I just visited the site, below, of Chester wills, and submitted all those that I have in my own files......I have given lots of you Chester wills, in the last few days, and would appreciate it if you helped out the next guy by posting those that I sent you on this site. It just takes a few minutes, and is a good way of "passing on" the help, from me to you, and you to another. That's part of what this hobby is all about, isn't it? Sandra (Ps....I'm going to check up on you, so do your part!) http://cgi.rootsweb.com/~genbbs/genbbs.cgi/USA/Pa/ChesterWill

So many have requested will lookups that it makes me think lots of you many are not taking advantage of the wonderful information and many volunteer lookups listed on the Chester County site....the URL is below, and if you haven't visited, you should. When starting to research in a new area, one should ALWAYS visit the county site to see what is offered in the way of county information and lookups. All counties are different in what they offer, but there is always something that will be a help! Sandra http://199.72.15.191/Sites/Gen/chet2/scripts/Lookups.asp

I didn't even know this site existed. Thank you for the information Sandra. I just posted some of the wills that I have. I'll keep this site in mind. Chris Lehr -----Original Message----- From: Sandra Ferguson <ferg@intelos.net> To: PACHESTE-L@rootsweb.com <PACHESTE-L@rootsweb.com> Date: Wednesday, July 19, 2000 9:14 AM Subject: [PACHESTE] Chester Wills >I just visited the site, below, of Chester wills, and submitted all those >that I have in my own files......I have given lots of you Chester wills, in >the last few days, and would appreciate it if you helped out the next guy by >posting those that I sent you on this site. It just takes a few minutes, >and is a good way of "passing on" the help, from me to you, and you to >another. That's part of what this hobby is all about, isn't it? > Sandra >(Ps....I'm going to check up on you, so do your part!) > >http://cgi.rootsweb.com/~genbbs/genbbs.cgi/USA/Pa/ChesterWill > > >==== PACHESTE Mailing List ==== >Stop by our associated website for Chester County Genealogy at >http://www.rootsweb.com/~pacheste/chester.htm > > > > >

On Wednesday, July 19, 2000, Sandra Ferguson <ferg@intelos.net> wrote: > Not exactly a smoking gun, but perhaps some clues. > > Pennsylvania Wills, 1682-1834 > > COMMONS, WILLIAM. New London. > October 30, 1795. January 28, 1796. > Provides for wife Sarah. Plantation, etc. to be sold. To sons Robert, > John, William and Elisha £10 each. To son Joseph £30. Remainder of > estate to Elisha's 5 children by his first wife, William, Sarah, James, > Ann and John, share and share alike at 21. Thanks, Sandra. This William and his son William listed are, I believe, the grandfather and father of Nancy Ann COMMONS/CUMMINS (b. 1791, my 4-g grandmother). To establish this connection I was hoping to find her father's will with her name listed. Maybe he didn't die until after 1834; it's also been suggested that he pulled up stakes and headed south to North Carolina with his brother. Or, maybe the Ann listed is the one I'm seeking (her second son was named William Cummins CRANSTON, from which I'm guessing her father's name). She and her husband Thomas CRANSTON were in London Britain Twp. in 1810, not too far from Elisha COMMONS (since they were on the same census page). S R C A cott obert ranston nderson phssra@physics.emory.edu

Excuse the redundancy, but let me add another version of the definition of yeoman as "landowner:" Yeoman: In English law, a commoner; a freeholder under the rank of gentleman. A man who has free land of forty shillings by the year; who was anciently thereby qualified to serve on juries, vote for knights of the shire, and do any other act where the law requires one that is probus et legalis homo ["a good and lawful man"]. Obviously, this definition (from Black's Law Dict.) is somewhat anachronistic, but I think it helps give a little more flavor for where a yeoman stood in society.

Chester co wills; Pennsylvania Wills, 1682-1834 HEALD, JOSEPH. March 25, 1731/2. Adm. to John Heald. Pennsylvania Wills, 1682-1834 OSBORNE, PHEBE. Westtown. June 9, 1783. June 19, 1784. To Isaac, son of brother John Heald, my largest lot of land in Newport, Delaware. To Allen, son of my sister Elizabeth Key, my other lot of land in Newport. To brother John Heald all remainder, also executor. Wit: Peter Osborne, Joshua Hunt. Pennsylvania Wills, 1682-1834 HEALD, JOHN. Pennsbury. April 29, 1791. March 18, 1800. To son Isaac my plantation in Pennsbury whereon I now dwell, containing about 191 acres, and all other estate, he paying to my daughters Sarah McFarlan, Lydia Morrow and Hannah Howel £25 each, silver. Executor: Son Isaac. Wit: John Craig, Valentine Hollingsworth. ones that mention Mary Passmore; Pennsylvania Wills, 1682-1834 LAUGHLIN, JAMES. Kennett. Joiner. March 8, 1759. June 12, 1759. To wife Elizabeth all personal estate paying legacies. To son William 5 shillings. To son Hugh £5. To daughter Margaret Laughlin £3. To daughters Elizabeth Alford and Mary Passmore all my right of a tract of land bought of Jeremiah Chamberlain on Big Conewago, near Susquehanna containing 197 acres, paying to their mother Elizabeth £15 each. Executrix: Wife Elizabeth. Pennsylvania Wills, 1682-1834 PENNOCK, LEVIS. West Marlborough. September 17, 1813. April 28, 1817. Provides for wife Ruth, inc. the plantation hereafter divised to son Joseph, during life. To son John part of my land in W. Marlborough, described, cont. 200 acres, he paying to his dau. Sarah Brown $100. To son Abraham part of my land in W. Marlborough., described, 200 A. To son Joseph part of my land in Twp. aforesaid, described, cont. 200 acres, after wife's December & subject to privileges to dau. Elizabeth while unmarried. To sons Abraham and Joseph a lot of land in Wilmington, Del. To daus. Mary Passmore and Ann McIlvaine $1066 2/3 each. To dau. Elizabeth Pennock $1300. To gr.dau. Sarah Brown $266 2/3. Codicil: August 28, 1815, gives the land devised to son John, at his December to his son Marshall L. Pennock; he paying £100 each to his sisters, Sarah, wife of Robert Brown, & Ruth Pennock. Codicil: January 25, 1817, states that son Joseph is deceased, leaving 5 sons and 1 dau., viz: William, Levis, Francis, Enos, Joseph, and Ruth: gives the land to said 5 sons, they paying to their sister £300 when of age. Executors: Wife Ruth and son Abraham Pennock. Wits: Isaac Baily, Geo. Barnard, Thomas Baily. Wits. to codicil: Job Cook, Anna Matilda Peirce. Witnesses: James Hollingsworth, Thomas Carleton, Jr. Pennsylvania Wills, 1682-1834 Delaware co. PASSMORE, ABIGAIL, Edgmont. November 23, 1808 - June 24, 1809. Brother Richard and 4 daughters: Mary PASSMORE, Abigail, ____, ____, sister Phebe WILLIAMS December'd., and two daughters Phebe and Sarah, nephew Abijah PASSMORE, Abigail YARNALL daughter of George YARNALL, of Middletown, Amy GRIFFITHS daughter of Evan of Goshen, Chester County, niece Mary PASSMORE. Residue to executors brother Richard and nephew Everet PASSMORE. Exrs: Brother Richard and nephew Everet PASSMORE. Wits: Henry BOWMAN and Enoch YARNALL. #313. Pennsylvania Wills, 1682-1834 McILVAIN, ANN, widow, Ridley. May 16, 1826 - November 16, 1826. Niece Mary PASSMORE, daughter of sister Mary PASSMORE, Lydia PENNOCK daughter of brother Abraham PENNOCK, Ruth PENNOCK daughter of brother John PENNOCK and Ruth PENNOCK daughter of brother Joseph PENNOCK. Legacy to Ann MILLER. Exrs: Levis PASSMORE, Kingsessing. Wits: Robert STEEL and Hannah P. STEEL. #675. -----Original Message----- From: MJohlfs@aol.com <MJohlfs@aol.com> To: PACHESTE-L@rootsweb.com <PACHESTE-L@rootsweb.com> Date: Wednesday, July 19, 2000 7:44 AM Subject: Re: [PACHESTE] Chester Co Wills >Thanks Sandra for posting these wills. You are always a wealth in of >information! I am descended from John HEALD through his daughter Mary >PASSMORE. This is a line I haven't even begun to tackle yet, so I was >thrilled to see his will posted in your response. It gives me a jumping off >point! Thanks again. >Mary > > >==== PACHESTE Mailing List ==== >To unsubscribe from regular mail mode on this list, send a message to: >PACHESTE-L-REQUEST@rootsweb.com >Put only the word unsubscribe in the body of your message. For digest >mode, send the message to PACHESTE-D-REQUEST@rootsweb.com > > > > > >

Not exactly a smoking gun, but perhaps some clues. Sandra Pennsylvania Wills, 1682-1834 CUMMINS, JOHN April 27, 1790 Father: James Cummins. Bros.: William and Andrew Cummins. Sisters: Margaret, Betsey and Anne. Ex. James Cummins. Drumore Twp. Pennsylvania Wills, 1682-1834 May 27, 1805 June 1, 1805 CUMMINS, ELIZABETH Nephew: William Cummins. Ex. Joseph Walker. Sadsbury Twp. Pennsylvania Wills, 1682-1834 April 13, 1805 April 12, 1807 Cummins, John. Executors: William Cummins and Robert Gordan. Township omitted. Wife: Rebecca Cummins. Children: Samuel, William and Jane. Pennsylvania Wills, 1682-1834 CUMMINS, WILLIAM. August 25, 1762. W. Fallowfield. Adm. to Mary Cummins. Pennsylvania Wills, 1682-1834 COMMONS, WILLIAM. New London. October 30, 1795. January 28, 1796. Provides for wife Sarah. Plantation, etc. to be sold. To sons Robert, John, William and Elisha £10 each. To son Joseph £30. Remainder of estate to Elisha's 5 children by his first wife, William, Sarah, James, Ann and John, share and share alike at 21. Executors: Isaac Jackson, Jr., Samuel Spencer. Letters to Spencer, Jackson renouncing. Wit: Robert Correy, John McKee. nothing for a William Commins listed. -----Original Message----- From: Scott Anderson <phssra@physics.emory.edu> To: Sandra Ferguson <ferg@intelos.net> Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2000 11:29 PM Subject: Re: [PACHESTE] Chester Co Wills I wrote: > I seem to have missed it, but you appear to have made a kind offer to lookup > wills in Chester Co. If that is so, I would very much appreciate a lookup > for William Cummins/Commons/Commins, probably in London Britain Twp. On Tuesday, July 18, 2000, Sandra Ferguson <ferg@intelos.net> wrote: > No, I made no such offer,but will look yours up for you....what is the date? I appreciate it. I don't know the date for sure, but I would guess 1810, plus or minus 10 years. I hope that's specific enough. Thanks, Scott

One possibility is that his land passed by operation of law outside of the estate. For example, if he held the land in fee tail or if he owned the land as a life estate rather than fee simple. I believe in these cases it would not be included in his "estate" because it would not pass by operation of the intestacy laws or by his will, but by the terms of the original document by which he acquired his title. That is only a guess. > -----Original Message----- > From: Sharon Sheldon [mailto:slsheldon@earthlink.net] > Sent: Tuesday, July 18, 2000 3:05 PM > To: PACHESTE-L@rootsweb.com > Subject: [PACHESTE] "Yeoman" > > > Hello All, > It's my understanding that the above referenced term meant > you owned your > land. So...if I have an ancestor who dies intestate and they > inventory and > give value to everything else in the place, why doesn't the > land come into > play? There are references to the value of the crops in the > ground but > nothing about his 45 acres or house and barn. I thought > perhaps it might be > due to the fact that his wife inherited their land from her > father, but > wouldn't that land still end up being considered property of > the husband? > Help! }:-) > Sharon in No. VA > > ______________________________ >

There were many land owners who were not given the title of yeoman. I always thought it meant one who was a "gentleman" - a higher up step than plain man! I see it often as a term of respect, which might be from prestige or from the wealth he had in money and/or land. Cathy ----- Original Message ----- From: Cyndie Eckman <cyndie_eckman@msn.com> To: <PACHESTE-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Tuesday, July 18, 2000 7:52 PM Subject: Re: [PACHESTE] "Yeoman" > Below is a message that I have kept from the Census Chat mailing list to > help me with census transcription, originally sent by a Brenda. It has > Yeoman on it as a land owner. The title of the message was Old English Job > Titles. > > << < JOB TITLE DESCRIPTION > > Accomptant Accountant > Almoner Giver of charity to the needy > Amanuensis Secretary or stenographer > Artificer A soldier mechanic who does repairs > Bailie Bailiff > Baxter Baker > Bluestocking Female writer > Boniface Keeper of an inn > Brazier One who works with brass > Brewster Beer manufacturer > Brightsmith Metal Worker > Burgonmaster Mayor > Caulker One who filled up cracks (in ships or windows or > seems to make them watertight by using tar or > > > oakum-hem fiber produced by taking old ropes apart > Chaisemaker Carriage maker > Chandler Dealer Or trader; one who makes or sells candles; > retailer of groceries > Chiffonnier Wig maker > Clark Clerk > Clerk Clergyman, cleric > Clicker The servant of a salesman who stood at the door to > invite customers; one who received the matter in the > galley from the compositors and arranged it in due > form ready for printing; one who makes eyelet holes > > > in boots, using a machine which clicked. > > > Cohen Priest > Collier Coal miner > Colporteur Peddler of books > Cooper One who makes or repairs vessels made of staves > hoops, such as casks, barrels, tubs, etc. > Cordwainer Shoemaker, originally any leather worker using > leather from Cordova/Cordoba in Spain. > Costermonger Peddler of fruits and vegetables > Crocker Potter > Crowner Coroner > Currier One who dresses the coat of a horse with a > currycomb; one who tanned leather by > incorporating oil or grease. > Docker Stevedore, dock worker who loads and unloads cargo > Dowser One who finds water using a rod or witching stick > Draper A dealer in dry goods > Drayman One who drives a long strong cart without fixed > sides for carrying heavy loads > Dresser A surgeon's assistant in a hospital > Drover One who drives cattle, sheep, etc. to market; a dealer > in cattle > Duffer Peddler > Factor Agent, commission merchant; one who acts or > transacts business for another; Scottish steward or > bailiff of an estate > Farrier A blacksmith, one who shoes horses > Faulkner Falconer > Fell monger One who removes hair or wool from hides in > preparation for leather making > Fletcher One who made bows and arrows > Fuller One who fulls cloth; one who shrinks and thickens > woolen cloth by moistening, heating, and pressing; > > > one who cleans and finishes cloth > Gaoler A keeper of the goal, a jailer > Glazier Window glassman > Hacker Maker of hoes > Hatcheler One who combed out or carded flax > Haymonger Dealer in hay > Hayward Keeper of fences > Higgler Itinerant peddler > Hillier Roof tiler > Hind A farm laborer > Holster A groom who took care of horses, often at an inn > Hooker Reaper > Hooper One who made hoops for casks and barrels > Huckster Sells small wares > Husbandman A farmer who cultivated the land > Job Master Livery Stable Keeper > Jagger Fish peddler > Journeyman One who had served his Apprenticeship and > mastered his craft, not bound to serve a master, > > > but hired by the day. > Joyner / Joiner A skilled carpenter > Keeler Bargeman > Kempster Wool comber > Lardner Keeper of the cupboard > Lavender Washer woman > Lederer Leather maker > Leech Physician > Longshoreman Stevedore > Lormer Maker of horse gear > Malender Farmer > Maltster Brewer > Manciple A steward > Mason Bricklayer > Mintmaster One who issued local currency > Monger Seller of goods (ale, fish) > Muleskinner Teamster > Neatherder Herds cows > Ordinary Keeper Innkeeper with fixed prices. > Pattern Maker A maker of a clog shod with an iron ring. A clog > was a wooden pole with a pattern cut into the end > Peregrinator Itinerant wanderer. > Peruker A wig maker > Pettifogger A shyster lawyer > Pigman Crockery dealer > Plumber One who applied sheet lead for roofing and set lead > frames for plain or stained glass windows. > Porter Door keeper > Puddler Wrought iron worker > Quarrier Quarry worker > Rigger Hoist tackle worker > Ripper Seller of fish > Roper Maker of rope or nets > Saddler One who makes, repairs or sells saddles or other > furnishings for horses > Sawbones Physician > Sawyer One who saws; carpenter > Schumacker Shoemaker > Scribler A minor or worthless author > Scrivener Professional or public copyist or writer; notary public > Scrutiner Election judge > Shrieve Sheriff > Slater Roofer > Slopseller Seller of ready-made clothes in a slop shop > Snobscat/Snob One who repaired shoes > Sorter Tailor > Spinster A woman who spins, or an unmarried woman > Spurrer Maker of spurs > Squire Country gentleman; farm owner; justice of peace > Stuff gown Junior barrister > Stuff gownsman Junior barrister > Supercargo Officer on merchant ship who is in charge of cargo > and the commercial concerns of the ship. > Tanner One who tans (cures) animal hides into leather > Tapley One who puts the tap in an ale cask > Tasker Reaper > Teamster One who drives a team for hauling > Thatcher Roofer > Tide waiter Customs inspector > Tinker Am itinerant tin pot and pan seller and repairman > Tipstaff Policeman > Travers Toll bridge collection > Tucker Cleaner of cloth goods > Turner A person who turns wood on a lathe into spindles > Victualer A tavern keeper, or one who provides an Army, navy, > or ship with food > Vulcan Blacksmith > Wagoner Teamster not for hire > Wainwright Wagon maker > Waiter Customs officer or tide waiter; one who waited on the > tide to collect duty on goods brought in. > Waterman Boatman who plies for hire > Webster Operator of looms > Wharfinger Owner of a wharf > Wheelwright One who made or repaired wheels; wheeled > Carriages, etc. > Whitesmith Tinsmith; worker of iron who finishes or polishes > the work > Whitewing Street sweeper > Whitster Bleach of cloth > Wright Workman, especially a construction worker > Yeoman Farmer who owns his own land > > > I hope it helps, > Cyndie > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Chris Lehr" <clehr@quik.com> > To: <PACHESTE-L@rootsweb.com> > Sent: Tuesday, July 18, 2000 7:35 PM > Subject: Re: [PACHESTE] "Yeoman" > > > > Hmm...I always thought that the term "yeoman", which I have often found in > > the land records, meant more of a laborer type of occupation...like that > of > > a yeoman on a ship. If you look in the tax records and find the term > > "freeman" then yes that means that they owned land. But I haven't found > > anywhere that Yeoman means a land owner. > > > > Good luck to you, > > > > Chris Lehr > > Chrisman, Root, Heigh, Titlow, Moyer > > > > -----Original Message----- > > From: Sharon Sheldon <slsheldon@earthlink.net> > > To: PACHESTE-L@rootsweb.com <PACHESTE-L@rootsweb.com> > > Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2000 3:54 PM > > Subject: [PACHESTE] "Yeoman" > > > > > > >Hello All, > > >It's my understanding that the above referenced term meant you owned your > > >land. So...if I have an ancestor who dies intestate and they inventory > and > > >give value to everything else in the place, why doesn't the land come > into > > >play? There are references to the value of the crops in the ground but > > >nothing about his 45 acres or house and barn. I thought perhaps it might > > be > > >due to the fact that his wife inherited their land from her father, but > > >wouldn't that land still end up being considered property of the husband? > > >Help! }:-) > > >Sharon in No. VA > > > > > > > > >==== PACHESTE Mailing List ==== > > >Check out the searchable US GenWeb Project Archives! > > >http://searches.rootsweb.com/usgwarch.html > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ==== PACHESTE Mailing List ==== > > Visit the PA GenWeb Archives at > > http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/pa/pafiles.htm > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ==== PACHESTE Mailing List ==== > Stop by our associated website for Chester County Genealogy at > http://www.rootsweb.com/~pacheste/chester.htm > > > > >

Thanks Sandra for posting these wills. You are always a wealth in of information! I am descended from John HEALD through his daughter Mary PASSMORE. This is a line I haven't even begun to tackle yet, so I was thrilled to see his will posted in your response. It gives me a jumping off point! Thanks again. Mary

Hi, Is there any listing of a will for Nathaniel Jefferis,Nov. 8, 1733-Sept.30,1823. His wife was Mary Chalfant. Thank you so much for any help. Myrna Bowman Grass Valley, Ca.

yeo-man (yomn)n. Abbr. yeo., Y 1. An attendant, a servant, or a lesser official in a royal or noble household. A yeoman of the guard. 2. A petty officer performing chiefly clerical duties in the U.S. Navy. 3. An assistant or other subordinate, as of a sheriff. 4. A diligent, dependable worker. 5. A farmer who cultivates his own land, especially a member of a former class of small freeholding farmers in England. --------------------------------------------------------- Excerpted from American Heritage Talking Dictionary Copyright © 1997 The Learning Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. -----Original Message----- From: HELefevre@aol.com [mailto:HELefevre@aol.com] Sent: Tuesday, July 18, 2000 9:53 PM To: PACHESTE-L@rootsweb.com Subject: Re: [PACHESTE] "Yeoman" In a message dated 7/18/2000 7:34:12 PM Eastern Daylight Time, clehr@quik.com writes: > Hmm...I always thought that the term "yeoman", which I have often found in > the land records, meant more of a laborer type of occupation...like that of > a yeoman on a ship. If you look in the tax records and find the term > "freeman" then yes that means that they owned land. But I haven't found > anywhere that Yeoman means a land owner. > > Good luck to you, > > Chris Lehr > Chrisman, Root, Heigh, Titlow, Moyer Hello Listers: My curiosity was aroused about the definition of "yeoman" so I did a bit of researching in "A to ZAX" - A Comprehensive Dictionary for Genealogists & Historians. According to this source there are a number of choices for "yeoman": 1) an experienced man capable of account of supplies and costs; 2) a farmer who tills his own small acreage; 3) a person who can be called upon to work diligently and effectively; and 4) a clerk or writer in the navy. Take your choice, but it sounds as though 2) is closest to an earlier "lister's" understanding of the meaning. Cheers: Harold Lefevre HELefevre@aol.com ==== PACHESTE Mailing List ==== To post a message to this list, send your message to PACHESTE-L@rootsweb.com

In a message dated 7/18/2000 7:34:12 PM Eastern Daylight Time, clehr@quik.com writes: > Hmm...I always thought that the term "yeoman", which I have often found in > the land records, meant more of a laborer type of occupation...like that of > a yeoman on a ship. If you look in the tax records and find the term > "freeman" then yes that means that they owned land. But I haven't found > anywhere that Yeoman means a land owner. > > Good luck to you, > > Chris Lehr > Chrisman, Root, Heigh, Titlow, Moyer Hello Listers: My curiosity was aroused about the definition of "yeoman" so I did a bit of researching in "A to ZAX" - A Comprehensive Dictionary for Genealogists & Historians. According to this source there are a number of choices for "yeoman": 1) an experienced man capable of account of supplies and costs; 2) a farmer who tills his own small acreage; 3) a person who can be called upon to work diligently and effectively; and 4) a clerk or writer in the navy. Take your choice, but it sounds as though 2) is closest to an earlier "lister's" understanding of the meaning. Cheers: Harold Lefevre HELefevre@aol.com

Thanks many times, Sandra!! The Yearsleys that married Thornberrys are: -- Sarah Yearsley m. James Shanklin, dau. Elizabeth Shanklin (1770-1842) m. Joseph Thornberry (bury) --Ann Yearsley (1742-1831) dau. of John Yearsley, m. William Thornberry (bury) 1764 --Mary Yearsley (1740-?) m. Richard Thornberry (bury) --Hannah Yearsley (c.1802-1887) m. William T. Thornberry (bury) (1800-1888), divorced before 1827 The William - Ann line is my direct one, also the Hannah - William line. Sorry--should have given more before--I know better than that!! All of your help to all of us is greatly appreciated, I'm sure!! Anne

Pennsylvania Wills, 1682-1834 THOMPSON, ARCHIBALD. W. Nantmeal. January 26, 1786. August 23, 1799. To wife Isabella all estate, real and personal, during life, and at her decease to be sold. To daughters Elenor Stewart, Mary Herbeson, Margaret Beatty, Hannah Stanley and Jean Thompson 20 shillings each. Remainder to grandchildren. To granddaughter Jean Thompson 1/4. To grandson John Lighthirett Thompson 1/4. To granddaughters Mary and Elizabeth Thompson 1/4 each. Executors: Wife Isabella, Neal McNeal, John Craig. No record of letters. Wit: Ephraim Allen, Neal McNeal. Pennsylvania Wills, 1682-1834 THOMPSON, CATHERINE ELIZABETH. West Nantmel. January 19, 1806: August 19, 1806. To my sister Mary Anna Thompson all estate, real and personal. Executor: Sister Mary Anna Thompson. Pennsylvania Wills, 1682-1834 THOMPSON, ELIZABETH, a widow of John. W. Nantmel. 1805: May 9, 1810. To son John Lighthiser Thompson £12. To grandchildren Jas. Milligan, John Thompson Milligan, Sarah and Mary Milligan, $8 each. Residue to 2 daughters Anna Maria Ross Thompson and Catherine Elizabeth Thompson. (Letters to Anna Maria Smith.) Wits.: Joseph Millard, ... Lewis Pennsylvania Wills, 1682-1834 MAXWELL, JOHN. Tredyffrin. August 16, 1781. October 27, 1781. To wife Jane tract of land whereon I now live in Tredyffrin during life, and at her decease, to sons John and David Maxwell. To daughter Isabella Thompson £50 and to her children £50 to be divided. To daughter Sarah Rowland £25 and to her children £100 to be divided. To daughter Mary Maxwell £225 etc. Remainder on decease of wife to 2 sons. Executors: Wife Jane, son John. Wit: John Simontown, James Frederick, Jno. Beaton. Wits.: Jane Thompson, Elizabeth Thompson, William Henderson. There was nothing listed for a John Bowsman Smith, or David Milligan. I'll be glad to look up any Rosses that you give me given names for. Sandra -----Original Message----- From: Carol M Colvin <carolmcolvin@juno.com> To: PACHESTE-L@rootsweb.com <PACHESTE-L@rootsweb.com> Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2000 4:19 PM Subject: [PACHESTE] Lost hard drive >Hello, you wonderful list people. I need your help. I recently lost my >hard drive, and along with it, my inbox, which contained will information >on my Chester County Thompsons and Maxwells. Could someone who has the >Pennsylvania Wills CD (Sandra comes to mind) please send me wills for the >following people: > >Elizabeth Thompson, widow of John, West Nantmeal Township >Catherine Thompson, daughter of Elizabeth, also West Nantmeal >Archibald Thompson, died 1799, wife Isabella, West Nantmeal >John Maxwell, died 1781, Tredyffrin, daughter Isabella Thompson mentioned > >The names below also are on my line, and if there is any information on >them I would love to have it: > >John Bowsman Smith (husband of Mary Anna or Anna Maria Ross Thompson, >married 1806) >David Milligan, husband of Jane Thompson, married before 1800 >Anyone with the last name Ross who is connected with Smiths or Thompsons >in any way. > >I really appreciate this. I have learned my lesson and plan to PRINT >these things on PAPER as soon as I get them. > >Thank you, > >Carol Colvin >________________________________________________________________ >YOU'RE PAYING TOO MUCH FOR THE INTERNET! >Juno now offers FREE Internet Access! >Try it today - there's no risk! For your FREE software, visit: >http://dl.www.juno.com/get/tagj. > > >==== PACHESTE Mailing List ==== >Visit the US GenWeb Master States Index Page >http://www.usgenweb.org > > > > >

To answer 2 questions at once! Yeoman = is a freehold farmer or farmer Go to: <A HREF="http://home.att.net/~dottsr/diction.html#DICT">Genealogy Dictionary</ A> http://home.att.net/~dottsr/diction.html#DICT There are two (2) paperback books: "SHIP PASSENGER LISTS Pennsylvania & Delaware (1641-1825)" "SHIP PASSENGER LISTS The South (1538-1825)" both Edited & Indexed by Carl BOYER, 3rd Happy hunting, Helen

Try this site for ships from 1600-1900's <A HREF="http://istg.rootsweb.com/">Immigrant Ships Transcribers Guild</A> or http://istg.rootsweb.com/ Jim Worthington Searching; Passmore, Wray, Pennell, Sharples, Howard

Below is a message that I have kept from the Census Chat mailing list to help me with census transcription, originally sent by a Brenda. It has Yeoman on it as a land owner. The title of the message was Old English Job Titles. << < JOB TITLE DESCRIPTION Accomptant Accountant Almoner Giver of charity to the needy Amanuensis Secretary or stenographer Artificer A soldier mechanic who does repairs Bailie Bailiff Baxter Baker Bluestocking Female writer Boniface Keeper of an inn Brazier One who works with brass Brewster Beer manufacturer Brightsmith Metal Worker Burgonmaster Mayor Caulker One who filled up cracks (in ships or windows or seems to make them watertight by using tar or oakum-hem fiber produced by taking old ropes apart Chaisemaker Carriage maker Chandler Dealer Or trader; one who makes or sells candles; retailer of groceries Chiffonnier Wig maker Clark Clerk Clerk Clergyman, cleric Clicker The servant of a salesman who stood at the door to invite customers; one who received the matter in the galley from the compositors and arranged it in due form ready for printing; one who makes eyelet holes in boots, using a machine which clicked. Cohen Priest Collier Coal miner Colporteur Peddler of books Cooper One who makes or repairs vessels made of staves hoops, such as casks, barrels, tubs, etc. Cordwainer Shoemaker, originally any leather worker using leather from Cordova/Cordoba in Spain. Costermonger Peddler of fruits and vegetables Crocker Potter Crowner Coroner Currier One who dresses the coat of a horse with a currycomb; one who tanned leather by incorporating oil or grease. Docker Stevedore, dock worker who loads and unloads cargo Dowser One who finds water using a rod or witching stick Draper A dealer in dry goods Drayman One who drives a long strong cart without fixed sides for carrying heavy loads Dresser A surgeon's assistant in a hospital Drover One who drives cattle, sheep, etc. to market; a dealer in cattle Duffer Peddler Factor Agent, commission merchant; one who acts or transacts business for another; Scottish steward or bailiff of an estate Farrier A blacksmith, one who shoes horses Faulkner Falconer Fell monger One who removes hair or wool from hides in preparation for leather making Fletcher One who made bows and arrows Fuller One who fulls cloth; one who shrinks and thickens woolen cloth by moistening, heating, and pressing; one who cleans and finishes cloth Gaoler A keeper of the goal, a jailer Glazier Window glassman Hacker Maker of hoes Hatcheler One who combed out or carded flax Haymonger Dealer in hay Hayward Keeper of fences Higgler Itinerant peddler Hillier Roof tiler Hind A farm laborer Holster A groom who took care of horses, often at an inn Hooker Reaper Hooper One who made hoops for casks and barrels Huckster Sells small wares Husbandman A farmer who cultivated the land Job Master Livery Stable Keeper Jagger Fish peddler Journeyman One who had served his Apprenticeship and mastered his craft, not bound to serve a master, but hired by the day. Joyner / Joiner A skilled carpenter Keeler Bargeman Kempster Wool comber Lardner Keeper of the cupboard Lavender Washer woman Lederer Leather maker Leech Physician Longshoreman Stevedore Lormer Maker of horse gear Malender Farmer Maltster Brewer Manciple A steward Mason Bricklayer Mintmaster One who issued local currency Monger Seller of goods (ale, fish) Muleskinner Teamster Neatherder Herds cows Ordinary Keeper Innkeeper with fixed prices. Pattern Maker A maker of a clog shod with an iron ring. A clog was a wooden pole with a pattern cut into the end Peregrinator Itinerant wanderer. Peruker A wig maker Pettifogger A shyster lawyer Pigman Crockery dealer Plumber One who applied sheet lead for roofing and set lead frames for plain or stained glass windows. Porter Door keeper Puddler Wrought iron worker Quarrier Quarry worker Rigger Hoist tackle worker Ripper Seller of fish Roper Maker of rope or nets Saddler One who makes, repairs or sells saddles or other furnishings for horses Sawbones Physician Sawyer One who saws; carpenter Schumacker Shoemaker Scribler A minor or worthless author Scrivener Professional or public copyist or writer; notary public Scrutiner Election judge Shrieve Sheriff Slater Roofer Slopseller Seller of ready-made clothes in a slop shop Snobscat/Snob One who repaired shoes Sorter Tailor Spinster A woman who spins, or an unmarried woman Spurrer Maker of spurs Squire Country gentleman; farm owner; justice of peace Stuff gown Junior barrister Stuff gownsman Junior barrister Supercargo Officer on merchant ship who is in charge of cargo and the commercial concerns of the ship. Tanner One who tans (cures) animal hides into leather Tapley One who puts the tap in an ale cask Tasker Reaper Teamster One who drives a team for hauling Thatcher Roofer Tide waiter Customs inspector Tinker Am itinerant tin pot and pan seller and repairman Tipstaff Policeman Travers Toll bridge collection Tucker Cleaner of cloth goods Turner A person who turns wood on a lathe into spindles Victualer A tavern keeper, or one who provides an Army, navy, or ship with food Vulcan Blacksmith Wagoner Teamster not for hire Wainwright Wagon maker Waiter Customs officer or tide waiter; one who waited on the tide to collect duty on goods brought in. Waterman Boatman who plies for hire Webster Operator of looms Wharfinger Owner of a wharf Wheelwright One who made or repaired wheels; wheeled Carriages, etc. Whitesmith Tinsmith; worker of iron who finishes or polishes the work Whitewing Street sweeper Whitster Bleach of cloth Wright Workman, especially a construction worker Yeoman Farmer who owns his own land I hope it helps, Cyndie ----- Original Message ----- From: "Chris Lehr" <clehr@quik.com> To: <PACHESTE-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Tuesday, July 18, 2000 7:35 PM Subject: Re: [PACHESTE] "Yeoman" > Hmm...I always thought that the term "yeoman", which I have often found in > the land records, meant more of a laborer type of occupation...like that of > a yeoman on a ship. If you look in the tax records and find the term > "freeman" then yes that means that they owned land. But I haven't found > anywhere that Yeoman means a land owner. > > Good luck to you, > > Chris Lehr > Chrisman, Root, Heigh, Titlow, Moyer > > -----Original Message----- > From: Sharon Sheldon <slsheldon@earthlink.net> > To: PACHESTE-L@rootsweb.com <PACHESTE-L@rootsweb.com> > Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2000 3:54 PM > Subject: [PACHESTE] "Yeoman" > > > >Hello All, > >It's my understanding that the above referenced term meant you owned your > >land. So...if I have an ancestor who dies intestate and they inventory and > >give value to everything else in the place, why doesn't the land come into > >play? There are references to the value of the crops in the ground but > >nothing about his 45 acres or house and barn. I thought perhaps it might > be > >due to the fact that his wife inherited their land from her father, but > >wouldn't that land still end up being considered property of the husband? > >Help! }:-) > >Sharon in No. VA > > > > > >==== PACHESTE Mailing List ==== > >Check out the searchable US GenWeb Project Archives! > >http://searches.rootsweb.com/usgwarch.html > > > > > > > > > > > > > ==== PACHESTE Mailing List ==== > Visit the PA GenWeb Archives at > http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/pa/pafiles.htm > > > > >

Hello All, It's my understanding that the above referenced term meant you owned your land. So...if I have an ancestor who dies intestate and they inventory and give value to everything else in the place, why doesn't the land come into play? There are references to the value of the crops in the ground but nothing about his 45 acres or house and barn. I thought perhaps it might be due to the fact that his wife inherited their land from her father, but wouldn't that land still end up being considered property of the husband? Help! }:-) Sharon in No. VA

If you find one pass it on, I've been looking for my ancestors arrival prior to 1720's with NO results. Good hunting, Love, Lou