Will: Jacob Hoover (1801)

Jacob Hoover of Woodberry Township, Bedford County, Pennsylvania wrote his last will & testament on 10 Nov 1800.1 It was proved 2 Mar 1801. Here’s a transcription:

In the name of God Amen I Jacob Hoover of Wood
berry Township Bedford County & State of Pennsylvania being weak
of Body but of Sound Mind and Memory and Understanding blessed be God
for the same Do make and Publish this my Last will & Testament in man
ner and form Following to wit [?] , and first of all I Commend
my Immortal Soul into the hand of Good [sic] who gave it, and my body to the
Earth to be Buried in a Christian like manner at the Discretion of my
Executors herein after Named and as to Such wordly [sic] Estate wherewith it hath
Blessed God to bless me in this Life I give and Dispose of the same in the
following Manner to wit I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Anna Hoover
her heirs or assigns the sum of one hundred and Twenty seven pounds Lawful money
of Pennsylvania which money she has Securities for in her own name I also give
unto her heirs or assigns the further sum of five pounds three shilligs [sic] and nine
pence to be paid out to her out of my property at my Decease I also give and bequeath
unto her her heirs or assigns all my household Goods and Movable Effects (Except
what money I have either in hand or otherwise belonging to me) I also give
unto her the whole Use Possession and benefit of the Plantation I now live on with
all the Appurtenances I now live on with all the appurtenances [sic] thereunto belong
ing During the full term of her Natural Life And at her Decease to be [?] or
sold and added to the rest of my Estate and Divided as is herein after Directed
I also give and bequeath unto my son Henry Hoover that Just Sum of four shillings
Good and Lawful money of Pennsylvania and as to all the Rest Residue and
Remainder of my estate of what Kind and Nature so ever I allow to be Divided
into Ten Equal parts or shares; And I Do hereby give and bequeath to my
Martin Hoover one full share I also Give and bequeath to my son John
Hoover one full share I also Give and bequeath to my Daughter Anne
Houser one full share I also give and bequeath to my son Christopher
Hoover one full share I also Give and bequeath to my Daughter Barba
ra Rice one full share I also give and bequeath to my Daughter Frena [Hoover]
one full share I also give and bequeath to my Daughter Madlina Rorah one
full share I also give & bequeath to my son Peter Hoover one full share
except [twenty] five pounds which is to be reduced out of his share I also
give and bequeath to my son Abraham Hoover one full share Except twe[n]
ty five pounds which is to be reduced out of his share I also give & be
queath unto my two grandsons Christophel and Andrew Hoover [?]
of my [?] [son] Henry Hoover one full share Except Twenty five
pounds which is to be reduced from their share And the sum of [?] five Pounds [?]
is to be reduced out of the [?] Last mentioned share I give  & bequeath unto my [son]
Jacob Hoover with what he has before Received which is to be all his part and
the share which I bequeath to my two grand sons Christophel and Andrew Hoover
I allow to be equally Divided between them Each to have an Equal part thereof
And Lastly I nominate, Constitute  Ordain and Appoint my two Trusty son
in-laws Martin Houser of Woodberry Township Bedford County & State of Pennsyl
vania & Jacob Rice of Washington County and state of Maryland to be the [sole
Executors of this my Last Will & Testament And I do hereby utterly Disallow
Revoke and Disannul all and every other former Testaments Wills Legacies and be
quests by me in any way named and bequeathed Ratifying and Confirming
this and no Other to be my Last Will and Testament In Witness where
of I have hereunto set me hand and seal the tenth day of December in the year
of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred Jacob Huber (seal)

Signed Sealed Published and Declared by the
above named Jacob Hoover to be his Last
Will and Testament in the presence of us
who have hereunto subscribed our names
as Witness in the Presence of the Testator~

We the Witnesses Do hereby Certify that
the words (her heirs or assigns) above lines [?]
fifteen and seventee was wrote and Interlined be
fore the Testator Signed his name thereunto
Jacob [Shoenfeld] [in German]
Peter his X mark Bower

Military Monday: Daniel E. Hoover

In honor of our nation’s birthday, I thought I’d highlight a relative who’d served his country during wartime. Since I shared Daniel’s gravestone photo last week, I thought I’d share his WWI draft card today.

Daniel E. Hoover WWI Draft Card, 1917

Daniel E. Hoover WWI Draft Card from 1917

Although the image is small, you can see that his full name was Daniel Edgar Hoover and he lived in Karthaus, Pennsylvania. He was born 16 Jul 1887 in Karthaus. He was a single, white, laborer who’d never served in the military before. He was short with a medium build, blue eyes and light brown hair.

These draft registration cards are available to subscribers on Ancestry.com.

Wordless Wednesday: The Greulichs

Charles Greulich family (c 1887)

Charles Greulich family (c 1887)

The Charles and Caroline (Wolf) Greulich family of East Greenville, Pennsylvania in 1887.

Back (L to R): Charles Ambrose, Irwin Franklin, Morris Linton, Lily Elenora, Chester Daniel

Middle (L to R): Nevin Wilson, Annie E., Hannah Louisa

Front (L to R): Flora, Karl Philipp, Carrie A., Caroline (Wolf), Katharine Jane, Elmer Calvin

Tombstone Tuesday: Daniel E. Hoover (1887-1966)

Daniel E. Hoover gravestone

Daniel E. Hoover gravestone

A gravestone photo of Daniel Edgar Hoover, only son of Reuben and Emma (Coleburn) Hoover, of Karthuas, Clearfield County, Pennsylvania, was born 16 Jul 1887 and died 11 Feb 1966. He was buried in the Oak Hill Cemetery in Oak Hill, Karthaus Township, Clearfield County, Pennsylvania. Daniel served during World World I.

Tombstone Tuesday: Joseph and Judith (Deisher) Snyder

Joseph Snyder and Judith Deisher tombstone

Joseph Snyder tombstone

A gravestone for Joseph Snyder and his wife Judith Deisher of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. Joseph was born 2 Jan 1826 in either Germany or Pennsylvania and died 4 Nov 1895 in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. He married circa 1855 Judith Deisher, daughter of Peter Deisher and Maria Trump. She was born 15 Aug 1830 in Pennsylvania and died 17 May 1906 in Upper Hanover Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. The couple is buried in the Goshenhoppen Cemetery in East Greenville, Pennsylvania.

The couple had children:

  1. Irwin Oscar Snyder
  2. Mary Jane Snyder
  3. Henry D. Snyder
  4. Clement D. Snyder
  5. Mahlon Snyder
  6. Amandus D. Snyder
  7. Mary Snyder
  8. Ida D. Snyder

Mortgage: Henry Snyder, 1830

1830 Mortgage of Henry Snyder

1830 Mortgage of Henry Snyder

Among my grandfather’s papers, I found the original document of a mortgage between Henry Snyder and George Hillegas for 62 acres 40 perches in Upper Hanover Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. The document was dated 17 Aug 1830! Here’s what it says:

“This Indenture made the third day of April in the year of our LORD One Thousand Eight Hundred and thirty Between Henry Snyder of Upper Hanover township in the County of Montgomery and State of Pennsylvania Cordwainer ~ of the first part, and George Hillegas Seneor [sic] of the same township county and state~ aforesaid Storekeeper ~ of the second part.

Whereas, the said party of the first part, in and by A certain obligation or writing obligatory bearing the date herewith, standeth bound unto the party of the second part, in the sum of fourteen hundred Dollars Lawful Money of Pennsylvania conditioned for the payment of the sum of seven hundred Dollars of lawful Gold of Silver Money current in the State of Pennsylvania, on the first day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty one, with the Lawful Interest for the same, as in and by the said Recited Obligation, and Condition thereof ~

as by the said obligation and the condition thereto, will fully appear: Now this Indenture witnesseth, that the said party of the first part, for and in consideration of the aforesaid obligation, and of the debt therein mentioned, and for the better securing the payment of the same at the times and in the manner in the said obligation specified, and for further consideration of one Dollar him in hand paid by the party of the second part, at and before the sealing and delivery of those presents, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, HATH granted, bargained, sold, released, and confirmed, and by these presents, DOTH, grant, bargain, sell, release and confirm unto the said party of the second part, his heirs and assigns, all that certain Messuage tenement and tract of land situate in Upper Hanover township in the County of Montgomery and State of Pennsylvania Beginning at a stone a corner of George Hillegas land by the same North thirty five degrees west one hundred fourteen perches and seven tenth of a perch to a stone a corner of the Reformed Congregation land by the same north forty one and one half degrees East forty perches six tenth of a perch to a stone a corner in said line of Jacob [?]oyers land, by the same south forty five degrees East twenty one perches and three tenth of a perch to a stone by the same North twenty seven degrees East nineteen perches to a stone by the same South fifty one degrees East seventeen perches and seven tenth of a perch to a stone by the same South thirty eight degrees West thirteen perches and [one?] tenth of a perch to a stone [?] the same South forty two degrees East twenty two perches to a stone by the same north forty eight and one half degrees East forty two perches to a stone in a line of Henry [?] land by the same South forty one & one half East twenty five perches and nine tenth of a perch to a stone by the same North fifty four degrees fifty minutes East eighty three perches and seven tenth of a perch to a stone by the same South forty seven degrees East eight perches to a line of James Ashmead land by the same South forty two and one quarter degrees west one hundred eighty eight perches and seven tenth to the place of Beginning Containing sixty two Acres forty perches of land (It being the same which Jacob Stoyer[?] Administrator to the will annexed of Godfreyd Wissler yeoman deceased by his Indenture dated the day previous the date hereof duly Acknowledged have granted and Confirmed unto the said Henry Snyder (party hereto) to hold the same to him his heirs and Assigns in fee as in and by said Recited Indenture, intended to be Recorded, Relation being thereunto had appears)

Together with all and singular the hereditaments and appurtenances thereunto belonging, and the remainders and reversions, rents, issues and the profits thereof; and all the estate, right, title and interest of him the said party of the first part, his heirs and assigns, of, in and to the same: To have and to hold the premises hereby granted, with the appurtenances, unto the said party of the second part, his heirs and assigns; to the use of the said party of the second part, his heirs and assigns forever. Provided always nevertheless, that if the said party of the first part, his heirs, executors or administrators, do and shall pay or cause to be paid to the said party of the second part, his executors, administrators or assigns, the aforesaid debt or sum of money in the said obligation and condition mentioned, at the times and in the manner therein specified and provided, then and thenceforth as well this Indenture as the estate hereby granted, shall determine and become void, any thing herein before contained to the contrary notwithstanding. In Witness whereof the said parties to these presents have hereunto interchangeably set their hands and seals the day and year first above written.

Henry Snyder (seal)

Sealed and delivered in the presence of
[written in German, can’t read]
Jacob Gerhard

Montgomery County Ss

On the third day of April Anno Domini 1830 before me Jacob Gerhard Esquire one of the Justices of the peace in and for said County personally appeared Henry Snyder the grantor above named and acknowledged the foregoing Indenture to be his act and deed. Witness my hand and seal the day and year just above written.

Jacob Gerhard (seal)

I haven’t done much primary research into this family, but I can’t imagine this document being saved and passed down unless either Henry Snyder was a relative or the document pertained to the farm of my great-great grandfather Henry D. Snyder. Additional research is needed to determine the truth of either hypothesis.

Almost Wordless Wednesday: Hocker Family Fishing

William Hocker and family

William Hocker and family

Fishing has always been a favorite pastime in my family. Both my Dad and Uncle Bill love to fish. My grandfather used to take us girls out fishing. This photo shows it’s been a family favorite for at one additional generation.

The photo is not labelled—big surprise—but I believe the man standing in the center with the fishing pole, wearing the white shirt and tie, is my great grandfather, William Hocker. The others may be his family members—quite likely—or friends.

Tombstone Tuesday: Emanuel Hocker (1842-1862)

Emanuel Hocker (1842-1862)

Emanuel Hocker (1842-1862)

A gravestone photo for Emanuel Hocker (11 Jul 1842-16 Nov 1862), son of George and Mary “Polly” (Brubaker) Hocker of Lower Paxton Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. He’s buried in Shoop’s Cemetery outside Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Friday Finds: An Old German Midwife’s Record

Update (7/4/2011): I’ve added the possible names of children and their parents where I have information. As you can see there’s more to add. If you have information that fits, please send me an email. Thanks.

An Old German Midwife's Record

An Old German Midwife’s Record, 1795-1815

Yesterday, I was poking around online trying to find Huber information when I came across the most wonderful article. I found a book entitled The American Ethnographical Survey, Conestoga Expedition, 1902. In it there was an article that included a transcription of an old German midwife’s record.1

Susanna (Rohrer) Müller (aka Miller) lived in Martic (now Providence) Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania and served as a midwife from 1792 through 1815 when she died. She kept a careful record of her practice. It included the date, the number of children, the name of the family, and how much she charged them in pounds, shilling and pence. She scrupulously tried to capture the family name as she heard it. This record is a wonderful find for a genealogist—both as a possible source for birth information and as a German speakers record of both German and English names.

Scrolling through the pages, I recognized many, many names from my deed research in the Martic and Conestoga townships area. The following is a list of Huber/Hoover families she served and the relevant dates:

  • 20 Dec 1795: Henrich Huber
  • 24 Apr 1796: Martin Huber
  • 5 Oct 1796: Hans Huber
  • 19 Mar 1797: Abraham Huber [Christianna, daughter of Abraham & Anna (Huber) Huber?]
  • 29 Sep 1797: Henrich Huber
  • 20 Nov 1797: Hans Huber
  • 11 Dec 1797: Marde [Martin] Huber [Jacob, son of Martin & Mary (Miller) Huber]
  • 23 Feb 1799: Henrich Huber
  • 20 Mar 1799: Abraham Huber [Anna, daughter of Abraham & Anna (Huber) Huber?]
  • 19 Nov 1799: Peter Huber [Esther, daughter of Peter & Mary (Huber) Huber?]
  • 28 Mar 1800: Marde [Martin] Huber [Martin Jr., son of Martin & Mary (Miller) Huber]
  • 29 May 1800: Hener [Henry] Huber [Benjamin, son of Henry & Barbara (Huber) Huber, daughter of Jacob Huber Jr.?]
  • 4 Jul 1800: Christle [Christian] Huber [Christian Jr., son of Christian Huber]
  • 17 Mar 1801: Abraham Huber [Mary, daughter of Abraham & Anna (Huber) Huber?]
  • 1 Aug 1801: Martin Huber, Schreiner [Martin, son of Martin & Mary (Eshleman) Huber?]
  • 6 Oct 1801: Hans Huber
  • 1 Feb 1802: Abraham Huber
  • 2 Sep 1802: Martin Huber [Samuel, son of Martin & Mary (Miller) Huber]
  • 12 May 1803: Henner [Henry] Huber [child of Henry & Barbara (Huber) Huber, daughter of Jacob Huber Jr.?]
  • 28 Jun 1803: Marden Huber, Schreiner [Anna or Elizabeth, daughter of Martin & Mary (Eshleman) Huber?]
  • 26 Mar 1804: Abraham Huber
  • 8 Apr 1804: Peder [Peter] Huber [John, son of Peter & Mary (Huber) Huber]
  • 21 Jun 1804: Henrich Huber
  • 17 Sep 1805: Hanes [Johannes] Huber, Maurer
  • 27 Mar 1806: Abraham Huber [Elizabeth, daughter of Abraham & Anna (Huber?) Huber]
  • 27 Feb 1807: Jacob Huber
  • 26 Apr 1807: Jacob Huber, living with Peder [Peter] Guth [Good]
  • 25 May 1807: Christle Huber
  • 17-23 Jun 1807: Marde Huber, Schreiner2 [child of Martin and Mary (Eshleman) Huber?]
  • 3 Mar 1808: Mardin Huber, Schreiner [child of Martin and Mary (Eshleman) Huber?]
  • 20 Sep 1808: Hans Huber, Maurer
  • 14 Apr 1809: Abraham Huber, Schumacher [Jacob, son of Abraham & Mary (Huber?) Huber]
  • 23 Mar 1810: Marde Huber [possibly David, son of Martin & Mary (Miller) Huber]
  • 14 Aug 1810: Hans Huber, Maurer
  • 5 Apr 1811: Henrich Huber
  • 5 Sep 1811: Abraham Huber, Wewer
  • 17 Oct 1811: Mardin Huber, Schreiner [Barbara, daughter of Martin & Mary (Eshleman) Huber?]
  • 15 Nov 1811: Jacob Huber
  • 24 Dec 1811: Abraham Huber
  • 17 Oct 1812: John Huber, Maurer
  • 30 Nov 1812: Marden Huber [possibly Mary, daughter of Martin & Mary (Miller) Huber]
  • 2 Dec 1812: Henrich Huber
  • 9 Jul 1813: Jacob Huber
  • 18 Sep 1813: Abraham Huber
  • 15 Feb 1814: Abraham Huber
  • 13 Sep 1814: Abraham Huber, Wewer
  • 12 Apr 1815: John Huber, Maurer
  • 21 Apr 1815: Abraham Huber, Schum. [daughter of Abraham & Mary (Huber?) Huber?]
  • 24 May 1815: Daniel Huber [Catharine, daughter of Daniel & Susanna (Moyer?) Huber?]
  • 19 Sep 1815: Abraham Huber
  • 30 Mar ??: Martin Huber

Some of the entries indicate an occupation. I’ve translated them, as follows:

  • Schreiner = carpenter
  • Maurer = mason
  • Schumacher = shoemaker
  • Wewer = weaver?

Unfortunately, the entries do not include the names of the babies she delivered. However, using other documents that provide approximate birth dates with the dates in this record could help determine exact birth dates for children born in this area in the late 1790s and early 1800s.

You never know what you’ll find online. I’m certainly glad that I followed this search result!