P

Fighting Widow's Will
Relatives Allege That Document Filed Was Not Made by Mrs. Parker.
Special to The Washington Post Cumberland, Md., June 30 - A caveat has been filed to the will of Laura Payne Parker, of Frostburg, who died about April 1, leaving about $50,000, to J. William Shea, who had been in the employ of Mrs. Parker and her late husband, Amos Parker, as drug clerk for more than ten years. Thomas Payne, a nephew, of Frostburg, Daisy Blazer, a niece, of Newmartinsville, W. Va., and her husband, Herschell Blazer, filed the caveat.
Mr. Payne and Mrs. Blazer were left $1 each. Mrs. Parker was in the midst of erection of a magnificent stone building when she died, and Mr. Shea continued the work until stopped by the proceedings of the caveators. Mrs. Parker left no children. Mr. Shea was a youth when he entered the employ of the Parkers. The will was dated February 23, 1901. The caveat alleges the will probated was not the will of Mrs. Parker, as she was not capable of making a will and that she was subjected to undue influences.
Friday, 1 July 1904;
The Washington Post (Washington, D. C.)

PATTERSON, John H.

John H Patterson’s Last Will and Testament

This will was on this 3rd day of January 1905 filed and sworn to as to custody by John W. Patterson, son of the testator, who made oath in due form of law; the he received the said will from the hands of Susan Patterson, the Executrix thereof for the purpose of filing in the Orphans’ Court for probate and record, and on the 9th day of January, 1905 it was proven by John Somerville, A.B. Shaw, and John W. Young the three subscribing witnesses thereto, and it was exhibited for probate and record and no objections to the same having been filed nor any caveat entered, the said will was by the Orphans Court on this 10th day of January 1905 admitted to probate and record.
Test: J. B. Shannon, Reg. of Wills
Recorded Wills Liber I folio 68

In the name of God, Amen. I John H. Patterson, of the village of Moscow, Allegany County in the state of Maryland being in perfect health of body and of sound and disposing mind, memory and understanding considering the certainty of death and the uncertainty of the time thereof; And being desirous to Settle my worldly affairs; and thereby be better prepared to leave this world when it shall please God to call me home, Do, therefore make and publish this my last will and testament in manner and form following that is to say:
First and principally I commit my soul into the hands of Almighty God and my body to the earth to be decently buried at the discretion of my Executrix herein after named. After my debts and funeral charges are paid; I divide and bequeath as follows: I Give and devise to my beloved wife Susan Patterson Three lots of Ground Situate in the village of Moscow Allegany County in the State of Maryland being the same lots of ground which was conveyed to John H. Patterson on the 11th day of March AD 1880 by A B Shaw and wife, which now stand recorded among the land records of Allegany County in Liber T.H. No 53 folio 475 etc. The said Susan Patterson is to enjoy and control the said described lots on parcel of ground with the improvements thereon; during the full term of her natural life; And after her death the lots of ground herein before described must pass to, and be the property of my children; “towit” Margret Patterson now married to Thomas Biddle; Catherine M Patterson married to Charles Kight; John W Patterson; Mary L Patterson married to C B Myers; Isabel Patterson maried to Robert Patrick; Elizabeth H Patterson married to Zadock Green; Thomas L. S. Patterson; Charles C Patterson, Ida May Patterson married to William T Barnes; Fany T Patterson, and Edward A Patterson, making Eleven Children; it is my desire that after the death of my wife Susan, that the above named children or their heirs or lawful representatives Shall Share and Share alike in the lots of ground and improvements thereon.
And lastly I do hereby constitute and appoint my dear wife Susan to be my Sole executrix of this my last will and testament, Revoking and annulling all former wills by me; heretofore made, Ratifying and confirming this and none other, to be my last will and testament.
In testimony whereof I hereto Set my hand and seal; this 12 day of December in the year of our Lord on thousand eight hundred and ninety

John H Patterson

Signed sealed, published and declared by the above names John H Patterson; as and for his last will and testament , in our presence and in his presence who at his request and in the presence of each other have hereto set our hands as witnesses hereto

Jno Somerville
A.B. Shaw
J.W. Young

April 18, 1904 Moscow Md

To whom it may concern I Susan Patterson apoint John W. Patterson administrator to look after and settle up all a/c after my death.

Edw A Patterson
Kathern Ayers
Ida M. Barnes

(Courtesy of Robin Larson)
Posted February 6, 2014

PENGELLY, John

In the name of God, amen
    I John Pengelly of the town of Eckhart Allegany County, state of Maryland being of sound and disposing mind and memory, knowing the certainty of death and the uncertainty of the time thereof do make this my last will and testament in manner and form folloiwng- That is to say-
First I commit my soul to the mercy of my Devine[sic] Father and my body to the earth to be burried[sic] as hereinafter directed.

Second- It is my will and desire and I hereby so direct that as soon as convenient after my demise my executors hereinafter named- shall after the payment of all my just debts, including the funeral expenses hereinafter specified and the Court Costs of the administration of my estate under this will- cause all my personal estate and real estate securities-to be equaly[sic] devided[sic] into three equal parts, in kind so far as practicable without loss and injury to my estate- and to distribute one of said three parts to each of my three daughters namely Annie Mary Stewart- Elizabeth Jane Gracie and Rachael Eckhart excepting however a bed-room set now used by me which I hereby bequeath to my daughter Rachael Eckhart. It being the intent of this will that each of the three daughters above named shall equally participate in the distribution of my equa[strike] personal estate with the ecceptions[sic] herein before of the bed-room set-

Third it is my will and desire and I hereby so direct and devise that the four Lots of Real Estate which I now own in the town of Eckhart aforesaid shall be devided[sic] as follows- that is to say I will and devise my Lot Number five (no 5) to my daughter Annie Mary Stewart together with any and all improvements thereon- I will and devise my Lot number six to my ^{sister-in-law} Catharine Simmons- together with the improvements thereon except and provided and subject to the directives contained in the next paragraph number four (no 4) I will and devise to my daughter Rachael Eckhart my Lot number seven (no. 7) together with the improvements- And to my daughtre[sic] Elizabeth Jane Gracie I will and devise my Lot Number eight (no 8) together with the improvements thereon- in fee simple to each of my said daughters and to their sole and seperate[sic] use with power to convey the same as femmes sole

Fourth it is my will and desire and I hereby so direct that a portion of Lot number six (Lot no 6) to wit a parcel of the same ten feet wide by ^{about one hundred and fifty feet long} running tl next and adjoining Lot number seven (Lot No 7) shall be taken from said Lot number six (Lot no 6) and added to Lot number seven (Lot no 7)- meaning hereby to enlarge Lot number seven by such a portion taken from Lot number six- And for the purpose of locating and ascertaining the respective lots hereinbefore devised reference is hereby made to a deed dated October the 8^h 1888, by William Worn to John Pengelly- ^{and all other conveyances pertinent} recorded in Liber T.L. No 65 folio 512- one of the Land Records for Allegany County-state of Maryland-

Fifth It is my further will and desire and I hereby so direct that the well of water now situate on Lot number five (Lot no 5) hereinbefore devised to Annie M. Stewart be and remain forever to common property of all of the above named devisees as a privelege[sic] appendent to their respective estates hereinbefore devised.

Sixth It is my will and desire and I so direct that my executors hereinafter named expend the sum of sixty dollars only upon my burrial[sic] #50.00 of the same to be expended with the undertaker and the balance upon incidental necessities.

Seventh- I hereby constitute and appoint James M. Mair and Rachael Eckhart the executors of this will without the requirement of bond and I hereby authorize the Orphans' Court for Allegany County to pass an order allowing each of above named executors the sum of twenty five dollars (#25⁰⁰) upon thier[sic] acceptance of the trust herein reposed the same to be in full for thier[sic] respective services and personal expenses-
     In testimony whereof I have hereunto signed my name and affixed my seal this 7^h day of December in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and ninety three

    John Pengelly (seal)
Signed-sealed-published and declared by the above named testator as and for his last will and testament- in the presence of us who at his request- in his presence and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses thereof-

                     {Albert Bender
Witnesses    {Fred Crowe
                    {David J. Lewis

Will filed 1 June 1895
Proven and Admitted to Probate 7 June 1895
Recorded Liber G, Folio 118 &c.

~Genie
Posted April 5, 2013

PETENBRINK, Henry

I, Henry Petenbrink of Corrigansville, County of Allegany, State of Maryland, being of sound and disposing mind, and capable of executing a valid deed or contract, do make, publish and declare this to be my last will and testament, hereby revoking all other wills or codicils heretofore by me made.
FIRST: I hereby direct and empower my executor hereinafter named to sell and dispose of all my estate, real, personal and mixed, and the proceeds derived from the sale of said property shall be distributed as follows:
1. I hereby direct my executor hereinafter named to pay all my just debts and funeral expenses.
2. I hereby give, devise and bequeath unto my wife, Hattie Petenbrink, the one-third (1/3) of my entire estate.
3. I hereby give, devise and bequeath the remaining two-thirds (2/3) of my estate unto my several children, namely: George Petenbrink, Corrigansville, Maryland; William Petenbrink, Corrigansville, Maryland; Edward Petenbrink, Scottdale, Pennsylvania; Harry Petenbrink, Mt. Savage, Maryland; Samuel Petenbrink, Wellersburg, Pennsylvania; Martha Clark, Corrigansville, Maryland; Clara Petenbrink, Corrigansville, Maryland; and Bertha Geiger, Connellsville, Pennsylvania, share and share alike; and should any of my children die, leaving issue, then the share of said deceased child shall go to the issue of child, per stirpes and not per capita.
SECOND: I hereby appoint my son, George Petenbrink to be the executor of this my last will and testament.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal this 14th day of June, 1930.

     Henry Petenbrink (seal)

Signed, sealed, published and declared by the above named testator as and for his last will and testament as and for his last will and testament in the presence of us, who at his request, in his presence, and the presence of each other, have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses.

     Chas C. Willison (?Mellison?)
     Geo P Paulman MD
     William O. Hersher

~Genie
Posted March 29, 2013

PHILLIPS, Elizabeth

In the name of God, Amen:
I, Elizabeth Philips, of Garrett County in the State of Maryland, being weak in body, but of sound and disposing mind, memory and understanding, considering the certainty of death, and the uncertainty of the time thereof, do therefore make and publish this my last Will and testament, as follows:
1st:- I direct that my Executrix, hereinafter named shall pay all of my just debts and funeral expenses out of the first money that may come into her posession[sic],
2nd:- I give and bequeath unto my dear daughter, Minnie Hinebaugh, all of my personal property of which I may die seized and possessed, including all monies, notes, securities or other evidences of money due me.
3rd:- I devise and bequeath unto my said daughter, Minnie Hinebaugh, all of my right, title and interest, both at law and in equity, in and to the estate of William Hoye, deceased,
[no "4th"]
5th:- I give and bequeath unto my dear grand son, Arthur Amick, a lot of ground situate in the town of Johnstown, Cambria County, in the State of Pennsylvania, but if my Executrix shall at any time before my said grand son arrives at the age of twenty one years, ascertain, and believe, that it will be for the best interest of my said grand son to sell the aforementioned lot she shall do so to the best advantage possible, at either public or private sale, and invest the net proceeds of such sale for the benefit and use of my said grand son, when he shall arrive at the age of twenty one yeas, but if he, my said grand son, should die before he arrives at the age of twenty one years, then the said lot, or the proceeds thereof shall go to the children of my said daughter, Minnie Hinebaugh, share and share alike.
6th:- I devise and direct that the lawful interest on one thousand dollars, which is now in the hands of my son-in-law, Rev. G. W. Amick, of Johnstown, Pa, be paid annually to my estate as long as my dear daughter, Minnie Hinebaugh shall live, and at her death then the said sum of One thousand dollars to be paid to my said grand son, Arthur Amick, or as soon as he becomes twenty one years of age after the death of my said daughter, Minnie Hinebaugh, but if my said grand son should die before he arrives at the age of twenty one years then the said One thousand dollars to be divided among the children of my said daughter, Minnie Hinebaugh, share and share alike.
7th:- I give and bequeath unto my dear daughter, Minnie Hinebaugh, a life interest in the net proceeds of the sale of Military lot number "860" and any other lands or effects of which I may died seized and possessed, and not hereinbefore mentioned, the proceeds to be invested as the law prescribes for an Executor to invest trust funds and the lawful interest to be paid annually to, and for the use of the said Minnie Hinebaugh during her liftime[sic], and after her death the said proceeds to be divided among the children of my said daughter, Minnie Hinebaugh, share and share alike.
8th:- I hereby authorize and empower my Executrix, hereinafter mentioned, to sell at either public or private sale, to the best advantage possible, any or all of my real estate, and to convey the same to the purchaser or purchasers, as fully and effectually as I could were I then living.
9th:- I hereby appoint my dear daughter, Minnie Hinebaugh, to be sole Executrix of this my last Will and testament, revoking all former Wills by me heretofore made, confirming this and none other to be my last Will and testament,
Witness my hand and seal this 2^d day of June 1896.
     Elizabeth Phillips (seal)
Signed, sealed, published and declared by the above named testatrix, as and for her last Will and testament in our presence, who at her request, in her presence and in the presence of each other have signed our names as witnesses thereto.
    Anna R. Towshend
    Ephraim J. Fringer
    W^m Hinebaugh

State of Maryland
   Garrett County, to wit:
On this 3rd day of August 1896, came Wm Hinebaugh and made oath in due form of law, that he does not know of any Will or Codicil of Elizabeth Phillips, late of Garrett County, deceased, other than the above instrument of writing and that he received the same from the testatrix on or about the 2nd day of June 1896.
   Test: J. W. White, Register

~Genie
Posted March 23, 2013

PLATTER, Jacob

I, Jacob Platter, in the County of Garrett and State of Maryland, being a Blacksmith and Farmer, being of sound and disposing mind and memory, do make publish and declare this to be my last Will and testament, hereby revoking all former Wills that may come, I will my Soul to God Amen:
And as to my worldly Estate and all the property real, personal or mixed of which I shall die seized and possessed or to which I shall be entitled at the time of decease, I devise, bequeath and dispose of in manner following, to wit:
My Will is that all my just debts and funeral expences[sic] shall by my Executor (herein after named) be paid out of my estate as soon after my decease as shall by him be found convenient. All the rest and residue of my estate real, personal and mixed of which I shall die seized and possessed or which I shall be entitled at my decease, I give devise and bequeath to my beloved Wife Catherine Platter, to have and to hold the same to her for and during the term of her natural life, after her death I will that the residue both real and personally shall be disposed of and equally divided among my legal heirs.
And lastly, I do nominate and appoint Catharine Platter, my beloved Wife and William M. Platter, my son, to be the Executrix and Executor of this my last Will and testament.
In witness whereof I the said Jacob Platter have to this my last Will and testament subscribed my name and affixed my seal this 29^th day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and ninety.
   Jacob (his X mark) Platter (seal)

Signed, sealed,published and declared by the said Jacob Platter, as and for his last Will and testament in the presence of us, who at his request and in his presence and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as witnesses thereunto.
Charles W. Platter Residing near Keyser, Garrett Co., Md.
Conrad Speicher          "         "        "           "        "     "
E. Benton Fuller           "         "   Grantsville "       "      "

Sworn 26 January 1891 by Charles W. Platter

~Genie
Posted December 7, 2013

PLUMMER, Jerom(??)

In the name of God Amen I Jerom Plummer Being of perfect mind & memory thanks be to the Lord for his mercies Doth ordain this to be my last will & testament. ~ I first give unto my Beloved son George Plummer a tract of land called Lociart flat and a Horse called Badger for the use of his education which is to be sold, likewise the Saddle and Bridle the farmer's utensils & Riffle for his use & property. ~ I likewise give unto my three Beloved Daughters named Elisabeth Plummer, Rebecca Plummer and Christean Plummer a tract of land called Great Friendship containing forty nine and one quarter of an acre of land a tract of land I also give to the above named daughters called White Oak Hollow containg Forty seven acres and also the cows, sheep, hoggs[sic] and all the moveable to be sold & the above mentioned land to be sold & put out to use till they shall come of age. I request all the funeral charges to be paid and Lawful Debts to be settled in or out their part.
As witness my hand & seal this 11th day of July in the year of our Lord 1796.
Witness: ~ Michl. Hays           }
William Hendrickson &          } Jerom Plummer Jun^r.
Saml. Harris                          }

On the 26 day of August 1796 came Sarah Plummer widow of the above named Jerom Plummer & renounced the will above mentioned & claims her third part of the Deceased's Estate both Real & personal before me as witness her hand & seal.

     Sarah (her X mark) Plummer (seal)

Allegany County, to wit, August 26, 1796.
Then came William Hendrickson & Michael Hays tow of the subscribing witnesses to the aforegoing Last will & testament of Jerom Plummer, late of Allegany County, Dec^d, and severally made oath on the Holy Evangely of Almighty God that they did see the testator therein named sign and seal this will, that they heard him publish, pronounce and declare the same to be his Last will and testament, that at the time of his so doing he was to the best of their apprehension of sound and disposing mind, memory and understanding, that they Respectively subscribed their names as witnesses to this will in the presence and at the [request of the] testator & in the presence of each other.
Sworn before me
   William McMahon, Register for A. County.

~Genie
Posted March 7, 2013

POLEMAN, Frederick

In the name of God Amen:
I Frederick Poleman of District No 8, Garrett County, in the State of Maryland, bein gin fair health of body, of sound and disposing mind, memory and understanding, considering the certainty of death, and the uncertainty of the time thereof, and being desirous to settle my worldly affairs, and thereby ^to^ be the better prepared to leave this world; when it shall please God to call me hence, do therefore make and publish this mylast Will and Testament, in manner and form following, that is to say:
First and principally I commit my soul into the hands of the Almighty God and my body to Mother earth, to be decently buried at the discretion of my beloved wife. Whereas it has pleased the Almighty to allow me with the assistance of my good wife to accumulate some of this worlds goods. Therefore after my unpretentding funeral charges, and my just debts are paid, I give devise and bequeath to my three Children now living, and named Henry Poleman, Elisabeth Layman and Sally Poleman, each Five dollars in money, and to the heirs of William Poleman, deceased, also Five dollars in money, all to be paid at the end of Twelve month[sic] after my death. The remaining property both personal and Real, as well as all my money, notes, bonds and accounts, I give, devise and bequeath to my beloved wife, Catharine Polemann, as well all evidences of debts whatsoever that I may own and possess at the time of my death.
And lastly I do hereby constitute and appoint my said wife Catharine Poleman to be sole Executrix of this my last Will and Testament.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this 19th day of September, in the year of our Lord Eighteen hundred and eighty one.

*Frinderieg Pollmerin (seal)
(Eng) Frederick Pollman

[*the normal German spelling is Friedrich, but it looks like "Frinderieg" in this document. I suspect "Pollmerin" may be the original German spelling with Poleman/Pollman being Anglecized ~Genie]

Signed, sealed published and declared by Frederick Poleman, the above Testator, as and for his last Will and Testament, in the presence of us, who at his request, in his presence, and in the presence of each other, have subscribed our names a[sic] witnesses thereto.
    Henry Smouse
    Francis Spicer
    Oliver G. Getty

State of Maryland, Garrett County, to wit:
On this 24th day of January 1888, came Henry Winterberg, and made ^affirmation in due form of law that the aforegoing instrument of writing is the true whole last Will and Testament of Frederick Pollman, late of Garrett County, deceased, that has come to his hands or possession, and that he does not know of any other, and that he received the same from Frederick Pollman on or about the 19th day of September 1881.
     Samuel Lawton, Register

State of Maryland, Garrett County to wit:
On this 24th day of January, 1888, came Henry Smouse, Francis Spicer, and Oliver G. Getty, the three subscribing witnesses to the aforegoing last Will and Testament of Frederick Pollman, late of Garrett County, deceased, and made oath in due form of law that they did see the Testator sign and seal this will, that they heard him publish, pronounce and declare the same to be his last will and testament, that at the time of so doing he was to the best of their apprehension of sound and disposing mind, memory and understanding, and that they together, signed their names as witnesses to this will in his presence, at his request and in the presence of each other.

     Samuel Lawton, Register

~Genie
Posted March 1, 2013

PORTER, John Barcus(?)

In the name of God, Amen. I, John Barcus(?) Porter, being of sound mind, but in a very low state of badily helth, and therefore feel myself admonished to leave my earthly affairs in such a condition as to me seems to be most judiious, that when Almighty God calls me to my last account, I may leave all my earthly
affairs settled so far as possible, do make this my last will and Testament. And

Item 1. I desire that I should be buried in the Grave yard in the Town of Frostburg closely ???[unreadable] two children I have deposited there, and my funeral to be conducted at the discretion of my wife & friends in general, and the expenses attending the funeral I wish to be paid out of the first moneys coming in from the sale of property which maybe made after my death.

Item 2. I direct that my Father-in-law, Mr. David Percy, act as the Executor of my estate, and that he dispose of my effects as follows, viz:
+a+ He may make a sale of such property as he & my wife, Ellen, may think advisable at such time, as to therin[sic] may appear most convenient, at the same time I wish my wife Ellen to keep such articles of house
furniture and other things as she may want

+b+ And that, after all funeral expenses and debts, if any, are paid, my wife Ellen have entire controll[sic] of the ballance[sic] of the money whatever it may be.

Item 3. I direct also that my Executor endeavor to ascertain the number of the lot upon which I have erected a house in the little peace[sic] called Maurantown and that he collect the rent yearly for the use and benefit of my wife Ellen and my surviving children.

Item 4. And now as I have disposed of my earthly goods to the best of my ability, I now wish to leave my testimony in regard to the spirit = ?? ?? welfare
of my own soul as well as that of my family. And

= a = I hereby commit my soul to God who gave it, and my body to the ground from which it has come. I have to the utmost of my ability endeavored to give myself to God, and I am desirous of leaving this testmony behind
me, that Jesus Christ has pardoned me of my sins and has accepted me by his grace & the merits of his own blood, for this unmerited love and mercy on his part I hope to be able to praise & bless him forever in his holy Kingdom.,

C[sic "b"] = I am also desirous of expressing my wish in regard to the family which I
expect to leave behind. I desire that my children should be trained up in the fear of the Lord as much as possible, and that they be carefully instructed in the doctrines of the Lutheran Church, and that their clothing & education should be according to their circumstances
& condition of life.

PORTER, Moses

In the name of God Amen. I Moses Porter of Allegany County in the State of Maryland, being very sick and weak in body, but of a perfect, sound and disposing mind & memory thanks to Almighty God therefor and calling to mind the mortality of my body, knowing that is appointed for all men to die, do make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner and form following. First & principally I reccommend[sic] my soul into the hands of Almighty God who gave it in sure and certain hopes of the resurrection from the dead by the mighty power of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and my Body to the earth to be buried in a Christian like and decent manner at the discretion of my Executors hereinafter mentioned and maned, and as touchig such worldly Estate wherewith it hath pleased Almighty God to bless me with in this life I give, devise and Dispose of the same in manner and form following.
It is my will and I do hereby order that all my just debts & funeral charges be fully paid and satisfied ~

Item I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Margaret, during her lifetime or widowhood the full use & benefit of the House and plantation I may live upon at my decease known and distinguished by Lots No 3395, 3396 together with a resurvey added thereto of thirty seven and one half acre, the whole together containing one hundred and thirty seven ^acres & one half acre, together with all my stock, farming utensils, Household furniture and whatsoever else to me in ppertaining, to be by her enjoyed during her lifetime or widowhood but should she marry she is to put up with her Dower and the neat (?) proceed to be applied to the use of my children mutually. ~

Item, I give and bequeath unto my beloved children viz: to Aaron Porter, John Porter, William Porter, Joshua Porter, Bethel Porter, Eleanor Porter, Thomas Porter, Moses Porter & Sarah Porter all that farm or plantation I may live on at my decease (viz) All that piece, parcel or tract of land known and distinguished by Lotts[sic] No. 3395, 3396 together with a resurvey added thereto ^containing of thirty seven acres and one half acre, together with all my stock, farming utensils, Household Furniture and all things else to me appertaining only subject to their mother's bequeathment, to be equally divided amongst them, that is to say, share and share alike to them their Heirs & assigns forever. ~

And lastly I do hereby nominate, constitute, ^and appoint my well beloved wife Margaret Porter Executrix & my beloved brother John Porter Executor of this my last will and testament hereby making and disallowing all and every former or other will by me made or done, Ratifying and confirming this and none other to be my last will & testament in manner & form afforesaid[sic]
In testimony whereof I the said Moses Porter have hereunto set my hand and seal this tenth day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety four.~~
Moses (his X mark) Porter (seal)

Signed, sealed, published, declar'd & pronounced by the said Moses Porter to be his Last Will and Testament, and that at doing the same he was & appeared to be in perfect and sound disposing mind and memory and that we signed our names thereto at his request & in the presence of each other.

William Shaw
Aaron MacKenzie
Mich^l" (his X mark) Porter

Sworn, Proven & Admitted to Probate 3 Jan 1795

~Genie
Posted June 16, 2012

PORTER, William

In the name of God Amen. I William Porter of Allegheny (sic) County in the State of Maryland being far advanced in life and being afflicted and infirm of body but of sound and disposing mind, memory, and understanding, with a view of Settling my worldly affairs that I may be prepared to meet my ..... composure do make and constitute this my last will and testament in the manner and form following, hereby annulling and revoking all former wills by me at any time made.
In the first place. I resign my Spirit at my death unto the hands of my merciful .... in hopes of finding everlasting Salvation and happiness through my Redeemer; and my [body] I commit to the care of Ececutor hereinafter named to be buried in a becoming manner.
Secondly, I will and direct that my funeral expenses and all my Just debts shall be paid out of my Estate by my Executor in a reasonable time after my decease.
Thirdly, I give and bequeath unto my beloved daughter Lindy Logsdon wife of Laurence Logsdon the sum of one hundred dollars; also to my beloved daughter Sarah Logsdon wife of Anthony Logsdon, the sum of one hundred dollars; Also to my beloved daughter Mary [Margaret] Burley wife of John Burley the sum of one hundred dollars; Also to my beloved daughter Catherine Porter the sum of one hundred dollars; Also to my son John E. Porter the sum of three hundred dollars, all of which Said Legacies or bequests I hereby direct to be paid by my executor in a reasonable time after my decease.
Fourthly I give and devise unto my Sons Moses Porter, Thomas Porter and William Nelson Porter all the rest and residue of my estate real personal and will or that was or shall hereafter in any manner acquire before the time of my death, with same request however, and with full confodence and expectations that my said three sons will affectionately and carefully support, protect, and provide for my dearly belved wife Mary during her natural life, in the event of her Surviving me, and it is further my will and desire that if my Said three Sons Moses, Thomas, and William Nelson shall die single and unmarried then and in such case the portions to which my Said Son or sons so dying, shall and may be entitled to, out of my said estate shall vest in and become the Property of the Survivor or survivors among my said three sons and his or their heirs.
Fifthly, and lastly, I hereby constitute my son Moses Porter Sole Executor of this my said last will and testament.

In Testimony whereof I have hereunto Subscribed my name and affixed my Seal this twenthey (sic) day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty Six.

signed, sealed and executed and                                                     William (his X mark) Porter {seal}
Pronounced by the Testator to be his
last will and testament, in the pre-
Sence and hearing of us the under-
Signed who at his request and in his
presence and in the presence of each
other have hereunto Subscribed our names
as witnesses the day and year afore written.
John Porter, James M. Porter,
William R. Porter

Bedford County - I, Jos. B. Noble, Prothinotary of the Court of Common Pleas for and ....County do certify that at a Court of Common Pleas held ______ in and for the said County on the twenty third day of January AD 1844 on an issue joined to try the validity of the foregoing will wherein Moses Porter was Plaintiff and John Burley and William Porter were defendants. A Jury being called, came, to wit: John Wil___ ___art, William Fluck, Henry Mattingly, Esq. Adam Dibert, John Brown, Danice Cook, Paul Paul Mock, Andrew McCleary, Abraham Bussane, Adam P. Thomas, James Rawlings, & John Nicidemis, who being duly sworn or affirmed (on same day) respectively do say that they find for the Plaintiff, and do further find that the words “the sum of one hundred dollars in bequest to Margaret Burley, wife of John Burley”, were at the time of executing the Said will if William Porter a part of of the same of the same, and are Still properly a part thereof, and that the words five [hundred] dollars interlined by John Porter were not at the time of execution thereof were not a part of the Testators last will. I further certify that at an __-Adjourned Court held as above on the 6th day of March 1844 on motions of Wm Lynn Esqr, atty for Pliff Judgement was entered on the verdict.
{seal of the Court of Common Pleas}   In testimony whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and affixed the seal of Said Court at Bedford the 8th day of March AD 1844
        Jos. B. Noble Prot.

Be it remembered that on the 28th day of March AD 1844 Letters Testament were issued to Moses Porter Executor in the foregoing will names he having been first duley sworn according to Law.
        Jas Bouman Dep. Reg.

(Courtesy of Dick Koch)
Posted July 6, 2013

PRATHER, James

In the name of God, I, James Prather of Allegany County and State of Maryland, being weak and infirm in body, but of a sound, disposing mind, considering the certainty of death and the uncertainty of the time thereof, and being desirous to settle my worldly affairs and thereby be the better prepared to leave this world when it shall please God to call me hence, do therefore make and publish this my last will and testament in manner following, that is to say, ~
First and principally, I commit my soul into the hands of Almighty God, and my body to the earth, to be decently buried at the discretion of my Executor hereinafter named, and after my debts are paid and my wife's thirds taken out of my property I devise and bequeath as follows,
I give and bequeath to my son, Charles Prather all that tract of land I purchased of Conrad Pusinger, lying in Hampshire County and Commonwealth of Virginia, forever. ~ ~
I give and bequeath unto my said son Charles all that tract of land I purchased of Nancy Jackson lying in Hampshire County, and Commonwealth of Virginia aforesaid forever. ~
I also give and bequeath to my son Charles Four hundred dollars., ~ Now it is my will and desire that if my said son Charles does not within two years next after my decease appear before my Executors and claim in person the above mentioned two tracts of land and the four hundred dollars then in that case he failing so to do, the above mentioned two tracts of land and the four hundred dollars shall be disposed of by my Executors as my personal property. ~
I give and bequeath to my son James Prather the residue of the land I own in the County of Hampshire and Commonwealth of Virginia, and all the lands I own in Allegany County and State of Maryland to be held by him in fee simple.
I also give and bequeath unto my son James Four hundred dollars and my negro man named Harry. ~ ~
I give and bequeath to my son Basil Prather and to my daughters Elizabeth, Mary, Martha, Caty and Ruth the sum of Four Hundred dollars each. ~
I will and desire that the residue of my real and personal property be sold and the money arising from the sale to be equally divided among all my children.
And lastly I do constitute my son James Prather and Daniel Collins my Executors of this my last will and testament, hereby revoking and annulling all former wills by me made ratifying and confirming this and none other to be my last will and testament. ~
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this tenth day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and sixteen. ~
Signed, sealed, published and declared          }
by James Prather, the above and within         } James Prather (seal)
named testator, as and for his last will           }
and testament in the presence of us, who      }
at his request, in his presence and in the       }
presence of each other have subscribed our   }
names as witnesses thereto. ~                     }
Saml. McBride          Geo. W. Glaze                       }
         Nathan Buness[??]

Proven 8 December 1818 by Samuel McBride and George W. Glaze
Sworn in Court; Test ~ Charles Heck Register

~Genie
Posted October 5, 2013

PRATHER, Sarah

In the name of God, Amen, I Sarah Prather of Allegany County, Maryland, knowing the uncertainty of life, and anxious to settle and dispose of my earthly property, do make and ordain this present instrument of writing my last will and testament in manner and form following
First- I commend my soul to God, hoping and trusting for eternal life through the merits of Christ my Redeemer, and my body to be decently buried, and funeral charges paid out my estate.
First, I will and direct that my female slave Susanna, a woman of color be free and discharged from the service of my heirs and each and all of them from and on the first day of May that will be, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty one and that her child or children that she now has, or hereafter my have before that period, be also free and discharged from the service of my heirs and each & all of them, when they the said children of Susanna shall arrive severally at the age of twenty eight years, that is to say, her male children, and her female children at the age of twenty five years, save only one female child called Jane, hereinafter bequeathed to my grand- Daughter Elizabeth Riely, who is to be free at the age of twenty eight years, and it is my will that my said female slave Susanna and all her children save the said Jane be and remain in the service of my daughter Ruth Collins and her heirs during the time of their servitude, that they be appraised as to the value of their time of service, and the amount of said valuation to be paid by my said daughter Ruth, and be assesed for distribution as part of my estate.
And it is my will that all my estate after my estate^deceasebe equally divided among my children James, Sarah, Ruth, Charles, Basil, and Jeremy, but in as much as my daughter Jane has had an advance of seven hundred and ten dollars it is therefore my will that the said seven hundred and ten dollars be considered as her part of my estate, and an equal division made among my aforesaid children accordingly but I give to my grand daughter Elizabeth Riely one hundred dollars to be paid out of my estate soon after my decease provided she gives sufficient & legal proof that she will liberate Jane at the age of twenty eight years, ~
Lastly I hereby nominate and appoint my son James Executor to this my last will and testament and in testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal this 9th day of August 1824.
Signed, sealed, published ^pronounced and declared                    }
by the Testatrix to be her last will, ^{and testament} before us         }         Sarah Prather (seal)
and each other presenced[sic]. ~ ~ ~                                    }
John J. Jacobs Susan Jacobs
Sophia Lantz

Sworn 15 December 1824 by John J. Jacobs
Proven 15 December 1824 by John J. Jacobs & Sophia Lantz
Affirmed and Sworn before
Charles Heck, Register

~Genie
Posted October 5, 2013