Mathew S. KIRK in the County of Jefferson and State of Illinois do hereby make and declare this my last will and testament in manner and form following to witt,

FIRST -

it is my will that my funeral expenses and all my just debts be fully paid.

SECONDLY –

after the payment of such funeral expenses and debts I give, devise and bequeath unto my beloved wife Louisa all the land now owned by me and which is known and described as follows –
The South West quarter of the North East quarter and the South East quarter North West quarter and the North East quarter of the South West quarter of Section Twenty-Six in Township four South range 2 East containing 120 acres more or less all in Jefferson County and the State of Illinois also all the stock that she personally stands in kneed of the balance sold during her natural lifetime then the land to go to my three boys James P. KIRK, John C. KIRK and Andrew E. KIRK by them paying to each of my girles Sarah Lucinda, Samantha Melvina and Margret Emaline their proportional part of the value of said land. The stock that my wife does not stand in kneed of my will is that it be sold also all the loose plunder about the place.

AND LASTLY - I do hereby constitute and appoint Joseph H. CROSNOE Executor of this my last will and testament evoking and annulling all former wills by me made and ratifying and confirming this and no other to be my last will and testament.

In witness whereof I the said Mathew S. KIRK have hereunto set my hand and seal this seventeenth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty three.

Mathew (his mark) KIRK is signed sealed published and declared by the said Mathew S. KIRK as and for his last will and testament in presents of us who in his presence and in the presence of each other and at his request have subscribed our names as witnesses thereto.

John DARNALL

John W. LOMAN