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 [ ]. This will was recorded in
Washington Co, PA Courthouse Vol 8, Pg 119.
WILL OF ALLISON DeFRANCE
I, Allison Defrance of Donegal Township in County of
Washington and State of Pennsylvania. Being of sound mind,
memory, and understanding do make and publish this my last
will and testament, hereby revoking and making void all
former wills by me at any time [hereofone] made.
And first I direct that my body be decently interned, and
direct that my funeral expenses, and all my just debts be
paid by my executor as soon as is convenient after my decease
further I will to my beloved Wife Martha Defrance the house
we now live in with a sufficient quantity of fine [wool] for
and during her natural life and further I will the rents of
my farm to my beloved wife during her natural life for her
support during her life. I also will to her all my household
and kitchen furniture for and during the term of her natural
life. In lieu of her [....] I will and bequeath to my three
Daughters [...] Jane Defrance intermarried with Abraham
Morrow, Martha Defrance intermarried with John Miller, the
sum of two hundred dollars each, and my Daughter Elizabeth
Ann Defrance intermarried with Joseph McCrath, to get the sum
of three hundred and twenty six dollars, the above legacys to
be paid as soon as the [same] [....] be realized out of the
proceeds of the sale of my property after the death of my
beloved wife, and further I will to my sons, Hugh Defrance,
James Defrance, Caldwell Defrance, Charles Defrance, Allison
Defrance, Freegift Defrance and William Defrance and the
heirs of John Defrance, the [........] of my estate, to be
equally divided amongst them, Share and Share alike, Johns
[....] to get, in the whole one share, except Alison and
william, to have horse saddle and bridle each, over and
above the rest, And further I will that My Executors herein
after named shall sell my personal property not bequeathed to
my beloved wife as soon as may be convenient after my
decease, and further I will that my real estate be sold by
my Executors as soon as they may think best after the decease
[..] my beloved Wife, And hereby constitute and appoint My
son Hugh Defrance and Nicholas [.....] Esq. my Executors to
carry out the intentions of this my last will and testament,
In witness hereof I Allison Defrance, the testator, have to
this my will, set my hand and seal, this 4th day of May, in
the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty
eight, Signed sealed, and published and declare by the above
named Alison Defrance, [....] for his last will and
testament, in the presence of us who have hereunto subscribed
our names, as witnesses thereto, in the presence of the said
testator and of each other,
(Signed) Allison Defrance
(Signed) Thomas J. McCleary
(Signed) [Uriah] Hartsock
Washington County Ss: Be it remembered that on the 21st day
of March A.D. 1859 Before me H. J. Vankirk, Register for the
probate of wills and granting letters of administration in
and for said County came Thomas J McCleary & [Uriah] Hartsock
the Subscribing witnesses to the within [oforegoing] will of
Allison Defrance dic. who after being duly qualified
according to law depose say that they were present at the
execution of said will and saw the said testator sign his
name thereto, that they heard him publish, pronounce and
declare the same as and for his last will and testament, that
at his request, in his presence, and in the presence of each
other. they subscribed their names thereto as witnesses: And
that at the time of so doing the said testator was of sound
and disposing mind, memory and understanding to the best of
their judgement, observation and belief.
Affirmed to and Subscribed before me
(Signed) H. J. Vankirk Regr.
(Signed) Thomas J. McCleary
(Signed) [Uriah] Hartsock