Will and Probate for Francis Blake

August 31, 1882¹¹³¹⁵

I, Francis Blake, of the township of Huron, Des Moines County, State of Iowa, mindful of the uncertainties of human life, and being in feeble health, but of sound mind and memory, and being desirous of disposing of the property which a kind Providence has placed in my hands while i have strength and capacity so to do, do make and publish this my last Will adn Testament.

That is to say,

First, I direct that my Executor pay all my just debts and funeral expenses out of the first money that shall come into his hands from any portion of my estate.

Second, I give and bequeath to my beloved wife, Mary Blake, the use and control of my Homestead for & during her natural lifetime, also the use & control during her natural life of the W1/2 of the SE1/4 of Sec. 10 Tp. 72R2W, 80 acres.

Third, I give and bequeath & devise to my son George F. Blake the south 99 acres of the E3/4 of the SW1/4 of Sec 3 Tp. 72 R2W. Also the N. 12 acres of the E3/4 of the NW1/4 of Sec 10 Tp 72Rw. Also Lot 14 in Sect 16 Tp 72R2W. The last tract subject to the control of my wife as provided in Item Two.

Fourth, I give and bequeath & devise to my son Herman S. Blake, the south 108 acres of the E3/4 of the NW1/4 of Sec 10 Tp 72R2W. Also the W1/2 of the W1/2 of the SE 1/4 of Sec 10 Tp 72R2W subject to the control of my wife as provided in Item Two.

Fifth, I give & bequeat to my daughter Irene E. Carmine in money the sum of Two Thousand Dollars to be paid to her by my sons Geo. F. and Herman S. Each to pay her One Thousand Dollars in annual installments of one hundred dollars each.

Sixth, I give and bequeath all my Personal Property to my wife Mary Blake & to my sos George F. Blake and Herman S. Blake to be divided equally between them as they may agree either by sale or otherwise.

I hereby nominate and appoint my son Herman S. Blake Sole Executor of this my last Will & Testament & release him from giving Bonds as such executor.

In witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name this 31st day of August A.D. 1882 and request Wm Casper and Chloe F. Belknap to witness the same.

Francis Blake