Will of Joshua Short1Jump to section
I, Joshua Short, of the county of Sangamon and State of Illinois, being infirm in body but of sound mind and memory do ordain and establish the following as my last will and testament revoking all others.
It is my will that all my debts, if any there be, be immediately paid at my decease.
It is my will that all my property be disposed of at my decease, as follows (viz)
It is my will that my dearly beloved wife Parthena Short shall have and retain all the property that she had at the time of my marriage with her, or that she has since made.
It is further my will that, if she, my said wife, shall, at my decease, desire to go [to] her relations, she shall be conveyed thence at the expense of my estate.
It is my will that, after the above provisions are carried into effect, all the remaining part of my estate be equally divided between my three sons, Joseph Short, John Short, and William Short, and my three daughters, Sarah Bennett, Chloe Thomas and Elizabeth Short, and my grandson Allen Short, being the son of my deceased son James Short.
It is my will that my son John Short, and my son-in-law James Short be the executors of this my last will and testament
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this twentysecond day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirtysix.
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JOSHUA X SHORT (SEAL)
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Attest
A. LINCOLN
John Tillie
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Josiah X Cook
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Annotation
[1] ADS-P, ISLA. A document entirely in Lincoln's hand, excepting signature of Tillie. Lincoln was studying law, but was not licensed to practice until seventeen days later, on September 9, 1836. Joshua Short was a farmer living a few miles north of New Salem, Illinois.