Transcription of Joseph's will:
I, Joseph Phillis of Centre Tp. Morgan County, Ohio, do make and publish this my last Will and Testament.
Item 1. It is my will that all my just debts and funeral expenses be paid out of my estate.
Item 2. It is my will and desire that the remains of my deceased daughter Mary Clendenen be removed from where they are now buried to the lot on which her mother is buried, that my Executor have a good and substantial monument erected at my grave at a cost of from three to four hundred dollars, that the vault of my grave be walled and cemented and that the lot be put in good repair.
Item 3. All the rest and residue of my estate I give, devise and bequeath to the guardian of my son, Jacob Phillis, in trust for the use and benefit of my said son Jacob Phillis during his life, the same to be invested to the best advantage by his said guardian and the income thereof and so much of the principal as may be needed for that purpose to be used for the support and comfort of the said Jacob Phillis during his life as aforesaid. At the death of my said son Jacob Phillis all the remainder of my said estate heretofor devised to him, I give, devise and bequeath to my three children, John Phillis who resides in the County of McLean in the State of Illinois; Samuel Phillis who resides in the County of Miami, in the State of Kansas; and Rachel J. Smith, wife of Matthew Smith, who resides in Centre Township, Morgan County, Ohio and my grand-daughter Rachel J. Smith, wife of John Smith, who resides in Centre Township, Morgan County, Ohio; the said residue and remainder of my said estate to be equally divided between my said three children and my said grand-daughter, share and share alike.
Item 4. I hereby nominate and appoint Elzy Sailor guardian of my said son Jacob Phillis who is an imbecile and unable to take care of himself; and his said Guardian is hereby authorized to do all things necessary to carry out the ongoing provisions of this my said Will in regard to my said son Jacob Phillis.
Item 5. I hereby nominate and appoint my friend Samuel Sailor Executor of this my Last Will and Testament with full power and authority to carry out its provisions.
Item 6. I hereby state that I have given to my son Joseph C. Phillis and my daughter Ann Grover [or Groves] all I intend them to have out of my estate, and they are not to receive anything further out of my estate.
I hereby revoke all former Wills by me made. Witness my hand and seal this 24th day of February 1881.