Where my garden sits–
This land was bought by the Winona and St. Peter Railroad Company
August 1 1864–total acreage of 80 acres.
A portion of the land was sold to John L Werdin and Henriette Werdin on
August 1,1868
The land was sold for $1,440.00. Mr. Werdin’s mortgage was $400.00–which he was paid in full on Nov 13, 1877
John L Werdin passed away only 7 years later after purchasing this land,
and this is his will, that is attached to our deed.
I, John L. Werdin, being of sound mind and memory, do make, publish and declare this my Last Will and Testament, that is to say:
1st-I give and bequeath to my son, Henry Werdin, all my property both real and personal, he to come into possession thereof,
when he arrives at the age of 23 years, that he must pay to each of my other children at the time they become of the age of 21 years,
the sum of $150.00. That he must pay to my wife, Henrietta for her support as follows:
30 bushels of No. 1 wheat, 25 bushels of good potatoes yearly, 250 pounds of well fattened pork on Dec. 1st each year,
$20.00 in money each year, 1 good milk cow to be kept by him for her, 1/2 barrel of salt yearly, 12 dozen eggs from the 1st of May to the 1st of Oct. yearly,
6 bushels of good corn, 10 cords of wood.
Two acres of land wherever she may choose to be taken care of for her by the owner of the land. The owner of said property to take care of all my other children, to board and clothe them
until they arrive at the age of 14 years.
down to earth digs 
Oh, wow…what a treasure.
I just loved this when I found it on the deed.
fantastic, I love local history – and the detail of the will is so specific
He thought of all her needs–and the first born son was named after her!
Oh – that’s cool. Back when life was simpler. Would love to return to those days of living off the land and when $20 was enough for a year?! My abstract doesn’t read quite as interesting, but it was rich farm land Richter’s owned. I’ve always been thankful for the rich soil we have in which to grow many things.