Tazewell County, Illinois History
Life Was Simpler in the mid-1800's and it was reflected in the legal system.
A poor farmer's wife, Melissa Goings, slew her husband with a billet of wood as he was trying to strangle her in a drunken rage. Everyone who knew the Goings sympathized with Melissa, but the court seemed intent to get a conviction for murder. The coroner's jury included Joseph Kindig and Andrew Cress. They were paid 25 cents each.
Abraham Lincoln, Melissa's attorney, got permission for a private conference with her in the courthouse. How long that conference lasted, nobody knew, but Melissa was never seen again. The court Bailiff accused Lincoln of helping her escape, but he answered, "Oh, no, I did not run her off. She wanted to know where she could get a good drink of water, and I told her there was mighty good water in Tennessee."
*******
Joseph Kindig Will June 7, 1861
In the name of God amen, I Joseph Kindig of Washington Township County of Tazewell and state of Illinois being of Sound mind and memory blessed be God, and considering the uncertainty of Life do make, declare, and publish this my last will and testament, in manner following viz,
1st I commend my immortal Soul to God who gave it, and my body to the Earth to be buried in a decent Christian like manner,
2nd I give, and will to my beloved wife Barbara forty acres of Land off of the NE part of my Farm it being the part on which the new buildings have been erected together withal of the appertenances thereunto belonging, also Twenty acres of Timbered land off of the west end of my farm, Together with all of my stock consisting of Horses, cattle, sheep & Hogs, Household and kitchen furniture, Beds, Clothing, Bees, and all other personal property upon said premises to have and to hold for her own use and comfort during her natural life.
3rd It is my will that my executors shall sell either at private or public sale, as they in their discretion may think best within one year after my decease, all of my Real Estate (excepting that which has been reserved for my wife) on such terms as will be to the most advantage to my heirs.
4th It is my will that the monies arising from the Sale of Said Land Shall be disposed of as follows, Ten hundred dollars ($1000.00) to be placed in the hands of David Kindig (whom I appoint Trustee for my wife, and my daughters Cathaine Groff and Barbara Jewett, The interest of which To wit, The Ten hundred Dollars shall be paid to my wife annually during her natural life.
5th My Executors Shall appropriate a sufficient sum of money to finish the new buildings which I have commenced, and to plant an orchard of Seventy or Eighty Trees of Choice fruit, and the remainder of the money arising from the Sale of my Land or belonging to my Estate Shall be equally divided amongst all my Children.
6th It is my will that the Legacies of my two Daughters Catharine Groff and Barbara Jewett shall be placed in the Hands of David Kindig Trustee the interest of which They are to receive annually during their natural lives, and after the death of Either or both of them their Legacies shall be equally divided between their Legal heirs.
7th It is my will that after the death of my wife that my Executors shall Sell to the best advantage all of my property yet remaining both real and personal, and divided the money arising there from equally amongst all of my Children in the manner above specified,
8th If any or either of my Children shall be dissatisfied with my will, and make any attempt to break or set aside the same by law, it is my will that such heir or heirs shall be entirely disinherited. And shall pay back to my Executors all that I have paid on their respective Legacies. (this last sentence is crossed out)
9th I do hereby constitute and appoint my Sons Amos Kindig, Henry Kindig, and Benjamin Kindig, executors of this my last Will and Testament, hereby revoking all former or other wills and declaring this to be my will and none other, In Testimony whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and Seal this Seventh day of June AD 1861. (signed) Joseph Kindig (seal)
Signed, Sealed and acknowleged in presence of (signed) Elias Wenger (signed) Samuel Mishler.
Since writing my will, my Son in Law John Herr has volunteered in the Service of his country. It is therefore my will that his legacy in my Estate, shall be placed in the hands of David Kindig Trustee for the benefit of my daughter Mary Herr who shall receive the interest arising on the same annually, and after her death be divided equally amongst her heirs,
Witness my hand and seal this 6th day of December 1861 (signed and sealed) Joseph Kindig
(signed) Elias Wenger (signed) Samuel Mishler
Life Was Simpler in the mid-1800's and it was reflected in the legal system.
A poor farmer's wife, Melissa Goings, slew her husband with a billet of wood as he was trying to strangle her in a drunken rage. Everyone who knew the Goings sympathized with Melissa, but the court seemed intent to get a conviction for murder. The coroner's jury included Joseph Kindig and Andrew Cress. They were paid 25 cents each.
Abraham Lincoln, Melissa's attorney, got permission for a private conference with her in the courthouse. How long that conference lasted, nobody knew, but Melissa was never seen again. The court Bailiff accused Lincoln of helping her escape, but he answered, "Oh, no, I did not run her off. She wanted to know where she could get a good drink of water, and I told her there was mighty good water in Tennessee."
*******
Joseph Kindig Will June 7, 1861
In the name of God amen, I Joseph Kindig of Washington Township County of Tazewell and state of Illinois being of Sound mind and memory blessed be God, and considering the uncertainty of Life do make, declare, and publish this my last will and testament, in manner following viz,
1st I commend my immortal Soul to God who gave it, and my body to the Earth to be buried in a decent Christian like manner,
2nd I give, and will to my beloved wife Barbara forty acres of Land off of the NE part of my Farm it being the part on which the new buildings have been erected together withal of the appertenances thereunto belonging, also Twenty acres of Timbered land off of the west end of my farm, Together with all of my stock consisting of Horses, cattle, sheep & Hogs, Household and kitchen furniture, Beds, Clothing, Bees, and all other personal property upon said premises to have and to hold for her own use and comfort during her natural life.
3rd It is my will that my executors shall sell either at private or public sale, as they in their discretion may think best within one year after my decease, all of my Real Estate (excepting that which has been reserved for my wife) on such terms as will be to the most advantage to my heirs.
4th It is my will that the monies arising from the Sale of Said Land Shall be disposed of as follows, Ten hundred dollars ($1000.00) to be placed in the hands of David Kindig (whom I appoint Trustee for my wife, and my daughters Cathaine Groff and Barbara Jewett, The interest of which To wit, The Ten hundred Dollars shall be paid to my wife annually during her natural life.
5th My Executors Shall appropriate a sufficient sum of money to finish the new buildings which I have commenced, and to plant an orchard of Seventy or Eighty Trees of Choice fruit, and the remainder of the money arising from the Sale of my Land or belonging to my Estate Shall be equally divided amongst all my Children.
6th It is my will that the Legacies of my two Daughters Catharine Groff and Barbara Jewett shall be placed in the Hands of David Kindig Trustee the interest of which They are to receive annually during their natural lives, and after the death of Either or both of them their Legacies shall be equally divided between their Legal heirs.
7th It is my will that after the death of my wife that my Executors shall Sell to the best advantage all of my property yet remaining both real and personal, and divided the money arising there from equally amongst all of my Children in the manner above specified,
8th If any or either of my Children shall be dissatisfied with my will, and make any attempt to break or set aside the same by law, it is my will that such heir or heirs shall be entirely disinherited. And shall pay back to my Executors all that I have paid on their respective Legacies. (this last sentence is crossed out)
9th I do hereby constitute and appoint my Sons Amos Kindig, Henry Kindig, and Benjamin Kindig, executors of this my last Will and Testament, hereby revoking all former or other wills and declaring this to be my will and none other, In Testimony whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and Seal this Seventh day of June AD 1861. (signed) Joseph Kindig (seal)
Signed, Sealed and acknowleged in presence of (signed) Elias Wenger (signed) Samuel Mishler.
Since writing my will, my Son in Law John Herr has volunteered in the Service of his country. It is therefore my will that his legacy in my Estate, shall be placed in the hands of David Kindig Trustee for the benefit of my daughter Mary Herr who shall receive the interest arising on the same annually, and after her death be divided equally amongst her heirs,
Witness my hand and seal this 6th day of December 1861 (signed and sealed) Joseph Kindig
(signed) Elias Wenger (signed) Samuel Mishler
Tazewell County, Illinois History
Life Was Simpler in the mid-1800's and it was reflected in the legal system.
A poor farmer's wife, Melissa Goings, slew her husband with a billet of wood as he was trying to strangle her in a drunken rage. Everyone who knew the Goings sympathized with Melissa, but the court seemed intent to get a conviction for murder. The coroner's jury included Joseph Kindig and Andrew Cress. They were paid 25 cents each.
Abraham Lincoln, Melissa's attorney, got permission for a private conference with her in the courthouse. How long that conference lasted, nobody knew, but Melissa was never seen again. The court Bailiff accused Lincoln of helping her escape, but he answered, "Oh, no, I did not run her off. She wanted to know where she could get a good drink of water, and I told her there was mighty good water in Tennessee."
*******
Joseph Kindig Will June 7, 1861
In the name of God amen, I Joseph Kindig of Washington Township County of Tazewell and state of Illinois being of Sound mind and memory blessed be God, and considering the uncertainty of Life do make, declare, and publish this my last will and testament, in manner following viz,
1st I commend my immortal Soul to God who gave it, and my body to the Earth to be buried in a decent Christian like manner,
2nd I give, and will to my beloved wife Barbara forty acres of Land off of the NE part of my Farm it being the part on which the new buildings have been erected together withal of the appertenances thereunto belonging, also Twenty acres of Timbered land off of the west end of my farm, Together with all of my stock consisting of Horses, cattle, sheep & Hogs, Household and kitchen furniture, Beds, Clothing, Bees, and all other personal property upon said premises to have and to hold for her own use and comfort during her natural life.
3rd It is my will that my executors shall sell either at private or public sale, as they in their discretion may think best within one year after my decease, all of my Real Estate (excepting that which has been reserved for my wife) on such terms as will be to the most advantage to my heirs.
4th It is my will that the monies arising from the Sale of Said Land Shall be disposed of as follows, Ten hundred dollars ($1000.00) to be placed in the hands of David Kindig (whom I appoint Trustee for my wife, and my daughters Cathaine Groff and Barbara Jewett, The interest of which To wit, The Ten hundred Dollars shall be paid to my wife annually during her natural life.
5th My Executors Shall appropriate a sufficient sum of money to finish the new buildings which I have commenced, and to plant an orchard of Seventy or Eighty Trees of Choice fruit, and the remainder of the money arising from the Sale of my Land or belonging to my Estate Shall be equally divided amongst all my Children.
6th It is my will that the Legacies of my two Daughters Catharine Groff and Barbara Jewett shall be placed in the Hands of David Kindig Trustee the interest of which They are to receive annually during their natural lives, and after the death of Either or both of them their Legacies shall be equally divided between their Legal heirs.
7th It is my will that after the death of my wife that my Executors shall Sell to the best advantage all of my property yet remaining both real and personal, and divided the money arising there from equally amongst all of my Children in the manner above specified,
8th If any or either of my Children shall be dissatisfied with my will, and make any attempt to break or set aside the same by law, it is my will that such heir or heirs shall be entirely disinherited. And shall pay back to my Executors all that I have paid on their respective Legacies. (this last sentence is crossed out)
9th I do hereby constitute and appoint my Sons Amos Kindig, Henry Kindig, and Benjamin Kindig, executors of this my last Will and Testament, hereby revoking all former or other wills and declaring this to be my will and none other, In Testimony whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and Seal this Seventh day of June AD 1861. (signed) Joseph Kindig (seal)
Signed, Sealed and acknowleged in presence of (signed) Elias Wenger (signed) Samuel Mishler.
Since writing my will, my Son in Law John Herr has volunteered in the Service of his country. It is therefore my will that his legacy in my Estate, shall be placed in the hands of David Kindig Trustee for the benefit of my daughter Mary Herr who shall receive the interest arising on the same annually, and after her death be divided equally amongst her heirs,
Witness my hand and seal this 6th day of December 1861 (signed and sealed) Joseph Kindig
(signed) Elias Wenger (signed) Samuel Mishler
Life Was Simpler in the mid-1800's and it was reflected in the legal system.
A poor farmer's wife, Melissa Goings, slew her husband with a billet of wood as he was trying to strangle her in a drunken rage. Everyone who knew the Goings sympathized with Melissa, but the court seemed intent to get a conviction for murder. The coroner's jury included Joseph Kindig and Andrew Cress. They were paid 25 cents each.
Abraham Lincoln, Melissa's attorney, got permission for a private conference with her in the courthouse. How long that conference lasted, nobody knew, but Melissa was never seen again. The court Bailiff accused Lincoln of helping her escape, but he answered, "Oh, no, I did not run her off. She wanted to know where she could get a good drink of water, and I told her there was mighty good water in Tennessee."
*******
Joseph Kindig Will June 7, 1861
In the name of God amen, I Joseph Kindig of Washington Township County of Tazewell and state of Illinois being of Sound mind and memory blessed be God, and considering the uncertainty of Life do make, declare, and publish this my last will and testament, in manner following viz,
1st I commend my immortal Soul to God who gave it, and my body to the Earth to be buried in a decent Christian like manner,
2nd I give, and will to my beloved wife Barbara forty acres of Land off of the NE part of my Farm it being the part on which the new buildings have been erected together withal of the appertenances thereunto belonging, also Twenty acres of Timbered land off of the west end of my farm, Together with all of my stock consisting of Horses, cattle, sheep & Hogs, Household and kitchen furniture, Beds, Clothing, Bees, and all other personal property upon said premises to have and to hold for her own use and comfort during her natural life.
3rd It is my will that my executors shall sell either at private or public sale, as they in their discretion may think best within one year after my decease, all of my Real Estate (excepting that which has been reserved for my wife) on such terms as will be to the most advantage to my heirs.
4th It is my will that the monies arising from the Sale of Said Land Shall be disposed of as follows, Ten hundred dollars ($1000.00) to be placed in the hands of David Kindig (whom I appoint Trustee for my wife, and my daughters Cathaine Groff and Barbara Jewett, The interest of which To wit, The Ten hundred Dollars shall be paid to my wife annually during her natural life.
5th My Executors Shall appropriate a sufficient sum of money to finish the new buildings which I have commenced, and to plant an orchard of Seventy or Eighty Trees of Choice fruit, and the remainder of the money arising from the Sale of my Land or belonging to my Estate Shall be equally divided amongst all my Children.
6th It is my will that the Legacies of my two Daughters Catharine Groff and Barbara Jewett shall be placed in the Hands of David Kindig Trustee the interest of which They are to receive annually during their natural lives, and after the death of Either or both of them their Legacies shall be equally divided between their Legal heirs.
7th It is my will that after the death of my wife that my Executors shall Sell to the best advantage all of my property yet remaining both real and personal, and divided the money arising there from equally amongst all of my Children in the manner above specified,
8th If any or either of my Children shall be dissatisfied with my will, and make any attempt to break or set aside the same by law, it is my will that such heir or heirs shall be entirely disinherited. And shall pay back to my Executors all that I have paid on their respective Legacies. (this last sentence is crossed out)
9th I do hereby constitute and appoint my Sons Amos Kindig, Henry Kindig, and Benjamin Kindig, executors of this my last Will and Testament, hereby revoking all former or other wills and declaring this to be my will and none other, In Testimony whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and Seal this Seventh day of June AD 1861. (signed) Joseph Kindig (seal)
Signed, Sealed and acknowleged in presence of (signed) Elias Wenger (signed) Samuel Mishler.
Since writing my will, my Son in Law John Herr has volunteered in the Service of his country. It is therefore my will that his legacy in my Estate, shall be placed in the hands of David Kindig Trustee for the benefit of my daughter Mary Herr who shall receive the interest arising on the same annually, and after her death be divided equally amongst her heirs,
Witness my hand and seal this 6th day of December 1861 (signed and sealed) Joseph Kindig
(signed) Elias Wenger (signed) Samuel Mishler
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