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Cambria County - transcribed wills and estates
Name death person representative Vol-Pg-BK File #
Cornelius McDonald 1842 Ebensbg Exrs Rachel&Jos. McD.& H. McGuire 11-228-2 371
Owen McDonald 1842 Ebensburg borough Admrx Eliza McDonald 11 - 256 - 2 376
John McDonnell 1855 Susquehanna Twp. Admr A. C. Mullin 11 - 245 - 3 945
James McDonald 1856 Cambria Twp Admr William Kittell 11 - 244 - 4 952
Daniel McDonald 1875 Cambria City Admrs Eliz. McD. & James Connell 11-229-1 2190
Eliza McDonald 1881 Ebensburg Exrx Eliza A. McDonald 11 - 233 - 3 2815
James McDonald 1889 E. Taylor Twp. Exr Stephen Quirk 11 - 248 - 2 4037
Francis S. McDonald 1891 Exr Alfred C. Gibson 11 - 233 - 4 4520
Ebensbg Exrs Rachel&Jos. McD.& H. McGuire
1842 Deposition of Rachel McDonald, Executrix, & Joseph McDonald & Henry J. McGuire Executors of Cornelius McDonald, late of Ebensburg Borough, Cambria County dec'd. Filed August 16th 1842.
Before me William A. Smith Register for the Probate of Wills and Granting letters of Administration ... [etc]
[signed] Rachel McDonald, Joseph McDonald, Henry J. McGuire
1842 Appraisements of John Williams and James Rhey on the estate of Cornelius McDonald late of Ebensburg Borough Cambria County deceased. Filed September 8th 1842
We the undersigned appraisers ... having been duly qualified according to law on the 29th day of august ... 1842, did appraise the personal property of said deceased as follows, viz: [long list of items: $630.82 1/2, cash on hand $661.42] ---[?]due notes due December 25th 1842: [listing names only] John Storm[?] and James Burke, George Brice C M.Mausny[?], John McGarrity & S. Dillon, Edward Burn & Henry Oneill, James McClary & J. MGarity[?], Wiliam Bradley & Thomas Bradley, Ralph Cooper & James Burke, David davis & Rh[?] Davis, Andrew Cain & James Cain, Joseph Cronemaugh & J[?] Wilowfraud[?], Aug Christy & John Storm, Patrick & Philip Campbell, John Dick & James Dick, Rh Davis & David Davis, John E. Jones & David Davis, Patrick McGuire & Michl L. Wagoner[?], James Cain & Andrew Cain, Samuel Dillon & John MGarrity, Joseph Banan, Peter Collins & [?] Meloy, John Shitz & Joseph Hobermaugher, George Bruce, Stany Wharton & B. McFeely, Paul George & C McManery, David R. Evans & Evan J. Evans, Ebenezer Lloyd, Bond: George & Jacob Settlemoyer, Patrick McCormick, Rowland Humpheys, Charles Bradley, William Lake, Evan H. Roberts & Rh Jonas[?], Total $613.95.
List Vendue Notes Continued [I list names only] William Kettell & William Todd, Patrick Mullan, Joseph Hovernaugh, Peter Wible[?], T. M. Jones & A. Tenner, David R. Evans & E. J. Evans, Thomas Cartwell[?], John Dick, Simon Davis, Peter Weble, D. R. Evans, William Wherry, D. Kitn[?] & John James, D. R. Davis, M. & Maughan[?] Bracet[?]
Notes at Interest $231.48 1/2
[other notes and bonds} Patrick Mullan, Patrick MGain[?], Jphn Stel & H. Hano[?], Wiliam & David Davis, Rh Lewis & Edward Roberts, E. & N. Hughes & John D. Jones[?] , William Roberts, thomas M. Jones & Alex Tanner, John Whelan, C. Suthers & Lee Luther
Ja Ren & appraised by us, the subscribers the 29th day of august Anno Domino 1842.
[signed] James Rhey, John Williams.
1844 Account of Rachel Mcdonald, Executrix and Joseph McDonald surviving Executor of Cornelius McDonald Eq dec'd. Filed November 25th 1844, December 30th 1844 confirmed.
The said accountants ... [estate total $3775.98]
The said accountants crave allowance for the following disbursemnts made out of the estate, viz; [I list names only] C. McDermitt for coffin, D. A. Rodryue[?], Patrick Dawson, J. Rodgers & Lewis G[?] Rodgers, cash paid the administratrix of O. McDonald, cash paid Eliza McDonald, Evan Hughes, Thomas T. Jones, James Rhey, S. & J. Moore, Rh Jones (shirtmaker[?] ), robert Davis, Moris D. Jones, J. B. Brown, Rev. P. H. Lemke[?] (Legacy), Rev. J. M Gerr (Legacy), Revb. M. W. Jebron[?] (Legacy), J. O. Evans, Lewis S. Roberts, C. Suopre[?], J. Byrns[?] for Shingle for Barn, Jeremiah Evans, R. Jones, D. H. Roberts for Roofing Barn, A. M. Wicker[?] for r. Jones, J. Roofer for repairs, E. Davis, T. Rodgers, C. McDermitt, ...[various taxes]... By such Legacy in full paid T. W. McDonald $1000.00 ... [etc].
The Executors claim credit for the following sums which they beleive are impracticable to collect
Note Thomas Contwell for $25
Francis Hoover BR acct $5.27 1/2
Judgment against R & J.M. Young $93.00
1852, Petition of Thomas M. Jones & Alexander Yenner
June Term 1854, Petition of Thomas M. Jones & Alexander Yenner praying the court to decide[?] the specific person[?] anew[?] of a contract for real estate lot[?] by preliminary[?] from Cornelius McDonald Esq.[?] dec'd in his lifetime.
To the honorable... The petition of thomas M. Jones and Alexander Yeuner of Cambria Township ... respectfully represents: That on the 17th day of August ... 1841 petitioner purchased by a written article of greement of that date from Cornelius McDonald 27 acres of land or thereabouts being the North East Corner of the tracty of land upon which the town of Ebensburg is located. That the consideration ... was $475 paybale in yearly instalments of $100 each ... That the said Cornelius McDonald died in the year ... 1842 ... after having first made and published his last will and testement and appointing Rachel McDonald Executrix and Henry G. McGuire and Joseph McDonald Executors thereof; that since, henry J. McGuire named as an executor aforesaid also deceased ... that the purchase money was not paid during the life time of the said Cornelius McDonald and that no provision was made in his will authorizing his executor to execute a deed to the said petitioners ... Your petitioners therefor prays your honor ... to order adn direct the serving Executor ... to execute a deed ... [etc].
[signed] Thomas M. Jones, Alexander Yenner
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Ebensburg borough Admrx Eliza McDonald
Eliza McDonald Administratrix of the Estate of Owen McDonald late of Ebensburg Borough Cambria Co. deceased. Filed September 20th 1842
Know all men by these presents, that we eliza McDonald, Samuel Lemmon and Peter Daugherty, all of Cambria County are held ... in the sum of $10,000 ... in the estate of Owen McDonald late of Ebensburg Borough Cambria County, deceased, ... [etc]
Sealed and delivered in presence of Mo.[?] Lirnlon[?], James Sparge, John P. Parrish
[signed] Eliza McDonald, Peter Daugherty, Samuel Lorman[?]
1842 Appraisment List of the Estate of Owen McDonald late of Ebensburg Borough Cambria County deceased. Filed 24 Oct 1842 [very long inventory follows of many goods - Owen likely ran a store in Ebensburg] [total worth: $1,592.84] We do certify the within to be a true return of the goods & chattles.
[signed] Peter dougherty, David Toold[?]
1842 ----[?]tion of Eliza McDonald Administratrix of Owen McDonald late of Ebensburg Borough Cambria county dec'd. Filed September September 20th 1842
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Susquehanna Twp. Admr A. C. Mullin
1856, Petition of A.C. Mullin Esq. Administrator of John McDonnell dec'd for leave to convey a certain tract of land to Lewis Keith. 30th September 1856 Read & Subpeana awareded. By default
To the Honorable the Judges of the Orphans' Court of Cambria County Adjourned Court September Term 1856.
The petition of A.C. Mullin Esq. of the borough of ebensburg Respectfully Showeth; That John McDonnell late of susquehanna Township in the said county died on the [blank] day of [blank] A.D. 1855, intestate: and that letters of admininstration have been issued, in due course of law, to your petitioner, administrator of all and singular the goods, chattels, and estate fo said John McDonnell.
The said John McDonnell, in his lifetime, to wit, on the 2nd day of April A.D. 1850, was seized in fee of and in a certain tract of land to wit; all that certain tract of land described as follows: situate in Susquehanna Township being part of larger tract surved in the name of Solomon Clay, containing 35 acres. That being so seized the said John McDonald did by a bargain or contract in writing bind himself to sell and convey the said real estate ... unto Lewis Keith ... in consideration of $150 ... That your petitioner is ready and willing ot consumate the said contract but that no sufficient provision for the performance of the said bargain or contract, appeaers to have been made by the said deceased ... Your petitioner therefore prays that this honourable court will be pleased to designate someday certain at which notice may be given to ...[etc]. The said agreement is recorded in Record book Vo. 10 page 79.
[signed] A. C. Mulllin
1857, Appraisement of the goods and chattels of John McDonnell, dec'd. Filed April 6, 1857
March 2-th, 1857 The property prased by Daniel Burkstresser & Jacob Garman of John Mcdannel Deceased. [total $32.15]
1856 In the matter of the petition of A.C. Mullin, admr of John McDonnell dec'd for leave to convey certain Real Estate, etc. Subpona
Nov. 18 1856 Served on Lewis Keith and on William McDannell (son & heir at law of John McDonnell dec'd) by copy to each of them. [summons follows]
In the matter of the subpoena of A.C.Mullin Adm'r to Lewis Keith et al. [enquirey held, evidently William McDonnell did not appear - deed ordered to be given by default]
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Cambria Twp Admr William Kittell
Administration Bond
Know all men by these presents, that we William Kittell, Edward Glass and John Roberts, all of the county of Cambria ... are held and firmly bound ... in the sum of $300 .. in the estateof James McDonald late of Cambria Township, Cambria county deceased...Dated the 18th day of November ... 1856.
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Cambria City Admrs Eliz. McD. & James Connell
1871 No. 5 Application for Loan. Daniel McDonald. 200. 6 mos. April 7th 1871
[included in estate as evidence during court action of competing creditors to estate]
Johnstown April 7th 1871. Application of Daniel McDonald of Cambria borough Cambria C. Pa for $200 @ 6 months. Owns three houses and lots in Cambria borough, viz: Two lots fronting 100 feet on Front St and running back 160 feet on alley - One lot on Railroad St, fronting 160 feet on said St and running back to an alley. No liens of any kind against said property.
[signed] D. McDonald
1875 #2190
Oath as to date of death of Daniel McDonald Dec'd. Filed Mar 20 1875
Before me, James M. Siriger[?], Register of the Probate of Wills ... came James P. Connell whobeing duly sworn according to law doth depose and say that Daniel McDonnald late of Cambria said county, deceased, died on or about the 26th day of Feb AD 1875, at about 7[?] 2/3[?] A.M.
[signed] James P. Connell
1877 #2190
Petition of Elizabeth McDonald Admin. of D. McDonald late of Cambria Borough deceased to sell the real estate of the said decedent for the payment of his debts. O.C. D. Vol 5 page 453. Order issued. McLaughlin
To the Honorable the Judges of the Orphans Court of Cambria County
The petiton of Elizabeth McDonald ADministratrix of Daniel McDonald, late of Cambria borough Cambria County deceased. Respectfully represents: That the said Daniel McDonald died on or about the 26th day of February AD 1875 intestate, leaving to survive him a widow, Elizabeth McDonald and Eight children, viz: Annie, intermarried with James P. Connell, Maggie, Mary Catharine, Eliza, Rosey, Willie, Bertha, Gertrude, the last six being minors.
That the personal estate of the decedent is insufficient for the payment of his debts, including the proceeds realized from the sale of house and lot in Cambria Borough, as will appear by a true and perfect inventory and conscionable appraisment of all the person estate whatsoever of the said decedent, and a just and true account of all the debts of the decedent which have come to the knowledge of the petitioner herewith exhibited. The petitioner further represents that the said Daniel McDonald died seized in his demene as of fee, of and in certain real estate situate in said county of Cambria described in a statement herewith exhibited. The petitioner therefore prays the court to order the sale of such part or so much of the said real estate as to the court shall appear necessary for the payment of the debts of the said decedent.
And she will &c.
A certified copy of the Inventory filed in the Registers Office
$1377.58
Error in addition of the above $ 119.56
$1488.64
A just and true account of all the debts of the within named decedent remaining unpaid.
[list gives name, amount and interest. I include here only names:] Cornelius Ryan, T.D. Casey & Co., Thomas Judge, James McKay, Lambert & Kress, L.S. Cohick, D. B. Strouse & Co, Spencer & McKay, Julia Fallen, Bowinkle & Co, F. W. Hay, Sattler & Co, J. D. Thompson & Co, Jacob Fend, Stirk & Watts, Thomas R. Kerr, James Murphy, Jacob Swank, C. T. Frazer, John P. Strayer, George Brahm, Michel Finnegan.
A full and correct Statement of all the real estate of the said decedent:
No. 1. A lot in the borough of Cambria having a two story house thereon erected fronting 51 1/2 feet on Front St and extending back 107 feet to an alley. It being the same Lot sold by an order of the Orphans' Court as Lot No. 13. [underlined in text]
No. 2. A lot in the borough of Cambria Fronting 51 adn 1/2 feet ... on Front Street, thency along Branch Street 150 feet to an alley adjoining property of Henry Gore[?], thence along said 66 feet ... to lot sold to James Griffin by order of the Orphans court, thence along the line of said property to Front Street, the place of beginning, known as lot No 14.
No. 3. One Lot in Lincoln Nebraska.
Elizabeth McDonald being duly sworn says that the statements ... are true [etc] ... Sworn and subscribed before me May 18th AD 1877
John Brady[?] JP
[signed] Elizabeth McDonald Administrator
And now June 4th 1877 on the hearing of the within petition, it is ordered by the said court ... do expose the following ... at Public Sale ... to wit: No 2, A lot ... [etc].
1878 [many page report of court action resulting from competing claims of creditors]
1886 #2190
Passed & Filed Feb 3 1886
March 9 1887 Read and confimed Uisi[?]. By the Court March 15, 1887 confirmed absolutely.
The Third account of Elizabeth McDonald Adm'rx of Daniel McDonald late of Cambria City deceased. [correction of previous errors] ... The said accountant claims credit for the following disbursements and charges viz: [I here list names only] G. T. Swank printing bill, John Sniger[?] CO c[?] (balance), B. McColgan dosts, John G. Lake CO c., John G Guis[?] bal on judgement, T. D. Casey admin of Devlin - judgement, Cornelius Ryan - judgement, ... [etc].
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Ebensburg Exrx Eliza A. McDonald
Last Will & Testament of Eliza McDonald
Will filed 10 Oct 1887
Commission returned Oct 14 1881
Probated Oct 20 1881
Know all Men by these Presents, that I Eliza McDonald of Ebensburg County of Cambria ...
I give and bequeath to Miss Mary McDonald of Castledermot County of Kildare Ireland, the sum of Seventy five Dollars per annum during the term of her natural life.
I give and bequeath to the Catholic church at Loretto Pa., the sum of $200.
I give and bequeath to the Catholic church at Ebensburg the sum of $200
I give and bequeath to the Birmingham Paaionist Fathers of Borough of Birmingham Pa the sum of $200 to be expended in Masses to be said for me after my decease.
All the rest and residue of my estate, real, person, mixed, household, furniture etc of which I shall died seized and possessed, or to which I shall be entitled at my decease, I give, devise adn bequeath to my beloved daughter Eliza Ann McDonald.
And lastly, I do nominate and appoint my said daughter Eliza Ann McDonald, to be the Executrix of this my last will and testament.
In testimony Whereof, I ... affixed my seal this the 18th day of July AD 1867
[witnesses] S[?] L. Cuthbert, R.B. Cuthbert, Stanley[?] Cuthbert
1881 #2815
Oath of Eliza Ann McDonald Ex'rix of Eliza McDonald dec'd. Filed Oct 25 1881
1881 #2815
Estate of Eliza McDonald Bor Ebensburg. Filed Oct 10 1881
[request for affidavit of witnesses: S. L. Cuthbert and R. B. Cuthbert]
1881 [affidavit of witnesses to will]
State of Penna.. County of Cambria SS.
To Philip Hoerr Register Allegheny County Penna, Greetings: You are hereby authorized and required to cause to appear before you ... S. L. Cuthbert, corner 1st Ave and Smithfield street adn R. B. Cuthbert 61 Grant Sreet, the subscribing witnesses to the foregoing instrument of writing purporting to be the last Will and Testament of Eliza McDonald deceased. And on their solemn oaths ... [etc] Given under my hand and seal of office this 10th day of October AD 1881.
[signed] John H. Brown. Register
Deposition of Witnesses produced sworn and examined on the 13th day of October ... 1881 at Pittsburg, Allegheny County ... [etc]
[signed] S. L. Cuthbert, R. B. Cuthbert
1881 #2815
Cert. of date of Death of Eliza McDonald
Filed Oct 25 1887
Before me John H. Brown, Register of the Probate of Wills ... came Eliza Ann McDonald, who being duly sworn .. doth depose and say that Eliza McDonald, late of Ebensburg Borough in said county, died on or about the 26th of September, 1881, at about 8 1/2 o'clock P.M.
Sworn and subscribed this 25 day of October 1881.
[signed] Eliza Ann McDonald
1881 #2815
Appraisement of the goods chattles and credits which were of Eliza McDonald late of Ebensburg borough dec'd. Filed Dec 17 1881
Before me the subscriber a justice of the peace in and for said county ... came Martin Ward and M. D. Kittell, who being duly sworn ... say that thy will well and truly ... value and appraise the goods ... of said Eliza McDonald ...[etc].
[signed] Martin Ward, M.D. Kittell
[total, including $10,915.82 cash in back, $12,638.12]
Taken and appraised by us the seventh day of November, A.D. 1881
[signed] Martin Ward, M.D. Kitell
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E. Taylor Twp. Exr Stephen Quirk
1889 #4037
Date of Death of Jas. McDonald late of East Taylor Twp dec'd. Filed 8/17/89
Before me Celesture[?] J. Blair, Register
of the Probate of Wills ... came Stephen Quirk who being duly sworn according to law doth depose and say that James McDonald late of East Taylor Twp is said County died on or about the 1st of August 1889 at about 8 o'clock AM.
Sworn and subscribed this 17th day of August 1889.
[signed] Stephen Quirk
Last Will and Testament of James McDonald
In the name of God Amen I James McDonald of East Taylor Twonship County of Cambria ...
And first I commit my soul into the hands of the creator who gavie it and my body to the earth from which it sprung to be buried in The Lours[?] Yoder Cemerety belonging to St. John's congregration of Johnstown PA., according to the rights of the Holy Roman Catholic Church. ...
I will devise and bequeath unto my blovid mother all my estate both real and personal together with all accts including one of Firr hundred dollars against J. Bert Derny[?] of Ebensburg Pennsylvania for which I had a note that has since been lost; as also all securities held by Los Angeles County Bank at Los Angeles California. As also the proceeds of the sale of Seven cows which were left for sale by me with J. Bert Denny above referred to in August AD 1884 & return for the price of which has never been made to me. In the above is also included stock amounting to $25 in The Walnut Dairing[?] Park[?], one and one half miles East of Johnstown.
An lastly I constitute and appoint Stephen Quirk of Johnstown, Pennsylvania my executor of this my last will and Testament.
In witness whereof ... this Twenty fifth day of July AD 1889.
[witnesses:O. P. Gallagher
Frank O'Connor
[signed] J. McDonald
[Letters of Administration given to Stephen Quirk 17th Aug 1889]
[Swearing in of witnesses - 30th Aug, 1889]
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Exr Alfred C. Gibson
1891 #4520
Date of death of frances S. McDonald late of Ebensburg, Pa, deceased. Filed Nov 6 1891
Before me Celesture J. Blair Register of Probate of Wills ... came Joseph McDonald, who being duly sworn according to law doth depose and say that Frances S. McDonald late of Easts Ward of Ebensburg ...died on the 30th of October 1891 at 9 o'clock AM.
Sworn and subscribed this 6th day of Nov 1891
[signed] Joseph McDonald
1891 #4520
Last Will and Testament of Frances S. McDonald late of Ebensburg, Pa., dec'd. Filed Nov 6 1891.
In the name of God Amen, I Frances S. McDonald of Ebensburg ...
First I give bequeath and devise to my daughter Mary Victoria, intermarried with J. A. Shoemaker of Ebensburg, Pa., the lot of ground situate on the East side of Centre Street in the Borough of Ebensburg opposite the residence of Mr. Buck to her her heirs and assigns.
Second I give bequeath and devise to my daughter Frances Alice, intermarried with Dr. John A. Doerner of Cumberland, Maryland. The two lots of ground with the Buldings thereon erected where I now reside situate in the East Ward of Ebensburgh Borough on the East Side of Centre Street to have and to hold to her her heirs and assigns.
Third, I give and bequeath to my said Daughter Frances A. Doerner all my personal property of every kind & description whatever and wheresoever situated. I make this bequest partly in compensation to my said Daughter Frances A. Doerner for loses sustained by her in failing to receive certain bequests made to her by her grandmother Mrs Elizabeth Gibson deceased, and her Aunt Mrs. Roseanna Gibson late of Philadelphia deceased.
Fourth, I do not desire that any appraisement or Inventory be made of my personal property.
Fifth, I do hereby nominate, constitute and appoint my beloved brother Alfred C. Gibson of Philadelphia as Executor of this my last will and Testament.
Witness my hand a Ebensburg, Cambria County, Pennsylvania this 28th day of August AD 1890.
[signed] Frances S. McDonald.
[witnesses] E. W. Humphrys[?], Evan C. Evans. [see estate of Cornelius McDonald for Evan Evans]
[witnesses sworn in 6 Nov 1891]
1891 #4520
Declination of A.C. Gibson Esq as Executor of F. S. McDonald. Filed Nov 6 1891
To C. J. Blair Exq. Register of Cambria Co. Pa
Sir,
I hereby relinquish and waive my rights to Letters Indemnatory[?] on the estate of my deceased sister ellen[?] Frances S. McDonald. And decline acting as Executor of her Estate.
Witness my hand at Philadelphia Pa. November 4th 1891
[signed] Alfred C. Gibson
[witness] Robert J. Black