Understanding a will as a primary document

A will is written (or drawn up) before a person dies.  The person must be of “sound mind” in order to do so and its purpose is to provide those who will inherit items (heirs) with an understanding of what the person making the will wants done after they die.  A will also names who will carry out the deceased wishes (an executor).  Imprimis means “in the first place”.  A codicil is an attachment

Will of Cesar Peters

I Ceser Peters of Hebron in the County of Tolland being of sound mind disposing memory do make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner following

Imprimis I give and bequeath unto each of my Children Cesar, Doras, Henry, Sally Sussanah Ziba and Lovinia each ten cents paid by my executor out of the _____ of my estate paying all my just debts and funeral charges for within twelve months of my decease.

Item I give and bequeath unto each of the Children of my son James deceased one cent if called for within twelve months after my decease to be paid by my executor

Item the remaining part of my estate both real and personal I give to my well beloved wife Sim Peters so long as she remains my widow and is further my will that whenever she shall cease to be my widow that whatever of my estate she shall receive in consequence of this my last will and testament shall go to such one of my Children as she shall direct but if she neglects to make such decision the estate shall go to my son Henry to be his solely and absolutely

Item I do hereby nominate appoint and constitute John S. Peters to be sole Executor of this my last will and testament.

In witness whereof I have _______ to set my hand and seal this 25^th day of June 1814

Cesar Peters    his mark

Since making the within will I Ceser Peters have thought proper to make the following alterations by way of a Codocil viz To my wife Sim Peters I give in addition to what I have given her before the following articles to be hers forever viz two beds and bedding one iron pot and kettle one looking glass which she brought with her two tables two chests nine chairs and all such other articles as she brought with her at the time I married her together with my sett of China Ware

Cesar Peters his mark

We the undersigned heard the foregoing Codicil to the written will_____

The presence of the testator and in the presence of each other and heard him declare the same to be part of his final will and testament

Hebron 25 June 1814

Daniel Kellogg

Reuban Mann

Leonard Hendee