The following has been transcribed from the original in the Toulon, Ill. courthouse, where the file is kept in Probate (April 20, 1998):

In the name of God, Amen:

I Henry Sturm of the town of Osceola, in the county of Stark and state of Illinois, of the age of seventy-six years and being of sound mind and memory, do make, publish and declare this my last Will and testament in manner following, that is to say:

First. I give and bequeath to my daughter, Catharine Jordan, Two (2) acres of land situated in the South-East Corner of the South East Quarter of Section Number Twenty Three (23) in Township Fourteen (14) North and Range Six (6) East of the Fourth (4th) Principal Meridian in the county of Stark and State of Illinois--together with all the ?iditaments and appurtinances thereunto belonging, or in any wise appertaining; to have and to hold the premises above described to the said Catharine Jordan, her heirs and assigns forever.

Second. After all my debts, my expenses for board and maintenance and my funeral expenses shall have been paid, I give and devise all the rest, residue and remainder of my real estate, of every name and nature whatsoever, and all the rest, residue and remainder of my personal estate, goods and chattels of what nature or kind ever(?), to my sons Peter Sturm, George D. Sturm, William Sturm, Isaac Sturm and Abner Sturm; to my daughters Rebecca Nelson, Catharine Jordan, Nancy Diminick, Margaret Larkins and Rachael Blood, and *to my adopted daughter whom I have raised* Betsey Jackson--eleven in number--to be divided among and between them, the said eleven named, in the manner following: two-thirds (2/3) of all my estate, both real and personal of every name, kind or nature whatsoever I give and bequeath to my sons Peter Sturm, George D. Sturm, William Sturm and Isaac Sturm, to be divided equally between them share and share alike. One-third (1/3) of all my estate, both real and personal, of every name kind or nature whatsoever I give and bequeath to my son Abner Sturm, to my daughters Rebecca Nelson, Catherine Jordan, Nancy Dimmick, Margaret Larkins and Rachael Blood, and *to my adopted daughter* Bestsy Jackson, to be divided equally between them share and share alike.

And lastly, I do hereby nominate--and appoint--my sons Peter Sturm and Isaac Sturm to be executors of this my last will and testament,--hereby revoking all former wills by me made.

In witness thereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal, this Eighteenth day of February, in the year of our Lord, One thousand-eight-hundred and sixty-seven.
(signature) {printed, the word "seal"}

Henry STURM

The above instrument, consisting of one sheet, was at the date thereof, signed, sealed, published and declared by the said Henry Sturm, as and for his last will and testament, in presence of us, who at his request and in his presence and in the presence of each other, have subscribed our names as witnesses thereto.
(illegible name) residing at Bradford in Stark County
(illegible name) residing at Bradford in Stark County


Note: The phrase "to my adopted daughter whom I have raised" and "to my adopted daughter" preceding Betsey Jackson's name is clearly written, yet stricken out by a double ruled line.