xt7w6m332p8r https://exploreuk.uky.edu/dips/xt7w6m332p8r/data/mets.xml English, William Hayden, 1822-1896. 1896 books b92e234e58v12009 English Bowen-Merrill Company : Indianapolis, Ind., and Kansas City, Mo. Contact the Special Collections Research Center for information regarding rights and use of this collection. Clark, George Rogers, 1752-1818. Clark family. Clark s Expedition to the Illinois, 1778-1779. Clark s Expedition against Detroit, 1781. Clark s Grant (Ind.) Conquest of the country northwest of the river Ohio, 1778-1783; and life of Gen. George Rogers Clark. Over one hundred and twenty-five illustrations. With numerous sketches of men who served under Clark ... text Conquest of the country northwest of the river Ohio, 1778-1783; and life of Gen. George Rogers Clark. Over one hundred and twenty-five illustrations. With numerous sketches of men who served under Clark ... 1896 2009 true xt7w6m332p8r section xt7w6m332p8r
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INTRODUCTORY VOLUMES TO ENGLISH'S HISTORY OF INDIANA

CONQUEST OF THE COUNTRY

NORTHWEST OF THE RIVER OHIO

I 1778 1783 |ff!|f

AND

J' LIFE OF

GEN. GEORGE ROGERS CLARK

OVER ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FIVE ILLUSTRATIONS

WITH NUMEROUS SKETCHES OF MEN WHO SERVED UNDER CLARK AND FULL LIST OF THOSE ALLOTTED LANDS IN CLARK'S GRANT FOR SFRVICE IN THE CAMPAIGNS AGAINST THE BRITISH POSTS, SHOWING EXACT LAND ALLOTTED EACH. >

WILLIAM HAYDEN ENGLISH

President Indiana Historical Society

VOLUME I

INDIANAPOLIS, 1ND., AND KANSAS CITY, MO.

the bowen-merrili. company 1897.

PREFACE.

In collecting historical matter for a history of Indiana, which the author has been preparing for man}- years, his material has grown so voluminous on the subjects embraced in these volumes that the best use to make of it has been a grave question. After consultation with discreet and well-informed judges, it has been determined to publish now in a separate form the matter in relation to the conquest of the country northwest of the river Ohio (and this necessarily includes the life of George Rogers Clark) as introductory volumes to the History of Indiana, the events therein relating largely to that country before its organization as a territory. This plan will probably be found more satisfactory to the general public than any other disposition that could be made of the material.

Much of this matter has never before been published, and it is hoped will be found interesting, and worthy of being perpetuated. To that end numerous historical letters, papers, etc., are reproduced in fac-simile, or otherwise.

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PREFACE.

The author, born and brought up on the borders of Clark's Grant, of a family which furnished Clark three officers in his campaigns against the British, and was allied to his family in early times by marriage, naturally felt an interest in the great historic events of Clark's life, and particularly in those remarkable campaigns against the British posts at Kaskaskia and Vincennes, which were so intimately connected with the history of Indiana, and added an empire to the boundaries of the United States.

This interest, beginning in earlv life, never abated, but finally assumed the form of collecting all available information in relation to the occurrences themselves, and the lives of the men who participated in them, especiallv of their great leader.

The information was sought, at first, without an)' fixed intention of publication, but investigation satisfied the author that no account of the life of General Clark, and of the great events with which he was connected, had as vet been published as full as the importance of the subject demanded. This view he found was also entertained by Judge Law, James Parton, Senator Daniel of Virginia, and many others of superior judgment, who had also investigated the subject.

The author, therefore, after waiting many years in expectation that the field would be fully occupied, and finding yet a vacancy and himself in possession of a large amount of unpublished material, determined upon the publication of the present volumes under the circumstances already stated.
PREFACE.

He has earnestly endeavored to make it a full and fair history, and trusts that he has brought much that was meager and fragmentary into a more compact and desirable form, besides adding to the aggregate of information heretofore published upon the subject.

If he has succeeded in doing this he has accomplished all he desired, and will feel rewarded for much labor devoted to it at an advanced period of life, when time had become precious, and its value understood and appreciated.

lie remembers, with gratitude, the aid and encouragement generously extended to him in his researches by numerous friends, and particularly by members of the Clark and Bowman families.

Thanks are especially clue Mr. and Mrs. Jefferson K. Clark of St. Louis, the former being the son of Governor William Clark, George Rogers Clark's youngest brother and of the celebrated Lewis and Clark expedition to the Pacific ocean, under the auspices of President Jefferson; to Governor Clark's grandsons, William Hancock Clark of Detroit, and Meriwether Lewis Clark of Kentucky; to R. C. Ballard Thruston of Louisville, a descendant of George Rogers Clark's sister Frances; to Mr. and Mrs. August F. Rodgers of California, the latter being a descendant of General Clark's sister, Mrs. Lucy Croghan; also to numerous descendants of his eldest brother General Jonathan Clark, who was himself a distinguished officer of the Revolution, and whose wife was of the same family as the author.
PREFACE.

Of the Bowman family thanks are especially due to Mrs. Eleanor B. Bowman of Strasburg, Virginia, widow of Isaac S. Bowman, son of Lieutenant Isaac Bowman of Clark's Command; and to Mrs. Mary D. Bowman of Har-rcdsburg, Kentucky, whose husband. Prof. John B. Bowman, long and honorably connected with the University of Kentucky, spent many years in collecting historical information of his ancestors of the Revolutionary period, but, unfortunately, died without placing his material in form for publication.

In fact the aid and encouragement extended to the author by representative members of the Clark and Bowman families have been so cordial and useful in furnishing historical information and material, as to make him feel that the work, in a measure, has been prepared under their auspices.

A fair exhibit of the spirit manifested bv all will be found in the case of Jefferson K. Clark of St. Louis, the senior representative of the Clark family, who gave the author not only the use of the very large and valuable collection of family historical papers in his possession, but gave him also a letter of general authority to use all Clark historical papers wherever found. A similar letter was received from Mr. Temple Bodly of Louisville, a representative of the Jonathan Clark branch of the family, who also gave unrestricted use of his very large collection of historic material.

Much valuable material was also furnished by Colonel Reuben T. Durrett of Louisville, whose information about western history is unsurpassed, and his willingness to oblige proverbial.
PREFACE. 13

The writer is also indebted to the Honorable Henry S. of Cauthorn, Rev. Edm. J. P. Schmitt, J. V. Southall, Esq.,

of and to many others, who are generally mentioned in ap-

r- propriate connection in the body of the work; and to all,

whether mentioned or not, he feels truly grateful, and tenders his profound acknowledgments.

ILLUSTRATIONS.

Vol. I.

Page.

Westward the Course op Empire Takes its Way States Created

from the Old Northwest Territory (Frontispiece, Vol. 1).............. 2

Signature of the Author.................................................................... 13

Portrait of the Author..................................................................... 13

Illustrations (half title)..................................................................... 15

Rogers' Coat of Arms.......................................................................... 35

Fac-simile of George Rogers Clark's Letter to His Father in 1780.... 38

The Old Clark Residence at Mulberry Hill, Ky................................ -13

Old Spring-house at Mulberry Hill................................................... 44

Signature of John Clark.................................................................... 52

Signature of Ann Clark..................................................................... 52

Fac-simile of letter of President Thomas Jefferson to Clark............ 57

Portrait of Governor Patrick Henry................................................. 73

Portrait of Governor Thomas Jefferson............................................. 88

Portrait of George Mason.................................................................. 89

Portrait of George Wythe................................................................. 90

Signature of Thomas Jefferson........................................................... 91

Fac-simile of Governor Henry's Letter of Instructions to Clark...... 96

Signature of Judge John Law............................................................. 100

Portrait of Judge John Law............................................................... 100

Fac-simile of letter of George Wythe, George Mason and Thomas

Jefferson to George Rogers Clark............................................... 102

Fac-simile of Certificate of Death of Joseph Bowman....................... 109

Signature of Mary Bowman................................................................ Ill

Signature of George Bowman............................................................ Ill

Signature of Jost Hite......................................................................

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ILLUSTRATIONS.

Signature of Samuel Kircheval......................................................... 11

Homestead of Bowman's Grandfather and Uncle................................ 11

George Bowman's Residence............................................................... 11

Fac-simile of Patent of King George II for Bowman Land................. 11

The old Bowman Mill on this Land................................................... 1-

Corn Island in 1788............................................................................ 13

Signature of John Montgomery......................................................... 13

Signature of Elizabeth B. Ruddell................................................... 1-1

Signature of Isaac Ruddell............................................................... H

Signature of James Patton................................................................. H

Signature of Richard Chenowitii....................................................... H

Old Fort Chenowith........................................................................... H

Clark's Army Passing over the Ohio Falls......................................... 16

Capture of Rochblave, the British Commandant at Kaskaskia........... 17

Portrait of Simon Kenton................................................................. li

Signature of Simon Kenton................................................................. 1<

Portrait of Father Gibault.............................................................. 18

Signature of Father Dujannay........................................................... 18

Signature of Father Meurin.............................................................. IS

Signature of Father Devernai........................................................... 187

Bowman's Line of March from Kaskaskia to Cahokia......................... 1'

Signature of Father Gibault.............................................................. V-

Clark in Council with Indians.......................................................... 21

Portrait of Francis Vigo.................................................................... 21

Fac-simile of Note Executed by Francis Vigo..................................... 27

Departure of "The Willing" from Kaskaskia.................................... 28

Signature and Writing of John Rogers............................................... 25

Off for Vincennes February-, 1779...................................................... 28

Father Gibault Blessing Clark's Troops............................................ 28

Map Showing Route of Clark's Marches............................................ 2!

Map of Route Through the Over-flowed Lands.................................. 31

Crossing the Great Waters...............................................................

Clark Entering the Water Big Sergeant and Drummer Boy............ 30

Fort Sackville.......................................................

Old St. Xavier's Church........................................

Portrait of Elihu Stout.........................................

Signature of Elihu Stout.......................................

Approach to the Fort Through Vincennes...............

Night Attack g.\ Fort Sackville, February 23, 1779,
Il.l.rSTKATIOXS.

Page.

Fac-simile of Letter op Governor Hamilton to Colonel Clark Proposing a Truce for Three Days........,............................................ 337

Fac-simile of Colonel Clark's Reply.................................................. 338

Pac-simile of Major Joseph Bowman's Commission.............................. 351

Signature of Francis Bosseron........................................................... 356

Signature of J. M. P. Legrace............................................................ 357

Diagram of Ground Around Fort Sackville....................................... 376

Diagram of Ground Around St. Xavier's Church................................ 376

Capture of British Boats on the Wabash Return of the Victors...... 359

Sword Presented General Clark by the State of Virginia................. 405

CONTENTS OF CHAPTERS.

Vol. I.

CHAPTER I.

HISTORY OF THE CONQUEST OF THE COUNTRY NORTHWEST OF THE OHIO NECESSARILY INCLUDES THE LIFE ^

Account of his ancestors Traditional only, back of his grandparents Sketch of his grandparents Will of his paternal grandfather Sketch of his father and mother Their removal from King and Queen county to Albemarle Homestead on the Rivanna river where George Rogers Clark was born Remove to Caroline county Sons enter the army George R.and Richard go West Fac-simile of letter from the former to his father Parents removed to Kentucky in 17S4 The old homestead at Mulberry Hill, where they settled, died and were buried The father's will Fac-simile of the father's and mother's signatures.......................................................................................29~52

EARLY HOME AND BOYHOOD DAYS OF GEORGE ROGERS CLARK.

Doubtful traditions Life-long friendship between him and Thomas Jefferson Fac-simile of letter from Jefferson to Clark Education of latter limited Most proficient in mathematics Engages in practical surveying in the upper Ohio valley His settlement and adventures there Serves in Dunmore's war Visits Kentucky His experiences there Returns to Virginia as a representative of the Kentucky people Urges their needs upon the Governor and legislature Secures a much-needed supply of gunpowder Adventures conveying the powder to its destination Successful termination of his mission, and return to Kentuckv............................................................

OF GENERAL GEORGE ROGERS CLARK.

CHAPTER II.
24

CONTENTS OF CI lAI'TFKS.

CHAPTER III.

FROM THE DELIVERY OF THE GUNPOWDER IN KENTUCKY IN THE WINTER OF 1776-7, TO THE AUTHORIZATION OF THE ILLINOIS CAMPAIGN, JANUARY 2, 177S.

Upon his return to Kentucky, Colonel Clark formulates plans for a campaign against the British posts northwest of the Ohio Sends spies to ascertain their condition Is a party to several adventures in Kentucky A favorite with the people and placed in military command Visits Virginia to obtain approval and aid of the state for an expedition against the British posts Lay-; his plans before Governor Patrick Henry The governor consults his executive council and Jefferson, Wythe and Mason Sketches of Wythe and Mason-Order for the campaign issued Deceptive public instructions issued to Clark Fac-simile of the governor's private instructions Also fac-simile of letter of Jefferson, Wythe and Mason.......................................................81-104

CHAPTER IV.

FROM THE AUTHORIZATION OF THE ILLINOIS CAMPAIGN TO THE ARRIVAL AT THE FALLS OF THE OHIO.

Colonel Clark gratified at the approval of his plans Is clothed with all the authority he wished Receives 1,200, with order for ammunition and militan stores Advances 150 to Major William Smith to recruit troops on the Hoi ston Only a few obtained from that source Secures services of Captain-Helm and Bowman Their companies reach Red Stone early in February. 1778 Sketch of Captain Helm Sketch of the Bowmans Interference with recruiting Secures services of Captain William Ilarrod Sketch of Harrod Colonel Clark's officers and men mainly natives of Virginia The expedition exclusively a Virginia enterprise Departure from Red Stone early in May with only one-third the troops expected Events of the voyage Successfully avoids surprise and interference with his plans Stops at mouth of Kentucky river Meditates establishing a post there Finally decides falls of Ohio a better locality for it Moves forward to that place Greatly disappointed in not being joined by the additional troops expected...........................105-130
CONTENTS OF CHAPTERS.

CHAPTER V.

AT THE FALLS OF THE OHIO.

Colonel Clark selects Corn Island for his camping ground and depot of supplies Reasons for the selection Description of the island Joined bv Montgomery's company Sketch of Montgomery Dillard's company declines to serve Some depart without leave Probable reasons for so doing Number of Clark's force Sketches of persons left on Corn Island A crisis in Clark's undertaking from lack of men Determines to brave it all and depart at once on the expedition against the British posts......................................131 ice

CHAPTER VI.

FROM CORN ISLAND TO THE CAPTURE OF KASKASKIA.

Time of the departure of the expedition announced Effect of the announcement Character of the troops Exciting scenes of the departure Voyage down the Ohio Land on an island at the mouth of the Tennessee Joined by a party of hunters March across the country towards Kaskaskia Unjust distrust of the new-found hunter-guide Suffer for food Capture Kaskaskia by surprise Description of the place, and events connected with the capture Rochblave, the commandant, a prisoner Conduct of Rochblave and wife Alleged incidents connected with taking the fort, and Colonel Clark and Simon Kenton's connection therewith Sketch of Kenton..........157-1S0

CHAPTER VII.

FROM THE CAPTURE OF KASKASKIA TO THE VIN-CENNES CAMPAIGN.

Clark's policy towards inhabitants of Kaskaskia His own account of his intercourse with them Meets Father Gibault Sketch of this patriot priest Services he rendered the Americans Captain Joseph Bowman captures Ca-hokia and other villages His account of the expedition Description of the villages Father Gibault sent to Vincennes in American interest Secures allegiance of that people to American cause Captain Helm placed in civil command there and Captain Williams of the military Colonel William Linn sent with party to Corn Island That post removed to main land
26

CONTENTS OF CHAPTERS.

Captain Montgomery sent to Virginia with prisoners and dispatches Captain Helm's adventures with Indians Clark's superior skill in managing them He visits Cahokia Sends out spies Receives vague information of forward movement of enemy from Detroit His dangerous adventure at Prairie du Rocher Returns to Kaskaskia Kinds great alarm there at rumored approach of the enemy Sends for Bowman's company, and resorts to heroic remedies News arrives of the capture of Vincennes by the British,

181-214

CHAPTER VIII.

LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR HAMILTON'S CAMPAIGN AGAINST VINCENNES.

Hamilton an instigator of Indian raids against American frontiers Contrast between Clark and Hamilton as to employing Indians News of Clark's invasion received at Detroit Campaign to regain possession determined upon Forces to be used mainly Indians Departure of expedition Hamilton defends character of Indians, but assails the French Incidents of the journey Americans taken by surprise Surrender to vastly superior numbers Ludicrous incidents connected therewith Detachments of British and Indian-sent to other points Hamilton praises the sobriety and good conduct of his Indians Little apparent reason for the claim Drinking common at that period Liquor part of army supplies Charge that Clark was at this time a hard drinker refuted Hamilton requires inhabitants of Vincennes to take oath of allegiance to the British Greatly strengthens the fort Sends detachment to mouth of Wabash Makes extensive plans to drive off the Americans, and attack their frontiers in the spring Relies upon inclemency of season, and remoteness of American forces, and settles down at Vincennes for the winter in fancied security...................................................215-24;

CHAPTER IX.

VIRGINIA HEARS THE NEWS OF CLARK'S SUCCESS AND TAKES ACTION THEREON.

Commandant Rochblave sent a prisoner to Virginia News of the capture of the Illinois country joyfully received The governor communicates it to the delegates in congress Virginia legislature returns thanks to Clark and his soldiers Also passes a law organizing the county of Illinois And another to raise five hundred additional soldiers for service there John Todd ap-
CONTEXTS OF CHAPTERS.

aping n of b at ru-rts ish. 214

rast in-

y Ludi-

ans his that ne a take dc-flie ncv ines --4:

re of

the his ther ap-

pointed lieutenant-commandant and instructed by Governor Henry as to his duties Important letters from the governor to Colonel Clark Letter from Clark to the governor describing his desperate situation and foreshadowing his intention to attempt the capture of Hamilton and Vincennes.......243-264

CHAPTER X.

FREPARING FOR THE CAMPAIGN AGAINST HAMILTON THE DEPARTURE FROM KASKASKIA AND MARCH TO VINCENNES.

Difficulties of Colonel Clark's situation Prepares to march against the British at Vincennes Great assistance rendered by Francis Vigo Sketch of Vigo Visit to his grave Xot properly compensated by government for his services and losses He secures important information of the strength of the British at Vincennes Captains Bowman's and McCarty's companies join Clark at Kaskaskia Sketch of Captains McCarty, Williams, Charleville and Rogers The latter moves forward by water with part of Clark's force Clark marches by land Troops blessed by Father Gibault and cheered on by French inhabitants Details of march from Kaskaskia to Vincennes Incidents of remarkable passage across overflowed bottoms of Big and Little Wabash rivers Reaches Vincennes at last, is well received by French citizens, and proceeds at once to attack the British in Fort Sackville......265-316

CHAPTER XI.

CAPTURE OF FORT SACKVILLE AND VINCENNES

Sketch of Lieutenant John Bailey Attack of Fort Sackville Sketch of the fort St. Xavier's Church French citizens furnish Americans much needed ammunition Indian assistance declined by Clark Firing on fort continued during the night Detachment of British allowed to get in the fort Some British and Indians captured on the outside British roughly handled, and Indians killed Hamilton's account of it Clark's letter demanding surrender of the fort Hamilton's reply Proposes three days' truce, which Clark declines They finally meet for conference at St. Xavier's Church Full details of that meeting Some bloody incidents They probably hasten the surrender of the fort Terms of capitulation finally agreed upon Fort surrendered tc the Americans Messenger arrives from Virginia with important papers Including commission of colonel for Lieutenant-Colonel Clark and major for Captain Bowman Fac-simile of Bowman's commission........................317-352
28 CONTENTS OF CHAPTERS.

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CHAPTER XII.

IMPORTANT EVENTS ON THE WABASH, FEBRUARY, 177,,.

Expedition up the river from Vincennes Capture of seven British boats, fom men, and valuable property Importance of the event Rejoicing of Ameri can and French inhabitants on return of the successful expedition Sketchc of Francis Bosseron and J. M. P. Legrace Campaign against Detroit con templated bv Clark Postponed for a time Releases part of his prisoner--Forwards others to Virginia Captain George's company arrives at Kask.i-kia Sketch of Captain George Clark divides his troops between Vincennes Kaskaskia and Cahokia Assigns officers to their respective positions Goe-himself witli thirty men to Kaskaskia Punishes Delaware Indians Con templated June expedition against Detroit abandoned from lack of men-Clark returns to Vincennes Issues general order in relation to disposition 1: his troops Death of Major Bowman, and matters relating to him CoIoik! Clark returns to the falls of the Ohio, and makes that his headquarters, ".1-the most convenient spot to have an eye over the whole "..................353-37;

CHAPTER XIII.

KILLING OF COLONEL CLARK'S MESSENGER AND CAPTURE OF IMPORTANT PAPERS.

Official report to governor of Virginia, and other important papers sent bv the messenger Instructions given him by Colonel Clark Is killed by a party of Huron Indians near the falls of the Ohio Captured papers supposed to be in Canadian archives Copies of part of them there Copies reproduced here Colonel Clark's letter to speaker Virginia house of delegates-Clark's report of the Vincennes campaign sent the governor On learning loss of this communication Colonel Clark forwards duplicate report to Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson This letter in full Also captured letter 0! Major Bowman to Governor Patrick I Ienry Rejoicing over capture of Vincennes Virginia presents Clark with an elegant sword ..................379-404
CHAPTER I.

HISTORY OF THE CONQUEST OF THE COUNTRY NORTHWEST OF THE OHIO NECESSARILY INCLUDES THE LIFE OF GENERAL GEORGE ROGERS CLARK.

ipTppIIE great central figure in the conquest from the British of the country northwest of the river Ohio during the Revolutionary War was General George Rogers Clark, and any full account of that important and far-reaching event is necessarily an account of the most material part of his life. He was but twenty-five years old when he successfully laid his plans before the governor of Virginia for the reduction of the British posts beyond the Ohio, and what is known of his ancestry and life up to that time can soon be related.

The history of the remote ancestry of George Rogers Clark on the father's side is meager, vague and unsatisfactory. Back of his grandfather is only tradition; but this

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ANCESTORS OF GEORGE ROGERS CLARK.

tradition seems clear and positive that his paternal ancestor, who first came to this country, emigrated from England, and that his name was John. From what part of England this John Clark came, or who were his ancestors, there is no reliable information. Tradition has it that he settled on the James river, in Virginia, and became a planter; that either on the vessel coming over, or soon after his arrival, he met, and fell in love with, a Scotch girl, who became his wife, and that she was "a red-haired beauty." The prevalence of reddish hair in the Clark family is probably traceable to this lady. There is uncertainty as to the date of this emigration and as to the history of the family for some time afterwards. The date has been vaguely mentioned as "about 1620 or 1630."

It is known that John and Jonathan Clark, descendant* of John, the emigrant, and "the red-haired Scotch lady.* were living in Drysdale parish, King and Queen county. Virginia, before 1725, as this Jonathan married there : that year. If the date of the emigration mentioned is correct, it would seem conclusive that these were the grandsons, and not, as some have supposed, the sons of John, tin emigrant, but there is no certainty that the date mentions: is correct; besides the name of John has been in ever generation of this Clark family, and in consequence it i-difficult to trace the John branch in very early times, Jonathan was also a favorite name in the early days.

But beginning now with the John and Jonathan of Drysdale, we pass out of the domain of tradition, and can trace their history with a reasonable degree of certainty. This is especially true of Jonathan, who was the grandfather of
ANCESTORS OF GEORGE ROGERS CLARK.

George Rogers Clark. Less is known of his brother John, but it is said he died, unmarried, in Caroline county, Virginia, in 1757, leaving his estate to his brother Jonathan's son John, who was the father of George Rogers Clark. As this last named John moved to Caroline county in the same year his Uncle John died there, as will be shown further on, it may be that he moved to look after the estate which his uncle had bequeathed to him.

As already stated, Jonathan Clark was married in King and Queen county, Virginia, in 1725. He died there in 1734, leaving a widow, four very young children, and a considerable estate. The maiden name of his wife was Elizabeth Wilson. She was of Quaker parentage, and said to have been a remote descendant of the celebrated martyr-, John Rogers. The children were named John, Ann, Benjamin and Elizabeth, as will be seen by the following copy of their father's will, which was recorded in the county where he died, as shown by Mr. SouthalTs statement a few pages further on:*

Will of Jonathan Clark, the Grandfather of George Rogers Clark.

In the name of God, amen. The ninth day of April, in the year of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred and thirty-four, I, Jonathan Clark, of Drysdale parish, in King and Queen county, being very sick and weak in body, but of perfect mind and memory, thanks be to God, and calling to mind the mortality of my body and knowing that it is

*The will or a copy is also in the Diaper collection of historic papers in the Wisconsin Historical Society.

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ANCESTORS OF (i FORGE ROUEKS CLARK.

appointed for all men once to die, do make and ordain this my last will and testament, in manner and form following; that is to say principally, and first of all, I give my soul to God, trusting that through mercy and the merits of Jesus Christ, my Savior, to receive full pardon for all my sins in this life committed and be received into eternal bliss, and my body to the earth to be decently buried at the discretion of my executors, hereafter mentioned, and as touching such worldly estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me, I give and dispose of in manner and form following: It. It is my will and desire that all my just debts and funeral charges be first paid out of my personal estate. It. It is my will and desire that my loving wife, Eliz'h Clark, shall have the use and benefit of the land and plantation whereon I now live, during her natural life.

It. I give and bequeath unto my two sons, John Clark and Benjamin Clark, all that land whereon I now live, to be equally divided between them, after their mother-death, to them and to their heirs and assigns forever. It. I give and bequeath unto my aforesaid two sons, John Clark and Benjamin Clark