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