Last Will and Testament of Elizabeth Gossler

1833 Reading

In the name of God Amen! I Elizabeth Gossler of the Borough of Reading and County of Berks, widow, being in perfect health and of sound and disposing mind memory and understanding, do make 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, and after my debts and personal expenses are paid, I devise and bequeath as follows.

I give and devise unto Elijah Diehart his heirs his Executor, administrator and assigns a certain two storied brick tavern house and lot of ground thereto belonging situate in the bourough of Reading (north Callowhill Street) and County of Berks and numbered on the plan of said Borough of Reading No. 401, together with all and singular the appurtenances thereof belonging. Also a certain lot of ground situate at the corner of Margaret and Prince Streets in the said Borough of Reading and County. And also a certain tract of land situate in Alsace Township in the County of Berks aforesaid and containing five and one half acre. To have and hold the same during the natural life of my son Jacob Gossler. In case nevertheless that the said Elijah Diehart – his heirs and assigns shall and do apply the rents, issues and profits of the said real estate towards the maintenance of my said son Jacob Gossler and his wife and children, and though it clearly understood that it is my wish that no part of the proceeds if the said estate shall go into the hands of the creditors of my said son Jacob Gossler. And further I give and devise all the aforesaid real estate, after the death of my said son Jacob Gossler, the lawful issue of the said Jacob Gossler, and their legal representatives, to be held and enjoyed by them their heirs and assigns in fee simple.

Also I give and bequeath unto the said Elijah Diehart – his executors, Administrators and assigns, one eight day clock and case, two stone coal stoves and pipe, eight card tables, four walnut dining tables, three breakfast tables, thirty two Windsor chairs, twelve half gallon bottles, three quart decanters, six pint tumblers, four pitchers, two quart mugs, four pewter pint mugs, twenty half pint tumblers, two benches, one corner cupboard, two large waiters, one kitchen helper, eleven bed and bedsteads, one horse, one saddle, and one bridle, one sleigh and harness, one cart and gears, two bucking tubs, three tubs, one copper and brass kettle, three looking glasses, two bureaus, one desk, one lot if paper bottles, four cider barrels and their contents, and one lot of pictures in frames, all the grain either in the ground or otherwise, in ???? nevertheless to that he hold the same for the benefit and that the apply the same towards the maintenance and support of the wife and children of my said son Jacob Gossler, during the lifetime of the said Jacob Gossler and after his death if any part thereof remains to be absolutely the property of the children of the said Jacob Gossler.

Also I give and bequeath all the rest and residue of my estate unto y daughter Sarah, the widow of John Yerge deceased and to her heirs and assigns forever.

And lastly I do hereby constitute and appoint John Hanold to be sole executor or 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 witness my hand and seal this twenty eighth day of February AD 1828.

Elizabeth X (her mark) Gossler |SEAL|

Signed sealed published and declared by the said Elizabeth Gossler, the above named testatrix as and for her last will and testament in the presence of us. The word “Sarah” having been previously interlined above.

William Stable
Daniel Schoener

Berks County SS. On the 29th day of Mar A.D. 1833 There appeared William Stable and Daniel Schoener and being duly sworn, according to Law, did despose and say that they were present and saw and heard Elizabeth Gossler the Testatrix sign seal publish pronounce and declare the written instrument of writing as and for her last will and testament, and that at the time of the doing thereof she was of sound mind memory and understanding according to the best of their knowledge observation and belief.

Coram me
J. Snyder D. Regr.

Submitted by Michelle.


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