Wills
Elk County
From Elk County Will Books A and B
Will Index, Bk B > Wills 1 >
Spelling and punctuation are as they appeared in the will book. For more information or for copies of Elk County wills, contact:
Ann [Johnson] Overturf
10 September 1798�23 March 1876
Daughter of Bethuel Sr. & Ann Simpson Johnson; married Thomas Overturf
Elk County Will Book A, No. 83
Will & Testament of Ann Overturf Late of Benezette Twp Elk County, Penna Recorded April 1st 1876
In the name of God Amen I, Ann Overturf, of Benezette Township, Elk County, Pennsylvania, Being of advanced age and frail of body But of sound and disposing mind considering the certainties of death and the uncertainties of time therefore and to the end that I may be the better prepared to leave this world whenever it shall please God to call me hence. Do make and declare this my last Will and testament in manner following. That is to say First and principally I commend my soul into the hands of Almighty God my creator and as to such worldly Estate as it hath pleased God to intrust me with I dispose of [******] as follows That is to say, After all my just debts funeral expenses and charges of proving this my last will and testament are duly paid I give and bequeath to my beloved brother William Johnson All my remaining Estate both real and personal of every name and nature, hereby make and [illegible] my said Brother William soul heir to all my entire estate including all monies, rents, issues and remainders of my goods and chattels at my decease And I do hereby nominate and appoint my Esteemed neighbors William Murray of Benezette and George Rothrock of Benezette Executors of this my last Will and Testament. In Witness Whereof I have to this my last Will and Testament set my hand and seal the fourteenth day of March A.D. 1876.
Ann Overturf [seal]
Her markSigned, sealed, published and declared by the said Testatrix as and for her last Will and Testament in the presence of us who in her presence and at her request, and in the presence of Each other have subscribed our names as witnesses hereto - Signed by making her mark � witnesses
A. W. Gray
H. C. RothrockState of Pennsylvania, County of Elk SS
Personally came before me Fred Schoening Register for the Probate of Wills and granting Letters of Administration, in and for the County aforesaid, A. W. Gray and H. C. Rothrock the subscribing witnesses to the foregoing Will, who being duly sworn according to law do say that they were present and saw and heard Ann Overturf the testator within named; sign, seal, publish, pronounce and declare the foregoing instrument of writing as and for his last will and testament, and that at the time of so doing he was of sound mind, memory and understanding to the best of their knowledge and belief.
A. W. Gray
H. C. RothrockSworn and subscribed before me, This 1st day of April A.D. 1876
Fred Schoening, Register Per. W. S. Horton DeputyRecorded April 1st A.D. 1876 Fred Schoening, Register
Per. W. S. Horton Deputy
Ralph J. Johnson, Sr.
10 March 1787�14 September 1867
Son of Bethuel Sr. and Ann Simpson Johnson; married (1) Rebecca A. Brooks, (2) Margaret Shaffer, (3) Hannah Jordan
Elk County Will Book A, No. 40Last Will and Testament of Ralph Johnson Deceased
Registered 3d Oct. 1867In the name of God, Amen; I, Ralph Johnson of Benezette Township, County of Elk, and State of Pennsylvania, being of sound mind and memory, and considering the uncertainty of this frail and transitory life, do therefore, make, ordain, publish and declare, this to be my last will and testament, that is to say, first after all my lawful debts are paid and discharged, the residue of my estate, real and personal, I give, bequeath and dispose of as follows to wit: I estimate my real estate to be worth Six thousand dollars, which amount I give and bequeath to my twelve children, to be equally divided between them to share like and like, that is to say, to my sons Benjamin, Marmaduke, John, Ralph, Jesse, and David, each five hundred dollars, To my daughters Ann, Jane, Elizabeth, Edith, Emeline, and Amanda, each five hundred dollars, I direct and devise, that my sons, John, Jesse and David to have the preferance and refusal to buy the shares of each of the above named parties to be paid by them at the rate of one hundred dollars per year; for each and every share, the above distribution to be made as soon after my death as would seem reasonable by complying with the above conditions by the said John, Jesse, and David. I further give and bequeath to them the said John, Jesse, and David all my farming utencials, Tools and Teams, which may be in use at the time of my decease: but if neither of my sons John, Jesse, or David do not comply with the foregoing conditions, I direct and devise that either of my other sons to have the same chances and priviledges of John, Jesse, and David, I desire and direct that my son RALPH shall have the same rights and priviledges in my Saw mill which is part of my estate as above estimated, as he has had heretofore; I further give and bequeath to my daughters, Ann, Jane, Elizabeth, Edith, Emeline and Amanda, each five hundred dollars as soon after my decease as would seem reasonable, out of any goods, chattels, debts, ready money, effects not herein distributed. I give and bequeath to my daughters Edith and Amanda all my household furniture, household goods, linen, utensils in my house, together with all my Cows and Sheep which I may possess at the time of my death, and in the death of either of my daughters Edith or Amanda the surviving one to receive the share of the deceased, in the articles of household effects, with Cows and Sheep: If any surplus money should remain after the within bequests are all satisfied, I give and bequeath that it be equally divided amongst all my children, to share and share alike. In case of any of my said children shall depart this life before such time as the part or portion of him, her, or them so dying become payable, then and in such case, the part or portion of him or them so dying shall go to his or her heirs; I do hereby nominate, constitute and appoint my Son Ralph and my Son-in-law, John Chapman to be Executors of this my last Will and Testament. In Witness Whereof, I have here unto subscribed my name and affixed my seal, twenty seventh day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-six.
Ralph Johnson [seal]Signed, sealed and delivered in the presence of us Who have subscribed in the presence of each other
Witness Henry D. Derr
J. Z. LindemuthElk County JP: On this day before me personally appeared Henry D. Derr and J. Z. Lindemuth, the subscribing witnesses to the foregoing Will, who being duly sworn according to law depose and say, and each for himself says that they were personally present and saw and heard Ralph Johnson, the testator, sign, seal, publish, pronounce and declare the foregoing instrument of writing as and for his last Will and Testament, and that at the time of so doing, he was of sound mind, memory and understanding to the best of their knowledge and belief.
Henry Derr
J. Z. LindemuthSworn and subscribed before me This 3d day of October 1867
Geo S. Rathborn Reg.Proved and Registered 3 October 1867
Geo S. Rathborn Regs.
Bethuel (Thew) Johnson, Jr.
22 March 1795�9 February 1867
Son of Bethuel Sr. and Ann Simpson Johnson; married Sarah Coleman 8 August 1822
Elk County Will Book A, No. 37
Last Will and Testament For Thew Johnson Late of Benezette Township Deceased
Proved & Recorded 12th Mch 1867This is to certify that I Thew Johnson the undersigned Testator being of sound mind at the present time and not under influence from any person or persons whatever do make and Revise the following as my last will and Testament. First I bequeath to my two sons Jacob Johnson and Jonathan Osborn Johnson my farm on which I now reside with all the stock upon it and all the farming utensils appertaining to it to be held by the said Jacob and Jonathan O Johnson In equal shares the above bequest is intended upon the following conditions to To wit the said Jacob and Jonathan O Johnson are to occupy the farm have the use of the stock and implements during my life and that of my wife of either or both of us and upon that event taking place they are to come into full possession of the Farm in fee simple and the stock and farming tools as their own free from any incumbrance whatever. The conditions of the above bequest are intended to be conditional Namely if the said Jacob and Jonathan O Johnson shall find a support for me and my family during life we to reside in the house upon the farm where we now reside and further shall pay to the following persons the following sums to Coleman Johnson three hundred Dollars, William E Johnson three hundred Dollars to Samantha Winslow two hundred and twenty five Dollars to Nancy Ellen Shaffer two hundred and twenty five Dollars to Sarah Elisabeth Berfield two hundred and twenty five Dollars and to Sarah Adeline Wylie two hundred and twenty five Dollars When she becomes of age if she lives and if not it will fall back to the rest of the Ares. Further I bequeath to Samantha Winslow Nancy Ellen Shafor and Sarah Elisabeth Barfield the beds and bedding and Clothing belonging to the family after the Decease of myself and wife. The said Jacob and Jonathan O Johnson will pay equil shares which will be Seven hundred and Fifty Dollars a Pease. It is designed that the above Jonathan O Johnson shall occupy the house now standing on the above named farm as a permanent residence_
Thew JohnsonWe the Witnesses Certify and attest that the above Thew Johnson acknowledged Himself to have signed the above will and that that was designed as his last will and testament.
J. W. Brower [Brown?]
Ralph Johnson Jr
Wm MurrayPennsylvania County of Elk SS Before one Geo. A. Rathbun Register of Wills in and for said County personally came Ralph Johnson Jr and William Murray two of the subscribing witnesses to the within will who being duly sworn according to law declare and say that they were personally present and saw and heard Thew Johnson the testator sign, seal, publish, pronounce and declare the within written instrument as and for his last will and testament and that at the time of so doing he was of sound mind and memory to the best of their knowledge and belief.
Ralph Johnson Jr
Wm MurraySworn & subscribed to before me This 12th day of March 1867
Geo A. Rathbun RegisterRegistered March 12th 1867
Jacob S. Johnson
6 Nov 1830 �1903
Son of Bethuel Jr. and Sarah Coleman Johnson; married Margaret Murray May 1856
Elk County Will Book B, page 200Last Will and Testament of J. S. Johnson
dated Dec 30, 1901
Recorded Dec 28, 1903I, Jacob S. Johnson, of Benezette Township, Elk County, State of Pennsylvania, being of sound mind, memory and understanding, do make and publish this, my last will and testament, hereby revoking and making void all wills by me at any time heretofore made.
And, first, I direct that my body be decently interred in the Mount Pleasant Cemetery, at the side of the grave of my wife. As to such estate as it hath pleased God to intrust me with, I dispose of the same as follows namely:
Item: I give and bequeath to my daughter, Alice S. Overturf, the sum of five dollars.
Item: I give and bequeath to my daughter, Annie M. Hicks, the sum of five dollars.
Item: I give and bequeath to my son, Everett B. Johnson, the farm of some sixty-eight acres where I reside in the Benezette Township, and also every other item of property that I may have at the time of my decease, whether real, personal or mixed, and wherever the same may be situated, I give and bequeath it to said Everett B. Johnson.
Lastly, I appoint my son, Everett B. Johnson, and Byron Johnson, of said Benezette Township, to be the executors of this my last will and testament.
In Witness whereof I hereto set my hand and seal this 30th day of December A.D. 1901.
J. S. Johnson [seal]In presence of
L. H. Overturf
O. R. JohnsonCommonwealth of Pennsylvania
County of Elk, SS
Before me, A. M. Ent, Register for the Probate of Wills, in and for said County, personally came L. H. Overturf and O. R. Johnson, the subscribing witnesses to the within instrument of writing, who being duly qualified according to law, did depose and say that they were personally present and saw J. S. Johnson late of the Twp. of Benezette in said County, deceased, the teestator herein named, sign to said writing, and seal the same and heard him publish and declare the said instrument as and for his last Will and Testament, and at the time of so doing he was of sound and deposing mind, memory, and understanding to the best of their knowledge and belief, and that their own names, thereto subscribed as witnesses were so subscribed at the request of the testator in his presence and in presence of each other.
L. H. Overturf
O. R. JohnsonSworn and subscribed this 28 day of Dec A.D. 1903, before me.
A. M. Ent
RegisterFiled and Recorded Dec 28, 1903
A. M. Ent, Reigster
John M. Johnson
Elk County Will Book B, page 96Last Will and Testament of John M. Johnson
Dated 22 *** 1892
Recorded June 13, 1901I, John M. Johnson of the Township of Jones, County of Elk and State of Pennsylvania, Farmer, being of sound mind, memory and understanding do make anhd publish this my last will and testament hereby revoking and making void all former wills by me, at any timer heretofore made.
And first, I direct that my body be decently interred and that my funeral be conducted in a manner corresponding with my Estate and situation in life.
And to my Estate that it hath pleased God to intrust me with, And personal and mixed and of whatever character and of which I shall die seized, I give and device to my beloved wife Bea** Johnson, to be used and occupied by her during her natural lifetime, and at the death of my said wife, all the property hereby devised or bequeathed to her ** aforesaid, or so much thereof as may then remain then unexpended, I give and device to my daughter Jennie, and my son Berger, share and share alike, their heirs and assigns forever.
And I hereby constitute and appoint my said wife Bea**, and my said son Berger, to be the executrix and executor of this my last will and testament.
In witness whereof, I, John M. Johnson, the Testator have to this, my will, written on one sheet of paper set my hand and seal this 22nd day of ____________ A.D. One thousand eight hundred ninety two.
J. M. Johnson [seal]
[his mark] XWitness to *** J. L. Brown
Signed, sealed, published and declared by the above named John M. Johnson, as and for his last will and testament in the presence of us, who has hereunto subscribed our names at his request as Witness thereto, in the presence of said testator and of each other.
John S. Latch
T. W. AldrichCommonwealth of Pennsylvania
County of Elk SS
Before me, A. M. Ent, Register for the Probate of Wills, &, in and for said County personally came John S. Latch and T. W. Aldrich, the subscribing witnesses to the within instrument of writing, who being duly qualified according to law did depose and say that they were personally present and saw John M. Johnson late of the Township of Jones in said County, deceased, the testator herein named, sign to said willing and seal the same and heard him publish and declare the said instrument as and for his last Will and Testament and at the time of so doing he was of sound and deposing mind, memory and understanding to the best of their knowledge and belief and that their own names thereto subscribed as witnesses was so subscribed at the request of the testator in his presence and in presence of each other.
John S. Latch
T. W. AldrichSworn and subscribed this 10th day of
June A.D. 1901 before me.
A. M. Ent
Register
John Rothrock
7 April 1808�25 Feb 1851
Married Julia Ann Rothrock after 1826
Elk County Will Book A, No. 6The Last Will and Testament of John Rothrock
Late of Jay Township Elk County Pennsylvania **** deceased
Registered April 4th 1857-The last will and testament of John Rothrock of Jay Township
Elk County
State of PennsylvaniaI, John Rothrock, considering the uncertainty of this mortal life, and being of sound mind and ***** do make and publish this my last will and testament, in manner and form following (that is to say) First that is to say that all the property I own in Jay Township, and County aforesaid, shall be, and remain in the hands of my beloved family (namely) My beloved wife Julia Ann Rothrock, my beloved son Robert Rothrock, my beloved sons Edwin Rothrock, Norton Rothrock, Joshua Rothrock, George Rothrock and Henry Rothrock, and also my beloved daughters Eliza Rothrock and Margaret Rothrock, and they shall live together and conduct the business according to their Judgment, paying my debts as they are contracted and managing all business under the direction and supervision of my executors of this my last will and testament, and also to receive all the debts that are due and oweing, or may due and oweing unto me, and have the above described premises, debts, dues, and contracts after paying my lawful debts to be and remain theirs forever - And I hereby appoint Julia Ann Rothrock, Executrix, and Robert Rothrock Executor of this my last will and testament, hereby revoking all former wills by me made - In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the first day of December in the year of Our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty.
John Rothrock [seal]Signed, sealed, published, and declared, by the above named John Rothrock to be his last will and testament, in the presence of us, who at his request, and in his presence have subscribed our names as witnesses thereunto
-- Interviewed before signing --
C. F. Luce
Thomas BurchfieldState of Pennsylvania Elk County SS
On this 4th day of April A.D. 1851 before me Charles Horton, Register for the Probate of Wills and granting letters of administrators in and for the County aforesaid personally came Cornelius F. Luce and Thomas Burchfield, the subscribing witnesses to the within will, who being duly sworn according to Law, do say that they were present, and saw, and heard John Rothrock, the testator, sign, seal, publish, pronounce, and declare the within instrument of writing as and for his last will and testament, and that at the time of so doing he was of sound mind, memory and understanding, to the best of their knowledge and belief -
C. F. Luce
Thomas BurchfieldSworn to & Subscribed before Me the day and year above Written
Charles Horton RegisterThe foregoing will was filed in the Register's Office April 1, 1851, and proven and registered and the executors sworn on the 4th of April A.D. 1851.
Rebecca H. Winslow
2 Nov 1826�13 Jan 1907
Daughter of John C. & Mary Elizabeth Conway Hicks; married Charles Keene Winslow
Elk County Will Book A, page 278Last Will and Testament of Rebecca H. Winslow
Dated May 17, 1902
Recorded January 23, 1907In the Name of God, Amen. I, Rebecca H. Winslow, of the Township of Benezette, County of Elk, and State of Pennsylvania, being of sound and disposing mind, memory and understanding do make and publish this my last will and testament, hereby revoking all former wills by me at any time heretofore made.
First, I direct that all my debts, doctor bills and funeral expenses be first paid.
Second, I give, devise and bequeath all the rest, residue and remainder of my estate of whatsoever nature, real, personal or mixed, of which I may die seized, to my daughter, Harriette Ellen Tuttle and to my son, Clarence S. Winslow, to be divided equally between them, share and share alike, to them, their heirs, executors, administrators and assigns forever.
Third, I hereby nominate, constitute and appoint George F. Griener now of the Borough of Ridgway, Elk County, Pennsylvania, my executor to carry out the foregoing provisions of this my last will and testament.
In Witness Whereof, I, Rebecca H. Winslow, the testator, have to this my will, written on one sheet of paper, set my hand and seal, this seventeenth day of May A.D. one thousand nine hundred and two.
Rebecca H. Winslow [seal]Signed, sealed, published and declared by the above named Rebecca H. Winslow, as and for her last will and testament, in the presence of us who hae hereunto subscribed our names at her request, as witnesses thereto, in the presence of said testator, and of each other.
Albert Greiner
G. F. GreinerCommonwealth of Pennsylvania
County of Elk, SS
Before me, A. M. Ent Reigster for the Probate of Wills, in and for said County, personally came Albert Greiner and G. F. Greiner, the subscribing witnesses ot the within instrument of writing, who being duly qualified according to law, did depose and say that they were personally present and saw Rebecca H. Winslow late of the Township of Benezette in said County deceased, testatrix herein named, sign her name to said writing, and seal the same and heard her publish and declare the said instrument as and for her last Will and Testament, and at the time of so doing she was of sound and deposing mind memory and understanding to the best of their knowledge and belief, and that their own names thereto subscribed as witnesses were so subscribed at the request of the testatrix in her presence and in presence of each other.
Albert Greiner
G. F. GreinerSworn and subscribed this 23 day of January A.D. 1907 before me.
A. M. Ent
RegisterRecorded January 23, 1907
A. M. Ent
Recorder
Jane [Montgomery] Hollingsworth Krebs
1812�18 Dec 1899
Married (1) Benjamin Hollingsworth, (2) Charles Krebs
Elk County Will Book B, page 56
Last Will and Testament of Jane Krebs
Dated July 31, 1899
Recorded Dec 28, 1899In the name of God, Amen. I, Jane Krebs, of the Township of Benezette, in the County of Elk, and State of Pennsylvania, being advanced in age and weak in body, but of sound mind, memory and understanding, do make and declare this to be my last will and testament in manner following, that is to say: I order that all my just debts, funeral expenses, and charges of proving this my will, be in the first place fully paid and satisfied, and after payment thereof and every part thereof, I give and bequeath to my son Hiram Hollingsworth all the rest, residue, and remainder of my goods, chattels, debts, ready money, and other personal effects whatsoever and wheresoever.
And I do hereby nominate, constitute and appoint Albert Greiner, of Benezette, Elk Co, Pa. as executor of this my will, hereby revoking and making void all former and other wills by me at any time heretofore made, and declare this only to be my last will and testament.
In witness whereof, I, the said Jane Krebs, have to this my last will and testament set my hand and seal the thirty-first day of July A.D. 1899.
Jane Krebs
X [her mark] [seal]Signed, sealed, published and declared by the said testator Jane Krebs as and for her last will and testament, in the presence of us, who in her presence and at her request have subscribed our names as witnesses thereto.
Albert Greiner
W. E. DerrCommonwealth of Pennsylvania
County of Elk, SS
Before me A.M. Ent, Register for the Probate of Wills etc., in and for said County, personally came Albert Greiner and W. E. Derr, the subscribing witnesses to the within instrument of writing, who being duly qualified, according to law, did depose and say that they were personally present and saw Jane Krebs late of the Township of Benezette in said County, deceased, the testatrix herein named, sign to said writing, and seal the same and heard her publish and declare the said instrument as and for her last Will and Testament, and at the time of so doing she was of sound and deposing mind, memory and understanding to the best of [their] knowledge and belief, and that their own names thereto subscribed as witnesses were so subscribed at the request of the testatrix in her presence and in presence of each other.
Albert Greiner
W. E. DerrSworn and subscribed this 28 day of December A.D. 1899, before me.
A.M. Ent
RegisterRecorded Dec 28th 1899
A.M. Ent
Recorder
Joseph Mason, Sr.
12 Aug 1775�28 Jul 1858
Son of Jacob and Martha Mason; married Margaret Grugan ~1803
Elk County Will Book A, No. 17
Last will and testament of Joseph Mason late of Gibson Township, Registered & filed Oct 5, 1858
In the name of God Amen: I, Joseph Mason of the Township of Gibson County of Elk and State of Pennsylvania, being of but feeble health of body, but of sound and disposing mind (Blessed be God for the same) and being desirous to settle my worldly affairs while I have strength and capacity so to do. Do make and publish this my last will and testament, hereby revoking all former wills by me heretofore made.
And first and principally I commit my soul into the hands of my Creator who gave it, and my body to the Earth, to be interred in a Christian manner, in hope and confidence of the better resurrection: After which I order that all my funeral expenses, and of Medical attendance and expenses of providing and placing at my grave proper tombstones be paid out of personal effects by my son Henry Mason to whom I give and bequeath all my personal property. He paying the expenses aforesaid: And I order that all my real estate whatsoever be in a proper time after my decease, appraised by three competent and disinterested men, to be chosen by my executors. And I order that all my just debts be paid out of the sum and value of such appraisement, and also out of the sum of such appraisement I give and bequeath unto my son Henry Mason the sum of two hundred dollars for the kind attention paid unto me in my late illness by him and his wife-and also from the sum of such appraisement I give and bequeath unto my daughter Martha the sum of sixty dollars for considerations rendered : - And I give and bequeath all the remainder, being the amount of value and appraisement of all my real estate (deducting the amount of my debts and the bequests aforementioned and sixty dollars aforesaid) unto all my children, share and share alike, to be equally divided among them viz: unto my son James one tenth of the residue of the aforesaid sum, unto the heirs of my son William M. (Deceased) one tenth: unto my son Alexander G. one tenth; unto my son Joseph Mason one tenth; unto my son Henry one tenth; unto my son John one tenth; unto my daughter Jane one tenth; unto my daughter Nancy G. one tenth; unto my daughter Martha one tenth; and unto my daughter Margaret one tenth: of all my real estate (deducting as aforesaid). And it is my will, that any two of my heirs aforesaid may if they desire, upon payment to each of the other heirs aforenamed, of their bequest viz: the one tenth of the appraisement price or value of all my real estate (except deductions aforesaid) retain and keep the real estate aforesaid without sale: but if they shall not so choose, then I order the real estate to be sold at the appraisement or best price and the proceeds to be appropriated as herein before directed. And I do hereby nominate, constitute and appoint my son Henry Mason and John Brooks of Gibson Township Elk County executors of this my last will and testament. In witness whereof I the said testator have to this my last will and testament set my hand and seal the first day of July AD 1858.
Signed, sealed, published and declared by
Joseph Mason [seal]The said testator as and for his last will and testament in the presence of us, who in his presence and at his request and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as witnesses hereto
James Wylie
Washington BrooksState of Pennsylvania Elk County SS
We James Wylie and Washington Brooks subscribing witnesses to the annexed last will and testament of Joseph Mason late of Gibson Township deceased being sworn according to law both depose and say that they were present and saw Joseph Mason Testator sign and seal and heard him pronounce publish and proclaim the annexed instrument of writing as and for his last will and testament and at the time of so doing he was of sound mind memory and understanding to the best of our knowledge and belief.
James Wylie
Washington BrooksSworn and subscribed Before me this 5th day Of October AD 1858
C. F. Luce, Register of WillsProved, Approved and Registered Oct 5, 1858
C. F. Luce, register
William M. Mason
27 September 1805�26 September 1854 (unconfirmed)
Son of Joseph Sr. and Margaret Grugan Mason; married Elizabeth (Eliza) Coleman
Elk County Will Book A, No. 10
Last Will and Testament of William M. Mason Deceased late of Gibson Twp Elk County Pa Proved & Registered Jany 20th 1855
In the Name of God Amen I William M. Mason of the Township of Gibson County of Elk and State of Pennsylvania being in feeble health but of Sound mind and disposing memory thanks be to God for the same Do make and publish this my last Will and Testament hereby revoking and making void all former Wills by me of any time here before made.
And first I commend my soul to my all merciful God and direct that at my decease my body be decently intered and committed to the Earth in a Christian manner And as to Such Worldly Estates as it hath pleased God to Entrust me with I dispose of the same as follows. First I direct that all my debts and funeral expenses be paid as soon after my decease as possible out of the first monies that may come into the hands of my Executors from any portion of my Estate. Also I direct that a fair valuation or appraisement be made by three Indicious neighbors of all my Estate real and personal including household furniture and after being Signed with their names that a copy of the Same by them shall be given to each of my Executors. Also I direct that my beloved wife and son Phineas Shall occupy and hold my real Estate until my youngest child shall become of age for the purposes of maintaining and supporting my family until that time appropriating the proceeds to such maintenance and that all my property real or personal after my just debts are paid shall be under their control as they may deem proper to use it for the purposes of maintaining the family as aforesaid. Also I do direct that when my youngest child shall have attained their majority that all my property or estate shall be sold if not taken at the appraisement price by some one of my Heirs and the proceeds thereof as well as of my personal property be divided among all my children and my Wife share and share alike (Excepting my son Phineas Who Shall have two hundred dollars first out of the proceeds of my Estate and also a Share Equal with the rest) The Heirs or representatives of any of my children that may have died between the time of my decease and the time of such division or distribution to be entitled to such share as their Ancestors Should have been Entitled to receive if then living and the Share of my real and personal Estate thus bequeathed to my Wife to be in Lieu of her dower at Common law If She Shall so Elect and to Effectuate this my intention I do hereby vest in my Executors full power and authority to dispose of my Estate in fee simple according to the Provisions of this my Will and to have full power to Execute any and all contracts that I may have made in as full and large a manner as I could myself do if living And I do hereby make constitute and appoint My beloved Wife Eliza and my friend John Brooks and my Son Phineas Mason as Soon as he is of age Executors of this my last Will and testament.
In witness whereof I William M. Mason the Testator have to this my Will (written on one sheet of paper) set my hand and Seal this twenty-seventh day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and fifty four
Wm M Mason [seal]Signed sealed and delivered In the presence of us who have In the presence of each other Subscribed our Names,
Henry Mason
John ChapmanState of Pennsylvania Elk County SS
Henry Mason and John Chapman we subscribing witnesses to the within Will not being present and John Chapman out of reach of process - John Brooks being duly sworn according to law, doth depose and say that he was present and saw William M. Mason the Testator sign and seal and heard him pronounce and publish and proclaim the within instrument of Writing as and for his last will and testament and also that he is acquainted with the hand writing of Henry Mason and John Chapman subscribing Witnesses to the said Will and saw them Subscribe their names as above
John BrooksSworn and Subscribed before me this 4th day of January 1855
Charles McVeay RegisterState of Pennsylvania Elk County SS
This day before me Charles McVeay Register for the Probate of Wills and granting letters of administration in and for the county aforesaid personally came Henry Mason One of the Subscribing witnesses to the within will who being duly sworn according to law doth depose and say that he was present and saw and hearing Wm M Mason the Testator Sign Seal publish pronounce and declare this as and for his last Will and testament and that at the time of so doing he was of Sound Mind memory and understanding to the best of his Knowledge and belief,
Henry MasonSworn and Subscribed before me This 20th day of January A.D. 1855
Charles McVeay
Register of WillsProved approved and registered January 20th 1855
Charles McVeay Register
