In the name of the benevolent Father of all - I MARY F. DOWNS, of Tippecanoe Township, Tippecanoe County, Indiana, and wife of ANDREW J. DOWNS, knows the uncertainty of life and the certainty of death, do make and publish this my last will and testament to wit:-

First, I direct that all my just debts and funeral expenses including the expenses of my last sickness be paid as soon as can conveniently be done, by my executor, out of the assests of my estate.

Second, I give and bequeath to my beloved husband, ANDREW J. DOWNS, one hundred dollars, to be paid to him in cash out of the monies arising from my estate. This is in lieu of his rights under the law.

Third, To my children, PORT BYRON DOWNS, WILLIAM A. DOWNS, HARRY M. DOWNS, EDWARD L. DOWNS, and CLARK B. DOWNS, I give, devise, and bequeath all the residue of my estate, real, personal and mixed alike - subject to the following provision in favor of my daughter RACHEL A. DOWNS. It is my will that the first five children named in this will shall pay to the said RACHEL A. DOWNS the sum of sixty dollars per annum, each, as long as the said RACHEL shall live. This provision to be a charge on the real estate devised to the first five children above named to secure payment. Payment to be made semi-annually. I make this provision in favor of my child RACHEL because she is an invalid and will be as I think as long as she lives, and I think this best for her.

Fourth, I nominate and appoint my husband ANDREW J. DOWNS executor of this my last will and testament.

In witness whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal this 24 day of April 1897.

Mary F. Downs {seal}

Signed by us in presence of MARY F. DOWNS, the testatrix and by her in our presence and in the presence of each other this 24 day of April 1897.

William S. Potter
Alexander A. Rice