Probate Records

The will of the late Dr. Ira N. Barnes was filed for probate Tuesday morning. The date set for hearing was Sept. 13.

According to the provisions of the will the personal property is divided equally between the widow and the son, Dr. Lynn M. Barnes.

The widow is bequeathed the home place, the pretty grounds at the northeast corner of College Hill during her life time. She is also given for life 320 acres of farm land in Piatt county, directly east of Decatur and the property at 349 West Eldorado street which is about a six room house on a double lot. The estate is valued at about $100,000.

To the son, Dr. Lynn Barnes, is given lots 6, 7 and part of lot 8 in block 1, J.F. Montgomery's addition to Decatur.

In case, however, the widow wishes to sell either the farm land or West Eldorado property, the signature of the son is necessary and the money derived therefrom is to be divided equally among the two.

The will of the late J. Edward Bering was filed for probate Monday morning. It was drawn up in 1902 by the late Judge Nelson. At that time Mrs. Bering made her will and the provisions in both wills are duplications. The estate of each isleft to the other surviving, but to held in trust and equally divided between three heirs. The heirs are the son and daughter, Wilson M. Bering and Mrs. Frank L. Evans, and the grandson, E.B. Hitchcock. Mr. Bering's will provides for an equal division between these three.

The estate consists pricipally of two residence properties, the family home at 421 West William street, where Mr. Bering lived at the time of his death with daughter, and the house at 457 West William street, where W.M. Bering and famiy live. No distribution is made of Mr. Bering's collection of minerals and scientific instruments, and the heirs have not decided what will be done with these. The will nominates Wilson M. Bering as executor.

The last will of the late Reuben Betzer was filed for probate in the county court Saturday afternoon, and placed on record. The deceased was the owner of a well improved farm of 325 acres in Whitmore township and the homestead property in Decatur at the corner of East William and Jackson streets; also a large amount of personal property. The farm is valued at over $30,000. The will was drawn up in August, 1894, and was witnessed by L.H. Mills and Elizabeth Putnam.

Item first provides the the payment of all just debts and funeral expenses.
Item two provides for the erection of a suitable monument, the cost of which shall not exceed $3,000.
To the wife, Sarah Betzer, is bequesthed all the personal property except his cane, watch and chain. Also the income from the real estate during her natural life.
At the death of the widow the executor is directed to dispose of the estate, the proceeds of which is to comprise the residuary estate, from which the following bequests are to be paid:
To the First Presbyterian church of Decatur $1,000.
To the Cumberland Presbyterian church of Decatur $1,000
To the Lincoln University of Lincoln, Ill., $1,000.
To the Young Men's Christian Association of Decatur $2,000, to be used for the erection of a permanent building for the association, provided that the association shall within one year from the death of the widow raise an equal amount for that purpose. Otherwise the money shall be added to the library fund, hereafter mentioned.
To the Cumberland Presbyterian church of North Fork $1,000, provided that once each year a sermon shall be preached at said church on or before June 1 on the mercy and goodness of Christ to the world, said sermon to be known as "The Betzer Sermon."
To the Cumberland Presbyterian church of Blue Mound, $500 on the same conditions.
To Effie A. Imboden, of Decatur, $2000.
To Maria Spillman, of Decatur, $2000.
To Emma Reed, daughter of the late Dr. F. May, $2000.
To Reuben, son of Harvey Betzer, of Ross county, Ohio, $200.
To Byron, son of Harvey Betzer, $200.
To Reuben B. Evans, of Independence, Ind., $200 and testator's watch and chain, the latter to be delivered at once.
To the trustees of Greenwood cemetery $200 to be put at interest. Half the interest is to be paid annually for keeping the burial lot in repair and the other half is to be retained by the treasurer for his trouble.
To Mrs. Mary McDowell of Eskridge, Kansas; Gertrude Clauharty of Eskridge, Kansas, Emma Hall of White, Kansas; Daniel Betzer, Mrs. Maggie Good, Mrs. Maggie Blackstone, and Sarah Wilbur, $700 each.
To Minnie Evans of Attica, Ind., $500.
In case of the death of any of the foregoing legatees before they receive the bequests their share shall become a part of the residuary estate.
If, after the payment of the foregoing bequests, there is anything left, it goes to the Decatur Y.M.C.A., to be used for the establishment of a library to be known as the "Betzer Library."
It is provided that any legatee who attempts to contest the will shall forfeit his or her share, and it shall go to the Y.M.C.A.
Frank C. Betzer is named as executor of the will, and testator requests him to employ his friend, Andrew H. Mills, to conduct all legal business connected with the execution of the will.

The probate records for my g-g-grandfather, Asa Crossman (Crosman) in Cayuga Co. NY list three sons (Rufus, Harrison, and Squire) living in Forsythe, Macon Co. Ill. I have posted the will on the Cayuga Co. NY site. I have also posted the wills of Lemuel Crossman (Asa's father) on the Onondaga Co. NY web site and the will of Ebenezer Andrews (Asa Crossman's grandfather) on the Columbia Co. NY site.

To-day a petition was filed in the county court in the estate of the late Dr. Ira B. Curtis. It is the application of Otto E. Curtis and Frank Curtis, sons of the deceased, for letters of administration. The estate consists chiefly of the Hotel Brunswick property, corner of South Water and Wood streets, residence property at the corner of West William and Edward streets, a half interest in the business house of Otto E. Curtis & Bro., and personal property with cash valued at $8,000. The entire estate is estimated to be worth from $40,000 to $50,000. Dr. Curtis did not leave a will.

In the county court Saturday Theodore Wise was appointed administrator of the estate of John F. Delbridge. The property is estimated to be worth $8,000.

In the county court Wednesday Fayette Dickinson filed for probate the will of Henry Dickinson. The property amounts of $1200 real estate and $300 personal. Fayette Dickinson is named as executor.

The will of Dr. G.W. Drury was filed for probate Monday and the hearing is set for Sept. 9. The entire estate, including $1000 life insurance in the Modern Woodsmen, is left to the widow, Daisy M. Drury, in fee simple, and she is named as executrix without bond.

NOTE: Daisy M. Drury died before the end of 1908 as her will was filed for probate on 24 Dec 1908. John A. Bixler was appointed executor of the will and posted bond of $2000. George W. Drury and wife, Daisy M. Bixler had no known children.

We do hereby certify that the following described land belonging to the estate of Henry Florey, Dec'd of Macon County, IL. together with the title held and from whom purchased are as full and perfect as we are able to give at this time and in conformity with the requirements of the existing law, to wit:

The East half of the South East Quarter of Section North 14 in township numbered 16 North of Range 4 East in the district of lands subject to sale at Vandalia, IL. and eighty acres held by patent from the President of the United States bearing date the first day of October A.D. 1833.

Also the West half of the Southwest quarter of Section numbered 13 in the Township numbered 16 North of Range 2 East in the district of the lands subject to sale in Vandalia, IL., containing eighty acres held by patent from the President of the United States bearing the date of first of October 1833 A.D.

Also the Southwest quarter of the Northwest quarter of Section numbered 24 in Township 16 North of the baseline in Range 2 East of the Third principal meridian line, containing 40 acres held by certificate from William LINN, receiver at Vandalia, bearing the date of the fourth day of April A.D. 1835.

Boys to reach age of 21, girls to reach 18 before guardian is dismissed.
Bond: $2,400
Surities: Maria Florey, John Finley and Albert G. Snyder
Inventory of notes due the estate, 1-Sept-1835:
Jonathan Florey, David H. Florey

The will of Joseph Gabriel, filed in the county court, gives his two sons Richard J. and Wm. James, all his real estate, comprising 160 acres in section 1 of Macon township. The will provides that they shall pay a rent to $1.50 per acre, to their mother, give $500 to their sister Mary, in two years, $500 to their brother Frank in 4 years, and $1000 to their sister Emmaretta in seven years. In consideration of the income and personal property willed to the mother, she is to support all the children except the two sons, who received the land.

Judge Nelson in the county court last evening, after further hearing in the David Garver will case, decided that the last will of the deceased, presented by his daughter, Mrs. Annie Diehl, would be admitted to probate, as it is the only will in existence bearing the signature of the testator. This will provides that each of the children shall receive an equal share of the estate which is valued at about $90,000. Judge Nelson will name the administrator in the case at the session of the court on Monday.

Eight Divisions of the Familiy Have Claims on the $80,000 Estate - Attorneys in the Case

David Garver, one of the oldest residents of Macon county, died Sept. 20, 1891, leaving an estate valued at about $80,000, and many heirs, among whom are Abraham M. Garver, Catherine M. Schoch, Andrew Garver (now dead), Barbara Gannen, David M. Garver, Felix M. Garver, Anna Deihl, all children of the deceased, Sarah Carr, Filmore Garver, Taylor Garver, Rosa Garver, William Garver, Nora Garver and Richard Garver, all grand children and all heirs of Solomon M. Garver, deceased. All interest of Andrew Garver, is assigned to Eliza J. Garver, his wife.

David Garver left a will, which was executed August 19, 1890, which was probated November 3, 1891, and J.R. Gorin was appointed administrator with the will annexed. By the terms of the will all the estate, both real and personal, passed to the children of the deceased and to the heirs of his son Solomon, share and share alike; that is to say, each of the children of David Garver, took one-eighth part, and the heirs of Solomon Garver one-eighth part jointly, all shares being subject to certain advancements or to certain notes held against said heirs respectively.

In due time the estate became tied up in the circuit court in an action originally brought by Abram Garver, et al vs. Felix Garver, and the whole matter was referred by Judge Vail to James J. Finn, master-in-chancery to submit a report. It has been a long and tedious task to get the facts and make the report. Mills Bros. and I.A. Buckingham, appeared for the complainants in the hearing; Bunn & Park, for Abram Garver; Crea, Ewing & Walker, for D.M. Garver; W.C. Johns, for F.M. Gaver, and W.C. Outten, for Andministrator Gorin and a minor heir, Richard Garver.

In his report which is now ready for presentation in the circuit court next Monday, Master-in-Chancery Finn makes a statement in detail on which the court will pass. The findings as to advancements against each other he heirs are thus set forth in the report:

Abraham M. Garver, one-eighth interest - Charges on notes, dating from 1860 to June, 1891, all drawing interest ranging from 10 percent down to 6 percent, $4309.50. There are sixteen notes in this list.

Felix M. Garver, one-eighth interest - Charges on advancement, $7683. The master makes this comment: "The other items charged against said F.M. Garver in said book of advancements I find were not valid charges against him at the time of making said charges, and all are without equity as charges against his interest in the property described in said bill."

Heirs of Solomon M. Garver are undivided one fifty-sixth interest - Charges as advancement, $1,000; on note, $3,225 ($1500 pad back) and $240 on note to Sarah E. Carr, one of the heirs, ($16 paid back) making a total charge, less credits, $2949.

Andrew M. Garver, one-eighth interest - charges on advancement of $1000, and notes aggregating $1909.04; total, $2909.04; credits on notes, $465.25. Total charges, $2443.79.

Barbara Gannon, one-eighth interest - Charges as advancement $1000; on notes, $1925. Total charges, $2923.

Anna Diehl, one-eighth interest - Charges, as advancement, $1000; on note, $2000 in 1886 at 6 percent; credit of $2000 May 1, 1890.

David M. Garver, one-eighth interest - Charges $1000 advancement, on note, and $1400, and balance due on accounts $6460.31; total, $8860.31.

In closing his report Mr. Finn adds: "I would further report that all other material allegations of complainants vill, except herein otherwise stated are true as therein set forth; that the equities are with the complainants, and they are entitled to partition of said real estate as therein prayed."

In the county court yesterday the will of the late D.M. Garver was admitted to probate. The instrument was drawn by Garver himself in 1898 and provides that his wife shall have one third of the real estate or its value as she may elect, the balance to be equally divided between two of his sons, Walter and Harvey Garver. The instrument likewise provides that if from any cause whatever Joseph Garver, also a son, should be rendered incapable of earning his own living, the other sons shall contribute to his support. A part of that provision declares that if at the time that Joseph needs assistance, Walter and Harvey Garver still have of their father's estate property sufficient to insure them an income of $12 per month, then they shall each contribute to the support of Joseph Garver the sum of $4 per month. If their income from their share of their father's estate is less than the sum mentioned, then they shall contribute to the support of their brother in proportion to their income.

Walter Garver and his mother, Mary J. Garver are named as Executors of the instrument and are empowered to sell any part of the estate as in their judgment may seem best. The petition for probate says the estate consists of farm and city, and personal property, but does not estimate its value.

A large crowd attended the auction sale of the estate of the late David W. Garver at the court house Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock. It was one of the largest sales in point of attedance and one of the most successful sales held in the city for a long time. The sale was conducted by the executor, Robert A. Garver, according to the last will of David W. Garver. The attorney for the heirs, Clement C. Walters, auctioneered the sale. The estate consisted of 218.71 acres of farm and timber land in Whitmore township. The total receipts of the sale were $16,321.42, making an average of average of $74.62 an acre for the timber land and all.

David Good bought a forty acre tract for $101 and acre. This is also good farm land.

Taylor and William Frankling Rhodes bought an eighty acre tract of land for $61 an acre. part of this is poor timber land, but a house is also included in this purchase and it is considered a bargain of the day.

Henry Lichtenberger bought a twenty acre tract of poor timber land for $35.50 an acre.

Jesse Garver bought a twenty acre tract for $35.50 an acre. This is timber land.

The beneficiaries of the sale are Jesse and Robert Garver, Mrs. Angelesta Barnett, all of this county; Mrs. Ellen Ruddock of Piatt county, Mrs. Edith Shutter of Macon county, Mrs. Alice Phillips of Christian county and Mrs. Mary Lichtenberger of this county.

In the county court Tuesday Robert A. Garver was appointed administrator of the estate of the late Mary A. Garver and gave bond in the sum of $1000 with the United States Fidelity and Guarantee company as surety.

The will of Joseph R. Grady, deceased, was probated in the county court Wednesday afternoon. By the terms of the will the entire estate is left to the widow during her life time, and at her death it is to be dicided equally among the children.

Should any of the children die before the death of the mother, the share of the dead children will go to their children.

The personal estate is valued at $2,000, and there is also considerable real estate, the value of which is not known. Hiram R. Grady was named as executor of the will and filed his bond in the sum of $4,000, with George R. Farran, Robert B. Mayall and Louis C. Grady as sureties.

The undersigned having been appointed Administrator of the estate of Guy Helm, late of the county of Macon and state of Illinois, deceased, hereby gives notice that he will appear before the County Court of Macon county, at the court house in Decatur, at the April term, on the first Monday in April next, at which time all persons having claims against said estate are notified and requested to attend for the purpose of having the same adjusted. All persons indebted to said estate are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned.

Dated this 15th day of February, 1888 by MARTIN V. HELM, Administrator of the estate of Guy Helm.

The will of Martha C. Jimison was admitted to probate yesterday. The estate consists of houses and lots in Decatur which with the personal property is valued at $4,000. The will was executed Nov. 28, 1895, and witnessed by W.T. Cussins and J.W. Clugston. The will leaves $100 each to the grand children, Martha E. Jimison, William Jimison and Rose M. Jimison, and to Martha C. Ground. To the daughter, Jennie C. Inlow is left $5. All the remainder of the estate is to be converted into cash by the executor and divided equally between the children, Maria Grounds, Wesley H., Homer A., William H., and Harry L. Jimison. Peter R. Grounds is named as the executor and letters testamentary were issued to him on filing bond in the sum of $8,000.

Petition to Probate Will - State of Illinois, Macon Co., ss, County court of Macon county, May term 1904. In the matter of the probate of the last will and testament of William Murray, deceased, in probate.

Notice is hereby given that on the 26th day of May AD 1904, a petition was filed in the county court of Macon county, Illinois, asking that the last will and testament of William Murray, deceased, be admitted to probate. The same petition further states that the following named persons are all the heirs at law towit:

You are further notified that the hearing of the proof of said will has been set by said court for the 25th day of June, AD 1904 at the hour of nine o'clock in the forenoon at the court house in Decatur in said county when and where you can appear, if you see fit, and show just cause, if any you have, why said will should not be admitted to probate.

The will of the late William Murray was admitted to probate in the county court Saturday. The will disposes of a large estate. Mr. Murray resided in this county, but died at Effingham about four weeks ago and his body was brought to this city for burial. Mr. Murray was at one time a very rich man and owned a good deal of land. He had sold some of his land, however, and portions of his estate had been divided among his children. In the petition for letters testimentary it is stated that personal property is valued at $13,000. There is no statement as to the amount of real estate.

The will provides that $250 in money shall be given to each of three stepchildren, Rosa Mary Hanthorn, Mary J. Gibbons and Mollie Gibbons. The sum of $500 is to be given to the wife Elizabeth. What further bequest is made to the widow is not mentioned. The will simply refers to a contract between the husband and wife regarding the estate and the contract is not part of the records. It was drawn up some years ago and is in the hands of an attorney.

The testator in his will states that he has given to one son, Charles E. Murray, land and other property equal to his share in the estate and so nothing is left to that son. The rest of the property is to be divided between the other children, Henry T. and WIlliam C. Murray, John J. Murray and Anna Donovan share and share alike. Some bequests of personal effects are made. William C. Murray is named as executor of the estate and gave bond in the sum of $26,000 with O.B. Gorin and J.M. Brownback as sureties.

Widow Given Only $500 Because of An Agreement Made to Live Separately Some Years Ago

In the will of the late William Murray which was admitted to probate in the county court Saturday there is a clause giving the widow Elizabeth Murray, $500. Nothing else is left to the widow except that reference is made to a contract which is in the hands of an attorney. It is understood that this contract is one which was made by the husband and wife several years ago and whereby they agree to live separately and the wife in consideration of a sum of money which was paid her relinquishes all right to the estate of her husband. The widow and the deceased were both married twice. The children of the widow were remembered in the will by a gift of $250 each. She was Mr. Murray's second wife.

The will of Mrs. Mary Sawyer Packard was offered for probate in the Macon county court this morning. The hearing is set for Sept. 22. The estimated value of the estate of Mrs. Packard is $143,000. The will provides for a number of charitable bequests, and after these the rest of the estate goes to relatives the greater part going to Mrs. Robert I. Hunt.

The bequests for charity are as follows-

Preachers' Aid Society of the Illinois conference.......$5,000
Woman's Foreign Missionary society First M.E. church.... 1,000
Woman's Home Missionary society......................... 500
Sunday school of the First M.E. church of Decatur....... 500
Young Women's Christian association, Decatur, Ill....... 1,000
Decatur and Macon County Hospital, Decatur, Ill......... 2,000
Two bequests to worthy and needy persons, $750 and $500. 1,250
...............................................Total...$11,250

There are also cancelled by the will unpaid portions of certain notes for money advanced to persons named in the will. It is stipulated in the will that the bequest to the Decatur & Macon County hospital shall be used to endow a room which shall be known as the Packard room.

The real estate described in the bequest to Mrs. Hunt is the north half of the southeast quarter, and the southwest quarter of the southeast quarter, and the southwest quarter of section 15, also the northwest quarter of section 22, all in township 15, range 3 east.

This land goes to her during he life time and to her children at her death. When each of her children reaches the age of twenty-one years she is to pay him or her $250, and the same amount on each succeeding birthday anniversary during her life.

All the rest of the estate is left in trust to Robert I. Hunt and A.H. Mills and except for such items not otherwise disposed of by the will it is all to to be sold and from the proceeds Mr. and Mrs. Hunt each are to receive $1000, and is above legacies are to be paid.

The brothers named in the will are John Sawyer of Forsyth, William Sawyer of Decatur township, Orlando Sawyer of Lovington, Mrs. G.P. Butler of Forsyth is the sister, Mrs. Robert I. Hunt is a niece and foster daughter of Mrs. Packard, the daughter of Orlando Sawyer of Lovington.

It is stated in this connection that the late Silas Packard, husband of Mrs. Mary Sawyer Packard, gave nothing to charity when he died, but left the entire estate to Mrs. Packard, saying that she should do what she pleased with it when she was through with it.

The household goods and personal belongings are distributed among relatives and friends. The will is long, containing fifty-eight items and covering ten pages of type written legal cap. It is dated July 10, 1913.

The will of Henry Pistorius, disposing of an estate valued at $300,000 or more, was filed for probate Thursday, and the hearing is set for Feb. 1.

All the personal estate is left to the widow, Sophia Pistorius, and she is given the use of the real estate during her lifetime. At her death the real estate is to be converted into cash and divided into seven equal shares, one share of which goes to each of the following children: Amelia Pistorius, Alvin W. Pistorius, Bertha Pistorius, Ada Pistorius, Edna Pistorius and Lennie Pistorius.

The remaining one-seventh is to be held in trust by Alvin W. Pistorius. One-half of it he is to pay the children of the daughter, Lydia Eaton, when they shall reach the age of 25 years, respectively, and the other hald to be held in trust during the life of Lydia Eaton, and in case she shall become a widow he shall pay to her the annual income from the same, or if in his opinion she is in need of more than the income he shall pay her such portion of the pricincipal as he deems best. If any of her share is left at her death it shall be paid to her children. Sophia Pistorius and Alvin W. Pistorius are named as executors.

The last will and testament of the late Mrs. Amanda J. Prather, widow of Hon. Henry Prather, was probated in the county court on the 28th inst., and was placed upon the will record to-day by Deputy County Clerk Cal. Waggoner. Mr. L. Burrows is the executor and trustee. He has given bond in the sum of $25,000. The will was signed by Mrs. Prather on the 8th day of March, 1880. The witnesses were Mr. L.L. Burrows and Mr. H.A. Wood.

Mrs. Prather's estate is valued at about $20,000. There are twenty items in the will. Ther personal effects of the deceased are willed to Belle Vennigerholz, Emma Rurode, Robert Oglesby, Vilette Brandau, Olive Oglesby, Belle Burrows, Jane McClellan and Willam M. Boyd.

Item 11th bequeaths to L. Burrows in trust $3000, the interest on $1000 of which amount is to be paid to the grandniece of the deceased, Belle Peddecord Vennigerholz, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J.H. Vennigerholz, and when she shall arrive at the age of 18 years, the $1000 and accumulated interest shall be paid to her, to be her absolute property forever. In case the grand-niece should ide before she is eighteen, the principal and profits shall be given to Mrs. Belle Vennigerholz, the mother.

The net income of the other $2000 shall be paid annually to the deceased's grand-niece, Emma Prather Rurode, daughter of Mrs. Emma Rurode, of Ft. Wayne, Ind., until she is 18, when the principal and interest shall be paid to her as her absolute property, but in case she should die, the whole amount shall be paid to the beneficiary's mother.

To St. John's Episcopal Church is bequeathed $1000, to be held in perpetual trust, the interest to be applied to the payment of the salaries of ministers in actual charge at said church.

The interest on $2000 is ordered to be paid to Olive Oglesby, niece of the deceased until she is 21 years of age, when the principal shall be paid to her as her absolute property.

To Robert Ogelsby, hephew of the deceased, is bequeathed $4000 in money and the brick store on the southwest corner of East Main and Water streets, valued at $10,000, and occupied by Close, Griswold & Co. as a hardware store. One hundred dollars of the net income of said store-house is to be paid annually to Olive Oglesby (provided she remains unmarried) until Robert Oglesby is 25 years of age. So much of the remainder of the net income of all the estate referred to, as is necessary, shall be applied to the support and education of the nephew, Robert Oglesby, and it is the expressed desire of the testatrix that he shall receive a full collegiate course of instruction. Any portion of the income not required for the purposed named, shall be added to and become a protion of the principal estate as before stated. When Robert Oglesby is 21 years of age the trustee is ordered to pay him $2000 of the $4000, and if the trustee shall consider it to be to the best interest of the beneficiary to have the whole or any portion of the residue of said principal sum before he arrives at the age of 25 years, he is authorized to pay it. When Robert Oglesby is 25 years of age the trustee is directed to convey to him the Close, Griswold & Co. store-house and premises, and pay him all money then remaining in his hands. In case the trustee should die before the beneficiary is 25, or at any time previously, then all the property shall be transferred to Robert Oglesby. After the beneficiary has received full possession of the property, it is the will and desire of the testatrix that he pay to Olive Ogelsby an annuity of $100 so long as she shall remain unmarried. In the event of the death of the beneficiary, the testatrix directs that one-third shall go to his widow, and two-thirds to his children, subject to the $100 annuity to be paid Olive Oglesby. In case the beneficiary should die without issue, one-third of the property shall go to his widow, one-half to Olive Oglesby, and one-sixth to the testatrix' grand-nieces, Belle Peddecord Vennigerholz and Emma Prather, Rurode, and her nephews, James A. Wilson and Richard G. Peddecord, in equal parts to each. If Robert should die, leaving no widow or children, then one-half of said estate remaining shall go to Olive Oglesby, and one-half to Belle Peddecord Vennigerholz, Emma Prather Rurode, James A. Wilson and Richard G. Peddecord; the $100 annuity to Olive Oglesby to cease in case of the death of her brother.

The testatrix directs that the remainder of her estate be divided among her grand nieces and nephews above named.

The will of Lucinda R. Perdue was admitted to probate in the county court Thursday. The will provided that after the funeral expenses are paid all of the estate shall be divided equally among the following children: Daniel K. Pound, Miriam Pound, Larkin W. Widick, Aaron K. Widick, Samaria A. Purdue, Robert F. Purdue and Anna C. Cox. The will was made March 29, 1900.

Mrs. Purdue during her life time held some real estate which was left her by her husband, Joshua Purdue, of Wheatland township, who died four or five years ago. He left 125 acres of land and considerable personal property in the way of farm implements, stock and like things. His will provided that the personal property should go to his widow without conditions and that she should have the use of the real property during her lifetime. The will further provided that when she might die the real property should go to his children.

Joshua Purdue had been married once before, and had eight children by his first wife. He had three children by his second wife so that there were eleven Purdue children.

Mrs. Purdue, on the other hand, had been married twice before, first to a man named Pound, and then to one named Widick. She had two children by Pound and two by Widick and three by Purdue, seven in all.

Now her will provides that her property which it is said consists of about $350 of Black Hawk war pension money and the personal property left to her by Joshua Purdue, shall be divided equally among her children.

In this way her children by Purdue get a share of Mrs. Purdue's money and also a share of the real estate of Purdue,while the other children of Mrs. Purdue get only a share of her personal property. The other children of Purdue who are not children of Mrs. Purdue get only a share in the real estate.

William Purdue, a son of Joshua Purdue, married Miriam Pound, one of the daughters of Lucinda Purdue.

Alice Purude is out of the division because according to her father's will she was left an allowance to take dare of her mother. Lawrence Purdue had a settlement with his father before the latter's death.

The three children of Joshua and Lucinda Purdue will get about $1,500 from the real estate and personal estate division but the others will not get so much.

The undersigned having been appointed executors of the last will and testament of Lucinda R. Purdue, late of the county of Macon and State of Illinois, deceased, hereby give notice that they will appear before the county court of Macon county, at the court house in Decatur, at the May term, on the first Monday in May nexr, at which time all persons having claims against the estate are notified and requested to attend for the purpose of having the same adjusted. All persons indebted to said estate are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned.

Dated this 7th day of March, 1903, Daniel K. Pound, Larkin W. Widick, Esecutors.

Attorney W.C. Outten reported this morning that he expects to get ready to file the will of the late John R. Race today. He will make the request that the contents of the will be kept from the public until it is probated. However it is understood in a general way that the estate of Mr. Race is left in partial trust. The proceeds of the estate will go to the children of Mr. Race.

Some have placed an estimate of $400,000 as the value of the Race estate. Some who are in a postition to be quite well acquainted with the property give it as their opinion that that figure is too high. It seems that $350,000 is as much as the estate will inventory. Mr. Race had considerable land in Kansas, 2,800 to 3,000 acres. No one here cares to place a value on that land, but it is reasonably good Kansas property.

In Decatur Mr. Race owned valuable North Water street property. He had the building at 129 North Water, now vacant, the Wallins store in the same block, the store where Folrath & Folrath have their shoe store, the home place at the northeast corner of Water and North, one house and lot at 149 E. Marietta. He owned two farms east of Decatur, totalling 460 acres and 280 acres of land near Naples.

It is reported that W.A. Phares of the National Bank of Decatur and Frank Elwood of the Elwood-Handlin Clothing Co., are named as executors and trustees.

The will of J.R. Race was probated Tuesday. After making his will Mr. Race, as he explained in a codicil, expended considerable money, so that there was "not in my estate such an amount of money or immediate convertible aspects as would enable my executors to pay all the bequests, indebtedness and costs of administration as I would like, and as I desire to make some other slight changes and modifications in said will, I therefore make, execute and declare the following as the first codicil to said will, to be taken herewith:"

This codicil provides that instead of the bequests being paid immediately to the three children, Arthur C. Race, Ella Race and Edith Race Vance, the executors, William A. Phares and Frank Elwood, shall hold possession and control thereof, together with all other property of the estate, until such time as they can, out of the rents, issues and profits of the real estate, and out of such personal property as testator may leave, pay all legacies and bequests made in the will, together with all the debts and liabilities and necessary costs and expenses of administration up to that date, including the amount to be paid to the widow; but during the period they shall retain possession of the premises they shall pay to each of the children mentioned the sum of $100 a month, payable monthly out of any funds received by them during that period.

After the executors and trustees have complied with the provisions above set out they shall turn over to the three children the possession, charge and control of the several premises and properties devised to them, respectively.

The compensation of William A. Phares is fixed at $500 per annum and that of Frank Elwood at $466.66 annually, they to have charge of the property, renting, managing, controlling it, etc. The compensation of Mr. Phares is made more than that of Mr. Elwood for the reason that the greater part of the work will be done by him.

Mr. Race having already advanced $1000 to Wid S. Baker, a nephew, the will reduces his bequest from $2000 to $1000, but he is also to be paid $50 a month during the remainder of his life, this sum monthly to be paid from the income of the property devised to the son, A.C. Race. The codicil is dated July 22, 1910. All the other provisions of the will as originally written are to be carried out.

To the niece, Mary McCullough, daughter of the (then) present wife, is left $1000 and $1000 each to the nephews Cooken Bishop and Lewis Biship, and the niece, Matilda Segrest. To the nephew, Will Race, Jr., and nieces, Dora Race, Effie Race, Love Race and Corrine Race, each $1000. To the granddaughter, Margaret Virginia Vance, $1500.

To St. John's Episcopal church, $500 to be kept in perpetual fund, interest from which is to be used annually for church purposes.

To the son, Arthur C. Race, during his lifetime, lots 10, 11 and 26, assessor's resurvey of lots 1, 2, 3, 4, and 8, block 2, original town of Decatur; also the property known as 129 North Water street and a small strip adjoining. This is the property known as the "Race building" in the 100 block of Water street. At the death of the son, Arthur C. Race, the property goes to his heirs of his body and if he has no such heirs, then to the heirs of J.R. Race. To Arthur Race is also left section 19 of the south half of section 20 in township 23, range 10 east, also section 22 in township 23, range 10 east, all in Greenwood county, Kansas, during his lifetime and at his death the same as provided above.

To Ella Race, the daughter, and her heirs, is left the property known as 151 North Water street and a small strip of ground in the rear. To Edith Race Vance is left the property at 211 North Water, part of which is now occupied by the Folrath shoe store. The executors are to have the household goods, furnishings, articles of jewelry listed and the children and the children(sic) and the widow may examine the list and decide what articles they do not wish to have sold. Then the articles reported in this list will be divided up into four shares of equal value, the share will be numbered and they will be drawn by the fouh(?), the widow and children.

All the other property is to be sold and the proceeds divided equally among the children and the widow.

All the balance of the estate is given to William A. Phares and Frank Elwood, executors and trustees, to be disposed of at public or private sale as they may deem best. From the proceeds of this sale they are to pay all legacies, bequests, debts and cost of administration, and also pay to the widow, Virginia Race, $10,000. Of this amount $2000 is to be paid within ninety days after the death of J.R. Race, $3000 within one year, $2500 within two years and $2500 within three years. Deferred payments are to draw 5 percent interest.

All the property not bequeathed is to be sold and reduced to money or securities within three years after the death of J.R. Race. After the payments above are provided for the remainder of the proceeds of the trust estate is to be divided equally between the daughters, Ella Race and Edith Race Vaughn, or if they so desire they can retain any real estate and hold it in common between them.

In case where porperty is bequeathed to a child and the heirs of such child if any such child dies leaving no heirs or his or her body, then the property so devised rests in the surviving children in fee simple. If any of the heirs object to this will or try to break it he will forfeit all his rights under the will. This will is dated Oct. 21, 1909.

The last will and testament of the late Benjamin Sawyer was opened and read at 10:30 a.m. to-day, at the residence of Dr. W.A. Barnes, on North Main street, in the presence of relatives only. The property is bequeathed to relatives of deceased residing in this city and Pennsylvania. The interest of a small sum was settled upon a invalid relative living in Pennsylvania. Deceased appointed Albert Barnes and Wm. Sawyer, son of Mr. John Sawyer, as executors of his estate, and in all probability the will will be admitted to probate at the next regular term of the Probate Court, which opens on Monday, Nov. 18th. This information, which is perfectly reliable, will put an end to the wild speculations of gossiping people.

The will of Lydia Sollars, named S.R. Sher as executor and gave all of the household goods to the daughter, laura Ward and $100 to the granddaughter, Mabel Ward. The real estate consists of lot 2 in block 1 in Steven's addition to Decatur and lot 10 and 11 in block 1 in Martin Forstmeyer's addition to Decatur, except 40 feet off of the west end of lot 11. This property is to be sold and the proceeds equally divided among the children of the testatrix or is any be dead, their children shall receive that share.

A house and lot belonging to the estate of the late Lydia M. Sollars was sold Saturday at the court house by the executor, S.R. Sher. The lot is at 626 Forest avenue and has on it a three room house. It was sold for $957.

EXECUTOR'S NOTICE OF FINAL SETTLEMENT - State of Illinois, county of Macon, ss. Estate of Lydia M. Sollars, Deceased.

To the heirs at law of Lydia M. Sollard, distribultees under the will and all persons interested in said estate. You will take notice that one the 31st day of March, A.D. 1903, the undersigned as executor of the last will and testament of Lydia M. Sollars, deceased, filed his final account of his acts and doings as the executor of said estate in the county court of said county and will upon the 1st day of the May term, A.D. 1903, of said court, ask that said report be confirmed and that he be hence discharged from further liability in said matter, when and where you may appear and resist such application if you see proper. SAMUEL R. SHER, Executor of the last will and testament of Lydia M. Sollars, deceased.

The will of Conrad Stork of Stonington was filed Thursday for probate. It disposes of $16,000 worth of personal property and $3,000 in real estate. The entire estate is left to the widow, Mary Eva Stork, during her natural life. Upon her death whatever personal property is left and all the real estate is to be divided equally among the children.

Will of the late Horatio M. Strever, of Argenta, was placed on file for ptobate in county court Thursday. The property is bequeathed to children and a grandson. The children are Barney Strever, George Strever, Rolland Strever and Irvie Gray of Argenta, and Margaret Shewmaker, Alta Allen and Charles Strever, Decatur. The grandson is Robert Luckenbill of Decatur.

Notice is hereby given, that the undersigned Administrator of the estate of Robert S. Traughbor, deceased, late of Macon county, Illinois will attend before the second court of said county, in December on the third Monday in July for the purpose of settling and adjusting all claims against the estate of said deceased, when and where all persons holding claims against said deceased, are requested to present the name for adjustment. All those indebted to said estate, are requested to make immediate payment.

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