Will of John B. Carter:
I, John B. Carter of the County of Linn and state of Missouri do hereby make and publish this my last will and testament as follows to wit
FIRST: I desire that my funeral expenses and all my other just debts be first paid; Then
SECOND: My son Zimri A. Carter being the only issue of my first marriage and he being a full heir at law in the estate of Jesse Cayton deceased late of Warren County, Missouri, it is Therefore my will that he have no share or portion of my estate inherited by my wife Mahala from her brother Jesse Cayton deceased late of Warren County, Missouri, but that he have a full share of all my other property both personal and real with the other heirs of my body.
THIRD: I give and bequeath unto each one of my children who shall remain with me until I die the sum of one hundred dollars or its equivalent in personal property, to be valued by three disinterested responsible persons. It being the same amount that I have given to those of my children who have left me.
FOURTH: It is my will that the heirs of my daughter Hester Ann Wray have no share or portion of my estate inherited by my wife Mahala from her brother Jesse Cayton deceased late of Warren County Missouri, except such as she may choose to give them. but that they have a full share or child's portion of all my other property both personal and real estate with the other heirs of my body.
FIFTH: Should my wife Mahala after my death marry again it is my will that my property both personal and real estate be equally divided between her and the heirs of her body. Zimri A. Carter receiving his share according to the second section of this will and the heirs of Hester Ann Wray to receive their portion according to the Fourth section of this will.
SIXTH: Should she not marry again I give and devise all my estate real and personal of what nature or kind soever to my wife Mahala, first complying with the Third section of this will to be used and enjoyed by her during the term of her natural life and from and after her decease I give and devise the same to my children, their heirs and assigns forever according to the foregoing provisions of this will. April the 5.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the (blank) day of (blank) 1856 one thousand eight hundred and fifty six.
signed: John B. Carter (Seal)
Witnessed: Robert Hubbard
Robert Warren
James A. Switzer
John W. Switzer