WILL of Simonds Fowler 1866

September 15, 1866

In the name of God, Amen.
I Simonds Fowler of Epsom in the County of Merrimack and Stae of New Hampshire, being weak in body but of a sound and perfect memory and mind for which I have reason to praise God, do make, publish and declare this my last will and testament and herein dispose of all my worldly estate in manner following to wit:

First - I give and bequeath to my beloved wife Lucinda Fowler all my household furniture all the provisions I may have at the time of my decease, two good cows, five sheep and three hundred dollars in money, and in the event that my death should happen at a season of the year when the above named stock shall need hay and other fodder before the same shall again grow, I hereby order and direct my executors hereafter named to keep the same for my said wife free from any expense to her so long as they may need the same.
Also I give and devise to my beloved wife Lucinda Fowler for and during her natural life the homestead farm upon which I now live, situate in said Epsom containing about two hundred and forty acres. Also the Davis lot so called situate in Chichester in said County of Merrimack and containing about forty acres, to have and to hold the same to her and her assigns, with all the appurtenances thereto belonging for and during the term aforesaid.
The aforesaid bequest and devise to my said beloved wife is intended to be instead of her dower and distributive share in my whole estate.

Second - I give and bequeath to my daughter Hannah Martin, wife of James Martin of M__ in the County of Shelby in the State of Illinois, the sum of two hundred and fifty dollars, to be paid her by my hereinafter named Executors in one year after my decease.

Third - I give and bequeath to my daughter Betsey Hoyt, wife of Jason R. C. Hoyt of Canterbury in said County of Merrimack, the sum of one hundred dollars to be paid her by my hereafter named Executors in one year after my decease.

Fourth - I give and bequeath to my two daughters Ann Fowler and Abby Fowler, the sum of one hundred dollars each to be paid them respectively by my hereinafter names executors in one year after my decease.

Fifth - I order and direct my executors hereinafter named to have the custody of my son Blanchard Fowler, a minor under fourteen years of age, and to provide him with suitable meals, drinks and clothing in sickness or in health, and a privilege of schooling as is customary for youths of his age and to train him up for usefulness until he shall arrive to the age of twenty one years.

Sixth - After the decease of my beloved wife, I give and devise all my real estate situate in said Epsom and Chichester to my three sons, William Fowler, Benjamin Fowler and Blanchard Fowler in equal parts to be divided equally between them and to be theirs and their heirs forever.

Seventh - All the rest residue and remainder of my estate, real, personal and mixed, however situated or wherever found after the payment of my just debts and legacies, I give, bequeath and devise to my two sons, William Fowler and Benjamin Fowler, in equal proportions to be theirs and their heirs forever.

And I do hereby constitute and appoint my said two sons William Fowler and Benjamin Fowler my sole Executors of this my last will and testament hereby revoking all former wills by me made.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this fifteenth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand and eight hundred and sixty-six. - Simonds Fowler

Proved October 23, 1866