Chester County Wills

Thomas Hoofman, 1867

I, Thomas Hoofman ,farmer of the township of Valley and County of Chester,Pa. , do make and publish this my last will and testament . First, I direct that my body be decently interred and that my funeral be conducted in a manner corresponding with my estate and situation in life. And as to such worldly estate as it hath pleased God to entrust me with I dispose of the same as follows:

First: I direct that all my debts and funeral expenses be paid as soon as my decease is possible out of the first money that shall come into the hands of my executors. Also, I give and devise unto my beloved wife,Rebecca, property such as horses , cows, wagons, ploughs, harrows, and all household and kitchen furniture that I own except such as are herein after given and devised to some of my children for and during all the temrms of her natural life. She paying the taxes and keeping the said trace of land in good condition by putting on at least 100 dollars worth of time or other fertilizer per anum. Also, she must keep the building in good order. Also,I give and devise unto my wife my undivided half of a certain limestone quarry situated near Coatsville owned by my brother Francis and myself. Also , I give and bequeath unto my son,Francis Hoofman the black colt. Also, I give my son, Thomas K. Hoofman the priviledge of raising a colt as his own against he becomes of age. Also , I order that my executor shall collect all monies that are due and divide the same as follows:

I give and devise unto Hopy D. intermarried with Mr. W.A. Fulton 100 dollars. Also, I give unto my son Joseph F. Hoofman 100 dollars. Also , unto my other children, Mary Ann Hoofman, Josephine Hoofman, Francis S. Hoofman, Hannah F. Hoofman, Thomas K. Hoofman, and Letitia Hoofman 200 dollars each and the remainder to my beloved wife. Upon the death of my beloved wife, I do direct that all my property both real and personal be sold by public auction and the amount divided equally amongst my children( or their heirs).

To WITT:
Hopy D. intermarried with William A. Fulton, Mary Ann Hoofman , Joseph F. Hoofman, Josephine Hoofman, Francis S. Hoofman, Hannah F. Hoofman, Thomas K. Hoofman and Letitia Hoofman, share and share alike and to effectuate this my intention I do hereby vest in my executor my full power and authority to dispose of my real estate in fee simple in as full and large a manner in every respect as I could for myself if living and I do hereby make and ordain my brother in law, Amos G. Wilson of Parksburg, executorof this my last will and testament. In witness whereof I Thomas Hoofman, the testator have to this my will set my hand and seal this 21st day of March A.D.,1867. Witness present, Francis Hoofman and F.F. Hoofman, Westchester, March 30, 1867 there persoanlly appeared Francis and F.F. Hoofman , also Alexander Leslie, deputy registrar.