MySource:Mksmith/Will of John Jackson Shaffer, 1907

Magnolia Plantation,
Minerva P.O.
Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana.

April 8th 1907.

Having passed the age usually allotted to man and knowing the uncertainty of life -- I John Jackson Shaffer of Magnolia Plantation, Terrebonne Parish and State of Louisiana, being of sound mind and memory (Blessed be our Heavenly Father for the same) do now at the place and on the date above written, with my own hand write and sign the following: My last will and testament and by so doing I hereby revoke and set at naught all previous wills and testaments.

Article 1st.

I earnestly desire and request that my dear children agree among themselves to set aside a certain judgment against me and in favor of my beloved wife bearing date November 18th 1867 -- and allow their dear mother to stand in the same relation to my succession as if no such judgment had ever been decreed -- and allow my succession to be settled accordingly. In which event she would inherit one half of my estate and enjoy the usufruct of the other half during her life should she so desire.

Article 2nd.

If the above request made in Article 1 is agreed to then the following is my will.

Article 3rd.

I desire and request that my executors (hereafter named) pay all my just debts.

Article 4th.

I desire and request that I be buried in St. John's Cemetery in Thibodaux, La. in the mausoleum already erected by me, or to be erected by my executors (hereafter named), said mausoleum if erected after my death to cost from five to six thousand dollars and to be of a most durable and substantial character and of sufficient capacity to contain the mortal remains of my dear wife and those of my dear children whose lot will be cast in this silent house of the dead.

If the above mausoleum is erected by my executors (hereafter named) they are authorized to take from my estate a sufficient sum to pay for same.

Article 5th.

I hereby give and bequeath to my beloved wife, Minerva Ann Shaffer, all my household effects, such as furniture, portraits, silverware and all other equipments including carriages and horses. And also the gold watch and chain which I now ware [sic].

Article 6th.

I give and bequeath to St. John's Episcopal Church in Thibodaux, La. the sum of one thousand dollars, expressing my desire (Which I trust and believe will be respected) that the vestry of said church will securely invest said amount and devote its annual revenues to the salary of the rector of said church.

Article 7th.

Now in the event that my children and heirs do not agree to set aside the judgment referred to in Article 1st of this will and allow their dear mother to inherit one half of my estate, and have the usufruct of the other half, then I give and bequeath to her one third of all my estate of which I may die possessed of [sic] -- in full ownership for her to possess and enjoy in any way she may choose.

Article 8th.

If Article 1st of this will is agreed to by my children and heirs, then all this will is operative and in force except Article Seven and before written.

Article 9th.

If Article 1st of this will is not agreed to by my children and heirs, then all this will is operative and in force except Article One as above written.

Article 10th.

I hereby constitute and appoint my beloved wife, Minerva Ann Shaffer, my son, John Dalton Shaffer, both of the Parish of Terrebonne, La. and my daughter, Anna Laura Bartlett of Milwaukee, Wis. to be executors of this my last will and testament with full seizin of my estate and dispense them and each of them from furnishing bond or security. This instrument is my olographic last will and testament and is written dated and signed by me the testator on this the Eighth Day of April in the year of Our Lord Nineteen Hundred and Seven.

Written and signed by

[signed] John J. Shaffer
Testator.