A will containing only 16 words, the shortest ever filed in for probate in Whiteside County Court at Morrison was recorded Friday afternoon. The document was the testament of Dennis A. Rexford, who left his estate valued at more than $3,500 to his brother Frank who died two weeks ago.

"Everything that belongs to me I leave to my brother Frank Rexford. So help me God"

Written on an ordinary sheet of stationary, the will was written Feb. 22, 1941 at East Lynn, a summer resort area on the Mississippi River across from Clinton Ia. Dennison A. Rexford died Dec. 1, 1944 and his brother Frank died March 14, 1946.

Surviving relatives are two other brothers William and Henry Rexford. The four brothers operate a fishing resort at East Lynn. The business was established by their parents many years ago and the sons took over when their parents died.

The will was written in long hand and is one word shorter than the will of the late Clarence Darrow, famed Chicago Criminal Lawyer, who made a will containing 17 words.

Dixon Evening Telegarph March 30, 1946

** Dennison Rexford was the son of Dennison & Anna (Parkhurst). He was married to Adeline Henderson (26 Jan 1870 - 1899). His children were Mabel Rexford Crawford, Courtland Rexford and Ethel "Ella" Rexford.