Joseph Test, 1767† -1801
• Spouse Dorcas ? | Father: Samuel Test† | Mother: Sarah Ware†
• Original Will and Abstract of Will
• Sources: Original Will of Joseph Test, New Jersey Archives at Trenton, File 2737Q under date 10/25/1804. Abstract: Elmer T. Hutchinson ed., Archives of the State of New Jersey First Series Vol XXXIX, Vol X of Calendar of Wills 1801-1805 (Trenton, N.J.: MacCrellish & Quigley Co, Printers, 1946), p. 442.
Original Will
Be it remembered this fourteenth day of the eleventh month in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and one that I Joseph Test of the Township of Lower Alloways Creek in the County of Salem in the State of New Jersey, Being sick and weak of body but of sound mind & memory Thanks be to the Almighty therefore. But calling to mind the Uncertainty of Human Life and knowing that its appointed for all men to die , I do make and ordain this my Last Will and Testament in manner and form following.
(ToWit) First it is my Will that all my just debts and funeral charges be paid by my Executor hereafternamed in a reasonable time after my decease.
Secondly. I give and bequeath unto my beloved Wife Dorcas Test all the profits of my Real and Personal Estate while she remains my Widow for to support my three Minor Children on (namely Mark Test, Prudence Test & Joseph Test ... But it is my Will if my Wife shall Change her Widowhood either by Marriage or decease before my Childrens Aforesaid Will arrive at the age of Maturity then it is my Will my Executor heretofore named shall take the Charge of all my Estate Wholly for the benefit of my Children aforesaid and place the boys to trades at about fourteen years of age.
And it is my Will further when my Children aforesaid may arrive to the Age of twenty and one years that my Daughter shall have one equal fifth part of my Real Estate to hers, her heirs and assigns forever & that the remainder of my Real & Personal Estate be Equally divided between my Two Sons Mark Test and Joseph Test their heirs and assigns forever. But and if either of my Children aforesaid shall decease before they arrive to the age of twenty one years without Leaving Lawful issue, it is my Will the Estate that would have been the right of the deceased shall be equally divided between the Survivors.
And Lastly I do Constitute and appoint my beloved friend Thomas Roberts Executor. Witnesses Barzillai Jefferis, Dorcas Jefferis, and Saml. Test.
An Inventory was made on the personal property of Joseph Test by Brazillai Jefferis and David Bradway on December 10, 1801. The inventory included:
His evening apparel, 10 D, some new cloth, Etc. 17.83. 2 Feather Beds & Bedding, Case of Drawers & sundries 49.25. silver Tea spoons, two small beds & bedding 41.25. Saddlers tools, some Harnis Leather & sundries 73.73. 3 Cows, five sheep, four hives of bees, and other articles 67.00. Outstanding debts of Note, and Books 173.33. Total 422.39
For some reason the will and inventory were not filed until 1804 and 1805, but Joseph died in 1801. Transcribed by Glenn A. Test August 8, 1999
Abstract of Will 1801, Nov. 14. Test, Joseph, of Lower Alloways Creek Twsp., Salem Co.; will of
Wife, Dorcas, profits of real and personal estate, while my widow for the support of my 3 minor children, i.e., Mark, Prudence and Joseph. When said children are 21, my daughter to have 1/5 of real estate, and sons, Mark and Joseph, the remainder divided between them. Should wife die or marry before children are of age, executor to take charge of estate for said children. Executor -- friend, Thomas Roberts. Witnesses -- Barzillai Jefferis, Dorcas Jefferis, Samuel Test. Proved June 3, 1804. (Recorded, Surrogate's Office, Salem Co.)1801, Dec. 10. Inventory, $422.39; made by Barzillai Jefferis and David Bradway.
Original Document filed in File 2737Q.
Transcribed by Robert W. Test
7/24/1999
Notes † Thanks to Glenn Test for this information.