The Will of
Stephen Harding



In the name of God, amen, I, Stephen Harding, of the township of Exeter, County of Luzerne, state of Pennsylvania, farmer, being very sick and weak in body but of sound mind memory and understanding blessed be God for the same, Do make and publish this my last will and testament in manner and form following to wit wit, Principally and first of all I commend my immortal soul into the hands of God who gave it and my body to the earth to be buried in a decent and christianlike manner, and as to such worldly estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me with in this life, I give and dispose of the same in the following manner to it.

Firstly, It is my will and I do order that all my just debts and funeral expenses be duly paid and satisfyed as soon as conveniently can be after my descease, I give and bequeath unto by beloved wife Jain Harding the one third of all personal estate and the use of one third of all my real estate, together with the dwelling house and the use of one half of the barn during her natural life, and I also give and bequeath unto my son David Harding, and to my daughters Hannnah Tuttle, Jermiahn Harding, and Anna Montanye, two thirds of my real estate and personal estate and I direct my son David Harding and Daughters Hannah Tuttle, Jemima Harding, and Anna Montanye due pay or cause to be paid unto the children of my said deceased daughter Hannah Roberts one hundred thirty dollars. I also direct that my son David and daughters Hannah, Jemima and Anna pay or cause to be paid unto the children of my deceased daughter Prudence Townsend one hundred dollars, I also order and direct that my son and daughters above mentioned do pay or cause to be paid to the daughter of my deceased daughter Liddia Smith sixty dollars, all which all which sums shall be paid at the decease of my wife and as to the one third of my real estate reserved for the use of my wife during her natural life I give and bequeath to my son David Harding to be at his disposal after the decease of my said wife,

And lastly I nominate constitute and appoint my said wife Jain Harding and my brother Elisha Harding to be the executors of this my will, hereby revoking all other wills, legacies and bequests by me heretofore made, and declaring this and no other to be my last will and testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal, Done at Exeter this twentieth day of July one thousand eight hundred and sixteen.

Stephen Harding seal

Signed sealed and delivered In presence of
John Harding
James Harding




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