Joseph Wells 
 
The last Will of Joseph Wells of the village of Greenwich (formerly of Easton), 
Washington County and State of New York. 
 
I, Joseph Wells, of the Village of Greenwich, Washington County, NY do make, publish, 
and declare this my last Will and Testament as follows, to wit: 
 
Item 1st . After all my lawful debts are paid and discharged, I give, devise and bequest to 
my daughter, Sarah R. Story the sum of Two hundred dollars ($200) also one of my best 
beds with its bedding complete. 
 
Item 2nd. I give and Bequest to my daughter, Martha M. Wells, the sum of four hundred 
dollars ($400). Also, my sitting room stove, “Splendid” with appurtenances. Also, all the 
dishes and cooking utensils and furniture and carpets and mirror now in the dwelling 
houses now occupied by me on Academy Street in said Village of Greenwich, together 
with all my silverware excepting, however, the two table spoons marked “M.C.W.” I 
also give to my said daughter, Martha, the black walnut extension table, also my lounger, 
her choice of the rocking chairs -all now in the dwelling house now occupied by my son, 
Herbert, in said Easton. 
 
Item 3rd. I give to my son, Joseph Herbert, the sum of one hundred dollars ($100). Also 
my gold watch & its guard. Also the other property now in the dwelling now occupied 
by him in Easton to wit: the bed used by him together with its bedding, the bed he used 
for his hired man, the Desk usually called “Grandfather’s”, also my Gun. 
 
Item 4th . I give to my son James J. Wells the sum of one hundred dollars ($100). Also 
my Revolver. 
 
Item 5th . I give to my grandson, Frank N. Wells, the sum of Fifty dollars ($50). 
 
Item 6th . I give and bequeath to my daughter-in-law, Flora, wife of said Herbert Wells 
the carpet in the front room of the house now occupied by her in said Easton. Also the 
Parlor wood stove and the Stevens Cook stove with their appurtenances. Also the carpet 
& window shades in the sitting room I occupied in said Easton. 
 
Item 7th . All the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate of every kind and description 
whatsoever I give, devise, and bequest to my children, James J. Wells, Herbert Wells, 
Sarah A. Story, and Martha M. Wells, and to their heirs and assigns forever, share and 
share alike. 
 
I make, constitute and appoint my two sons, James J. Wells and Herbert Wells, to be 
executors 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 the 
17th day of September 1887. 
 
 
Joseph Wells (L. S.) 
 
The foregoing instrument was at the date thereof signed, sealed, published, and declared 
by the said Joseph Wells as and for his last Will & Testament in presence of us who at his 
request and in his presence and in presence of each other have subscribed our names as 
witnesses. 
John C. Sherman of Greenwich, NY 
John R. McDougall of Greenwich, NY 
 
Surrogate’s Court. – Washington County 
In the matter of proving the 
Last Will and Testament 
Of Joseph Wells, Deceased. 
 
Washington County: SS 
 
John C. Sherman and John A. McDougall of Greenwich, NY being duly sworn in 
open court, severally, depose, and say that they were acquainted with the above named 
Joseph Wells, in his life-time, and that they, and each of them, were present and saw him 
subscribe his name at the end of the instrument in writing now produced & exhibited to 
them, purporting to be the Last Will & Testament of the said deceased, bearing date the 
seventeenth day of September, A. D. one thousand eight hundred and eighty seven. 
 
That the said deceased at the time of subscribing his name as aforesaid, published & 
declared the said instrument to be his last Will and Testament, in the presence of these 
deponents and each of them, & these deponents at the request of the said deceased & in 
his presence & in the presence of each other subscribed their names respectively thereto 
as witnesses to the execution thereof. 
 
That at the time of the execution thereof, the said deceased was a citizen of the United 
States above the age of twenty-one years, of sound disposing mind & memory, & not 
under restraint, to the best of the knowledge, information, & belief of these deponents. 
 
Subscribed & sworn to 
Before me this 9th day of John C. Sherman 
January A.D. 1888. John A. McDougall 
 
H. D. W. C. Hall, Surrogate.