1822 Will - Benjamin Reeve
Introduction
Essex County, New JerseyWill Book C, p571
(Original in Will Records 11501G)
11 Dec 1822
Proved 15 Jan 1823
Transcript
In the Name of God, Amen, I Benjamin Reeve of the Township of Livingston, County of Essex and State of New Jersey being of sound mind and memory do make this my testament and last will - In the first place I do commend my body to the earth and my soul to God that gave it. And as touching my earthly substance wherewith it has pleased God to bless me with in this life I do give & bequeath in the following manner1st I do give unto my beloved wife Betsey as much of the household furniture as she may choose or see fit to want; also two cows such ones as she may choose, also tree sheep her chose of the flock also the use of my farm which was my first purchase known by the name of the old place containing the house Barn and other Building which said farm she is to have the use of her life time as long as she remains my widow and after her decease the said land except ten acres hereafter described to be and I do give, unto my son Daniel Reeve, he to pay each of my Daughters twenty five Dollars in one year after the decease of my wife - the names of my daughters are, Rhoda, wife of Caleb Smith, Hannah, wife of Enoch Edwards, Catharine, wife of Stephen Meeker?, Jerusha wife of Joseph Smith, Sally wife of Samuel Durant? Polly wife of Elijah Durand, and Betsey wife of Benjamin Tensley. I do give, unto my son Daniel one half of the tract I purchased of David Meeka?, that half adjoining Josiah Mulford and a tract I deeded to sd Daniel, I do give unto my son, William, the other half said tract I purchased of David Meeka, also what is left of the tract I purchased of Timothy Meeks that I have not deeded to my son Daniel also ten acres of the old tract on the Northeast corner to extend ten chains on each lines or so as to make ten acres and further if my son William should bring any charges against my estate for labor &c that the said tract of land to be considered as full pay & his legacy
I do give unto my sons Benjamin Reeve Simeon Reeve and Silas Reeve that tract of land I purchased of my father William adjoining lands of Abner Boell, the road leading from Northfield to Orange Isaac Black and Zadock Townsley and the old tract more or less which said tract to be equally divided between my said sons Benjamin Simeon and Silas equally alike
I do also ordain that my moveable property be sold to pay my debts what is not given to my wife and if these should not be sufficient of my moveable property to pay my debts then my executors to sell wood on my old farm adjoining Abial Keeley to make the areas? and if there should be an overplus of my moveable property in paying the debts then that to be divided among my daughters as part of their legacies.
I do appoint my son Daniel Reeve & Enoch Edwards my executors to this my last will - In witness whereof I the said Benjamin Reeve have hereunto set my hand and seal this eleventh day of December one thousand eight hundred & twenty two 1822.
Benjamin Reeve (LS)
Signed Sealed published
pronounced & Declared by
the said Benjamin Reeve
to be his testament & last
will in the presence of us
Abner Ball
Thomas Foree
Epaphrus Ely