Last Will and Testament of John T. Baker

                                                                    Apr. 1, 1857 Boone County, AR

I, John T. Baker, of the County of Carroll and State of Arkansas, as being this day sound in mind and body and my recollection being good, but know the uncertainty of life and the certainty of death and not knowing the time of my dissolution do make known and declare the following to be my last will and testament.

First, I will at my death my body a decent burial in the bosom of it's mother Earth and my spirit to the God who gave it.

Second, I will and direct that my funeral expenses and all my just debts be paid immediately after my death out of my money that I may die possessed of or the first that may come into the hands of my executor.

Third, I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife, Mary Baker, all of my estate of every kind, both real and personal or mixed during her life or widowhood, to have and to enjoy the same right and control over the same that I now have and enjoy.

Fourth, I will and direct that at the deathe or marriage of my said wife, Mary Baker, that my property both real and personal be disposed of as follows: amongst my bodily heirs, whether born at my death or not.

Fifth, that my son Pleasant Madison Baker, have a certain negro boy named Charles if said negro boy shall live until my son should arrive at the age of 21 years; if not, he is to have eight hundred dollars in the place of said boy, which sum or boy he is to have over and above any of my children.

Sixth, I will and direct that all my children that never have received any property from me, receive a good horse and saddle or the value thereof in money and all that have received no land from me, shall receive land to the value of $100 or $100 in money.

Seventh, After my children have received the above I will and direct that the remainder of my property of every kind be equally divided among all of my heirs.

Eighth, I will and direct that all of my daughters that [receive] any of my property or effects as my heirs shall have a right to use and enjoy the same but their husbands shall never have any right to dispose of their property or effects received of me.

Ninth, I do hereby appoint Joseph B. Baines as my Executor.

In Witness Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this April, 1, 1857.

Signed and acknowledged in the presence of John Crabtree.                                    his
John Bunch signed John T. Baker's name at his request.                               John T. x Baker
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