On Monday, October 28th, I posted a copy of the first document in the Probate packet for William F. Poole, my 2nd great-grandfather. The packet was quite large, and I was upset that there wasn't a will. An hour later, I decided to go to his wife's file, and there in a clear sheet protector were a few papers. I could see that the first one was the Executor's Oath (see below), but what were the other documents? One of the three single pages surprised me, there it was, smack in front of me...the Will! I don't even remember receiving this, and I guess it's because it is only one page long. I couldn't believe it because he had a wife and family, so I was expecting much more. I wanted to see if there were any old Poole documents, photos, and what books did he leave to the various libraries he worked in, as the Librarian, such as the Chicago, Cincinnati and Newberry Libraries. The other two pages were my bill (for this cost) and a certification (with seal) that I had copies of the letters to his estate.
The moral of this is twofold. Don't think for a minute you will remember everything you received in March 1999. And, keep everything pertaining to a person together, don't spread the documents around. If you do, at least make a copy stating where the original is.
EXECUTOR’S
OATH.
I do solemnly swear that this
writing contains the true last will and testament of the within named William F. Poole deceased, so far as I know or believe, that I will well and truly execute the
same by paying first the debts and then the legacies mentioned therein, as so far
as his good and chattels will thereunto
extend, and the law charge me that
I will make a true and perfect inventory
of all such goods and chattels, rights and credits, as may come to my hands or knowledge, belonging to
the estate of the said deceased, and render a fair and just account of my executorship when thereunto
required by law, to the best of my knowledge and abilities, so help me God.
Subscribed and sworn to before me,
ROGER C. SULLIVAN, Clerk of the Probate
Court of
Cook County
This __
day of March A. D. 1894
Roger C. Sullivan Clerk.
The Will
File Number: 11-5934
Docket: 033
Page: 244
Note: When I requested the file, I was billed $24, which included 39 xeroxed pages, the certification and postage.
The Will
This is the last will and
testament of me, William F. Poole, Evanston , County of Cook ,
and the State of Illinois
In witness whereof, I have
hereunto set my hand and seal this 18th day of January, A. D. 1888.
William F. Poole (seal)
The within and foregoing
instrument was signed by William F. Poole, the testator therein named, and by
him declared to be his last will and testament, in the presence of me, who, at
his request, and in his presence and in the presence of each other, have hereto
subscribed our names as witnesses.
Daniel L. Shorey Chicago, Ill.
John J. Herrick Chicago ,
Ill.
William Eliot Furness Chicago, Ill.
_______________
Estate: William F. PooleFile Number: 11-5934
Docket: 033
Page: 244
Note: When I requested the file, I was billed $24, which included 39 xeroxed pages, the certification and postage.
