The following transcription was submitted by Charles
T. DeFrance of DeLand, FL for inclusion at the Genealogy
in Washington Co., PA web site in December 1997.
Charles writes:
Additions to the transcription are enclosed in parentheses ( ). Questions
of readability are enclosed in brackets [ ]. The will recorded in Washington
Co, PA Courthouse Vol 5, Pg 436.
WILL OF JOHN DeFRANCE
In the name of God Amen
I, John Defrance of Cross Creek Township in County of
Washington and State of Pennsylvania. Being weak in Body, but
of sound mind and memory. Blessed be Almighty God for the
same do make and publish this my last Will and Testiment in
Manner and form following, [...].
Item It is My Will and I do order that all my just debts and
funeral expenses be paid and duly satisfied as soon as
conveniently can be After My decease.
Item It is my Will. and I do order that as soon as
conveniently can be after My decease, My Executors herein
After named shall [at] publish [....] sell all my real and
Personal Estate.
Item I Give and bequeath unto My beloved wife Martha
Defrance all my house hold and kitchen furniture, and one
hundred dollars in money.
Item I give and bequeath unto my son Hugh Defrance three
hundred and fifty dollars. My Silver Watch, and all my
wearing appearel.
Item It is my Will and I do order. that the remainder Of My
Estate be Divided equally Amongest My children to wit. Hugh
Defrance, Sarah M.Carty, Allison Defrance, Rebecca Defrance,
Ann Crea, Jane Allender, Mariah Ewing and the heirs of my
Daughter Martha Donehoo, deceased, namely her two children
John and Nancy Donehoo.
Item I allow and order that before the last mentioned equal
distribution of my estate be made that my Grand Child Thomas,
Son of my Daughter Ruth, deceased, receive out of my estate
fifty dollars. to put out at interest as soon as convenient
After my decease, and to be given him as soon as he arives at
the age of twenty one years.
Item One Mare that Jane Allender got to [...] for the sum of
sixty dollars in her share.
Item It is further my Will that if My Wife or any of My
heirs should bring in any plea of debt against My estate,
further than in my will their part shall be only twenty
dollars.
I nominate and appoint my Trusty friends James Simpson of
Smith Township, Washington County, Pa and James Donehoo of
Cross Creed Township in same County of Washington, the
Executors of this My last Will and Testiment. In witness
whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal, this twenty
eighth day of June in the year of our Lord One thousand eight
hundred and thirty eight.
(Signed) John Defrance
Signed sealed published and pronounced by said Testator as
his last Will and Testament in the presence of us, who in his
presence and at his request have subscribed as Witnessed
herein to.
Attest
(Signed) B.F. Murray
(Signed) William [Magill]
Washington County Pa. Be it remembered that on this [8th]
day of [december] A D 1838 before me [...] Cunningham
Register for the probate of wills and granting letters of
administration in and for said county came B.F. Murray and
William [Magill] the subscribing witnesses to the within
[....] Will and Testament of John Defrance dic. who being
duly [.....] on the law directly do [....] and say that they
were personally present and did see the Testator therein
named execute the will and did hear him publish pronounce and
declare the same as and for his last will and testament. That
at the time of [....] [....] he was of sound mind and
disposing mind memory and understanding to the best of their
knowledge [..........] and belief.
Affirmed to and subscribed before me
(Signed) [G...] Cunningham Regr.
(Signed) B.F. Murray
(Signed) William [Magill]