Last Will and Testament of
Betsy Alden (written in 1842)
In the name of God, Amen, I, Betsy Alden of Stoughton in the County of Norfolk, widow; being weak in body but of sound and disposing mind and member (blessed by God for the same) do this nineteenth day of January one thousand eight hundred and forty two; make and publish this my last will and Testament in the following manner (viz.) first I order and direct that all my just debts and funeral expenses be paid by my Executor herein after named, after my decease out of my estate – I give bequeath & devise unto my four minor children viz. Ann A. Alden, Nathaniel L. Alden, Isaac Alden, James Alden, all my real estate in Stoughton and Randolph to be equally divided between them to hold the some to them their heirs and assigns forever, I give to my daughter Ann A. Alden, twenty dollars in cash also my best bed, bedstead, and bedding, also one bureau, one chest, also my wearing apparel – I give unto Isaac Alden, my son twenty dollars. I give unto my son James Alden fifty dollars; if my personal estate should be insufficient to pay all my just debts & funeral charges with the legacies last name to Ann A. Alden, Isaac Alden and James Alden, my executor shall sell enough out of the Real Estate to make the same good to the said Ann A. Alden, Isaac Alden & James Alden – It is further my will and desire that Ebenezer Crane senior should be the guardian after my decease of my four minor children as I confide in his integrity & fidelity to do for them what is right & will be their interest, last. I do hereby appoint Ebenezer Crane senior of Stoughton, my sole executor of this my last will and testament, In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hands and seal this year and day above written.
Betsy Alden (Seal)
Signed, sealed, published and declared to be the last will and testament of Betsy Alden, who in her presence and in the presence of each other and at her request, have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses to be the same.
Benjamin Richard
Clifford Keith
Joseph R. Bicknell