David Shell Obituary

Sauk County, News, Baraboo, Wisconsin, Search 14, 1880: Reposited at the Wisconsin Historical Society Library, Park and State Streets, Madison, Wisconsin.

"David Shell died at his home in Sumpter at 77 years.  The deceased was noted for habits of industry, a cheerful, hopeful disposition and general good will to all.  He was never known to attend to other people's business unless by their special request, abhorred debts and was a pay-as-you-go man to all intents and purposes.  Mrs. Shell survives her husband.  They had 11 children; 9 of whom, 5 sons and 4 daughters, are married.  One son died several years ago, and the youngest daughter remains at home.

The funeral was Saturday, February 14th, and all the children except two sons were there.  The deceased spoke to the writer soon after he and his wife returned from an extended trip to Iowa and Minnesota to visit their children. We have raised a large family of children who have always honored their father and mother, and I have lived to see them settled with homes of their own, and respected and honored by their neighbors.  Our lives have not been devoid of cares and burdens, but as the years roll on we are learning more and more to accept them as blessings.' He was often called 'Uncle David."'
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I, HARRY FLETCHER, residing t 2057 Commodore Circle, Montgomery, Alabama, USA do hereby certify that the above is a true and accurate transcription of the Obituary of  David Shell appearing in the March 14, 1880 issue of the Sauk County News
Date: 10/3/1975                  Harry R. Fletcher
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David Shell Will 

Office of the Clerk of Probate Court, Sauk County, Wisconsin, Sauk Count Court House, Baraboo, Wisconsin. 

Last Will and Testament of David Shell, filed March 2, 1880: 

I, David Shell, of the Town of Sumpter, County of Sauk, and State of Wisconsin, being of sound mind and memory and mindful of the uncertainties of life do make, publish, and declare this my last will and testament in manner following:

First: - After the payment of my just debts and funeral expenses, I give, devise and bequeath to my beloved wife, Lovina, all my personal property of whatsoever kind and nature for her sole use and benefit.
Second: - I give, devise and bequeath to my said wire Lovina the use of all my real estate and all the rents, proceeds and profits – thereof, so long as she may live. Said real estate to under the entire control of my said wife so long as she may live.
Third: - It is my desire that at the death of my said wife, all my real estate aforesaid shall descend to my ten children namely, Conrad, Elizabeth, William, Levi, Barbara, Daniel, David C., Mary L., Maria H., and Laura E. to be divided between my said children, share and share alike.
Fourth: - I hereby nominate and appoint my son William, before mentioned, the executor of this my last will and testament, and hereby authorize and empower him my said son William Shell to compound – compromise and settle any claim or demand which may be against or in favor of my estate. And it is my desire that my said son shall not be required to give sureties on his bond as executor. In witness whereof, I have hereunder set my hand and seal, this 10^th day of January A.D. 1863(?). 

            His
David  X  Shell
               Mark 

Petition for probate of the estate of David Shell (extract):
Petition shows that David Shell departed this life in the Town of Sumpter, Sauk County, Wisconsin, the 12^th day of February 1880.

Petition mentions his wife, Lovina, of Sumpter Twp., and his son William Shell of the same place. 

Copied from Document dated 10/3/1975, from Harry F. Fletcher (Historian Kentner Family)