Gray Letters 1862 12 before

The image depicts the first page of the last will and testament of Joanna Powers Gray Evans, written in neat, cursive handwriting on blue paper. The document begins with formal language indicating Joanna's intentions to distribute her property after her demise. It outlines her wishes to pay off debts and funeral expenses first, followed by bequeathing assets to her husband, William Evans, should he outlive her. She specifies that he is to receive the use and profits of their house in Stillwater for his lifetime, contingent on certain conditions such as taxes and a specific financial obligation. The document emphasizes that her husband must not sell or transfer the property; upon his death, the house, including all associated rights and appurtenances, is to be distributed according to further stipulations not visible on this page.