Schuyler County Documents - 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 and John Haney
This will appears to be in Peter's own hand.

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