In the name of God, Amen. I  Jonathan McDowell of Mercer County and Pymatuning Township PA, considering the uncertainty of this mortal life, and being of sound mind and memory do make and publish this my last will and testiment in manner and form as follows that is to say,
First it is my will that my funeral expenses and all my just debts to be fully paid.
Second it is my will to give devise and bequeath to my beloved wife Nancy W McDowell the farm on which we now reside situated in Pymatuning township Mercer County PA adjoining land on the north by John Carns, the east by Henry McKee, south by Wm Thomson, west by John Matthews and others, containing one hundred acres more or less; during her natural life. and all the notes on interest, live stock, horses, cattle, sheep, hogs, **(can't read) by me now owned and kept these on, Also, all the household furniture and other items not particular named and otherwise disposed of in this will, during her natural life as aforesaid. The however disposing of or sufficiency there of to pay my just debts as aforesaid.
Thirdly it is my that that at the death of my beloved wife Nancy W McDowell all the property hereby described or bequeathed to her as aforesaid or so much thereof as may then remain un********(can't read) shall be equally divided when my youngest child is of age betwen my beloved children, John B McDowell, Virgil M McDowell, and their heirs and asigns forever.
And lastly I hereby constitute and appoint my said beloved wife Nancy W McDowell sole executrex of this my last will and testament, revoking and anulling all former wills by me made and testifying and confirming this and no other to be my last will and testament. In testamony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this the fourth day of March one thousand eight hundred and sixty two.

Jonathan McDowell (seal)

 Signed published and declared by the above  Jonathan McDowell is and for his last will and testament in the presents of us, who at this request have signed as witnes to the same

Alex Cotton (seal)
John Matthews (seal)
Caroline Matthews (seal)

[Recorded 2 April 1863]

(Source: Submitted by Jan McDowell)