John Keepers (Group 10) Will
dated November 5, 1811
(Transcribed from a copy of the
original.)
In
the Name of God, Amen. I, John Keepers
of the Borough of Connellsville in the County of Fayette, Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania, being of sick and weak of Body but of sound and perfect
understanding and memory – calling to mind the uncertainty of life. Knowing
that it is appointed unto all men once to die, I do make this my last will and
testament. First, I do commit my Soul
unto God who gave it and my Body to be buried in a plain decent manner in the
Earth in hopes of a Glorious Resurrection.
Item first it is my will and I do order that all my just debts and
funeral expenses be duly paid and satisfied as conveniently and as soon as can
be after my decease. And first of all
the Estate, which by right of law belongs to me being a legacy from my Father
in Law, Thomas Kuts [probably KUTZ], to his daughter Susanna --- Stepheirs: Alexander
Thomas, Joseph, John, Samuel, and William to be equally divided amongst them
all as become of age. I also give and
bequeath to my well beloved wife, Sally Keepers, the one third part of all the
residue of my real and personal Estate and further she is to keep the house and
lot I now possess in Connellsville in her own occupancy, etc., full use for the
purpose of raising my younger children --- And also it is my will that as soon
as my younger Boy’s arrives to suitable ages, they be put out to such trades as
may be thought most proper, and if my wife with the advice and approbation my other
Executor may think it best after my younger sons be put out to trades, they may
sell the house and lot aforesaid and after dividing to her her lawful share
thereof, the residue is to be put out to interest and divided between my two
Youngest Daughters, Sally and Eliza, as they arrive at 18 years of Age, but
this Altogether Optional with my wife and Executor. And lastly, I do constitute and appoint my said Sally, Executrix,
and my trusty friend, Anthony M. Banning, of the Borough of Connellsville, to
be my Executor of this My 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 fifth day of November in the year of
our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eleven, 1811.
[Signed] John Keepers
Signed,
sealed, published and declared by the said Testator as his last will and
testament in the presence of us, who in his presence and at his request have subscribed
as witnesses:
Jas. Franciss
David Millhouse
Sworn with uplifted hand same day
Wm Davis
Affirmed 20th Dec.
Executrix
qualified 20th December, 1811
[Note: On Dec. 19, 1811, the Register of Fayette Co., Alexander McClean, authorized the deposition of two of the signing witnesses, authorized the oath or Affirmation of Office to be given to the Executrix, and noted that “Anthony Banning under his hand dated 14th Instant renounced his Executorship.” – JKK]
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