Janis' Genealogy Site
The original document from which this was transcribed can be found at the Chester County Archives in West Chester, PA.
William James' 1852 Will
In the name of God Amen. I William James of the township of Lack, County of Juniatta, state of Pennsylvania, being weak in body, but of sound mind memory and understanding, considering the certainity of death and the uncertainty of life, do therefore make and declare this my last will and testament in manner following (that is to say) my desire is to be buried with as little expense as decency will permit and that all my debts and funeral expenses be paid as soon after my decease as conveniently may be. I give and bequeath unto my eldest son James D. James my spectacles and all my wearing apparel of every description. I give and bequeath unto Abner Huzzard, Sarah Liard and William Huzzard, children of my daughter Abby Huzzard decd. the sum of one dollar to be divided share and share alike. I give and bequeath unto my four children, viz: James D. James, Daniel, B. Franklin and Rachel the sum of one thousand dollars being the amount of a Bond with interest that I hold against my sister Sarah James of the above County of Juniatta to be equally divided, share and share alike. I give and bequeath unto my three grandchildren the children of my son Evan B. James decd. the sum of twenty dollars each, in case there is not money enough then to be paid out of the above Bond that with the five acres of woodland in Honeybrook township, Chester County, that I deeded to him in his lifetime I consider an equal share with the rest. And I do hereby nominate constitute and appoint Daniel James of Upper Providence, Delaware County and Albert Way of West Bradford, Chester County executors of this my last will hereby revoking and making void all former and other wills and testaments. In witness whereof I the said Testator have to this my last will and testament set my hand and seal the 26th day of June AD 1852. William James
Signed, sealed, published and declared by 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 thereto. David Barton, George W. Woodward
West Chester, November 30th 1852. Then personally appeared David Barton, and on the 3rd day of August AD 1853 personally appeared George W. Woodward, who on their solemn affirmations did respectively declare and say that they were personally present and did see and hear Wiilam James the testator in the foregoing instrument of writing named sign seal and publish and pronounce and declare the same as and for his last will and testament and at the time of so doing he was of a sound and well disposing mind and memory to the best of their knowledge and belief. Affirmed before me A. Leslie Register
Be it remembered that on the --- day of Augt. A.D. 1853 The last will and testament of William James, deceased, was proved and approved in dire form of law and Letters Testamentary thereon were duly granted to Albert Way who was duly qualified, well and truly to administer the goods and chattels rights and credits of said deceased according to law. Also diligently and faithfully regard and well and truly comply with the provisions of the law relating to collateral inheritances. A. Leslie Reg.
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Page Last Modified: Monday, 02-Jul-2012 07:24:53 MDT