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     I’ve transcribed the records exactly as written in the record book, including the capitalizations and the repeated words. It’s slightly harder to read this way but is an accurate transcription of how it looks. After the death of an individual, his or her Will was brought into court where two of the witnesses swore that the document was genuine. After the Will was proved, the executor was bonded to carry out his duties to settle the estate. The court would then order the Will to be recorded. The Will and the Bill of Sale in this instance are in the same handwriting as the respective recorder’s, so I’m not sure if the signatures are actually those of the witnesses, etc. I assume the recorder just rewrote what was on the original Will itself. 

  Submitted by Dean Spiker -- I had to share how proud I am of my grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  As many people know, Shelly's kids are active in 4-H and FFA.  They did exceptionally well in "showing" their animals this year but I was surprised to hear that Little Robby (Bub) did not show a pig.  He always excels in that category.  I was happy to learn the story behind this story.  As my granddaughter, Shelly, told us...We always try to help other 4-H and FFA kids by offering them the opportunity to show or learn, even when they don't have a place to keep an animal.  This year we had an FFA member that didn't have a place to keep a pig.  Bub and this girl are great friends.  He suggested the idea of keeping the pig at our place.  She would help by coming out to take care of it when she could.  Pigs do better in pairs, and since we have two hog pens, it wouldn't be a problem.  Rob and I agreed to the plan.  Well, her pig didn't grow out quite right this year and fair animals have to make weight in order to show and sell.  Her pig didn't make weight and Bub was upset.  So he traded pigs with her!  She ended up showing and taking 2nd in her class.  I'm so proud of him.  This was a wonderful thing to do and proves to my husband and me that the volunteer hours we put into these programs are so worth the lessons our children learn from the experience.

(Photo by Cathy Gregis)

  Submitted by Dean Spiker -- Jeff and his grandson, Derek, raised a lot of produce in their gardens this year.  There was no way Jeannie could freeze or can all of it and no way we could eat all of it so "Derek's Produce Stand" was set up on our front lawn.  When "shoppers" arrived, Derek would ride over to them on the four-wheeler, put out his hand and say, "Hi.  I'm Derek.  What's your name?  What can we do for you today?"  He's such a charming and professional businessman.  He is saving the money he's earning for a big purchase -- a go-cart.

(Photo by Jeannie Spiker)

  Submitted by Jeannie Spiker -- (As read in the Weston Democrat)  Six judges from the WV Conservation Agency recently toured the John Spiker Family Farm by tractor-drawn wagon as they worked to determine the WV Conservation Farm of 2009.  The farm was first selected as the West Fork Conservation District Farm of the Year and later named Area2 Conservation Farm of the Year.  The winner of the judging for the statewide award will be announced at the WV Conservation Agency's fall conference this October. 

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