Lot 900
[Adams, John]. Contemporary copy of the will of President John Adams, written in an unknown hand, 3pp, 9¾" x 7¾", n.p., n.d. The will is dated 1819 Sept. 7 and witnessed by John Davis, Thomas Greenleaf, and George W. Beale. Adams' final will was written in 1822, so this was an intermediate will, possibly prompted by the death of Adams' beloved wife, Abigail, in 1818. Some staining at top and bottom and several edge splits; still completely legible.
The will begins: "Know all Men by these Present that I John Adams of Quincy in the County of Norfolk Esquire, being of sound mind and disposing memory though in the eighty fourth year of my age do hereby make my last will & testament. My debts which I hope will not be large and my funeral charges which I hope will be very small must be paid by my Executors." He bequeaths to his son John Quincy Adams "all that part of my real Estate, which lies on both sides of the ancient County road from Boston to Plymouth…together with my mansion house, gardens, & buildings thereon situated," as well as Babel pasture and Red Cedar pasture, and his library. J.Q. Adams is required to pay the estate for a portion of the land and library, and the proceeds are to be given to Thomas Boylston Adams (Adams' only other surviving child), and to Adams' grandchildren (who are named) from his deceased daughter Abigail Smith, his deceased son Charles, and his son Thomas Boylston. John Quincy Adams and Josiah Quincy are appointed executors of the will.
Estimated Value $1,000 - 2,000.
|
| |
| Realized $3,000 |
