The Will of Rachel Whitehead Wade – Hardyston, Sussex, NJ

Rachel Whitehead Wade appears to be the aunt of Phebe Ann Devore Adams Henion.

Phebe is the wife of William Adams Sr (had at least three children by him: Mary Ann Adams Hendershot, William Adams, Jr and John D. Adams)

After William Adams Sr dies, she marries Samuel T. Henion of Hardyston, NJ. By Samuel she had: Henry, Peter, Rachel, Louisa, Joseph, Isaac, Sarah, Eliza “Louisa”, and George Henion.

Note that Rachel leave her farm to Phebe, and after Phebe’s death, to be divided among her children. Except, she leaves $100 to both John “Henion” (Adams) and Rachel Henion. No reason is given for singling out these two children and the only clue is that John is the eldest son living with Phebe at the time and Rachel is likely the eldest daughter living with Phebe. But in Louisa’s obituary, it says she was one of 13 children and I only have 12, so I’m missing one.

Transcript including typos

Last Will and Testament of Rachel Wade

In the name of God amen. I, Rachel Wade of the Township of Hardiston [Hardyston], County of Sussex and the state of New Jersey being of ___ ___ [sound mind?] and memory (blessed be Allmighty God for the same) do make and publish this my last Will and testaent. I give and bequeath to Phebe Ann Hanion [Henion] wife of Samuel Hanian the full [?] of my estate both real and personal property to e hers her lifetime and at her decease to be Equally divided among the children of the aforesaid Phebe Ann Hanian with the exception of John and Rachel W Hanian which is to have one hundred apeace [a piece] the most of it can be paid oute [out] of the personal property but the real Estate to be equally divided among the surviving children of the aforesaid Phebe Ann Hanian to be theirs during their lifetime then to be divided among their heirs. I do nominate and appoint the above name [named] Phebe Ann Hanian to be the sole Exeutrix of this my Last Will and Testament. In testimony whare [ware] of I leave unto set my ha [hand] and seal and publish and decree this to be my Last Will and Testament this first day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty four [1854].

Signed by mark “X” – Rachel Wade

below:

Signed sealed declared and published by the said Rachel Wade as and for her Last Will and Testament in the presence of us who at her request and in her presen [presence] and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as witnesses hearto [hereto]

Charles Wade

Jonas Beardslee

David S. Beardslee

Proved: 11 April 1859

See my thoughts about her will here.