[The original will is in German; this is a translation.]
Proved April 11, 1835
Heidelberg Township
In the name of God I the signed Johannes Friehefer from Heidelberg township, Berks County and State of Pennsylvania even though I am still of sound mind and know that for each person the time comes to die. We know not when the Lord will call us and take us out of this world,
Herewith, I do this while I am still of sound mind and thank God with all my heart for this. Therefore I do my last will and testament.
That is: At first I command my everlasting soul in the hands of my God to his mercy and my body to the earth. I ask my executors to give me a Christian burial.
My assets consist of a farm which is located in Heidelberg township, Berks County. This goes to my ever-loving wife Elisabeth and all my mobile goods that there is, household articles, livestock and all other animals, as long as she keeps my name. After her death it should be divided in equal parts. Should there be a change all should be sold.
My children should stay with her as long as they have a good relationship with one another, and should help her. If they do not obey their mother, they must leave the home and find another. My ever-loving wife should have her rights. She should sell and buy cattle as I have done it. Plow the land and sow seeds.
If my ever-loving wife Elisabeth should marry, then she must leave my home and take a third. As it is already stated, everything should be sold. If she does not remarry she should keep everything.
I appoint my ever-loving wife Elisabeth and my brother Michael Friehefer to executors for my last will and testament.
Signed and explained
Johannes Friehefer
In presence of
Witnesses:
Görg Reifschneider
John R. Koblitz
Peter Greim
Registers Office Reading,
Berks County, SS:
On the 11th day of April A.D. 1835, then appeared John Koblitz and Peter Greim and being duly sworn according to law did depose and say that they were present and saw and heard the testator John Friehefer, sign, seal, publish, declare the written writing as and for his last will and testament and that at the time of the doing thereof he was of sound mind memory and understanding to the best of their knowledge observation and belief.
George Smith, Reg.
Letters Testamentary in common form under the seal of said office on the last Will and Testament of John Friehefer; late of Heidelberg township, Berks County yeoman, deceased, were granted unto Michael Friehefer and Elizabeth Friehefer, the Executors therein named, they being first duly qualified thereto Inventory to be exhibited on or before the 11th day of May next, and an account of their administration in one year of when thereunto legally required which said will was proved the same day by the oaths of John Kohlitz and Peter Greim.
George Smith, Reg.
Contributed by: Nancy.
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