In the name of God, Amen, I Mary Schmeck of the city of Reading, in the County of Berks and the State of Pennsylvania, being of sound mind and 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.
And first I direct that my body be decently buried in the Alsace Church Cemetery, and that my funeral be conducted in a manner corresponding with my situation in life, and that my funeral expenses and just debts be paid as soon as can be conveniently done after my decease.
Item, I give and bequeath to my daughter Catharine, the wife of George Foose, the following household furniture my one Bureau, Table, Bedstead and all my bedding and six chairs. I also give and devise and bequest to her my said daughter Catharine (wife of George Foose) the sum of two hundred dollars which shall be paid out of my estate before any distribution is made.
Item all the rest, residue and remainder of my estate real, personal and mixed, whatsoever and wheresoever, I order and direct to be converted into money as soon as can conveniently be done after my decease; and for that purpose I do hereby authorize and empower my said Executors hereinafter named and the survivor of them, to sell and dispose of all my real estate, either by public or private sale or sales for the best price or prices that can be gotten for the same, and by proper deed or deed, conveyance or conveyances or assurances, in the law, to be duly executed acknowledged, and perfected, to grant, convey and assure the same to the perfected, to grant, convey, and assure the same the purchaser or purchasers thereof in fee simple.
And when the whole of my said residing estate shall be converted into money as aforesaid, then I will and direct that the same shall be divided into three equal parts or shares and dispose of the same as follows to wit: One full equal third part or share thereof I give devise and bequeath to my daughter Catharine, the wife of George Foose, and to her heirs and assigns for ever, and one full equal third part or share thereof I give, devise and bequeath unto my daughter Isabella, the wife of Franklin S. Bernhart, her heirs and assigns forever, and one equal third part or share thereof, I give devise and bequeath unto my son James W. Schmeck his heirs and assigns for ever.
And lastly, I nominate constitute and appoint my daughter Catharine, the wife of George Foose, and my daughter Isabella, the wife of Franklin S. Bernhart and my son James W. Schmeck to be Executors of this my last will and testament.
In witness whereof I Mary Schmeck the testatrix have to this my will written on one sheet of paper set my hand and seal this Twenty Seventh day of January A.D. one thousand eight hundred and eighty one.
Mary (her mark) Schmeck (seal)
Signed, sealed, published and declared, by the above named Mary Schmeck, as and for her last will and testament, in the presence of us, who have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses thereto in the presence of the said testatrix and of each other
Daniel S. Zacharias
Alberts J. Fisher
Contributed by: Michelle.
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