Scott County, Iowa Circuit Court #2030 - Probate

Now all men by these presents [presence?]: That I Duncan C. ELDRIDGE of the City of Davenport in the County of Scott and State of Iowa, being of sound and disposing mind and memory, and being desirous of settling my worldly affairs while I have strength and capacity so to do, have made published and declared. And now here do make publish and declare as and for my last Will and TEstament (hereby revoking all former wills by me made) in manner and form following that is to say -

I. It is my will that as soon as practicable after my death all my just debts if any there should be shall be paid in the manner provided by law.

II. All my property real personal or mixed, and of whatwoever kind or nature which I shall own and be in possession of as entitled to at teh time of my death, and which shall not be needed for the payment of my debts as aforesaid. I give and bequeath and devise onto my beloved wife Rebecca E. [Elizabeth LIPPINCOTT] ELDRIDGE, to have and to hold the same absolutely and forever, and free from any restriction, except as to the remainder after teh death of my said wife Rebecca E. ELDRIDGE, should there be any of my said property or the proceeds thereof left that any and all such remainder and remainders I give and bequeath as follows: The undivided one-half thereof. I give and bequeath and devise to my son Micajah LIPPINCOTT ELDRIDGE to have and to hold the same forever. The other undivided one-half thereof I give and bequeath and devise to my four grand children to wit: Mary Rebecca (sometimes called Birdie) ELDRIDGE, Anna ELDRIDGE and Rea ELDRIDGE, children of my son Charles Henry ELDRIDGE, and Lewis M. ASHER [son of dtr Sarah], my said grand children to share and share alike of the undivided one-half bequeathed to them to have and to hold the same forever.

III And I hereby appoint my said wife sole Executrix of this my last will and testament and I direct that she shall not be requried to give bonds for the faithful performance of her duties as such.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and have published and declared these presents as and for my last will and testament in presence of the witnesses whose names are subscribed hereto attesting such my acts and deeds, so done in the City of Davenport, Scott County, Iowa this eleventh day of February A.D. 1881. Signed - D. C. ELDRIDGE.

...in witness thereof we have at the request of said testator and in his presence or names as witnesses of such his acts and deeds. Signed C.H. KENT, Davenport, Iowa; M. D. SNYDER, Davenport, Iowa.