The Probate File of Daniel Havens

The probate file from Tazewell County Will Book D on FamilySearch has been a great find, providing a date of death for Daniel Havens and information on his children. As noted in yesterday's post the earlier posts in this series, Daniel was born about 1800 in Monmouth, New Jersey. He moved with his family Tazewell County, Illinois, at some point prior to 1844.

Daniel's will was witnessed on 29 December 1864, this fact comes from the probate file. When he passed on 28 August 1881, his son James Havens and Thomas Crane (currently unknown relation) were executors of the will.

The will reads:
"I Daniel Havens of Tazewell County in the State of Illinois do hereby make and declare this my last will and testament, in manner and form following to wit:

First. It is my will that my funeral expenses and all of my just debts be fully paid. Second. After the payment of such funeral expenses and debts, I give, and devise, and bequeath unto my son James Havens, the farm on which he now lives, situated in said county and known and describes as the East half of the North West quarter in section nine in from twenty five North of Range two third principal meridian containing eighty acres more or less and to his heirs and assigns forever.

Third. I also give devise and bequeath unto my son James Havens the West half of the North West quarter of the north east quarter of section thirty five (35) twenty five (25) range two west of the third principal meridian situated in the county of Tazewell in the State of Illinois.

Fourth. I also give and devise unto my son James Havens one fourth of the lot of the west end of lot no. 1 in block number nine (9) as recorded on plat of said town in the recorders office at Pekin, Tazewell County, Illinois situated in the town of Danforth.

Fifth. I give, devise and bequeath unto my son Alexander B. Havens two hundred dollars to be paid by James Havens within one year after my decease and lastly I hereby constitute and appoint my son James Havens and Thomas A. Crane executors of this my last will and testament, revoking and annulling all former wills by me made and ratifying and confirming this and no other to be my last will and testament.

In witness whereof, I the said Daniel Havens have hereunto set my hand and seal on this twenty-ninth (29) day of December in the year of our lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-four.

Daniel Havens [X]"

A Codicil

In February 1871, Daniel Havens signed a codicil to his will, providing for James Havens to give one dollar to Lumen Havens (commonly known as Lumen Ketcham). This person is currently a mystery.