Have you ever encountered a will that names the daughters but never mentions the sons? Well, that’s what I encountered when researching Bernetta Sellers, daughter of Nathan Sellers and wife of William Mercer. William Mercer’s will leaves property to his wife, Bernetta, and then at her death to daughters: Emma, Ida and Inez.
Monroe Cunty Will Record “D” page 26 Know all men by these presents, that I, William Mercer of the County of Monroe and State of Iowa, being of lawful age and sound mind and disposing memory, do make and publish this my last will and testament in manner and form as follows, to-wit: First: I direct that all my just debts, expense of my lat sickness and funeral expenses will be paid out of any moneys that I may have at the time of my death. Second. I give devise and bequeath unto my beloved wife, Bernetta H. Mercer all of my household goods of every kind and description. Third. I give bequeath and devise to my said wife, Vernetta H. Mercer to have hld and use, enjoy the rents and profits from the same during her natural life time, the following described real estate of the County of Monroe State of Iowa, towit: South 1/2 of Lots one (1) and two (2) in Block two (2) of the Second Survey of the City of Albia, Monroe County, Iowa, and the undivided one (1/2) of W 1/2 of Lots thirteen (13) and Fourteen (14) of Saunders & Nobles Sub-division of Out Lot No. 9 in the town (now city) of Albia, Monroe County, Iowa. My intention being that my said wife shall have and use rents and profits of the above described real estate during her natural life time. Fourth. At the death of my said wife Bernetta H. Mercer, what ever remains of the household goods herein bequeathed to her, I bequeath to my daughters, Ida E. Mercer and Emma L. Mercer, share and share alike. Fifth. At the death of my wife Bernetta H. Mercer, I give devise and bequeath to my said daughters Ida E. Mercer and Emma L. Mercer the following described real estate, the S 1/2 of Lots One (1) and two (2) in Block two (2) of the Second survey of the City of Albia, Monroe county, Iowa. Sixth. At the death of my said wife, I give devise and bequeath unto my daughter Inez M. Hyatt and her heirs, the following described real estate, the undivided one (1/2) of the W. (1/2) of Lots Thirteen (13) and fourteen (14) of Saunders & Noble’s Subdivision of Out lot nine (9) in the town (now city) of Albia, Monroe County, Iowa. I hereby nominate and appoint C. W. Smallwood of Albia, Iowa, executor of this my last will and testament. Witnesseeth my hand this 27th day of January, 1911 William (his mark) Mercer Witness to mark L. T. Richmond
Iowa, Wills and Probate Records, 1758-1997, William Mercer, January 1911; database with images, Ancestry (www.ancestry.com : viewed online 23 October 2022). Original Source: Iowa, County, District and Probate Courts.
