Last will and testament
State of Illinois, Jefferson County
July the 17th, 1870

In the name of God Amen.

I Thomas J. Short Sen. being of sound memory, mind, and understanding, and impressed with the great uncertainty of life and the certainty of death and being desirous to dispose of my temporal affairs so that after my death no contention may arise relative to the same. Therefore I Thomas J. Short Sen. of the County and State affor-mentioned do make, ordain, publish, and declare this my last will and testament, revoking all others by me heretofore made.

First, I bequeath my body to the dust whence it came and my soul to God who gave it, hoping for a happy immortality through the atoning merits of our Lord Jesus Christ the Savior of the wourld. My desire is that my body be buried at Atkinson Graveyard and all expenses paid by my executor hereafter named.

Secondly, That all my just debts to be paid out of my personal and real estate by my executor after all the just debts are paid.

Thirdly, I give and bequeath to my beloved son, Alford Short all the personal property and real estate that I may have given him heretofore, it being his portion of my personal and real estate.

Fourthly, I give and bequeath to my beloved son Joshua Short all the personal property and real estate that I may have given him heretofore, it being his portion of my personal and real estate.

Fifthly, I give and bequeath to my beloved son Thomas B. Short the East half of the West half of the South East quarter of section one of Township two, South of Range three East or so much as may be left after paying all my just debts and also all the personal property that I may have given him, my Executor to make him a Deed as soon as all ay debts are paid.

Sixthly, I give and bequeath to my dearly beloved wife Marth Short the West half of the West half of the South East quarter of Section one Township two South of Range three East, or so much as may be left after paying all my just debt. At her death and funeral expenses is paid, the said tract or parcel of land is to go to my beloved son James W. Short and also my dearly beloved wife Marth Short is to have my personal property that may be left after paying my just debt and at her death and funeral expenses is paid, it is to be divided if it can be done. If not, sold and the proceeds divided between my much beloved daughters Precilah Marlow, Lydia M. Owens, and Martha E. Denton with all the personal property and real estate that I may have given them or each of them.

Lastly, I appoint my beloved son-in-law James A. Marlow my whole and sale Executor to this my last will and testament and direct that no security be required of him for the faithfull execution and discharge of the trust hereby reposed in him.

In testamony whereof I have this the 17th day of July 1870 hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal hereby revoking all other will that I have heretofore have made by me and in the presence of

Thomas F. Maddux
W. C. Patterson           Thomas J. Short
John Lear                (His mark X)       Seal
A. Summers
Valentine Brookman