Found Great Grandfather’s Whiskey Stash in the Estate Inventory

Last December I introduced 4^th Great Grandfather Martin Snyder in a post titled ‘I, Martin Snyder, of the County of Augusta and State of Virginia Make my Last Will and Testament’. Martin was born 1765 in Maryland and died at Augusta Co., Virginia October 16, 1822. He left a wife, Catherine Thomas, and ten children.

Readers of this blog know how much I enjoy inventories. Grandfather’s personal estate contained a few genealogical goodies I’ll be sharing with you. Remember, it doesn’t include his real estate. You’ll find images from the Augusta County Court records at the end of this post.

Executor Joseph Brown needed to inventory Grandfather’s belongings and had an appraisement prepared by George Baylor, Thomas Thompson and Christian Shuey. Their appraisal was dated March 26, 1823 five months after Martin died.

One Brass Clock … Three large wheels …. One shot gun …. One chest…. 145 Gallons of whiskey … What? That’s a lot of whiskey. I noticed Grandfather owned 2 stills, tubs and kegs worth $150. Did Grandfather have a powerful thirst or a thriving business?

I soon learned many Virginia farmers distilled their own whiskey from surplus grain. Gentleman Farmer and President George Washington operated a profitable distillery at his home in Mount Vernon, Virginia. As you'll see from the inventory, Great Grandmother Catherine didn’t mind selling whiskey either.

A side saddle belonged to Snyder daughter Betsey. I recall Martin Snyder bequeathed horses and colts to his children. I wonder who inherited ‘Dick the old horse’, ‘Ned, the dark bay’ and the mares ‘Nel’ and ‘Nance’.

A 2^nd appraisement occurred Jan. 21, 1824. William E. Hogsett, Christian Acord, James McKenny and Joseph Fauser inventoried more items. They weren’t included in the March 26, 1823 tally; perhaps they were overlooked or new acquisitions. The calves listed might have been newborns.

Money owed to Great Grandfather was accounted for too. Notes amounting to $336.69 would add to the estate coffers. Five notes belonged to John Thomas. I believe this was Great Grandmother Catherine’s brother.

It’s uncommon but I found Martin’s father identified in the inventory. Martin would receive a $200 legacy from his father, 5^th Great Grandfather Michael Snyder:

           “Also a legacy of $200 Maryland Currency to said Martin

            Snyder dec’d by the Will of his Father Michael Snyder of

            Washington County Maryland but not due until the death

            the wife of the said Michael”

Great Grandfather Martin’s estate wouldn’t get the legacy until Michael’s wife died. I can’t say whether Michael’s wife was Martin’s mother; she might be a step-mother. I’ll see what I can find out!

Joseph Brown presented the inventory at the February 1825 Augusta County Court term.

Augusta Co., Virginia Will Book 15, page 101

Augusta Co., Virginia Will Book 15, page 102

Source: Probate Court, Augusta Co., Virginia Will Book 15, pages 100-102, Family History Library Microfilm #30320, Item 3

I, Martin Snyder, of the County of Augusta and State of Virginia Make my Last Will and Testament

Quite a while ago I said I would publish 4^th Great Grandfather Martin Snyder’s will. Today I’m keeping my promise and ready to discuss his last will and testament. I found his will intriguing. Martin Snyder devoted much thought and planning for his family’s future. As I was reading the Augusta County, VA clerk’s copy of the will, I realized Great Grandfather was very detail oriented. You’ll find a transcription and images of his will at the end of this post.

Martin Snyder belongs with my paternal Grandmother Lucy Leora Clemmer’s branch of the family tree. 4^th Great Grandfather Martin was born February 24, 1765 in Maryland and died at Augusta Co., Virginia October 16, 1822. He married Catherine Thomas in Augusta County 1791. She was also a Maryland native born to John and Catherine Thomas.

Martin’s will was written August 30, 1822—a few months before he died. At this date, Grandfather was 57 years old and Catherine 50 years of age. His older sons, John, Michael, David, Jacob, Martin, and Joseph, ranged in age from 28 to 22 years old.  My 3^rd Great Grandfather Adam Snyder was just 14 with his three sisters under the age of 21 years.

No doubt Great Grandfather did well for himself being the owner a 740 acre plantation near Stribling Springs. The former property owner was William Willson. Martin ordered his executors to sell the property 4 years after his death. As far as I know, this did not happen. I have copies of the Augusta Co., Virginia Grantee and Grantor Index of Deeds and noticed a flurry of land transactions among the Snyder’s in 1833. The grantee index includes an entry showing Martin purchased land from William and Eliz Wilson May 23, 1814 per Deed Book 39, page 119. I hope to get copies of the Snyder deeds to see what transpired.

Foresight led Great Grandfather to estimate a $7,000 selling price for the property. He bequeathed $1,000 each to 7 sons staggering when they would receive their legacy. John and Michael would get their share once the plantation sold. Two years after the sale, David was to get his money. Jacob would get his legacy four years after the plantation was bought; Martin six years afterward with Joseph getting his inheritance in eight years. Adam was the youngest son due to acquire his $1,000 in ten years’ time. I’m guessing Grandfather wanted the boys to be “older and wiser” and not squander their inheritance.

If the Martin Snyder plantation sold for more than $7,000, the extra was to be divided equally among all his children—seven sons and three daughters.

Great Grandmother Catherine was given the mansion house, money and Martin’s personal estate. She would be well cared for. Great Grandfather protected his children living at home. He stipulated that his wife Catherine, children David, Joseph, Adam, Betsey, Sally and Catherine could remain on the home place as long as they liked.

Livestock was a valued commodity to a farming family, and Grandfather’s will reflects this. The Snyder girls were promised a horse and 3 cows each when they married. The widow, David and Joseph were each gifted with a colt. Adam would get $100 plus a horse when 21 years of age.

Great Grandfather expressed the wish that David remain in the Snyder family home and care for his mother. And yes, this is just what David did.

After Great Grandmother Catherine died, Martin wanted the mansion house to be sold. Then the daughters, Betsey, Sally and Catherine, would get $1,000 each. Great Grandmother passed in 1845. A search in the Snyder deeds might tell more of the story.

I’m curious why Martin would order payment to his son John for a “book account” the son held against his father. Why didn’t he pay it while he was alive? Was Martin “land rich” and “cash poor”?

Two sons, Jacob and Martin, owed their father money. Jacob needed to pay $10 because his home was worth more than what his brothers received. It sounds like Great Grandfather set the older boys up with their own places.

                                                           

Sons Jacob and Martin were held financially accountable because they “went to the trade” before they were of age. What does this mean? Can anybody help?

If any monies remained after Great Grandmother Catherine died and the legacies paid, it was to be shared among his ten children.

I have more probate papers for Great Grandfather but will save them for another day.

Transcription: Martin Snyder’s Will, Augusta Co., VA Will Book 14, pages 189-191

   In the name of God Amen I Martin Snyder of the County of Augusta and State of Virginia being of sound and disposing memory but well knowing the uncertainty of life do make and ordain this my last will and Testament in manner and form following to wit;

ITEM first, I will and order that all my just debts and funeral expenses be paid. ITEM I will and order that my plantation near Stribling Springs, bought of William Willson and containing by estimation Seven hundred and forty acres, shall be sold within four years after my decease, and the price of it disposed of as follows.  My Sons John Snyder and Michael Snyder shall each of them receive One Thousand dollars to paid to them when said plantation shall be sold ~ my son David Snyder shall receive One Thousand Dollars, out of the price of s’d land to be paid to him two years after the sale of said land ~  my son Jacob Snyder shall receive One Thousand Dollars to be paid to him four years after the sale of said land ~ my son Martin Snyder shall receive One Thousand Dollars to be paid to him six years after the sale of the land ~ my son Joseph Snyder shall receive One Thousand Dollars to be paid to him eight years after the sale of said land ~ my son Adam Snyder shall receive One Thousand dollars to be paid to him Ten years after the sale of the said land, and if said land shouldnt sell for seven Thousand dollars the amount of the above legacies to my seven sons, then each of them shall have an equal part of such defiency and if it shall sell for more than Seven Thousand dollars, the excess above the Seven Thousand dollars shall be equally divided among my Ten Children, Seven sons & three daughters  ITEM I give and bequeath to my wife Catherine Snyder all my household furniture including the brass clock, together with one Thousand dollars in money to her and her heirs forever ~ further I order and will that she shall retain and have possession of the mansion house together with the garden, the spring house, the lot in which the house stands with the orchard in said lot during her life time, and the above named One Thousand dollars is given to my wife Catherine Snyder to be hers as long as she shall continue to be called by name ~ ITEM I give and bequeath to my wife Catherine Snyder all my personal estate, not specifically devised, including my stock of various kinds & stills &c for the purpose hereafter mentioned, it shall be kept on the plantation I now live on for her use and that of the family ~ and if there shall be any part of the land brought from William Wilson not paid for at my decease the same shall be paid out of the produce of the place I live on ~ and the personal estate as above mentioned left to my wife  above legacies left to my wife Catherine Snyder is to be in lieu of all dower and division of my estate real and personal to which she would be entitled:  ITEM I will and bequeath that my wife Catherine Snyder, my sons David Snyder, Joseph Snyder, Adam Snyder, my daughters Betsey Snyder, Sally Snyder and Catherine Snyder all have their living and an equal right to the place, I now live on during the live of my wife Catherine Snyder or so long as they think proper to stay during her life and also that my son Michael Snyder have his living and equal right with them until his legacy of One Thousand Dollars is due and paid and that all there that have their living from this place aforesaid assist in making necessary provision for paying all debts I may ___?___ my decease .  ITEM I will and order that of the horses and cows raised on the place each of my daughters Betsey, Sally and Catherine receive a horse a piece and three cows each when they get married or are otherwise settled and that each of them receive a saddle Bridle  ITEM I give to my wife Catherine Snyder one bay mare colt now one old past.  ITEM I give to my son David Snyder one Sorel horse Colt now sucking  ITEM I give to my son Joseph Snyder one roan mare colt now sucking and if either of colts given to David or Joseph should die before they got to be three years old the loss is to made up to them out of my estate  ITEM I give to my son Adam Snyder a horse with One hundred Dollars when he comes of age out of my estate.  ITEM It is my wish and desire that my Son David should continue on the place now live on during the live of my wife to take care of her  if he should build a house on said place he shall be paid out of the price of the place when sold  ITEM I wish and order that after the death of my wife the place I now live on should be sold and that out of the price of it my three Daughters Betsey, Sally and Catherine receive each One Thousand Dollars and that the balance be equally divided among my Ten children  ITEM I order and allow that my son, John be paid his book account he has against me but without interest and also that he be paid for a barn he has built where he now lives.  ITEM I order and determine that my son Jacob Snyder be charged with and pay to my estate Ten dollars because his home was worth that much more than the other sons have got, also Ten Dollars for a store he has got, and One hundred and twenty dollars for two years he went to the trade before he was of age, in all One hundred and forty Dollars to be paid when he gets his first legacy  ITEM I order and determine that my son Martin Snyder be charged and pay to my estate, One hundred and twenty dollars, for two years he went to the trade before he was of age ~ ITEM I will and allow after the death of my wife all of the personal estate remaining shall be sold by my Executors and after all of the above legacies are paid there is a balance remaining in the hands of the Executors it shall be equally divided among my Ten children John, Jacob, Michael, Martin, David, Joseph, Adam, Betsey, Sally and Catherine ~ ITEM I will and determine that the sum of One Thousand Dollars left to my wife be under the case of Joseph Brown for her use.  ITEM I hereby constitute and appoint my Sons John Snyder, Michael Snyder and my friend Joseph Brown Executors of this my last will and Testament hereby revoking all other wills by me made.  In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this 30^th day of August in the year of our Lord, One Thousand eight hundred and twenty two.

Signed sealed and delivered

in the presence of

William Trimble

John Helmick

                                                                       Signed by Martin Snyder

Augusta County Court February Term 1823. This last will and Testament of Martin Snyder deceased was presented in Court and being proved by the oaths of William Trimble John Helmick the witnesses is thereto is ordered to be recorded.

 

Martin Snyder Will, Augusta Co., VA Will Book 14, page 189

Martin Snyder Will, Augusta Co., VA Will Book 14, page 190

 

Martin Snyder Will, Augusta Co., VA Will Book 14, page 191

The images above were obtained from microfilm #30320 at the Family History Center in Salt Lake City.

Mrs. Sarah Jane Clemmer Passed April 14, 1917 Staunton, VA

Today I’m sharing 2^nd Great Grandmother Sarah Jane Clemmer’s death certificate issued in Augusta County, Virginia April 15, 1917.

Mrs. Sarah Jane Clemmer’s Death Certificate

Obtained from Ancestry.com

Grandmother was born Sarah Jane Snyder July 17, 1847 to Adam Snyder and Hannah Hull in Augusta County. Her parents are named in the death certificate. Earlier this year I published 2 posts about 3^rd Great Grandfather Adam Snyder’s life. You can read them by clicking here and here.

William Stover, a son-in-law, supplied the Registrar with the information in the document. Grandmother died in Addie M. (Clemmer) and Wm. Stover’s home at 914 Nelson St. in Staunton April 14, 1917.

Dr. Fred E. Hamlin began treating Sarah Jane December 1916 for heart problems. He saw her the day before she died. Dr. Hamlin determined the cause of Grandmother’s death to be chronic valvular disease of the heart.

Thirty-one years earlier Sarah Jane married Joseph Henry Clemmer March 24, 1870 at Arbor Hill, Virginia. They had five children:

   Katherine Hannah Clemmer born Feb. 6, 1871, married Robert Lee Trimble about 1893, died Sept. 13, 1955. They had a large family—Howard, Charles, Homer, Elmer, Robert, Elwood, Fred, Harry and Helen Katherine.

   Addie M. Clemmer born August 29, 1872, married William J. Stover circa 1899, died Jan. 26, 1928. A son named for his grandfather, Joseph H. Clemmer Stover, born about 1907 and died as an infant.

   James Clyde Clemmer (my great grandfather) born July 18, 1875, married Ella Virginia White June 7, 1905, died Dec. 7, 1928. Ten children were born—Janie Agnes in 1906, my Grandmother Lucy Leora 1907, Lynwood 1909, Helen Katherine 1911, Elsie Virginia 1912, Alice Cornelia 1915, Lewis Clyde 1916, William Joseph 1919, Eugene Brown 1921 and Ray Stuart 1924.

   Emmet Joseph Clemmer  born May 23, 1883, married 1908 Anna Grace Clemmer (daughter of Samuel Taylor Clemmer and Annie Runkle), died 1958. Jackie D. Clemmer was their only child born 1926.

   William Spiegel Clemmer born June 14, 1886, married Jan. 15, 1924 Eleanor Herring, died 1949. No children.

2^nd Great Grandfather Joseph H. Clemmer died in 1901 leaving Grandmother a widow for 16 years. They’re buried at Mt. Tabor Lutheran Church Cemetery, Middlebrook, Virginia. Findagrave.com has photographs of Joseph and Sarah’s tombstones. You can see them at http://findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=38684827.

TREASURE CHEST THURSDAY TRUE BLUE GRANDPA Adam Snyder’s Final Wishes, Augusta Co., VA

I recently acquired a copy of 3^rd Great Grandfather Adam Snyder’s estate papers and will tell you about them today. His hopes and wishes for the family after his death were revealed in the will.

Adam prepared his will March 31, 1877 almost two years before his death on March 15, 1879. [1] You might find it helpful to review my earlier post titled ‘TUESDAY’S TRUE BLUE GRANDPA Adam Snyder, Augusta Co., VA, Exemplary and Peaceful Citizen’. Click here to view.

His first bequest provided for his two granddaughters, Alice J. E. Kiracofe and Mary J. Kiracofe. Alice and Mary Josephine Kiracofe were the children of his deceased daughter Catherine Virginia (Snyder) Kiracofe and the Rev. John Wesley Kiracofe. The girls were to receive a $500 bond dating back to a land deal between their father and grandfather. Grandfather Adam Snyder wanted them to inherit $700 from his estate too. As you read through the will transcript below, you’ll notice Grandfather’s language included detailed stipulations. I’m certain this was his way of keeping the estate in the hands of his blood line.

The next order of business was 3^rd Great Grandmother Hannah (Hull) Snyder. Grandfather left all his property to her. No doubt Grandfather wanted to provide for her needs. The Kiracofe grandchildren wouldn’t receive their $700 inheritance until after their grandmother died. The same was true of Adam and Hannah’s daughters. Grandmother lived to be 75 years old passing Jan. 2, 1892.

Adam’s daughter, Elizabeth E. Snyder, was not yet married when he wrote his will. If Elizabeth died without heirs, 3^rd Great Grandfather wanted her share of his estate given to his other daughter, my 2^nd Great Grandmother Sarah Jane (Snyder) Clemmer. It turns out this was unnecessary as Elizabeth E. Snyder married James F. Clemmer April 22, 1877 several weeks after Adam prepared his will.

Great Grandfather’s last wish was that his two living daughters share his legacies equally.

My 2^nd Great Grandfather Joseph H. Clemmer (husband of Sarah Jane Snyder) was appointed executor to settle Grandfather Adam’s estate. To serve as Adam Snyder’s executor it was necessary for Joseph to post a bond. Joseph’s father, William K. Clemmer, and uncle, Ananias J. Miller, were his bondsmen and pledged their financial support in an $11,000 bond.

About five weeks after his death, Jacob Baylor, John M. Baylor and Jacob F. Clemmer inventoried Grandfather’s personal estate. [2] That property was sold at a public sale August 15, 1879 for $331.80. [3]

Transcription of Adam Snyder’s Will:

   In the Name of God Amen, I Adam Snyder of the County of Augusta and State of Virginia do make, Constitute and appoint this my last will and testament, in terms and articles as follows viz:

   1^st I give and bequeath to my two Grand-daughters Alice J. E. Kiracofe and Mary J. Kiracofe, a bond on J. W. Kiracofe their father for five hundred Dollars payable the 10^th day of April 1876, it being a bond for the deferred payment on a tract of land purchased of me by him, and conveyed to him by deed on record in the Clerks Office of Augusta County, and in which Conveyance, the vendor’s lien is retained to secure the payment of said bond and in addition to this I give to my two grand-daughters above mentioned the sum of Seven hundred dollars in money to be paid out of my Estate one half of said Seven hundred dollars, to be paid to them at the Expiration of three years after the death of myself and my wife, and the other half to be paid to them at the Expiration of five years, after the death of myself and my wife. In case of the death of Either of these grand children then these bequests to be made entire to the surviving one and in case of both of them dying without any heirs of their bodies then these bequests to revert to my two children Sarah J. Clemmer, wife of Jos. H. Clemmer and Elizabeth E. my other daughter still unmarried.

   2^nd I give and bequeath to my wife all of my property of whatever kind except the bond of J. W. Kiracofe for five hundred dollars herein mentioned and fully described, for her use and benefit during her life, and after her death I desire all of my property of whatever kind to be divided Equally between my two children Sarah J. Clemmer wife of Jos. H. Clemmer and Elizabeth E. my single daughter, subject to the payment of the Special bequest of seven hundred dollars to my two grand-daughters before mentioned herein, and in the times and manner herein enumerated.

   3. In case of the death of my single daughter Elizabeth E. Snyder without any heirs of her body, then I desire her proper share of my Estate of whatever kind to revert to my daughter Sarah J. Clemmer wife of Jos. H. Clemmer.

   4. I herein make, constitute and appoint Joseph H. Clemmer my son-in-law the Executor of this my last will and testament, with the privilege of choosing an assistant if he think proper.

   5. In the division of my estate between my two children after paying the Special legacies herein mentioned, I wish the division to be made entered equal, either by dividing the land and personalty in Kind, or selling the same, and dividing the proceeds equally, after paying all my just debts.

   In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this Thirty first day of March in the year one thousand Eight hundred and seventy seven.

                                                                    

                                                                         Adam Snider

Interlining done before signing

Signed, Sealed, published and

declared – in the presence of these

witnesses, who signed in the presence

and at his request.

   Witnesses  John M. Baylor

                      Jacob Baylor

                      M. W. D. Hogshead

In Augusta County Court April 28^th 1879

    This Last Will and Testament of Adam Snider decd, was presented in court and proved by the oaths of John M. Baylor and M. W. D. Hogshead two of the subscribing witnesses thereto and ordered to be recorded. And on the motion of Joseph H. Clemmer the Executor therein named who made oath thereto according to law, and together with William K. Clemmer and Ananias J. Miller his securities (who Justifed as to their sufficiency and moreover the obligors waiving all benefit of their homestead exemption) entered into a bond in the sum of Eleven Thousand Dollars, payable and with condition as prescribed by law, which bond was acknowledged in open court by  the obligers thereto and ordered to be recorded, Certificate is granted the said Joseph H. Clemmer for obtaining a probate of said will in due form. The estimated value of decedents estate passing under said will being $5600.00 it is ordered that said Executor pay the state tax of $5.60 herein.

                                                        Teste

                                                                     William A. Burnett Clk

---

[1] Augusta County, Virginia Will Book 47, pages 606-607

[2] Ibid, Will Book 48, pages 105-106

[3] Ibid, Will Book 48, pages 107-108