The following transcription was submitted by Karen
Souhrada of Pittsfield, NY for inclusion at the Genealogy
in Washington Co., PA web site in January 1998.
Karen states:
[NOTE: the eight children alluded to in will are: KEZIA (b. 1828 - d. 1905;
m. WILLIAM B. HAGERTY), ELEANOR (b. 1827), SAMUEL M. (b. 1830), MARTHA (b.
1834), SARAH L. (b. 1839), EZRA S. (b. 1844), HANNAH MATILDA (b. 1847),
JOHN C. (b. 1849)]
I GEORGE GEHO of East Bethlehem Township in the County of Washington and
State of Pennsylvania, being sick and weak of body, but of sound mind, and
memory and understanding - praised be God for it - considering the
certainty of death, and the uncertainty of the time whereof, and to the end
I may be the better prepared to leave this world whenever it may please God
to call me hence, do therefore make and publish this my last will and
testament.
In manner following, that is to say:
First, I give and bequeath to my lawful wife MARY [Note: it is believed
that this is wife #2] the following described property, to have and enjoy
the same so long as she remains my widow. The use of the room known as our
bed room, and the small room .......(line illegible) and from each room
also, the large corner cupboard and contents in the sitting room, also her
choice of the two feather beds belonging to me, with plenty of bedding for
same. One cow - (her choice) - with sufficient rough feed to keep her
through the coming winter - also the four hogs that are in the pen, and
salt, and vessels sufficient to salt the meat in, also all of the corn. I
also bequeath her sufficient room in the cellar. I also give her all the
property she brought with her.
Second, I will that all the remainder of my personal property shall be sold
at public out-cry - , and fifty dollars ($50.00/100) of the proceeds of the
same to be paid to my wife MARY as soon as collected. The balance if any
after paying the funeral expenses and all honest debts, together with a
note I hold against ROBERT BLACK and ALSON WIGHT, endorsed by GEORGE DALES
- calling for thirty five dollars - due the first of April next - to be
divided amongst my children equally. All the monies at interest, the
interest to go to my wife Mary so long as she remains my widow. I also
bequeath to her as much fruit as she may need when there is fruit on the
lot. I wish the lot on which I now reside to be held for the maintenance
of my wife MARY so long as she remains my widow. At her death (or
marriage) the same to be sold and the proceeds to be divided amongst my
children share and share alike.
Item: If the coal - known as the river vein - under my lot should come into
.....(illegible), I authorize and empower my executors to sell and convey
the same and if the same should be sold during the life (or widowhood) of
my wife MARY, my will is that the proceeds be divided into nine (9) equal
shares. One share of which is to be given to my wife MARY, the other eight
shares to be divided amongst my eight children, share and share alike.
I do hereby ..... make and appoint my son SAMUEL M. GEHO and (blank space)
executors of this my last will and testament. In witness whereof I the
said testator set my hand and seal this 31st day of October, 1872.
Signed, sealed and published in the presence of us, who in his presence and
at his request have subscribed our names as witnesses.
JOS. FARQUHAR
JOHN H. GIBSON
Will proved by A. O. DAY, Register on February 5, 1873
December 6, 1899, Letters c. t. a. issued to EZRA GEHO who filed a ... bond
and was duly qualified.