Abraham Smith's Death Notice appeared in the Der Lecha Patriot Allentaun Pa Oct 6 1858 Page 3. Roughly translated from the German, it states:
"(Sent by Pastor W. A. Helfrich.) On The last day of August, in Lynn Taunschip. Lecha Caunty, on nerve weakness, Mr. Abr. Schmidt, at an age of 57 years, 6 months and l 3 days."
Abraham actually died 25 Sep, 1858. Rev Helfrich mixed up Abraham's death date with the other notice he sent at the same time (for a Hermy Franklin?) The Helfrich records can be a bit haphazard, I've found.
"Nerve weakness". That's an interesting phrase. Could be any number of disorders.
Abraham owned a grist mill was also a carpenter by trade. March 8 1838
With financial assistance from his father-in-law John Seiberling, Abraham and his wife, Amelia, purchased a mill from Abraham Fenstermacher and his wife Christina.. The land adjoins Adam Weiss, Daniel Fenstermacher, Michael Fenstermacher, Widow Castir(?), Jonathan Shoemaker, Jacob Weis and his wife Maria (24 <ar 1821), Jacob Snyder, late Daniel ? Marlbongar/Marthorig/Mortharger?, Widow Baush, Daniel Morthorger and Sohpia his wf (land 8 Mar 1838)
His occupation listed on 1850 census as "Miller"
Last Will of Testament of Abraham Smith deceased
In the name of God Amen.
I, Abraham Smith of the County of Lehigh in the state of Pennsylvania farmer, being weak (sic) in body but of sound mind, memory and understanding; but considering the uncertainly of this transitory life, do make and publish this my last will and Testament, in manner and form following to wit: I direct, that my body be decently interred in the burial ground of Lynnville St. Peters Church in Lynn township and that my funeral be conducted in manner corresponding with my estate and situation in life.
And as to such worldly estate as it hath pleased God to intrust me with I dispose of the same as follows. First:I direct that all my debts and funeral expenses be paid, as soon after my decease as possible out of the first moneys that shall come into the hands of my executors, from any portion of my estate, whats over.
Also I give and bequeath unto my dear wife Amie all my personal property together with all my household furniture and kitchen utensils for her use during her life, if she shall survive me and further bequeath unto her all my right in a certain agreement made between me and my son in law Gideon Moyer, or if a new agreement should be made in the place for the one now made to have the same right; as I myself and also give and bequeath unto her the interest of two thousand dollars annually and order my executors to withhold Two Thousand Dollars from Distribution and put the same on interest and pay the said interest over unto her my wife annually as aforesaid, and after my debts are paid, the rest of my ready money and credits shall be distributed in equal shares among my children excepting the amount namely one thousand dollars mentioned in the said agreement or the same in the one perhaps made in the place for the one new made and the said two thousand dollars which shall not be distributed untill the death of my wife if she shall outlive me.
And I further order that a certain Book by me left as a family Book in which it is written how much money I have given to my children the sum which are therein charged to each child shall be counted and reckoned as part of their Legacy. The heirs or Representatives of any of my children who shall have died between the time of my decease and the time of such division or distribution time to be entitled to such share or shares as their respective encestors (sic) would have been entitled to receive, if they were living. And I do further direct and divise that if my wife, if she should survive me Marry or live with a man as if she where (sic) married that the foregoing sums, personal property, and the right in the mentioned agreement shall be void, and she must move away from the house mentioned in said artikel (sic) of agreement. and shall have nothing of my effects whatsoever. And if that should be the case that she should marry or live as aforesaid then my Executors shall expose the personal property to public vendue or oritary and distribute the proceeds according to Law.
And lastly: I nominate, constitute and appoint my two oldest sons namely James H. & William Jackson to be the executors of the my last will and Testament, refusing full confidence in their integrity to perform te trust this comm? tothitn?. In witness were of I Abraham Smith the testor, have to this my last will and Testament written in one sheet of paper set my hand this twenty eighth day of August in the year of our Lord One-thousand Eight hundred and fifty seven.
Abraham Smith
his X mark signed and delivered in the presence of us who have subscribed in the presence of each other. Peter Weiss, Daniel S. Fenstermacher Proved Oct. 16, 1855.
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