1862 Reading
In the name of God Amen, John James of the City of Reading, in the State of Pennsylvania, cooper, being weak in body and of sound mind, memory and understanding, but considering the uncertainty of this transitory life, do make and publish this my last will and testament in manner and form following to wit;
First, it is my will and I do so order, that my just debts and funeral expenses be duly paid and satisfied as soon as conveniently can be after my decease.
Item: I give and bequeath unto my son John James my large family Bible.
Item: I give and bequeath unto my silver watch to my daughter Margaret F. James.
Item: I give and bequeath unto my daughters, Margaret F James, Ruth Emma James, and Rachel Ann James the residue of y personal property.
Item: I give and bequeath unto my three unmarried daughters Margaret F, Ruth Emma and Rachael Ann James, all my real estate for the term of eight years, from the day of my decease, provided they live single, if one of them should marry, then the other two to have the house and lot. And if two shall marry then the single to have the house and lot for the unexpired term of eight years. If they should all three marry or die before the expiration of the eight years, then the house and lot be appraised in three months after. If none of the heirs should take it at the appraisement, then the real estate to be sold to the highest & best bidder.
Item: it is my will and I do so order that the House and Fence be kept in good repair at the expense of those holding the property during the eight years.
Item: after paying the cost and expenses, the balance of the money arising from the sale of the real estate is to be divided into as many shares as I have children living, each one to have an equal share. If any one or more of my children should die leaving children, before the distribution of the real estate, then his or her share, be paid unto his or her heirs.
Whereas my son in law Peter Thomas intermarried with my daughter Elizabeth are indebted to my daughter Martha Koler thirty five dollars, it is my will and I do so order that thirty five dollars from Elizabeth share, be paid to my daughter Martha Koler or her heirs.
And lastly I nominate constitute and appoint my three Sons in law John Scarlet, John Koler and Amos Steinback, to be executors of this my last will hereby revoking all other wills, legacies and bequests by me heretofore made. And declaring this and no other to be my last will and testament.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the 27th day of February, One thousand eight hundred and fifty eight.
John James (seal)
Signed, sealed and declared by the said testator as his last will and testament in the presence of us
James M Lewis
Henry Tyson
Berks County. On the 24th of March 1862 appeared Henry Tyson and on the 28th of March 1862 appeared James M Lewis the subscribing witnesses to this will they being duly affirmed according to Law did dispose and say that they were present and did see and hear the testator John James sign seal publish pronounce and declare the forgoing instrument of writing as and for his Last Will and Testament and that at the time pf the doing thereof he was sound of mind memory and understanding to the best of their knowledge observation and belief
Daniel Potteiger
Dep. Register
Submitted by Michelle.
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