I John Ernst Rucktaschel of Postville Allamakee County Iowa, of the age of 78 years and being of sound mind and memory do make public and declare this my last will and testament in manner following, that is to say.

First. I give to my Wife Katherine Rucktaschel all the land belonging to me lying South West of the Chicago Milwaukee and St. Paul Rail Road track, being about 150 acres in Section No three (3) Township No. ninety-five (95) Range No. six (6) West of the 5th PM in Clayton County Iowa. Also lots Nos one (1) and four (4) in Block No. one (1) in Ellis & Cos [?] Addition to Postville Allamakee Co. Iowa.

Second. I give to my said wife Katherine Rucktaschel Five Hundred ($500.00) dollars and all of my personal property.

Third. I give and bequeath to my children John Rucktaschel SR of Nebraska, Dorotha Thoma, Christopher Rucktaschel, John Rucktaschel Jr, Anna Dickman, Margarie Kluss, and my grand children the children of my daughter Katherine Seifert. All the rest residue and remainder of my estate each to share and share alike. The share of my daughter Katherine Seifert deceased to be equally divided between her children.

I hereby nominate William Shipherd Sole executor of this my will.

In witness whereof i have hereunto set my hand this 9th day of March 1900.
//s// J. Ernst Rucktaschel

The above instrument consisting of one sheet was at the date thereof signed and declared by the said John Ernst Rucktaschel as and for his last will and testament in presence of us who at his request and in his presence have subscribed our names as witnesses.
//s// Christoph Falzgeber JR [name possibly is Salzgeber]
//s// John Reit.

The will was admitted for probate by Ellison Orr in District court of Iowa, Allamakee Co. Iowa on September 11, 1900.



~Allamakee Co. Will book B, pg 198.
~Transcribed from the original document by Sharyl Ferrall
~Transcribers note: the family name in Iowa is now spelled Ruckdaschel