Chenoweth Wills

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Some Explanation

The early Chenoweth wills, first analyzed about 1920 by Arthur Keith, laid the foundation for the true genealogy of the family, particularly the first 3 generations. The wills give a welcome picture to the manner and means of these ancestors. Out of the three or so dozen known to exist, several (less than 10) mention slaves. The Chenoweths for their first 100 years in America lived primarily in southern or "border" states where this unfortunate practice had taken root. It is only a small part of the family that actually became involved, primarily in the line of Arthur and a scattering in the line of John. To my knowledge the lines of Thomas and William never held slaves. Though I am not certain, I do not think that the line of Richard was ever involved in slavery. Certainly the Carters of Hannah did not partake of this practice, though the same can not be said for Ruth's Peteet line that went to Georgia. Most all of this was the usage of household slaves, and not the large plantation slavery that so instantly comes to mind. Yet it should be acknowledged that household slaves were the most common form of this sad dimension of early America. Today it is somewhat painful to read this regrettable aspect of those distant times.

We have wills from John and 4 of his 5 sons (A will for Thomas has not been found. If it exists, it would be in Allegany Co., MD where he died). We also have a will for James Carter the husband of Hannah. Each of the four 2nd generation wills are posted on this page. At present we have only eleven Chenoweth 3rd generation wills posted plus two from daughter lines. There were 29 Chenoweth males in this generation. Of the line of John, 5 of his 6 sons are posted. A will for Richard of Louisville has never been found. There are no wills for any of the sons of Richard, whose 6 sons all are believed to have died in Maryland. This is a contributing factor in the "black hole" that surrounds this family branch. It is certain that four, maybe five, of these sons married. John, who died young and before his father, left no will. His line is the best known and becomes what is known as the Tennessee lines. In Arthur's line, of his six sons, wills from John, and Richard are posted. A will exists for Samuel, but I have not obtained it yet. Arthur, Jr. and Thomas died intestate. Proceedings of their estates do exist. The son William is believed to have died before his father leaving no issue. The will of Amon Butler, the husband of Arthur's daughter Ruth is also posted. In the line of William's 4 sons, the will for William, Jr. is posted, as is the will of his brother, Joseph. Isaac died intestate and there are orphan court proceedings describing his children. If Absolom had a will it has been lost. He died in Clark Co., OH and the sole record is a document releasing his wife Ann Hayes Chenoweth from handling his estate, witnessed by her daughter Nancy Chenoweth. In the Thomas line, it is known that wills exist for Elijah and Abraham (both now posted), the two youngest. Richard, Arthur and John died intestate and estate papers exist for Richard and Arthur and have been examined by descendants. Joyce Wiegand has examined the estate papers for John in Vigo Co., but an accounting of the proceeds of the estate as handled by Issac, John's son and executor, does not appear to exist. Whether anything exists for Thomas, Jr. or William is unknown to me.

Often the youngest son was named the executor of their father's will. This certainly was the case for the will of the progenitor, John who named Thomas his executor. Arthur(2) named his youngest son Richard. Richard(2) named Joseph, who may be the youngest son, the dates for the birth of Richard's sons are vague at best. John(2) named his wife Mary. William named his wife Ann and his son William, Jr. as co-executors. Isaac is believed to be the youngest son. In the lines of John(2): John(3) named his youngest son Elias as executor. Arthur(3) named his son-in-laws Abraham Chenoweth and John Irwin. The children of William, Absolom and Thomas were all underage. In the lines of Arthur(2), John(3) named his oldest son Richard. Richard(3) named two friends executor. He wrote his will before he had obtained the right to marry his companion Ellen Hammer who given him 4 children at that point. His son Absolom who was then unborn at the time of the will handled parts of his estate and after the death of Absolom, this duty fell to the son Richard. In the lines of William(2), William named his 3 youngest sons co-executors as they shared equally in his lands in Warren Co., OH. The children of Joseph were underage as were Isaac's children who died intestate. In the lines of Thomas, Abraham named his two youngest sons, Abraham and Joel as co-executors. No executor was named in Elijah's will, all his property and possession left to his youngest son Elijah, who was to reimburse each of his siblings $100.

Note: I have had to transcribe most of these documents myself. Reading cursive, sometimes on not the most legible photocopy, is never 100% accuarate. I do believe the basic intent and tenor of these trandscriptions to be a fair representation of the actual documents.


Additional wills and corrections appreciated - Jon Egge

You can reach me by e-mail at: jegge@chenowethsite.com

Listed Wills

[John(1) 1682-1746]
2nd gen: [John(2) 1706-1770] [Richard(2) 1710-1781] [James Carter, husband of Hannah(2) 1710-1758] [Arthur(2) 1716-1802] [William(2) 1718-1785]
3rd gen: 4th gen: 5th gen: 6th gen: [wills to be obtained]


JOHN(1), Progenitor

Frederick Co., VA: dated April 11, 1746
transcribed by from photocopy sent by Elmer Haile, Jr.

In the Name of God Amen. I John Chinoweth of Frederick County in my last will and testament as followth:
Imp. I give, devise and bequeath unto my eldest son, John Chinoweth, to be paid by my executors within twelve months after my demise, twenty shillings Virginia Currency.
Item. I give to my son Richard Chinoweth to be paid as forsaid the sum of twenty shillings of like money foresaid.
Item. I give to my son Arthur Chinoweth to be paid as foresaid forty shillings Virginia Currency.
Item. I give to my son William Chinoweth to be paid in like manner the sum of five shillings of like currency.
Item. I give to my son Thomas Chinoweth all my wearing apparel.
Item. I give to my grandson John Watson, Junior my smooth bore gun.
Item. It is my will that the deeds of gift already made & given to my son Thomas Chinoweth & John Petit my son-in-law of my land and other particulars therein contained stand good & valid according to the purport and the meaning thereof.
Item. The residue of my estate real and personal after my just debts and funeral charges are paid, I give, devise and bequeath to be equally divided between my wife and my three daughters, Mary Watson, Hannah Carter and Ruth Petit. Item. I do make, constitute and appoint my son Thomas Chinoweth & James Carter executors of this last will and testament hereby revoking all former and other wills by me at any time heretofore made. In witness thereof I the said John Chinoweth have hereunto set my hand and seal this eleventh day of April in the year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Forty Six.

                                                 John Chinoweth (Seal)

Signed Sealed publish'd & Declared by the P. John Chinoweth as his last will and testament in the presence of us:
Joseph Stanley
Mary Stanley
Wm Jolliffe

At a court held for Frederick county Tuesday, the ninth day of May, 1746 this last will and Testament of John Chenoweth Deceased was read in open Court by the oaths of Joseph Hanley, Mary Hanley and Wm Jolliffe witnesses thereto and Thomas Chinoweth and James Carter execs. therein named having made oath to the same according to the law it was admitted to the record... James Wood


JOHN(2), b: 1706

Frederick Co., VA: dated November 3, 1770
from Tami Ramsey: 17 Dec 2000

I will that all my just debts and funeral charges be fully paid and discharged.
ITEM, I give and bequeth to my eldest sons William and John Chanoweth all my land and Plantation on Cancanon in Hampshire County to be equally divided between them to them thier heirs and assigns forever.
ITEM, I give and bequeth to my three sons Absalom, Thomas and Richard Chenoweth all my land and Plantation whereon I now live to be equally divided between them to them their heirs and assigns forever. The said land not to be sold during their Mother's natural life and they to pay the following legatees; my son Absalom to pay the sum of thirty pounds Virginia currency and my said son Thomas to pay the sum of twenty five pounds like currancy money and my said son Richard to pay the sum of twenty five pounds like current money the said _____and to do the remainder to be equall divided between my three daughters Elizabeth, Mary and Rachel.
ITEM, I give and bequeth to my son Arthur Chenoweth one schilling and three pence
ITEM, I give and bequeth to my daughter Mary one cow and calf and one featherbed and furniture
ITEM, I give and bequeth to my daughter Rachel one cow and calf and one featherbed and furniture.
AND LASTLY, I do hereby constitute ordain and appoint my loving wife Mary Chenoweth sole executrix of this my last will and testament revoking and making void all other former wills and testaments made at any time. Ratifying and confirming this only to be my last will and testament. It is here to be remebered that my son Richard is to have my Smiths tools to work with during his mothers natural life provided he stay and work on the Plantation and at her death the said tools are to be sold and the money to be divided between my three daughters and further my will is that after my just debts and funeral charges are fully paid and discharged the remainder of my moveable estate to be equally divided between my three daughters, Elizabeth, Mary and Rachel and in confimation of this to be my last will and testament I have hereunto set my hand and seal this third day of November 1770

                                          John Chenoweth X (Seal)

Signed sealed and acknowledged by the testators to be his last will and testament in the presence of us
John Salisberry
William X Salisberry
M. Morgan
CODICIL
It is here to be remebered that before signed and sealed that the said testator doth give unto his grand daughter Mary Chenoweth, daughter of his eldest son William, one heifer called the mottled heifer, one ewe and lamb provided she stay with her grandmother during her said grandmothers natural life of until she becomes to age

RICHARD(2) b: 1710

Baltimore Co., MD: dated October 1, 1781
scanned from Cora Hiatt book

WILL OF RICHARD CHENOWETH [Wills No. C. 1763-1779-Lib. W. B. No. 3]
Last Will and Testament of Richard Chenoweth

I, Richard Chenoweth, of Baltimore County in the State of Maryland, Blacksmith, being of sound and perfect mind, memory and understanding, do make publish and declare this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following, that is to say: First, I will that all my just debts be paid within reasonable time after my death by my Executrix here after named.

I give and bequeath to my four following sons, namely, Richard Chenoweth, Arthur Chenoweth, Thomas Chenoweth and Joseph Chenoweth, their heirs and assigns forever, all my lands to be equally divided between them after the death of my wife, and also I give and bequeath to my said sons one feather bed each; and whereas my lands are the most valuable part of my estate I will and desire that each of my four sons above mentioned, pay to my son William Chenoweth, Ten Pounds hard money, with interest to commence at the end of one year after my death if not paid before, and also that each of them pay to my grandson, Richard Chenoweth, son of John Chenoweth, deceased, five pounds like money, when he shall arrive at the age of twenty-one years.

I give and bequeath, to my wife Kezia Chenoweth one-third part of all my estate, real and personal, for, and during her natural life, and the remains, two thirds of my personal estate, to be equally divided between my four following children, namely, William Chenoweth, Susana Price, Hannah Ashton and Kezia Chenoweth, Junior.

And lastly, I constitute and appoint my wife, Kezia Chenoweth, and my son, Joseph Chenoweth, Executor and Executrix, of this my last Will and Testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this first day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand, seven hundred and eighty-one.

                                                 Richard Chenoweth - Seal

Baltimore County to Wit. Signed, sealed and delivered and acknowledged to be his last Will and Testament in the presence of
John Willmott
Edward Talbott
John Talbott

On the 14th day of December 1781, came John Willmott, Edward Talbott and John Talbott. subscribing evidence to the foregoing last Will and Testament of Richard Chenoweth and made oath and that they did see the Testator herein named, sign and seal this Will, that they heard his publish, pronounce and declare the same to be his last Will and Testament; that at the time of his doing, he was to the best of their several apprehensions, of sound, disposing mind, memory and understanding and that they subscribed their names as witnesses at his request in his presence and in the presence. of each other. Sworn before me Register of Wills for Baltimore County, WILLIAM BUCHANAN.


JAMES CARTER, husband of HANNAH(2) b: 1710

Frederick Co., VA: dated November 18, 1758
transcribed from Carter Cousins vol I, Marie Eberle and Margaret Henley
Will Book 2, pages 328-330

In the name of God Amen the Eighteeth day of November Anno Domini 1758, I James Carter of the county Frederick of the Colony of Virginia being sick and weak of Body but prefect mind and memory thanks to Almighty God therefore and calling to mind my mortallity knowing that it is appointed for all men once to Dye to make and ordain this my last will and Testament that is to say Principally and first of all I recommend my soul to God who gave it and my body to the Dust to be Decantly Enterr d at the Direction of my Executors not Doubting but at the resurrection I shall receive the same and again by the mighty power of God, and for such worldly Estate wherewith it has pleased God to Bless me I give Bequeath and Dispose of the same in manner and Form Following first I order that all my just Debts and Funeral Charges be paid by my executors Imperis I give and Bequeath to my well Beloved wife Hannah and my three Daughters Ann, Ruth, and Hannah all my movable Estate to be amoung them Equally Divided Every one. Ten shillings which I hereby give and Bequeath to my eldest daughter Jane which shall be paid to her by my Executors and the above mentioned to remain in the Hands of my well Beloved wife in order to hereby support and Bring up my children until they come of age and to be divided among them at her Descration. In conjunction with my Other Executors Imprimis I give and Bequeath to my friend John McMachan and his Heirs forever a certain fifty acres of Land more or less lying on the southeast side of the road leading from Winchester to Belhaven Imprimis I give and Bequeath to my son James Carter all the remainder of this Tract of land where on I now dwell to him and his Heirs forever, note that the same is to be at the Disposal and for the use of my Wife Hannah till he come of age. Item I order that my son James shall give to my two sons William and John Twenty Pounds Each when they arrive at the age of Twenty-one years. Lastly I constitute and appoint my Trusting Friends Benjamin Blackburn and John McMachan together with my Beloved wife Hannah as my sole Executors of this my last will and Testament and do hereby authorize and appoint the said Executors as gaurdians over my children viz: that my three sons James William and John and my three Daughters Ann, Ruth and Hannah and do constitute and appoint this my last will and Testament hereby revoking and Disallowing all other Testaments and Wills theretofore made by me.

                                                 James Catrer

Published and propounded as the last wil l and Testament of . In the presence of
George Hollongsworth
John Frost
Isabella McMahan

As a court held for Frederick County on Wednesday the 6th day of December 1758 This last will and Testament of James Carter Deceased was Presented into the Court by Hannah Carter, Benjamin Blackburn and John McMachan as the Executors where in named, who made oath thereto according to the Law and the said will being Proved by the oath of George Hollingsworth and Isabella McMahan witness thereto is admitted to the record.

J. Woods Clk


ARTHUR(2) b: 1716

Baltimore Co., MD: dated December 24, 1800
transcribed from images sent by Jane Ryan (disc)

In the name of God Amen.

I, Arthur Chenoweth of Baltimore County in the State of Maryland being weak in body but of sound mind, memory and understanding praised be God for his mercys do make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner and form following Viz:

Item I give and bequeath unto my beloved son Richard Chinoweth all my lands of every name and description to him, his heirs and assigns forever.

Item I give and bequeath unto my beloved son Samuel Chinoweth one Dollar.

Item I give and bequeath unto my beloved son Thomas Chinoweth fifty pounds current money to be paid to him by my son Richard Chinoweth within two years after my decease [clear] of interest. Also I give and bequeath unto my said son Thomas Chinoweth all my wearing apparels.

Item I give and bequeath unto my daughter Ruth Butler one Negro girl called Con. Also one negro girl called Nailets to her, her heirs and assigns forever. I give and bequeath unto my granddaughter Elizabeth of my said son Richard Chinoweth one negro girl called Linda to her, her heirs and assigns forever.

Item I give and bequeath unto my daughter Hannah Ogg five Dollars to be paid to her, only my will and desire is that my Negro woman called Patience (or Pashe) shall be free at my decease and I do hereby declare her to be free at my decease but if any law exists that will prevent her freedom at my decease, she shall then have the liberty of choosing a master or mistress among my said sons and daughters, and the one she makes choice of is her master or mistress shall have and hold as his or her right property and estate forever.

Item I give and bequeath unto my beloved son Richard Chinoweth all the rest and residue remainder and remainders of my state of every kind and value both real and personal to him, his heirs and assigns forever, he paying the above legacys all my just Debts and funeral expenses and lastly I do hereby make, ordain, constitute and appoint my said son Richard Chinoweth executor of my last will and testament renouncing and resolving all and every other will and wills by me heretofore made, and my will and desire is and I do hereby direct said executor not to have my estate appraised but then my said executor shall have and I hereby grant unto him full power to pay all my just debts which are but few, also powers to receive any prior or present money due my estate, also I hold him bound to pay all the above legacys both of money and negroes to the respective legatees and see that my will be complyed with respecting my negro woman Patience or Passha. In witness whereof I Arthur Chenoweth the testator have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this twenty fourth day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred.

                                         A. Chenoweth
Signed Sealed Published and Declared by the Testator to be his last will and testament in the presence of us who have at his request witnessed the same in his presence and in the presence or each other
Absolom Butler
Jacob Eichelberger
Philip Gossnell

Baltimore County to wit on the 7th day of April 1802 came Jacob Eichelberger and Philip Gossnell subscribing evidence to the foregoing last will and testament of Arthur Chenoweth deceased and made [attested] that they did see the testator sign and seal this will that they have heard him publish, pronounce and declare the same to be his last will and testament that at the time of his so doing he was in the best of their apprehensions, of sound disposing mind, memory and understanding and that they subscribed their names as witnesses to this will in his presence at his request and in the presence of each other and of Absolom Butler the other witness. Sworn before me register of wills for B. Cnty. - WM BUCHANAN


WILLIAM(2) b: 1718

Berkley Co., VA: dated Oct 10, 1785
transcribed by Greg Wulker

In the name of God Amen.

I William Chenowith of Berkeley Co. though weak and infirm in Body yet thanks to God of Sound memory calling to mind the uncertainty of this present life do make and appoint this my last will and testament in the manner following revoking and disanulling all former wills and testaments.

Imprimus I give my soul to God who gave it and my body to the earth to be buried at the discretion of my Executors in hopes of its resurrection and reunion at the last day and as for my worldly estate I bequeath in the manner following.

Viz. I will that all my just debts and funeral charges be first paid and I give and bequeth unto my well beloved wife Anne the sole right and privilege and property of all the houses and land whereon I now live during her widowhood (excepting the land and tenement whereon he now lives unto him and his hiers) also I give unto my said wife Anne the bed and all the household furniture (excepting the beds and clothing formerly given to the girls.)

Item. I give unto my wife Anne one third part of all the stock chattles and farming utensils and the woolen yarn and flax and wool, but if said wife Anne should see cause to marry then I allow her to have only one third of said land and the other two thirds of said land to go to my son Absolom.

Item. I give unto my son Wiliam all that land whereon he now lives containing 94 acres as surveyed by John Gray but the same more or less to him and his heirs forever.

Item. I give unto my son Absolom at the decease of his mother all that tract of land whereon I now live to him or his heirs or otherwise if his mother should marry then Absolom shall get the possession of two thirds of the same land provided that he the said Absolum shall pay unto the rest of his brothers and sisters one hundred pounds in three years after his mothers death of in four years after her marriage according as either shall happen first or if Absolom rather choses to sell the land and take an equal dividend with the rest of his brothers and sisters he may do so.

Item. I will that all the rest of my estate be appraised and sold or divided equally between the rest of my children viz my son Isaac and the heirs of my son Joseph dec d provided that the heirs executors or administrators of my said son Joseph shall well and truly pay unto David Ruble or his heirs and assigns twenty five pounds for which I stand bound into the said Ruble on account of the said Joseph but if they should not discharge the said debt then I do not allow his heirs any part of my estate but that the said twenty five pounds be accounted the whole of the legacy coming to the heirs of the said Joseph Chinoweth, and to my son Absolom and my daughters Mary, Anne and Hannah equally. I will also that my son Isaac shall get my smith tools allowing them to go for six pounds of his part of the legacy and I lastly constitute an appoint my said wife Anne and my son William joint executors of my last will and Testament

                                         William Chenowith

Signed Sealed Published and Declared to be the last will and testament of William Chenoweth in the presence of us October 10, 1785.
John Gray
John Gerrard
Matthew Rippy

Codicil first I William Chenowith do allow and give unto my wife Anne all the grain in the ground for the support of her stock and all the grain and hay in the barn, and our stock of hay for said purpose.

Secondly I will that my son William shall pay twenty five pounds unto his sister Anne as she shall need it, now these two clauses are to be considered as part of my will. Witness my hand and seal Oct 10th one thousand seven hundred and eighty five.

                                         William Chenowith

Signed Sealed Published and Declared to be the last will and testament of William Chenoweth in the presence of us.
John Gray
John Gerrard
Matthew Rippy

At A Court held for Berkeley County the 20th day of Dec 1785, the last will and testament and codicil annexed of William Chenowith deceased, was presented in Court by William Chenoweth and Anne Chenoweth the executors therein named, who made oath thereto according to law and the same being proved by the oaths of John Gray, John Gerrard and Matthew Rippy witnesses thereto and ordered to be recorded and on the motion of the said executor who entered into bond with John Gerrard and Isaac Stanley their securities in the penalty of one thousand pounds conditioned for their true and faithful administration of said Estate Certificate is granted them for obtaining a probate thereof in due form of law.

Testi
Moses Hinton, Clk.

will bk 2 pg 256

Chenoweth

D.~ The Estate if William Chenoweth Dec'd

in acct with William Chenwoth Executor of

L

S

P

1795 to funeral charrges

2

18

6

current

1788

to cash pd David Ruble as P. rect.

25

-

-

10-Mar

' '' '' clerk note for recording of will

-

5

-

' '' '' Wm Crumley

-

8

10

' '' '' Joseph Reed

-

8

-

1791

' '' '' Capt. Henshaw

-

18

1

Jun 10

' '' '' Capt Campbell

-

15

6

" 9/ pd the clerk for a copy of the will

-

9

and the County Seal to authenticate

to cash paid quitrents

-

12

-

to cash paid Mary Sutton her Legacy

14

-

-

To Do Cash paid Isaac Chenoweth legacy

14

-

-

" " Cash paid Absolom Chenoweth legacy

14

-

-

" " Cash paid Ann Chenoweth legacy

14

-

-

to the widow third

45

19

1

to commission @5 pct on 139L 4s 11p

6

19

2

139

13

2

To balance due your estate of the dec'd

from Wilson Trouction (sp?) on

Settle'd with him but not yet

received

4

16

7



WILLIAM(3) s/o John

Fredrick Co., VA: dated December 24, 1771
transcribed from photocopy sent by Ruth Trim

Will of William recorded in the Clerk office of the Circuit Court of Fredrick County Virginia:- Will book-4-190 etal

I, William Chenoweth of the County Of Fredrick and the colony of Virginia, blacksmith, being very sick and weak but of perfect mind and memory for which I thank Almighty God, but calling to mind the shortness and uncertainty of life in this, changeable and transitory world, do make this my last will and testament in the manner following:

First -- That my body be decently buried at the direction of my executors hereinafter made: Secondly I give and bequeath unto my well beloved wife Jane Chenoweth my riding horse, her saddle, feather bed, and furniture:

Item I give and bequeath unto my well beloved and oldest son John Chenoweth all and every of my Blacksmith tools for which I will and decree that he pay unto each of my other two sons Jonathan and William Chenoweth the sum of five pounds current money of Virginia as soon as they come of the age of twenty one years;

Item I will and decree that after all my just debts are paid that all the remaining part of my estate be equally divided between my beloved wife as above named, my three sons and my daughter Mary Chenoweth except a iron box singular I give and bequeath unto aforesaid Mary according to the desire of her deceased Mother.

And lastly I constitute and appoint my beloved wife as aforesaid executrix and My Brother Absolom Chenoweth executor jointly of this my last will and testament hereby disallowing all other wills by me made allowing this and no other to be my last will and testament:-

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the 24th day of: December One Thousand Seven hundred and seventy one. But before I sign and seal this my last will and testament I will and desire that my now wearing coat, waist-coat, and breeches be kept for my eldest Son John until he be furthur grown. That they be made fitting for him without great waste and no furthur but that my son John aforesaid be bound unto my Brother John Chenoweth and my son Jonathan to Mr. Garred if they will take them, as my executors shall direct and the bed and furniture bequeath to my Wife is to be the same I now lay on and no other which is my intent and meaning.

Considering that my daughter Mary Who is now with my Mother and is to be with her MY said mother as long as my said Mother shall live or until my said Daughter be of age, but should my said Mother die before My daughter be of age that then she be at the disposal of my executors as aforesaid.

                                      William Chenoweth (seal)

Signed sealed and declared in the presence of us the subscribers whose names are hereunto under written:
James Carter
Benjamin Carter
William Green (Winchester, Virginia)


JOHN(3) s/o John

Hampshire Co., VA: dated April 19, 1811 [page 293-295]
Transcribed by Greg Wulker, converted to text by Jon Egge

IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN. I John Chinowith of the County of Hampshire and the State of Virginia calling to mind the certainty of death and being in a declining state of health tho I feel myself in the full possession of my mental and retentive faculties, I do hereby make and ordain my last will and testament in the manner and form hereaft following

Item: I leave and bequeath to my beloved wife Eleanor Chinweth one feather bed and furniture, 1 sorrel mare with her bridle and saddle, also one cow such as she may choose at the time. These articles I leave and bequeath to her exclusive of her lawful dower.

Item: I leave and bequeath all the rest of my estate real and personal that is to say all my household and kitchen furniture, all my stock of all sorts, and all farming utensils and all my land to wit: the tract whereon I now live containing two hundred and forty eight acres, also one other tract on the south side of the Caphean Mountain containing two hundred forty two acres, also one other tract adjoining the lastly named containing seventy acres, also one other tract on the north side of the middle ridge adjoining the lands of Bryant Bruin between the South branch and Pattersons Creek containing two hundred and thirty two acres all of which lands and other property I will to be sold (deleted line: at one years credit to the highest bidder) by my executor hereafter named. The personal property at one years credit to the highest bidder, the lands for such time of credit over one year as my executor may think for the advantage of the devisees and after the payment of my just debts and funeral expenses the net amount arising from all the sales of my land and property to be equally divided among all my children to wit: my son William Chinwith, my son Absalom Chinwith, my son John Chinwith, my son James Chinwith, my son Elias Chinwith and my daughter Elizabeth Monroe and my daughter Eleanor Ashbrook and my daughter Mary Ashbrook and my daughter Rachel Ashbrook in division and distribution of all the profits arising from the sale of all my estate I leave to my son William to him and his heirs forever one equal tenth part and fifty dollars extraordinary in the form of a legacy left to him by his grandfather and to each and everyone of my sons and daughters as before named one equal tenth part to them and their heirs forever deducting from my daughter Rachel Asbrook fifty four dollars which she is justly indebted to me. Lastly I nominate appoint and ordain my son Elias Chenoweth and John Monroe my whole and sole executors of my last will and testament hereby revoking and disannuling all others in witness thereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this nineteenth day of April in the year of our Lord 1811.

                           (signed) John Chinwith (seal)

Attest:
Abraham Cresswell
George (X) Cole
William Nixon
Joseph Nixson
Thomas McGraw

At a court held for Hampshire County, the 14th day of September 1812. The last will and testament of John Chenwith dec'd, was presented in Court by Elias Chewith one of the executors therein named proved by the oaths of William Nixon & Joseph Nixon, two of the witnesses thereto, and ordered to be recorded, the said executor having made oath according to law and together with Frances White and Joseph Nixon his securities entered into bond in the penalty of three thousand dollars conditioned as the law directs.
Teste., And, Wodsen, Clerk


THOMAS(3) s/o John

Botetourt Co., VA: dated May 8, 1780
from Tami Ramsey: 17 Dec 2000

IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN I Thomas Chenoweth of Botetourt County being very sick and weak at present but in perfect mind and memory thanks be given unto God. Calling unto mind the mortality of my body and knowing that it is appointed for all men to once die, do make and ordain this my last will and testament, that is to say principally and first of all I give and commend my soul into the hands of the almighty God that gave it and my body to the earth to be buried in a decent and Christian manner my executers.....(could not read)...doubting but at the general resurrection I shall receive the same again by the mighty power of God and as ......(could not read).....pleases God to bless me in this life. I give and dispose of the same in the following manner and form. FIRST I give and bequeath unto my dearly beloved wife Ann all of my estate real and personal except one Negro named James and a suit of cloaths (clothes) of purple colour and likewise the negro to be sold and equally divided to my five children and Ann my wife to have a childs part of the negro to these Elizabeth and Mary, James Francis and John Thomas and likewise unto Nicholas Ruxton my son my five shillings sterling and my boots and straps and likewise I leave my wife Ann sole executor and ratifying and confirm this my last will and testament in presence of these this eighth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty.

Signed and sealed and delivered

in the presence of......
James Rowland
Thomas W. McMachen
Sarah McMachen
Henry Switzer

will was proven July 13, 1780 in Botetourt Co., Virginia.


ABSOLOM(3) s/o John

Berkeley Co., IN: dated April 12, 1772
obtained and transcribed by Greg Wulker

In the name of God amen, I Absolom Chenoweth, of the said County being at present though sick and weak of body yet perfect mind and memory thanks be to God for it, and calling to mind the uncertainty of this frail and mortal life and that it is appointed once for all men to die and after death to come to Judgement, do make and ordain this my last will and testament, in manner and form following, viz;

First and principally I recommend my soul to almighty God my Creator who gave it trusting alone in the merits of my Blessed Savior and Redeemer Jesus Christ, for Salvation and my Body to the earth from whence it was taken, to be decently buried at the discretion of my executors hereafter named assuredly believing that I shall receive the same again at the General Resurrection at the last day, and as for such wordly goods and Estate, with which it has pleased God to bless me with in this life, I leave and bequeth in manner and form following, viz:

Imprimis, I will that all my just debts and funeral charges be lawfully paid , and discharged, viz

Item, I give and bequeth to my loving wife Ruth Chenoweth, one feather bed and furniture, one brown mare, and saddle and bridle, one cow which she shall choose of my flock to her heirs and assigns, viz: and further my will is that she my said wife Ruth have the use and benefit of my house and plantation together with all my moveable Estate during her natural life as widowhood and after her death the whole of my plantation be sold and the money to be equally divided between all my children, and if my said wife should marry then my will is that my plantation be sold and the money to be divided between her and my children to each one an equal part, and my moveable Estate either be sold or equally divided between my said wife and children to be put to use until they come to age, and further my will is that if any of my children should die before they come of age that their part be equally divided between the surviving ones, to them their heirs and assigns-and likewise my will is that my brother William Chenoweths son, William who is now bound to me that he be bound by my executors to some good workman, to learn the Blacksmith trade.

And Lastly, I do hereby constitute ordain and appoint my said loving wife Ruth Chenoweth and my trusty friend Morgan Morgan joint executors of this my last will and testament revoking and making void all former and other wills testaments executors and legacies by me made and ratifying and confirming this and this only to be my Last will and testament.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 12th day of April 1773.

Signed Sealed and Acknowledged by the Testator to be his last will and testament.

                           (signed) Absolom Chenoweth

in the presence of......
James Seaton
William Chenoweth
John Hanna

At a Court held for Berkeley County the 15th day of June 1773. The Last will and Testament of Absolom Chenoweth decd. was presented in Court by Ruth Chenoweth and Morgan Morgan the executors therein named who made oath thereto and according to Law, proved by the oaths of William Chenoweth, and John Hanna, witnesses thereto and ordained to be recorded, and on the motion of the said Executors certificate is granted them for obtaining a probate thereof in due form.

Teste: William Drew, Clerk


ARTHUR(3) s/o John

Bartholomew Co., IN: dated December 26, 1828
found on the internet

In The name of God Amen. I Arthur Chenoweth of the County of Bartholomew and the State of Indiana considering the uncertainty of the mortal life and being of a sound and perfect mind and memory blessed the Almighty God for the same do make and publish this my last will and testament in manner and form following that is to say. After paying all just debts, I will and bequeath to my beloved children Absolum John Polly Arthur Margaret Rachel Eleanor and Anne my estate equally, that which will fall to my son Absolum or so much of it as will satisfy a debt he owes to the estate of Boston Shehan to which myself and others are securities to be kept in the hands of my Executers to satisfy said debt. My son John has received sixty dollars besides a ten dollar note which came out of his part of the estate and I do hereby appoint Abraham Chenoweth and Benjamin Irwin both of Bartholomew County my sole executors of this my last will and testament hereby revoking all former wills by me made. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the saith day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty eight.

                           (signed) Arthur Chenoweth

Signed sealed published by the above named Arthur Chenoweth to be his last will and testament in presence of us who have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses of the testate.

Recorded March 6th, 1829 page 56 Bartholomew County Ind.


JOHN(3) s/o Arthur

Berkeley Co., VA: proven September 11, 1820
scanned from Study by Alexander Crawford Chenoweth

I, John Chenoweth of the County of Berkeley and commonwealth of Virginia, now in perfect health and sound mind, and taking into consideration the uncertainty of life, have thought proper thus to make my will and dispose of all real and personal Estate of which I am now or may hereafter be seized. And be it known that I do hereby make my last will and testament in manor and form following, that is to say: 1st, I desire that all my just debts and funeral expenses be paid is soon as possible after decease, and real and personal Estate divided in the following manner, Viz: I give to my son, Joshua Chenoweth, during his natural life, and that of his present wife, all the tract of Land whereon he now lives, in the County of Mercer and commonwealth of Pennsylvania, laying and being in the fork of the Shanango and Mahoning river, it being the same tract of land which I purchased of William Mackey, dec'd, formerly of the Town of Martinsburg, in this County. And it is further my will and desire, that after the decease of my said Son Joshua & his present wife, that the said tract of land descend to their heirs jointly and their assigns forever, or to such of them as may then he living. The said tract of land contains two hundred and seventeen acres and 24 poles, be the same more or less.

2'dly, I give to my son John Chenoweth all that tract of land situated, laying and being in the County of Berkeley aforesaid, & adjoining the plantation whereon I now live, containing one hundred & fifty acres, be the same more or less, it being the same tract of land which I purchased from Jonathan Seaman.

3'rdy, I give to my son Richard Chenoweth the plantation whereon I now live, with all the buildings and appertainances thereunto belonging, and also the following negroes, Viz: one negro man named Bill, and one named Jack & my negro boys Ben, Abraham and Mace, & all my horse kind, and farming utensils, together with all my other live stock, dead victuals, and household furniture of every description, and also all the money which may be in hand, together with all debts due to me, either by bond, note, book account or otherwise at my decease or to fall due afterwards. Provided that my said son Richard shall well and truly pay or cause to be paid all my just debts funeral expenses and contracts by me made, and pay or cause to be paid the following legacies, that is to say, to pay to my Daughter Sarah Taylor, or her legal representatives or assigns, the sum of one thousand dollars at the end of one year after my decease and also to pay to my daughter Hannah Harris, her legal representatives or assigns, the sum of one thousand dollars, at the end of two years after my decease, also to pay to my daughter Ruth Oufett her Iegal representatives or assigns, the sum one thousand dollars at the end three years after my decease; also to pay to my said Son Joshua, his heirs or assigns, the sum of one thousand dollars, at the end of four years, after my decease; also to pay to my son, Arthur Chenoweth, the sum of one thousand dollars, at the end of five years after my decease, and also pay to my grand daughter Sarah Thomas or her legal representatives, two hundred and fifty dollars at the end of six years after my decease.

4'thly I give to daughter Ruth Ouffett one negro girl named Eliza in addition to the before mentioned thousand dollars, which girl she is to possess amediately after my death.

5'thly it is my desire that John Strode and Nancy Edmunds, children of my daughter Elsey Strode, deceased, shall have no part estate except so much is will be sufficient to disinheret them as the law may direct in such cases, as they have been amply provided for by their deceased father James Strode.

6'thly It is my will and desire that the aforementioned tracts of land given to my two sons John & Richard Chenoweth, of this county, with the appertainances there to belonging, shall be to the onely proper use and behoof of them, the said John & Richard and their executors administrators & assigns forever, and also the negroes, horse farming utensils, household furniture, & given to the said Richard, he complying as before directed. And lastly I do hereby constitute and appoint said son Richard Chenoweth Executor of this my last will and testament, hereby revoking all other, or former wills or testaments, by me heretofore made. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this day, of in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fourteen.

                                                  JOHN CHENOWETH, Sr. (Seal).

Signed, sealed, published & delivered as and for the last will &, testament of the above named John Chenoweth, in presence of us:
Joel Ward
Philip Wright
Joel Ward, Jr.

At a court held for Berkeley county, on the I 11th day of September, 1820 this last will and testament of John Chenoweth Senior, deceased, was proven by, the Oaths of Joel Ward & Joel Ward, junior, two of the witnesses thereto, and ordered to be recorded, and on the motion of Richard Chenoweth, the Executor therein named, who made oathe thereto, according to law, certificate is granted him for obtaining a probate thereof in due form, giving security, whereupon he together with security entered into and acknowledged bond conditioned as the law directs.
Teste., D. HUNTER, C. B. C.


RICHARD(3) s/o Arthur

Knox Co., TN: dated January 25, 1821
copy from Denzil Mauldin

In the name of God amen I Richard Chenowith of the County of Knox in the State of Tennessee knowing the uncertainty of this mortal life and being in perfect health and of sound mind memory and understanding praised be God for his mercies do make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner and form following Viz in primis. I give and bequeath unto my son William one dollar who was the son of my first wife or companion Elleanor and daughter of William Askew of Baltimore long deceased. Item. I give and bequeath unto my son Joshua one dollar who was the son of my first wife or companion Elleanor and daughter of William Askew as aforesaid. Item. After all just claims the above mentioned legacies my funeral expences and all other necessary expences in settling my estate are fully satisfied and paid the ballance or residue of my estate both of said State and State of Maryland or elsewhere of every kind and nature whatever be the same personal or mixed I hereby will devise and bequeath the - unto present beloved wife or companion to wit - Ellen daughter of Adam mince [S/b Hammer] of Baltimore County Maryland late... (unreadable) ... of for the support of herself and children... my children hereafter named our daughter Ann Mariah our son George Washington, our daughter Adeline Saphirah and our son Richard. To them their heirs and assigns forever in equal quantity and quality share and share alike as the case my require at the descretion of my hereafter executors or their repressentitives. Further it is my will and desire in case my present wife and companion Ellen as aforesaid should have another child or children during my life or within nine months after my decease that such child or children as the case may be shall have an equal portion of my estate with the two sons and daughter last above mentioned.

To wit - Ann Mariah George Washinton, Adeline Saphirah and son Richard share and share alike Further it is my will and desire that my daughters Ann Mariah and Adaline Sa hirah be taught to read, write and cipher as far as the rule of three at leased and that my said sons George Washington and Richard be taught reading, writing areffimetic, and the English Grammer to perfection and the whole of the expence arsing thereon, if necessary to be deducted out of each of their portion of the estate respectively as the nature of the case may require. Furthermore it is my will and desire that no part of my estate should be sold by my executors during the single life of my said beloved wife or companion Ellen unless the situation of my affairs would compel such a measure. Should it be the case, it is my will and desire that she should be first consulted what part of the estate she would be most willing to part with for this purpose, and this said part be put to sale in preference. Furthermore in case my beloved companion Ellen as aforesaid should deem it most convenient and beneficial to her that all or such part as she may think fit or proper of my estate were realized in bank stock that she will or may be interested in against to the tenor of this my last will and testament it is my will and desire for her convenience at her request that my hereafter named executors should sell and convey said estate and realize the amount thereof in bank stock or ground rents so that she may be entitled to the interest or income thereof consistent with my win as afore said. Lastly. I hereby ordain constitute and appoint my worthy friend John Hillsman Esq. and Capt. William Lyon both of Knox County ... of this my last will and testament hereby rescind and... Richard Chenowith the testator have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this twenty fifth day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty one.

Signed and sealed, published and declared by the Testator to be his last Will and testament in presence of us who have at his request witnessed the same in his presence and in the presence of each other.


JOSEPH(3) Berkeley Co., VA (now WV) s/o William

Berkeley Co., VA: dated September 23, 1785, proven Oct 18, 1785
Obtained and transcribed by Greg Wulker

In the name of God amen, the 23rd day of September One Thousand Seven Hundred and Eighty Five.

I Joseph Chenoweth of Berkeley County and Commonwealth of Virginia being very sick and weak in Body but of total mind and memory thanks be unto God therefore and calling unto mind the mortality of my body and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die do make and ordain this my last will and testament.

Imprimis and first I do give and bequeth to Sarah my dearly beloved wife the 1/3 of all my real estate during her life and 1/3 of all my personal estate to be disposed of by her as sees cause and also it is my will that my dear wife shall have her bed and furniture and my sorrel horse commonly called Doctor and it is further my will that my dear wife shall have full power to marriage with respect of renting my lands or keep them in her own hands during her widowhood and no longer.

Item: I do give and bequeth to my son Joseph all my plantation that I now live and the tract I bought of Jacob Rush adjacent my said place which place is bound by lands of Peter Fletcher, Jane Wilson, to him or his assigns forever.

Item; I do give and bequeth to my daughter Newly my plantation I bought of Thomas Hays adjacent to John Hays and Robert Lyles lands, and also my plantation adjacent to David Gorians and James Hair and likewise a survey of about 50 acres on the North Mountain bott of Jacob Price to her and her heirs forever further it is my will that my black stallion shall be sold and go to the use of paying David Rubel and I do hereby constitute and make and ordain my beloved Brother Absolom Chenoweth and my trusty friend John Hair to be my whole and sole executors of this my last will and I do hereby disallow revoke and disannul all and every other will, Legacy and bequeth and Executors by me in anyway before mentioned willed and bequethed Ratifying and confirm this and no other to be my last will and testament.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year above written.

                                Joseph Chenoweth (his mark) 

Signed Sealed and Published and pronounced by the said Joseph Chenoweth his last will and testament in the presence of us the subscribers.
William Chenoweth
Gabriel Hays
John Hays

Presented in Court 18 Day of October 1785.


AMON BUTLER, JR., husband of RUTH(3) d/o Arthur of Baltimore Co., MD

Baltimore Co, MD: dated August 2, 1804
submitted by John Rausch

In the name of God, Amen. I Amon Butler, Junior of Baltimore County in the State of Maryland being weak in body but of a sound mind and memory do make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner and form following.

First I commend my soul unto the hand of Almighty God my creator. And my body I commit to the earth to be decently buried in the discretion of my Executor hoping that I shall be raised to the resurrection of life through the Lord Jesus Christ who is the resurrection and the life, and as touching those earthly things which God hath been pleased to bless me with I dispose of as follows: Viz.

Lastly I do hereby authorize, nominate, constitute, and appoint my brother Absolom Butler Executor of my last will and testament. In witness thereof I, Amon Butler the testator have hereunto affixed my seal this second day of August in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and four.

                                Amon Butler, Junior


WILLIAM, JR.(3) of Warren Co., OH s/o William

Warren Co, OH: dated April 15, 1816, proven Nov 21, 1820
Transcribed by Greg Wulker, converted to text by Jon Egge

I, William Chenoweth, a citizen of the United States of North America and an inhabitant of Warren County in the State of Ohio: Do make, ordain and declare this instrument of writing to be my last will and testament in the manner following; to wit: To my Beloved wife for her support as herein after willed and provided for.

First, I will and divine to my three sons, William, Absolum and John, their heirs and assignees forever, all the lands I hold and possess being the south half section No. three, in township No. three, in Range No. five, whereon I now live, to be equally divided between them in manner following; to my son William one third part of the above half section of land to be laid off of the north side, to begin on the west boundary line of said half section thence a straight line through the improvement eastwardly parallel with the improvement, so as to include one third part of the cleared land, thence north so far that a line eastly parallel with the north boundary line of said half section, to the east boundary line of said half section will include one third part of the timbered land. To my son Absolum, one third part of the above half section to be laid off as is herein specified, a part to be laid off as followeth - to begin on the west boundary line at the beginning of my son William divised part, thence east with William's line so far, that a north and south line to the south boundary line of said half section will include one third part of the cleared or improved land, thence with the south boundary line of said half section to the southwest corner thence with the west boundary line to the beginning. To my son John, one third part of the above half section, to begin at the southeast corner of my son Absolum's devised part, thence with the south boundary line of said half section so far, that a north and south line to my son William's line will include the cleared land with as much timbered land as my son Absolum has as his part, and with intent and for the purpose of making between my two sons Absolum and John the remainder of my land equal in quantity, my will is that the same be equally divided in quantity by a line east and westward to run parallel with the eastward and westward lines of said tract. To my son Absolum the south half off the last divided land, to my son John the north half off the last divided land, provided nevertheless my will is that the above divisees shall be subject to the following reservation of dower to and for the support of my wife, I will to my wife one third part of all my lands during her natural life to be laid off equal on each part of my three sons, William, Absolum & John divised parts, to be laid off adjoining, as to include the mansion house and orchard. I will to my wife one bed & bedding also one side saddle, I will to my son Thomas ten dollars, also to my daughter Nancy Miller ten dollars, also I will to my daughter Hannah Dunham ten dollars, also I will to my daughter Sarah one hundred and seventy dollars also the bed she now claims and beding as her mother may think proper, I will to my daughter Mary one bed and such beding as her mother may think proper and also the side saddle now claims. I will to my two grandsons James and William Fulerton ten dollars each to be paid if they should call for the same - the whole twenty dollars may be paid to either of them by taking a receipt for the same; my will is that the moneyed legacies is to be paid by my three sons, my son William to pay eighty dollars, out of land divised to him, my son Absolum to pay eighty dollars out of land divised to him, the reason why my son John is not to pay as much as my two sons William and Absolum is on account of his losing a mare on the road in moving to this country. I will to my three sons William, Absolum & John all my plough and ploughing harness, and my share of the harrowed and also my wearing apparel to be equally divided between them and lastly all the remainder of my personal estate I will one third to my wife and the remaining two thirds I will to be equally divided between my three daughters Mary, Sarah & Sinah

and finally in order that this my last will and testament be carried into effect after my decease I hereby impower my three sons William, Absolum and John my executors, to execute every part thereof, my will is that there shall be neither appraisement of my estate nor administration entered into, but that this instrument of writing containing my last will and testament be proved and recorded according to the law. I the said William Chenoweth do hereby by sign seal and declare this and only as my last will and testament witness my hand this fifteenth day of April, In year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & sixteen

                                William Chenowith

Done in the presence of the undersigned witnesses
John James
Thomas Thomas
Jonathom James
John H. Wolcott
Joshua Carmen


ELIJAH(3) of Franklin Co., OH s/o Thomas

Franklin Co, OH: dated July 21, 1828, filed April 7, 1829
copy procured for the website Cinda Lou Justice, transcribed by Jon D. Egge

Franklin Common Pleas Term 1829, The State of Ohio

Elijah Chenoweth of the County of Franklin in the State of Ohio do make and publish this my last will and testament in manner and form following that is to say, first it is my will that all funeral expenses and all my just debts be fully paid. And I give and devise to my youngest son Elijah Chenoweth the farm on which I now reside, situate and being in the County of Franklin in the State of Ohio containing two hundred and fifty acres supposed to be lying in the Virginia Military lands unto his heirs and assigns forever and all my Horses, Cattle, Sheep and Hogs and farmer tools. Also all my household furniture and other items of my personal property and my son Elijah is to pay the amount of one hundred dollars to each of my other children. That s to pay my son Thomas Chenoweth one hundred dollars. To my daughter Elizabeth Kerr one hundred dollars to my son John F. Chenoweth one hundred dollars to my daughter Sarah Haines one hundred dollars to my son Joseph one hundred dollars to my daughter Cassandra Morgan one hundred dollars to my daughter Rachel Wood one hundred dollars to my daughter Ruth Davidosn one hundred dollars to be had 4 years after my decease.

                                                         Elijah Chenoweth (Seal).

July 21st 1828, Witnesses present:

Franklin County Pleas April term 1829 The State of Ohio, Franklin Co.
Personally appeared before the open court the within names. Jacob Grubb and Jonathan B. Perrin who examined by the court touching the within instrument depose and swear that they did in the presence of Elijah Chenoweth and the presence of each other and subscribe said instrument as the last will and testament of said Elijah and at his request that Elijah was at the time of subscribing the same of sound and disposing mind and memory at the time said and did declaire the above to be his last will and testament and the said elijah Chenoweth subscribe the same
April 7th 1829
Attest A, McDowell, Clerk.


ABRAHAM(3) of Pike Co., OH s/o Thomas

Pike Co, OH: dated March 29, 1845, filed Nov 11, 1845
copy procured for the website & transcribed by Greg Wulker

Pike Court of Common Pleas Special Session, The State of Ohio

I Abraham Chenoweth of the County of Pike in the State of Ohio do make and publish this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following that is to say-

First: It is my will that my funeral expenses and all my just debts be fully paid.

Second: I give and devise to the Children of my son William Chenoweth now deceased The whole of the north west quarter of section No 26 in township # 17 of range one West situate lying and being in the County of Randolph in the State of Indiana containing one hundred and sixty acres be the same more or less and to their heirs and assigns forever to be equally divided between them share and share alike.

Third: I give and devise unto my son Jacob Chenoweth the whole of the West half of the south East quarter of Section twenty three in Township No 17 of range one West situate lying and being in the County of Randolph in the State of Indiana containing eighty acres be the same more or less and to his heirs and assigns forever.

Fourth: I give and devise unto my son John Chenoweth his heirs and assigns forever the whole of the North East quarter of section No 26 in Township No 17 of range one West situate lying and being in the County of Randolph in the State of Indiana containing one hundred and sixty acres be the same more or less. Fifth. I give and devise unto my daughter Ann Moor and James Moor her husband the whole of in lot No fifty four in the town of Piketon to them their heirs and assigns forever.

Sixth: I give and devise to my son Gideon Chenoweth his heirs and assigns forever the whole of the South west quarter of Section No 26 in Township No 17 of range one West containing one hundred and sixty acres be the same more or less situate lying and being in the County of Randolph in the State of Indiana.

Seventh: I give and devise to my daughter Sarah Chenoweth her heirs and assigns forever my bureau, my horse by the name of Mattocks, her choice one of all the cows on the place also such articles of cupboard ware and cooking utensils as she may select to the value of thirty dollars her choice one of all the featherbeds bedstead and a sufficient winter and summer suit of bedding for the same.also two double coverlids such as she may make choice of also the carpets.

Eighth: I give and devise to my two sons Abraham Chenoweth and Joel Chenoweth their heirs and assigns forever the two tracts of land herein after mentioned subject however to the payment by them of the sum of five thousand five hundred and sixty dollars to be paid by them or herein after directed that is to say. I give and devise to my son Abraham Chenoweth his heirs and assigns forever the East or upper half of the farm on which I now reside situate in the county of Pike and State of Ohio- and I give and devise to my son Joel Chenoweth his heirs and assigns forever the West or lower half of said farm to be equally divided between them agreeable to quantity by a line through the center thereof from the Scioto River a Northerly course to the back line which said tract contains one hundred and seventy nine acres and is known as being part of William Johnson s survey No 473 and is a part of the same tract of land which was conveyed to me by Arthur Chenoweth by deed bearing date the 24th of December A.D. 1804 and I hereby direct that the middle or partition fence now on the farm be placed upon the division or center line for the mutual benefit of both parties.

I also give and devise to my said sons Abraham Chenoweth and Joel Chenoweth their heirs and assigns forever one other tract or parcel of land situate lying and being in the County of Pike and State of Ohio containing one hundred and eighty seven acres to be equally divided between them the same being a part of entry or survey No 2749 and is the same tract of land which was conveyed to me by Thomas McCoy and Wife by deed bearing date the 10th day of February A.D. 1813.

Ninth: The aforesaid sum of five thousand five hundred and sixty dollars which my said sons Abraham Chenoweth and Joel Chenoweth are required to pay as above on the lands above devised to them and which is to stand as a charge upon said lands I Will and dispose of the same as follows that is to say- I will and devise thereof to my son Jacob Chenoweth his heirs and assigns forever the sum of three hundred and fifty dollars- To James Moor and Ann Moor his Wife the sum of six hundred and fifty dollars. To John Chenoweth his heirs and assigns forever the sum of thirty dollars- To my daughter Susannah Turner and John R.Turner her husband their heirs and assigns forever the sum of seven hundred and fifty dollars- To Mary Hibben my daughter and James R. Hibben her husband their heirs and assigns the sum of seven hundred and fifty dollars.- To my son Noah Chenoweth his heirs and assigns the sum of seven hundred and fifty dollars- To Sarah Chenoweth my daughter her heirs and assigns the sum of seven hundred and fifty dollars- To My daughter Hannah Blackstone and her husband Thomas Blackstone the sum of seven hundred and fifty dollars. To my daughter Rebecca Reed her heirs and assigns the sum of seven hundred and fifty dollars. And to my son Gideon Chenoweth his heirs and assigns the residue being thirty dollars. All of which several sums of money I hereby direct to be paid by my said sons Abraham Chenoweth and Joel Chenoweth to the several persons as above stated within two years after my decease And as to all the rest and residue of my Estate either real personal or mixed I give devise and bequeath the same to my sons Abraham Chenoweth and Joel Chenoweth to be equally divided between them with the express understanding that no interest is to be charged upon any claim or debt which is or may be du to me by any of my children or my son in laws until after my decease- And lastly I hereby constitute and appoint my sons Abraham Chenoweth and Joel Chenoweth to be executors of this my last Will and Testament revoking and annulling all former wills by me made and ratifying and confirming this and no other to be my last Will and Testament- In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 29th day of March A.D. 1845

                                                         Abraham Chenoweth(Seal).

Signed published and declared by the above named Abraham Chenoweth as and for his last Will and Testament in presence of us who at his request have signed as witnesses to the same.

Be it remembered that on this day the last Will and Testament of Abraham Chenoweth late of the County of Pike deceased was brought into open Court and proved by the oaths of Hallam Hempstead, Snowden Sargeant and James Sargeant the subscribing witnesses thereto who s examinations were reduced to writing and reads in the words and figures following to wit.- Abraham Chenoweth last Will and Testament being brought into Court for Probate. The subscribing witnesses Hallam Hempstead Snowden Sargeant and James Sargeant being produced in open Court upon their oaths state that the said Abraham Chenoweth was at the time of making his Will of full age and of sound mind and memory and not under any restraint and that they were called upon by him to sign their names as witnesses to said Will and that they signed the same in his presence at his request- Subscribed and sworn to in Open Court the date above


Attest: George Corwine, Clk.

RICHARD PETEET(3) of Wilkes Co., GA s/o Ruth

Wilkes Co, GA: dated Sept 7, 1823, probated Sept 3, 1827
abstract from Pete Chenoww\eth

Source Vital Records of Georgia, Wilkes County, pg 149

PETEET, RICHARD. To wife Delpha all lands, horses, slaves, furniture, etc., all of her own choice, for life or widowhood. One third of real estate and childs part of personal estate if she marries. Having given daus Elizabeth Newman, Susan Callaway, Unica Arnold and Delph Callaway certain slaves, they must pay my sons, Simeon, John and Chenoth Peteet certain sums to make them equal before a division. Sons Chenoth and Simeon, Excrs. Signed Sept 7, 1823. Probated Sept 3, 1827. Elizabeth Arnold, Sarah Ann S. Wellborn, John G. Wellborn, Johnson Wellborn, Test.


JOHN(4) of Randolph Co. s/o William

Randolph Co, VA: dated May 11, 1829, filed June 28, 1831
scanned from Cora Hiatt book

In the name of God, Amen:

I, John Chenoweth, of the County of Randolph and State of Virginia, calling to mind the mortality of the human system, and being in health and of sound mind, do hereby make this my last Will and Testament; that my executors hereinafter named, do sell all my personal estate and pay my funeral expenses and all my just debts.

Itern First-I will to my beloved wife, Mary Chenoweth, negro Poll to wait on her till said slave arrive at the age of forty-five years, if they both live so long, and if my wife should die before that time, then she, Poll, to belong to my heirs hereinafter named till she is forty-five, then it is my will that she be free if she wishes so to be.

I will to my wife my mare or horse as the case may be and her saddle and bridle, her bed and furniture and one full third of all my personal estate, and lastly equal share with my heirs hereafter named to dispose of as she may think proper and lastly, I do will to my beloved children equal shares of all my personal property not otherwise disposed of in this my last will, to-wit:

Robert Chenoweth,, William P. Chenoweth, Mary Stalnaker, lately Mary Chenoweth, John I. Chenoweth, Gabriel Chenoweth, Jehu Chenoweth and Nelly Hart, lately Nelly Chenoweth, and I do appoint my beloved sons, Jehu Chenoweth and John I. Chenoweth, executors of this, my last will and testament, hereby revoking all the wills and testaments heretofore made in writing; whereof I have herewith set my hand this the 11th day of May, 1829, in the presence of, and for the last will and testament made by the said John Chenoweth.

                                                         JOHN CHENOWETH (Seal).

Witnesses-W. Myers, S. Wyatt and Peter Buckey.


WILLIAM(4) of Nelson Co. s/o William

Nelson Co., KY: April 15 1828
scanned from text sent by Ruth Trim

In the name of God Amen

I, William Chinowith, of the county of Nelson and the state of Kentucky considering the uncertainty of this mortal life and the certainty of Death, I being of sound mind and perfect mind and memory, thanks be to the Almighty God for the same, do make, publish and declare this to be my last will and testament in manner and form following, Viz:

First of all I want my all just debts to be speedily paid, after which I give and bequeath to my beloved wife Mary Chinowith the one third part of my home plantation including the dwelling house and as much of the household furniture as she may choose to keep, also negro Bets and give her choice of all my horses also her choice of two milch cows, during her natural life and at her death, the above mentioned property to be sold and the proceeds thereof equally divided amongst my children in manner and from herein after mentioned.

Item, I give & bequeath to my youngest son, James H. Chinowith (as I expect he will live with his mother until her death, maintain and take care of her) one negro boy named Jack and his choice of two of my horses, one waggon and four pairs of waggon gears, two plows and two axes, two hoes and all the coopers tools and my crop, cut saw and it is my express will that he shall receive three hundred dollars mentioned in a note accompanying this will as a compensation for his three last past years services, and work which he did for me, also my noted silver watch, in token of my love, which he is to have over and above his equal portion and it is my desire for him to keep it during his life, after it is my will and desire the above mentioned articles (the watch and the note above mentioned excepted, at their mention, as, a part of what he is entitled to as one of my heirs, and as I keep a book of charges and accounts and receipts against him and all my other children so that each may have an equal share of my estate, it is my wish that what now stands on the book against him or the rest of my children, or what receipts or book accounts I may hereafter have against any of them. It is my express will and desire that may be estimated and accounted as so much of their part of what they may be entitled to as my heirs and deducted from their part accordingly. The amount of what I now have against my son Hardin Chinowith, is at this time, is as the part which I wish to be deducted out of his part of the proceeds of my estate is one thousand five hundred ninety seven dollars and forty cents. To my daughter Letitia Hawkins and her children lawfully begotten of her body, I give the plantation which she at present resides in Hardin County and State of Kentucky, said to contain one hundred seventy one and a half acres which is to be considered & valued as five hundred dollars of the part to which she be entittles to as one of my lawful heirs. After deducting what each of my heirs may have received as above, I wish my children to receive and equal portion of my whole estate. Beginning at my son Jacob Chinowith, Abraham Chinowith, Isaac Chinowith, Miles Chinowith, Hardin Chinowith, Letitia Hawkins, Ruth Foreman and James H. Chinowith. It is also my will and desire that my negro man Wat shall be manumated and set free upon his paying to my heirs above named or to my executors for their use, the sum of five hundred dollars. Last of all I do ordain and appoint my son James H. Chinowith and William Forman my whole and sole executors of this last will and testament revoking all other wills and confirming this to be my last will and testament. In testimony where of I hereunto set my hand and affix my seal this fifteenth day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand and eight hundred and twenty eight.

                                      William Chenoweth (seal)

Signed sealed and acknowledged to be his last will and testament in the presence of:
John R. McAtee
Jeremiah Barger
John Burdine

At a County Court held for nelson County on Monday the 12th day of May 1828 this last will and testament of William Chinowith deceased was proved by the oaths of John R. McAtee and Jeremiah Barger subscribing witnesses thereto and ordered to be recorded. And on motion of James H. Chinowith and William Foreman the executors therein named, they having given bond with John Samuels, of six thousand dollars conditioned as prescribed by law and having taken the oath the law in such case directs, it is ordered that a certificate of probate of said will be granted them

Teste: Tho. T. Grayson, C.C.


WILLIAM S.(4) of Allen Co., OH s/o John

Allen Co, OH: dated August 7, 1832, proven Oct 11, 1838
copy obtained from by Greg Wulker, transcribed to text by Jon Egge

I, William Chenoweth, of the county of Allen and the state of Ohio being in health of body and sound and disposing mind and memory and understanding do therefore make and publish this my last will and testament in manner and form following, that is to say:

First - and principally I commit my soul to the hands of the Almighty God and my body to the earth to be decently buried at the discretion of my executors hereinafter named. It is my will that all my just debts and funeral charges be paid so soon after my decease as may be convenient. and I wish it to be expressly understood that there is the sum of thirty one dollars to be paid to the heirs of my son John now deceased, it being in consequence of a balance now due him on account of land sold in Virginia which came by his grandfather Rinker. the said John having received of me in the year 1804 in cash and goods etc to the amount of $169.00 as reference to an account kept against him now amongst my papers.

Second - I will and bequeath unto my beloved wife Ann one third of all my personal property after my just debts and funeral charges is paid to use and dispose of as she may think proper and one third of all my land so long as she may live. After her death to be sold and divided amongst my 5 youngest children, namely John Chenoweth, Nelly Franklin, Martha Chenoweth, Lewis Chenoweth and Mason Chenoweth to be divided in the following manner that is to say my said sons to have two shares and my daughters one share and all my said estate both personal and real to be divided in the same way amongst my foresaid children.

Third - and it is my will that the heirs of my first named son John now dec'd is not to have any part of estate, nor any of the following named children nor their heirs as I consider they are better provided for than those 5 above named (to wit) Mary Criswell, Eleanor Chenoweth, Elizabeth Chenoweth, Catherine Chenoweth, the heirs of my son Jacob dec'd, the heirs of my son William dec'd, Casper Chenoweth, Barbary Martindale and Sarah Franklin all these last named children being the children of my first wife. And the plantation given her by her father they have received each the sum of two hundred dollars from me except my first afore said son John and when his heirs receives the aforesaid sum of $31.00 then it is to be considered in full and none of my first wife's children to be considered as my heirs in a distribution of my property,

And lastly I constitute and appoint my beloved wife Ann my executor and my son John executor to this my last will and testament revoking and disannulling all former wills by me made. In testimony whereof I have herewith set my hand & affixed my seal this seventh day of August in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and thirty two.

                                      William Chenoweth (seal)

Signed sealed and published and declared by William Chenoweth the above named Testators to be his last will and testament in his presence and at his request and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as witness thereto.
Robert Terry
James Daniels
Phebe (X) Homan


JAMES(4) s/o John

Grant Co., IN dated Feb 4, 1846
scanned from transcription sent by Peter Chenoweth

RECORD OF WILLS (Will Book A 1839-1853 P 9)

Know ye to whom these presents may cover , t----- , that I James Chinoweth being weak in body, though sound in mind, and in memory do make and declare this to be my last will and testament, revoking all others; First I commend, my soul to God, who gave it, and my body to be in earthly intered at my decease, and as to the property, I possessed, I will to my several children in the following manner, to wit, First I give son, Stephen K. Chinoweth, my farm as his forever after my decease, in consideration of which my will is my son , Stephen K. Chinoweth, pay my son Thomas [name Thomas crossed out] John's children one hundred dollars, two years after my decease. I give my daughter, Lydia Ketchum one blue , red and white double coverlet, and that a light calico quilt be attached to my bed and bedding. I give to my son Stephen K. Chenoweth, one big kettle, one skillet and broadcoat?. I give to my daughter, Sarah, my hatchet, and my plough and groove pliers my will is that after these articles above issued(?) be taken out, that all the balance of my property both real and personal be sold to wit my Smith tools, wagon gears, ploughs, hoes, --------. saws, chisels, augers, with all my other farming utensils, my cow, mare, hogs and sheep, my tubb(?), cupboard, clock, knives and forks with all the rest of my household and kitchen furniture, also my half of the crop of wheat, thats now growing on the farm and the money, divided as follows, to wit, first that all my lawful debts be paid, then that my son James, receive twenty-seven dollars, as a balance of his legacy to make him equal with rest of the heirs, and that the balance of the money, be equally divided among all my children (except my son Stephen K(alaier?), who is not to have any part in that, but my wish is that my son Johns children have their proportionable part with the rest, I appoint and ordain Oliver G. Ball to be the Executor of this my last will and testament

In witness whereof, I have here unto set my hand and seal, this fourth day of February, One Thousand Eight Hundred and Forty Six.

                                      James Chinowerth (seal)
Signed sealed and Delivered in the presents of
Charles Millett
John G. Millett

State of Indiana, Grant County:
Be it remembered that on this twenty-ninth day of May in the year of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Forty-Six, personally appeared in the Clerks office of the Grant Probate Court, Charles Millett of lawful age, being one of the subscribing witnesses to the last will and testament of James Cheneworth, late of Grant County, Indiana;-deceased, who being duly sworn upon his solomn oath, saith that he and John G. Millett are the subscribing witnesses to the last will and testament of James Chinoweth, 'Late of Grant County, deceased, as made and published by heirs on the fourth day of February, One Thousand Eight Hundred and Forty-Six, and that said will was duly witnessed by us in the presence of the said James Chenoweth and that I verily believe said will was duly Executed by the said James Chenoweth at the time of making, and Executing said will, and that said James Chenoweth was of full age to devise? his property and of sound mind and memory at the time of making and executing said will and that said Testator signed said will without coercion or restraint of his own free will and accord.
(signature Charles Millett)

Sworn and subscribed to before me this 29th day of May A.D. 1846
Signature A.Steele,C.G.C.C.

Statement by A. Steele, Clerk Grant County Court

NICHOLAS(4) s/o John

Washington Co., TN: dated Jan 6 1850
abstract

Nicholas Chinowth Jan 6 1850
Wife ___. Sons Nicholas H. & Richard - to have land adjoining William Ellis and Widow Hale. The H. Milhorn tract of land to be sold and the money divided between my daughters: Elizabeth Chinowth, Agnes Gray & Ruth Gray. Ruth Henry Preston and John Addison Chinowth, heirs of John Chenowth - $50 each. Archibald Chenowth living in Kentucky - $150. Two sons Joseph & Henry have $10 each.

                                      Nicholas (x) Chinowth 

Executor: Nicholas H. Chinowth. Wit: Jacob Douglas, Ezekiel R. Chinowth, George W. Gray.

(Washington County Tennessee Wills, p 50)


JOSEPH ASHTON JR.(4) s/o Hannah

Harford Co., MD: dated July 13, 1857
submitted by Shirley Ashton Muszynski

Harford County , Maryland liber 7 pages 256/257/258/259
Joseph Ashton, Jr. (March 08, 1784 - ca 1858)

Will of Joseph Ashton

I, Joseph Ashton, the elder of Harford County Maryland , make this my last Will...hereby revoking every other will made by me. Heretofore

I have the following children, Joseph Ashton, Amanda, wife of George Mechem, William Ashton, Ellen Ashton, and the children, seven in number, of my deceased daughter Elizabeth, late Wife of George Jessop, of Kenilworth in Baltimore County, Maryland.

To my son, Joseph....I release and hereby esconerate him from all accounts for fifteen hundred dollars which he received from me.

To my daughter Amanda Mechem. I release three hundred dollars heretofore advanced her, and I bequeath her twelve hundred dollars to her sole and separate use.

To my son William Ashton. I devise the land parts of Ady's Farm situated in Harford county on the eastern side of a county road which road commences near John Ashton's blacksmith shop and running thence along the land now devised. Bounding it on the west. Extends to Rock Spring Church and Bel-Air in said county. This land I devise to him in fee as his full share of my entire estate of every nature;

To my daughter Ellen. I bequeath fifteen hundred dollars in cash . Also, my slaves Harry-now about twenty-six of age and Delia, now about twenty one years of age--both for the term of his and her natural life respectively---also two beds and bedstands and all the bed clothes in my house, one large mahogany framed mirror, one mahogany bureau. Two parlor carpets, one clock and all my silver plates, all which property i bequeath to her. To her sole and separate use free from the control of any husband she may have.

I bequeath fifteen hundred dollars to be equally divided among the then surviving children of my deceased daughter Elizabeth Jessop.

I direct that all the residue of my estate real & personal and mixed, wheresoever situated, shall be sold by my executors herein after named or the survivor of them and the proceeds of sales shall be devivided into four shares of like value to each of my said children, Joseph, Amanda and Ellen and the fourth or remaing share shall be equally distributed among the then surviving children of my deceased daughter Elizabeth. From this division my son William is excluded because as herein stated. I have devised to him what I deem his full share of my estate and property of every description.

Lastly, I hereby appoint my son-in-law, George Jessop and my son John Ashton executors of this my last will and hereby confer on them power to sell and convey real estate herein before directed to be sold for distribution.

In witness whereof I hereto set my hand and seal this twenty-third day of July eighteen hundred and fifty seven/

Signed Joseph Aston seal


RICHARD B(4) s/o Arthur, Jr.

Baltimore Co., MD: dated Dec 31, 1845; probated Apr 24, 1846
transcribed by Jon D. Egge from Family Search archives: Maryland Register of Wills Records, 1629-1999 Baltimore Wills 1845-1847 vol 21, thanks to Susan Berry, Registrar, Alexander Love Chapter NSDAR

Richard B Chenoweth

Last Will and Testament

In the name of God Amen, I Richard B. Chenoweth of the City of Baltimore in the state of Maryland, being weak in body but of sound and disposing mind, memory and understanding, considering the certainty of death and the uncertainty of the time thereof, and being desirous to settle my worldly affairs and thereby be to better prepared to leave this world when it shall please God to call me hence, do therefore make & publish 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 just debts and funeral charges are paid, I give and devise as follows: -

I give and bequeath to my son Benjamin Thomas Chenoweth all my household Estate; of, in the City of Baltimore which was conveyed to me by Thomas Murphy, Jacob Daley and Reberdy Johnson, Executors of Edward Priestley of said City dec'd, reference to said deed will more full and at large appear, to him, the said Benjamin T. Chenoweth and his Heirs forever.

I give and bequeath to my grandchildren, Richard B. Chenoweth, George T. Chenoweth, Benjamin Thomas Chenoweth, Anne Olivia Chenoweth and Charles Chenoweth, sons and daughters of my son Richard B. Chenoweth deceased all those messuages or tenements with the appurtenances situated in the City of Baltimore and adjoining the above lott which was conveyed to me by Benjamin Hunt and Louis Roberts and Susan his wife reference to said deed will more full and at large appear. And it is my will and desire on said lotts in partnership between my said grandchildren and my son Benjamin for the term of ten years and the proceeds after paying my daughter Julianna Canoles One hundred dollars yearly during said ten year partnership, the balance of the proceeds to be equally divided between my said grandchildren and my son Benjamin and at the expiration of said term to be the right and estate clear of all encumbrances to my said grandchildren above named their heirs and assigns forever.

I give and bequeath to my grandson Edwin Canoles, son of my daughter Julianna Canoles Two shares in the Union manufacturing company.

I give and bequeath to my beloved wife all my household and kitchen furniture, and my will and desire is that my son Benjamin shall support her during her natural life provided she shall live with him, but if she should thus refuse that then my said son Benjamin shall pay her one hundred dollars yearly during her life time and at her death the said household and kitchen furniture to be equally divided between my said son Benjamin and my said daughter Julianna Canoles and their heirs

And lastly as to all the rest residue and remainder of my personal Estate, goods and chattels of what kind and nature whatsoever I give and bequeath the same to my said son Benjamin T. Chenoweth whom I hereby appoint sole Executor of this my last W ill & Testament hereby revoking all former wills by me made.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this thirty first day of December in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and forty five.

Richard B. Chenoweth

Signed, sealed, published and declared by the above names Richard B. Chenoweth to be his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who at his request and in his presence have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses to the same.

Jacob Daley

Simon Alden

Jonathan German

Baltimore County: On the --- day of April 1846 came Jacob Daley one of the subscribing witnesses to the aforegoing last Will and Testament of Richard B. Chenoweth, late of the County deceased and made oath on the Holy Evangely of Almighty God, that he did see the Testator sign and seal this Will, that he heard him publish, pronounce and declare the same to be his last Will and Testament, that at the time of his so doing he was to the best of his apprehension of sound and disproving mind memory and understanding and that he together with Simon Alden and Jonathan German the other two subscribing witnesses thereto subscribed their names as witnesses to this Will in his presence at his request and in the presence of each other. Sworn to in Open Court

Test: D. M. Perine Register of Wills for Baltimore County

----------------------------

Renunciation of Sarah Chenoweth: I Sarah Chenoweth, widow of Richard B. Chenoweth late of Baltimore County deceased do hereby renounce and quit claim to any bequest or devise made to me by the last Will of my husband exhibited and proved according to law; and I elect to take in lieu thereof my dower or legal share of the Estate of said husband. In testimony whereof, I hereto subscribe my name aaaand affix my seal this eleventh day of May 1846.

X her mark - Sarah Chenoweth (seal)

Witness D.M. Perine

Received to be recorded on the eleventh day of May 1846, same day filed and recorded and examined

Test: D. M. Perine Register of Wills for Baltimore County

----------------------------

Renunciation of Benjamin T. Chenoweth: I Benjamin T. Chenoweth, appointed Executor in the last Will and Testament of Richard B. Chenoweth late of Baltimore County deceased, do hereby refuse to act as Executor of said Will, and do therefore renounce all my right to letters testamentary upon said deceased Estate, and all right, title and claim that I may, or could have had, by virue of said appointment. In testimony whereof, I hereunto subscribe my name, this 18 day of May 1846

B. T. Chenoweth

Witness: L. Ayers.

Received to be recorded on the 19 day of May 1846, same day filed and recorded and examined

Test: D. M. Perine Register of Wills for Baltimore County

----------------------------

Renunciation of Sarah Chenoweth & Others: The undersigned Widow and eldest son and daughter & her husband, of Richard B. Chenoweth, x late of Baltimore County deceased, do hereby refuse to administer upon the Estate of the deceased and therefore denounce all the right, title and claim to the Administration thereof, desiring at at the same time that letters may be granted to Mary Ann Chenoweth. In testimony whereof, we hereunto subscribe our names, this eighteen day of May 1846.

Witness: L. Ayers

X her mark - Sarah Chenoweth (seal)

B.T. Chenoweth

Juliann Canoles

John J. Canoles

----------------------------

The name Juliann Canoles first written over an eraser & acknowledge by Mr. & Mrs. Canoles in my presence to be their signature - I H. Ing

Received to be recorded on the 19 day of May 1846, same day filed and recorded and examined

Test: D. M. Perine Register of Wills for Baltimore County


WILLIAM(4) s/o Arthur, Jr.

Baltimore Co., MD: dated Jun 21, 1820
scanned from Cora Hiatt book

Wills No. L. 1819-1824-Liber. W. B. Book 11, Fol. 123.; Will was made June 1. 1820. Probated July 22, 1820
William Chenoweth's

In the name last Will and Testamentof God Amen.

I, William Chenoweth of Baltimore County, in the State of Maryland, being weak in body, but of a sound and disposing mind and memory, thanks be to Almighty God for the same, do make this, my last Will and Testament in manner and form following:

FIRST and principally, I give my Soul to God, who gave it, and my body I commit to the earth to be buried in a Christian-like manner by my Executor hereinafter named, and as to my worldy estate which God has given me, I give and dispose of the same in the following manner:

ITEM, I give and devise unto my son, John B. Chenoweth his heirs and assigns forever, all that part of my plantation lands and improvements be the same cultivated or otherwise lying on the north and northeast side of the lines hereafter mentioned and directed by me for the dividing lines, between my son John B. Chenoweth and my son William Chenoweth through my plantation, that is to say: beginning for the said dividing lines at the end of twenty-seven and one-third perches on the north, twenty-six and a half degrees east, eighty-six and one-quarter perches line of a deed of conveyance from John Baxter to William Chenoweth for part of the tracts of land called "Baxter Choice," "The Rope Walk" and "Union," bearing date the eleventh day of June, eighteen hundred and seven and running from thence south, sixty-four and three-quarters degrees west forty-four perches to the northermost corner of the orchard fence, thence running down with said fence on the northeast side therefrom and continuing on the same course until it runs across the meadow and also across the meadow fence into the road and then down the road to the gate and through it into the lane and then down the lane on the left side thereof to the board run and continuing on to the end of said lane, and then running up the hill on the road called the Dug road and continuing along in said road until it gets opposite of the FIRST field corner on the left hand side of said road and continuing along in said road until it intersected a tract of land called and known by the name of "I Will and I Will Not," belonging to John Williams, near the upper corner of said field which lands above devised are bounded on the southeast by the lands of John Williams on the north and northeast by the lands formerly belonging to Samuel Baxter, and on the west by the lands belonging to the estate of John Baxter, deceased, which said lands with the appurtenances thereunto belonging, I give and devise unto my said son John B. Chenoweth, his heirs and assigns forever.

ITEM, I give and devise unto my son William Chenoweth all the remainder of my Plantation Lands not heretofore devised, which lyeth on the south and southeast side of the dividing lines herein before mentioned and described, be the same cultivated or other wise with buildings and improvements thereon and also one other small tract of land not lying contiguous to the former containing five acres of land more or less called and known by the name of "White Oak Bottom" all of which lands I give and devise unto my said son William Chenoweth, and his heirs and assigns forever.

ITEM, I will and bequeath that my dearly beloved wife, Sarah Chenoweth, and my said son John B. Chenoweth, shall have full privilege of cultivating all my Plantation share and share alike until my son Willliam shall arrive to the age of twenty-one years, and they shall not cut or destroy any timber or suffer it to be done on my son William's part of said lands no further than for the use of his part of the place. I also order and direct that when my son William arrives to the age of twenty-one years that he shall let his mother have one room in my dwelling house for her own use and occupation which ever she shall choose and also the use of the "Kitchen" during her natural life after my son William arrives to the age of twenty-one years.

ITEM, I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Sarah. Chenoweth, my riding horse, my two big wagon horses and harness complete for two horses, my broad tread waggon, two cows and four head of sheep, her own choice, two feather beds, two bedsteads and bed-furniture with each of them, one cherry tree cupboard with the furniture with therein one small walnut table, and six split bottomed CHEERS and a sufficient quantity of MEET and grain for her family support one year after my decease. I also give and bequeath unto my wife Sarah Chenoweth, my negro man named Jack Brown and one negro boy named Sam, bound till he arrives to the age of twenty-one years, all of which I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife, Sarah Chenoweth, her heirs and assigns.

ITEM, I give and bequeath unto my son William Chenoweth, one feather bed, bedstead and furniture thereto belonging and my desk, one Dinning mahogany Table, Six Vinger CHEERS-, my Sorrell Colt, one cow, my Silver Watch and all my wearing apparel.

ITEM and Lastly, I order and direct that all the rest and residue of my Estate both real and personal to be sold by my Executor hereinafter' named and the money arising therefrom to be applied towards paying and satisfying my just debts and expenses of every kind, and if there should be any money in the hands of my Executor over and above paying, of my just debts and expenses aforesaid, I order and direct the same to be equally divided between my three daughters, namely Mary bond, Charity Bond, and Sarah Ebaugh, share and share alike, and I do hereby constitute and appoint my son John Chenoweth, to be sole Executor of 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.

In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this twenty-first day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty.

                                                         his mark
                                                     William X Chenoweth
                                                           Seal

Signed, sealed. published and declared by William Chenoweth, the above named Testator as and for, his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who at his request, in the presence and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as witnesses thereto signed and sealed.
RICHARD HOOKER,
JOHN WILLIAMS,
ISAAC JONES.

Baltimore County SS
On the twenty-second day of July 1820 came John Williams and Isaac Jones two of the subscribing Evidences to the aforegoing last Will and Testament of William Chenoweth late of said County d - eased and made Oath on the Holy Evangely of Almighty God. that they did see Testator sign and seal this will that they heard him publish pronounce and declare the same to be his last Will and Testament. that at the time of his so doing he was to the best of their apprehensions of sound disposing mind. memory and understanding, and that they together with Richard Hooker, the other subscribing Evidence thereto subscribe their names as witnesses to this Will, in his presence, at his request, and in the presence of each other.

Sworn to in open Court. Test: WILLIAM BUCHANAN. Reg.


SAMUEL(4) s/o Samuel

Berkeley Co., VA (now WV): dated Feb 17, 1846
submitted by John Wilson Chenoweth, transcribed

Samuel Chenoweth

Last Will and Testament

In the name of God Amen. I, Samuel Chenoweth of Berkeley County and State of Virginia being of sound and disposing mind and body do make and publish this to be my last will and testament in manner and form following; that is to say, I desire that my body may be buried decently, at the direction of my executor hereafter named and direct that all my just debts and funeral expenses be paid out of my estate as soon after my decease as may be convenient.

First I will and devise unto my son James W? Chenoweth all the lands, tenements, and heridaments?, whatsoever, I may die possessed, lying in the County of Berkeley, with their appurtenances, consisting of four contiguous lots or parcels of land, first the McDonald farm on which I reside containing about (120) one hundred and twenty acres. Second, a lot purchased of Klees Moon containing about (12) twelve acres and a lot containing eight acres, and the house and lot called the Armstrong lot the last two signed to me by Comm S?, acting under a decree of court in dividing the undivided lands of my father, the late Samuel Chenoweth, to him and his heirs forever, also to him a Negro boy named John and a Negro woman named Milly, all the horses, cattle, sheep, hogs, and family utensils of whatever kind, of which I may die possessed, also I give unto him all my household and kitchen furniture except one bed bedstead and bedding and all property of whatever kind which is not hereafter specifically devised, I hereby give, and devise unto my said son James W? Chenoweth.

Second, I give and devise unto my daughter Lavinia Couchman, the Negro girl Harriet, now in her possession, and all her children and her future increase, also, five hundred dollars in cash to be paid unto her by my son James Chenoweth within two years after my decease.

Third, I give and devise unto my daughter, July Ann Ramburg, the Negro girl named Ann, now in her possession, and her future increase if any also four hundred dollars in cash to be paid by my son James W? within two years after my decease.

Fourth, to Thornton Chenoweth, my grandson I hereby give and devise the sum of one hundred dollars to be paid by my son James W when the said Thornton shall arrive at the age of twenty-one years, also one bedstead, bed and bedding complete, the same which was reserved in my devise to my son James --?. Fifth, I hereby give and devise unto my son James W? Chenoweth the Negro man Isaac, who fell to me in the division of my father s Negros and lastly I hereby constitute and appoint my son James W? Chenoweth my executor of this my last will and testament, hereby revoking all other will or wills heretofore by me made. Witness my hand and seal this 17th day of February, in the year 1846.

							Samuel Chenoweth	(to side of signature) seal  Year 1846

Signed sealed delivered and acknowledged by us signed
SMITH MILLER,
JOHN P KERSFOTTE


THOMAS(4) s/o Thomas

Baltimore Co., MD: dated Jun 22, 1846
submitted by Ron Cullison, Sr., transcribed by Jon Egge

Thomas Chenoweth

Last Will and Testament

In the name of God, Amen, I, Thomas Chenoweth, of the City and County of Baltimore in the State of Maryland, being in perfect health of body and of sound and disproving mind, memory and understanding, considering the certainty of death and the uncertainty of the time thereof and being desirous to settle my worldly affairs, and be the better prepsred to leave this world when it shall please God to call me hence, do therefore make and publish 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 at the discretion of my Executor hereafter named and after my debts and funeral charges are paid, I devise and bequeath as follows.

I devise and bequeath to my beloved wife Elizabeth Chenoweth, in addition to her thirds of my estate the following articles namely, one bureau, one table, six cane seats chairs, one bedstead and bed furniture, one stove, one pair shovel and tongs, two flat irons, one oval stand, one trunnel bedstead and bedding, one wood ax, one cloak, the family Bible, fender and andirons, & all the kitchen furniture.

I devise and bequeath to my seven children hereafter named, all the rest residue and remainder of my estate real, personal and mixed that I may die possessed of or have any legal claim or title to, the same to be sold by my executor hereinafter named, and the proceeds after deducting my wifes s thirds & all other expenses, to be equally divided among my children namely Ann Eiza Chenoweth, Olivia Chenoweth, Eveline Chenoweth, William Chenoweth, Thomas Chenoweth, Oscelia Chenoweth and Frances Marion Chenoweth share and share alike.

And I do hereby constitute and appoint my son William Chenoweth to be my sole executor of this my last Will and Testament, revoking and annulling all former wills by me made, ratifying and confirming this and none other to be my last Will and Testament.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this twenty second day of June in the year of our Lord one Thousand eight hundred forty six

                                                Thomas Chenoweth
                                                           Seal

Signed, verified, published and declared by Thomas Chenoweth the above named Testator signed for his last Will and Testament of in the presence of us what at his request, in his presence and in presence of each other have subscribed our names as witnesses.

John Coulson
Richard Holmes
Jas Coulson

Baltimore County to On the 21 day of August 1846, came John Coulson and Richard Holmes two of the subscribing witnesses to the aforegoing last Will and Testament of Thomas Chenoweth, late of said county, deceased and made oath on the Holy Evangely of Almighty God, that they did witness the Testator sign and seal the Will that they heard him publish, pronounce and declare the same to be his last Will and Testament that at the time of his so doing he was to the best of the apprehensions of sound and disproving mind memory and understanding and that they together with James Coulson the other subscribing witness thereto subscribed it be namely as witnesses to the Will in his presence at his request and in the presence of each other Sworn to us Cryer court

Test: T. M. Perine, register of Wills, Baltimore County


THOMAS(4) s/o William, Jr.

Clark Co., OH: dated June 3, 1854
Probated Clark Co Ohio April 1856 (File # A 2162)
Henry Chenoweth, court appointed Administrator of the Will of Thomas Chenoweth April 11, 1856
submitted by Carolyn Hines Smith

I Thomas Chenoweth being weak in body but of sound mind do make and ordain this my last will and testament. I give unto my wife Elizabeth after all my funeral expense is paid all my notes and money and all my property. As witness my hand and seal this third day of June 1854. Thomas Chenoweth

in the presence of:
Joseph Morris
James Murray

State Of Ohio, Clark County, Court of Probate, April 9, 1856
Be it remembered, That on this day personally appeared before the judge of said Court James Murray one of the subscribing witnesses to the last will and testament of Thomas Chenoweth late of said county, deceased, who being of lawful age and duly sworn depose and says that he heard the testator acknowledge the said will as his last will and testament and at the time of the said act? acknowledged prior, said testator was of full age, of sound and disposing mind and memory, and not under any restraint; and that he signed the same as a witness in the presence of said testator and at his request.

James Murray
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year first above written, before me;
J L Sorben
Judge of said Court

The Estate of Thomas Chenoweth to George Smith 1856
To the amount of services rendered the said Thomas Chenoweth and his wife Elizabeth Chenoweth his wife before their death $209.00 State of Ohio Clark County. Personally appeared before me, Waibs Aldrich, Justice of the peace in and for Harmony Township, John Chenoweth and makes solemn oath that his father the above named Thomas Chenoweth told him he wishes and intended that the said George Smith should have the Note of Daniel Heiskell for one hundred and ninety six dollars with the interest making $209.00 as above stated for his services as above set forth and I personally know that these services were rendered.

                                                      John Chenoweth

Subscribed and Sworn before me this 26th day of April 1856.
Waibs Aldrich

The State of Ohio, Clark County
Before me Waibes Aldrich, a Justice of the peace in and for said County personally came Matthew Bonner, Andrew Nichelson and William Goodfellow, appraisers of the Estate of Thomas Chenoweth late of Harmony Township in said county of deceased, an took the following oath, You and each of you do solemnly swear that you will well and truly appraise all the goods and estate which shall be exhibited to you and perform the other duties required by law in the premises according to the best of your abilities and knowledge.
Mathew Bonner
Wm Goodfellow
Andrew Nichelson

Sworn in and subscribed before me this 26th day of April 1856
Waibs Aldrich

We the undersigned Appraisers of the Estate of Thomas Chenoweth Deceased, after being duly sworn, have made an inventory and appraisement thereof as follows:



ABSOLOM B.(4) s/o Arthur

Pike Co., OH - dated Nov 9, 1863
copy procured for the website & transcribed by Greg Wulker

Absalom Chenoweth Will pg. 438, Probate Court, May 21st.1864

Be it remembered that on this day the last will and Testament of Absalom Chenoweth Late of Pike County deceased was produced in the said Court and proved by the oaths of James Jones and George Corwine the subscribing witnesses thereto whose examination was reduced to writing and together with said will was ordered to be recorded and which said will and proof are in the words and figures following to wit.-

I Absalom Chenoweth being in declining health but of sound and disposing mind and memory and feeling deeply conscious of the uncertainty of life and the near approach of death to the aged and being desirous of arranging my earthly household do make and publish this my last will and testament.

Item 1st.. It is my will that all my just debts be paid together with my burial expenses and a suitable monument for myself and my beloved wife to be in accordance with our lives- plain- It is further my will that it is convenient that we shall be so buried as to have one answer for both.

Item 2.. I will and bequeath unto my beloved wife Mary Chenoweth if she is the longer liver my home farm that is the whole of the trust where I now reside except the farm I purchased of Joel Chenoweth also all the wood-land North of the Ohio Canal that I owned before the purchase of said Joel Chenoweth for and during her natural life but no longer.

Item 3rd.. After the decease of my said wife I will and bequeath unto my son in law Isaac Austill said home farm being the farm in which I now reside in Pee Pee Township Pike County Ohio and being the whole of my farm situated in Pee Pee Prairie except the part purchased of Joel Chenoweth. I also give and bequeath to said Isaac Austill all my woodland lying North or West of the Ohio Canal in said Township except that part purchased of said Joel Chenoweth subject however to the life estate of my wife aforesaid it being the express meaning of this claim in my will to give to said Isaac Austill all of my real estate of which I may die seized except that part purchased of said Joel Chenoweth subject however to said life estate to have and to hold the same unto the said Isaac Austill his heirs and assigns forever.

Item 4th..I will and bequeath unto my son Arthur W. Chenoweth the farm known as the Joel Chenoweth farm, also the woodland known as the Joel Chenoweth woodland, being the land I purchased of Joel Chenoweth and to have and to hold the same unto the said Arthur W. Chenoweth his heirs and assigns forever.

Item 5th..It is my will that Isaac Austill my son in law shall pay to my sons Stephen B. Chenoweth, John W. Chenoweth, and Absalom L. Chenoweth each the sum of two thousand dollars and to my daughters Elizabeth Chenoweth and Mary J. Miller each the sum of five hundred dollars said several sums so made payable as aforesaid to be paid immediately upon the decease of my said wife in case she is the longer liver and in case of her decease before my own then to be payable immediately and said legacies shall be a lien upon the said Real Estate herein devised to said Austill until respectively paid by him.

Item 6th..It is my will that my son Arthur W. Chenoweth shall pay to my grandson Wm. H. Chenoweth the sum of two hundred dollars provided he shall remain with me until my decease or until he shall arrive at the age of twenty one years and to my granddaughter Sarah Chenoweth the sum of one hundred dollars said legacies to be a lien upon said Real Estate to him herein devised.

Item 7th.. It is my will in case my son Absalom L. shall die before said legacy is paid to him that it shall be retained for his son Henry Chenoweth and be paid to him or his legal guardian.

Item 8th..It is my will that all my farming utensils and all my moveable property on my farm except my household goods shall be divided equally between my sons Stephen B., John W. and Arthur W.

Item 9th..I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Mary Chenoweth all my household goods and kitchen furniture.

Item 10th..I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Mary Chenoweth all the rest and residue of my personal effects of any including money and property chosen in action or effect.

Item 11th..I hereby appoint my son Stephen B. Chenoweth and my friend George Corwine executors of this my last will and testament.

In witness whereof I have hereunto affixed my hand and seal this 9th day of November, A.D. 1863.

                                      Absalom Chenoweth (seal)

Signed and sealed by Absalom Chenoweth in our presence the date above and by him declared to be his last will and testament and signed by us in his presence and in the presence of each other at his special instance and request, George Corwine. James Jones.

Codicil: I do hereby revoke and render null and void all former last wills and testaments. Witness my hand and seal this 9th day of November A.D. 1863.

                                      Absalom Chenoweth (seal)

Executed Same as above in our presence, George Corwine, James Jones.

The State of Ohio Pike County
On this day the 20th of May A.D. 1864, personally appeared before me, E.R. Allen , Probate Judge within and for the County and State aforesaid James Jones and George Corwine of the County of Pike and State aforesaid who being duly sworn according to law depose and say that they have now and here seen and inspected the paper writing produced in and for the last will and testament of Absalom Chenoweth late of said Pike County deceased, that they are the attesting witnesses to the said will,-that the said Absalom Chenoweth at the time of executing said will was of full age of sound mind and memory and was not under any restraint at the time of executing the same, that said paper writing was acknowledged and declared by the said Absalom Chenoweth in our presence as and for his last will and testament and that the said will was read in our presence which we attested and subscribed the same in the presence of the said Absalom Chenoweth at his request and that the same was acknowledged by him as his last will and that we subscribed the same in the presence of each other George Corwine, James Jones.

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 20th day of May, A.D. 1864. E.R.Allen, P.J.


WILLIAM PUGH(5) s/o John

Randolph Co., VA - dated Dec 15, 1853
copy procured for the website by Ken Rowan, Nov 2003, transcribed by Jon Egge

I, William Chenoweth, of the county of Randolph and the State of Virginia do hereby make and publish this my last will and testament in manner and form following to wit.

1st: After the payment of all my just debts, I will and bequeath to the heirs of John K. Chenoweth the sum of forty two dollars to be equally divided amongst them.

Second: To the heirs of Ruth Kelley dec'd, I will the sum of forty dollars to be equally divided between them.

Thirdly: I will that the residue of my estate, if any there be, shall be equally divided amongst the following heirs to wit: the heirs of John K. Chenoweth one share, and to Randolph Chenoweth, Hickman Chenoweth, Newton Chenoweth, Alba Chenoweth, Edith Weese and Patsy M. Rennix each one share.

Lastly: I appoint my son Alba Chenoweth executor of this my last will and testament. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this fifteenth day of December one thousand eight hundred and Fifty three.

                                      Wm P. Chenoweth (seal)

Signed, sealed and acknowledged in the presence of us:
Elijah Kittle
Andrew Scott
Jacob Triplette

At a court held for the County of Randolph on Monday the 24th day of December, 1855 the last will and testament of William P. Chenoweth dec'd was this day presented to the court and proved according to the law by the oath of Elijah Kittle and Jacob Triplette. Two of the subscribing witnesses thereto and is ordered to be recorded
J.W. Crawford.


GABRIEL(5) s/o John

Monore Co., IL - dated Nov 16, 1865
text from Ronaele M Snyder (she received this copy of Gabriel's Will from Patti Mentel Wittenauer in October 2000)

I, Gabriel Chenowith in the County of Monroe, State of Illinois do make and publish this my last will and testament in manner and form following that is to say:
First I bequeath to Nancy Caplinger or her heirs $5.00 five dollars
Second I bequeath to my Daughter Mary Tiget $5.00 five dollars
Third I bequeath to my son Alpheous Chenowith $25.00 Twenty five dollars
Fourth I bequeath to my son William Chenowith $25.00 Twenty five dollars
Fifth I bequeath to my son Edward Chenowith $25.00 Twenty five dollars
Sixth I bequeath to my daughter Julia $50.00 fifty dollars
Seventh I bequeath to my daughter Rebecca or her heirs $50.00 fifty dollars
Eighth I bequeath to my daughter Susan Harlow or her heirs $75.00 seventy five dollars
Ninth I bequeath to my daughter Sarah or her heirs $75.00 seventy five dollars
Tenth I bequeath to my daughter Darkys Harden, to her or her heirs my mare and two saddles & bridles valued at one hundred and fifty Dollars $150.00 and further I wish my real estate and my corn to be sold and the money to be divided according to the ratio of the will.

                                      Gabriel Chenowith

Attest by us at the request of the testator in his presence and each other.
J. P. Nichols
John Robertson

State of Illinois }
Monroe County}
I Ambrose Hoener Clerk of the County Court for and in the aforesaid County and State do hereby Certify that the foregoing last will and Testament of Gabriel Chenowith decd has proven and admitted to record according to law______ In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and official seal at Waterloo this 28th day May A.D. 1866

                                      S E A L
                                      A. Hoener


JACOB VAN METER(5) s/o William(4) of Nelson Co., KY

Pike Co., IL - dated July 27, 1851
Courtesy of William Senne

I Jacob V Chenoweth of the County of Pike and State of Illinois do hereby make and declare this my last will and testament in manner and form following To Wit-

First it is my will that so much of my personal property be disposed off as shall be sufficient to pay my funeral expenses and all my just debts. Secondly after the payment of such funeral expenses and debts it is my will and decree that the farm on which I now reside together with all other lands belonging to me situate in Said County of Pike and State of Illinois and also all personal property which may remain after the payment of such expenses and debts as above stated shall be sold and disposed of at some future time as soon here after as my heirs may think best and proper. And it is my will thirdly that the first proceeds of the sale of the above mentioned property shall be so distributed amongst my heirs as that they however reserving to my Beloved wife Polly the one third amount of the proceed of the sale of the above mentioned real and personal estate after the payment the expenses and debts above referred to which one third part of the proceeds of this said sale it is my will and decree that she the said Polly shall receive as the same may be collected and that she may have the use and control of the same during her natural life. And that, at her death so much of the proceeds above set off to her the said Polly as may remain unexpended shall be equally divided between all my heirs.

And lastly I do hereby constitute and appoint my sons William H. Chenoweth and Samuel H. Chenoweth my executors of this my last will and testament revoking and annulling all former wills by me made and ratifying and confirming this and no other to be my last will and testament in witness whereof I the Said Jacob V. Chenoweth have hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty seventh day of July one thousand eight hundred and fifty one.

                                       signed:
                                       Jacob V Chenoweth

Signed sealed published and declared by the said Jacob V Chenoweth as and for his last will and testament in presence of us who in his presence and in the presence of each other at his request has subscribed our names as witness hereunto.
Bays D. Whitaker
John K. Cleveland


ISAAC CALVERT(5) s/o William(4) of Nelson Co., KY

Hardin Co., KY - dated Apr 28, 1845
transcibed from county records by Greg Wulker, Mar 2007, transcribed for the website by Jon Egge

I, Isaac C Chenoweth, being of sound mind and noning the fralty of man do make this my last will and testement. It is my desire in the first place that all my just debts be paid and funneral expenses and after that it is my will that my beloved wife have all my property and estate both personal and real after making all my children equal in property to the least one of the ares (sic: heirs) in the same kind of property such as horses cows sheep or otherwise as they maybe on hand of the estate and can be spared and they are to receive it at prices at her value in trade to the same amount as near as they can be made. There is now ten ares (sic: heirs), seven of them now of age, namely Mariah Percifull, Rebecca Berdine, Mary Rogers, Melvine Morgan, Letitia McNeal, Hetty Young, Ruth Kennidy those that are not infants if living at the proper times of distribution of property or mary they are to have three parts at the they marry if there is property to be paid out of the estate if it can be dunn without inguring my wife & taking from her personal property she ought to keep for hur needs.

1st: Marah Percifull has had advanced to her 38 acres of land & one hundred and ten dollars the balance in property making one hundred and sixty nine dollars ($169)

2nd: Rebecca Burdine has received $50 fifty dollars in her lifetime in sundries and her infants ares (sic: heirs) when they come of age to be paid to then Mary Berdine and Sary (sic: Sarah) Seventy five dollars each if married and not til they do marry unless by the death of my wife they should become a distribution of property and if they do without bodily ares (sic: heirs) the property or its amount is to fall back to my ares (sic: heirs) ________ in all to Rebecca Berdine part received two hundred dollars $200.

3rd: my daughter Mary Rogers has received one hundred and fifteen dollars $115.

4th: Letitia McNeal received in her lifetime fifty dollars in a horse which was used in her lifetime which the infants is to acount for $50

5th: Melvina Morgan has received ninety nine dollars $99

6th Hetty Young has received advancement eighty nine dollars which is to acount for $89

7th: Ruth Kennedy is to have one horse one cow two head of sheep two hogs five dollars cupboard furniture one bed and bedding when caled for at whatever they are worth the horse and one cow is at thus time received valued at fifty dollars $50

the other three ares (sic: heirs) are yet infants and when they come of age if married or when ever do marry they are to have in the same manner at the same kind of property equal with the rest of my ares (sic: heirs) ___________ ___ and if they die ______ bodily ares (sic: heirs) of my daughters the property or the same kind of property at the same kind of rates to go back to the last of my ares (sic: heirs) or my two sons if they should have any advancement and should die ______ having any legal ares (sic: heirs) it is to return back to any legal ares (sic: heirs) it is my desire that the whole of the advancements should be at my wifes own discression, at her now evaluation as she is best acquainted what kind of property the rest received and at what value the property was estimated at and as they are yet infants ares (sic: heirs) yet to raise. It is my wish and will that the whole of my estate personal and real, should be left to her during her natural life and at her death all the property to be sold and divided so as each are (sic: heir) shall have an equal proportion in all to make equal to them who have had the most and on the condition if my wife Sally should mary in that case she is only to have her third according to what the law provided for widows in the case of her husbands death. Marah Peciful has a bond on me for 38 acres of land together with the plot of the same which she has in her hands the ammount which is in this _________ charged making one hundres and sixty nine dollars it is my will and desire that my wife Sally Chenowith be my sole executrix of this my last will & testament of my estate and desire that coart (sic: court) will not put her to the necessity of giving bond and sercurity as it is desided by law could the same be avoided. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this day and date above written

                                      Isaac C Chenowith

Test:
John Dullard
Lydwell Cornett
Ezy Morris

At a county court begun and held for Hardin County at the Court House in Elizabethtown on 20th Sept 1858, the foregoing will was produced in court and established by oaths of Elzy Morris and L. Cornett two subscribing witnesses thereto and the same was ledged for the records (Whereupon I have truly recorded the same in my office this 23 Septemebr 1858) Wm I Samuels, clk.


JOHN KITTLE(6) s/o William Pugh

Randolph Co., VA - dated Dec March 27, 1848
copy procured for the website by Ken Rowan, Nov 2003, transcribed by Jon Egge

I, John K. Chenoweth of Randolph County & State of Virginia do hereby make & publish this my last will and testament as follows Viz:

1st After the payment of my just debts I will and bequeath to my beloved wife Sarah Chenoweth all my personal proprty excpt two hundred dollars which I wish dived between my three daughters Mary Ann Chenoweth, Elethea Chenoweth & Catherine Chenoweth

Secondly: I will and bequeath to my beloved wife Sarah Chenoweth the use of my homestead place until my son Jacob shall be of lawful age and also the use of my Cheat Mountain plantation until my son Marshall Chenoweth shall be of age.

Thirdly: I will and bequeath my Cheat Mountain place to my three sons Marshall Chenoweth, Jacob Chenoweth and Coffman Chenoweth to be equally divided between them.

Fourthly: I will and bequeath to my six children sons Marshall Chenoweth, Mary Ann Chenoweth, Elethea Chenoweth, Jacob Chenoweth, Katherine Chenoweth and Coffman Chenoweth my home plantation to be equally divided between them. I hereby desire Alba Chenoweth & William P. Chenoweth to act as my executors in carrying this will into effect. In testimony whereof I herewith set my hand and seal this 27th day of March 1848

                                      John K. Chenowith (seal)

Witnesses:
Squire Bosworth
John I Chenoweth
Jehu Chenoweth

Randolph County Court May term 1848
The last will and testament of John K. Chenoweth dec'd was proved according to the law by the oaths of Squire Bosworth and Jehu Chenoweth witnesses thereto and is ordered to be recorded and the executors named in said will having appeared in Court and refused to take upon themselves the burdens of the execution thereof, on the motion of David Goff who made oath and together with William Rowan and William Phares his securatees entered into and acknowledged a bond in the penalty of $1500 conditioned as the law directs certificates administration in the said decedent estate with his will aforesaid annexes in due form
J.W. Crawford, Clerk.


EVAN B CHENOWETH(5) s/o Joseph, Jr.

Wayne Co., OH - dated Feb 27 1886
copy procured for the website by Greg Wulker, Sept 2005, transcribed by Jon Egge

Will of Evan B. Chenoweth

Item 1st:-- I devise to my beloved wife Ruth in law of her dower right in my entire estate the farm on which Charles T. Hawke now resides situate in said township of Wayne containing about one hundred and eighty-three acres of land to be held by her during her natural life and also out of my personal effects the sum of Five Thousand dollars to be to her out of the first monies that shall come into the hands of the executor.

Item 2nd:-- I bequeath to my son-in-law, Charles T. Hawke, the farm that I now live on containing about one hundred and four acres said farm to pas to him during his life time-at his death to be sold and the proceeds to be devided to my blood kin.

Item 3rd:-- I bequeath all the residue of my personal estate not herein before disposed of to the Trustees of the regular Baptist Church knowing as the Middle-run Baptist Church said funds to be loaned out on good real and safe estate security by said trustees and so Much of the interest that may acrue thereon as may be necessary is to be used in keeping the grave yard or Cemetery belonging to the church in and respectable condition and repair and the remainder portion of said interest if any shall remain shall be used by said trustees for the support of the pastor or pastors of said church so long as said church shall maintain and proclaim the doctrine of the imputed righteousness of Jesus Christ as the sole and only salvation of guilty sinful men and women. If said church shall cease to maintain and proclaim said doctrin as the only hope of salvation then the entire proceeds of interest arising from said funds shall be used exclusively for the keeping up and beautifing said graveyard.

Item 4th:-- It is my will that after the decease of my said wife said farm hereinbefore devised to her during her natural like shall pass to and vest in the trustees of said Middle run Baptist Church and their successors in trust for the use of said Church forever the proceeds thereof to be used in the same manner and for the same purposes and subject to the same contingences as to said trustees in them thereof this will.

I nominate and appoint my said wife and my said son-in-law my executors to execute this my will and request that the Probate Court shall confirm said appointment without requiring any bond or security and that no appraisement of any part of my estate be made.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 27th day of February A.D. 1886

                                      Evan B. Chenoweth (seal)


ISAAC NEWTON(6) s/o William Pugh

Barbour Co., WV - dated May 20 1868
copy procured for the website by Ken Rowan, Nov 2003, transcribed by Jon Egge

Last Will of Newton Chenoweth
West Virginia
Barbour County

I Newton Chenoweth of said County, being in sound mind and disposing memory, do make this my last will and testament in manner and form following to wit.

First: After my funeral and burial expenses and all my just debts are paid: I will and bequeath to my beloved wife Sarah Ann Chenoweth all my property both real and personal until my son, John D. Chenoweth arrives at the age of twenty-one years to use for the benefit of the family and her own maintainance unless she should marry previous to that time, in such case she is to have the one third of the Real Estate and the whole of the personal property during her natural life and after the said John D. Chenoweth arrives at the age of twenty-one years I will and bequeath that wife Sarah Ann Chenoweth have possession of the Real Estate until that time unless married as above stated. After deducting John D. Chenoweth portion out which I hereafter will and bequeath to him until Daniel M. Chenoweth arrives at the age of twenty-one years. It is my further will and desire after deducting the portion hereafter willed to my son Daniel M. Chenoweth she retain possession of the residue of Real Estate until my son Emmett G Chenoweth arrives at the age of twenty-one years and after deducting his portion out of my real estate hereafter willed to him that my aforementioned wife have the one third of my real estate as heretofore willed to her and all my personal property during her natural life.

Secondly: I will and bequeath to my three sons John D. Chenoweth, Daniel M. Chenoweth and Emmett G Chenoweth all my real estate to be equalled dived amoung them including the one third willed to my wife Sarah Ann Chenoweth which they are not entitled to until her death each one to have his portion when he arrives at the age of twenty-one years. It is my will and desire that when my son John D. Chenoweth is twenty-one years of age that he have charge of his protion of the land and also in the case of Daniel M. & E.G. Chenoweth the land is not to be sold by them to any person except that either of them may sell to the other as they arrive at the age of twenty-one years or at ant time thereafter. I will and bequeath to my daughter Columbia Chenoweth the sum of fifty dollars to be her portion of my estate both real and personal forever to be paid to her by my three sons John D., Daniel M. and Emmett G. in equal portions each when Emma Chenoweth arrives at the age of twenty years.

Fourth I will and bequeath to my daughter Emma Chenoweth the sum of one hundred dollars to be paid to her by my three aforesaid sons when she arrives at the age of twenty years. And should my aforesaid sons or either of them fail or refuse to pay his portion of the above sum at said time or in six months thereafter she will be entitled ti one fourth of my real estate provided the sum aforesaid is not paid.

Fifth: I will and bequeath to my three sons John D. Chenoweth, D. M. Chenoweth and E. G. Chenoweth all my personal property at the death of my wife Sarah Ann Chenoweth to be equally divided among them by Executor hereinafter named hereby revoking all other former will by me heretofore made.

Lastly: I do hereby constitute and appoint my friend Anthony S. Roosbaugh Executor of this my last will and testament.

Witness my hand and seal this 20th day of May 1868

                                   Newton Chenoweth (seal)

Signed, sealed and acknowledged in the presence of us and each of us by the request of Newton Chenoweth whose name is signed to the will hereto annexed.

Witness: Signed and acknowledged after the written alterations the 24th Nov 1874.
Teste:
Lewis Wilson
A.G. Reger
J. Hop. Woods
James C. Findley

State of West Virginia
Barbour County Court Clerk's Office January 3rd, 1887
The last will and testament of Newton Chenoweth deceased was this day presented to me in said office for probate and being duly proved the oaths of Lewis Wilson Albert G. Regen the subscribing witnesses thereto was ordered to be recorded and a record thereof was made accordingly

Gram E. Taft Deputy for L. C. Elliott, Clerk


JOSEPH TAYLOR h/o of Sarah Chenoweth(4) John(3) Arthur(2)

Fayette Co., PA- dated August 6, 1820
copy obtained and transcribed for the website by Karen Taylor, Aug 2023

Last Will of Joseph Taylor
Pennsylvania
Fayette County

In the name of "God" Amen, I Joseph Taylor of German township, Fayette County, being weak of body but of sound mind and memory thanks be to God for the same do make and publish this my last will and testament hereby revoking all others in manner and form follows --- first it is my will and I do order that all my just debts and funeral expenses be duly paid and satisfied as soon as conveniently be after my decease. Item I duly give and bequeath unto my dear wife Sarah, so long as she remains my widow, the use and occupation of my whole farm with all my personal estate of every kind and description to be used to be used and occupied by her so long as she may live and at her death my personal property to be all sold and an equal divide with all my children and at the death of my wife I do dispose of my farm in the following manner. I do give and bequeath to my son Jesse in tail to his children if he should ever have an heir, if no to fall back to my children or their heirs at his death the following part of my farm beginning at a post on the line of Rudolph Dearth thence to a red oak near the corner of the orchard, thence to a large red oak on the line of Jesse Beeson being laid off and marked by me in presence of John Poundstone and James Hibber Esq. being the north side of my farm, to have and to hold the same during his natural life by his paying fifty dollars to my other children as hereafter directed. And it is further my will and I do hereby give and bequeath unto my son Richard, his heirs or assigns forever, the middle part of my farm including all the buildings, the orchard and c. beginning as aforesaid on Rudolph Dearth's line and running as aforesaid to the red oak at or near the Cool Spring and near the north corner of the large field that lies between Beeson and Poundstone and thence a strait line to the northeast corner of said Poundstone farm thence to continue my lines all around to the place of beginning, by him paying each of my daughters fifty dollars Hannah, Ruth and Rachel. Further it is my will and I do give and bequeath to my son Jacob all the residue of my farm south of Richard’s line being all in one field being the same that lies between Beeson and Poundstone and all those lines being marked and laid off in the presence of John Poundstone and James Hibber by said Jacob paying twenty five dollars to my executors and further it is my will that all the money that is due my wife in Virginia where collected be put out at interest and that my wife draw the interest yearly for her own use so long as she may live and at her death to be equally divided between my children hereinafter named viz. John, Joseph, William, Hannah, Rachel and Ruth each and equal partition. And further it is my will and I do give and bequeath to Joseph and Harvey being sons of John Taylor ten dollars each and unto Jacob and Eliza being children of my son William ten dollars each and further I do hereby nominate, constitute and appoint my dear wife Sarah and my son Richard to be the executors of this my last will. In witness whereof I have hereinto set my hand this 6th August 1820.

Signed Joseph Taylor his seal in the presence of James Hibber, John Poundstone and John Messenour


Other wills that I know of still to obtain & list: (any one having a text copy of any of these I don't have, I would apprecaite you sending me the text). If you know of others , they too will be appreciated.

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Additional wills and corrections appreciated - Jon Egge

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Last Revision Tuesday, May 18, 2021