Three years prior to his death in 1855, Peter Mottice made the will that is shown here. There is no indication that he was in declining health, though he was attaining a ripe old age.
This copy of his will is from the Genealogical Archives of the Stark County (OH) Public Library. The original is gone, but this copy on microfiche (along with his other estate documents) was made from the original. It was evidently common practice to not keep original probate material once it was recorded on microfiche or microfilm.
Peter Mottice Will & Testament (10/25/1852)
I, Peter Mottice, of the County of Stark in the State of Ohio, do make and publish this, my last will and testament, in manner and form following, that is to say:
First, It is my will that my funeral expenses, and all my just debts be fully paid.
Second, I give, devise and bequeath, to my beloved grand daughter Elizabeth Firestone, one hundred and twenty five dollars, to be paid to her two years after my decease. But if she shall die before that time leaving no children of her own, the money is to remain as part of my Estate.
Third, I wish my personal property to be sold by my executors, and after paying my debts the balance of the money to be equally divided among my heirs: John Mottice, Abigail Creighton, Sarah Mottice, and James B. Mottice.
Fourth, I wish my farm on which I reside, to be rented out until my son James B. Mottice arrives at the age of twenty-one years.
Fifth, I wish my executors to sell the farm, without an order from court, and make a deed to the purchaser and receive the money, and pay the money over to my sons and daughters, each one an equal share as follows – John Mottice, Abigail Creighton, Sarah Mottice, and James B. Mottice.
And Lastly, I hereby constitute and appoint John Mottice and James Mottice to be my Executors of this my last will and testament revoking and annulling all former wills made by me, and notifying this and no other to by my last will and testament.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal.
Peter Mottice Oct. 25, 1852
Attest— John H. Creighton James McKean