Valentine Brookman's Last Will and Testament:
"I Valentine Brookman of Farrington Township, Jefferson County, Illinois, do make and declare this to be my last will and testaments.

FIRST: I direct that my funeral expenses and all my just debts, if I should owe any at my death be fully paid.

SECOND: All of the residue of my property every kind and nature, real estate, personal property, and annexed property; I give devise and bequeath to my children, John Brookman, Henry Brookman, L.A. Brookman, Anna Holloway, Mrs. Frances Miner, Mrs. Mary Sammons each one-eight thereof and to Mrs. Metia Thompson, Mrs. Janie Rector, Gertie Westbrook, John Westbrook Jr. children of Emma Westbrook now deceased daughter, each one-fourth of one-eight thereof, also Mrs. Rosa Hayes, Abraham Lisenby, Mrs. Lizzie Litteral, Mrs. Louie Rector, and Aude Lisenby children of Jane Lisenby now deceased daughter each one-fifth of one-eight thereof, the same to belong to them absolutely, with this express provision that if either or any of my heirs or legatees under this will attempts or attempt in any manner to have this will set aside or revoked or declared of no effect or attempt or attempts to have any deed or deeds heretofore executed by me set aside, annulled or modified or declared of no effect then such heir or heirs or legatee or legatees shall receive nothing under and by this will, and the portion or portions such legatee or legatees would have received by this will shall belong absolutely to all of the other legatees under and by this will to be equally divided among them except that the child or children of said Emma Westbrook and Jane Lisenby deceased who do not contest this will or any deed or deeds heretofore made by me shall represent and have one share the same as their mother would have had if living and provided for herein equally with my other children.

THIRD: I hereby constitute and appoint Leonard N. Scott executor of this will.

In witness whereof I, Valentine Brookman have thereunto set my hand the 25th day of August Nineteen hundred ten.

[Signature of Valentine Brookman X his mark]

The foregoing will was signed by the said Valentine Brookman in our presence and attested by us in his presence.

[Signatures of R.C. Clark and C.P. Daniels]"
Jefferson Co., 11. Circuit Clerk - Probate Records, Box 96