Wilhelm's will/probate record & Henry receives deed

As mentioned previously, William Landau's 1892 will bequeathed farms to his eldest three sons, and the six daughters and minor son received $2000 each.  (The younger daughters were to receive the money when they turned 20.  Christopher, who was 14 when his father died, was to receive his $2000 when he turned 21.)

The land came with mortgages to be paid off by the sons who inherited the land. Among the 50+ pages of probate records is this page that indicates that Henry Landau was prepared to pay up and receive the deed to the land from the estate.

In the probate documents the name is "William" Landau, but he signed his will "Wilhelm."

DOCUMENTS

Landau, William probate records via FamilySearch.org - Illinois, Lee County Records, 1830-1954>Probate case files vol 126, 1893-1924, p175-243.

Martha Elizabeth Moeller 1838-1890

I mentioned previously about the "Catherine Merl" who was in the household in the 1870 census. And, note that the surname was probably originally Möller but written as Moeller or even Miller in America.

This obituary supports my suggestion that Catherine might be Martha Elizabeth's mother.

OBITUARY - Amboy [IL] Journal - 9 Apr 1890 (2nd ed., pg 1, col 3):

"Elizabeth Miller Landau died at Lee Center, March 25th, 1890.  She was the daughter of John and Catherine Miller, was born in Germany, March 30, 1838, and came to America in May 1861, in July the same year she was married to Wm. Landau.  She had nearly completed her 52nd year.  Last year and more of her life was a period of great suffering.  Her sickness seemed beyond the skill of all the various physicians who attended her.  Six children [um...10] are left to mourn her loss. Her example will be a suggestion to them of religious truths.  She was one who tested the consolations of religion and found them very precious.  No one could have seen the patient endurance of severe and prolonged bodily pain and undiminished (unceasing, rather) trust in God, but being deeply impressed with her confidence in a Divine Helper. Many and weary were the months she passed wasting away, yet she bore it all with a truly Christian fortitude.  Her spirit during the suffering was a grand testimony to the sustaining power of Christ. It was a great delight to her to hear comforting messages from the Bible.  Songs of spiritual truth gave her much pleasure.  Although far from her dear fatherland and dying from the land of her birth, she has gone to a better country - even a heavenly.  All who knew her will cherish memories of a calm, patient, and grateful spirit ripe for the reaper."

Her funeral was on 27 Mar 1890 in Lee Center (according to the Amboy Journal, 26 Mar 1890 - pg 4, col 1.)  And,  "Mrs. Landau's funeral services were held in the Cong. Church on Thursday.  The German minister from Bradford officiated." (Amboy Journal 2 Apr 1890, pg 5, col 3.)