45 Will
In the name of God, amen: I, A.B., of the city of ________, in the county of ________, and state of ________, considering the uncertainty of this mortal life, and being of sound mind and memory, blessed be God for the same, do make and publish this my last will and testament, in manner and form following, that is to say:
First: I direct that my funeral charges, the expenses of administering my estate, and all my debts be paid out of my personal property. If that be insufficient I authorize my executors, hereafter named, to sell so much of my real estate as may be necessary for that purpose.
Second: I give and bequeath to my beloved wife, C.B., the sum of $________, in lieu of dower, and of any distributive share in my estate to which she would otherwise be entitled. I also give and bequeath to my beloved wife the dwelling-house and lot on which I now reside.
Third: I hereby give the custody of my infant children during their minority, and while they remain unmarried, to my beloved wife, so long as she remains my widow; but if she shall die or marry again during the infancy of said children, then in that case, I commit their custody and tuition to my friend E.F., of said city and state.
Fourth: I give and bequeath all of the residue of my estate, real and personal, to my children, share and share alike, as tenants in common, to be paid to them as they respectively come of age. In case any one of my children shall die in my lifetime, leaving issue of descendants, I direct that his share shall not lapse, but shall be paid to such descendants, in equal proportions.
Fifth: I appoint my friend G.H. executor of this, my last will and testament, hereby revoking all former wills by me made.
In witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name this 1st day of ________, in the year of our Lord ________.
A.B.
We, whose names are hereunto subscribed, do hereby certify that A.B., the testator, subscribed his name to this instrument in our presence and in the presence of each of us, and declared at the same time in our presence and hearing that this instrument was his last will and testament, and we at his request, sign our names hereto in his presence as attesting witnesses.
L.M., of the city of ________
N.O., of the city of ________