Source: Probate Box 40-4, Monroe County History Center, Bloomington, Indiana. NOTE: The item below was transcribed by Randi Richardson from an original, handwritten will. This will is also included in Monroe County (IN) Will Book 3, pp. 402-404. On May 1, 1869, William Bender, Sr., made out his last will and testament. It was witnessed by Isaac A. Chandler and Henry C. Wampler. An original, hand-written copy was found in Monroe County (IN) Probate Box 40-8. It reads as follows: "In the Name of the Benevolent Father of all and in view of the shortness of life and the certainty of death, I William Bender, Sr., of Monroe County and State of Indiana do make this and publish it my last will and testament.. "1st--That of my personal and real estate my wife (Elizabeth) have have her lawful dower.. "2nd--That Newton Bender have a certain black or brown Colt, female. "3rd--That the remainder of my personal estate be sold in such manner and terms as my executor may think best, and after the payment of my just debts and claims, the residue of said purchase money be equally divided between my lawful heirs. 4th--That after the widow's dower of my real estate, the remainder be sold in such manner and terms as my executor may think best and that five hundred dollars [of] it be divided as follows: To William Bender, Jr. $83.00; John J. Bender, $1.00; Deborah Wampler, $1.00; Henry J. Bender, $1.00, and that the remainder of said $500.00 be divided equal between Elizabeth Ping and James B. Bender all being heirs of my first wife--said five hundred dollars being money given by their grandfather. 5th--And that the residue of the purchase money of said real estate be equally divided between my lawful heirs, except John I. Bender, Henry J. Bender, and Deborah Wampler, they having deeded away their interest in and unto said real estate. 6th--I make and appoint James B. Bender executor of this my last will and testament. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 1st day of May AD 1869.