Will of Charlotte Hatch Allen:  Dated 13 Jul 1882.  Henry County Court file 1248.

I Charlotte Allen of the city of Geneseo in the County of Henry and State of Illinois, of the age of sixty four years, and being of sound mind and memory do make, publish, and declare this my last will and testament, in the manner following that is to say:

First, I give and bequeath to Allen Melville Linnell, son of Chas. Linnell, Esq. of Phoenix, Henry County, State of Illinois Five hundred dollars to be paid to him within six months after my death.

Second, I give and bequeath to Arthur Withrow son of James Withrow, Esq. of Phoenix, Henry County State of Illinois Five hundred dollars to be paid to him within six months after my death.

Third, I give and bequeath to Edward Withrow son of said James Withrow, Esq. of Phoenix, Henry County, Illinois the sum of Five Hundred dollars to be paid to him (upon - crossed out) when he attains his majority.

Fourth, I give, devise and bequeath all the rest, residue and remainder of my property both real and personal to my daughters, Arvilla Melvina Withrow, wife of John Westly Withrow Esq. - Lois Arthusa Colbert, Esq. and my adopted son Merritt Munson Allen, to be equally divided between my aid daughters and my said adopted son share and share alike.

Fifth I appoint my daughter Lois Arthusa Colbert and my adopted son Merritt Munson Allen as executrix and executor of this my last will and testament - hereby revoking all former wills by me made.  I also request and direct that they may not be required to give any bond for the discharge of their duties as such executrix and executor.

In witness hereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 13 day of July, AD 1882.  /s/ Charlotte Allen (seal)

The above instrument consisting of two half sheets was at the date thereof, signed, sealed, published and declared by the said Charlotte Allen as and for her last will and testament in presence of us, who at her request and in her presence and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as witnesses thereto.

/s/ Henry Young and Phillip Ott

Obituary:
Mrs. C. Allen died at her home in this city last Monday after a long illness.  Deceased was a native of New York state and widow of the late Jonathan Allen.  She leaves a son and three daughters, all married.  The funeral was held at the house Tuesday, a lady of spiritualist faith, from Erie, conducting the service.  The remains were followed to Oakwood by a large concourse of friends of the deceased.  She came to this county with her husband at an early day.  (25 Aug 1882, Geneseo Republic)
 
 

Will of Jonathan Allen. Dated 27 December 1875.  Henry County Court file 852.

I Jonathan Allen of the city of Geneseo County of Henry and state of Illinois of the age of Sixty three years and being of sound mind, and memory do make, publish and declare this my last will and testament in manner following that is to say,

First.  I direct that all my just debts be paid out of my personal property.

Second.  I give, bequeath, and devise to my beloved wife Charlotte Allen my homestead known as Lot No. Eight (8) of the North half of said No. Thirteen (13) in the South West quarter of Section No. Sixteen (16) in Township No. Seventeen (17) North of Range Three (3) East of the 4th P.M. [Prime Meridian] in the city of Geneseo County of Henry and State of Illinois and all the fixtures, chairs, prints, plain(?) linen, china, provisions, fuels, household goods, furniture, beds & bedding which shall at my death be in or about my dwelling house above described.

Third. I give and bequeath to my said wife Charlotte Allen the sum of Five thousand dollars and I hereby charge the payment of said bequest upon all of my property both real and personal.  And I further direct that my said wife shall have her support and maintenance out of my estate until she receives said sum of Five thousand dollars.  I also give and bequeath to my said wife my horse called John and his harness and my covered carriage and the cow and new milch.

Fourth.  I give, devise, and bequeath all of my real and personal property not otherwise herein disposed of to my children Mary Angaline Withrow, Arvilla Melvina Withrow, Louis [sic] Arthusa Colbert, Dora A. Coe, and the children of my deceased daughter Nancy Adaline Linnell, namely Allen Melville Linnell and Fortescue Waring Linnell, in equal parts, my said grand children to take the share their mother would have taken, if living at the time of my death.

Fifth.  I hereby confer power upon my children above named, at any time they may deem it expedient to sell and convey in their own names any or all of the real estate hereby devised to them and my said grand children (inserted "except the lumber lot") and I direct that out of the proceeds of any such sale above provided, for the share belonging to my said grand children shall be paid out/over to their respective guardians to be invested for their benefut(?) - meaning and intention hereby to confer power upon my said children to convey not only their own interest in and to said land but also the interest of my said grand children until said power as to said grand children to terminate upon their attaining their legal majority.

Sixth.  I direct that my lumber lot in Hanna township containing about Seventy-five acres shall upon my death be partitioned among my said children and grand children according to their respective interests.

Seventh.  It is my will that my said wife shall have sufficient of the lumber on said lumber lot for fuel for her own use so long as she may live.

And lastly I hereby appoint John Westly Withrow and Byron Coe Executors of this my last will and testament.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal, this 27th day of December A.D. 1875.  /s/ Jonathan Allen  (seal)

The above instrument consisting of three sheets or rather half sheets was at the date hereof signed, sealed, published, and declared by the said Jonathan Allen as and for his last will and testament in presence of us who at this request and in his presence and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as witnesses thereto.  /s/ John H. Smith &  Jos W. Timenuss(?)

Obituary:
Mr. Jonathan Allen died at his residence on north State street, in this city, at noon on Wednesday last, after a long illness.  His age was 63 years.  Mr. Allen was one of the oldest residents and wealthiest citizens in this county, and his death
will be deeply lamented by a very large circle of relations, friends and acquaintances.  Up to within a few years he was a very successful farmer in Phenix^* township, and several times represented that town on the Board of Supervisors, where he took a prominent position and was a man of influence.  Having acquired a respectable fortune, and getting along in years, he purchased a residence in this city, where he has ever since lived, a highly respected neighbor and citizen. His death will be severely felt in this place, and throughout the county.  The funeral will take place today, Friday, and will be conducted by the Masonic
Fraternity of this city.  (25 Feb 1876, Geneseo Republic)

^*Correctly spelled "Phenix" but spelled "Phoenix" in Charlotte's will.

Headstone of Jonathan and Charlotte, Oakwood Cem., Geneseo, Henry, IL:
 
 

Return to top of page