Not Just the Oath, But the Will as Well! For William Frederick Poole

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,  Fanny M. Poole

This __ day of March A. D. 1894

                   Roger C. Sullivan   Clerk.


The Will

This is the last will and testament of me, William F. Poole, Evanston, County of Cook, and the State of Illinois. I give devise and bequeath all the real and personal estate to which I shall be entitled at the time of my deceases, unto my beloved wife, Fanny M. Poole and I appoint the said Fanny M. Poole sole executrix of this my will, hereby revoking all other testamentary writings. I direct that my said executrix shall be exempt from the necessity of giving bands.

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. Poole
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.