Ann Keepers (Group 1) Will

dated December 3, 1838

In the name of God, Amen. I, Ann Keepers, of the township of West Marlborough, County of Chester and State of Pennsylvania, being weak of body but of sound mind, memory and understanding, do make and publish this my last will and testament in manner and form following, to wit:

First – It is my will and I do order that all my just debts and funeral expenses be paid and satisfied as soon as conveniently can be after my decease.

Item – I give and bequeath unto my daughter Catherine Keepers all my household and kitchen furniture.

Item – I give and bequeath unto my natural daughter, Ann Rubincam and her heirs, three hundred dollars.

Item – I give and bequeath unto David Rubincam, the husband of my natural daughter Ann, and his heirs, three hundred dollars.

Item – It is my will and I hereby give and bequeath unto my children, namely Catherine Keepers, John Keepers, the heirs of my deceased daughter Jane Woodward who was intermarried with Jesse Woodward, Elizabeth Jackson intermarried with Hayes Jackson, and each of their heirs, all the residue and remainder of my estate real and personal of what kind or nature-soever the same may be, to be divided amongst them equally share and share alike.

And lastly – I nominate, constitute and appoint my friend Jacob Chalfant, Jr., and my son-in-law Hayes Jackson to be the Executors of this my last will hereby revoking all other wills, legacies and bequests by me heretofore made and declaring this, and no other, to be my last will and testament.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this third day of December one thousand eight hundred and thirty-eight.

Witnesses: Joseph Rennock, Jr., and Enoch Harlan

Ann Keepers signed by mark.

The will was proved on December 28, 1838: James Walker, Register.

Caveat Against

Ann Keepers’ Will

December 20,1838

To James Walker, Esquire, Register of Chester County:

Please to take notice that I, Hayes Jackson, in sight of my wife, Elizabeth, who is the daughter and one of the heirs at law of Ann Keepers, late of the Township of West Marlborough in the County of Chester, deceased, hereby object on my own account and on behalf of the minor children of Jesse Woodward, and John and Joseph Keepers who reside in the State of Ohio, and enter this our caveat against the probate of any paper writing purporting to be the last will and testament of the said Ann Keepers.

Signed: Hayes Jackson, West Chester

Caveat withdrawn --- December 28, 1838.

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Inventory of Ann Keepers’ Estate

filed December 28, 1838

The accounting of Ann Keepers’ estate that appears below was taken and appraised by Isaac Jeffers and Caleb Wickersham on December 24, 1838. The inventory was filed with John Taggart, Chester County Justice of the Peace, on December 27, 1838.

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Administration Account of Ann Keepers estate

filed February 6, 1840 by Hayes Jackson

On November 9, 1839, an Order of Sale was issued by the Orphans Court at West Chester, PA, that “ Thomas Jackson, Guardian of the persons and estates of Elizabeth, Mary, Ann, William, Catharine and Sarah Jane Woodward, minor children of Jesse Woodward, deceased,” for the real estate described as: “a certain plantation and tract of land situate in the Townships of West Marlborough & Newlin, bounded by lands of William Butler, Preston Fleming, Hayes Jackson, and others, containing ninety acres of land be the same more or less with the appurtenances for the benefit of the said minors...”

The said guardian was authorized to sell the property at public sale on the premises on December 12, 1839. The sale was later reported to have been sold to (Mr.??) Jefferis for the sum of $984.69, “he being the highest and best bidder.” The undated report was signed by Thomas Jackson, Guardian.