Schuyler County Documents

The will below was written when Schuyler & Brown were one county. The will was probated in Brown County, as Peter F. DeCounter died 20 Aug 1854 after the counties had been separated.

Last Will & Testament of Peter Frederick DeCounter

In the name of God, Amen. I Peter Frederick Decounter of the County of Schuyler and State of Illinois, being in good health of body, and of sound mind and memory (praise be God for the same) and being desirous to settle my worldly affairs whilst I have strength and capasity so to do, do make and publish this my last will and testament. And first and principally, I commit my soul unto the hands of my Creator who gave it; and my body to the earth to be decently interred, and my worldly estate where with is has pleased God to intrust me, I dispost of the same as follows. . .

First, I give and grant after my death to my beloved son Samuel Decounter my home residence with all the appurtenances thereunto belonging, the same being fifty acres off of the south side of the south east quarter of section no. thirty three, in township No. one north of the base line, in Range No. two west of the fourth principal meridian, the said tract of land, after my death to descend to my said son Samuel, his heirs and assigns forever.

Second, I give and grant after my death to my beloved daughter Jinnetta Decounter, the sum of two hundred dollars, or a piece of land of the value of two hundred dollars. The same to be, after my death for her own proper use and benefit, and her heirs and assigns forever.

Thence, the remainder of my worldly estate, if any there be after paying all my just debts, after my death, I desire and hereby direct to be disposed of as by law provided in such cases.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal, this the second day of May in the year A. D. 1839.

Signed: P. F. DeCounter “seal” in fancy circle

Test:

William Ellis
John Haney

This will appears to be in Peter’s own hand.

Note: This will was made on 02 May 1839; Peter married Mary Manser on 11 May 1839 in Schuyler Co., IL.