1841 Will - James Reeves
Introduction
Dated: 4 Feb 1841, New York City, New York County, New YorkProbated: 7 Jun 1841, New York County Surrogate's Court
Recorded: New York Will Book 83, p403
Transcript
In the name of God Amen. I James Reeves of the city of New York Butcher, do make and publish this my last will and testament, being of sound mind and understanding, in manner and form following that is to sayFirst I will order and direct that all my just debts shall be paid and discharged as soon after my decease as conveniently may be
Second It is my will that my beloved wife Catharine Reeves shall have the full possession of all my real and personal estate, with the exception of my Library, portable writing desk and family pictures as hereinafter mentioned, and the full and entire receipt, use and enjoyment of all the interest rents and income thereof during her natural life, and I order and direct my executor hereinafter named to pay over unto her such interest rents and income upon her mere acquittance and receipt, the same to be accepted and taken by her in lieu of all right or claim of dower on her part in or to my said estate
Third I give devise and bequeath all and singular my real and personal estate, of what nature or kind soever the same may be (excepting my household furniture, which I give to Catharine Denton after my wife's decease) unto my son James Reeves Junior, and to his heirs and assigns forever, to be by him and them owned possessed enjoyed and disposed of absolutely after my said wifes decease, subject however, to the payment and discharge by him or them of certain legacies hereinafter mentioned, and to the maintenance of my son Thomas Reeves, as is particularly hereinafter mentioned.
Fourth I give and bequeath unto my son William Reeves the sum of one thousand dollars, unto my daughter Elizabeth Crowell the sum of fifty cents, unto my daughter Mary Selmes the sum of one thousand dollars unto my daughter Sarah Selmes and Catharine Denton the sum of Seven hundred dollars and unto my sons John Reeves and Charles Reeves the sum of one thousand dollars each, should my said son Charles not pay or cause to be paid unto his brother James Reeves Junior the full amount of my debt which said Charles may owe unto him at the time of my decease, then the said legacy or as much as may be sufficient shall be appropriated to such payment - unto my daughter Martha Thomspon I give and bequeath the sum of one thousand dollars to be placed out at interest, during the life time of her husband and the interest paid to her and the principal to her on the death of her husband or to their children on his and her death.
Fifth It is my will that all the aforesaid legacies and each of them shall be and remain a lien or charge upon my real estate, until each and all of them shall be paid, which payments shall be made within one year after the decease of my said wife without interest.
Sixth It is my will that my son Thomas Reeves shall be nurtured sheltered and maintained during his natural life by his Brother James Reeves Junior and his heirs out of that part of my real estate situate on Jane and Troy streets in the city of New York and I here express my confidence that in view of his imbecility of mind the said James Reeve Junior and his heirs, will so nurture and maintain the said Thomas Reeves without subjecting him to the neglect of strangers.
Seventh I give and bequeath my library portable desk and the portraits of my wife and myself unto my said son James Reeves Junior and his heirs to be delivered over entire to him or them immediately after my decease
Eighth I nominate constitute and appoint my said son James Reeves Junior, sole executor of this my last will and testament, hereby revoking and making void all former and other wills codicils by me at any time heretofore made.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the fourth day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty one.
James Reeves (LS)
Signed Sealed published and declared by the said testator James Reeves, as and for his last will and testament in our presence, who at his request, in his presence and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as witnesses thereto with our respective addresses affixed.
James B Sheys corner of 12th street & University Place
Ebenezer Bell No 114 Greenwich Lane
Henry J. Bell No 114 Greenwich Lane