Will of Alxander Kerr 1879

Will of Alexander Kerr
March 1879


I Alexander Kerr of Hempfield Township Westmoreland County State of Pennsylvania do make and publish this my last will and Testament hereby revoking all former will by me made. And first I divide my farm in two halves between my two sons James and John. I direct James to keep the north side of the road and John the south side and as the north side is the largest and has all the lumber I direct that as much shall be taken from the north side commencing at the road and running back (a straight line) to the top of the lumber hill, as shall make both sides equal in size and as there is but one barn and that on the south side. I direct my two sons to make a division so as to half the barn and barn yard equally between them. And if James at anytime wishes to build a barn on his part I desire that he may have the privilege of taking as many stones as the building requires from John’s part of the farm and John must pay his brother Five hundred dollars which will serve as a quit claim on the other barn and as I intend they shall pay me rent during my lifetime, if my wife survives me then I direct my sons to pay her on hundred dollars each annually during her lifetime and she shall have the privilege of living in the house where she now lives if she wishes. And further I desire that my wife shall get fifteen hundred dollars paid to her at my death from whatever money (if any) I may have at my death and I desire that my wife shall get all my household furniture and effects in the house while she lives and then at her death to be equally divided between the two sons, and I desire that all my farming implements shall be equally divided between my two sons, if they can agree to do so, if not let them bring them to a sale and divide the proceeds between them they consist of a Thrashing Machine, Reaper and Mover Horse rake, Drill Ploughs, Harness and Carriage, Buggy Sleigh and other utensils, I likewise bequeath my gold watch to my son James and my gold chain to my son John, and if there be any money left after paying my wife’s dawry and my debts and funeral expenses I direct it to be equally divided between my sons and I appoint my sons James and John my executors. In witness whereunto I have set my hand and seal this fourth day of March one thousand eight hundred and seventy nine.
Signed sealed published and declared by the above named Alexr Kerr as and for this last will and testament in the presence of us who have hereunto subscribed our names at this request as witnesses thereto in Uni presence of Uni Witnesses James Agnes Joseph Yrur