AAFA Wills
WILL OF ASHLEY OWEN ALFORD

I Ashley O. Alford of Peru in the County of Clinton & State of New york this Sixth day of March one thousand eight hundred and forty seven do make and ordain this my last will and Testament. (viz) My boddy [sic] to be buried in a christian like manner at the discretion of my executors hereafter named -- -- --

And as touching my Estate wherewith I am blessed.

I dispose of as follows after my just debts and funeral charges are paid I give and bequeath to Elizabeth Alford my beloved wife all that -- certain piece or parcel of land lying and being in the Town of Peru in Clinton County and state of New york being a part of lot No. twenty-five (25) on Thorps Patent Bounded as follows (viz) Begining [sic] at the North east corner of said lot No. twenty five thence South on the east line of Said lot to Salmon River thence westerly along the center of said River as it winds and turns to the center of the road leading to Orman Alfords house. Thence Northardly [sic] along the center of said road to the Highway leading from Howland Ricketsons to Peasleeville thence a short distance East along said road to a stone wall runing [sic] North from said Peasleeville road and North along the said wall to the end of the Same thence west a few rods to Ransom Beidles Land thence North to the North line of said lot No. twenty five (25) thence East to the place of begining [sic] supposed to contain fifty acres of land. And it being the same farm that I now occupy and reside on together with all the heridetaments (?) and appertanances [sic] there unto belonging or in anny [sic] wise appertaining thereto. Also All of the grain crops and grass on the same. [Excepting and reserving a certain lot sold to Wesley J. Alford my son lying on the road leading to Orman Alfords, commencing about six rods north of said Salmon River the said piece of land is twenty rods North and south and four rods east and west.] (This sentence had been marked out.)

To have and to hold occupy and enjoy the first above described premises during her Natural life. And in case that the said Elizabeth my beloved wife should not expend and live out all of said estate during her life then and in that case the estate so left shall be divided among my children of which the said Elizabeth is there [sic] Mother in the following manner (viz) My son Ruel Alford to have one dollar. Also my son Clark Alford one dollar. Also my Grand Daughter Malinda Bert one dollar. Also my Grandson Alonzo Alford one dollar. Also my Daughter Clarrissa Alford (Now Clarrissa Wescott) Is to have one good cow and one eaqual [sic] third of the house hould [sic] furniture beding [sic] cr C (?)

My Grand son Ashly Bert is Also to have fifty dollars in clothing and other Nessicaries (?) of by as and when he shall need them after the death of my beloved wif [sic] Elizabeth.

The remainder of my estate if anny [sic] there should be is to be equaly [sic] divided among my five other children (viz) Rufus Alford, Ransom Alford, Wesley J. Alford, Elizabeth Alford (Now Elizabeth Mcculler), and Mary R. Alford (Now Mary R. Thompson). And be it expressly understood that the portion of property that I have above willed to Elizabeth Mcculler, and Mary R. Thompson is willed to them the said Elizabeth and the said Mary R., during there [sic] natural lives and then after there [sic] deaths to there [sic] heirs.

I give and bequeath All My personal property of whatsoever Name or Nature to my beloved wife Elizabeth Alford during her natural life and after her death it is to be divided among my five children (viz) Rufus, Ransom, Wesley J., Elizabeth, and Mary R., As the Real estate above mentioned is to be divided. And I hereby ordain and approve Ruel Alford and Rufus Alford my sons as the executors of this my last will and Testament, disallowing and revoking all other wills by me made.

In witness whereof I Thereunto set my hand and seal the day and year above written.

Ashley O. Alford Ashley O. (His cross) Alford

Signed, Sealed published pronounced & delivered to be his last will and Testament in presance of Samuel Morrison, Peru, Clinton County, State of New york

Anson Wescott, Peru, Clinton County, State of New york

The lines that are erased in this will on the 2 page begining [sic] about in the midle [sic] of the ninth line from the top and including five other lines were erased before the signing of this will.

Samuel Morrison

Anson Wescott

Filed with me by Ruel Alford this 21 Feb. 1849. S. Stetson

County of Clinton for .... named, that on Friday of the .... Of the last Will and Testament of Ashley O. Alford late of the town of Peru in said County deceased, (being the foregoing written instrument) was ... proved before Samuel Stetson, County Judge of said County, according to law as and for the last Will and Testament of the ....estate of the said deceased and which said Last Will and Testament and the proofs and examinations to ... testimony are recorded in this office.

In testimony whereof, the County Judge of said County hath hereunto set his hand and affixed the seal of office of surrogate of said County, this twentieth day of January in the year of our Lord ... eighteen hundred and fifty. S. Stetson