Will of

Benjamin Harding

297 of 1899

 

I, Benjamin Harding of the City of Pittston Luzerne County Pennsylvania, do make and publish this my last Will and testament as follows.

 

Item.  I direct that all my just debts and funeral expenses be paid and discharged as soon as may be after my decease.

 

Item.  I direct that a suitable headstone be placed over my grave.

 

Item.  I give and bequeath to my Wife Five hundred ($500) dollars, and the house in which we now live together with all the furniture and other household Effects, and a monthly sum of thirty six ($36) dollars to be paid to her on the 20^th of each and every month, during her lifetime, provided however, that both house and furniture and household effects may be rented or sold by my Executors should they deem it to be for the best interest of my Estate, but not without the full and free consent of my Wife.

 

Item.  I direct that all taxes, insurance, water rent, and repairs on my estate be paid out of the income of my estate.

 

Item.  I give and bequeath to my son James Harding, the sum of $750.00.

 

Item.  I give and bequeath to my daughters Mary Jane and Florence Five hundred ($500) dollars each.

 

Item.  I give and bequeath to my only surviving sister the sum of Five hundred ($500) dollars, to be paid to her in One hundred Monthly installments of five dollars each.

 

These bequests are to be made out of the Life Insurance Money, which is as follows, One Policy of One thousand dollars in Connecticut Mutual, one policy of two thousand in Connecticut Mutual, Two thousand Dollars in the Knight of Honor, Total Five thousand Dollars.

 

What may remain after these bequest are made may be divided proportionally between James, Florence and Mary Jane.

 

The payment to my wife, the taxes, repairs and Insurance, will be paid from the income of the Estate, After these are paid the balance if any may be divided equally between my three children, James, Florence and Mary Jane, yearly in January.

 

But enough must be retained the Bank to guarantee the strict payment to my wife of her monthly stipend.

         

I appoint James Harding, Charles Memory and Edwin Fleming my executors.

 

This is made by me June 21^st 1899.

 

Benj Harding

June 23/99 Witness

William Drury

 

Date of Death 5^th July 1899 at 8:15 A.M.