WILL OF JOHN MITCHELL
8 March 1856
In the name of God, Amen, I John Mitchell of the town of Lisle, County of Broome and state of New York, being at this time of sound mind do make and declare this my last will and testament in manner and form following:
First, I resign my soul into the hands of Almighty God hoping and believing in a remission of my sins by the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ. And my body I commit to the earth to be buried at the discretion of my executors hereinafter named. And my worldly goods and estate I give and devise as follows:
First, I give and devise to Mary A., my beloved wife as a small token of my love and esteem for her kindness and devotion to me, more especially her untiring efforts to promote my comfort during this my last illness, the use of my house and lot in Lisle Village during her natural life and after her death, it is my will that it be sold by my executors and the avails of it be equally divided among my children, namely Almeda D. Church, Samuel Mitchell, Lovina W. Sly, John Mitchell, Jr., Jane A. M. Shaw, Nancy A. Goff, Asel W. Mitchell and Elizabeth Mitchell by themselves, their heirs or assigns to have and to hold forever.
Also having implicit confidence that she will use it judiciously and economically, I give and devise all the furniture and stock in the shop, my money, notes & accounts to Mary A., my wife, to be used for her support and in case any part should remain after her death, it is my will that it be equally divided among my children, Their heirs or assigns.
Also, I give and devise the use of all my personal property to Mary A., my wife, during her natural life with the following exceptions. Immediately after my death I wish Almeda D. Church to have all of my personal clothing, Samuel Mitchell my large family bible which originally belonged to Samuel Mitchell, my father, and all of my farming utensils such as chains, plows and drags, and John to have the pictures now hanging in the parlor & Asel Mitchell to have all my bench tools and mortise machine.
Also, as gifts of remembrance I would further will and devise that after the death of Mary A., my wife, the following articles be distributed among my children as follows. Almeda D. Church to have my dress bureau. Samuel Mitchell to have my copy of Shakespeare and four volumes of Harpers Magazine selected so as not to include Vols. Six and Seven. Lovina M. Sly a pair of mahogany tables. John Mitchell, Jr. a fall leaf center table. Jane A. M. Shaw my sofa. Nancy A. Goff a marble top center table. Asel W. Mitchell, Volumes Six and Seven of Harper's Magazine and Elizabeth Mitchell my gold watch and chain.
Also I would further will and devise that after the death of Mary A., my wife, that all my personal property not before mentioned as devised be equally distributed among my children, their heirs or assigns. It would be in accordance with my wishes if Mary A., my wife, should see fit to fulfill any of these bequests during her life time.
And lastly I hereby appoint Mary A. Mitchell, my beloved wife, and John Mitchell, Jr., my beloved son, as sole executors of this my last will & testament and revoking all former wills by me made. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the eighth day of March in the year of our Lord one eight hundred and fifty six.
(s) John Mitchell
The above instrument consisting of one sheet was now here subscribed by John Mitchell, the testator, in the presence of each of us and was at the same time declared by him to be his last will and testament. And we at his request sign our names hereto as attesting witnesses.
A. D. Freeman, Lisle, Broome County, NY
Wm. H. Stoddard, Lisle, Broome County, NY
D. K. Houtz, Etna, Tompkins County, NY
Submitted by Dorothy Shaw Gillette.
