledge observation and belief.
P Y Edelman
Dept. Register
Submitted by Michelle.
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