#52 Ancestors: Where there’s a Will

Join me as I share my ancestor’s will and annotations. Don’t forget to contact me if we’re related. 

In the name of God Amen I Joseph Brundige of the town of Minisink in Orange County being sick and weak in body but of sound mind memory and understanding do make and publish this my last will and testament in manner following that is to say  

When Joseph prepared his will Feb. 2, 1830, 4^th Great Grandfather was 60 years of age. The section in Minisink where Joseph Brundage lived would later become the town of Wawayanda.

First I give and devise to my sons Orzimus C., William T., Samuel, Abijah, Mastin and Merrit all my real estate consisting of about one hundred and twenty acres of land to hold to their and to their heirs and assigns forever subject to the legacies charges and conditions herein after mentioned

Great Grandfather purchased several pieces of land in the Minisink area according to deeds at the Orange County Government Center, Goshen, NY.  On Sept. 24, 1804 he acquired 61 and 3/4 acres from John Green and his wife Cloe. [Deeds Liber L, page 78.]  The June 15, 1813 issue of the Orange County Gazette reported the 61 3/4 acres was slated to be sold for non-payment of interest.

In March of 1815, Joseph bought 70 acres he formerly owned from Holloway Stephens and wife Amy. [Deeds Liber 39, page 189.]  Joshua Mulock and wife Sarah sold him 50 acres Jan. 4, 1823.  [Deeds Liber 39, page 191.]

also I give and devise to my six sons before named all my personal property of whatever nature or kind except as in herein after excepted,

That would be the six who shared the120 acres.

also I give and bequeath to my oldest son Epenetus Two hundred Dollars to be paid to him when my youngest son shall attain to the age of twenty one years,

It sounds like Epenetus didn’t take to farming. According to his father’s wishes, he needed to wait until the youngest boy became 21 years old (1845) before he could collect the $200.

Also I give and bequeath to my daughter Rosanah Brundige one hundred and fifty Dollars for an outset which I consider equivalent to the portions which I have already given to her sisters Azubah King and Sophia Knapp the said legacy to be paid to her when she shall be married, or if she should continue single when her youngest brother shall arrive at the age of twenty one and until one or the other of the said events shall happen my will is that she shall live at home with the family and be supported out of the proceeds of the property but if my said daughter Rosanah should die without being married and before her youngest brother shall attain to the age of twenty one years I then will and order that her legacy be distributed equally amongst all her surviving brothers and sisters

As you probably guessed, Rosanna was a girl when Joseph planned for her future without him. He had already provided for his married daughters Azubah and Sophia. Isaac P. King was Azubah’s husband and Sophia married Nathaniel Knapp.

also I give and bequeath to my wife Martha Brundige three cows and six sheep to be kept upon the farm also my clock and family Bible

What happened to the Bible? Did 4^th Great Grandmother entrust it to one of the children and if so, which one?

she is also to be provided with a horse and wagon as often as she shall request the same and my desire is that she shall continue upon the farm and take the charge of my younger children,  Also to the end that my family may be kept together and that my younger children may have a home and a support  

it is my will that all the stock and farming utensils which I may have at the time of my decease shall be continued upon the farm and farther that there shall be no partition or division of my estate either real or personal until my youngest son shall arrive at the full age of twenty one years 

If I can rely on census records, Martha Brundage was 47 when Joseph passed. Great Grandfather definitely wanted her to remain on the farm until their youngest boy Masten reached his majority in 1845. Joseph needn’t worry about his land as his son Orsamus C. retained it by buying out his brothers.

I further order that the surplus funds arising from my estate if there should be any after defraying the necessary expenses of the family and after discharging such debts as are outstanding at the time of my death shall be appropriated to the erection of suitable buildings and in making such other necessary improvements upon the farm as shall be deemed advisable and proper

It’s a shame Great Grandfather Joseph died two years after the will was drawn up on Feb. 4, 1832. His thoughtfulness and love for his family and farm are evident. Ten children including six that were not yet 21 years old grieved their father.

Also I will and order that if any of my sons should die without leaving lawful issue before my youngest son shall arrive to the age of twenty one years then the share or shares of such deceased son or sons shall be distributed equally amongst his surviving brothers   

I do hereby constitute and appoint my wife Martha Brundige Executrix and my son Orzimus Brundige and my son in law Nathaniel Knapp Executors of this my last will and testament 

Nathaniel Knapp declined to serve as an executor April 30, 1832.

In witness where of I have signed sealed published and declared by the testator as and for his last will and testament in our presence who at his request in his presence and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as witnesses thereto

Joseph Halstead of Minisink in Orange Co

Phebe Halstead of the same place

John E. Phillips of the same place

On March 15, 1832, Joseph Brundage's will was probated. An inventory was conducted by Abijah Wells and Jonathan Tuthill June 20, 1832 appraising his property to be worth $849.22.  (Inventory on file at Orange Co., NY Surrogate Court)

I’m on the lookout for Joseph Brundage’s bible. Brundage family researchers, can you help?

Source Orange County, New York, Wills, Liber I, page 324-328