Ohio History Journal

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50 Ohio Arch

50        Ohio Arch. and His. Society Publications.

 

On motion,

Resolved, That Congress accept the said deed of cession,

and that the same be recorded and enrolled among the acts of

the United States in Congress assembled.

 

 

 

ORDINANCE OF 1787.

(THE CONFEDERATE CONGRESS, JULY 13, 1787.)

An ordinance for the government of the territory of the United States

northwest of the river Ohio.

SECTION 1. Be it ordained by the United States in Congress

assembled, That the said territory, for the purpose of temporary

government, be one district, subject, however, to be divided into

two districts, as future circumstances may, in the opinion of

Congress, make it expedient.

SEC. 2. Be it ordained by the Authority aforesaid, That the

estates both of resident and non-resident proprietors in the said

territory, dying intestate, shall descend to, and be distributed

among, their children and the descendants of a deceased child

in equal parts, the descendants of a deceased child or grandchild

to take the share of their deceased parent in equal parts among

them; and when there shall be no children or descendants, then

in equal parts to the next of kin, in equal degree, and among col-

laterals, the children of a deceased brother or sister of the intestate

shall have, in equal parts among them, their deceased parent's

share; and there shall in no case be distinction between kindred

of the whole and half blood, saving in all cases to the widow of

the intestate, her third part of the real estate and this law relative

to descents and dower, shall remain in full force until altered

by the Legislature of the district.  And until the governor and

judges shall adopt laws as hereinafter mentioned estates in the

said territory may be devised or bequeathed by will in writing,

signed and sealed by him or her in whom the estate may be,

(being of full age) and attested by three witnesses; and real

estates may be conveyed by lease and release, or bargain and

sale, signed and sealed and delivered by the person, being of