Of Clinton County Iowa
In the name of God Amen. I Thos. Early of the City of Davenport, County of Scott, State of Iowa, late of Liberty Township, Clinton County and State aforesaid of the age of about sixty three or four years and being of sound mind do make publish and declare this my last will and testament in manner following that is to say –
First – Give and bequeath to my wife Bridget Early all of my personal property real estate, money, rights and credits in case she survives me after paying all my debts and funeral expenses while she lives.
2nd After the said Bridget Early death I devise to my son Anthony Early as long as he lives one half of my Homestead being Ninety two acres of land and half the house and other improvements as long as he lives and after his death the said property and land goes to his heirs if any and in case there is no heirs the said land and property is to be divided between Michael Early and John Early and Thos. Early Jr. in equal shares alike.
3rd I devise to my Son, Thos. Early Jr. one half of my homestead being ninety-two acres of land and half the house and other improvements as long as he lives and after his death the said property and land goes to his heirs if any and in care there is no heirs the said land and property is to be divided between Michael Early and John Early and Anthony Early in equal shares alike.
4th I have given to my son Michael Early his portion and also to John Early his portion heretofore and I hereby request and shall have the said Anthony Early and Thos. Early Jr. to pay all of my debts and my wife Bridget Early’s debts in case she survives me and funeral expenses of each of us and to have said for each of us 25 masses to be paid to paid to the resident Pastor of Toronto and I request the said Michael Early and John Early, Anthony Early and Thos. Early Jr. to put a monument over us when dead.
Lastly I appoint Bridget Early my wife and Thos. Early Jr. my sole executors of this my last will and testament. Dated Nov. 12, 1885.
Thos. (X) Early, Sr.
E. P. Simmons, witness to mark
The above instrument consisting of one sheet was at the date thereof signed and declared by the said Thos. Early Sr. as and for his last will and testament in the presence of us who at his request and in his presence have subscribed our names as witnesses thereto.
Margaret (X) Simmons – Residing at Toronto in Clinton County
Rev. P. McNamara – Residing at Toronto in Clinton County
Signed in the presence of E. P. Simmons, Justice of the Peace
State of Iowa
Clinton County
I, William Kreim clerk of the District Court in and for said county do hereby certify that on this day at the April term A. D. 1887 of said court the will and instrument in writing hereunto annexed and bearing date on the 12th day of Nov. 1885 was duly proved before and allowed by said court as and for the late Will and Instrument in writing here unto annexed and bearing date on the 15th day of January 1887 was duly proved before and allowed by said court as and for the last Will and Testament of the real and personal estate of Thos. Early late of said county deceased, and was by said court ordered to be recorded as such Will and Testament.
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court at my office in Clinton, in said county this 20th day of April A. D. 1887
William Kreim Clerk
By D. R. Markham Deputy
SEAL