Wills, Chautauqua County, vol. 2, 1844-1856, Family History Library microfilm 588096
p. 1, Abraham Woodruff of town of Westfield, Chautauqua County, New York, will and codicil signed 7 Apr 1842.
Household items to wife Polly Woodruff, and she shall divide the residue among Mary Timmerman wife of Benjamin Timmerman, Almira Woodruff, Amelia Woodruff, and Corinna Woodruff, all of Buffalo, New York. Land in Silver Creek to Frederick W. Avery of Brownville, Jefferson County, NY. Executors are to give of remainder of personal property to wife, with the other half to be divided among Mary Timmerman wife of Benjamin Timmerman, Almira Woodruff, Amelia Woodruff, Corinna Woodruff, and Frederick W. Avery. Frederick W. Avery is to have twice as much as the others. House and lot in Westfield to wife.
Codicil: All property to wife Polly Woodruff, and she has power to dispose of land in Westfield as she sees fit. At her death, land in Silver Creek to Frederick W. Avery. Residue of property to be divided according to will.
Executors: Wife Polly Woodruff and Lorin Chapin of Silver Creek
Witnesses to will and codicil: Marvin Chapin and Persis Chapin, both of Silver Creek
p. 2, Jared Pearson of town of Sherman, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 17 Jul 1843.
Everything to wife Ann Pearson during her life. Thereafter, land bounded by John W. Pearson and John P. Hall to oldest daughter Elizabeth. Land to daughter Mary, bounded by Samuel Hustis. Land to son Joseph Pearson, bounded by John P. Hall and by land given to daughter Mary Wixon, land given to John W. Pearson, and land given to daughter Elizabeth Marfleet. Remainder of farm to son John W. Pearson. Pay the $40 I owe to Samuel Thurnella. $100 to son Richard Pearson. Any surplus to be divided among my heirs.
Executors: William Green, Lucius Cook, and Elijah Miller
Witnesses: Lucius Cook of Sherman, William Green of town of Chautauqua
p. 2, Stephen Porter age 67 of town of Pomfret, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 18 May 1842.
One-third of real estate in Pomfret and all household items to wife Ruth Porter during her lifetime, thereafter to son Ira Porter. $5 to each of my children Joseph Porter, George S. Porter, Walter Porter, and Deborah May. $50 to my daughters Julia R. Porter and Jane Eliza Porter, along with the privilege of living on the homestead with my wife and my son Ira, with Ira to provide for them and my wife. Carpenter tools to be divided between son John Porter and son Ira Porter. Everything else to son Ira Porter if he cares for my wife and my daughters Julia R. and Jane Eliza Porter.
Executors: Ira Porter
Witnesses: Nathan Wood and J. Crane, both of Pomfret
p. 3, Nathan Hale of town of Chautauqua, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 22 Jun 1843, recorded 22 Jan 1844.
Land to wife Betsy Hale that was conveyed to me by Wilhem Willink 23 Nov 1836 and recorded 7 Mar 1837 in Liber 19 of deeds page 558. Land to adopted son Jason Sattima? Hopson, deeded to me by Wilhem Willink 17 Jul 1833, recorded 6 Nov 1833 in Liber 12 of deeds page 197. Betsey Hale will have the use of the land during Jason’s minority. At my wife’s death, $100 to Lambert Hale son of Abram Hale of Fulton County, Illinois when he reaches age 21.
Executors: Wife Betsy Hale
Witnesses: P. R. Babcock and J. M. Smith, both of Westfield
p.4 , Eldred Bently Junior, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 31 Aug 1843, recorded 12 Feb 1844.
One-third of real estate to wife Lydia while she remains my widow. Land and stock to son Eldred Bently 3rd, Cecil Nicholas Bently, and John Bently. Livestock to daughters Louisa Cass and Jemima Jeffords. $50 and livestock to daughter Mary Nichols Bently on or before age 21.
Executors: Wife Lydia Bently and son Eldred Bently.
Witnesses: Geo A. S. Crooker of Conewango, Cattaraugus County and Perry Bently of Ellington
p. 5, Melissa Birch of town of Chautauqua, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 12 Apr 1843.
Half of land and personal property to sister Marietta Birch. One-fourth of land and personal property to sister Rachel Birch. Remaining fourth to sister Minerva Hoag.
Executors: “trusty friend” Joshua R. Birch
Witnesses: David Morris and Edwin Morris, both of town of Chautauqua
p. 6, Samuel Willing Junior, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 1 Feb 1844.
$5, all personal property, and land in town of Chautauqua that was deeded to me by Richard Willing and his wife Julia Ann Willing to my wife Mary Jane Willing. $10 to son Henry J. Willing. $7 to daughter Elizabeth Ann Willing. Executors empowered to dispose of property as needed to support and maintain wife and children.
Executors: Wife Mary Jane Willing, William A. Mayborn, and Henry Sheldon
Witnesses: Joseph H. Mayborn of Ellington, William Willing of Westfield
p. 7, Gardus? V. Knapp of Sinclairville, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 18 Apr 1844.
Half of everything to wife Lucy Knapp. One-fourth to daughter Oleyett? B. Cotton, one-fourth to daughter Philena Rockeletta Knapp, including land in Charlotte purchased from Gamaliel Barnes and land in Charlotte purchased from Chancellor Brooks. Wife Lucy to be guardian for daughter Philena until she reaches age 21.
Executors: Wife Lucy Knapp, Eliakim B. Forbush of Sinclairville, and John Chandler of Charlotte
Witnesses: William Blass and William O. Cotton, both of Sinclairville
p. 8, Amasa Littlefield of town of Carroll, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 9 Mar 1843.
Everything to wife Arubah Littlefield.
Executors: Wife Arubah Littlefield
Witnesses: Isaac Eames, Emily Thayer, Elisabeth Howland
p. 8, Sybil Birch of town of Chautauqua, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 5 Jul 1842.
Everything to daughters Melissa Birch, Rachel Birch, and Marietta Birch, including land in town of Chautauqua formerly owned by deceased son James Birch.
Executors: Son Joshua Birch
Witnesses: David Morris and Ephraim Hammond, both of town of Chautauqua
p. 9, Waitstill Crumb of Cherry Creek, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 6 Mar 1843.
Everything in Cherry Creek to wife Lydia Crumb until son William Crumb and son Henry Crumb reach age 21. After her death, everything to sons William and Henry. $50 each to my daughter Cyntha’s two sons. $100 to be divided between the heirs of my son Waitstill. $50 to grandson Waitstill Crumb. $100 each to son Wells?, daughter Dorcas, and son Josiah Crumb. $50 to grandson Waitstill Crumb Chapman. $50 to my wife’s daughter Jane M. Kimball.
Executors: Wife Lydia Crumb
Witnesses: John Mather of Villenova and Horace Brown of Cherry Creek.
p. 10, Hiram Polly of town of Harmony, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 6 Dec 1842.
Use of everything to wife Anna during her life. After her death, property to be divided as follows. $1 each to son Henry and to heirs of daughter Lucy Reed. Half of household furniture to Anna Malissa Cramer; other half to Clarrissa Fidelia Steward. Two-tenths of everything else to grandson Truman Polly. Remainder to son Elijah S. Polly.
Codicil made 20 Feb 1844. If my wife Anna judges it necessary to sell property to provide for her comfort, then she is authorized to do so. The two-tenths of property given to Truman H. Polly should be equally divided between my two daughters Anna Malissa and Clarrissa Fidelia.
Executors: Son Elijah S. Polly
Witnesses to will: David Preston, Lucy Preston, Isaac Vosburgh, all of Harmony
Witnesses to codicil: David Preston, Nancy M. Frisbee, and Lucy F. Preston of Harmony
p. 11, Pardon Hazeltine of Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, signed 26 Feb 1844, recorded 20 Jul 1844.
All real estate in Chautauqua County, New York to mother Susannah Hazeltine of Busti, with Brother Abraham Hazeltine to improve the real estate and support her thereon. After mother’s death, executor to sell all real estate and give half of the proceeds to wife Abigail R. Hazeltine and the other half to my two children Harriet Sherman Hazeltine and Charles Benjamin Hazeltine. Executor to erect suitable gravestones at the grave of my former wife Harriet Hazeltine in Busti. Everything else to wife Abigail R. Hazeltine.
Executors: Brother Abner Hazeltine of Jamestown
Witnesses: Chas. G. Prentiss, Benja Read, Mary C. Wheelock
p. 12, Eleazer Smith Junior of town of Charlotte, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 2 May 1844.
All personal property and half of farm to wife Fanny Smith. Remainder to be divided among sons Alva Smith, Almon Smith, and Taylor Smith.
Executors: None named
Witnesses: Ebenezer Brown, E. T. Brown, Maria Beal
p. 12, Russell Briggs of town of Cherry Creek, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 21 Dec 1843.
$600 and all household furniture to wife Tabitha Briggs and son Amos Briggs. Reaminder of estate to son Lyman Briggs
Executors: Son Lyman Briggs
Witnesses: Bliss Willoughby, Seth Grover, and William W. Hitchcock, all of Cherry Creek
p. 13, Elijah Devine of town of Sheridan, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 10 Apr 1843.
Use of all personal property and land to wife Polly while she remains my widow, including land bordering Nicholas Mallet and Erastus Holt. After her death or remarriage, $300 to youngest son John Devine. Remainder of estate to children Elijah Devine Junior, Susanna Simmons, Samantha Scott, Philan Devine, Lucy Ann Gray, Almeda Morrison, Sanpta? Devine, Cordelia Devine, Cyntha Devine, and John Devine. Having paid son Philan for his share, I give it to Elijah Jr. and appoint him trustee of the share of Samantha while she remains the wife of John Scott. Elijah is also to be the guardian of John until age 21.
Executors: Wife Polly Devine, son Elijah, and John E. Griswold.
Witnesses: John E. Griswold, Barzilla Ellis, David Woodbury
p. 13, Richard Whitney of town of Chautauqua, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 18 Jul 1824.
Everything to wife Ruth Whitney during her lifetime if she outlive me. Thereafter, land to eldest son Henry Whitney. $400 to heirs of daughter Electa Kibber when they reach age 21 to be paid by my sons Henry, Thomas, and Richard. The remainder to sons Henry, Thomas, and Richard.
Codicil, signed 29 Jan 1826: Bequest to heirs of daughter Electa Kibbee is revoked.
Executors: Wife Ruth Whitney and eldest son Henry Whitney.
Witnesses to will: Benjamin H. Dickson, Milo Smith, Wendell Berry
Witnesses to codicil: Wendell Berry, Fitz H. Rice, Minor T. Bond?
p. 14, Joseph M. Merrill of town of Jamestown, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 1 Oct 1844.
All personal property and avails of real estate to wife Asenath W. as long as the remains my widow or takes care of my children. Land in Jamestown bounded by Stephen J. Green, Calvin N. Butler, and Walter H. Tinker to eldest son Herbert F., daughter Helen M., and daughter Olive R. Land in Jamestown bounded by Alvin Deland, Samuel Butler, Almon Partridge, and Elial T. Foote to son Isaac C. and son Milton B.
Executors: Wife Asenath W. and brother Archibald Merrill of Painsville, Lake County, Ohio and Richard W. Arnold of Jamestown
Witnesses: Tyler Field and Franklin H. Wait of Jamestown
p. 15, Hiram Wade of town of Harmony, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 17 May 1843.
Half of everything to elder brother Harmon C. Wade, with remaining half to younger brother Hial D. Wade, including land in Harmony bounded by Erastus Huntley and Jehial Brooks. Profits of land bequeathed to Hial D. Wade will be paid to father Amasa Wade for as long as he requires it and to my mother if she survives my father.
Executors: Benjamin F. Spooner
Witnesses: Abijah Williams, Ira Williams Jr, Erastus Huntley
p. 16, Jane Oliver of Jo Davis [sic, should be Jo Daviess] County, Illinois, signed 16 Oct 1844.
My share of property from my father to my brother Richard Willing. $20 to brother William Willing. $40 to William Bloomer. $20 to James Crossgrove. $5 to Robert Bloomer. $10 to uncle William Willing. All amounts to be paid out of property at Westfield, New York, with remainder to Peter Oliver if he comes to America or to be sent to him in England. If he is deceased, then it is to be paid to my nephew Oliver Laird by Hugh or Eliza Laird when he reaches age 21. All household goods to brother Hugh Laird and sister Eliza Laird
Executors: Hugh Laird
Witnesses: Hugh F. Laird, Wm Stewart
p. 17, William Colvill of village of Forestville, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 27 May 1843.
Use of current home and land to wife Hannah during her natural life, thereafter one-tenth to William Camp son of Albert H. Camp and the remainder to my daughters Eliza wife of William Holbrook, Jane wife of Ernest Mullet, and Margaret wife of Augustus Corry, and to their children. The silverplate I owned when I contracted marriage with my wife is to be divided among my daughters. Land bounded by Albert H. Camp and Walter Page to son William Colvill Jr and Mary C. his wife during their lives and thereafter to William Colvill and George Colvill their two sons. Land to son David G. Colvill. The Benjamin Pope Farm to son William Colvill Jr in trust for the use and benefit of my son George Colvill and Hannah his wife during their lives, thereafter to their heirs.
Codicil of William Colvill of Hanover, signed 26 Dec 1844. Use of land to son David G. Colvill and Margaret his wife during their lifetimes.
Executors: Son William Colvill Jr
Witnesses to will: Ellis Spencer and Richard Smith, both of Hanover
Witnesses to codicil: Ellis Spencer and John Morrison, both of Hanover
p. 18, John Pray of town of Harmony, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 5 Sep 1843.
All real estate in Harmony to son David Pray, daughter Maria, and daughter Sally Pray. $20 to son Elijah Pray. Household items to daughter Melinda Fuller. $5 each to children of my daughter Betsey. $5 to Eliza Pierce daughter of Amanda Pierce deceased. Remainder of personal property to son John H. Pray.
Executors: Son John H. Pray
Witnesses: Abner Lewis and Ebenezer G. Cook, both of Harmony
p. 19, Abigail Myres of town of Sheridan, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 14 Jan 1845.
Household items and a note against Nathan Wait dated 7 Jun 1844 to daughter Belinda Myres and her heirs. $30 and remainder of personal property to Mary Wait when she becomes 21.
Executors: Gordon Cheesbrough of Sheridan
Witnesses: John J. Eacker and Charles H. Durfee, both of Sheridan
p. 19, Isaac Sweet of town of Westfield, Chautauqua County, New York, no date .
West half of homestead in Westfield to son Ralph Sweet; remainder to son Safe Sweet. Land I acquired 10 Oct 1826 from the Holland Land Company to daughter Phebe Stanley wife of Chauncy Stanley. My share in the east half of the Dorman farm to youngest son Benajah Sweet, hoping that my wife Mabel will convey to him her interest in the same farm. West half of Dorman farm and all personal property to wife Mabel.
Codicil, signed 9 Apr 1845. Village lot formerly owned by Chauncy Stanley to wife Mabel Sweet. By reason of the death of my daughter Phebe Stanley, land bequeathed to her is now bequeathed to Thomas B. Campbell to hold in trust for my daughter’s children Niles Stanley age 6 and Tirza Stanley age 4. Livestock to son Benajah.
Executors: Wife Mabel Sweet and Abram Dixon
Witnesses to will and codicil: Hiram Couch and John G. Hinckley, both of Westfield
p. 21, Thomas Flanders of town of Ellery, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 7 Jun 1845.
$150 each to daughters Sarah wife of Archibald Record, Laura wife of John Crippin, Elizabeth wife of Hiram B. Knowlton, Miriam wife of Harrison Loucks, and Nancy wife of James H. Knowlton. $100 each to sons John Flanders and Thomas Flanders. Livestock to son Parker Flanders. Remainder of estate to sons John Flanders, Thomas Flanders Jr., and Parker Flanders.
Executors: Sons John Flanders, Thomas Flanders Jr., and Parker Flanders
Witnesses: Horatio M. Arnold, Leman Picket, and Fowler Denton
p. 21, Samuel Moore of town of Harmony, Chautauqua County, New York, signed Jan 1845.
Everything to wife Sarah, directing Daniel C. Glidden to convey my house and lot to her by deed in fee. Family Bible and $5 to my only son Moses Moon when he is 21.
Executors: Wife Sarah
Witnesses: Abner Lewis and Jeremiah Andrews of Harmony
p. 22, James Covill of town of Ripley, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 26 Sep 1844.
Executor to bury me beside body of deceased wife in the Mayville Burying ground and buy headstones similar to those of my wife. The promissory note I hold against my son Elisha Covill is cancelled. Clothing to sons Lemuel and Elisha. Household items to Levina Covill wife of my son Elisha Covill and to granddaughter Mary Covill daughter of my son Elisha. Walking staff to my eldest son Lemuel, which he is to give to my son Elisha when he is done with its use. $1 to sons Asa, James, and Jonathan, since I have previously given them a reasonable share of my estate. Residue of estate to children Elisha Covill, Lemuel Covill, and Betsey Crocker.
Executors: Friend Clark Parker of Ellery
Witnesses: Dudley Marvin and Selathiel Covill of Ripley
p. 23, Israel Munson, merchant, of Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts, signed 1 Aug 1833.
Two farms I purchased of Eliakim H. Johnson in Wallingford to my sister Lois Hill wife of Joel Hill of Wallingford, Rutland County, Vermont. The note I hold against my brother in law Joel Hill is cancelled. $10,000 to friend and late partner in business Charles Barnard of Boston. $1,000 to his son James Barnard. $1,000 to Israel Munson Spelman, minor son of widow Eliza A. Spellman of Boston. Varying amounts to Harvard College at Cambridge, Yale College in New Haven Connecticut, Medical School of Yale College, ? for the Insane, established in Hartford, Connecticut, New England Asylum for the Blind, established in Massachusetts, Boston Asylum for Indigent Boys, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary. Remainder of estate to be divided between the children of my brother Isaac Munson of Wallingford, the children of my late sister Anna Thatcher deceased, and the children of my sister Lois Hill. The 8 children of Isaac Munson are Sarah wife of Robinson Hall, Eliza Munson, Mary wife of Edgerton, Isaac Munson, Israel Munson, Anna Munson, Louisa Clark wife of ---- [sic] Clark, and Edward Munson. The 2 children of my late sister Anna Thacher deceased are Eliza wife of Richman and Mary Ann wife of Luther Gilbert. The two children of my sister Lois Hill are Israel Munson Hill and Lucretia Hill, who are to receive their inheritances when they reach age 21, with their mother receiving the income of it until that time.
Codicil, signed 25 Jul 1835: Gift of farms to sister Lois Hill is revoked. She is to have the income from the farms during her lifetime; thereafter, the farms are given to her children.
Executors: Charles Barnard of Boston and Richard Fletcher of Boston
Witnesses to will: Theophilus Parsons, John A. Bollis, Gustavus Andrews
Witnesses to codicil: Richard Flagg, E. A. Lathrop, Gustavus Andrews
Hearing in probate court of Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts 11 Mar 1844. Charles Barnard presented the will, Richard Fletcher having declined appointment as executor. Theophilus Parsons, John A. Bollis, and Augustus Andrews testified to the validity of the will. Augustus Andrews testified to the validity of the codicil, E. A. Lathrop being deceased and Richard Flagg now residing in Alton, Illinois. The judge of the probate court ordered the will and codicil admitted to probate.
p. 26, Charles Hawley of town of Sherman, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 29 Mar 1837.
Two-thirds of household furniture and use of one-third of real estate to wife Clary. Land to daughters Ermina Hawley and Clarissa Hawley. Land to son Charles Hawley. One-third of remainder of estate to wife Clary during her widowhood, thereafter to son Charles. $300 each to daughters Ermina and Clarissa. Everything else to son Charles, with him to care for wife Clary if she does not have sufficient.
Executors: Son-in-law William Pelton, friend Hiram N. Gleason, wife Clary Hawley.
Witnesses: Hiram N. Gleason and Barney Braat, both of Sherman
p. 27, Sarah Whitford of town of Freehold, Warren County, Pennsylvania, signed 22 Nov 1841.
$40 to son Nicholas, $50 to daughter Marbry Whitford?
Codicil 1, signed 21 Dec 1842. $25 instead of $50 to daughter Marbry Whitford.
Codicil 2, signed 7 Jan 1843. Bed to son Nicholas, everything else to son John.
Executors: None named
Witnesses to will: Abner Lewis and Pellam Barker of Harmony, Chautauqua County
Witnesses to codicil 2: Pellum Barker and Cornelius Darrow, both of Harmony, Chautauqua County
p. 27, James Woods of town of Gerry, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 24 Oct 1843.
Land to son Samuel Woods deeded to him 23 Oct 1843. Land to son James Woods next to Samuel’s. Land to son Alexander Woods. Land to daughter Mary Ann Munro? Land to daughter Margaret Moon next to Mary Ann Munro? Everything else to wife Susannah Woods.
Executors: Wife Susannah Woods
Witnesses: John McCullough, William Cannon, Thomas McCullough
p. 28, Nancy Douglass of town of Pomfret, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 23 Jan 1845.
Land willed to me by husband Arnold Douglass and land willed by husband to Betsey Ann Douglass deceased to son George B. Douglass. Livestock and household items including colt due from Norman Spink and note against Ebenezer Baldwin to daughter Sally M. Douglass.
Executors: Cousin Jesse Baldwin of Sheridan
Witnesses: Jeremiah Baldwin, Joseph A. Baldwin, Jesse Baldwin
p. 28, Pliny Shattuck, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 24 Oct 1845.
Everything to wife Dolly during her life, thereafter to my living children or to their heirs and the heirs of my deceased son. If none living, then to my heirs and next of kin.
Executors: None named
Witnesses: R. B. Clark and Thomas Trask of Conewango, Cattaraugus County
p. 29, James Barnaby of Dunkirk, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 4 Apr 1832.
Everything to wife Susan Barnaby
Executors: Oliver Raymond of Sherman, St. Joseph County, Michigan Territory
Witnesses: H. B. Van Buren? and Ernest Mullett
p. 29, John Newbre? of town of Stockton, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 24 Oct 1845.
Money and household items to wife Sally Newbre? $50 to oldest daughter Polly Knox. Remainder of estate to my three sons and two daughters Lucidus? Lucester? Newbre, John Newbre, David Newbre, Polly Knox, and Lois Rogers.
Executors: None named
Witnesses: Philip Lazell and Chester Thompson of Stockton
p. 30, court 16 Oct 1845. John Sloan, one of the executors of the estate of Richard Douglass late of Pomfret deceased, offered the will for probate. The will dated 31 May 1845 and a codicil dated 26 Jul 1845 named the following heirs and next of kin, to whom citations were issued for a hearing 17 Dec 1845: Mary Douglass widow, Hiram Douglass, Almira Sloan wife of John Sloan, Zatter Douglass, Lina Douglass, Ledyard Douglass, Rosetta Beckwith, Sarah Bisset?, Richard Douglass, all of Chautauqua County, all over age 21. Lovina Mongtomery wife of Henry Montgomery of Groveland, Oakland County, Michigan, also over age 21. Mary Youngs wife of John Youngs of Chautauqua County under age 21. Sardinia Austin of Amazon, Boon County, Illinois, Lorinda Austin, Chancy Austin, and Amanda Austin, residence unknown, George B. Douglass and Sally M. Douglass of Chautauqua County, all under age 21. Chancy Tucker, reputable free holder of Chautauqua County, was appointed special guardian for the minors to take care of their interest in the proceedings.
p. 30, court 17 Dec 1845. John Sloan, one of the executors of the will of Richard Douglass deceased, appeared for the purpose of proving the will and showed that Richard Douglass died 29 Sep 1845. Chauncy Tucker, special guardian for infant heirs and also for Lovina Montgomery wife of Henry Montgomery, appeared to oppose the probate of the said will. Wm H. Cutler appeared in support of the will in behalf of Hiram Douglass and Ledyard Douglass. The other heirs make default.
Joseph E. Wheeler swore to the validity of the will, saying that deceased was 60-70 years old, deranged from time to time but not when he signed the will. His son married my daughter. His mental abilities had declined.
Dolly Bebee of Pomfret, subscribing witness to the will of Richard Douglass, testified to the validity of the will. She said that the deceased was 77-78 years old and mentally sound. She is currently employed by Hiram Douglass.
Lavinia? Gate, subscribing witness to the codicil and half-sister of the deceased, said he was 71? years old on 10 Oct 1845 and was mentally sound.
Asa Prouty of Sheridan, subscribing witness to the codicil, testified to the validity of the codicil and said that the deceased was of sound mind.
John Sloan, executor named in the will, stated that he could not find John Briggs, who worked for the deceased when the codicil was made. He received the will from Dr. Walworth the day of the burial. Opposing counsel objected to this witness because his wife and children were legatees and he was executor of the will.
Benjamin Walworth testified that he had received the will and codicil from the deceased and delivered it to Mr. Sloan the day of the funeral. It was opened in the presence of the family and read as had been directed by the deceased.
Squire White of Pomfret, physician to the deceased from time to time, testified that the deceased drank excessively, but that his faculties were as good as men of that age generally. The deceased talked to him about the will, saying that he did not want to divide the estate equally since some had conspired against him. His mental faculties decayed as his disease progressed.
Elisha P. Beckwith testified that he had been a neighbor of the deceased for about 7 years. Deceased was forgetful and drank to excess. After Richard was married, he told me that he should have the will altered. After the revision, I told him that Richard was his son and should be provided for, and that he should talk to Judge Walworth about a codicil. My son married his daughter Rosetta.
Jay Handy of Pomfret did a lot of business for the deceased. His intellect was impaired at the end of his life. Hiram kept whatever accounts were kept. I never knew the deceased to sign a contract without understanding it.
Squire White was recalled. The deceased kept his faculties as well as most men his age. Some of his faculties were good, particularly acquiring and managing property. He was capable of disposing of his property. I have known Jay Handy since he was a boy. He is an habitual drunkard. The Austin children who are involved in these proceedings are the children of the deceased’s oldest daughter who is dead. They are poor and perfectly destitute. The husband of Lovina Montgomery lived a while in Dunkirk. The deceased was opposed to the marriage, alleging that Montgomery had another wife.
Francis N. Ruggles of Fredonia acting as a magistrate did some official business with the deceased. Deceased always had someone to help him in business, sometimes Judge Walworth or Major Handy. It was difficult to get him to understand business. His objection to the railroad business was that the railroad would not maintain the fences, his cattle would get hurt, or fires could start on his farm. Mr. Tucker, acting for the company, proposed to fix the paper as the deceased wished. I don’t recollect what was said about cattle guards or crossing ways.
Simeon Clinton of Arkwright did business for the deceased. I made a deed and contract between him and Zatter, who was to pay deceased so much a year for rent. Deceased explained to his wife what the effect of the contract would be. His mind seemed unimpaired. “The deed to Zatter was handed to some one to be delivered to Christy to hold in trust for Zatter to be delivered to Zatter at his decease.”
Benjamin Walworth of Fredonia, physician to deceased, was called in support of the will. Counsel objected, saying that Walworth was one of the trustees for Hiram Douglass and stood to benefit from the will. The objection was overruled. Deceased’s physical health was declining. His disease did not affect his mind. I helped him with business. His mental abilities failed rapidly within the last few months of his life. I drew the will and codicil now before the court. I drew 2 previous wills for him. Starting in 1839 we had conversations about how he wanted to dispose of his property. I told him that it did injustice to Lavina and Ledyard. Mrs. Montgomery might have been undutiful but she was still his child. He wanted to know if he could fix his will concerning Hiram so that Hiram’s wife could not rob him, Hiram having repudiated his wife and child. The object of the trust was to prevent the wife and child from having any benefit from it. He had given son Linus a farm, so would not include him in the will. The remaining 4 sons would be residuary legatees. The Austin children were not mentioned in our earlier conversations. Some of the older Austin children, not the children of his daughter, had threatened prosecution against his granddaughter unless he paid the Austin grandchildren a large sum of money. When the codicil was written, the deceased said that he had given too much to the grandchildren and too little to Hiram. Deceased was of sound mind when he signed the will and the codicil. I was present both times.
William H. Cutler of Pomfret also did business for the deceased and had no difficulty in understanding his wishes. They conferred about the Beebe contract and how to get Beebe off his farm. They had conversations about provisions of the will. Deceased had made Mr. Sloan one of the executors and wanted to know if Mr. Christy was an honest man.
Alvah H. Walker of Pomfret knew the deceased for 40 years and had been a juror in the Beebe case. In that trial, deceased appeared to be a broken down imbecile.
Chauncy Tucker testified that in 1839 he went to Groveland, Oakland County, Michigan to take testimony of Lavina Montgomery and her husband in a suit of the part of her father Richard Douglass. The Montgomerys were in indigent circumstances. I appear in these proceedings as counsel for Mrs. Montgomery.
Herodotus Smith said that the deceased was sometimes rational and sometimes not.
Leverett Barker of Fredonia testified that the deceased was good in business. His drinking might have affected his mind. He seemed to understand things well.
Court 6 Jan 1846 – Court declared the will and codicil to be valid and granted Letters Testamentary to John Sloan and Stweart T. Christy. John Christy and Enoch Harkins of Pomfret were appointed appraisers.
p. 50, Richard Douglass of town of Pomfret, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 31 May 1845.
Dower and household furniture to wife Mary Douglass. Bedding to son Hiram Douglass. Land to each of my three daughters Almira the wife of John Sloan, Rosetta the wife of Russell Beckwith, and Sarah the wife of Franklin Pier. Livestock to daughter Lavina wife of Henry Montgomery. Land to son Zatter Douglass. Remainder of farm on which I now live to Benjamin Walworth and Stewart F. Christy to be held for the benefit of my son Hiram Douglass to the entire exclusion of the woman now calling herself his wife and her children. At his death, the land is to go to the sons of my daughters Almira wife of John Sloan, Rosetta wife of Russell Beckwith, and Sarah wife of Franklin Pier. If my son Hiram should be married to a woman other than the one now calling herself his wife, then his sons shall also be included in the grandsons who will share the land. Livestock to son Richard Douglass. Farm in Portland previously owned by Oliver B. Beebe to son Ledyard Douglass. He is to pay $600 to son Richard. One-fourth of remainder of estate to trustees of the land for my son Hiram. The remaining three-fourths to sons Zatter Douglass, Ledyard Douglass, and Richard Douglass. Any questions are to be settled by any three of the following: Thomas B. Campbell, Daniel W. Douglass, Henry Bosworth, Enoch Haskins, and Benjamin Walworth.
Codicil, signed 26 Jul 1845: Amount of land to grandsons is decreased and the amount of land to trustees for son Hiram is increased. $50 to son Linus Douglass.
Executors: John Sloan and Stewart F. Christy.
Witnesses to will: Joseph E. Wheeler and Dolly Beebe, both of Pomfret
Witnesses to codicil: Asa Prouty of Sheridan, John Briggs of Pomfret, Sa?? Gale of Pomfret
p. 52, Robert James of town of Cherry Creek, Chautauqua County, New York, signed .
Personal estate to wife Margaret for support of herself and my daughter Sally. Everything to wife Margaret and daughter Sally during their lifetimes, thereafter to my several children and their heirs.
Executors: Wife Margaret
Witnesses: George A. S. Crooker of Conewango, Cattaraugus County, and David Strang of Cherry Creek
p. 53, Moses Allen of town of Sheridan, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 24 Oct 1845.
Bury me in the Sheridan Church Yard. Items and money to eldest brother Walter Allen for the time I have been with him. Everything else to my two brothers Walter and Spencer Allen.
Executors: Brother Walter Allen
Witnesses: Newell Usher and Joel Spencer
p. 53, Joseph Brownell of town of Hanover, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 12 Feb 1838.
Farm to wife Rebecca Brownell during her life. Land, half of sawmill, fourth of grist mill, and loom to oldest son Stephen Brownell. Furniture and livestock to daughters Esther Bunce and Margaret Eaton after death of my wife. Farm to son Hicks Brownell after death of my wife, which he may use immediately if he will take care of my wife. Half of sawmill to son Hicks Brownell.
Executors: Wife Rebecca Brownell, sons Stephen Brownell and Hicks Brownell
Witnesses: James Bennet Minister of the Gospel and Peleg Albro labourer
p. 54, Salmon Munger of town of Hanover, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 9 Dec 1845.
Land bounded by James Cranston to wife Charlotte during her life, for her support and support of minor children. Land bounded by Walter Libby to son Darius. Land to son Daniel D. Land to daughter Ruth wife of William Soule next to son Daniel D. Land to daughter Charlotte wife of Alanson King next to daughter Ruth. Land and money to son Lewis next to daughter Charlotte. Land to son Lewis in trust for daughter Delia wife of Seth Murray to be used for Delia and her child as needed. No interest is to pass to Murray. If he should die and leave Delia a widow, then the land is to pass to her. Land to son Justin B. next to daughter Delia. Land to daughter Mary next to son Justin B. Land to son William next to daughter Mary. Land to daughter Electa next to son William. Land to daughter Ellen next to daughter Electa.
Executors: Friend Daniel B. Parsons, son Lewis, and wife Charlotte
Witnesses: Ellis S. Spencer and A.? G. Colvill, both of Hanover
p. 55, Daniel W. Knapp, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 25 Jul 1840.
Divide estate into 5 shares and give ½ share to Hiram E. Knapp, 1 ½ shares to David T. Knapp, 1 share each to Ira, Hannah, and Elijah Knapp.
Executors: None named
Witnesses: Rachel Knapp and Hannah Knapp
p. 55, John Dye of town of Villenova, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 8 Mar 1846.
Personal property to wife Hannah. $1 each to Rensellaer Main and Lucy Main, children of my daughter Polly. $5 each to daughters Phebe and Prudence. Half of farm to son John during his life and thereafter to his children. Remaining half of farm to sons Aord?, Asa, and Henry. Remainder of real estate to the children of my present wife Hannah when Elisha, the youngest, reaches age 21. Will prepared by George Hopkins.
Executors: Sons George and Ledyard
Witnesses: George Hopkins of Villenova, C. B. Brown of Hanover, Austin Pierce of Villenova
p. 56, Jonathan H. Taylor of town of Westfield, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 11 Dec 1845.
Debts to be paid out of balance owed by Mr. Allis. To wife Polly Taylor, land in Westfield conveyed to me by Joel Loomis and Susannah his wife deeded 27 Apr 1841, recorded 24 May 1841 in liber 32 of deeds. This is currently subject to a contract of sale to Nehemiah Wheeler, dated 1 Apr 1843. If the contract is fulfilled, my wife Polly Taylor is to receive the money due. She is also to have the land in Westfield where I now live during her life; afterward to be divided among my children. Everything else to my children Polly Peck wife of Stephen G. Peck of Clymer, Lucy Howard wife of Henry B. Howard of Springville, Erie County, Sarah Macomber wife of Thomas J. Macomber, and David H. Taylor of Westfield. Executors are to fulfill my contract with William Allis for the furnace property in Westfield.
Executors: Thomas J. Macomber and David H. Taylor of Westfield.
Witnesses: Austin Smith and William Allis, both of Westfield
p. 57, Daniel Page of town of Hanover, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 16 Oct 1844.
Land and money to sons John and Joseph. Land to friend John Morrison of Hanover in trust for my daughter Harriet wife of Benjamin R. Smith of Buffalo. This includes land in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin Territory deeded to me by Benjamin A. Jenkins and wife, with deed recorded in the office of the Clerk of the County of Milwaukee 25 Jun 1844 pp. 226-227, also land in Chautauqua County deeded to me by Thomas N. Hubbard and wife 10 Sep 1836, recorded 15 Oct 1838 in liber 26 page 353. Everything else to wife Ann, which she shall use to rear all the minor children until they reach age 21. At her marriage or death, everything to sons Jerome, John, and Joseph.
Witnesses to will: Ellis S. Spencer, A. F. Morrison, and Solomon Barrett, all of Hanover
Codicil, signed 13 Nov 1844. All household furniture to wife Ann, whether or not she remarries. All personal property to wife Ann until her decease or remarriage.
Witnesses to codicil: Ellis S. Spencer, A. F. Morrison, and Solomon Barrett, all of Hanover
Codicil, signed 14 Mar 1845. My friend John Morrison, trustee for my daughter Harriet, is authorized to sell land as necessary for her benefit.
Witnesses to codicil: Ellis S. Spencer and A. F. Morrison, both of Hanover
Codicil, signed 17 Apr 1845. All personal estate to wife Ann, whether or not she remarries.
Witnesses to codicil: Ellis S. Spencer and A. F. Morrison, both of Hanover
Executors: Wife Ann
p. 60, Aaron Kinsman of town of Hanover, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 25 Feb 1843.
$20 to eldest son Aaron Kinsman. Everything else to wife during her life, thereafter to be divided among daughter Rhoda wife of Luther Briggs, her children John Harry Briggs, Mary Ann Jenett Briggs, Ann Elizabeth Briggs, and great grand daughters Elizabeth Panama Briggs and Mary Miller Briggs.
Executors: Clark C. Swift of Hanover
Witnesses: Jonathan Keith and Amos Dow, both of Hanover
p. 60, Sidney Patterson of town of Sheridan, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 24 Mar 1846.
Everything to brother Orrell Patterson, sister Sophia Cook, and sister widow Polly Ferry. This includes land in Sheridan deeded by Eber Ferry and wife Olivia to John Pattison 29 Nov 1816, recorded 17 Feb 1817. Also land deeded by Abner Cooley and wife Maria to John Patterson 27 Jun 1817, recorded 12 Jul 1819.
Executors: Friend Jonathan S. Patterson
Witnesses: Ellis S. Spencer and Norman B. Brown, both of Hanover
p. 61, Jonathan Smith of town of Chautauqua, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 17 May 1846.
Everything to sister Mary Willson of Canada.
Executors: Lorenzo Morris
Witnesses: E. M. Babbitt and Alfred Baker
p. 61, Robert Woodworth of town of Ellery, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 10 Apr 1843.
$5 to son Robert. $50 to son Charles if he calls for it. $50 to youngest son James if he calls for it before he becomes age 21; otherwise to be divided among the children of my present wife Sabrina. $60 to son Albert. I have given land in Ira, Cayuga County, New York to my oldest son Norman. I have given to my son Jarvis $137, for which I hold his receipt dated 20 Jun 1833; that is his full share of the estate. I have given daughter Mary $70 and bedding for which I hold the receipt signed by her and husband Peter Vandu?koof? dated 20 Jan 1833; that is her full share of the estate. I have given my son Charles Woodworth $50 for which I hold his receipt dated 15 Mar 1834; that with the $50 bequest above is his full share of the estate. Everything else to wife Sabrina.
Executors: James Bucklin Jr of Gerry and Henry Coe of Ellery
Witnesses: David West, J. J. Haviland, and Lois Ann Bucklin
p. 63, court 5 Oct 1846. Philemon Root, husband of Delilah Root legatee in the will of Timothy Fay late of Ripley, testified that the deceased died 25 Aug 1846 and offered the will dated 24 Aug 1846 for probate. Heirs and next of kin: over age 21 are Levi Fay of Ohio, Amanda Smith wife of Levi Smith of Cherry Valley, Ashtabula County, Ohio, Delilah Root wife of Philemon Root of Ripley, Norman Smith of Ripley, William Wedge of North East, Erie County, Pennsylvania, John Wedge of Fairhold, Warren County, Pennsylvania. Under age 21: Sarah Jane Hadley, Elizabeth Isham, Sally Wedge, Phila Ann Ketchum, George Howarth, Martha Howarth, and Mary Howarth, all of Chautauqua County, Elsie Hunt of Erie County, Pennsylvania, Achilles Underwood, James Underwood, Mary Underwood, 4 unnamed Underwoods, all residents of Homer, Lenawee County, Michigan, grandchildren of deceased and children of Elias Wedge whose wife now deceased was a daughter of the deceased. Benjamin F. Baird of Ripley was appointed special guardian for the minors to represent their interests in the proceedings. Citations were issued to the widow, heirs, and next of kin for a probate hearing 30 Nov 1846.
p. 63, court 30 Nov 1846. Court granted the request of Philemon Root, husband of Delilah Root legatee in the will of Timothy Fay late of Ripley, that the probate hearing be postponed to 2 Dec 1846 in Ripley to enable appearance of witnesses.
p. 64, court 2 Dec 1846. Philemon Root, husband of Delilah Root legatee in the will of Timothy Fay late of Ripley, presented the will of the deceased for probate. Also appearing in court were William P. Wedge, Levi Smith for his wife Amanda, Charles Isham for his wife Elizabeth, Norman Smith and John Wedge represented by their counsel, Benjamin F. Baird to represent the minor heirs of the deceased.
Benjamin F. Baird testified that he was one of the witnesses of the will. He wrote the will and wrote the name Levi Fay instead of Timothy Fay by mistake, confused by a discussion of Levi son of the deceased. Deceased made his mark over the name. He tried to correct it the next day, but the deceased was dead by that time. Deceased died at home of Philemon Root, husband of Delilah a daughter of the deceased, in Quincy in the town of Ripley. Deceased was over 70, hand trembled so badly that he could not write his name. I read the will to him with all the witnesses present when they signed the will. In discussing how to write the will, deceased said that his “daughter Sarah Hadley’s wife and Howarth’s wife that they had lived close by, and had a good deal more than the others. He mentioned that they had more than the others. He said nothing about Levi having had a piece of Land down east, nothing was said about the circumstances of his heirs. . . . His daughter Mrs. Howarth was dead. Mr. Howarth is a drinking man and is worthless. Norman Smith a grandson lived in the neighbourhood, I understand that there had been difficulty between him and deceased. . . . The deceased stated the reason why he gave Delilah more than the rest was, she never had anything and she had taken care of his wife.”
George Goodrich testified that he signed the will as one of the witnesses. He saw the deceased make his mark on the will, but did not discover the mistake about the name until the next day. Deceased tried to write his name but could not write it intelligibly. He was in his right mind although somewhat impaired by age, and he was under no restraint. He understood that he had not divided his property equally among his heirs.
Nelson Root, brother of Philemon Root, testified that he signed the will as witness and that it was the will of Timothy Fay deceased. Deceased was between 70 and 80 years old.
Simeon Collins of town of Ripley testified that he was physician to Timothy Fay in his last sickness. He was competent to make a will and to judge which of his children deserved the most.
Caleb O. Daughaday of town of Ripley checked the will at the request of Mr. Baird. He looked at the material facts in the will and did not observe the error in the name. Deceased, although a weak-minded man, was capable of judging the conduct of his children and of deciding what each of his children should have of his property. I was employed as counsel to the deceased in his difficulty with Norman Smith. He did not feel safe with Smith.
Joseph Sharpe of town of Ripley testified that he had done business with the deceased. Mr. Goodrich and Mr. Root were there during a business discussion. Deceased seemed to be suspicious of his whole family. Mr. Howarth told him that he thought Levi had had his part.
Lydia McFadin of town of Ripley, sister of Mr. Smith’s wife, said that she lived at Norman Smith’s at the time of the difficulty between the deceased and Mr. Smith. Deceased said that he hired Mr. Bennett to do his business for him because he was not capable of doing it himself. His memory was not very good.
Buonaparte Northam of town of Ripley testified that deceased was not capable of doing business or of making judicious disposal of his property. He was infirm from age in body and mind.
George E. Northam of town of Ripley had conversations with deceased and thought that for the last 2-3 years he was not of sound mind and not capable of doing business.
Walter Loomis of town of Ripley testified that the deceased never was bright, and that he was failing and becoming debilitated.
Thomas Norton of town of Ripley said that he had business with the deceased as a Justice. Deceased was a man of weak judgment, faculties impaired. If he came to me about a will, I would have advised him to go to a competent man acquainted with the affairs of his family to counsel him about the will. The deceased was capable of understanding who had the strongest claims upon his property.
Jeremiah Mann testified that the deceased mentioned Norman Smith as having used him bad. He was a weak-minded man, easily misled, but had a good memory.
A. F. Bennett of town of Ripley testified that deceased stated that he did not want his heirs treated equally. Levi had paid him for the land he had received, so he thought Levi should have more. Deceased was capable of making a will.
Northrup Mason of town of Ripley did not think deceased was capable of disposing of his property equitably among his heirs. Deceased stated that Smith did not use him well and meant to get his property. He could stay with daughter Amanda Root but did not like her husband. Deceased was not insane or an idiot.
Seneca Pierce testified that deceased was not capable of making a will. He could recollect whether he had given one child more than another and could recollect their conduct.
Milton Knapp of town of Ripley said that deceased was capable of dividing property equitably. He was afraid of Smith, who threatened to sue him for slander.
Harvey Hall Jr of town of Ripley said that Smith ran the farm poorly. Deceased was capable of making a will. He disapproved of the way Smith ran the farm and was afraid of Smith.
Jeriah Loomis of town of Ripley said that deceased was capable of doing business and of making a will.
Ira Loomis of town of Ripley said that deceased was capable of making a will.
Lavina Hall said that deceased was about 70 and was capable of making a will.
Benjamin F. Baird was recalled, said that deceased said that “Elizabeth Hartley had a note which belonged to him, which she would not give up to him, and for that reason he should not give her as much as he should some of the others. He said Smith’s wife had not had as much as the other girls and for this reason he should give her more.”
Harvey Hall was recalled, said that his wife was sister to Nelson Root’s wife. Deceased complained that Norman Smith did not take good care of him and intended to take his property.
Court 25 Jan 1847 – Court declared the will to be valid and granted Letters of Administration to Thomas Norton. Jeremiah Mann and George Goodrich of town of Ripley were appointed appraisers of the personal estate.
p. 74, Levi Fay [“Memo: This name should have been Timothy instead of Levi. See page 64 of this book for proof.”] of town of Ripley, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 24 Aug 1846.
$435 to daughter Delilah Fay. $355 to son Levi Fay. $188 to daughter Amanda Fay. $100 to heirs of my daughter Mary Fay who is deceased. $90 to heirs of my daughter Sarah Fay who is deceased, to be divided as follows: $5 to Norman Smith, $25 to Elizabeth Hartley, $30 to Sarah Jane Hartley, $30 to Phila Ann Hartley. Everything else to daughter Delilah Fay
Executors: Neighbour A. F. Bennett
Witnesses: Benjamin F. Baird, George Goodrich, and Nelson Root, all of Ripley
p. 75, Sarah Lewis of Fredonia, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 15 May 1841.
Erect tombstones similar to those of my late husband Walker Lewis. Bible, household items, and $10 to daughter Rebecca Lewis. Household items and $5 to daughter Abigail Jackson as the balance of her portion. $1 to daughter Patty Underhill as the balance of her portion. $1 to granddaughter Sally Ann Hodges. Blue coverlet to daughter Hannah Higgins as the balance of her portion. String of gold beads to daughter Sally Sherman as the balance of her portion. On 12 Oct 1833 I deeded land in Fredonia on which I now live to grandson Thomas Lewis Higgins. I hereby cancel that deed and give him $150 instead on his releasing all claim to the land. $25 to John Crane of Fredonia to support preaching of the Gospel. Reasonable compensation to Elijah Fay and Squire White for their services. Everything else to daughters Abigail Jackson, Hannah Higgins, Rebecca Lewis, and Patty Underhill. Squire White is to sell my land in Fredonia and provide the proceeds to my executor for carrying out my will.
Executors: Elijah Fay of Portland
Witnesses: A. H. Walker, H. C. Frisbee, Chas N. Palmer?, all of Fredonia
p. 76, James McMahan of town of Westfield, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 18 Aug 1846.
Use of half of estate to wife Sarah during her life. Everything else to my only child Sarah Ann Smith wife of Austin Smith of Westfield during her life, thereafter to be divided among her children. This includes land in Westfield known as the Dean lot and farm which formerly belonged to James Dick.
Codicil, signed 15 Sep 1846. Everything to daughter Sarah Ann Smith.
Executors: Wife Sarah and son-in-law Austin Smith
Witnesses to will: Elias S. Barger and Avery Hilliard, both of Westfield.
Witnesses to codicil: J. R. Babcock and E. S. Barger, both of Westfield
p. 77, Anson Goodrich of Ripley, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 9 Dec 1846.
All household furniture and use of one-third of real estate to wife Susan d. Goodrich during her life. Remainder of estate to be divided among children James D. Goodrich, William Goodrich, Mary Ann Goodrich, Catherine Goodrich, Charles Goodrich, Susan Goodrich, and Benjamin F. Goodrich. Income of property bequeathed to minor children to go to my wife as long as she provides for them. As needed, John B. Dinsmore is authorized to sell real estate deeded by Gideon Goodrich and Sally his wife dated 25 Feb 1829 and recorded 14 Jan 1830 in liber 8 page 177 and land deeded by Wilhem Willink dated 13 Sep 1836 and recorded 17 Feb 1844 in liber 30 page 259 and land deeded by George Goodrich and Triphena his wife dated 11 Nov 1846.
Executors: John B. Dinsmore of Ripley
Witnesses: Geo. W. Patterson of Westfield and Northrup Mason of Ripley
p. 78, James Carpenter, signed 10 Oct 1836.
One-third of everything to wife Annis Carpenter. $1 each to eldest son Junia? S. Carpenter, eldest daughter Sally Ann wife of Samuel Cheney, second daughter Betsy Ann wife of John Gilley?, third daughter Anna wife of Jacob Sedon? Sedore?, fourth daughter Catharine wife of Eliphas Fitch. Two-thirds of personal estate to second son Stephen D. Carpenter. Two-thirds of real estate to three youngest sons Stephen D. Carpenter, Chauncey C. W. Carpenter, and James Carpenter.
Executors: Wife Annis Carpenter
Witnesses: Daniel B. Carpenter, Isaac Carpenter, Timothy Carpenter
p. 78, Luther Howard of town of Carroll, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 21 Mar 1846.
Everything to wife Jemima Howard.
Executors: Wife Jemima Howard
Witnesses: Gordon Swift and Jediah Howard, both of Carroll
p. 79, Ebenezer Davis of town of Carroll, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 26 Sep 1845.
Everything to wife Lydia during her life. Thereafter, to be divided among my children as follows: $250 to daughter Maria Lyon, $270 to son Luke Davis, $300 to son Alexander H. Davis, $300 to daughter-in-law Julia Davis wife of my son George W. Davis during her life and then to the children of my son George W. Davis, $200 to daughter Diana Boyd, $230 to son Ebenezer S. Davis, $300 to daughter Louisa? M. Davis, $300 to son Adam C. Davis.
Executors: Emry Davis
Witnesses: Victory Satterlee, Charles C. Phillips, and L. H. Bottsford, all of Carroll
p. 79, Samuel Clark of town of Busti, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 3 Feb 1844.
$100 each to “my sons William John and Alanthus”. $50 to daughter Sarah. $100 each to “my daughters Ann Eliza and Betsey”. Everything else to my two sons Volentine C. and Samuel, expecting them to live with and support myself and their mother.
Executors: Son Volentine C. Clark
Witnesses: Morris Norton and Samuel S. Walsh, both of Harmony
p. 80, Alfred White, gentleman of town of French Creek, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 2 Apr 1847.
$600 and household furniture to wife Huldah. $5 each to children William Henry White, Giles W. White, Almeda Hawley, Matthew S. White, Sarah Jane White, John White. Remainder to sons George E. White, James B. White, Charles White, and Fayette White.
Executors: Sons George E. White and James B. White
Witnesses: Ephraim Dean, Birdsall Coe, and William Hooker
p. 80, Silas Hopkins, signed 31 Aug 1837.
One-third of estate to wife Lucy. $200 each when they reach age 21 to daughter Louisa Hopkins and son Allen Leroy Hopkins. Remainder to my two sons William and Ambrose Hopkins when the youngest reaches age 21. They are to take charge of and manage the farm.
Executors: Wife Lucy Hopkins
Witnesses: J. J. Brown of Hanover and Elnathan Ellis of Sheridan
p. 81, Nathaniel Warner of town of Villenova, Chautauqua County, New York, signed .
Household furniture to granddaughter Maryetta Warner, also land bordered by Obadiah Warner, Obadiah Waters, and Martin L. S?e???, and William C. Smith. Everything else to son Obadiah Warner.
Executors: Son Obadiah Warner.
Witnesses: Austin Pierce and John Spencer, both of Villenova
p. 82, Court of Chancery held in City of Rochester 27 May 1847, present Ira F. Gleason vs. Frederick T. Brown, Gardner Brown, Hercules Rice and Mary his wife, Leonard Freeman and Betsey his wife, John B. Tyler and Lydia his wife, Dorcas Brown, Jennetta Brown, and Fernando Brown. William T. Brown late of Clymer, Chautauqua County, died 8 Mar 1842, leaving a will in his house, which house subsequently burned before the will was proved. Silas Terry of French Creek and Levant Rathbun of Clymer were present when the will was made and testified to its contents. Henry A. Phinney also testified to the provisions of the will. Based on their testimony, Lorenzo Morris issued a report for the court, and William S. Bishop represented the complainant. Court determined that the provisions of the will would be carried out and that the decree should be recorded in the office of the Surrogate of Chautauqua County. Letters testamentary would be issued to Ira F. Gleason, the surviving executor in the will.
Contents of the will: Estate to be used for maintenance of wife and minor children until the youngest child reached age 21. Thereafter, the farm should be divided among his three sons Frederick T. Brown, Gardner Brown, and Fernando Brown. $100 to be paid to his daughters Mary Rice, Betsey Freeman, Lydia Brown, Dorcas Brown, and Jenetta Brown. Part of land near Harvey A. Phinney should be sold to provide the $100. Land to be conveyed to Frederick T. Brown to manage for the benefit of the family of the deceased. Ira F. Gleason and wife Roxa Brown were named executors.
p. 83, Edmund Cole of Arkwright, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 26 Feb 1840.
Livestock, household furniture, $500, and use of land which my brother Amos and I own to wife Roxana Cole. Land to brother Amos Cole, including land to be sold for the benefit of my mother Lucy Cole. Notes, accounts, other livestock and personal property to William Wilcox in trust, to pay the avails to Amos Cole to make provision for my brother Calvin Cole and family, who are poor. Amos will use the proceeds to buy land for the family, including children Cordelia, Elias, Milford, Lucy, Martha, Esther, Olive, and Edmund. $100 to Isaiah M. Cole. $100 to Esther Wilcox. $45 to Charlotte Barclay. $25 to Betsey Cole.
Executors: William Wilcox of Arkwright
Witnesses: Timothy Cole of Arkwright, Edson Wilcox of Arkwright, John Crane of Fredonia
p. 85, Hugh Riddle of town of Westfield, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 21 Aug 1847.
Clothing to William O. Riddle. $120, remainder of clothing, and household items to brother Robert Riddle. $5 to sister Betsey Hill. Remainder of estate to brother William Riddle, including land in a deed dated 2 Apr 1847 and executed to me by Horace Hollister and wife in Westfield.
Executors: William Riddle and Orvill Minegar
Witnesses: John G. Hinckley and Horace Hollister, both of Westfield
p. 86, Zephaniah Howard of town of Chautauqua, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 8 Oct 1847.
Land in Chautauqua to my two sons Alconda Howard and Hawley G. Howard. Use of the land is reserved to my wife Olive until Hawley G. Howard becomes of lawful age, provided she remains my widow, for the support of Hawley G. Howard and for the support of my daughter Alantha as long as she wishes to remain on the premises. Alconda and Hawley are to support wife Olive as long as she remains my widow. $100 or land to daughter Alantha when she leaves. $20 to James H. Hanchet son of my daughter Elzoa? Eliza? when he is of age. Land to six daughters Rosilla Jackson, Malissa Pope, Celesta Denison, Sabrina Hanchet, Angeline Hopson, Diantha Sperry. Half of all personal property to wife Olive and half to sons Alconda Howard and Hawley G. Howard.
Executors: Wife Olive
Witnesses: William Green and Anson W. Green, both of town and county of Chautauqua
p. 87, Benjamin Perry of Arkwright , Chautauqua County, New York, signed 17 Dec 1847.
$50 yearly and use of house and lot where I now live to wife Catharine Perry during her life. Real and personal property to my 5 children Sophia Hutchinson wife of Calvin Hutchinson, Sophronia Torrance wife of Loyal Torrance, Susan Griffith wife of Stephen Griffith, George W. Perry, and Harriett Hale wife of Vernor Hale. One-sixth part of real and personal property to my friend Levi Baldwin in trust for M??on Perry, Lucy Fidelia Perry, Francis Catharine Perry, Susan Perry, and Benjamin Perry the younger, all children of my son Sullivan and his wife Mary Ann, with none of it to go to my son Sullivan or to be controlled by him. His wife Mary Ann is to share with her children in the profits of the property until all of the children reach age 21. Any disputes about this will are to be resolved by my friends William Wilcox, Jesse Baldwin, and Justus Harington.
Executors: Levi Baldwin of Arkwright
Witnesses: Charles Smith and J. R. Harman of Pomfret
p. 89, Philo Hanford age 46 of Hanover, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 20 Sep 1847.
Household furniture and land in Hanover deeded to me by John and Wealthy Clough 15 Apr 1833 to wife Sarah Hanford. Half of personal property to mother Lydia Hanford.
Executors: Wife Sarah Hanford and brother Zalmon Hanford
Witnesses: W. J. Wilson of Forestville and Z. Hanford of Lodi, Cattaraugus County
p. 90, Gideon Peck of town of Westfield, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 10 Sep 1845.
One acre to son Edward Peck, since he has previously had advances almost equal to his just share of the estate. Land to daughter Phebe Purcell wife of Jacob Purcell of Carroll. Land to daughter Isabella wife of William Gruner? Gurner? of Illinois. Land to daughter Mary wife of John Stetson of Ripley. Land to son Harvey Peck of Westfield. Everything else to wife Phebe Peck.
Executors: Wife Phebe and son Harvey
Witnesses: Austin Smith and E. L. Barger?, both of Westfield
p. 92, Joshua Burch of town of Chautauqua, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 11 Mar 1848.
$700 to wife Laura H. Burch. Everything else to son James B. Birch. If he dies before age 21, then one-third of estate to sister Margette? Maryette? Burch during her life, thereafter to James H. Perry, Lee H. Perry, and Love H. Perry. Remainder to wife Laura.
Executors: None named
Witnesses: Seth Starr of town of Chautauqua and Samuel Perry of Westfield
p. 92, Daniel Farnham of town of Chautauqua, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 16 Jun 1845.
Use of household goods to wife Dorcas during her life, thereafter to my two daughters Dorcas and Lydia. Half of my land in Hanover to wife Dorcas, thereafter to my son Fry. Remainder of estate to son Fry, who is to pay $100 each to sons Thomas and John.
Executors: None named
Witnesses: James Bennett and E. C. Farnem?, both of Hanover
p. 93, Jedediah Prendergast of village of Mayville, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 12 July 1848.
Everything to daughter Catharine wife of William Hamilton Muriett? Esq of St. Catharines, Upper Canada
Executors: Brother Col. William Prendergast, William Marvin Esq son of my sister Minerva, and Alexander T. Prendergast Esq son of my brother James
Witnesses: Deborah Prendergast and Martha Bemus
p. 94, Merritt Cook of Pomfret, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 30 Nov 1844.
Land in Pomfret bordering B. Wilson to wife Hannah during her life. $5 each to son Ash, daughter Caroline Gage, and son Merritt. Everything else to youngest children Calvin Worcester? Cook, Lucy Jane Cook, and Silas Beldin? Cook, with James Gage to be their guardian.
Executors: Friend William Baldwin of Arkwright
Witnesses: Benjamin Cornwell and Sally Wilson, both of Pomfret
p. 95, William Laurie of town of Sheridan, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 14 Nov 1842.
Everything to wife Rosalie Laurie.
Codicil, signed 20 Mar 1844: Legacy from my late uncle William M. Caw of Newton -----? to be paid at the death of his widow.
Executors: Wife Rosalie Laurie
Witnesses to will: H. N. Farnham and Justin Clark
Witnesses to codicil: Justin Clark and H. N. Farnham
p. 96, Leverett Barker of Fredonia, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 3 May 1848.
Free gift of $100 to James Bennett Jr. in consideration of his past faithfulness while in my service. Free gift of $100 to Jane Knapp in consideration of her past kindness and faithfulness in my family. Free gift of $50 to Jacob Morrison in consideration of his past faithfulness while in my service. Everything else to children A. Hamilton Barker, Eliza? Green, Darwin R. Barker, Susan Mead, Dorinda Barker, Emeline Barker, and Julia Barker. The debt of my son Darwin and son in law Mead to R. H. King & Co. of Albany for about $2700 is their own debt.
Executors: sons A. Hamilton Barker and Darwin R. Barker, son in law Roselle Green
Witnesses: Squire White and David W. Douglass, both of Fredonia
p. 97, Harvey W. Fowler, signed 4 May 1848.
Since I am sick and expect to die and since I am absent from home in another state, I am declaring my wishes for the settlement of business and family. Sell the house and property in village of Laona, and use the proceeds for the benefit of my family.
Executors: Friend Justus Harrington and wife Provida Fowler
Witnesses: Barzilla Ellis, Lucy Gilshrist, J. L. Rowand
p. 97, Frederick Taft of town of Westfield, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 28 Mar 1844.
Everything to mother Sarah Taft, including land in Westfield bounded by Lucius Hotchkiss and Fisk Durant Jr.
Executors: Mother Sarah Taft
Witnesses: Austin L. Wells, Origen Smith, and Ira? Barnes, all of Westfield
p. 98, Bethel Willoughby of town of Sheridan, Chautauqua County, New York, signed at Sheridan 29 Apr 1848.
Furniture, bond against Benajah B. Tulls, and use of one-third of real estate to wife Laura Willoughby while she remains my widow. All real estate to son Hiram Willoughby. Remaining personal property to daughters Minerva Van Vleet, Roxyann Camp, and Sally Chamberlain.
Executors: Asahel Camp of Persia, Cattaraugus
Witnesses: D. G. Colvill of Hanover, Stephen S. Mallett of Sheridan
p. 98, Silas Fletcher of Chautauqua County, New York, signed 6 May 1847.
Land to wife Isabela to use and distribute as she thinks best among the children. Son Joseph to control affairs until debts are paid, after which personal property is to be divided among Susan, Joseph, Caroline, Joel, Mary, Lydia, William, and Silas. 50 acres to son Joel.
Executors: Wife Isabela and sons Joseph and Joel
Witnesses: Thomas V. Main and John Lynch?, both of Charlotte, and John Luce of Cherry Creek
p. 99, John Gray of town of Ellery, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 29 Oct 1846.
Household goods to wife Huldah. Stock to Ephraim H. Tracy, with whom my wife and I live and who will take care of us the rest of our lives. He is to pay $20 each to Lovida? wife of Asa Lesuer?, Huldah wife of Gerret Luther, and Mary Angeline wife of Ralph Tracy.
Executors:
Witnesses: Franklin H. Waite of Jamestown, Harriet Arnold of Ellery, Abigail Loucks of Pine Grove, Pa.
p. 100, David Royce of town of Ripley, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 30 Apr 1844.
All household furniture, one-third of stock and personal property, and all crops to wife Martha Royce. She is also to have the use of everything else during her life except land and house now occupied by my son-in-law Alexander McHenry. After her death, personal property to be divided as follows: one-sixth to son willis Royce, one-tenth jointly to Martha Mar? Shepherd, Alvora Malvina Robinson, Philena Barber Royce, and Phineas David Royce, children of my deceased son Phineas Royce. Half of remainder to David McHenry, Martha McHenry, Dudley McHenry, Edward McHenry, Royce McHenry, James McHenry, William McHenry, and Sarah Jane McHenry, children of my deceased daughter Lydia McHenry. The other half of remainder to daughter Betsey B. Moore. After wife’s decease, the real estate is to be divided among my grandchildren: land to children of my deceased son Phineas Royce, 25 acres to son Willis Royce, land to children of my deceased daughter Lydia McHenry, including land conveyed by Mathias Patrick and wife to Alexander McHenry and by him to me, land to daughter Betsey B. Moore heretofore conveyed by me to Alpheus Moore and Betsey B. Moore his wife.
Executors: Lorel Nichols of Westfield
Witnesses: John W. Robertson? and Dudley Marvin, both of Ripley
p. 102, William Webber of town of Harmony, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 3 Jul 1846.
Use of estate to wife Eliza Ann while she remains my widow for her maintenance and care and education of children. After her death or marriage, everything to my nine children Lorinda, Almira Henderson, William H., Elijah, Ira, Maryette, Cornelius, Daniel, and Charlotte. Deduct $100 from the share of William H., which he has already received land. Add $20 to Elijah’s share.
Executors: Wife Eliza Ann, Ambrose Blackmon, and Stephen Rice Jr., all of Harmony
Witnesses: Holland Blackmore? and Thomas C. Cutler?, both of Harmony
p. 102, Jonathan Chesley of town of Ripley, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 14 May 1848.
One-third of property to wife. $100 to son Emerson Chesley. $30 to daughter Angeline Park. $25 to daughter Sophia Frost. Remainder of property to sons Lafayette and Franklin.
Executors: None named
Witnesses: Gideon Barton of Mina and Ezra R. Sheldon of Westfield
p. 103, Hezekiah Mason of town of Ripley, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 28 Mar 1848.
Everything except my interest in the sawmill to wife Rosanna Mason as long as she remains my widow, for her maintenance and the care of children under age 21. After her death, to be divided among my living heirs, including eldest daughter Miranda. Half of sawmill to son Addison Mason. Everything else to wife Rosanna Mason.
Executors: Eldest son Addison Mason, Buonapart Northum?
Witnesses: Horace Rice, Layton Bentley Jr., Isaac B. Gage, all of Ripley
p. 103, court 3 Jul 1848. Clark Parker of Ellery, executor of the estate of Benjamin Parker late of Ellery, who died 7 Nov 1845, presented the will signed 27 Jun 1830. Court issued citations to appear in court 4 Sep 1848 to heirs and next of kin Clark Parker, Thomas Parker, Philip Parker, Benjamin Parker, Ezekiel Parker, Betsey Parker, Amy Traphagan wife of Benjamin Traphagan, Mary Barney wife of Z. Barney, all of Ellery of full age, George Parker of Ellicott and Charles Parker of Pomfret both of full age, Diantha Kellogg wife of Aaron Kellogg of full age supposedly of Wisconsin, Thomas Phillips and Williston Phillips of Stockton and Alonzo Phillips of Cattaraugus County of full age, and the following minors: William W. Phillips, Charles S. Phillips, Sawyer of Phillips Jr., Joshua Phillips, George H. Phillips, Rosina Phillips, Barney B. Phillips, and Philip Phillips all of Stockton. Emory F. Warner of Charlotte was appointed guardian to represent the interests of the minors in proving the will.
p. 104, court 4 Sep 1848. Clark Parker and Thomas Parker, executors named in the will of Benjamin Parker, late of Ellery, appears and requested that the will be admitted to probate. Ezekiel Parker, one of the children of the deceased, opposed probate of the will.
Charles Parker, subscribing witness to the will, testified to the validity of the will. He, John Chase now deceased, and Hiram Cornell, who moved out of state many years ago, saw Benjamin Parker, who was not in one of his insane turns, sign the will. The deceased had frequently talked of making his will to provide for an insane daughter.
Clark Parker, son of the deceased, testified to the validity of the will. Witness Hiram Cornell moved to Jackson County, Michigan and was last heard from 2 years ago. The deceased was in his right mind when he made the will.
Zerah Barney testified that the deceased frequently expressed dissatisfaction about the will. He signed the will because his son did not manage to suit him in writing the will. I knew him after he signed the will, as I married his daughter.
John Arnold testified that he knew the deceased in 1830, not long after he signed the will, and thought he was considerably deranged. There were times when he was in his right mind.
Court ordered that the will be admitted to probate 4 Sep 1848.
p. 107, Benjamin Parker of town of Ellery, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 27 Jun 1830.
Daughter Betsey to be cared for. If anything remains after that, then it is to be divided equally among sons Clark Parker, Thomas Parker, Philip Parker, Benjamin Parker Jr., George Parker, Ezekiel Parker, Charles Parker and daughters Jane Phillips, Diantha Kellogg, Amy Traphagan, and Mary Parker.
Executors: Clark Parker and Thomas Parker
Witnesses: John Chase, Hiram Cornell, and Charles Parker
p. 108, Elizabeth Crane of town of Pomfret, widow of Curtis Crane deceased, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 9 Mar 1848.
Household furniture to be divided between daughter Elizabeth Howes, widow, and daughter-in-law Eliza Crane wife of my son Henry Crane. $1 each to the children of Mary Gardner deceased, who was wife of Lyman Gardner and daughter of my late son Curtis Crane, and to Charles C. Crofoot and Elizabeth, children of David Crofoot. $40 to son Henry Crane. Remainder of estate to son Henry Crane in trust to care for my granddaughter Mary Gardner Crane, youngest daughter of my son Henry Crane, who is now in her twelfth year. He is also to provide a residence for my daughter Elizabeth Howes as long as she remains a widow. After my granddaughter Mary Gardner Crane reaches age 21, the remainder of the estate is to be divided between Eliza Crane wife of Henry Crane, and their five children Cordelia Elizabeth wife of Caleb Stanley, Charles Curtis Crane, Lydia Augusta Crane, Nancy Casseby? Crane, and Mary Gardner Crane. Henry Crane is appointed guardian of all his unmarried children for purposes of this will. In case of his death, I appoint the above named Caleb Stanley executor and guardian in place of Henry Crane. I revoke all former wills, including one dated 26 Nov 1836.
Executors: Son Henry Crane
Witnesses: B Walworth of Fredonia and Noble Martin of Pomfret
p. 109, John Conner of town of Portland, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 16 Oct 1846.
Land in Portland to daughter Sally Eby wife of Aaron Eby. Land to daughter Elizabeth Freeman wife of George Freeman, son James Conner, daughter Nancy Burton widow of Willard Burton deceased, son Ezra Conner, son Dan Conner, son Henry Conner, son John F. Conner, son David Conner. $20 each to daughter Mary Van Curen wife of Abraham Van Curen and daughter Margaret Risk? Nick? wife of Philip Risk? Nick?.
Executors: Friend and neighbor Benjamin F. Pacor?
Witnesses: Timothy Judson of Portland and Vashni Millett of Portland
p. 111, Alfred N. Herrick age 43, signed 19 Feb 1846.
Household items and one-third of real estate to wife Caroline?. $200 each to daughters Mary C. and Harriet. All remaining estate to sons William F. W. and Edwin W.
Executors: Havin Brigham of Sheridan
Witnesses: Havin Brigham and Nathl Gray, both of Sheridan
p. 111, Benjamin Purdy of Clymer, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 4 Sep 1847.
Everything to nephew Philander Olds, requiring him to provide for wife Polly during her life.
Executors: Wife Polly and nephew Philander Olds
Witnesses: D. P. Phinney and Mary F. Phinney, both of Clymer
p. 112, Samuel Marshall of town of Chautauqua, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 12 Jul 1848.
$250 to son William Marshall, $250 to John Marshall, $100 to daughter Margaret Smiley, $150 to Mary Jane Thompson wife of John Thompson, $100 to Ann Marshall, $100 to Eliza Willard wife of Erial Willard. Farm, stock, and household effects to my wife Jane Marshall, at her death to be divided among my heirs. $100 each sons Robert Henry Marshall and James Marshall when they are of age.
Executors: Sons William Marshall and John Marshall
Witnesses: Horatio N. Donald and Franklin Leet
p. 112, William Reynolds of town of Ellicott, Chautauqua County, New York, born in Phillipstown, Kings County, Ireland, about 60 years old, signed 12 Jul 1848.
After my decease, my executor is to sell my real estate, including land conveyed to me by James O. Morse and wife by deed dated 15 Sep 1831. I have previously deeded land to my son John Reynolds. Executor to erect tombstones for me and my wife in the Jamestown Burying Grounds. $50 to son Thomas Reynolds. $100 to executor William H. Fenton. $50 to Patrick McClosky of town of Gerry?. $50 to John Williams of Ellicott, who formerly lived on my farm. Everything else to poor Irish, to be placed in the Catholic Emigrant Society of New York City.
Executors: Wm H. Fenton of Ellicott
Witnesses: John Horton of Ellicott and Mary A. Horton
p. 113, Katharine Wallbridge of town of Chautauqua, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 29 Mar 1848.
Everything to son Wing K. Walbridge of town of Chautauqua, including land. If he dies intestate with no heirs, then everything to Deborah Wildman and Egbert B. Killey?. Signed Catharine Walbridge.
Executors: Son Wing K. Walbridge
Witnesses: Paris Angel and Darwin W. Angel, both of town of Chautauqua
p. 114, Ludwick Herring age 74 of town of Ellery, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 4 Sep 1848.
Land deeded to me by Henry Herring to grandson Lewis Walrath. Everything else, including land in town of Ellery where I now reside, to son-in-law John P. Nesmith. This land was deeded to me by Philip Sponable Junior and wife Polly, dated 15 May 1835, recorded 16 Mar 1836 in liber 18 p. 1. John P. Nesmith is to give a span of horses to Lewis Walrath when he reaches age 21. $100 to daughter Eve Walrath. $25 to daughter Mary Flander. $75 to daughter Delany Rice. $20 each to grandchildren Walton Loucks and Sarah Loucks when they reach age 21.
Executors: John P. Nesmith and Ezra Horton
Witnesses: A. Richmond of Sinclairville and Hedger Ames of Ellery
p. 115, William Smith of town of Arkwright, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 19 Apr 1848.
Everything to wife Clarissa Smith, recommending that she give to my children. My father is to have the privilege to live with my wife and children.
Executors: Clarissa Smith
Witnesses: Benjamin Jones, Asa Thompson, John Wever?, all of Arkwright
p. 115, Thomas Phillips of town of Villenova, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 10 May 1848.
All personal property to wife Sally. $100 each to sons John Phillips and Richard Phillips. $100 to daughter Charlotte Denison. $5 each to sons Isaac Phillips and Gardner Phillips. $10 each to grandsons William Phillips and Hampton Phillips. Land to Marcus V. Phillips, son of Frederick C. Phillips. Everything else to grandson Frederick C. Phillips, including land in Villenova. Signed Thomas Phillips per C. B. Brown
Executors: Frederick C. Phillips
Witnesses: John C. Dibble, C. B. Brown, Sewall Spaulding
p. 116, Seth Ely of Ripley, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 15 May 1847.
One-third of personal estate and use of one-third of real estate to wife. I have already aided my eldest son Selden M. Ely in purchasing a farm. Home farm to son Seth E. Ely, including land deeded to me from Judge Peacock and wife. Remainder of personal estate to son Seth E. Ely, not including anything derived from the estates of Mrs. J. Colt or Enoch Marvin. $25 to eldest daughter Eliza C. Hills, to be applied by her husband Doctor Rufus Hills in making himself a life member of the American Bible Society. My hill farm to daughters Phebe Griswold and Abby D. Ely. My wife has considerable property of her own from which I hope she will further provide for our youngest daughter Abby.
Codicil, signed 17 Jul 1847: Son Seth is not to charge son Selden M. Ely for any debts he owes me. One-third of hill farm each to son Seth E. Ely, daughter Phebe Griswold, and daughter Abby. Daughter Abby to have a home in my mansion house with the family of my son Seth E. Ely as long as she remains unmarried. She is also to have the furniture which was the property of Mrs. Elizabeth Colt, now deceased.
Executors: Son Seth E. Ely
Witnesses to will and codicil: Dudley Marvin and Selden Marvin, both of Ripley
p. 118, Adin Wait age 68 of town of Charlotte , Chautauqua County, New York, signed 27 Feb 1847.
Household goods to wife Tabitha. To son George E. Wait, land in Charlotte deeded to me by the Holland Land Company 29 Sep 1835 and recorded in Liber 19 page 37 and land in Stockton deeded to me 14 Feb 1837 and recorded in Liber 22 page 526. Everything else to son George E. Wait. I have previously assisted my son Adin Wait Jr. and forgive him all remaining debts. Land in Stockton on which they now reside to my daughter Abigail Woodcock, wife of Charles Woodcock, deeded to me by Welthy Winsor 30 Dec 1844; also two other pieces of land in Stockton deeded to me by Charles Woodcock 1? Sep 1836 and by Washington Winsor and his wife dated 18 May 1837, recorded in Liber 23 page 285. $400 to son William D. Wait. $25 to daughter Abigail Woodcock wife of Charles Woodcock. $250 each to daughter Emma Forbush wife of Samuel F. Forbush and to daughter Laura Warren wife of Luther D. Warren. Son George E. Wait is to support my wife Tabitha during her life.
Executors: Son George E. Wait
Witnesses: E. F. Warren of Sinclairville and Elijah Montague Jr. of Charlotte
p. 120, George Sherwood of town of Westfield, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 23 Jul 1848.
Everything including land in Westfield to wife Sarah Sherwood
Executors: Wife Sarah Sherwood
Witnesses: William Ogle, John Baker, Herman Patchen, all of Westfield
p. 121, James Houston, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 5 Feb 1847.
Farm to oldest son James if he take care of his mother. If they cannot live together in peace, he is to build her a house where the house stood that I sold to Peter Wilbur. James is to pay $50 and stock to daughter Ann when she is married, $50 to son Warren Houston when he is 25 years old, and a cow to his sister Sarah.
Executors: Hugh Harper and William Wright
Witnesses: Blythe Harper and William Wright Jr.
p. 122, court 19 Dec 1848. Eli Roberts, executor named in the will of Elijah Deland late of town of Sheridan deceased, showed that deceased died in Oct 1848 leaving a will dated 27 May 1846 and a codicil dated 28 May 1846. Court ordered that citations to appear 12 Feb 1849 be issued to the heirs and next of kin: Widow Emma Deland of Sheridan. Children Jared Deland, Polly A. Freeman wife of Russell Freeman, Benjamin F. Deland, all of Sheridan of full age. Children Lucy Chamberlain wife of David Chamberlain, residing in Illinois, Lam…tha Hoskiss? wife of Thomas Hoskiss?, residence unknown but supposed to be in Ohio, Sarah M. Ida? Ids? wife of Harry Ids? of Belvidere, Illinois, Mary Flint wife of Russell Flint of Crawford County, Pennsylvania, all of full age. Minor children Elijah Deland and Emma Deland under age 21. Emory F. Warren was appointed guardian to represent the interests of the minor children.
p. 122, court 12 Feb 1849. Eli Roberts with counsel Daniel Shearman and Emory F. Warren requested that the will of Elijah Deland be admitted to probate. Ira Deland with counsel George Barker appeared in opposition.
Eli Deland of Arkwright, subscribing witness to the will, testified to the validity of the will. He saw Leander Badger of Sheridan also sign as witness to the will. Deceased was of sound mind and under not restraint. He did not see the will drawn up. Nathaniel Gray and the testator were in the room together; Mr. Gray read the will to the testator, who signed it. Witness had previously advised the testator to get Esq. Gray to devise his will.
Leander Badger, subscribing witness to the will, currently resident of Collins, Erie County, New York, formerly resident of town of Sheridan, testified to the validity of the will. Nathaniel Gray drafted the will, which was read to the testator in the presence of the witness. Testator had previously been ill.
Nathaniel Mead of Sheridan, neighbor, testified that testator’s health and mental faculties were much impaired and he was not capable of making a will. Deceased had said that he wanted his children to share equally. He had children by two wives.
Joseph Bartholomew of Sheridan, neighbor, testified that the deceased had lost nearly all his reason, that business was done by wife and sons.
Benjamin Deland, son of deceased, lived with him until his death. His memory was poor and he was incapable of doing business after his third attack of apoplexy. Witness’s mother told him to get Eli Deland and told his brother to get Mr. Mead. Witness does not know who dictated the terms of the will to Mr. Gray. Witness is named in the will and had charge of the business after the first attack of apoplexy. Deceased was about 70 years old at his death.
Hearing was adjourned to 26 Feb 1849.
p. 127, court 26 Feb 1849. Hearing continued on request of Eli Roberts that the will of Elijah Deland be admitted to probate.
Abram Mallett of town of Sheridan, acquaintance of 20 years, testified that the deceased was not capable of conversing or doing business after his third attack. Deceased seemd to know what was being said.
Benjamin F. Deland testified that the will was made following the third attack. Deceased was worse than when Dr. White saw him.
Squire White, physician who attended deceased, testified that apoplexy generally impairs the mind but does not always destroy it. Deceased had his faculties partially.
Amos P. Aumock? of Sheridan, physician, attended deceased after some of his attacks of apoplexy. Witness thought deceased had palsy rather than apoplexy, which would cause difficulty of speech or movement. He never had any difficulty making deceased understand him.
Abner? S. Roberts, brother-in-law, testified that deceased had a speech difficulty but was not impaired.
Jared Deland, son, testified that his father spoke with difficulty after his attacks and his mind was somewhat affected. He could talk somewhat after the third attack.
Court ordered that the will be admitted to probate and that letters testamentary be granted to Eli Roberts and Leander Badger, executors named in the will.
p. 132, Elijah Deland of town of Sheridan, Chautauqua County, New York, age 67 on 2 Dec 1845, signed 27 May 1846.
Stock, household items, and personal property to wife Emma. Bedding to daughter Emma. Remaining property to remaining children Lucy, Lydia, Ira?, Samantha, Sarah M., Jared, Polly A., Benjamin F., Elijah, Emma, and Mary.
Executors: Eli Roberts and Leander Badger
Witnesses: Eli Deland of Arkwright, Leander Badger of Sheridan
p. 133, Eliphalet Case of Ellington, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 9 Mar 1839.
$250 each to daughter Lavinia West and to daughter Laura Case, to be given after the death of my wife Lavinia Case. As previously agreed with my son Salmon Taylor Case, he has the use of my real estate until the deaths of myself and my wife provided he give half of the income to us. Land in Ellington bordering Henry Altenburg, deed recorded 29 Jan 1836 in liber 19 to son Salmon Taylor Case after the deaths of myself and my wife, and he is to pay the money to my daughters at that time. I have already made large advances to my other children.
Executors: Son Salmon Taylor Case
Witnesses: James J. Strang, attorney, Ellington, Geo. J. Phipany, merchant, Ellington
p. 134, Belva Fisk of town of Sheridan, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 27 Feb 1847.
All real estate to brother Orville Pattison, including a fifth part of the inheritance of Milo Patterson deceased and all claim to schooner Commodore Chancy on Lake Erie. $10 each to Margerty Verry? Vinny? and Sophia Cook.
Executors: Friend Jonathan S. Pattison
Witnesses: Ellis S. Spencer and Norman B. Brown, both of Hanover
p. 135, John Gillett of town of Charlotte, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 13 Mar 1848.
Use of real estate in Charlotte and Stockton, including land bordering Freeman Ellis deceased, to wife Mary Gillett. Land was deeded to me on 9 Feb 1837 by the Holland Land Company and 28 Jun 1842 deeded to me by John Duer, William H. Seward, and Morris Robinson. After the death of my wife, everything to son Joseph Gillett
Executors: Son Joseph Gillett
Witnesses: J. B. Cordott and Lewis Seamons, both of Charlotte
p. 136, Oliver Ransom of town of Hanover, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 7 Feb 1849.
$700 to grandson Ralph Doty, son of my daughter Minerva deceased, to be paid to his father Asa Doty to be held in trust until he is age 21. $200 to daughter Diantha Ransom. $200 to wife Mary in fulfillment of an agreement made between us about 8 Jun 1844 previous to our marriage, which is in lieu of dower. $20 to son Chandler. These sums are to be paid by my daughters Diantha and Diana M. if my personal property is insufficient. All real estate to my two daughters Diantha and Diana M.
Executors: Asa Doty
Witnesses: Norman Spink of town of Hanover and John A. McDonald of village of Silver Creek
p. 137, Frederic Walters age 27 of town of Ellicott, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 1 Sep 1847.
Everything to Thadeus F. Walter, a child age 4-5 now residing with Samuel Young of Ellery.
Executors: Augustus F. Allen of Ellicott
Witnesses: Madison Burnell of Jamestown and Ransom Burnell of Sinclairville
p. 137, Elias Tracy of town of Poland, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 5 Apr 1845.
Land in Poland deeded to me by the Holland Land Company to son Ephriam H. Tracy, if he will deed to my son Ralph Tracy land that was deeded to E. H. Tracy and Ralph Tracy by Wayne and Elias Tracy Jr. Land to my grandchildren as they come of age, the children of Wayne Tracy, Elias Tracy, Ephriam H. Tracy, Ralph Tracy, Polly Stevens (widow), Sabra Newton, Lydia Pickard, Hannah Fenton , Be…? Dinnin (deceased), Rhoby Buzzell (deceased).
Executors: Son Elias Tracy Jr.
Witnesses: Elias J. Fenton and Polly Ann Dinnin, both of Ellicott
p. 138, James Pettit of town of Pomfret, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 10 Jan 1849.
Use of everything to wife Lucy Pettit during her life. After her death, half of everything to Melancton S. Pettit. The other half to son James J. Pettit in trust for the sole use and benefit of son Charles Pettit, who cannot care for himself, which trust can be surrendered to any guardian appointed for my son Charles by any court which has jurisdiction. After his death, $10 each to my natural brothers David Pettit and John R. Pettit, with the balance to be divided among my living children. $50 to James J. Pettit. Debts of Ebee M. Pettit and William R. Pettit are forgiven. $30 to William R. Pettit. Bedding to Eleanora Delvin. $150 to Harriet Handy. $10 each to Samantha Cogswell, Sophronia Marsh, and Harry H. Handy. Bible to Ebee M. Pettit. My wardrobe to be divided among my 5 sons. My wife’s wardrobe to be divided among our 4 daughters. Gift to sister Agnes Sinnoth? McEwen.
Codicil, signed 24 May 1849: I cancel the bequests to Melancton S. Pettit and William H. Pettit.
Executors: J. J. Pettit
Witnesses to will and codicil: Salmon Lake and W. L. Lake, both of town of Pomfret
p. 139, Jude Cooper of town of Charlotte, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 1 Jan 1842.
Everything including land in Charlotte to wife Amy Cooper during her life, thereafter to Henry Austin Cooper who now lives in my family if he shall continue to live with me or my wife until he reaches age 21. Otherwise, everything to sisters Louisa Fellows, Hitta Gridley, Sybil Lar..an?, and Lydia Ria..?.
Executors: none named
Witnesses: Geo S. Harrison of Cassadaga and Orton Clark of Charlotte
p. 139, John D. Bates of Harmony , Chautauqua County, New York, signed 16 Jul 1849.
Land I purchased from John Harrington, now occupied by Morris Derby in the village of Panama, to sister Sarah B. Perry and the heirs of Enoch Morgan. Use of one-third of estate to wife Matilda. Everything else to daughter Sarah Ann.
Codicil, signed 16 Aug 1849: $17 to John Smith
Executors: John H. Pray and Ebenezer G. Cook
Witnesses to will and codicil: Stephen W. Steward and David Moore, both of Harmony
p. 141, Joseph Sackett of town of Stockton, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 27 Jul 1849.
Half of everything to wife Sarah L. Sackett while she remains my widow, thereafter to son George H. Sackett. Everything else to son George H. Sackett
Executors: Wife
Witnesses: B. Walworth of Fredonia and Harvey Totman of Stockton
p. 141, Elizabeth Gardner of New Lyme, Ashtabula County, Ohio, signed 3 Jun 1848.
Land in Chautauqua County, New York to daughter Martha E. Gardner for taking care of me.
Executors: none named
Witnesses: Simeon H. Carter and George W. Elmore
p. 142, Resolved W. Fenner of town of Ellery, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 28 Jun 1847.
Everything to wife Prudence Fenner.
Executors: Wife Prudence Fenner and son Arthur B. Fenner
Witnesses: Elizeer M. Peck of Charlotte and Saml A. Mac…es? of Stockton
p. 142, William Carpenter age 64 of town of Sherman, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 7 Sep 1848.
One-half use of farm in lieu of dower to wife Sophia Carpenter. $50 to son George Carpenter. $5 each to son William Carpenter and son Philip Carpenter. $50 each to daughters Sophia Carpenter, Mercy Angeline Baleen?, Eliza Carpenter, Rachael L. Ellis, Mary Ann Carpenter, Emily Carpenter, Adelaide Carpenter, to be paid within a year to those over 21 and to the others when they become 21. Everything else including land in Sherman to son Edmond Carpenter.
Executors: Wife Sophia Carpenter and brother-in-law Benjamin Boorman
Witnesses: Benjamin Boorman of Sherman, John Kingsworth or Sherman, and Isaac Relf of Mina
p. 143, Roswell O. Fenton of town of Carroll, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 13 Feb 1850.
Household goods to wife Leonora except enough to pay contract with William R. Farrar and Israel T. Eddy due 11 Dec 1849. Use of real estate to wife Leonora until daughter Evelina L. becomes 21, including land in Carroll and land conveyed by Otis S. Gould and wife to R. O. Fenton 5 Sep 1840. Use of land is under the condition that Leonora will support my children who are under age 21 until they reach age 21. $1000 to son Edward F. Fenton. Land in Carroll to son Hiram B. if he pays $1000 to daughter Eveline L. when she becomes 21. Land to daughter Mary Jane wife of Elisha McCowan and to daughter Elsey. $1000 each to son Reuben N. and to daughter Hannah M. Bequest to son Roswell O. Jr. Land in Cattaraugus County and land in Elk Township, Warren County, Pennsylvania bounded by Mary Stokes and deeded to her by Joseph Jones to my 8 children. If my wife dies before my son Roswell O. Jr is 21, my executors shal use her bequest to support my minor children.
Executors: Brothers William H. H. Fenton and George W. Fenton Jr. and wife Leonora
Witnesses: Rufus Greene and Reuben E. Fenton, both of Carroll
p. 146, Alice Hall of Westfield, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 14 Sep 1849.
Land to son Cyrenus Hall and to son Charles Hall. Household furniture to daughters Eliza Adams and Mary Ann Hall, and they are to have a home with my son Cyrenus Hall as long as she shall remain single.
Executors: Son Cyrenus Hall
Witnesses: Daniel G. Waite, Harvey Meeder, and John M. B. Elwood, all of Westfield
p. 147, E. B. Gurnsey of town of Hanover, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 24 Jan 1848.
Land in Hanover known as a part of the Cattaraugus village lots as made by Joseph Ellicott for the Holland Company to wife Tamma? Gurnsey in lieu of dower; after her death to son Duane Livingston Gurnsey. Money and land in Hanover known as part of Cattaraugus Village lots, including land bordered by T.? Pomeroy, land on which Rufus L. Bonney? now resides, and land formerly occupied by John J. Gurnsey, to daughter Frances L. Stiles. If she dies without heirs, money and land goes to my daughter Sarah A. Gurnsey and my son Duane L. Gurnsey. Land in Hanover known as part of Cattaraugus Village lots to daughter Sarah A. Gurnsey. Money and land in Hanover known as part of Cattaraugus Village lots to son Duane L. Gurnsey. Land in Hanover known as part of Cattaraugus Village lots to nephew Ezekiel Gurnsey, son of J. J. Gurnsey. Interest in land and saw mill of Cattaraugus Creek to Orson Stiles. $100 to Hetty Ann Fields if she lives with my wife until Hetty reaches age 20. Everything else to wife Tamma Gurnsey
Executors: Wife Tamma Gurnsey and Duane L. Gurnsey
Witnesses: Lansing B. Hanford and John J. Gurnsey, both of Irving
p. 149, Abigael Avery of town of Ellery, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 26 May 1845.
Land and household items to son Ezekiel D. Powers
Executors: None named
Witnesses: Jas Pickard, Wm L. Rooker, and G. F. Block
p. 149, Edward Chambers of town of Mina, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 30 [sic] Feb 1849.
$15 annually and household items to wife Elizabeth Chambers. $100 to son Frederick Chambers. $50 each to daughters Sarah Covercy?, Elizabeth Chambers, Mary Chambers, and Ann Chambers. $50 each to daughters Charlotte Chambers and Alice Chambers when they reach age 21. Everything else including land to sons Joseph Chambers and William H. Chambers if they support my wife during her life.
Executors: Sons Joseph Chambers and William H. Chambers of town of Mina
Witnesses: Gideon Barlow and James O. Harvey, both of Mina
p. 150, David Barrett of town of Chautauqua, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 8 Mar 1850.
Use of one-third of real estate during her life to wife Lucinda Barrett; thereafter to youngest son David Johnathan. Remainder of estate to be divided among my six children for their support. Anything remaining of a child’s share is to be paid to the child when he or she reaches majority. Since my friends have offered to take care of my children, my executor will place each child’s share in the hands of those friends to be expended for the benefit of each child. Daughter Clarissa Ann is to reside with her grandfather Orrange Whitney. Eldest daughter Sarah Jane and eldest son Hiram Reuben are to reside with their uncle Eli Whitney. Third daughter Harriet Loisa is to reside with her uncle Stricter Whitney. Fourth daughter Marcia Laurencia is to reside with her uncle Orange Whitney. Youngest son David Jonathan is to reside with his mother Lucinda Barrett.
Executors: Seth Starr
Witnesses: Eli Whitney of Sherman and Seth Starr of Chautauqua
p. 151, Samuel Tanner of town of Harmony, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 8 apr 1850.
Land in Harmony to wife Patty; thereafter to sons George D. Tanner, Lawrence N. Tanner, and Asa M. Tanner. $100 each to daughters Phebe M. Tanner, Lovina Tanner, Cordelia Ann Tanner, Minerva C. Tanner, and Martha M. Tanner. Minerva C. Tanner and Martha M. Tanner are to have a home with my wife Patty until they come of age or are married. Wife Patty is to keep my daughter Cordelia M. Tanner during the time she remains single on the account of her infirmity or poor health. After wife’s decease, the mill property is to be divided among my three sons.
Executors: Wife Patty and George D. Tanner and Lawrence N. Tanner
Witnesses: Nathan Chamberlain and Eleazar Daniels, both of Harmony
p.152, Robert McArthur of town of Arkwright, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 14 Feb 1849.
Use of household furniture and stock to wife Emily as long as she remains my widow. Remainder to John Franklin Dewitt and William Jones, my two sons by my wife Emily.
Executors: Adnah Howe
Witnesses: Pliny Putnam, Peter Tyler, Leman Ranney
p. 152, Reuben J. Munson of town of Pomfret, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 26 Jan 1850.
Executor is to put up gravestones at my grave and at the graves of my deceased wife and daughter Rocelia. Money and use of homestead to wife Lucy Munson during her life. Five promissory notes and mortgage of Elijah Clark to son Herman Munson. $500 to grandson Almy Reuben Munson for his education for the ministry after he arrives at age 15. $500 to granddaughter Ann Elizabeth Hinman, who is now living in my family, for her maintenance and education. Everything else to be sold and donated to specified charitable associations.
Executors: John Crane of Fredonia
Witnesses: Erastus Holt and Isaac W. Hempsted, both of Pomfret
p. 154, Loring Scott of town of Villenova, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 6 Feb 1850.
Everything to wife Anna Scott, recommending that she give $100 to my brother Ashbel Scott.
Executors: Anna Scott and William J. Straight
Witnesses: Austin Pierce and Loring Straight, both of Villenova
p. 154, Jane Willing of town of Mina, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 22 Jan 1846.
$10 to daughter Elizabeth wife of James Crosgrove. $69.37 each to son William Willing second, daughter Ann wife of William Bloomer, and daughter Alice wife of Robert Bloomer. $10 to William Willing of Westfield. $1 to daughter Mary wife of William Mayborn. $1 each for the following grandchildren to James Crosgrove in trust for them: my grandson Oliver Laird, infant son of my daughter Eliza deceased and Hugh Laird; grandson Henry I. Willing infant son of my son Samuel Willing Jr. deceased; granddaughter Elizabeth Ann infant daughter of my son Samuel Willing Jr. deceased. Everything else to son Richard Willing.
Executors: Son-in-law James Crosgrove and friend William Willing, both of Westfield
Witnesses: John G. Hinckley and W. S. Hinckley, both of Westfield
p. 155, John Thorne of town of Charlotte, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 26 Jul 1849.
$5 each to two oldest sons John L. Thorne and Edward Thorne. If my son Thomas Thorne returns to this county, I bequeath to him $100 annually. Everything else including land in Charlotte currently occupied by Elbridge G. Campbell to son William Thorne and to my two daughters Sarah Thorne and Eliza Thorne.
Executors: Son William Thorne and daughters Sarah Thorne and Eliza Thorne
Witnesses: Albert Richmond and Epenetus H. Sears, both of Charlotte
p. 156, Augustus Moon of town of Ellicott, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 26 Feb 1850.
Land in Ellicott to son Wayne Moon. $500 to daughter Paulina wife of Charles Ripley. $800 to son Jeffrey t. Moon. $500 to daughter Mary Jane wife of James Aldrich. My grandson James Walker Barnes who has been living with me should now live with my son Wayne Moon. $200 to grandson James Walker Barnes if he remains with my son Wayne Moon until he is of age. $250 to wife Annis.
Executors: None named
Witnesses: Harvey Love and William Hollenbeck of Ellicott, Franklin H. Waite of Jamestown
p. 157, Harry Jackson of town of Ripley, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 21 Feb 1838.
Everything for use of my wife Betsey during her life. After her decease, half of everything is to be distributed to my legal heirs and the other half to the legal heirs of my wife.
Executors: Wife Betsey Jackson
Witnesses: Anselm Potter and Linus W. Miller, both of Mayville
p. 157, Benjamin H. Kip of town of Sherman, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 9 May 1850.
Land to daughter Miranda P. Hall. Land, including land deeded to me by Elijah Miller 4 Mar 1850, to daughters Francis M. Kip and Adaline N. Kip. $280 each to daughter Francis M. Kip and daughter Adaline N. Kip. $660 and her living with her mother until she comes of age to daughter Jane E. Kip. Everything else to wife Esther.
Executors: Wife Esther and Elijah Miller
Witnesses: George Grinnell, Jane Ann Grinnell, and Louisa E. Miller, all of Sherman
p. 159, Benjamin T. Carpenter age 43 of town of Busti, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 9 Jul 1850.
Everything to Benjamin T. Chapman, who was born in Busti in 1835, son of Betsy? Chapman of Jackson County, Michigan.
Executors: William Smith of Busti
Witnesses: Emry Davis and David L. Watkins, both of Busti
p. 159, William Wilson of town of Ellicott, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 1848.
Use of everything to wife Isabel Wilson during her life. After her death, half of everything to grandson Finley W. Edson and the other half to granddaughter Margaret Isabel Thomas when they come of age.
Executors: Alvin Plumb, Samuel B. Winsor, and Matthew Seely, all of Chautauqua
Witnesses: Alvin Plumb of Westfield and Josiah E. Fowler of Ellicott
p. 160, David Hall of town of Pomfret, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 15 Feb 1850.
Everything to my wife while she remains my widow. If she dies or marries, everything to be divided equally among all my living children.
Executors: Wife Ann B. Hall and Edwin Hall
Witnesses: Philo Orton and H. C. Taylor
p. 160, Hugh B. Findley age 55 of town of Mina, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 26 Aug 1850.
$700 to wife Mima. Everything else to my five children James D. Findley, Julia Findley, Elizabeth Findley, Henry Findley, and Mary Findley.
Executors: Luke Grover and David Declew?
Witnesses: Carson Findley and Alinzor Austin, both of Mina
p. 161, William Robbins of town of Busti, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 21 Dec 1842.
I give the two notes I hold against John Robbins to be divided among my children: John Robbins, William L. Robbins, Ira Robbins, Caleb Robbins, Orrin Robbins, Amanda wife of Nehemiah Mead, Rosanna wife of Asa Moore, Asenath Robbins, Sally Robbins, and Clarissa P. wife of Selden Nutt. Everything else to Orrin Robbins, Asenath Robbins, Sally Robbins, and Clarissa P. Nutt.
Executors: Orrin Robbins and Sally Robbins
Witnesses: M. Norton of Harmony and Thos Smith of Busti
p. 161, Austin DaLee of Portland, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 3 Aug 1840.
Land in Portland to daughter Ann DaLee. $30 to son Field DaLee to be paid annually. $1 each to sons Justus, Waterman, John, Richard, and Paul DaLee and to daughter Nancy.
Executors: None named
Witnesses: Justus DaLee of Cambridge, Washington Co. and Richard W. M. DaLee of Portland
p. 162, Charles Beggs of Dunkirk, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 21 Aug 1850.
$200 to daughter Marion Beggs when she completes her 21st year. Everything else to wife Marion Beggs, including land in Dunkirk. If daughter dies without children, then the remainder of the estate to the living children of my sister Jean McCradie of Cai…? in Scotland, sister Ann McDowall of Troon? in Scotland, sister Mary Muir? of Canada, brother William Beggs of Canada, and deceased brother John Beggs of Dunkirk.
Executors: Lysander B. Brown and John S. Beggs of Dinkirk
Witnesses: Henry C. Frisbee of Fredonia and Willard W. Brigham
p. 163, Joseph Clark age 73 of town of Sherman, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 22 Jan 1850.
$50 per year to wife Hester. $200 each to oldest son Joseph Clark, son William Clark, daughter Anna Williams, and daughter Sally Sweet. $50 to granddaughter Betsy Sanford. Land in Sherman bordering on land deeded to Rockwell Waterman to son John Clark, providing he pay the legacies specified above.
Executors: Son-in-law George Williams
Witnesses: William L. Freeman and J. H. Jones, both of Sherman
p. 164, Stephen Williams of town of Stockton, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 5 Jun 1850.
Land and personal property to wife Amanda to support herself and children during their minority. $100 to sister-in-law Rebekah Newton. Remainder of estate to my three children Dennis Newton, Eveline Betsey, and Charles Carroll. James Ralph and Richard B. Bloomfield are appointed guardians for my minor children.
Executors: None named
Witnesses: Calvin Smith and Alvin Drake, both of Stockton
p. 165, Theron Bly of town of Harmony, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 8 Mar 1850.
House and support from farm to wife Phebe during her natural life. One-fifth of everything else to each of my sons Theron S. Bly, Harvey Bly, Henry Harrison Bly, Perry Bly. Of the remaining fifth, one-fifth to Ardillo G. Bly and the remainder to my daughter Desire Lovejoy during her lifetime, thereafter to her children by her husband Henry Lovejoy.
Executors: None named
Witnesses: M. Norton and B. Case, both of Harmony
p. 165, Samuel S. Burdick of town of Hanover, Chautauqua County, New York, signed .
Everything including land in Hanover to wife Dorothy during her life. Thereafter, the real estate goes to executor Lawton J. Knapp in trust. He is to sell it and pay $50 to grandchild Samuel Burdick, with the remainder going to surviving children Enoch Burdick, Rachel Black, Permilla C. Huyck, Alvin H. Burdick, Judah S. Knapp, Francis Burdick, and John S. Burdick.
Executors: Son-in-law Lawton J. Knapp
Witnesses: John Baxter and Danl Sherman, both of Hanover
p. 166, Ephraim Judson of town of Sheridan, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 1 Aug 1843.
Bury me in the churchyard 1 mile east of my present residence in Sheridan. $100 owed to me by my son-in-law Martin B. Bradley to my son Elisha Judson. $50 to daughter Amanda Edgerly. $50 to daughter Matilda Powers. Bedding to daughter Susan Lawrence. $10 each to “my grandchildren Eli Orange and Mary (or whatever name she may bear) children of my son Orange deceased” to be paid to Philo Handford of town of Hanover and to be paid by him to those grandchildren as they reach age 21. All personal property to wife Louisa Judson during her life.
Executors: Son-in-law Warren Powers
Witnesses: C. R. Leland and Orphea Leland, both of Lagrange
p. 167, Rebecca McMahan of Westfield, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 25 Aug 1850.
All real estate in the city of New York to my brother Thomas McMahan to educate his children. Personal items to Lucy L. Stikes. Remainder of personal property to Jerusha Ann Skidmore for her kindness during my last illness.
Executors: Austin L. Wells of Westfield
Witnesses: Lorenzo M. Kenyon and Hiram Sikes, both of Westfield
p. 168, James Briggs of town of Poland, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 17 Mar 1849.
Land in Poland conveyed to me by Levi Beardsly and Elizabeth Beardsly deeded 17 Jul 1834 and recorded 8 Feb 1836 in liber 14 page 503 to daughter Sarah and to wife Mary K. Briggs. Land from William Hale and Louisa his wife deeded 8 Jul 1834 and recorded 9 Feb 1836 in liber 7 page 514 to wife Mary K. Briggs. Personal property to my four children Mary Ransom, James H. Briggs, Harriet N. Green, and Sarah Briggs.
Executors: Willard Ransom of Harmony
Witnesses: Alvin Plumb of Westfield and W. W. Chandler of Poland
p. 168, Thomas C. Norton of town of Ripley, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 13 Jan 1851.
$200 to my unborn child. Everything else to wife Elizabeth.
Executors: Thaddius S. Ways
Witnesses: George Goodrich and Northrup Nason, both of Ripley
p. 168, Lewis Frank of town of Busti, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 24 Mar 1851.
All household effects and half of everything else to wife Sophronia, including land in Busti purchased from Alonzo Frank on 10? Sep 1849, which now has a mortgage held by Henry Baker. The remainder goes to my father Michael Frank.
Executors: Father Michael Frank
Witnesses: Orsell Cook of Jamestown and Eunice Babcock of Busti
p. 169, Donald McKenzie of Mayville, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 14 Dec 1847.
Use and income from homestead to wife Adelgunda, over and above her dower, while she remains my widow. Everything else to my children.
Codicil, signed 14 Aug 1848: Land just purchased of Thomas B. Osborn is to be included in the homestead named in my will.
Executors: Wife Adelgunda
Witnesses to will: E. G. Spaulding, mayor of Buffalo, and Napoleon B. Barrows of Buffalo
Witnesses to codicil: E. G. Spaulding and C. Metz Jr., both of Buffalo
p. 170, Jeremiah Baldwin of town of Pomfret, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 15 Jul 1850.
$50 to American Bible Society. One-fifth of remainder each to daughter Hannah Spink, son Jeremiah Baldwin Junior, daughter Esther Lewis, and Elizabeth H. Baldwin wife of my son Ebenezer Baldwin. If Elizabeth does not survive her husband, then her share goes to their children. The remaining fifth go the children and grandchildren of my deceased daughter Betsy Burge: part to Lawrence Burge and Philo Burge, children of John Burge Junior deceased and grandchildren of my daughter Betsy, and the remainder to the children of my daughter Betsy Burge. I release my grandson James Burge and my son Ebenezer Baldwin from all debts due to me. My executors are to secure a comfortable living and provide funeral expenses for my first wife’s sister Esther Munro before making the above bequests.
Executors: Jacob Haughton, counselor at law, Squire White, physician, and Philo H. Stephens, all of Pomfret
Witnesses: Thomas P. Grosvenor and Thomas W. Glisan, both of Fredonia
p. 172, Gilbert Clark of town of Ellery, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 6 Nov 1850.
Half of real estate in Ellery to wife Polly Clark and order her to provide for my youngest son Lewis Henry Clark until he is of age. She is also to pay $100 each to my four daughters Armenia Jones the youngest, Wealthy Wicks, Sarah Vorce, and Caroline Vanwart. The other half of my estate to my son Lafayette Clark and order him also to pay $100 each to my four daughters.
Executors: Wife Polly Clark and son Lafayette Clark
Witnesses: George F. Vandwort, Alijah Clark, Jedediah Vorce, all of Ellery
p. 173, Mary Harvey of town of Villenova, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 23 Mar 1848.
Bedding and clothing to daughter Mary Henson. Clothing to daughter Olive Decker. Use of real estate to daughter Minerva Palmer during her life. After her death, all real estate to my grandchildren Betsey Mariah Palmer and Harvey Romain Palmer.
Executors: Daughter Minerva Palmer
Witnesses: Austin Pierce and James Cooke, both of Villenova
p. 173, Polly Munger age 51 of town of Pomfret, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 19 Oct 1849.
Land to husband Parley Munger if he pays $400 to my daughter Achsah Batchellor and if he pays $400 to my adopted son Byron Waddington when he reaches age 21.
Executors: Friends Chester Thompson and Chancey Warren
Witnesses: Chancey Warren of Stockton and Chester Thompson of Pomfret
p. 174, Isaac Slawson of town of Portland, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 4 Nov 1846.
Everything to wife Fanny H. Slawson as long as she remains my widow. Thereafter, everything to be divided among my children Henry H. Slawson, Joseph S. Slawson, Eliza F. Hadden, Rosannah J. Slawson, and Isaac M. Slawson.
Executors: Wife Fanny H. Slawson
Witnesses: R. S. Morrison and James A. Hall
p. 174, Ursula Wilcox of town of Arkwright, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 25 Aug 1845.
Everything including my share of the estate left by my father Aaron Wilcox to my sister Lydia Cole. This includes stock in the care of Barnabas Griffith and Wm Willcox and a note due from Oliver Wilcox. Stock to Anurett? Wilcox and Hellen Wilcox. $5 to Thomas Ferdinand Wilcox. $15 to my brother William Wilcox.
Executors: Amos Cole of Arkwright
Witnesses: Caleb Weaver Jr. and Edson Wilcox of Arkwright
p. 175, Samuel Comstock of town of Busti, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 17 May 1846.
Everything to wife Betsey. I revoke all former wills, expecially a will made in 1837, in presence of Thomas C. Chase, Seymour Davis, and Dwight W. Chase of Busti.
Executors: Wife Betsey Comstock.
Witnesses: Morris Norton, Heber Norton, and Aurilla Bly, all of Harmony
p. 175, Kyler [signed Kiler] Dean of town of Sherman, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 6 Jan 1851.
$500 each to daughter Mary Jane Dean and daughter Hannah Dean. Use of the farm deeded to me by Alvin Gray in 1850 to my wife. Farm in Sherman now occupied by Osmand Hall to my son Jerome Dean.
Executors: Alvin Gray, Nehemiah Myrick, and wife Elizabeth Dean
Witnesses: Otis Skinner, Alvin Gray, and Geo. W. Gray, all of Sherman
p. 176, William Relf of town of Mina, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 15 Jan 1845.
All interest and debt payments due to me go to my wife Frances during her life. $200 each to sons John Relf and George Relf. $50 each to grandson Thomas Relf, grandson William Coveney, granddaughter Frances Elizabeth Coveney, grandson James Coveney when they reach age 21. Everything else to be divided among my son Isaac Relf, daughter Frances Thorpe, and daughter Elizabeth Benedict. Surveying instruments to Solon Benedict and Thomas Relf Coveney
Executors: Sons Isaac Relf and John Relf and son-in-law Alfred Thorpe
Witnesses: Alvin Morton and John C. Smith, both of Mina
p. 177, Susan B. Goodrich of town of Ripley, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 10 Apr 1849.
Executor directed to sell all personal property, with proceeds to go to children James D. Goodrich, Mary Ann Goodrich, Charles Goodrich, Susan Goodrich, and Benjamin F. Goodrich when they are of age. All household furniture to daughter Mary Ann Goodrich. Land in Ripley deeded to me 1 Sep 1847 by my late son William Goodrich to be divided among my children and to support those of my children who are minors.
Executors: Brother John B. Dinsmore of Ripley
Witnesses: Solomon B. Northam and Selden Marvin, both of Ripley
p. 178, Sylvester Cady of town of Carroll, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 24 Jul 1849.
Everything to be divided among my children: Emma S. wife of Elisha R. S…?, Maria D. W. wife of Ebenezer Chapin, Adelia A. wife of Alexander S. Hulbert, Sylvester S. Cady, and Clarrissa O. wife of William D. Harris
Executors: Son Sylvester S. Cady and son-in-law William D. Harris
Witnesses: B. F. Morgan and Joel Scudder
p. 178, Luther Lake age 51? 59? of town of Charlotte, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 2 Nov 1848.
$100 each to daughters Prudence Lutheria Cross, Delana Almira Hartwell, and L…a Augustina Lake. Land in Charlotte bounded by Allen A. Stephens and Walter W. Worden? to wife Lucena Lake.
Executors: Wife Lucena Lake
Witnesses: John Pearson and Freeman Lake, both of Charlotte
p. 179, Alfred Paddock of town of , Chautauqua County, New York, signed 23 Jul 1847.
Use of land in town of Chautauqua to eldest son James C. Paddock during his life. After his decease and the decease of my wife, land to be divided among my living children. Land and personal estate to wife Lucy Paddock as long as she remains my widow for the support of the infant children I may have at my decease. After her death, to be divided among my living children except my son James C and my daughter Marilla. My wife is to be guardian of my minor children, or friend David Barrett in case of death or remarriage of my wife.
Executors: David Barrett
Witnesses: Lorenzo Morris and Samuel S. Whallon, both of town of Chautauqua
p. 180, Uriah Carle of town of Ellington, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 6 Feb 1849.
Interest from $700 during her lifetime. $400 to eldest daughter Nancy. $300 to oldest son David. $100 to daughter Almira. Money to daughter Maria. $300 each to daughter Eliza and to daughter Sarah. $300 to grandson Richard W. Carle. $100 to grandson William Henry Cheessman?. $100 to grandson H….ius? Carle.
Executors: Robert Robinson of Charlotte
Witnesses: Norman King of Ellington and Aurry? Cronkhite of Cherry Creek
p. 181, Robert Falconer of Warren, Warren County, Pennsylvania, signed 30 Dec 1837.
Everything to wife Eliza, son Patrick Falconer, and son William T. Falconer, whether in New York or in Pennsylvania.
Executors: Abner Hazeltine of Jamestown, attorney, wife Eliza, and son Patrick Falconer
Witnesses: S. P. Johnson, P. Falconer, James Falconer
p. 181, Ebenezer Green of town of , Chautauqua County, New York, signed 27 Aug 1848.
All real estate in Ellington to my three sons Elijah, Ebenezer, and Socrates. $100 each to daughters Phebe Anderson, Betsey Rublee, Emily Pixby, Sophia Thatcher, and Saloma Lawrence.
Executors: Charles B. Green; Alvah Lawrence if he cannot serve
Witnesses: Frank Wheeler and Charles B. Green, both of Ellington
p. 182, court 15 Sep 1851. Morgan Cook, executor named in will of Stephen Cook late of town of Ellington, appeared and offered the will dated 24 Jun 1850 for probate, and showed that Stephen Cook died 5 Jul 1851. Court issued citations to the heirs and next of kin to appear 10 Nov 1851: Seth Cook, Stephen Cook, Martha Bently, Margarett Ferrington, E Martin, Abigal Delia Cook, all of Chautauqua County, Lyman Cook of Erie County, Benjamin Cook of Onondaga County, and Samuel? Cook of Indiana, all of full age.
p. 182, court 10 Nov 1851. Morgan Clark, executor, requested postponement because of the absence of the subscribing witnesses. Lyman Cook, Benjamin S. Cook, Seth Cook, and Edwin W. Farrington appeared in opposition to probate of the will. Hearing was postponed to 15 Dec 1851.
p. 183, court 15 Dec 1851, 23 Dec 1851. Morgan Cook, represented through counsel John T. Clark, requested that the will of Stephen Cook be admitted to probate. Lyman Cook, Benjamin S. Cook, Seth Cook, and Edwin W. Ferrington appeared with counsel Emory F. Warren in opposition.
Amaziah Strang, Hiram Cook (brother of testator), and Franklin Cook (nephew of testator), subscribing witnesses, testified to the validity of the will. Stephen Cook Jr., Seth Cook, Morgan Cook, Nathan Billings, Seth Cook’s wife, James Madison’s wife were present when the will was made.
Court judged the will to be valid and ordered it admitted to probate.
p. 185, Stephen Cook age 71 of town of Ellington, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 24 Jun 1851.
Land in Ellington bordering Lyman Norris and Morgan Cook to daughter Abigail Adelia Cook. Land in Ellington bordering Morgan Cook to son Stephen Cook Jr. Everything else to be divided among sons Benjamin S. Cook, Seth Cook, Samuel H. Cook, Lyman Cook, and Stephen Cook Jr. and daughters Margaret H. Ferrington, Martha E. Bently, Abigail A. Cook, and Elvecinda Mattison.
Executors: Son Morgan Cook
Witnesses: Franklin Cook, Amaziah Strang of Ellington, and Hiram Cook of Conewanga, Cattaraugus County
p. 186, Nathaniel Johnson of town of Charlotte, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 9 Jun 1849, recorded 26 Jan 1852.
Stock and household goods to wife Lydia Johnson. $50 to son Stephen Johnson. $5 to grandson Andrew Johnson Bates when he reaches age 21. Land deeded to me by Charles Harrison and wife to wife Lydia Johnson during her wife; thereafter to Chandler Johnson. Everything else to son Chandler Johnson.
Executors: John Chandler and Chandler Johnson
Witnesses: John Chandler and Mary Chandler, both of Charlotte Centre
p. 187, Jeremiah Palmer of town of Arkwright, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 16 Dec 1840, recorded 23 Feb 1852.
Use of estate to wife Sarah Palmer as long as she remains my widow. Thereafter, everything to my five sons Almon Palmer, Anson Palmer, Daniel M. Palmer, Norman H. Palmer, George W. Palmer. Personal property to my three daughters Sophrona Merrifield, Sallyan Palmer, Louiza Palmer.
Executors: Son Almon Palmer
Witnesses: George B. Aldrich and John Mather
p. 187, Nathan Chamberlin of town of Harmony, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 4 Dec 1851, recorded 24 Feb 1852.
All of my property is to be kept together until the death or remarriage of my wife Harriet to provide for her and my minor children. If my wife dies before my sons Ebenezer and Solomon are old enough to choose guardians, then my executors are to choose for them. On the decease of my wife, $500 each to daughter Sarah Wiltse wife of James Wiltse of Clymer and Mary wife of William Dodge of Harmony. Everything else will be divided between sons Ebenezer and Solomon.
Executors: Wife Harriet Chamberlin and Darius Knapp
Witnesses: William T. Morse, Daniel S. Eadie, and David Wiltse
p. 188, John Grantier of Villenova, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 29 Mar 1850, recorded 26 Feb 1852.
Everything to my two daughters Eliza wife of Albert Sharp and Maria wife of Philo Lyon.
Executors: Albert Sharp
Witnesses: Austin Peirce and Enos Goodyear, both of town of Villenova
p. 189, Nathaniel A. Lowry of village of Jamestown, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 7 Feb 1852, recorded 2 Mar 1852.
$300 a year to my mother Rachel Lowry during her life, or she can remain in my family. $100 to mother-in-law Theresa? Hall annually during her life. $1000 to sister-in-law Lydia Ann Hall, with $2000 to be invested for her. $1000 each to nephews Leroy L. and Nathaniel A. Lowry if they give the interest to their mother Catharine Lowry during the time she remains the widow of my deceased brother Hugh H. Lowry. $800 to neice Cordelia Lowry. $200 each to sisters-in-law Susan Loomis, Mary Metcalf, Sarah L. Ross, and brothers-in-law Augustus E. Hall and Samuel W. Hall. Three-fourths of remainder of estate to my sons William H., Augustus N., and Alexander M. The remainder goes to daughter Georgiana Elizabeth for her education and benefit. My three children are to be well and liberally educated. Real estate to William H. Lowry, Richard P. Marvin, Augustus F. Alln, and Madison Burnett? Burnell? in trust for the above legacies and the benefit of my children until they reach age 21.
Executors: Richard P. Marvin, Madison Burnell, Augustus F. Allen, and son William H. Lowry, all of Jamestown
Witnesses: Wm F. Wheeler, A. W. Gray, and W. S. Hedges, all of Jamestown
p. 191, Joseph Arnold of Pomfret, Chautauqua County, New York, signed ? Aug 1846, recorded 15 Mar 1852.
One-third of the farm in Pomfret to wife Sarah Arnold during her life. $1 each to daughter Jerusha Ellis, oldest son Alanson Arnold, and son Joseph Arnold. $500 to youngest son William T. Arnold when he reaches age 21. Everything else to son Melancton S. Arnold in consideration for his services during the last five years and in the future.
Executors: Allen Hinckley Esq and son Moncton [sic] S. Arnold
Witnesses: Albina Hall of Fredonia and Isaac M. Avery of Pomfret
p. 192, Orson Simmons age 39 of town of , Chautauqua County, New York, signed 11 Apr 1845, recorded 22 Mar 1852.
Everything to wife Maria Eunice Gould, including joint partnership with Alvah H. Walker, judgment against James Mullett, and land in Fredonia deeded to me by Obed Bissel and wife 8 Aug 1843.
Executors: Wife Maria Eunice Gould
Witnesses: Stephen Snow and Francis Snow, both of Fredonia
p. 193, Abiatha Reynolds of town of Sherman, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 1 Oct 1851, recorded 27 Mar 1852.
Farm to wife Jona? Joha? Reynolds and to my two youngest daughters Lucinda Reynolds and Esther Reynolds. Land to son Daniel Reynolds. Land to eldest daughter Rachael Reynolds. Land to second daughter Elsa Ann Reynolds.
Executors: Wife and son Daniel
Witnesses: Otis Skinner and Major D. Reynolds, both of Sherman
p. 194, Pearl Johnson of town of Ellicott, Chautauqua County, New York, recorded 23 Mar 1852 .
Personal Property and real estate in Jamestown to wife Elizabeth. This includes land deeded to me by Woodley W. Chandler and wife 6 Apr 1845 and recorded 5 Apr 1848 in Liber 45 page 75; also land deeded to me by John Campbell and wife 30 Aug 1834 and recorded 26 Sep 1834 in Liber 15 page 236 and land deeded 23 May 1835 and recorded 9 Oct 1838 in Liber 26 page 423. My wife is to use the estate to support and school my son William and daughter Mary Elizabeth until they reach age 21.
Executors: Wife Elizabeth
Witnesses: Wm H. Fenton and A. F. Hawley, both of Jamestown.
p. 195, William Whittaker of town of Charlotte, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 27 Oct 1846, recorded 26 Apr 1852.
$1 each to son William and to daughter Susanna. $20 to son Richard. Remainder of personal property and use of land in Charlotte to daughter Elizabeth during her life. If she should marry, the land is to be under her control, not under her husband’s.
Executors: Daughter Elizabeth
Witnesses: John Chandler and Luther Webster, both of Charlotte
p. 196, Lorinda Munger of advanced age of town of Pomfret, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 1 Sep 1848, recorded 29 Apr 1852.
Half of everything to my son Joseph Munger. The other half to the children of my son Theodore Horton Munger.
Executors: Emory F. Warren, attorney at law of Sinclairville
Witnesses: David Sackett of Stockton and Mary Munger of Pomfret
p. 197, Alvah Preston Sen. of town of Ellington, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 2 Feb 1849, recorded 4 May 1852.
Half of real estate to son James W. Preston; the other half to daughter Lydia E. Tanner. Bedding to daughter Lovina Heminger. The remainder of my personal property is to be divided between son James W. Preston and daughter Lydia E. Tanner, provided that they pay $50 each to daughter Lovina Heminger and son Jonathan W. Preston.
Executors: Hosea Felt of Ellington
Witnesses: Geo. Pierce, Corydon P. Stoughton, and James Fisk
p. 197, Oliver P. Gifford of Sheridan, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 12 Jan 1852, recorded 5 May 1852.
Everything to wife Susan Gifford and daughter Lydia Ann Gifford, to be equally divided between them when daughter is of age.
Executors: Wife Susan Gifford and Justin S. Miner
Witnesses: Justin S. Miner of Sheridan, Nathl Gray of Hanover, and Susan Gifford
p. 198, Laban Hazeltine of Pine Grove, Warren County, Pennsylvania and formerly of Jamestown, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 27 Apr 1852, recorded 7 May 1852.
Use of farm in township of Pine Grove, Warren County, Pennsylvania formerly owned by Andrew H. Ludlow to my son Richard F. Hazeltine during the life of my wife Content F. Hazeltine if he will provide for her. After her death, the farm and a note I hold on a bullock now in the hands of Whitman and Amos Palmer to son Richard F. Hazeltine if he will pay $700 each to my son Gilbert W. Hazeltine, daughter Martha wife of Samuel P. Johnson, and daughter Charlotte wife of Gilbert D. Smith. Medical library to my son Gilbert W. Hazeltine.
Executors: Son Gilbert W. Hazeltine, son-in-law Samuel P. Johnson, and wife Content F. Hazeltine
Witnesses: Abaner Hazeltine of Jamestown and Frederick Wilkinson of Pokeepie [sic], Dutchess County, now residing in Jamestown, Chautauqua County
p. 200, Ezra Babcock of town of Busti, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 18 Sep 1849, recorded 26 May 1852.
Part of real estate to wife Betsy during her life. Remainder of real estate to my children Wealthy, Sarah Ann, Eunice, Amanda, and the children of my deceased son Sylvester Babcock. Deduct $75 from the share of daughter Sarah Ann wife of N. T. Lewis in consideration of money I have heretofore advanced to her.
Executors: Wife Betsy
Witnesses: Sal…? Saxton and M. Norton, both of Harmony
p. 201, Abraham Shearman of town of Busti, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 12 Sep 1849, recorded 26 May 1852.
$50 each to daughter Nancy T. Avery of town of Collins, Erie County, New York, son Gideon T. Shearman of Westfield, son Merit? Shearman of Busti, son Jonathan Shearman of Panama. Bedding and a room in the house I now occupy to son Humphrey H. Shearman of Busti as long as he wishes. That house and farm bounded by Jeremiah Gifford, Wm H. West, and George Stoneman to son Abraham Jr., directing him to provide a home for Humphrey H. $50 to daughter Adaline Parker of town of Ellery. All personal property to son Abraham Shearman Jr., providing that he will care for Almy Shearman my wife. Land to son Merit Shearman.
Executors: Sons David Shearman and Humphrey H. Shearman
Witnesses: Morris Norton of Harmony and Richard Stoneman of Busti
p. 202, David King of town of Harmony, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 2 Oct 1851, recorded 26 May 1852.
Land in Clymer to son Fayette. Land in Clymer bought from Harry King to son David if he pays $200 to Phebe Alvira King. Land in Harmony to son Albert if he support and maintain my wife Tabatha during her life. Stock, money, and household items to my daughter Phebe, and the privilege of living with son David while she remains single.
Executors: Henry King and Albert King
Witnesses: William Dodge, Lester Crane
p. 203, Joseph L. Price age 62 of town of Cherry Creek, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 29 Dec 1851, recorded 14 Jun 1852.
$25 to daughter Mary. Bedding to granddaughter Permelia? L. Mislpau when she reaches age 18. Real estate and personal property for the use of my wife Pamelia? Permelia? during her life; thereafter to son David B. and daughter Lucinda T.
Executors: Wife Pamelia Price
Witnesses: Silas Vinton and Charles A. Spencer, both of Cherry Creek
p. 204, Mitchell Belding of town of Stockton, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 4 Dec 1851, recorded 28 Jun 1852.
Everything to my blood brother Patrick Belding.
Executors: George S. Harrison
Witnesses: Calvin Smith and Harry? Harvey? L. Williams, both of Stockton
p. 205, Daniel G. Gould of town of Hanover, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 7 Apr 1849, recorded 7 Jul 1852.
Land in village of Forestville to youngest daughter Lois Ann Gould. $100 each to daughter Polly White, Sally Ensign, daughter Melinda Sloan, and Esther Ann Corbin. Some of the legacies can be paid from a mortgage due to me from Julius? Gould. The remainder of the estate to be divided among my seven sons Oscar, James, Barzilla, Newell, Elijah, Julius, Jason Gould, and the sons of Daniel Gould deceased.
Executors: Son Newell Gould
Witnesses: Thos G. Ellis and Daniel Shearman, both of Hanover
p. 206, George E. White age 33 of town of French Creek, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 27 Mar 1852, recorded 8 Jul 1852.
Everything to wife Amy M. White while she remains my widow. Two years after her remarriage, $60 to my brother William H. White, $60 to my brother Mathew S. White, $120 to my brother John A. White, $60 to my sister Almeda Hawley, and $1 each to my other brothers and sisters and mother. The remainder of the estate to wife Amy M. White and her husband.
Executors: None named
Witnesses: Chauncy S. Goodrich and Birdsell Coe, both of French Creek
p. 207, Jacob P. Barringer of town of Portland, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 22 Mar 1852, recorded 8 Jul 1852.
Support and maintenance for wife Biansa M. Barringer while she is my widow. $300, stock, and bedding to oldest son William R. Barringer. Land I recently purchased of James Quigley to oldest daughter Dorothy Jane Stoning wife of George B. Stoning. Land to daughter Harriet Maria Murray wife of John T. Murray. Remainder of estate to youngest son Addison A. Barringer
Executors: Wife Biansa Barringer
Witnesses: Timothy Judson and Roger Cook, both of Portland
p. 208, James Quigley of town of Portland, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 5 May 1852, recorded 8 Jul 1852.
Property left by her deceased mother to my daughter Sarah. To wife Clarissa, personal property allowed by law to widows, along with one-third of real estate. The remainder of the estate remains in possession of my wife for the benefit of the family until my youngest heir reaches age 21. Thereafter, the estate is to be divided among my four sons. I appoint Ebenezer Harris guardian of my two sons Franklin H. and Charles C. Quigley.
Executors: Wife Clarissa and her father Ebenezer Harris
Witnesses: Dan Conner and Lucy B. Quigley
p. 209, William H. Gates of town of Ellington, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 30 Apr 1852, recorded 27 Jul 1852.
Half of estate to my wife Tany? Fany? and the other half to my son William Henry. If he dies before age 21, then everything to my wife.
Executors: Charles B. Green of Ellington and John F. F…man?
Witnesses: John Lawrence and Charles B. Green, both of Ellington
p. 209, Alonzo Sloan of town of Ellington, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 11 Oct 1850, recorded 9 Aug 1852.
Land in Ellington bordered by Samuel B. Newton to sister Chloe Randall wife of Benjamin Randall, requiring her to provide for my mother Sally Sloan.
Executors: None named
Witnesses: John A. Ter…? and Charles B. Green, both of Ellington
p. 211, Mason Chase age 36 of town of Arkwright, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 24 Jul 1852, recorded 24 Aug 1852.
One-third of real estate to wife Hannah. Use of all real estate including land deeded to me by Chauncy Abby and wife to my wife to raise and educate my six infant heirs Abial E. Chase, Anna Chase, Chauncey A. Chase, Hannah C. Chase, Julia E. Chase, and Lucretia D. E. Chase until the youngest is age 21. Then two-thirds of real estate to son Chauncey A. Chase if he will pay $80 each to daughter Abial E. Chase, Ann Chase, Hannah C. Chase, Julia E. Chase, and Lucretia D. E. Chase.
Executors: Chauncey Abby and wife Hannah Chase.
Witnesses: David Matteson and Colvill Spencer, both of Arkwright
p. 212, Silas Nash of town of Hanover, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 4 Mar 1845, recorded 6 Sep 1852.
Everything to wife Hannah during her life. After her decease, divide everything between my living heirs.
Executors: Wife Hannah
Witnesses: James Bennett and Solomon Varrett, both of Hanover
p. 213, Alvah Cummings of town of Arkwright, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 30 Oct 1848, recorded 11 Sep 1852.
Use of everything to wife Rachael Cummings during her life. After her decease, everything is to be divided equally between son Jason and daughter Jane.
Executors: Wife Rachael Cummings
Witnesses: Andrew M. Huyck, Caleb Weaver Jr., Edward B. Kingsley?
p. 213, Daniel Coddington age 40 of town of Hanover, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 9 Aug 1852, recorded 13 Sep 1852.
Everything to daughter Mary Sylvia Coddington.
Executors: Friends Christopher J. Babcock and Walter B. Mack
Witnesses: D. B. Hanford and Asa Fuller, both of Hanover
p. 214, Mariett Birch of town of Harmony, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 13 Feb 1852, recorded 15 Sep 1852.
$20 each to Minerva? H. Matteson, Maria A. Matteson, and Flora I. Mattison, daughters of my niece Mariett Mattison, to be paid to those of them who survive to age 18. Everything else to sisters Minerva Hoag and Rachel Cheney, niece Merriett Matteson, and nephew Ebenezer B. Hoag.
Executors: None named
Witnesses: Sherman Beebe and William Simpson, both of Sherman
p. 214, Nathaniel Mather of town of Harmony, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 22 Apr 1845, recorded 28 Oct 1852.
Everything including land to son Nathaniel F. Mather and to daughter Eunice Mather.
Executors: Son Nathaniel F. Mather and son Francis W. Mather
Witnesses: Abner Lewis and John H. Pray, both of Harmony
p. 215, court 17 Jul 1852. James Anderson, executor named in will of Caleb Freeman late of town of Ellington, offered the will for probate, showing that the testator died 10 Jun 1852. The will was dated 22 May 1852. Court issued citations to the heirs and next of kin to appear for a hearing 6 Sep 1852: Phineas Freeman, Silas Freeman, and Ruby Duncle wife of Daniel M. Duncle, children of deceased all of full age and residents of Lansing, Michigan. George Freeman of Lansing, Michigan and Hiram Freeman of Ellington, children of deceased and minors under age 21. Thomas Davis of Ellington was appointed to act as their guardian for their interests in the probate proceedings.
p. 215, court 6 Sep 1852. James Anderson, executor of will of Caleb Freeman late of Ellington, offered the will for probate. A. Richmond Esq appeared in behalf of Silas and Phineas R. Freeman and Ruby Duncle in opposition to the will, alleging that the deceased was not of sound mind and did not declare it to be his last will and testament.
Charles B. Green, subscribing witness to the will, testified that he drew the will at the house of Mr. Cushing. Deceased was about 60. Deceased made his mark, and the witness saw the other witnesses sign the will. Deceased did not seem to know what was going on. In April I kept for him a bond against Ira Day and did some business with Alvah Bates regarding it. Deceased seemed unreasonable and demented in his response to that.
Robert P. Robinson, subscribing witness to the will, testified that the deceased did not say it was his will and did not ask anyone to sign it.
Ira L. Gates, subscribing witness to the will, said that the deceased did not seem to know what was going on.
Olvin Putnam testified that deceased appeared confused and told him that James Anderson was not named as his executor.
Hiram Putnam testified that the daughter of the deceased was married when she was 22 or 23, and right after she cared for her parents for about 2 years, for which the son-in-law was paid $60. Phineas went to Michigan when he was 22-24 years old. Hiram is 14 years old, and George is idiotic and cannot take care of himself.
Court declared the will to be invalid.
p. 220, Jonathan James age 43 of town of Cherry Creek, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 4 Jul 1851, recorded 15 Nov 1852.
Everything to wife Dolly James, including land in Cherry Creek bordering Simeon Millspaw.
Executors: Wife Dolly James
Witnesses: James D. Wheeler and W. S. Blaisdell, both of Cherry Creek
p. 220, Daniel Goodrich age 67 of town of Hanover, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 13 Sep 1852, recorded 1 Dec 1852.
Land bordering William J. Nelson that I bought of William Colville executor of the last will of William Colville deceased to wife Mary Goodrich. Mill and lot in Hanover that I bought of Julius Gould to son Charles Goodrich. $150 to grandson Jerome Goodrich. $100 to granddaughter Mary Louise Thompson. Personal items to daughters Fidelia Blossom and Julia Men…? Merr…? Everything else to my children Omer Goodrich, Daniel Goodrich Jr., Peter B. Goodrich, Charles Goodrich, Jane Rhodes, Fidelia Blossom and Julia Men…? Merr…?
Codicil, signed 14 Sep 1852: Stock and other items to wife Mary in addition to what I left her in the will.
Executors: Lucius Cook and William Colville
Witnesses: N. B. Brown and Chas Parker, both of Hanover
Witnesses to codicil: N. B. Brown and J. Patterson, both of Hanover
p. 221, Pardon Butts of town of Hanover, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 18 Jul 1847.
Land to grandsons Merill and Noah Butts. Land to son Solomon. Land to daughter Lydia Marcy? Solomon and Lydia are to care for my wife Permelia during her life.
Executors: None named
Witnesses: Ireton W. Losee and Richard Whitney
p. 222, Ira Peck of town of Westfield, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 10 Oct 1852, recorded 15 Dec 1852.
$600 to daughter Caroline Peck. Land bordered by Thodore Green, Nathaniel Crandall, and James Montgomery to daughters Caroline Peck, Juliann Bristol wife of Elnathan Bristol, Eliza Holcomb wife of Silas Holcomb, and Louisa Culver wife of Jonathan Culver. Everything else to son Franklin Peck if he support his mother Harriet Peck and my sister Abba Peck. Stock to grandson Ira Clinton Bristol.
Executors: Son Franklin Peck and son-in-law Elnathan Bristol
Witnesses: Alvin Shattuck and Charles Chadwick, both of Westfield
p. 223, Horace Hale of town of Ripley, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 14 Oct 1852, recorded 15 Dec 1852.
$1000 and all personal property and household property acquired since our marriage are to go to wife Deborah. Stock and bedding to niece Margaret E. Maginnes. Household goods that belonged to me before my marriage to wife Deborah are to go to my daughter Eliza Ann Ely. $50 to sister Lydia Goes of Springfield, Otsego County. Use and income of the remainder of the estate to daughter Eliza Ann Ely during her life. If she dies without any heirs, then it is to be divided among Hannah Campbell formerly Hannah Hale, Mary Hale, Jane Hale, Louisa Hale, Orrin Hale, and Margaret E. Maginnis. Executor is to sell my land in Ripley conveyed to me by the late Joseph Ellicott of Batavia.
Codicil, signed 27 Oct 1852. My sister Margaret Hale now Margaret Van Burton is to be added to the list of heirs in case of my daughter’s death without heirs. $300 to First Presbyterian Society of Ripley.
Executors: Lorrel Nichols of Westfield
Witnesses to will and codicil: Samuel Coddington and Alexander C. Cochran, both of Ripley
p. 225, Elijah Miller age 46 of town of Sherman, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 16 Nov 1852, recorded 16 Dec 1852.
Land in Sherman to wife Louisa E. Land and $100 to Methodist Episcopal Church of Sherman to erect a parsonage. One-fourth of estate each, including land in Wayne County, to wife Louisa E., daughter Mary E., and son Franklin E. Custody of daughter Mary E. to friend Sheldon B. Miller until she is age 21. Custody of daughter Martha E. and son Franklin E. to friend Hiram A. Pratt until they are age 21.
Executors: Hiram A. Pratt and Sheldon B. Butter
Witnesses: Oliver B. Cooley and George W. Gray, both of Sherman
p. 226, Pardon T. Lewis age 53 last 17 Oct of town of Sherman, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 15 Mar 1850, recorded 5 Jan 1853.
Management and control of all real estate to wife Esther Lewis while she is my widow. The mortgage I hold against Mess…? E. Risley & Co and Chauncey Tucker is to remain as it is. $500 to Azariah Spink, nephew of my wife. $500 to Esther Ann Eldridge wife of Francis Eldridge of Arkwright. Remainder of mortgage to nephew John Lewis. $57 to William Green, eldest son of my nephew Christopher Green of Concord, Erie County, New York, when he reaches age 21. $500 to Methodist Episcopal Society Missions. One-fourth of remainder of estate each to brother William Lewis, brother Abel Lewis, and children of brother Jeptha by his first wife.
Executors: Charles F. Matteson of Fredonia
Witnesses: H. H. Lamphere of Sheridan and N. Spink of Pomfret
p. 227, Julius Willard age 80 of town of Chautauqua, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 5 Oct 1852, recorded 12 Jan 1853.
One-third of a note from Hugh Graham to third son Erial Willard, with the remainder of the noted to my first daughter Susanna Graham. Watch and bedspreads to fourth son Ransom. Remainder of estate to be divided among my remaining heirs.
Executors: Julius Willard and Loring Stebbins
Witnesses: L. E. Barnes and Dexter Barnes, both of Hartfield, Chautauqua County
p. 227, Sampson Vincent in sixty-second year of age of town of Sherman, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 6 Dec 1852, recorded 12 Jan 1853.
Land in Sherman and $1000 to wife Rhoba Vincent. $350 ton son James P. S. Vincent. $600 to son Jeremiah H. Vincent. Sum necessary but not exceeding $350 to pay debt on his farm to son Dresser M. Vincent. $350 to son Walker P. Vincent. $500 to son William H. Vincent to be paid to his legal guardian. $950 to son Stephen D. Vincent to be paid to his legal guardian. $550 to daughter Sarah P. Vincent to be paid to her legal guardian. $650 to daughter Phebe …? Vincent to be paid to her legal guardian. $25 to Rachel J. Willard child of my deceased daughter Rachel Vincent Willard, together with the $250 I have heretofore given to her mother, to be paid when she reaches age 21. Saw mill lot in Sherman to sons Walker B. Vincent and John H. Vincent. Custody of minor children Sarah P. Vincent, Phebe M. Vincent, William H. Vincent, and Stephen D. Vincent to wife Rhoba Vincent. In the event of her death, custody to son James P. S. Vincent
Executors: Wife Rhoba Vincent, sons Walker B. Vincent and John H. Vincent, and friend Hiram N. Gleason
Witnesses: H. M. Gleason and Abraham Casler, both of Sherman
p. 229, Betsy True age 64 of town of Villenova, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 16 Nov 1852, recorded 2 Feb 1853.
Half of land deeded to me by Giles True to my son Giles L. True if he pays $20 to my son Andrew Vinton. Remainder of land to my son Andrew Vinton if he pays $36 each to Horace Vinton, Allen Vinton, Silas Vinton, Carolina McManus, and Harriet McManus
Executors: Son Andrew Vinton
Witnesses: Horace Burgess and Harlow W. Smith, both of Villenova
p. 230, Abram Weber of town of Harmony, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 13 Apr 1852, recorded 23 Feb 1853.
Use of all household goods and profits of $850 to my wife Amanda during her life. Everything else to son Marvin Weber if he pays $300 to each of his brothers and sisters as they reach age 21: Samantha Weber, Celestia Weber, Marshall Weber, and Franklin Weber.
Executors: Son Marvin Weber
Witnesses: M. Norton and W. S. Kelso, both of Harmony
p. 231, William Pitt Crandall of town of Portland, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 9 Oct 1852, recorded 23 Feb 1853.
Land in Concord, Erie County, Pennsylvania to son Theodore Crandall. Remainder of real estate in village of Salem Roads, town of Portland, to daughter Esther Janett Adams wife of Henry Adams. Personal property to sons Benjamin Crandall, Theodore Crandall, and daughter Esther Janett Adams.
Executors: Friend Seril Manton of Pomfret
Witnesses: Timothy Judson and R. Fitch, both of Portland
p. 232, Reuben B. Patch age 69 of town of Portland, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 10 Dec 1852, recorded 2 Mar 1853.
Use of all real estate to wife Permelia Patch during her life; thereafter to my youngest son Henry Patch if he provides a house and sufficient income for their comfortable support to son Reuben B. Patch Jr. and daughter Permelia Patch. $200 to youngest daughter Rhoda Patch. Everything else to youngest son Henry Patch.
Executors: Son Henry Patch
Witnesses: James Thompson, Samuel Crandall, and James Crandall, all of Portland
p. 232, Spencer B. Pratt age 68 of town of Portland, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 30 Nov 1852, recorded 14 Mar 1853.
Land in Portland bordered by land deeded by Mathew Farmington to John Taylor of Albany in trust for Mrs. Brown to my wife Polly Pratt. $150 each to son William H. Pratt and to daughters Smyrna Besidore and Mary Benson.
Executors: Son William H. Pratt
Witnesses: Amos Barton and George Hunt, both of Portland
p. 233, Comfort Carpenter age 76 of town of Ellery, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 15 May 1852, recorded 17 Mar 1853.
$600 and household furniture to wife Betsey Carpenter. $1000 to Mercy Carpenter wife of my son Henry Carpenter. $1000 to son Warren Carpenter. Everything else to daughters Rowe, Cloe, Betsey, and Polly. Real and personal property to Needham Brown and Warren Carpenter.
Executors: Son-in-law Needham Brown and son Warren Carpenter
Witnesses: Albert Richmond and John M. Edson, both of Sinclearville
p. 234, Mary Jane Scofield of town of Chautauqua, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 25 May 1852, recorded 11 Apr 1853.
All my claims in the estate of my father Barley Young deceased to my husband Darius Scofield.
Executors: Husband Darius Scofield
Witnesses: John Mason and Seely Scofield, both of Dewittville
p. 234, John Reed of town of Charlotte, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 4 Dec 1852, recorded 9 May 1853.
Everything not named below to my son William Reed. $1700 to wife Mary Reed. $1800 to son John Reed if he returns home within 6 months. $2000 to son Richard Reed. $1100 to daughter Mary Ann Reed. $500 besides what I have given her before to daughter Caroline Reed. $900 to daughter Emma Jane Reed when she is married or reaches age 21. Her guardians are to be wife Mary Reed, John M. Edson, and John Pearson.
Executors: Son William Reed
Witnesses: John M. Edson and John Pearson, both of Charlotte
p. 235, David Boyd of town of Carroll, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 6 Nov 1845, recorded 23 May 1853.
Two-thirds of my real estate in Carroll to my father Joel Boyd. Use of the remaining third to my father Joel Boyd and my mother Lucy Boyd. After their decease, one-third of real estate to wife Jane Boyd.
Executors: Wife Jane and father Joel
Witnesses: Samuel A. Brown of Jamestown and Jane Gould of Carroll
p. 237, Perry Johnson of town of Busti, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 5 May 1853, recorded 25 May 1853.
Everything to my two daughters May and Ann, to be managed by James Cole Jr as trustee.
Executors: James Cole Jr
Witnesses: Morris Norton of Harmony and William W. Storum of Busti
p. 237, Alonzo A. Phelps age 35 of town of Busti, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 17 Jan 1852, recorded 25 May 1853.
Everything to wife Durantha.
Executors: Wife Durantha
Witnesses: Morris Norton and Helen A. Norton, both of Harmony
p. 238, Jacob W. Ransellar age 65 of town of Hanover, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 9 Nov 1852, recorded 1 Jun 1853.
One-third of real estate in Hanover to wife Lydia Ann Rensellar. One-sixth of real estate each to daughter Rebecca Ransellar and daughter Alvina Ransellar. $100 to daughter Alvira Gage wife of Cheny Gage. One-third of real estate to Martin W. Gallott. Custody of children Rebecca Ransellar and Almira Ransellar until they are age 21 to my wife Lydia Ann Rensellar. Everything else to wife Lydia Ann Ransellar.
Executors: Lyman G. Nevins
Witnesses: William L. Bradley and John Weaver Jr, both of Hanover
p. 239, Otis Fletcher age 54 of town of Villenova, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 22 Feb 1853, recorded 2 Jun 1853.
Use of land bordering Daniel S. Crandall, Sumner True, and Wm Burton to wife Abigal Fletcher. Land to daughter Clarinda Dye. Land to daughter Agnes H. McManus. Land to daughter Rozina Fletcher. My share in a saw mill and land in Union, Erie County, Pennsylvania to son Samuel Fletcher. Land in Union, Erie County, Pennsylvania to son Orlando. After the death of my wife, the land she is using goes to my son Otis A. Fletcher provided he pays specified amounts to my daughters Rozina, Clarinda, and Agnes H. and my sons Samuel and Orlando after he reaches age 21.
Executors: Friend Horace Burgess
Witnesses: Sumner True and William P. Phillips, both of Villenova
p. 241, James Love of town of Jamestown, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 28 Jan 1853, recorded 25 May 1853.
Land in Jamestown to son George Love, to enable him to provide for my wife Betsy Love. Bounty land warrant number 24, 725 to son George Love.
Executors: Son George Love
Witnesses: Abner Hazeltine and Wm M. Eddy, both of Jamestown
p. 242, Lewis McManus age 30 of town of Hanover, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 27 Sep 1852, recorded 17 Jun 1853.
Everything to wife Charlotte S. McManus
Executors: None named
Witnesses: William Colvill Jr. and Richard McManus, both of Hanover
p. 243, David Eason of Westfield, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 21 May 1851, recorded 28 Jun 1853.
Money and use of land bordering W. S. Hinckley and James McClurg to my wife Margaret during her life. Land to son John and to daughter Mary Ann McClurg.
Codicil, signed 14 Jan 1853: $500 to my niece Rhoda Atwater who has lived with my family for years.
Executors: Joshua R. Babcock of Westfield
Witnesses to will and codicil: W. S. Hinckley and William Sexton, both of Westfield
p. 245, John Walker, now of Wayne County, Michigan, signed 17 Jul 1849, recorded 3 Jul 1853.
One-tenth of estate each to eight of my children now living: Alvah H. Walker, Avis Cotner, Lewis M. Walker, William Walker, John R. Walker, Leverette? B. Walker, Nancy Mixer, and Henry A. Walker, and to my granddaughter Frances Taylor. The remaining tenth goes to son Alvah H. Walker in trust to provide for my daughter Elizabeth Walker during her minority. In case of his death, then Henry N. Walker of Detroit, Michigan shall be the trustee.
Executors: Alvah H. Walker of Fredonia, Chautauqua County, New York
Witnesses: John C. Holmes?, Elias Hewitt?, and John G. A….inger Jr, all of Detroit, Michigan
p. 246, Nathaniel Fay of town of Portland, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 28 Sep 1849, recorded 6 Jul 1853.
Household furniture and occupation of one third part of the farm to wife Lydia during her natural life. $2000 each to son Nathaniel Fay Junior and daughter Mary Ann Brainard. Land in Portland and Stockton to son Franklin Fay.
Executors: Franklin Fay.
Witnesses: David Eaton, Timothy Judson, George W. Mosler?, all of Portland
p. 247, Erasmus T. Brown age 47 of town of Charlotte, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 16 Jun 1853, recorded 9 Jul 1853.
$500 each to daughter Adelphia Jane Brown and daughter Similda D…? Brown. Everything else to wife Mary Brown, including land in Ba…? County, Michigan.
Executors: Wife Mary Brown and brother Alonzo Brown
Witnesses: Daniel Arnold and E. S. Brown, both of Sinclairville
p. 248, Ann Henn of town of Westfield, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 24 Sep 1852, recorded 4 Aug 1853.
Securities against Horace Lathrop to son Bernhart Henn of Fairfield Iowa. Shares of stock to granddaughter Ann Henn daughter of Bernhart Henn. Wardrobe to granddaughters Ann and Mary J. Henn. Beds to grandson Bernhart Henn of Westfield. Shares of stock to sisters Lucretia and Deborah Hudson. Everything else to Catharine Ernst? of Cooperstown.
Executors: Son Bernhart Henn
Witnesses: Alvin Plumb and Lucretia Hudson, both of Westfield
p. 249, Theron J. Rathbun age 24 of town of Harmony, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 25 Jun 1853, recorded 4 Aug 1853.
One-third of everything to wife Mary Rathbun. Two-thirds to my only son Charles to be paid to him when he reaches age 21.
Executors: Levant Rathbun
Witnesses: A. J. Manley and Horace H. Glidden, both of Panama
p. 250, Luther Twing of town of Westfield, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 2 Aug 1852, recorded 4 Aug 1853.
Personal estate to wife Olive Twing, along with occupation and profits of real estate in Westfield during her natural life. Wearing apparel to son Luther Twing Junior. Colt to grandson Herbert S. Twing. $400 each to daughters Maria Hall and Olive Fellows. All real estate to son Luther Twing Junior.
Executors: Son Luther Twing Junior
Witnesses: David Eaton and Delos Hall, both of Portland
p. 251, Lyman Hopson of town of Chautauqua, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 25 Mar 1853, recorded 1853.
$1000 to wife Nancy. $300 each to daughters Martha Ann Howard, Amy? Priscilla Hardenburg, and Eliza Ann Newcourt. $500 to son John when he reaches age 21. $400 to son Peter when he reaches age 21. Everything else to wife Nancy.
Executors: Wife Nancy and Mathew Seely
Witnesses: W. Green? and Jediah Barney, both of town of Chautauqua
p. 251, Orin Wright of town of Villenova, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 15 May 1852, recorded 22 Aug 1853.
$1 to son Hiram. One third of everything to wife Marianne during her natural life and thereafter to son Frank W. Children Frank and Hellen during their minority to wife Marianne as long as she remains my widow; otherwise to executor John. Everything else to be divided equally among children Caroline, Orville, Marian, Edwin, Hellen. John Mather to be guardian for “my son Edwin and Hellen after she is 14 years of age.”
Executors: Friends John Mather? and Hezekiah Mount
Witnesses: John C. Mount and Nathaniel Smith, both of Villenova
p. 252, Sarah Goodwin? of town of Busti, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 13 Dec 1834, recorded 29 Aug 1853.
Bury me in the burying ground in Franks Settlement in Busti. $250 now due to me from Thomas F. Halladay and everything else to my only daughter Sally Halladay.
Executors: Daughter Sally Halladay
Witnesses: Emry Davis, Joseph Taylor, Betsey Taylor
p. 253, Edmund Jennings age 50 of town of Busti, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 19 Jan 1852, recorded 29 Aug 1853.
All real estate in Busti to wife Nancy Jennings during her natural life and thereafter to my children. $50 each to eldest son William Jennings and youngest son Daniel Jennings. $25 to daughter Mary Jennings. Everything else to wife Nancy Jennings.
Executors: Wife Nancy Jennings.
Witnesses: Emry Davis and Amelia Lord, both of Busti
p. 254, Mary Cooke age 49 of town of Villenova, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 22 Jun 1853, recorded 4 Oct 1853.
Cow to niece Sarah Ann Firth. Cow to sister Nancy Deplidge. All remaining real and personal property to daughter Sally Cooke, strictly enjoining her to provide a house and comforts to my father Thomas Depliedge during his life and to give $100 to my niece Sarah Ann Firth.
Executors: Friends James Wright and George Hopkins
Witnesses: James Wright, Peabody Tanner, George Hopkins, all of Villenova
p. 255, John Hamblin of town of Villenova, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 7 Apr 1851, recorded 4 Oct 1853.
Farm to son James Marius?. If he does not live to age 21, the farm is to be divided among my daughters. $100 each to daughters Angeline Alice, Clarissa, Betsy, Emily Jane, and Mary Eliza.
Executors: Daniel Ball and John M. Hamblin
Witnesses: Chas Babbit of Hanover, Wm Waxham?, Maria D. Babbitt of Hanover
p. 255, John B. Carl of town of Ellicott, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 16 Sep 1853, recorded 30 Jan 1854.
Land in Ellicott and personal property to son James Harlow Carl and daughter Sophia R. Vippard?, and they are to pay $300 to daughter Asenath C. Wicks, $200 each to daughters Susan C. Perry, Mary Jane Ashton, and Melissa A. Stowe, and $50 to grandson John C. Ellithorpe when he reaches age 21.
Executors: Friends Isaac Forbes and Nathaniel H. Stowe
Witnesses: Orrel Green of Jamestown and Samuel T. Wellington of Ellicott
p. 256, Abraham Reynolds age 70 of town of Charlotte, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 19 Oct 1853, recorded 20 Mar 1854.
Everything including real estate in Charlotte to son Henry Reynolds and daughter Elizabeth H. Reynolds, and they are to pay $800 each to daughter Mary M. Swale? now residing in England and son George Reynolds.
Executors: Son Henry Reynolds and daughter Elizabeth H. Reynolds
Witnesses: A. Richmond and M. A. Reed, both of Charlotte
p. 257, Frederick Goodrich of town of Westfield, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 10 Jan 1854 at Johnstown, Wisconsin, recorded 3 Apr 1854.
Profits of estate to wife Mary Ann as long as she remains my widow and to be used for the support and maintenance of my children until they reach lawful age. One-third of estate each to children Mary, Harriet W., and Florence.
Executors: Austin Goodrich of Ripley and Henry P?. Whallon of Westfield
Witnesses: Luther Clark and Austin D. Clark, both of Johnstown, Rock County, Wisconsin
p. 258, William Ensign of town of Sheridan, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 9 Nov 1853, recorded 5 Apr 1854.
Profits of estate to wife Hannah Ensign during her lifetime. Son William to be educated. At death of wife, estate is to be divided among my children
Executors: Wife Hannah Ensign and son Otis Ensign
Witnesses: Seymour Ensign and Seth Ensign, both of Sheridan
p. 259, George Conent? age 30 of town of Harmony, Chautauqua County, New York, signed , recorded 19 Apr 1854.
Everything including real estate to wife Amanda.
Executors: Jehial Brooks of Harmony
Witnesses: Reuben Davis of Panama and Solomon D. Maha…? of Harmony
p. 259, Matthew Wiard of town of Clymer, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 11 Oct 1852, recorded 3 May 1854.
Use of estate to wife Sally Wiard during her lifetime. After her death, one-third of everything including land in Kenosha County, Wisconsin to the heirs of Sarah B. Leet wife of Charles B. Leet of the state of Wisconsin, to be paid after the youngest heir reaches age 21. One-third of everything to heirs of Eliza widow of David Dale late of Clymer deceased, to be paid after the youngest reaches age 21. One-third of everything to heirs of Elmira H. wife of Alpha Bligh now of state of Wisconsin, to be paid after the youngest reaches age 21.
Executors: Lyman Brown and Enoch Marcial, both of Clymer
Witnesses: J. F. Gleason and W. B. Gleason, both of Clymer
p. 260, Hugh Cochran 2nd age 64 of town of Ripley, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 3 Dec 1853, recorded 3 May 1854.
Household furniture to wife Sarah Cochran. Everything else to son William Cochran, subject to the following legacies. $77 yearly to wife Sarah during her lifetime, and she is to reside with son William. $350 to daughter Nancy Strain wife of John Strain, $350 to Sarah Jane Johnston wife of David Johnston, $300 to son Alexander Cochran, $400 to daughter Rachel, $400 to daughter Eliza Ann. Rachel and Eliza Ann are to have the privilege of residing with son William as long as they remain unmarried.
Executors: Son William Cochran and friend William Johnston
Witnesses: Isaac Cochran of Ripley and L.? C. Young of Westfield
p. 261, Alexander Cochran age 26 of town of Ripley, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 18 Feb 1854, recorded 3 May 1854.
I bequeath all my rights to the estate of my father to my mother. Four-fifths of real estate to be divided among my sisters Nancy Strain, Sarah Johnston, Rachel Cochran, and my brother William Cochran. The remaining fifth to be held in trust by my executors for the use of my sister Eliza Cochran.
Codicil, signed 15 Mar 1854. Since I have sold my real estate, use the results as directed above.
Executors: Robert Cochran 2nd and brother William Cochran
Witnesses to will: Isaac Cochran of Ripley and T.? C. Young of Westfield
Witnesses to codicil: Alexander Cochran and T.? C. Young, both of Westfield
p. 263, Jediah E. Budlong age 59 of town of Carroll, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 9 Sep 1852, recorded 3 May 1854.
$25 to son Hamilton B. Budlong. $25 to son George P.? Budlong. $250 to daughter Adaline Gavit. $25 to son Charles H. Budlong. Everything else to wife Lucy Maria Budlong.
Executors: Wife Lucy Maria Budlong.
Witnesses: Rufus Green and James Parker, both of Carroll
p. 264, Nathan Philips age 62 of town of Carroll, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 6 Apr 1854, recorded 29 May 1854.
$150 to daughter Anna Philips. Everything else to wife Martha Philips during her lifetime, thereafter to be divided between my two sons Nelson Philips and John Wesly Philips.
Executors: Wife Martha Philips
Witnesses: Edwin Eaton and G. W. Sisson?, both of Carroll
p. 264, Samuel Hall age 73 of town of Sugar Grove, Warren County, Pennsylvania, signed 1 Nov 1851, recorded 3 May 1854.
Land bordering Amos Wright and E. C. Callin? where I now reside to wife Mary Hall as long as she remains my widow. $5 each to daughter Maraba? Hancock and daughter Miranda Flint. Remainder of estate to be divided among son Samuel E. Hall, son Phineas H. Hall, and daughter Deraxa Tiffany. Any child of mine born to my wife hereafter is to share with Samuel, Phineas, and Deraxa.
Executors: Friend A. B. Langdon of Sugar Grove
Witnesses: A. B. Langdon, Thomas Lock, S. M Seabury
p. 265, John Couch of town of Westfield, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 19 Dec 1853, recorded 2 May 1854.
Use of estate to wife Emma B. Couch as long as she remains my widow, thereafter to be divided between my surviving children. If she remarries, then she is to have one-third of the estate and pay $250 to my son Alfred C. Couch. The remainder of the estate is to be divided among my surviving children.
Executors: Wife Emma B. Couch and son George W. Couch
Witnesses: David Hall and Warren Couch, both of Westfield
p. 266, Martin Edwin Monfort of town of Portland, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 24 Dec 1853, recorded 7 Jan 1854.
Use of all real estate in Portland to wife Charlotte Malvina, including land leased to Andrew Hunt after expiration of the lease. After her decease, everything to uncles Daniel M. Farington, Edwin W. Farington, Hiram Monfort, Schenk Monfort, John B. Monfort, Garrett S. Monfort, and Albert Monfort and to my aunts Lodema Noxom, Phebe Burrows, Harriet Farington, lawful issue of Charlotte Woodford deceased, Susan Tallmadge, Katharine Caldwell, lawful issue of Margaret Monfort deceased, and Mary Monfort.
Executors: Edwin W. Farington and Joshua S. West
Witnesses: Thos Quigley and Jerome Green, both of Portland
p. 267, Jeremiah Gifford of town of Busti, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 15 Feb 1851, recorded 19 Jun 1854.
“I give and bequeath to my son William Gifford one dollar, Henry Gifford fifty dollars.” $1 each to grandchildren Mary Gifford and Thomas H. Gifford. $500 to grandson Emmett Gifford when he is 21. $100 to granddaughter Almira D. Gifford when she is 21. $400 to daughter Reliance Deforce. $135 each to grandchildren Henry Co…el, Margaret M. Tallman, and Charlotte A. Co…el. Household furniture that was hers at our marriage to wife Mercy, along with support as long as she remains my widow. Wearing apparel to son John. Half of remainder of estate to my step daughter Catharine Gifford during her life if she does not survive her present husband John Gifford, with the other half to go to my grandchildren Jeremiah Gifford and Phebe Jane Gifford. Guardianship of grandchildren Jeremiah and Phebe to son John Gifford.
Executors: Son John Gifford, nephew Peleg Gifford of Harmony, and Daniel Gifford of Busti
Witnesses: Saml A. Brown of Jamestown and Gideon Gifford of Busti
p. 268, Woodley Chandler of town of Poland, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 24 Mar 1854, recorded 9 Jun 1854.
Profits of farm in Poland and land in Ellicott and Jamestown to wife Phebe. Everything else to son Martin, daughter Nancy, sons Winsor? A., John M., and Williamson B. $250 to adopted daughter Phebe L. wife of James Pardee. If any of my children die before age 21, that share is to be divided among my other children. Erect a fence around my lot in the burying ground in the town of Poland.
Executors: Alvin Plumb of Westfield and son Martin S. Chandler
Witnesses: E. W. Scowden of Ellicott and Ephraim Mosher of Poland
p. 270, Stephen Hopson age 56 of town of Westfield, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 12 Jul 1852, recorded 28 Jun 1854.
$600 to wife Sarah Hopson. $250 each to son Henry Hopson, daughter Lucelia Mosher, son Jasper Hopson, and son Hiram Hopson. Everything else including real estate in Westfield to wife Sarah Hopson.
Codicil, signed 4 Jan 1854: $100 to son Jasper rather than $250
Executors: Wife Sarah Hopson
Witnesses to will: Samuel Thompson and Ta…? A. Thompson, both of Westfield
Witnesses to codicil: Austin S. Wells and Thomas L. Carey, both of Westfield
p. 271, Harvey A. Phinny of town of Clymer, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 30 Dec 1852, recorded 1 Jul 1854.
House and lot in Clymer to wife Caroline. $100 each to daughter Mrs. Elizabeth Osborne wife of John R. Osborne. Musical instruments and books to daughter Theodosia wife of John R. Hollywood. $100 to daughter Laura wife of Isaac C. Colton.
Executors: Wife Caroline
Witnesses: Ira F. Gleason and Phineas Stevens, both of Clymer
p. 272, Joseph Day of town of Arkwright, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 21 Sep 1845, recorded 18 Jul 1854.
Everything including land in Arkwright to wife Anna.
Executors: Wife Anna
Witnesses: Moses Luce of Arkwright and Austin Pierce of Villenova
p. 272, Pelatiah Rasy of town of Cherry Creek, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 6 May 1854, recorded 18 Jul 1854.
Everything to my wife for the support of herself and her family, thereafter to be equally divided among my children. My son Edwin, who is unable to support himself, is to have maintenance during his lifetime.
Executors: Jared Ingals
Witnesses: Ja...? Nash, John Van Housen? and Moses Ells, all of Cherry Creek
p. 273, Andrew J. Ward of town of Ellicott, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 26 Jun 1852, recorded 22 Jul 1854.
Use of real estate to wife Angelica during her lifetime. After her death, everything to sons Benjamin Ward, Caleb Ward, John Ward, Abram Ward, Aaron Ward, and daughter Levina Wample wife of Cornelius Wample.
Executors: Caleb Ward, Cornelius Wample and Isaac Forbes, all of Ellicott
Witnesses: Madison Burwell and N. K. Ransom, both of Jamestown
p. 274, John Van Wart of town of Ellery, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 29 Mar 1854, recorded 16 Aug 1854.
Use of land in Ellery to wife Caroline Van Wart during her lifetime. $300 each when they come of age to oldest daughter Mary Jane Warner, second daughter Sarah Van Wart, third daughter Harriet Van Wart, and fourth daughter Armenia? Van Wart. $200 to oldest son John Clark Van Wart when he is of age. At the death of my wife, all real estate to be divided between my two sons John Clark Van Ward and Charles Gilbert Van Wart.
Executors: Wife Caroline Van Wart and brother Derrick Van Wart
Witnesses: Abijah Clark, Timothy Menard, and Peter Van Wart, all of Ellery
p. 274, Henry Strunk age 54 of town of Ellicott, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 14 Jan 1853, recorded 21 Aug 1854.
All real estate in Ellicott to adopted son Jonas Magelbra Strunk, lawful son Freeman Strunk, and lawful son Francis Strunk, to be divided after Francis reaches age 21. $200 each to daughters Harriet Strunk, Clarrissa Strunk, Emily Strunk, Esther Strunk, and Mary Strunk when each reaches age 21.
Codicil, 9 Mar 1854: Wife Gemima is to receive $200 a year in addition to her lawful dower.
Executors: Samuel Whittamore and William H. Strunk, both of Ellicott
Witnesses to will and codicil: Samuel Whittamore and Jemima Strunk, both of Ellicott
p. 276, Elizar Webster of town of Ripley, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 25 Jan 1851, recorded 1 Sep 1854.
$2000 to children of my deceased son Aroin? Arvin? Webster. $2183 to son Warren Webster. $3134 to son Chipman Webster. $2180 to son Horace Webster. $1450 to son Lemuel Webster. $2800 to son Elizar Webster. $2221.64 to son Gideon Webster. $2400 to son William Harrison Webster. $1850 to daughter Eliza Young. $2166 to daughter Clarinda Hough. $3989 to daughter Harriet J. Smallwood. $10 to daughter Lucinda Norton. Remainder of estate to be divided among my children or their heirs.
Executors: Joshua R. Babcock of Westfield and Jeremiah Mann of Ripley
Witnesses: David Mann and Silas Spencer, both of Westfield
p. 277, court 29 May 1854. Jeremiah Mann, one of the executors named in the will of Elizar Webster late of Ripley, showed that the testator died 8 Mar 1854 and presented the will for probate. Citations for a hearing 5 Jul 1854 were issued to heirs and next of kin Warren Webster and Gideon Webster of Gowanda, Cattaraugus County, New York; Chipman Webster, Elizar Webster, Harriet J. Smallwood wife of John Smallwood, and William H. Webster of Ripley; Lemuel Webster and Clarinda Hough wife of Orson Hough of Westfield; Eliza Young wife of Andrew M. Young and Lucinda Norton wife of Elijah Norton of Warsaw, Wyoming County, New York; Horace Webster of Erie County, Pennsylvania, Alta Elliott wife of William Elliott, Eliza Br…en and Alexander Webster of Olney, Richland County, Illinois, Lucinda McCluer wife of Martin McCluer and Harriet J. Myers of northern part of Illinois; Lucinda Webster and Spencer of Indiana; all of full age except Lucinda Webster and Spencer Webster, with Selden Marvin Esq appointed as their guardian for the purposes of guarding their interests during probate.
p. 277, court 5 Jul 1854. Joshua R. Babcock and Jeremiah Mann requested that the will of Elizar Webster be admitted to probate. Lemuel Webster, one of the heirs, opposed probate, alleging that the testator was not competent to make a will and that the will was not properly executed. Proceedings were adjourned to 29 Aug 1854.
p. 278, court 29 Aug 1854. Hearing on probate for the will of Elizar Webster.
David Mann, one of the subscribing witnesses, testified to the validity of the will. He wrote the will at the request of deceased. Deceased thought he could give each of his children $5000, and then he deducted the amount he had already advanced each child.
Silas Spencer, one of the subscribing witnesses, testified about circumstances of his signing the will.
John G. Hinckly gave details of a business transaction with deceased, who was about 80, in buying a mortgage of J. B. Shepard of Ashtabula, Ohio. Deceased seemed forgetful.
John Francis, clerk in the land office, testified that deceased came to the office one day asking for David E. Evans, who had not been in the land office for a great many years. On another occasion asked for John B. Patterson rather than John D. Patterson.
Elijah Norton, son-in-law of deceased, testified about business between himself, his wife, and deceased, and that deceased was forgetful. In 1851 the children of Judge Webster lived in the following places: Gideon in Gowanda, Mrs. Hough and Lemuel in Westfield in town, Mrs. Smallwood, Harrison, Warren, Chipman, and Elizur in Ripley, Horace in Pennsylvania, the heirs of Arvin in Indiana or Illinois, Mrs. Norton and Mrs. Young in Warsaw, Wyoming County. Those who lived in Ripley lived within a mile of where the judge lived at Smallwoods.
Daughter Lucinda Norton testified that her father went among his children taking receipts for what he supposed he had advanced, but the amounts were not accurate and he was confused.
Orson Hough, son-in-law of deceased, moved from Pennsylvania to Chautauqua County in spring 1850. Testified about business with deceased, who in later years was confused and failing in his capacity to do business. His property consisted mainly of bonds and mortgages and farms. Some of the farms were occupied by Lemuel, Smallwood, Chipman Webster in Ripley, Warren, Elizar, and Harrison.
Sextus H. Hungerford, banker in the Bank of Westfield, testified that deceased had once inquired for a mortgage that he had not left with the bank, although he was convinced that the bank had it.
Watson S. Hinckly testified that deceased was confused in business.
Geo. W. Patterson testified that he had been acquainted with Judge Webster even before he came to the county in 1822. Deceased had been failing in his last years.
David Mann was recalled and testified that deceased was very clear and explicit in making the will and that deceased had been planning his will for several years.
John Samllwood of Ripley, son-in-law of deceased, said that deceased lived with him for the last 15 years. His memory was not as good the last 3-4 years; I noticed him failing mentally in 1852. All of his children in Ripley were of full age and frequently visited their father in 1850-1851. I have resided in Warsaw.
Moses A. Tenant testified that his son Delos rented the farm on which Chipman Webster now lives. Deceased seemed capable of doing business.
Azariah F. Bennett visited frequently with deceased at the end of his life and did not notice any problems.
John C. Hungerford described business transactions with deceased, who seemed to conduct business well.
Simeon Collins of Ripley testified that deceased was in a poor state of intellectual powers starting with an accident in summer 1852 but was fit for making a will in 1851.
Orson Hough was recalled to testify about a mortgage transaction with deceased.
Gideon Webster of Gowanda described the land occupied by Col. Norton, that it was good land but had been neglected.
John Smallwood was recalled to testify about the Webster farm in Warsaw.
Elijah Norton was recalled to testify about the farm he occupied.
p. 293, court 1 Sep 1854. Court ruled that the will of Elizar Webster was valid and would be admitted to probate. Administration was granted to Joshua R. Babcock and Jeremiah Mann. Thaddeus S. May and Charles B. Brockway of Ripley were appointed to appraise the estate.
p. 294, Martha Minegar of town of Westfield, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 20 Apr 1850, recorded 4 Oct 1854.
$40 each to son Nathaniel Martin and daughter Amelia Couch. $150 to daughter Lovina Rice. $5 each to son Orville Minegar and daughter Mary Blair. Everything else to son Jefferson M. Minegar.
Executors: John G. Hinckly and son Jefferson M. Minegar
Witnesses: John G. Hinckly and Otis D. Hinckly, both of Westfield
p. 294, John Lamphear of Stockton , Chautauqua County, New York, signed 26 Feb 1851, recorded 4 Oct 1854.
Everything to wife Bashea. After her decease, one silver spoon each to children John L., Ira, and daughter Celestia.
Executors: Wife Bashea Lamphear and John L. Lamphear
Witnesses: Harlow Crissy of Stockton and Preston G.? Y.? Tambling of Pomfret
p. 295, Lucy Sexton, widow of Isaac Sexton late of Pomfret, of town of Portland, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 2 Jul 1853, recorded 4 Oct 1854.
$25 each to daughter Louisa H. Budlong wife of James J. Budlong, daughter Lucy Maria Holdrige wife of Randall Holdrige, and Amy Northrup wife of John H. Northrup of Pomfret. Bible to son Isaac A. Saxton [sic]. $100 each to granddaughters Helen Louisa Moss, Emma? Viola Moss, and Lucy Cha…? Moss, children of Theodore S. Moss and Helen C. Moss my daughter for their education. Everything else to my daughter Helen C. Moss wife of Theodore S. Moss.
Executors: Theodore S. Moss
Witnesses: Timothy Judson and Ransom S. Morrison, both of Portland
p. 295, Richard Randall of town of Pomfret, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 23 Aug 1854, recorded 4 Oct 1854.
Everything to wife Dulcena? Randall
Executors: Wife Dulcena? Randall
Witnesses: Franklin Kelly and Diana King, both of Pomfret
p. 296, Samuel Newell age 68 on 13 Feb 1851 of town of Sheridan, Chautauqua County, New York, signed date not given, recorded 16 Oct 1854.
Debts are forgiven of natural daughter Mary Ann Cook deceased and her children Joseph and Julia and Emeline Cook. I except my daughter Elvira and her husband and children from this will and discharge them of indebtedness to me. Everything to be divided among my natural children Samuel N. Newell, Oliver W. Newell, Warren Newell, Malissa married to John C. Cranston, Fanny F. married to Timothy Blood, and Harriet Newell.
Executors: None named
Witnesses: Nathaniel Gray of Hanover and Walter Allen of Sheridan
p. 297, Warren Bennett of town of Villenova, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 15 Aug 1853, recorded 9 Oct 1854.
Everything to wife Louisa M. Bennett as long as she remains my widow, thereafter to be divided among my three children David S. Bennett, Persis L. Bennett, and Alice L. Bennett as soon as the youngest reaches age 18. Their guardians in case of their mother’s death or remarriage are to be David Bennett of Richland, Oswego County and Geo. Willson Esq of Villenova.
Executors: Wife Louisa M. Bennett
Witnesses: Martin Crowel and Henry Taft, both of Villenova
p. 297, George Collier of town of Mina, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 12 Jun 1853, recorded 27 Sep 1854.
Everything including land in Mina to wife Susan W. Collier. If she remarries, she is to pay $150 to each of our children.
Executors: Wife Susan W. Collier and oldest son George Haskell Collier
Witnesses: Harvy? Harry? Barber Putnam and Horace Washington Barber, both of Mina
p. 298, Peleg Douglass of town of French Creek, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 21 Jul 1845, recorded 25 Oct 1854.
Everything including land in French Creek to wife Eleanor during her lifetime. After her death, one-fourth of everything to daughter Rose Taylor, with everything else to be divided among my three daughters Laura Place, Betsy Reeves, and Ann Fellows.
Executors: Wife Eleanor Douglass
Witnesses: Ira F. Gleason and Frederick Brown, both of Clymer
p. 299, Richard Monkhouse age 72 of village of Fredonia, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 5 Aug 1854, recorded 1 Nov 1854.
Everything to grandchildren Richard Mason Van Kleek, Jane Catharine Van Kleek, John Hugh Van Kleek, Arthur Adolphus Van Kleek, and Catharine Van Kleek and any other grandchildren that may hereafter be born of Jane Gertrude Van Kleek, to be paid as each arrives at age 21.
Executors: Allen Hinckly of Fredonia
Witnesses: David Barrett and Emery A. Merrifield, both of Fredonia
p. 299, Ebenezer Crocker of town of Pomfret, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 7 Oct 1854, recorded 1 Nov 1854.
Interest on $3000 to be paid annually to wife Lucia during her lifetime. Watch to son Robert E. Cane to son Charles P. Everything else to be divided among all my children. Brother Luther Crocker is guardian for my infant son Robert E. until he reaches age 21.
Executors: Philander Sprague, Rolland W. Gardnier, and Luther C. Blood
Witnesses: Stephen Snow of Fredonia and Rowland W. Gardner of Pomfret
p. 300, Titus Bement of town of Chautauqua, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 2 Jun 1854, recorded 13 Dec 1854.
Use of farm in Chautauqua to wife Chloe L. Bement during her lifetime. After her death, everything including land bordering J. Putnam and Caleb Stowell to children Mahli? Bement, Davied Bement, Olive Hill, Edward Bement, William H. Bement, Andrew J. Bement, and Philetus S. Bement.
Executors: None named
Witnesses: Peter Mitchell and Polly P. Mitchell, both of Manchester, Ontario County
p. 301, Nathan Eggleston of town of Hanover, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 25 Jan 1848, recorded 9 Jan 1855.
Bury me in the burying yard in Panama. Land in Harmony to son Nathan Eggleston Junr. One cow each to granddaughters Eliza Pier, Polly Eddy, and Amanda Hitchcock. Land in Harmony to daughter Patience Covy. Son Nathan Eggleston Junr is to support me and my wife Mary for the rest of our lives.
Executors: Son Nathan Eggleston Junr and Nathan Chamberlain
Witnesses: Nathan Chamberlain, Myron Eggleston, and David Wiltse, all of Harmony
p. 302, Joel D. Cornish of town of Sherman, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 6 Nov 1854, recorded 10 Jan 1855.
Real estate in Sherman subject to a lien to Joel V. Cornish to wife Catherine Cornish. $350 to daughter Rhoda Jane wife of Heman Culver of Wisconsin. $350 to son Aaron Jackson. $25 each to Rhoda Jane and William Alonzo of Illinois, children of my deceased daughter Mary Ann. $350 to son Joel Van Allen. $350 to son Noah Denton. $350 to daughter Catharine Malissa wife of Alonzo Sawin? $350 to Clarissa Maria wife of Zelotus Graham. $100 to Freel Will Baptist foreign missionary society.
Executors: Wife Catharine Cornish, Joel Van Allen Cornish, and Alonzo Sawin?
Witnesses: Arad Losee and Moses Stebbins, both of Sherman
p. 303, Horace Rice of town of Harmony, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 31 Jan 1853, recorded 10 Jan 1855.
In addition to the provisions made by contract with Henry Rice this day for the support of my wife Mindwell Rice, I also give her all personal property not included in an agreement made 30 Dec 1852 to Thomas D. Rice and Henry Rice.
Executors: wife Mindwell
Witnesses: Morris Norton and Dwight Rice, both of Harmony
p. 303, Jonathan Freeman of town of Chautauqua, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 17 Dec 1853, recorded 10 Jan 1855.
$800 to son Jonathan Freeman Junior. Everything else to my children James E. Freeman, Milton Freeman, Jonathan Freeman Junior, Henrietta R. Freeman, and Ann? Freeman.
Executors: Nephew Peter E. Freeman
Witnesses: Richd O. Green and Wm P? Tink…?, both of Chautauqua
p. 304, Jay Sloan of town of , Chautauqua County, New York, signed 13 Jan 1855, recorded 7 Feb 1855.
$100 to my mother. Everything else to use of my father and mother for nine years. After that, money to various charities including Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Everything else to brother Davillo and sister Lavina.
Executors: John Sloan, Devillo Sloan, and Charles A. Barker
Witnesses: E. M. Spink and A. S. Roberts, both of Sheridan
p. 304, Robert Kerr of town of Ripley, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 12 Apr 1854, recorded 7 Feb 1855.
Farm to wife Elizabeth Kerr during her lifetime. Horse to son James Kerr. After wife’s death, everything to children Catharine Murphey wife of William Murphey, William Kerr, James Kerr, John D. Kerr, George Kerr, and Julia Ann Kerr. My wife is to be guardian of children under age 21.
Executors: Wife Elizabeth Kerr and friend Benjamin Franklin Baird
Witnesses: Selden Marvin and Moses A. Tennant, both of Ripley
p. 306, John M. Hamblin age 46 of town of Villenova, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 12 Apr 1853, recorded 17 Feb 1855.
All real estate to wife Isabell as long as she remains my widow. $50 to daughter Jane. $50 to my two other girls Francis and Caroline when they reach age 18. Everything else to wife Isabell.
Executors: Wife Isabell
Witnesses: Nathaniel Smith and William H. Blydenburgh, both of Villenova
p. 306, John P. Sherman of village of Jamestown, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 20 Jan 1855, recorded 22 Feb 1855.
Everything to wife Lawanda M. Sherman for her benefit and the benefit of my children. She is guardian of all my children until they reach age 21.
Executors: Wife and Silas Sherman of Jamestown
Witnesses: Saml A. Brown and A. W. Gray, both of Jamestown
p. 307, Jonathan Austin age 78 of town of Hanover, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 19 Jul 1851, recorded 7 Mar 1855.
Everything including house in Upper Irving to wife Sophia Austin. At her death, everything that remains goes to my three sons Nelson F. Austin, John R. Austin, and Reuben S. Austin.
Executors: Wife Sophia Austin
Witnesses: N. Sackett and J. Sackett, both of Hanover
p. 307, Mary Ann Brainard of town of Pomfret, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 2 Dec 1854, recorded 7 Mar 1855.
All personal property to my children Mary H. Brainerd, Lucy M. Brainard, Nathaniel F. Brainerd, Alace L. Brainerd, and Barnes O. Brainerd as they arrive at age 21. Husband Orrin Brainerd is to be their guardian
Executors: Brother Nathaniel Fay
Witnesses: Henry B. Benjamin and Isaac Wilcox, both of Pomfret
p. 308, Joshua Davis of town of Villenova, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 6 Dec 1851, recorded 7 Mar 1855.
Land in possession of Arad Wheeler and occupied by Joseph D. Wheeler to my grandson Samuel Davis who resides with me. $10 to heirs of William Davis. $10 to heirs of Samuel Davis. $1 to Joseph Davis. $100 to Mercy Davis wife of Jerymiah R. Davis. Household furniture to Susanna Wheeler and Mercy Davis. Everything else to Susanna Wheeler.
Executors: Arad Wheeler and Julius A. Parsons
Witnesses: Julius A. Parsons and Allen Fluker, both of Villenova
p. 309, Harvey E. Kelly age 34 of town of Portland, Chautauqua County, New York, signed , recorded 7 Mar 1855.
Household furniture, land in Salem, and $600 to wife Cynthia W. Kelly. Everything else to sons Alvin and Harvey Essex when they become age 21. Land in Portland deeded to me by Milton Kelly and wife 8 Dec 1852 to Milton Kelly and John C. Haight in trust for payment of debts.
Executors: Milton Kelly and John C. Haight
Witnesses: Theodore S. Moss and Wm H. Jackson, both of Salem
p. 309, Eliza Maria Palmer age 25 wife of Wadsworth Morton Palmer and daughter of Luther Crocker of town of Pomfret, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 9 Nov 1854, recorded 7 Mar 1855.
Bedding to sister Sarah Ann Crocker and mother Mehitabel Crocker. Real estate in Fredonia deeded to me by Caleb Stanley and wife to be sold, with proceeds to be used for education and maintenance of infant son Lewis Palmer. In case of his death, the remainder goes to my father Luther Crocker if living, or to my brothers John Crocker, Lewis Crocker, and Silas Crocker and my sisters Sarah Ann Crocker and Jenny Crocker.
Executors: Friend Luther C. Blood
Witnesses: Stephen Snow and Lorenzo Morris, both of Fredonia
p. 310, Rodney P. Barnes of town of Gerry, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 12 Dec 1853, recorded 10 Mar 1855.
Everything to wife Susan and children Ira G. George V. Rodney B., and Martha S. Barnes as long as my wife remains my widow.
Executors: Horatio A. Barnes, Van Ranslear L. Barnes, and Corydon Stoughton
Witnesses: John F. Farman and Charles B. Green, both of Ellington
p. 311, William Cobb of town of Gerry, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 29 Jan 1855, recorded 21 Mar 1855.
Everything to wife Lorinda Cobb, and she to pay $50 each to daughter Fidelia L. Cobb and youngest daughter Martha Texanna? Cobb when they reach age 21.
Executors: Wife Lorinda Cobb
Witnesses: Seland Brown and Fanny F. Brown, both of Ellery
p. 312, Laura Sanders of town of Ellicott, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 5 Jan 1852, recorded 9 Apr 1855.
Everything to husband Thomas Sanders during his lifetime. At his death, everything to Laura my adopted child and eldest daughter of S. H. and Nancy E. Bentley.
Executors: Thomas Sanders
Witnesses: Charles Rhodes, Henry Rhodes, Alphus Rhodes, all of Ellicott
p. 312, Nancy Taylor wife of Aaron Taylor of town of Fredonia, Chautauqua County, New York, signed , recorded 3 May 1855.
$50 to American Baptist Missionary Union. After my death and my husband’s death, everything including land in Fredonia bordered by Jonathan Hempsted to my four children William Taylor, Abijah F. Taylor, Harriet Jennings wife of James L.? Jennings, and Wilson A. Taylor, and to my grandchildren (children of my daughter Julia A. Bishop deceased).
Executors: Son Abijah F. Taylor and son-in-law James H.? Jennings
Witnesses: John Crane and Ruby Morrison, both of Fredonia
p. 313, Horatio A. Barnes of town of Ellington, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 7 Feb 1855, recorded 1 Jun 1855.
Occupancy of house and profits of $2000 to my wife Abigail L. Barnes during her lifetime. Everything else including land in Ellington to my two daughters Else M. Potwine wife of William Potwine and Lavantia Barnes. Lavantia to have a home with her mother and be provided for and educated until her marriage.
Executors: Abigail L. Barnes, Van Ranslear L. Barnes, and Charles B. Green
Witnesses: Andrew J. Dobbins and Charles B. Green, both of Ellington
p. 314, Hiram Straight, Chautauqua County, New York, signed at Charlotte 4 Apr 1855, recorded 7 May 1855.
Everything that she is entitled to by law to wife Lydia. Everything else to sons Orlando W. and Joel M.
Executors: Wife and sons
Witnesses: R. W? Seaver ? and Lucy O. Straight, both of Charlotte
p. 315, Abijah Bugbee age 60 of town of Harmony, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 7 Sep 1854, recorded 9 May 1855.
Dower to wife Betsey Bugbee. $500 to son Hiram Bugbee. Everything else including land in Harmony to son Joseph Bugbee.
Executors: Wife Betsy Bugbee, son Joseph Bugbee, and Darius Knapp
Witnesses: Daniel Knapp and William Rice, both of Harmony
p. 316, John Fields age 60 of town of Harmony, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 26 Dec 1854, recorded 9 May 1855.
One-third of everything to wife Susannah Fields. Everything else to daughter Tarphany A. Emmery wife of Gilbert Emmery of Clymer, daughter Hannah Hyde widow of ?atty? Hyde of Barry County, Michigan, son Lyman B. Fields of Sherman, son William P. Fields of Harmony, daughter Elizabeth wife of Ephraim Wilder of Harmony, daughter Phebe wife of John Langdon of Crawford County, Pennsylvania, son A. J. Fields of Harmony, and son George W. Fields of Harmony.
Executors: Wife Susannah Fields, son William P. Fields, and friend Darius Knapp
Witnesses: Samuel Arnont? and Sylvester Persons, both of Panama
p. 317, Benjamin T. Morgan of town of Kiantone, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 28 Apr 1855, recorded 12 Jun 1855.
For their education, $441 to eldest son Delavan G. Morgan, $251 to son Albion S. Morgan, $294 to son James H. Morgan, $194.88 to daughter Polly Maria Morgan. $441 to sons Benjamin T. Morgan, Frank C. Morgan, and Fred W. Morgan for their guardians to secure an education for them. Interest on $5000 for support of wife Eunice. Everything else to be divided among my children.
Codicil, signed 28 Apr 1855: Personal property to be divided among my 7 children. Legacies for those under 21 to be invested for them until they reach age 21.
Executors: Son Delavan G. Morgan, Aaron J. Phillips and Switle? Spencer
Witnesses to will and codicil: Levant B. Brown and George A. Done? Dover? Dore?, both of Kiantone
p. 319, Asa Dennison of town of Hanover, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 11 Apr 1859, recorded 18 Jun 1855.
Avails of a mortgage on land in Hanover dated 4 Apr 1850 and due 20 May 1859 executed by Smedly S. Dennison to me go to grandson Asa Dennison son of Smedley S. Dennison, to be paid when he reaches age 21.
Executors: Friend Orrin Morrison
Witnesses: Jas H. Phelps and E. S. Spencer, both of Hanover
p. 320, Samuel B. Lewis age 22 of town of Cherry Creek, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 9 Jun 1855, recorded 2 Jul 1855.
Half of everything to wife Mary T. Lewis during her lifetime, with executor to take care of her. Thereafter, everything to son Charles B. Lewis. This includes land in the village of Cherry Creek bordered by James Can? and occupied by Silas ?inton. $100 to Harlow Van Vliet of Forestville.
Executors: Reuben W. Parsons of Cherry Creek
Witnesses: Daniel B. Parsons and Alvah Billings, both of Cherry Creek
p. 322, Wanton King of town of , Chautauqua County, New York, signed 29 Jan 1846, recorded 2 Jul 1855.
Profits of farm in Cherry Creek and claims against my son Obediah to wife Sarah. All real estate north of the land I deeded to my son Obediah to sons Ward King and Thomas M. King. They are to pay $50 each to my daughters Phebe M. Kent, Susanna Basset, Laurina Graves, Molly Mahala King, heirs of Patience Bently? deceased, and Sarah Ann Godfrey.
Executors: Sons Ward King and Obediah King
Witnesses: Charles B. Green and Wm Carle, both of Ellington
p. 323, William Sherman of Maywille , Chautauqua County, New York, undated, recorded 30 Jun 1855.
$2000 each to son Danforth Sherman and daughter Harriet Sherman. $500 in trust to son Danforth Sherman for the support of my mother Tirzah Sherman. Everything else to wife Sarah, daughter Loreney, daughter Viola, and son John, my children by Sarah.
Executors:
Witnesses: W. Green and A. ?o…en?, both of Mayville
p. 323, Calvin Lake of town of Charlotte, Chautauqua County, New York, signed19 Aug 1852, recorded 5 Jul 1855.
$600 to daughter Cornelia Lake. Everything else to wife Sarah Lake. Allen A. Stephens of Charlotte is appointed guardian of my daughter Cornelia Lake until she is 21.
Executors: Wife Sarah Lake
Witnesses: Che?l Clark and Orton Clark, both of Charlotte
p. 324, Daniel Steward of town of Cherry Creek, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 2 Mar 1855, recorded 9 Jul 1855.
Use of one-third of real estate to wife Diadama. After her death, it goes to my son Avery. $100 to Orfa White. Note I hold against Warner Steward goes to him. $550 to Sarah Putnam. $550 to Fidelia Steward when she marries or reaches age 21. Everything else to son Avery Steward.
Executors: Son Avery Steward and wife Diadama
Witnesses: O. B. Main of Cherry Creek and Avel Warner of Villenova
p. 325, Jonathan Bullock of town of Busti, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 30 Sep 1845, recorded 9 Jul 1855.
Farm bounded by Jared Farnham to wife Clarissa Bullock during her lifetime, thereafter to be divided between Laura Minerva Abott and Elon Galusha Bullock. Land north of farm to daughter Laura Minerva Abott (married woman). Everything else to my two sons Solomon Blodget Bullock and Elon Galusha Bullock. In case my son Solomon B. Bullock (whom I suppose is dead) should never return, everything to Elon Galusha Bullock.
Executors: Laurent A. Langdon, William Bullock, and wife Clarissa Bullock
Witnesses: William Shaw?, David Strickland, and Henry Bai..?
p. 325, David L. Gleason age 40 of town of French Creek, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 6 Apr 1850, recorded 27 Jun 1855.
Everything to wife Caroline Gleason
Executors: Wife Caroline Gleason
Witnesses: Foedus F. French and Cordelia Sessions
p. 326, James Marks age 66 of town of Villenova, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 7 Feb 1855, recorded 12 Jul 1855.
Everything to wife Lucy Mark during her lifetime, thereafter to be divided among our children.
Executors: Wife Lucy Mark and son Charles L. Mark
Witnesses: George Wilson and Russel O Smith, both of Villenova
p. 327, Richard A. Cowan age 36 of town of Hanover, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 23 Jun 1855, recorded 2 Aug 1855.
Use of everything to wife Drusilla Cowan until son Frank Cowan is age 21. If wife remarries, then the property including land in Livingston County, Illinois is to be divided between son Frank Cowan and daughter Anna Margaret Cowan.
Executors: Ethan Angel of Hanover
Witnesses: Thomas G. Ellis and C. D. Angell, both of Hanover
p. 328, John T. Murry age 39 of town of Portland, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 11 Jun 1855, recorded 5 Sep 1855.
Land in Portland bounded by M. P. Van…beck, James Quigley, A. H. Barringer and L. T. Powell to wife Harriet M. Murry. A house is to be purchased in Niagara, Niagara County for her and the children until the youngest is age 21. $500 each to sister Eleanor C. Sage and brother William A. Murry. Everything else for support of children until they reach age 21.
Executors: Brother-in-law Hiram A. Sage and friend Amos Barton
Witnesses: Milton Kelly and Samuel Brown, both of Portland
p. 328, Theodore Green of town of Westfield, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 15 Feb 1855, recorded 6 Sep 1855.
Everything in Westfield to wife Cynthia and lawful heir Harriet Amanda Green. Executors are Philander Jillson and Josehp C. Northrup.
Codicil, signed 21 Feb 1855: Executors are Philander Jillson and Leveryn? Severyn? Stockton .
Executors: Philander Jillson and Josehp C. Northrup
Witnesses to will: L.? S.? Stockton and Silas Morse
Witnesses to codicil: Amanda H. Frost and Philander Jillson
p. 329, John Rose Bush of town of Harmony, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 16 Jun 1855, recorded 26 Sep 1855.
One-third of everything to wife Charlina. The remainder to my only daughter Julia Rosalind. If she dies before age 21, then her share to my brother Asa A. Bush and my sister Lucretia Eddy. My executors are to sell my drugs and medicines and library after my students have completed their medical studies.
Executors: Perrin Lewis of Harmony and Loren Bush of Chautauqua
Witnesses: Joshua Rich and George Markham, both of Harmony
p. 330, Ledyard Littlefield of town of Clymer, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 24 May 1851, recorded 26 Sep 1855.
One-third of everything to wife Mary. $900 to daughter Minerva Arnold. $300 to Ann Austin of Hamburgh, my wife’s daughter. Everything else to sons Leason C. and Darwin S.
Executors: Leason C. Littlefield and Darwin S. Littlefield.
Witnesses: David Moore and John Steward, both of Harmony
p. 331, Rebecca Peck of town of Westfield, Chautauqua County, New York, widow of Joseph B. Peck late of Harbor Creek, Erie County, Pennsylvania deceased, signed 12 Aug 1854, recorded 26 Sep 1855.
$150 to youngest son Thomas S. Peck if he pay $15 to my daughter Mary Collins wife of Alonzo Collins. Household furniture to my daughters Sophia Bristol wife of Peter Bristol, Alice Baker wife of Harvey Baker, Fanny N. Collins wife of Joseph W. Collins, and Mary W. Collins wife of Alonzo Collins. Everything else to my sons Nathan Peck, Seymour Peck, Joseph W. Peck, and Orrin B. Peck.
Executors: Youngest son Thomas S. Peck and Harvey Baker of Westfield
Witnesses: Austin Smith and Charles Chadwick, both of Westfield
p. 332, Moses Norris age 66 of town of Clymer, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 6 Mar 1854, recorded 26 Sep 1855.
$1 each to son E. H.? Norris, daughter Betsey W. Barker, daughter Samantha S. Snyder, and son Wm W. Norris. Everything else to wife Melinda Norris.
Executors: Wm W. Norris
Witnesses: O. D. Hinckley and J. M. Minegar, both of Clymer
p. 333, Isaac Corey age 66 of town of Villenova, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 24 Aug 1855, recorded 1 Oct 1855.
Household goods to wife Abigail H. Corey. $500 to son Medad S. Corey, partially to be paid out of a mortgage I hold against the premises of James L. Warner dated 30 Oct 1854. $300 to son Howell Corey. $300 to son George W. Corey. Everything else to son Henry I. Corey, who is to pay for the care of my wife.
Executors: Son Medad S. Corey and friend Wm C. Smith
Witnesses: Jared Wooley and William C. Smith, both of Villenova
p. 334, court 24 May 1855. Lorrel Nichols, one of the executors named in the will of Moses Adams late of the town of Westfield, offered the will dated 2 Apr 1855 for probate and showed that Moses Adams, resident of town of Westfield, died 16 Apr 1855. Citations for a hearing 1 Aug 1855 were issued to heirs and next of kin: Clarissa Adams of Westfield, Levi Adams, Rhoda Ann Coveny wife of Thomas Coveny, Betsey Stetson, Aseneth Burrows wife of Ezra Burrows, Moses Stetson, Marshall Stetson, Oliver Stetson, Mary A. Webster wife of H. H. Webster, Almira Peabody wife of Ezra Peabody of Ripley, Seymour Adams of Birmingham, Michigan, Alonzo Adams of Minnesota Territory, Jonathan Adams of Placerville, California, Sylvia Webber wife of Joel Webber of Missouri, Jonathan Dickson of Galena, Illinois, James Taylor and Seymour Taylor of St. Charles, Illinois, Delia Henderson wife of M. Henderson of Cedar Falls, Iowa, Henry Stetson of Pageville, Pennsylvania, all of full age. George Taylor of Ripley, minor under age 21, and the children of Sally Newton deceased, minors, residence unknown but supposed to reside in Illinois or Iowa. Obed Edson of Charlotte was appointed guardian to represent the minors in probate.
p. 335, court 1 Aug 1855. Selden Marvin and Lorrel Nichols, executors of the will of Moses Adams deceased, requested that the will be admitted to probate. Charles Chadwick Esq appeared for Mary A. Webster, one of the heirs of deceased, alleging that the will was not properly executed, as deceased did not sign his name in the presence of the witnesses, the witnesses did not sign the will in presence of deceased or each other, deceased was of unsound mind and under undue influence. Court was adjourned until 14 Sep 1855, later rescheduled to 16 Oct 1855
p. 337, court 16 Oct 1855.
Abram Dixon, subscribing witness to the will, testified that he signed it at the request of and in the presence of deceased, who was 65-70 years old and feeble. Deceased mentioned a niece named Peabody, daughter of a sister, a brother named Jonathan, and a sister who was Mr. Webster’s wife.
Dr. Marcellus Kenyon, subscribing witness to the will, saw the deceased and Abram Dixon sign it, and signed it in their presence.
Samuel C. Dickson or North East, Erie County, Pennsylvania. Deceased was his uncle by marriage by his first wife, not a blood relation. Dickson provided a list of the names of Mr. Adams’ brothers and sisters and their children, including a niece, daughter of his sister Aseneth Dickson, and Miss Adelia Henderson. Witness saw the will signed. Deceased had no children of his own living. His heirs consisted of brothers and sisters and their children. He had 4 sisters deceased, two of whom, Rhoda Stetson and Aseneth Dickson, left families. Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Webster was a daughter of Aseneth Dickson. Two brothers Seymour and Levi Adams were living. Seymour was married; Levi was not. Brother Jonathan was deceased, but had three living children and one deceased child. Estate of deceased is worth $17,000-$20,000. He was 65-70, may have been over 70. Witness has 4 sons, 1 born since the death of deceased. Adelia Henderson was the daughter of Aseneth Dickson. “Peabody married Henderson’s wife’s sister another Daughter of Aseneth Dickson…. Mrs. Peabody lives in Ripley. Mrs. Henderson has lived west a number of years. “ Mr. Adams said that he had provided for Clarissa a few weeks before.
Dr. Severyn Stockton testified that deceased was competent to make a will.
Dr. Wm Boarn? testified that deceased was rational.
Dr. Simeon Collins of Ripley testified that deceased could answer yes/no questions with difficulty.
Austin Smith Esq spoke on behalf of the contestants and Madison Bunnell Esq spoke on behalf of the executors.
Court declared the will to be valid and ordered letters testamentary be granted to Selden Marvin and Lorrel Nichols. Thaddeus S. Ways was appointed to appraise the estate.
p. 352, Moses Adams of town of Westfield, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 2 Apr 1855, recorded 17 Oct 1855.
On 20 Mar 1855 I conveyed land in Westfield to Lorrel Nichols in trust for my wife Clarissa Adams and her heirs, also a mortgage for $1000 which I hold against Samuel C. Dickson of North East, Pennsylvania, and shares in Buffalo and State Line Rail Road to be delivered to my wife. After her death, the shares are to go to the Presbyterian Society of Ripley and to Mary A. Webster wife of William H. Webster of Ripley. $4000 to brother Seymour Adams. $3000 to brother Levi Adams. $200 to nephew Alonzo Adams. $200 to nephew Jonathan Adams. $50 to nieve Silva? Webber. $50 to the children of my niece Sally Newton deceased daughter of my brother Jonathan Adams deceased. $200 to nephew Henry A. Stetson. $100 to nephew Moses E. Stetson. $50 each to the brothers and sisters of Henry A. Stetson and Moses E. Stetson. $200 to Mary A. Webster wife of William H. Webster. $100 each to the two eldest sons of Henry A. Stetson. $100 each to the two eldest sons of Samuel C. Dickson.
Codicil: To the children of my deceased sister Aseneth who was married to John Dickson, both deceased: $500 to Jonathan Dickson, $300 to Adelia, $300 to Almira Peabody, and Mary A. Webster, who is provided for above.
Executors: Selden Marvin of Ripley and Lorrel Nichols of Westfield
Witnesses to will and codicil: A. Dixon and L. M. Kenyon, both of Westfield
p. 354, David Dales age 46 of town of Clymer, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 16 Mar 1852, recorded 24 Oct 1855.
Everything to wife Eliza Dales for the care and education of all our children. $200 each to daughter Mary Esther and to younger daughter Sarah Elizabeth as each reaches age 21. When the youngest reaches age 21, then one-third of estate to wife Eliza and the rest to be divided among my three children. $300 to youngest child Henry Alexander.
Executors: Wife Eliza Dales, friends Mathew Wiard and Enoch Marcial
Witnesses: Mathew Wiard and Ira F. Gleason, both of Clymer
p. 355, Chauncey Harmon of town of Clymer, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 7 Aug 1855, recorded 12 Nov 1855.
Stock to Laura Harmon at age 18. Everything else to wife Susan C. Harmon.
Executors: Walter W. Smith, Gilbert Emery, and Susan Harmon, all of Clymer
Witnesses: George Rice and Samuel Davis, both of Clymer
p. 356, John Stafford age 63 of town of Ellington, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 18 Oct 1855, recorded 20 Nov 1855.
Land in Union, Erie County, Pennsylvania to daughter Sally K. Stafford wife of Lewis Mather. $75 to daughter Orinda Stafford. Tools, stock, and household items to son Amos Russel Stafford. $100 to son Martin Van Buren Stafford when he is 21. $50 each to heirs of my son John Austin Stafford deceased when they reach age 21: John Martin Stafford, Joseph Corydon Stafford, and Homer Austin Stafford. Everything else to my sons Abel Stafford, Isaac Stafford, Amos Russel Stafford, and to my daughters Sophia Stafford, Electa Stafford, and Orinda Stafford.
Executors: Son Isaac Stafford
Witnesses: John C. Cody, Amos Russel Stafford, and Thos Trask, all of Ellington
p. 357, John Tower of town of Portland, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 14 Jan 1851, recorded 5 Dec 1855.
All personal estate and use of real estate to wife Demmis during her life. After her death, $5 each to my 3 daughters Julia Ann Stone, Mary Burtch, and Sally Durand. Land in Portland to my 2 sons Reuben W. Tower and Frederick A. Tower.
Executors: Son Frederick A. Tower
Witnesses: David Eaton and Abram Bowdish, both of Portland
p. 358, James Henry Dean age 21 of town of Westfield, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 25 May 1855, recorded 19 Dec 1855.
Everything to my mother Sarah Dean. If my sister Sarah Dean recovers from her illness, then $150 to purchase a piano forte for her.
Executors: Thomas B. Campbell and William Johnston of Westfield
Witnesses: L. V. R. Wells and Lorenzo M. Kenyon, both of Westfield
p. 358, Amos Babbitt age 65 of town of Harmony, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 18 Jul 1855, recorded 19 Dec 1855.
$200 to wife Esther. $200 to daughter Laura. $25 each to son Edwin L., son William, and son Reuben. Everything else to sons John D. and Charles O.
Executors: Sons John D. and Charles O.
Witnesses: Henry O. Lakin and Franklin G. Steward, both of Panama
p. 359, Caleb Weaver of town of Arkwright, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 20 Sep 1855, recorded 24 Dec 1855.
Everything to wife Matilda Weaver and my minor heirs except the following. Stock to sons Walter Weaver, Silas Weaver, and Alvah Weaver. Stock to Electa Weaver, Sintha Weaver, and Cordelia Weaver. If Matilda dies before my youngest heir is 21, then my minor heirs shall have the avails of the estate until Alvah Weaver becomes 21.
Executors: None named
Witnesses: Harvy Clark, Benjamin Jones, Lyman Melvin
p. 360, Peter Loucks of town of Ellery, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 6 Aug 1855, recorded 10 Dec 1855.
Farm in Ellery to son Clinton Loucks, who is to cancel a lien which he purchased of Andrew Loucks in the summer of 1849. After the decease of my wife Robey, $200 to son Tompkins Loucks, $150 to son Harison Loucks, $150 to son Morgan P. Loucks, $100 to son Andrew Loucks, $50 to daughter Ann, $50 to daughter Freelove, $50 to daughter Eleanor, $50 to daughter Lujane?, and $50 to daughter Charlotte. Pay Tompkins first, Harison next, and so on according to age. Mill to son Hamilton Loucks. The mill was deeded to me by Joseph Loucks and wife Rebecca and David Loucks and wife Abigail 15 Apr 1837 and witnessed by Ann Loucks, with statement taken by John P. Turner? Esq on 2 July 1850. Son Clinton to take care of my wife Roby. Since daughters Ann, Freelove, and Eleanor had $36 each when they married, daughters Lujane? and Charlotte are to have $36 whenever they wish.
Executors: Clinton Loucks and Morgan P. Loucks
Witnesses: Henry Martin, E. H. Gray, and H. W. Barrett, all of Ellery
p. 361, Josiah Tooley of town of Busti, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 1 Mar 1854, recorded 19 Mar 1856.
Everything to wife Martha.
Codicil, signed 24 Mar 1854: Property is to be under direction of a trustee, who must approve any sale. After death of wife, everything to granddaughter Martha Ann Hammond. Morris Norton of Ashville is to be trustee.
Executors: Wife Martha
Witnesses to will: Morris Norton of Harmony, Humphrey H. Shearman of Busti
Witnesses to codicil: Humphrey H. Shearman and Abram Shearman, both of Busti
p. 362, David Pratt age 64 of town of Harmony, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 18 May 1854, recorded 19 Mar 1856.
Land in Panama to daughters Eunice and Anna Pratt and Cynthia Roberts and Elmira Cushing. $25 to son Orrin Pratt. Everything else to daughters Eunice, Anna, Susan, and Hannah Pratt and Cynthia Roberts and Elmira Cushing.
Executors: My daughters
Witnesses: Horace H. Glidden and John R. Bush, both of Panama
p. 363, Daniel Maxham age 48 of town of Chautauqua, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 8 Feb 1856, recorded 10 Apr 1856.
$1300 to son Herbert Otis Maxham. $700 to daughter Annette Lucy Maxham. Everything else to sons Jay Maxham and Valorus Lafayette Maxham.
Executors: Franklin Leet and Valorus Maxham
Witnesses: Herbert Hewes? and Chester Stebbins, both of town of Chautauqua
p. 363, Enos Goodyear age 56 of town of Villenova, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 12 Jul 1855, recorded 10 Apr 1856.
$120 to Asa Doty. One-third of remainder to my sister Mahittable Osborn, now supposed to be living in Dorim, Greene County. One-third to heirs of my sister Nancy Ferris of Ashland, Green County. One-third to heirs of sister Betsey Comstock of Summerfield, M…roe County, Michigan.
Executors: John Jay of Villenova and Ira Richeson of Cherry Creek
Witnesses: George Wilson and Benjamin Vincent, both of Villenova
p. 364, Oliva P. Allen of village of Jamestown, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 12 Sep 1852, recorded 24 Apr 1856.
$5 each to Horace F. Allen, Alfred D. Allen, Maria Kennedy, Elizabeth Maxwell, Franklin Allen, Florence A. Allen and Charlotte Oliva Allen. $5 to Elisha Allen if he lives to age 21; if not, $5 to Horace F. Allen. Furniture to brother Augustus F. Allen. Furniture at his home to brother Dascum? Allen, including furniture given to me by my sister Adaline before her decease. Books to Susan W. Allen and Margaret Allen. Remainder to brother Augustus F. Allen and brother Dascum? Allen.
Executors: Brothers
Augustus F. Allen and Dascum? Allen
Witnesses: O. Cook and J. L. Cook, both of Jamestown
p. 364, Naham Aldrich of town of Ellery, Chautauqua County, New York, signed 8 Dec 1843, recorded 12 May 1856.
Use of one-third of real estate to wife Augstine as long as she remains my widow. Land in Ellery to oldest son Moses Aldrich. Land in Ellery and $2000 secured by mortgage against F. Delos Brown and Samuel Brown to second son Francis Ugene Aldrich. $1300 to daughter Elvira Nancy Aldrich. The above-named heirs may come into possession of their property as soon as they become of lawful age.
Executors: William S. Aldrich and Abijah Clark
Witnesses: William S. Aldrich and Abijah Clark, both of Ellery
End of volume 2 of Chautauqua County wills