John W. Coffin

In the name of God, Amen. I, John W. Coffin, of the town of Herkimer, County of Herkimer and State of New york, being of sound mind and memory, and considering the uncertainty of this life, do therefore make, ordain, publish, and declare this to be my last will and testament, that is to say:

First, after all my lawful debts are paid and discharged, I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Catherine H. Coffin the use of one half of all my property of every name and nature whatsoever for and during her lifetime.

Second, all the rest, residue, and remainder of my property both real and personal, which includes the fee to the property above mentioned, I give, devise, and bequeath unto such child or children as may be living at the time of my death or the representative of such child or children, share and share alike.

Item, Should I leave no child or children living at the time of my death, or in the event all my children die before arriving at the age of twenty-one leaving no children surviving them and in that event it is my will and I hereby direct that my said wife shall have the use of the whole of my property during her lifetime and upon her death the same shall be distributed among my next of kin according to the law of distribution.

Likewise I make, constitute, and appoint my said wife Catherine H. Coffin to be sole executrix of this my last will and testament hereby revoking all former wills by me made.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal this 16th day of October, 1897.

signed - John W. Coffin