I John Kramer of Elk River Township Clinton County Iowa being of sound and disposing mind do make publish and declare this to be my last will and testament hereby revoking all wills by me at any time heretofore made.

Item 1 – I direct that my just debts and funeral expenses be first paid out of my estate.

Item II – I direct that all my property both real and personal shall be sold within the term of one year after my decease if my executor shall deem it to be the best interest of my estate without sacrificing the same and shall be distributed as follows.

Item III – I give devise and bequeath to my beloved wife Rosa Kramer one third of all money coming into the hands of my executor from the sale of my real property but she shall not be entitled to any money coming into the hands of my executor from the sale of my personal property.

Item IV – I give devise and bequeath to my son Herman Kramer in addition to any bequest I may hereafter make to him the sum of Two Hundred ($200.) dollars.

Item V – I give devise and bequeath to my son Henry Kramer in addition to any bequest I may hereafter make to him the sum of One Hundred ($100.) dollars the said one hundred dollars my said executor shall collect from one Charles Ost who is now a resident of Thomas County Kansas and pay in full to my son Henry.

Item VI – I direct that my executor shall within a reasonable time after my decease erect a monument over my remains. Item VII – I give devise and bequeath all my beds, bedding, family pictures, household furniture of each and every kind that may be possessed at the time of my decease to my beloved wife Rosa Kramer the same shall be exempt from sale provided for in “Item II” and shall be and remain the property of my wife at the time of my decease.

Item VIII – I give devise and bequeath the rest, residue and remainder of any and all money which may be and remain in the hands of my executor after paying the legacies above provide for funeral expenses and the share and share alike to my sons John Kramer who is now a resident of Thomas County Kansas and Charles Kramer who is also a resident of Thomas County Kansas. Henry Kramer and Herman Kramer and Rosa Gerger the three last named being residents of Clinton County Iowa and Caroline Almer? Who is now a resident of Helena Arkansas said sums to be paid within a reasonable time after the sale of my said property and collection of money from the proceeds of such sale.

Item IX – I hereby constitute and appoint my son Henry Kramer executor of this my last will and testament exonerating him from giving bonds for the faithful discharge of his duties.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 30th day of April A. D. 1888.
Johan Kramer

Witnesses - Joseph Helfert and George Helfert

On this 30th day of April A. D. 1888 the foregoing instrument was in our presence signed and executed by John Kramer and by him declared to us to be his last will and testament and at his request and in his presence and in the presence of each other, we have subscribed our names as witnesses hereto.
Joseph Helfert – Lyons, Iowa
George Helfert – Almont Iowa

State of Iowa    }
Clinton County } SS
I William Kreim, clerk of the District Court in and for said County do hereby certify that on this day at the Sept. Term A. D. 1888 of said Court the will and instrument in writing hereunto annexed and bearing date in the 30th day of April 1888 was duly proved before and allowed by said court as and for the last will and testament of the real and personal estate of John Kramer late of said County deceased and was by said Court ordered to be recorded as such will and testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto at my hand and affixed the seal of the court at my office in Clinton in said County this 11th day of Sept. A. D. 1888.
Seal – William Kreim, Clerk
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