I, Charles Bidleman of the town of Shelby, County of Orleans and State of New York, being of sound mind and memory, considering the uncertainty of life and being in infirm health, wishing to make a just and equitable distribution of my property, do make, publish and declare this my last will and Testament in manner following.
First: After all my debts and funeral expenses are paid I give and bequeath to my wife Nancy E. Bidleman for and during the term of her life, twenty five acres of land off the east side of my farm where I live by running a line parallel to the east line of my farm and at such distance west therefrom, as shall make twenty five acres.
Second. I give and bequeath to my said wife all of my household furniture, beds and bedding (except one bed and bedding for the same) for her to use and enjoy during her life.
Third. I give and bequeath to my said wife, my mare nine years old. (with a white strip in the face) and my one horse harness, the above bequests to my wife in lieu of dower.
Fourth. I give and bequeath to my son Charles W. Bidleman all the rest and residue of my farm lying west of that part thereof bequeathed to my wife being about twenty two acres. I also give and bequeath to my said son Charles W. one good bed and bedding for the same and the brown mare, and the bay colt with a star in the forehead, the same that are called his (and are his) but that the said title may not be questioned I insert this bequest.)
Fifth. I give and bequeath to my daughter Mary Demara six acres of land that I bought of James Caldwell, said land lying in the town of Shelby and for a description thereof reference shall be had to the deed from James Caldwell & wife to me.
Sixth. After my decease I direct that sufficient of my personal property shall be sold to pay all of my debts and liabilities and the residue I give and bequeath to my three children, Jerome, Mary & Charles W.
Seventh. After the decease of my wife, I direct that the twenty five acres of land bequeathed to her my said wife shall be sold and out of the proceeds of such sale, I give and bequeath to my step daughter Emma B. Bane seven hundred dollars.
Eighthly. All the rest & residue of my property arising from the sale of the twenty five acres aforesaid and the other property not otherwise disposed of I give and bequeath to my three children Jerome, Mary and Charles W share and share alike. I hereby make constitute and appoint my wife Nancy E. Bidleman & my brother Samuel Bidleman executors of this my last Will and Testament hereby revoking all other and former wills by me made.
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 24th day of December AD.1870 Charles Bidleman
Submitted by: Jennifer Clark 26 Feb 2006