1798 Will - David Reeve
Introduction
New Jersey Will Book 40, p124(Original in Cumberland Probate File 1223F)
9 Apr 1798
Transcript
In the name of God amen. The ninth day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety eight I David Reeve of Alloways Creek in the County of Salem and State of West Jersey, yeoman, being sick and weak in body, but of perfect mind and memory, thanks be to God therefore, calling to mind the mortallity of my body, and knowing that it is appointed for man once to die, do make and ordain this my last will and testament that is to say, principally and first of all, I give and recommend my soul to God that gave it and my body I recommend to the earth to be buried in decent Christian burial, at the discretion of my executor, nothing doubting but at the general resurection I shall receive the same again by the mighty power of God. And as touching such worldly estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me in this life, I give and dispose of the same in manner and form following, that is to say, I give to my wife Anne Reeves the house and plantation on which I now live, with all and everything thereunto in any wise belonging, for and during the term of her natural life, and after her decease, I give the same to my youngest son David Reeve, I give to my said son David when arrived at the age of twenty one years, my plantation in Cumberland County, and also my watch with a cyper on the back thereof D.R. It is further my will that if my son David should die before he comes to be of age, that my wife Anne shall have my place in cumberland County aforesaid and also the beforementioned watch. It is also my will that all the other lanes and houses whatsoever whereof I shall die seized in possession, reversion or remainder shall be sold for the benefit of my children, Isaac, Daniel, Timothy, William, David and Mary, each to receive an even and equal part of the money got for the same; And as for my wereable estate, it is my will that the same be sold, and that the money thence arising shall be appropriated to the purpose of paying my just debts. And I make and ordain my before mentioned wife executrix and Joseph Hancock executor of this my will for the intents and purposes therein contained. In witness whereof the said David Reeve have to this my last Will and Testament set my hand and seal the day and year above written.David Reeve (LS)
Signed, sealed and delivered by the said David Reeve as and for his last will and testament in the presence of us who were present at the signing and sealing thereof - Moses Headby, Billie Shephard, Owen Mulhollen
The foregoing will being proved in the usual form before Jonathan Elmer Esqr surrogate for the County of Cumberland on the 30th day of June 1802 by Billie Sheppard and Moses Headby two of the subscribing witnesses to the said will; probate was granted by his exellency Joseph Bloomfield Esqr unto Ann Reeve the executrix in the said will named she having been first duly sworn, well and truly to perform the same, exhibit a true and perfect inventory and render a just and true account when thereunto lawfully required. Given under the prerogative seal, the day & year last aforesaid.
John Beatly Regr