Lankford, Joseph - Will

submitted by Janice Beazer

Will of Joseph Lankford, father of America Jane
Lankford Morgan; Joseph married America Jane's
mother-in-law, Sarah Morgan, after her husband,
Anthony Morgan, died. This is the Sarah listed in
Joseph's Will.

Transcription:

State of Indiana, Warrick County, Will Book (1?), Pages 197-198
Last Will and Testament of Joseph Lankford, Deceased. Probated: 15 Sep 1857

In the name of my Heavenly Father Amen: I Joseph Lankford of the county of Warrick in the State of Indiana being in sound mind but aware of the uncertainty of life 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.

I direct that after my death my body be decently buried in conformity with my estate and condition and after the expenses thereof and all my just debts are paid by my execution I will and depose and devise of the worldly estate which it has pleased God to entrust me with in the following manner towit: First, I will and direct that that the whole of my real estate consisting of the following described tract of land towit. The north east quarter of the south east quarter of section No 3 (3) in township No. five (5) south of range No. eight (8) West containing forty acres more or less shall be and remain the absolute property of my wife Sarah as long as she remains my widow. Also all my property consisting of household and kitchen furniture, two sorrel mares and one colt, one wagon, one buggy and harness, three cows and (3) calves, twelve of fifteen head of hogs, fourteen head of sheep, two ploughs and other family utensils (except) one of the sorrel mares and buggy and harness and wagon to be disposed of by my executor and the proceeds divided to my heirs (except) Richard S. Lankford my son and Andrew Lankford's children towit: Joseph, Andrew, Elizabeth, Ruben and Richards grandchild and Mary Lankford my granddaughter and Almira Lankford my daughter to whom I will and bequeath one dollar each as I have heretofore given them a reasonable advancement, that is to say, Richard S., Andrew and Almira Lankford and after death of my wife Sarah or if she should marry again, I direct that all I now bequeath to my said wife be and remain the absolute property of my daughter Almira and if said Almira should die before she becomes of age, then in that case, the property and the proceeds thereof be equally divided amount my heirs. I do hereby constitute make, order and appoint John Webb executor of this my last will and testament hereby authorizing and requiring him to do all acts and things which may be necessary to carry this will into effect. In witness whereof, I Joseph Lankford have hereunto set my hand and seal this 29th day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty seven.
(his mark x) Joseph Lankford
Signed sealed published and delivered by the above name Joseph Lankford as his last will and testament in the presence of the said testator and the presence of each other.
Attest: Francis M. Ashley, E.W. Collins

State of Indiana, Warrick county, SS: I Joseph Masters, Clerk of the Warrick County Court of Common Pleas of said county do hereby certify that on this 15th day of September 1857 the above named Francis M. Ashley one of the subscribing witnesses to the foregoing last will and testament of Joseph Lankford came personally before me and being duly sworn deposes and swears that the above and foregoing will was signed, sealed and delivered by said testator Joseph Lankford in the presence of the said Francis M. Ashley and E. W. Collins who attested and subscribed same in the presence of the said testator Joseph Lankford and the said Francis M. Ashley further swears that the said testator Jos. Lankford was of full age to devise his property and of sound mind and memory and not under coercion or restraint. Subscribed and sworn to before me this 15th day Dept. 1857 Joseph Masters, Clerk

State of Indiana, Warrick County, SS: I Joseph Masters clerk of the court of Common Pleas of said county certify that the within last will of Joseph Lankford late of Warrick County deceased been duly admitted to Probate that its due execution is this day proved by Francis M. Ashley whose proof together with such will have been duly recorded on pages 197-198 of the record of will in our office.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affix the seal of said court at Boonville this 15th day of September A. D. 1857. Joseph Masters, C.C.C.P. Warrick County