Dianna Usualy as with the Who's Who they paid to have them put into the publications by agreeing to buy a copy of a book or something like that. it differed but it was largely an ego trip on someone's part... Joe Wolfe On Thu, 03 Nov 2005 17:48:20 -0500 mtmodie@aol.com writes: > To the List: > I am trying to find biographical portraits of my Michael Brenner > from Lancaster County, PA, Mount Joy Township, and cannot seem to > find him in any of the publications. How did people get their names > put into the biographical histories. > > Thank you. > > Dianna > > > ==== PALANCAS Mailing List ==== > http//www.rootsweb.com/rootsweb/aup.html > You are responsible for following the A.U.P. > Acceptable Use Policy > >

To the List: I am trying to find biographical portraits of my Michael Brenner from Lancaster County, PA, Mount Joy Township, and cannot seem to find him in any of the publications. How did people get their names put into the biographical histories. Thank you. Dianna

They wrote their own bios and paid the publisher to have their write-ups included in those ubiquitous 19th Century biographical histories! Don't feel bad! Your Brenner is simply among a large percentage of the residents who didn't get mentioned in the biographical histories. Besides that, you're not really missing very much. The bios that got published are only as reliable as the memories and the consciences of the people who wrote about themselves and their ancestors. Nelson /////////////////////////////// ----- Original Message ----- From: mtmodie@aol.com To: PALANCAS-L@rootsweb.com Sent: Thursday, November 03, 2005 3:48 PM Subject: [PALANCAS] RE: Lancaster PA Biographical Portraits To the List: I am trying to find biographical portraits of my Michael Brenner from Lancaster County, PA, Mount Joy Township, and cannot seem to find him in any of the publications. How did people get their names put into the biographical histories. Thank you. Dianna

In the 1840's up to what age would a child still be considered a minor? THank you. Dianna

Thank you to all who replied to my email request. All your information is most helpful. Dianna

Dianna, Guess you've gathered from the other responses that the filing and recording of the will is just the beginning of the whole probate process. Each county manages to archive their records quite differently. The York County Archives, for instance, stores 'probate packets' where you can easily review all of the records in one place. Lancaster County, however, has their records in multiple locations. The Office of Records and Archives maintains the Administration Bonds, the Orphans Court records, and the indexes to the inventories and accounts (reports that the executors or administrators file). The Lancaster Historical Society has the copies of the actual inventories and accounts. I usually do my research in person, so you probably should contact both repositories to see how they can help you out. I went back through my records and found the following baptisms for Michael's children: These came from someone's typed notes placed in the "Brenner" surname file at the Lancaster Hist Soc, so I don't know the source of their information. The baptisms were at the Maytown Lutheran Church (so much for the Mennonite idea): Elizabeth, bapt. 23 Sep 1811, sponsor: Elizabeth Gorner Maria, bapt. 5 Sep 1815, sponsor: Philip and Maria Brenner. [My note: Philip and Maria Brenner are Michael's parents, and Elizabeth Gorner is his Aunt.] Here, also, are two additional pieces of information I've collected on individuals named Michael Brenner. (1) There was a Michael Brenner who m. Barbara Eichholtz in Feb 1810 in York Co. Barbara was the sister of Jacob Eichholtz, who m. Michael's sister Catherine. They had one known child, Elizabeth, who was born about 1811. Barbara was definitely dec'd by 1824, when her father wrote his will. It is certainly possible that she was the first wife of Michael and the mother of the Elizabeth whose baptism record is given above. (2) There was a Michael Brenner who m. Susanna "Susan" Shnellbecker in Jan 1813 in York Co. I know nothing else about this couple. I hope something here will turn out to be helpful. I usually spend a week in Lancaster in the April-May timeframe. Let me know if you're still 'stuck' and I'll see what I can find for you. Pam http://www.lancasterhistory.org/index.html http://www.co.lancaster.pa.us/courts/cwp/view.asp?a=474&Q=262027 ----- Original Message ----- From: <mtmodie@aol.com> To: <PALANCAS-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Tuesday, November 01, 2005 12:47 PM Subject: [PALANCAS] re: Probate Records- Michael Brenner-Mt. Joy Township, Lancaster County > Where would I look to see if there were probate records for my Michael Brenner that died in 1840. I have a copy of his will but would there also be probate records? > > Thank you. > > Dianna > > > ==== PALANCAS Mailing List ==== > List Owner can be reached for help with the list at > PALANCAS-Admin@rootsweb.com > >

Dianna What I experienced with the records, I had to get 2 or 3 films, in order to have the whole procedings that took place. Some of it was to appoint the guardian/s, some to pay bills, some to release the guardian. The will was on the first listed page, in your case the Book S, Vol 1, pg 354. From there you'll have to search the film/s for further entries, but I think there was an index for the rest of the procedings, I can't recall. You may find interesting tidbits in viewing the total file on Michael. I have 24 pages of record for my wife's 3rd ggrandfather. Guenter -------------- Original message -------------- > Hi Guenter: > Thank you for your reply. Yes, I did receive a copy of the will from Robert on > Michael Brenner, but is that the same as the probate records? > > Thank you. > > Dianna > -----Original Message----- > From: gloepertz@comcast.net > To: PALANCAS-L@rootsweb.com > Sent: Tue, 01 Nov 2005 23:50:39 +0000 > Subject: Re: [PALANCAS] re: Probate Records- Michael Brenner-Mt. Joy Township, > Lancaster County > > > Dianna > Michael Brenner's probate record starts in Book S, Volume 1, Pg 354, of the Will > Books and Intestate Records of Lancaster County. > Films are available from LDS and you need to look further in the years, as > probate procedings lasted some years, in some cases, especially where minors > were involved. In our case of Haehnlen, probate took from 1847 until 1865, when > the last child became of age. > By the way, I also sent some of your emails to Bob Brenner, who indicated that > he had sent you Michael to begin with. > Guenter in Michigan > > -------------- Original message -------------- > > > Where would I look to see if there were probate records for my Michael Brenner > > > that died in 1840. I have a copy of his will but would there also be probate > > records? > > > > Thank you. > > > > Dianna > > > > > > ==== PALANCAS Mailing List ==== > > List Owner can be reached for help with the list at > > PALANCAS-Admin@rootsweb.com > > > > > ==== PALANCAS Mailing List ==== > This is your list use and enjoy for genealogy. > > > ==== PALANCAS Mailing List ==== > To unsubscribe first check and see if you are getting list or digest mode then > e-mail PALANCAS-L-request@rootsweb.com or PALANCAS-D-request@rootsweb.com with > unsubscribe in message. >

Dianna Michael Brenner's probate record starts in Book S, Volume 1, Pg 354, of the Will Books and Intestate Records of Lancaster County. Films are available from LDS and you need to look further in the years, as probate procedings lasted some years, in some cases, especially where minors were involved. In our case of Haehnlen, probate took from 1847 until 1865, when the last child became of age. By the way, I also sent some of your emails to Bob Brenner, who indicated that he had sent you Michael to begin with. Guenter in Michigan -------------- Original message -------------- > Where would I look to see if there were probate records for my Michael Brenner > that died in 1840. I have a copy of his will but would there also be probate > records? > > Thank you. > > Dianna > > > ==== PALANCAS Mailing List ==== > List Owner can be reached for help with the list at > PALANCAS-Admin@rootsweb.com >

Hi Guenter: Thank you for your reply. Yes, I did receive a copy of the will from Robert on Michael Brenner, but is that the same as the probate records? Thank you. Dianna -----Original Message----- From: gloepertz@comcast.net To: PALANCAS-L@rootsweb.com Sent: Tue, 01 Nov 2005 23:50:39 +0000 Subject: Re: [PALANCAS] re: Probate Records- Michael Brenner-Mt. Joy Township, Lancaster County Dianna Michael Brenner's probate record starts in Book S, Volume 1, Pg 354, of the Will Books and Intestate Records of Lancaster County. Films are available from LDS and you need to look further in the years, as probate procedings lasted some years, in some cases, especially where minors were involved. In our case of Haehnlen, probate took from 1847 until 1865, when the last child became of age. By the way, I also sent some of your emails to Bob Brenner, who indicated that he had sent you Michael to begin with. Guenter in Michigan -------------- Original message -------------- > Where would I look to see if there were probate records for my Michael Brenner > that died in 1840. I have a copy of his will but would there also be probate > records? > > Thank you. > > Dianna > > > ==== PALANCAS Mailing List ==== > List Owner can be reached for help with the list at > PALANCAS-Admin@rootsweb.com > ==== PALANCAS Mailing List ==== This is your list use and enjoy for genealogy.

I believe from my experiencne in Lancaster county that ALL of the pertinent information on a will would be in one place that is with the will. I have one from 1892 that has the will and also the dispositon of the proceeds to the heirs of about 32.00 each. all in the same Will package Joe Wolfe On Tue, 01 Nov 2005 12:47:31 -0500 mtmodie@aol.com writes: > Where would I look to see if there were probate records for my > Michael Brenner that died in 1840. I have a copy of his will but > would there also be probate records? > > Thank you. > > Dianna > > > ==== PALANCAS Mailing List ==== > List Owner can be reached for help with the list at > PALANCAS-Admin@rootsweb.com > >

In a message dated 11/1/2005 4:29:24 PM Eastern Standard Time, Ssplmrgen@aol.com writes: John: I think you will find Stark County in Ohio, not Pennsylvania. Shirley Shirley- I think what John is looking for is a possible will mentioning Margaret as a daughter in Lancaster County where she came from and where her parents probably remained. I checked the Lancaster County will abstracts and there is only one will in there from 1815 for a Michael OBER. Michael had a brother Christian OBER and I suspect they are all part of a family that I found in a WorldConnect database who descend from a Jacob OBER, Sr.: http://wc.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=gunsmith&id=I70084 Joan

John: I think you will find Stark County in Ohio, not Pennsylvania. Shirley

Where would I look to see if there were probate records for my Michael Brenner that died in 1840. I have a copy of his will but would there also be probate records? Thank you. Dianna

FYI: This old book is on ebay, thought it might help someone in their research. They have names listed shown in their photos. Look in their store, they also have some Lancaster, Pa. books, and some 1800's photo albums. I didn't even know they still existed! The url to the church history book is: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5631499501 Or you can find it by going to ebay and doing a search for item number: 5631499501 Hope it helps someone, Jamie

Distribution: Does anybody have access to wills of Lancaster Co., PA? I'm looking for information on a Margaret Ober (Obar) who married a John Raber from Berks Co., PA who then migrated to Stark Co., PA by 1850. I'm hoping that Margaret might be mentioned in her father's will. I have no idea who her father might be. I just know that Ober (Obar) or some derivation were prominent in the Lancaster Co., PA area. If anybody has access to the wills or an abstract could you please check to see if there is any mention of a Margaret or a Margaret who married a John Raber (Reber). Your help would be greatly appreciated. This is one of those brick walls that I'm trying to breakdown. Many thanks, John

As you can see from all of our responses, different counties (and different) eras applied these terms in slightly different ways. One of the best descriptions of tax terms comes from the Chester County Archives Web site. From my experience, it seems that Chester County applied the terms in the same manner as Lancaster County (its next-door neighbor). Here goes: 18th-Century Tax Records With very few exceptions, Chester County Archives (CCA) has all of the surviving 18th century Chester County tax records. Records are extant for 1715, 1718-1740, 1747-1800 (bulk dates – there are years within these time spans for which tax records have not survived or taxes were not collected). All 18th-century records held by CCA were microfilmed by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. They are arranged in three series, designated by the letter "C" for County, "P" for Provincial, and "S" for State. Each tax is labeled with specific information as to statute, the date ordered, and the dates of returns and appeals. A complete set of this film is available at the Chester County Historical Society Library (CCHS) and at CCA. Access to the original records is limited as they are fragile. For ease of use, photocopies of the following taxes are available in the CCA reading room: 1715, 1718-1732 (all extant records within time span), 1765, 1767, 1780, 1783, 1796, 1799, 1802. The taxation process generated three types of tax records: return of taxables (list of names with taxable property, no value assigned) assessment (list of names with taxable property with values) rates (list of names with amount of tax – there may be a second set of adjusted rates drawn up after appeals) All pre-1765 tax records at CCA are rates, with the exception of a 1726 return for Thornbury. CCA also has photocopies of rates for 1693 and 1696 and the return for 1760 (originals at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania). There are four categories of taxables: landholder – held land by lease or deed (PA taxed the occupant) inmate – married or widowed, landless (contract labor) freeman – single, free man at least 21 years of age (as of 1718). Had to be out of servitude or apprenticeship at least 6 months at time of tax. Taxation of freemen was inconsistent. It appears that before 1755 single men living with their parents were not taxed. nonresident landowner – owner of unseated (unoccupied) land In practice, the very poor or infirm were dropped from the tax rolls. The only surviving pre-1765 return (1726, Thornbury) lists people who are not on the 1726 tax rate. For example, Eleanor Clues ("a poor widdow woman never yet assessed") and Charles Howel ("he is a poor man has a wife & one child") only appear on the return. There is no reason to believe that assessors in other townships were not making similar judgments. Certain tax records provide additional information. State taxes to fund the Revolutionary War often include notations as to whether a person supported the Revolution. The 1783 state tax gives the number of white and black inhabitants in each household, as well as the number of buildings on the property. The 1796 and 1799 county taxes often provide some description of buildings. Brian

Pennsylvania Wills, 1682-1834+ Lancaster County, Pa. January 15, 1811 April 8, 1811 FEATHER, HENRY Wife. Salome Feather. Children: George, Hannah (and four others, names not given). Ex. George Feather. Cocalico Twp. ***** Pennsylvania Wills, 1682-1834=Lancaster County, Pa. March 13, 1816 June 7, 1816 FEATHER, BERNHARD Wife. Juliana Feather. Brother: Peter Feather. Nieces: Susanna wife of - -- Brubacker, Christiana, Elizabeth wife of Henry Slabach, Mary wife of Michael Klingman (children of brother Henry). Ex. Peter Martin. Cocalico Twp. ***** Pennsylvania Wills, 1682-1834=Lancaster County, Pa. December 22, 1792 July 19, 1794 FEATHER, GRETRAUT Child: Elizabeth wife of John Frymyer. Ex. John Frymyer. Warwick Twp. ***** Pennsylvania Wills, 1682-1834=Lancaster Co. Pa. July 12, 1787 September 18, 1789 ERNST, HERMAN Wife. Catharine Ernst. Ex. Catharine Ernst and Peter Eby. Warwick Twp. Hope this helps in your search, Tim R. ***** ----- Original Message ----- From: "Dan Fetters" <dfetters@mindnet.org> To: <PALANCAS-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Monday, October 31, 2005 9:12 PM Subject: [PALANCAS] Help, I need will copies from Lancaster County > Can someone provide the person and address that I can get copies of wills > for my ancestors in the county? > I emailed whom I thought was the probable officer but have never gotten a > reply. > > These are: > Henry Feather - Cocalico Twp 8 APR 1811 > Bertrand Feather - Cocalico 7 JUN 1816 > Gertraut Feather - Warwick Twp 19 JUL 1794 > Herman Ernst - Warwick 18 SEP 1789 > > Thanks, > Dan Fetters > > > ==== PALANCAS Mailing List ==== > This is your list use and enjoy for genealogy. >

Because of the many reference/research inquiries and requests that are received, ONLY one (1) letter at a time from an individual correspondent is accepted for processing. Each letter may include from one (1) to four (4) reference citations. Adherence to this policy facilitates the timely acknowledgment of reference/research inquiries and requests. Public archival records may be photocopied at the cost of $0.50 a page. Office of Records and Archives Services Director - Richard M. Galbreath (717) 299-8319 Mailing Address : County of Lancaster Office of Records and Archives Services 50 N. Duke St P.O. Box 83480 Lancaster, Pa. 17608-3480 Most courthouses and historical societies will not do research by email. Write to the address above and they should be able to help you. It would be a good idea to include a check with our original request. Here are the will numbers for those requested: > Henry Feather - Cocalico Twp 8 APR 1811 K 1 pg. 197 > Bertrand Feather - Cocalico 7 JUN 1816 L 1 pg. 570 > (Bernard Feather) > Gertraut Feather - Warwick Twp 19 JUL 1794 Y 2 pg. 163 > (Gertrant Feather) > Herman Ernst - Warwick 18 SEP 1789 Y 2 p. 110 There are also intestate records for Bernhard Feder 1777 & Henry Feder, Jr. 1823 B 1 p. 122. You might also wish to write to the Lancaster Historical Society and request copies of the inventories for these estates.

Can someone provide the person and address that I can get copies of wills for my ancestors in the county? I emailed whom I thought was the probable officer but have never gotten a reply. These are: Henry Feather - Cocalico Twp 8 APR 1811 Bertrand Feather - Cocalico 7 JUN 1816 Gertraut Feather - Warwick Twp 19 JUL 1794 Herman Ernst - Warwick 18 SEP 1789 Thanks, Dan Fetters

Brian, I believe you will find that the Counties west of Chester County were apart of Chester Co. in the "beginning": such as Lancaster, Berks, Lebanon and north and across the river such as York Co. In other word,s, Chester Co. was among the earliest Counties in the Commonwealth of Penna. A "bit" of Genealogy History. Ernest