JAMES BUTLER

Written: 22 Jan 1839

Probated: 23 Feb 1839

Probate Box 182

My personal property to remain on the farm for the maintenance of my family during the life of my wife as long as she remains my widow

If any of my children, now single, should marry, they are to have advancements as I have given to my married children

If any of my daughters should marry a profligate, dissipated or uncertain character, or if any of the husbands of my now married daughters should become such characters, my executors to make a distribution to best serve my daughters and their children and not their husbands.

To the little boy whom I have raised known by the name of Charles Emery Butler, reputed to be the illegitimate child of my son Charles- a full share of my estate provided that he live with and dutifully serve my family until age 21; if my family should break up, he is to be under the control of my executors and have the privilege of an apprenticeship in any mechanical trade.

At my wife's death, property, both real and personal, to be sold and divided in equal shares, (taking into account advancements) among all my children including Charles Emery Butler; my son Charles Butler; son John H. Butler; daughter Nancy Ranard; son Thomas Butler; daughter Margaret Patterson; daughter Sarah Wood; daughter Elizabeth Butler; son William H. Butler; daughter Isabel C. Ranard; daughter Hannah Butler; daughter Mary E Butler.

Executor- son William H. Butler; son in law Joel Ranard

Witness- Amos D. Coffey; Ransom Hawley, Jesse Reneard