In the name of God, Amen -- I David Hauser of Salem Township Jefferson County State of Ohio, being of sound mind and knowing the certainty of death, and the uncertainty of life: do make and declare this my last will and testament. First, I wish to be decently buried and my funeral expenses paid out of such means as may be available. I will that the farm remain in possession of Susan my wife for two years, the first year free of the rent, and the second year should she wish to remain on the farm, she is to pay two hundred dollars rent, which rent is to be equally divided among all my heirs; and should the widow not want to occupy the farm more than one year, the farm is then to be sold and the widow to have one third of the amount realized for the farm, the balance to be equally divided among all my children of my first and second wife. And should the widow continue to occupy my farm the second year, then at the expiration of which the farm will be sold and the avails thereof to be divided as above. My personal property to be sold only such parts thereof as may be set apart by the appraisers for the widow and minor children, as their support for the first year after my death.
I also will, that a guardian be appointed for my son Aaron, and the part of his inheritance be taken charge of by his guardian to be given to Aaron in case of actual necessity from time to time. I also will that my two daughters Elvira and Elasan each to have such an outfit as their mother may see fit to give them, of such articles as household effects. I furthermore will that all the furniture and household effects of every sort and kind remain unsold and in possession of the widow to be used and disposed of as she may deem proper.
I also will that Elvira and Elasar my daughters each have a cow set apart for them. I also will that my daughter Matilda Beichtell (Buchtell?) receive the sum of sixty dollars from my estate above the other children, she not having received such an outfit at her marriage as I could have wished at that time. I also will that all my honest debts be paid out of my estate.
Done this 8th day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and seventy-three.
| Name of testater David Hauser |
Witnessed by
Joseph A Roof
John W Patton
