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 Wills

 

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Wills of our Sefton Ancestors:

Henry Sefton 1779-1840

James Sefton 1804-1870

Sarah Brewer Sefton 1806-1883

Edward Sefton 1802- ??

Henry Sefton - born 1810

Edward Sefton Jr. 1828-1913

Last will and testament of Henry Sefton 1779-1840

In the Name of God amen. I Henry Sefton of Bufaloe township, Butler County, Pennsylvania, being of sound mind and memory but advanced in years and knowing that all must die do make this my last will and testament. In the first place I desire that my executors see that I be buried in a decent and Christian like manner and as to my worldly Estate I make the following disposition thereof. In the first place and I give and bequeath to my beloved wife if she survives me the one third part of my personal estate absolutely and the one third part of the profits of my real estate during her natural life and I have already made the provision which I intend for my sons Edward, James, John and Henry and also give to my married daughter Jane the principal part which I intended. I do hereby will and bequeath to the said Jane who is married to Bicket the sum of fifty dollars and I give and bequeath to my daughter Mary Ann the sum of two hundred dollars altogether with such household and other property known as hers and which she has earned by her industry and to my daughter Catharine I give and bequeath the like sum of two hundred dollars together with such household and other property known as hers and which she has earned by her industry and to my son William Sefton I give devise and bequeath the place plantation and farm on which I now live in fee simple together with all the rest and residue of my estate after satisfying all claims against me or hereby improved by this will and I do hereby constitute and appoint my son William and my son in law Matthew Bicket Executors of this my last will and testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 13th day of Dec. 1838. 

Henry Sefton

Signed sealed published and
executed in the presence of 
John Gilmore
B F Gilmore
-----------------------
NOTE: An equivalent amount of $200.00 in 1838 dollars would be $2,813.36 in 1998 dollars.   An equivalent amount of $50.00 in 1838 dollars would be $703.34 in 1998 dollars. 
Last Will of James Sefton 1804-1870

November the 4th AD 1869

In the name of God Amen. I James Sefton of the township of Clinton of Butler County and State of Pennsylvania being weak in body but of a sound and disposing mind and memory, Do make publish and declare the following to be my Last will and Testament. And first I do will and bequeath to my wife Sarah Sefton during the balance of her natural life the sixty acres of land on which I now reside together with the mansion house and other out buildings, and at her death I do will and bequeath the aforesaid sixty acres of land to my son Henry Sefton, on the following conditions viz: that he the said Henry Sefton pay the sum of one thousand dollars to the balance of my children to be divided among them share and share alike as follows, to my daughters Eliza Gordon, two hundred dollars, to my Sarah E. Donaldson, two hundred dollars, to Louisa Henrysmith (?) two hundred dollars, to Catharine McKibbon two hundred dollars, to Matilda Thompson two hundred dollars, and should my son Henry Sefton refuse to accept to take under this my last will and testament, then my will is that the said sixty acres of land be sold by my executor, and the proceeds be equally divided amongst my heirs share and share alike. And having full confidence in the integrity and honesty of my neighbor George W. Hays, I do hereby constitute and appoint him my Executor to execute and carry into effect this my last will and testament. 

Signed, sealed, and delivered in the presence
of us, as witnesses, who have signed in the presence
of each other
J. W. Flecher
James Hays

SIGNED James Sefton

Supplement A

I do further will that my son Henry Sefton shall have the term of five years to pay the said one thousand dollars to be paid in annual payments of two hundred dollars each without interest. Witness my hand and seal the fourth day of November AD 1869.

James Sefton

Signed Sealed and delivered
in the presence of us as witnesses 
who have signed in the presence of each other
J. W. Fletcher
James Hays.

Will Book E-77

Last Will and Testament of Sarah Brewer Sefton 1806-1883

Registered June 2, 1883
Will Book 374/5409

In the name of God, Amen. I, Sarah Sefton, of the Township of clinton County of Butler, and State of Penna, being feeble in health but of sound and disposing mind and memory and feeling the uncertainty of life do therefore make publish and declare this to be my last will and testament.

1st After my funeral expenses are paid and discharged the residue of my property personal and mixed I give and bequeath to my daughter viz Eliza Gorden, Sarah, Ellen Donaldson, Louisa Hemphill, Catherine McKibben, Tillie Thompson, said property consisting of my household goods and furniture, also all my property outside on the farm, in the barn, or wherever the same may be found, be it in chattles, farm products or what not. Together with my notes or monies that I may be possessed of at the time of my decease in fine all that I may be possessed of. To be divided equally between my above married daughters by themselves share and share alike. Provided nevertheless that they are not get or demand said money until the first day of April AD 1884 and in no case are they to demand or receive interest on the same until the above date. Finally my blessing that God may grant to my children grace to carry out and execute this my last will will the letter.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this the 27th day of January AD 1881.
Sarah Sefton (and her nurse)

Signed sealed and delivered in our presence and in each others presence, this the day first above written.

James Simpson
Robert Trimble
=====
State of Pennsylvania
Butler County SS

Personally came before me, the Register of Wills, in and for said County, James in person a resident of Clinton Twp in said County, who, being duly sworn according to law, deposeth and and saith, that, to the best of his knowledge and belief Sarah Sefton late of the Township of Clinton in said county, departed this life on the 12 day of May AD 1883 about 12 o'clock - ill of said day.

Sworn and subscribed before me this 9th day of June AD 1883 WW Christie REG

=======

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
County of Butler SS

Register's office June 9, AD 1883

Then personally appeared before me, the subscribed, Register for the probate of wills and granting Letters of Administration on and for said county of Butler, James Simpson and Robert Trimble the subscribing witnesses to the above and foregoing last will and testament of Sarah Sefton deceased who, being duly sworn according to law, did say that they were present, and did see and hear Sarah Sefton deceased the testatrix herein named, sign, seal, publish, pronounce, and declare the above and foregoing instrument of writing as and for her last will and testament and that at the doing thereof she was of sound disposing mind, memory and understanding to the best of their knowledge and belief and they at her request and in her presence and in the presence of each other did sign their names thereto as witnesses.
James Simpson
Robert Trimble
Sworn and subscribed
before me, the day and year
aforesaid.
W. W. Christie, Register

Will of Edward Sefton 1802- ??

In the name of God Amen. I, Edward Sefton of the township of Clinton, county of Butler and state of Pennsylvania, being of sound mind and memory and considering the uncertainty of this (unreadable word) and transitory life, do therefore make, ordain, publish and declare this to be my last will and testament. That is to say first of all my lawful debts to be paid and discharged. The residue of my estate real and personal I give and bequeath as follows to wit: to my beloved wife the control of my real estate as long as she lives to be well supported from said estate and to have a decent burial. At her death, to be disposed of as follows to wit: the property, real and personal, to be sold and the proceeds divided as follows: my son, Edward, I consider has got his portion by deed. To my son Robt I bequeath the sum of one thousand dollars. To my son William one thousand dollars and the balance of my estate to be equally divided among my daughters Jane, Esther, Liza, Molly Isabel with the exception that Jane is to have one hundred more that the rest. I likewise make, constitute and appoint George W. Hays Sr. to be my Executor of this my last will and testatment, hereby revoking all former wills by me made. In witness whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my hand and seal this 4th day of January One Thousand Eight Hundred and Seventy.

(signature) Edward Sefton Sen.

Signed, sealed and declared by the said testator as his last will and testament in presence of us and in the presence of each other subscribed our names as witnesses thereto.
(signature) Robert Trimble
(signature) John Glasgow

----
NOTE: An equivalent amount of $1,000.00 in 1870 dollars would be $11,963.08 in 1998 dollars. 
----
(new page)

State of Penna
Butler County SS

Then personally appeared before me the subscriber Register for the Probate of Wills and granting Letters of Administration in aforesaid County. Robert Sefton, who being duly sworn according to law deposeth the following: That one Edward Sefton of Clinton Twp, Butler Co, Pa did make his will and testament on the fourth day of January AD 1870 and left the same in the hands of Robert Trimble Esq. That on the 19th day of September AD 1870 said Edward Sefton left his home and family and that his whereabouts are now unknown. That said Robert Trimble Esq. the custodian of said will does not want to keep it in his possession a longer time. That he, said deponent makes affidavit to the foregoing facts that said will may be received by the Register of Wills for probate and record. 

Sworn and subscribed before me this 12th day of March 1878. Jas. D. Anderson Reg.
(Signature) Robert Sefton


State of Penna
County of Butler SS

Registers Office March 12th AD 1878
Now personally appeared before me, the subscriber, Register for the probate of wills and granting letters of Administration in and for said County of Butler, Robert Trimble Esq. and John Glasgow, the subscribing witnesses to the above and foregoing Last Will and Testament of Edward Sefton of Clinton Township, the testator therein named. Whereabouts now unknown sign seal publish pronounce and declare the above and foregoing Instrument of writing as and for his last will and testament and that, in the doing thereof he was of sound disposing mind, memory and understanding to the best of their knowledge and belief. And they at his request and in his presence and the presence of each other did sign their names thereto as witnesses.

Sworn and subscribed before me the day and year aforesaid.
Jas. D. Anderson Reg
(signature) Robert Trimble
(signature) John Glasgow
Recorded March 12, 1878

LAST WILL and Testament of Edward Sefton Jr. 1828-1913

In the name of God. Amen.
I, Edward Sefton of Saxonburg, County of Butler, and State of Pennsylvania, being of sound mind and memory, do hereby make, publish and declare this to be my last will and testament in manner and form following, hereby revoking any will or wills heretofore made by me. 

First: I direct all my just debts and funeral expenses be fully paid and satisfied as soon as conveniently may be after my decease.

Second: I diret that my house and lot in the borough of Saxonburg be sold to the best advantage and the proceeds thereof with all my other personal property of what so ever kind or nature or where so ever may be, shall be divided among my children, namely Edward Sefton, James M. Sefton, John Sefton, David H. Sefton, Joseph M. Sefton, Robert Sefton and Thomas Sefton and to my son William S. Sefton's (deceased) children namely Edward and Ethel I give and bequeath one hundred dollars each, to my daughter Liza Jane I give and bequeath the sum of twenty five dollars. The residue of my estate to be divided among my now living sons as above named, share and share alike.

Third: I further bequeath to my beloved wife Louisa J. Sefton share and share alike with my sons as above mentioned. 

I do hereby make, constitute, and appoint Thomas Kennedy to be executor of this my last will and testament.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I Edward Sefton, the testator above named, have hereunto subscribed my own hand and affixed my seal the 26th day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and four.
(signature) Edward Sefton
Signed, sealed, published and declared by the above named Edward Sefton, the testator as and for his last will and testament in the presence of us who now hereunto subscribe our names at his request as witnesses thereto in the presence of the testator and of each other.
(signature) Wm. M. Thompson
(signature) T. G. Kennedy

Will Book X-219 / 5977 

Proved and filed September 18, 1913 and recorded in Will Book vol. X page 219 W. W. Cranford

NOTE: "Third: I further bequeath to my beloved wife, Louisa J. Sefton, share and share alike with my sons" Edward's first wife, Margaret J. Hay, died in 1898 - will above is dated 1904. Sometime after 1898 but before 1904, Edward obviously remarried. 

Last Will and Testament of Henry Sefton - born 1810  

son of Henry and Jane Quinn Sefton

"In the name of God Amen.  I, Henry Sefton of Clinton Township, Butler Co, in the state of Pennsylvania., being advanced in age, and knowing that all must die, do make this my last will and testament.

In the first place after my decease, and all my debts are paid, I give and bequeath to my daughters Tirzah Ann Sefton and Isabel Sefton each and every article of my household goods, to be divided between them by Emily Montgomery. I also give and bequeath to my three daughters Emily, Tirzah Ann, and Isabel all my outside personal property to be divided equally between them. I desire that my three daughters aforesaid, if they so desire, have privilege to occupy the homestead on which I now live for the space of two years after my decease, the proceeds to belong to them by their paying the taxes and making repairs on fences to suit themselves. I also desire that at the end of two years or sooner if my three daughters so desire, that my executor sell my farm on which I now live, the proceeds to be distributed as follows viz to Emily Montgomery eight hundred dollars together with the house and lot in the borough of Saxonburg on which she now lives. To Oliver E. Montgomery, I give the sum of four hundred dollars. To Corina Alimra Montgomery I give one hundred dollars, to Clifford H. Montgomery I give a like sum of one hundred dollars. I also bequeath to my four grandchildren by Henry P. Sefton the sum of one thousand dollars to be divided equally between them; and if any of them die minors, the share of the deceased to be divided equally between the surviving sisters. I also bequeath to my grandson Albert Ross Sefton the sum of eight hundred dollars, but if he dies a minor his bequest shall be divided between my three daughters Emily, Tirzah and Isabel.

I also bequeath to my son Nathaniel Sefton the sum of eight hundred dollars and direct that the same shall not be paid to him but be paid to my daughter Emily Montgomery and my grandson Oliver E. Montgomery who shall hold it in trust for my son Nathaniel Sefton; and in their names as trustees shall put the said money at interest secured by mortgage or judgment in good real estate worth sufficient to fully secure the payment of the same with interest. The interest to be paid for his clothing, support and benefit when, and in the manner these trustees aforesaid, in their judgment may deem proper. Should he be of such condition of mind and health as not to need this interest for his support and maintenance, then the trustees are to retain the same until it is necessary, in their judgment, for his comfort. And should be taken down with sickness or disease of mind or receive injuries to unfit him for maintaining himself; and this interest be insufficient to maintain him, then his trustees may apply so much of the principal as is absolutely necessary and no more. The said trustees are not required to give bond as Ii have all confidence in their honesty and judgment. This fund to be in no way subject to the payment of debts now or hereafter contracted by Nathaniel, and shall not be liable to attachment for any claim against him. Should any part of this fund be remaining at the time of his death, then the same to be equally divided between my 3 daughters Emily Montgomery, Tirzah Ann and Isabel Sefton

I also give and bequeath to my daughter Tirzah Ann Sefton the sum of one thousand dollars and to my daughter Isabel Sefton I give a like sum of one thousand dollars. The above bequests to be paid out of the proceeds of the sale of my farm. And if the farm sells for more than will pay these bequests, the excess shall be divided equally between my three daughters and Oliver E. Montgomery. But if it sells for less that the aggregate of these bequests, the bequests shall be in proportion to the foregoing bequests. 

And I do hereby constitute and appoint my daughter Emily Montgomery and Joseph L. Purvis executors of this my last will and testament, attested by my own hand and seal this 2nd day of March One Thousand Eight Hundred and Eight Six.

(signature)

We the undersigned hereby certify that at the writing of the foregoing testament, the testator was of sound disposing mind and memory, and that at his request and in his presence, and in the presence of each other, do affix our names as witnesses of the foregoing last will and testament.

George A. List
S. B. Stewart

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
SS
Butler County

Recorded in the office for rec.............in and for said county in Will book K page 309
Given under my hand and my seal 
17th day of March, 1891 A.D
David E. Dale, Register

If others have copies of wills for ancestors in our family, I'd be happy to transcribe them and add them to this posting.  Please contact me at