Edward Nicholas (16?? - 1746)
Elizabeth _____ (16?? - 1747)
Edward Nicholas9 (Andrew8, Edward7, Philip6, William5, Nicholas ap Williams ap Gruffydd4,
William ap Gruffydd ap Howell3, Gruffydd ap Howell2, Howell1) was born about 1670 in
Wales, probably in the Parish of Trelech Grange or Llangunnock, in the County then called
"Monmouthshire" but now called "Gwent". He was the son of Andrew and
Barbara (Ricketts) Nicholas.
He died shortly before 24 March 1746/7 (when his will was probated) at Limerick Township,
Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. (Until 10 September 1784, when the county was created,
the area now included in Montgomery County was actually part of Philadelphia County).
Although his burial place is unknown, it is likely that he was buried in the churchyard of
St. James Episcopal Church which had been established in 1730 at what is now Evansburg,
Lower Providence Township, Montgomery County. At the time of Edward Nicholas' death, the
Reverend William Currie, a friend and an executor of his will, was rector of this church,
which was the nearest Church of England to the Nicholas plantation in Limerick Township.
Among the disbursements from the estate of Edward Nicholas is L-3 paid "to Wm. Currie
for Subscription due & Service at the Funrl."
He married Elizabeth ______________ about 1690, probably in Monmouthshire, and perhaps at
Llangunnock. Unfortunately, the Llagunnock parish registers no longer exist, and we have
searched the registers of all of the parishes surrounding Llangunnock but have not found
any record of Edward Nicholas' marriage.
Elizabeth was born about 1670 at probably, Monmouthshire, but we do not know the names of
her parents. She died about a year after her husband, probably at Limerick Township, for
on 21 March 1747/8 letters of administration were granted on her estate. Her burial place
is not known either, but she, too, was probably buried in the churchyard of St. James
Episcopal Church at Evansburg.
Before migrating to Pennsylvania, Edward Nicholas resided in the Parish of Llangunnock, a
farming area of Monmouthshire, where his ancestors had lived for generations. Some of his
children, perhaps all of them, were born there. In his will, he mentions six children,
four of whom were living in England or Wales in 1744.
He probably was not the same Edward Nicholas listed in the "Articles of ffreightment,
covenanted, indented and made the seventh day of March, 1697/8, between Owen Thomas, of
the county Burrough of Carmathen, mercer, owner of the good shipp called the William
Galley, now residing in the river of Towny, of the one part, and David Powell, of the
parish of Nantmell, in the County of Radnor, and John Morris, of the parish of
Karbardamfyneth, in the said county of Radnor, yeoman, of the other part, contract to take
to Pensilvania after 10th of May, starting with first good wind and weather, from said
river Towny, and town of Rhaygsder, to Philadelphia in Pensilvania, with them and
passengers and goods."
The charge for transportation for each adult over 12 years of age was L-5, persons under
12 years, 50 shillings, sucking children and freight up to 20 tons, free. The head of each
family was also charged "ffive shillings encouragement to the doctor belonging to
said shipp, and all single persons except servants, to pay one shilling each." On the
list of principals in this venture is the notation that Edward Nicholas paid for four
passengers. See the Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography, "Welsh Emigration
to Pennsylvania. An Old Charter Party," by W. F. Corbit. Philadelphia, Pa.:
Publication Fund of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. 1877, v I, pp. 330-332. Also
in Charles H. Browning, "Welsh Settlement of Pennsylvania" Philadelphia, Pa.:
William J. Campbell, 1912, p 252.
We do not know when Edward Nicholas migrated to Pennsylvania. There is no record that he
acquired any land there until 13 March 1722, when he leased 1,120 acres (plus an allowance
of six percent for roads and survey errors) along the Schuylkill River from Tobias Collet,
Daniel Quare, and Henry Goldney of London. On the following day, he paid them L-252 for
the tract of almost two square miles, located about five miles down river from the present
city of Pottstown. The approximate boundaries of this tract are outlined on the
topographical map reproduced on the next page. This parcel was part of their tract of
3,600 acres, which they had acquired 2 April 1706 from William Penn's Commissioners of
Property. See Philadelphia County Deeds, Book F, v 7, pp. 230-232. Here is an extract:
This Indenture made the fourteenth Day of March in the Ninth Year of the Reign of our
Sovereign Lord George King of Great Britain &c. And in the year of our Lord one
thousand seven hundred and twenty-two Between Tobias Collet of London in ye Kingdom of
Great Britain Haber Dasher, Daniel Quare of London aforesaid Watch Maker and Henry Goldney
of London aforsd. Linnen Draper of the one Part and Edward Nichols of Upper Limrick in the
county of Philadelphia in the Province of Pennsilvania in America Yeoman of the other
Part.
Whereas in and by a certain Patent or Instrument under the Hands of Edward Shippen,
Griffith Owen, Thomas Story and James Logan late Commissioners of Property of William
Penn, Proprietary and Governour in Chief of the said Province and Proprietarys Seal He the
said Proprietary for the Consideration therein mentioned did grant and confirm unto the
said Tobias Collet (one Michael Russel of London aforesaid Mercer) Daniel Quare and Henry
Goldney (amongst other Lands) a Certain Tract of Land situate in the County of
Philadelphia Beginning at a White Oak by the River Schuylkill at a Corner of Benjamin
Furleys Land and extending from thence North East by the Line of the said Furleys Land
nine hundred and forty Perches (perch is synonymous with rod = 5½ yards) to a black oak
thence by the Line of Upper Limerick Township South East eight hundred and eighty two
Perches to a Spanish Oak thence by the Line of John Tyzacks Land South West four hundred
and twenty five Perches to the said Skuilkill River then up the same on several Courses
the several Distances on the said Courses added together being one thousand four hundred
and twelve Perches to the Place of Beginning containing three thousand six hundred Acres
To Hold to him the said Tobias Collet, Michael Ressel, Daniel Quare and Henry Goldney
their Heirs and Assigns forever Yielding and Paying therefore yearly to the said William
Penn his Heirs and Successors at Pensbury one Beaver Skin at or upon the first day of the
first Month (March) in every year forever thereafter to such Person or Persons as from
Time to Time should be appointed to receive the same as in and by the said recited Patent
Dated the Second day of Aprile Anno Dni. one thousand seven hundred & six and recorded
the Rolls Office at Philadelphia aforesaid in Patent Book A Vol 3 Page 286 &c. May at
Large Appear And Whereas the said Michael Russel is since deceased the said Tobias Collet,
Daniel Quare & Henry Goldney Surviving him.
Now This Indenture Witnesseth that the said Tobias Collet Daniel Quare and Henry Goldney
for and Consideration of the Sum of two hundred and fifty two Pound Lawful money of
America to them in hand paid by the said Edward Nichols ... Have granted bargained sold
... Unto the said Edward Nichols (in his full and peaceable Possession and Seizin now
being by Force and Virtue of a Bargain and Sale unto him made by the said Tobias Collet
Daniel Quare and Henry Goldney for the Term of One Year from the Day next before the Day
of the Date of these Presents by Indenture bearing Date the Day next before the Day of the
Date hereof made between the same Parties as these Presents and by Force and Virtue of ye
Statute made for transferring Uses into Possession) and to his Heirs and assignes a
Certain Piece or Parcel of Land Part of the above mentioned and described Tract of Three
Thousand six hundred Acres.
Beginning at a Black Oak on the Bank of the said River Schuylkill being a Corner of
William Evans Land Thence by that and the Lands of John Davis and Owen Evans North East
Six hundred and fifty perches to a Post dividing this from said Owen Evans Land thence
North West by Land of Jonathan Dickinson three hundred and twenty Perches to a Post thence
South West by other Part of the great Tract of the said Tobias Collet & others five
hundred and Ten Perches to a Hickery Tree standing on the Bank of the said River then down
the same by several courses thereof to the Place of Beginning Containing one thousand one
hundred and twenty Acres over and besides the Allowance of Six pr. Cent for Roads and
Difference of Surveys Together also with all and singular the Meadows Marshes ... To Have
And To Hold ... Unto the said Edward Nichols his Heirs & Assignes ... forever Under
the proportionable Part of the said Quitrent hereafter accruing for the same ....
In Witness whereof the said Parties to these Presents have interchangeably set their hands
and Seals hereunto Dated the Day and Year first above written. Tobias Collet (Seal) D.
Quare Seal Henry Gouldney (Seal) Sealed and delivered Sarah Dimsdale, Jno Estaugh, Eliza
Estaugh. Be it remembered that on the eighteenth Day of December in the year of our Lord
one thousand seven hundred and twenty three, John Estaugh and Sarah Dimsdale personally
appeared before me Charles Read one of his Majestys Justices of the Peace for the City and
County of Philadelphia and on their Solemn affirmation did declare they saw Henry Goldney,
Daniel Quare and Tobias Collet sign seal and as their Act and Deed deliver the within
Writing and that their Names as Evidences thereto are of their respective Hands Writing.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal the Day and year above
written. Cha Read (Seal)
Recorded ye. 8th Day of May 1736.
On 13 November 1724, Edward Nicholas leased half his land (560 acres) to Thomas Addis for
one year for ten shillings, and on the following day he sold it to him for
L-126—exactly half what he had paid for the whole two years earlier. However, the
parcel sold was the upper half of his tract, furthest from the river. While this
theoretically left him with 560 acres, as will be seen later, the remainder actually
exceeded 600 acres because of the six-percent allowance for roads and survey errors. See
Montgomery County Deeds, Book 3, pp. 169-171. Here are extracts of the lease and deed:
THIS INDENTURE made the Thirteenth Day of November in the year of our Lord one Thousand
Seven hundred and twenty four BETWEEN Edward Nicholas (late Nichols) of Upper Limerick in
the County of Philadelphia in the Province of Pennsylvania Yeoman of the one Part and
Thomas Addis of Limerick aforesaid Yeoman of the other Part.
WITNESSETH that the said Edward Nicholas for and in Consideration of the Sum of Ten
Shillings Lawful Money to him in Hand paid by the said Thomas Addis...Hath bargained and
sold...unto the said Thomas Addis A Certain Piece of Land Situate in the said County of
Philadelphia
BEGINNING at a Post dividing this from other Part of the said Edward Nicholas Land thence
North East two hundred and eighty Perches to a Post dividing this from Land of Owen Evan
then by Land of Jonathan Dickinson North West Three hundred and twenty Perches to a Post,
Thence by Land of Tobias Collet & at South West Two hundred and eighty Perches to a
Post, Thence by the said Edward Nicholas other Land South East Three hundred and twenty
Perches to the Place of Beginning Containing Five hundred and Sixty Acres
Together also with all and singular the Buildings Improvements...To Have and to Hold the
said Piece of Land and Premises with the Appurtenances unto the said Thomas Addis...from
the Date hereof for and during and unto the full End and Term of one year from thence next
ensuing....
In Witness whereof the said Parties to these Presents have hereunto interchangeably set
their Hands and Seals Dated the Day and Year first above written."
Sealed and Delivered )
in the presence of us )
)
Wm. Evance )
Georg Evance ) Edward Nicholas (Seal)
Jo. Wattson )
)
Record: March the 21st 1787 )
THIS INDENTURE Made the fourteenth Day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand
Seven hundred and twenty four BETWEEN Edward Nicholas (late Nichols) of Upper Limerick in
the County of Philadelphia in the Province of Pennsylvania Yeoman of the one Part, And
Thomas Addis of Limerick aforesaid Yeoman of the other Part.
Whereas in and by certain indentures of Lease and Release dated the thirteenth and
fourteenth Days of March Anno Domini One Thousand Seven hundred and Twenty two made
between Thobias (sic) Collet of London in the Kingdom of Great Britain Haberdasher, Daniel
Quare of London aforesaid Watchmaker and Henry Coldney of London aforesaid Linnen Draper
of the one Part, And the said Edward Nicholas (by the Name of Edward Nichols) of the other
Part, They the said Tobias Collet, Daniel Quare and Henry Coldney of London aforesaid for
the Consideration therein mentioned did grant release and confirm under the said Edward
Nicholas a certain Piece or Parcel of Land (Part of Three Thousand Six hundred Acres of
Land in the same Indenture mentioned Situate in the County of Philadelphia),
BEGINNING at a black Oak on the Bank of the River Schoolkyl (sic) being a Corner of
William Evan's Land, thence by that and the Lands of John Davis and Owen Evans North East
Six hundred and fifty Perches to a Post dividing this from said Owen Evans Land, thence
North West by Land of Jonathan Dickinson Three Hundred and twenty Perches to a Post,
thence South West by other Part of the Great Tract of the said Tobias Collet five hundred
and Ten Perches to a Hickory Tree standing on the Bank of the said River, Then down the
same by several Courses thereof to the Place of Beginning Containing one thousand one
hundred and Twenty Acres over and besides the Allowance of Six per Cent for Roads and
Difference of Surveys Together with the Appurtenances, To Hold to him the said Edward
Nicholas, his Heirs and Assigns forever, as in and by the said recited Indentures of Lease
and Release ....NOW THIS INDENTURE WITNESSETH that the said Edward Nicholas for and in
Consideration of the Sum of one hundred and twenty Six Pounds Lawful Money of Pennsylvania
to him in Hand paid by the said Thomas Addis ... HATH granted bargained Sold ... unto the
said Thomas Addis ... Part of the said described one thousand and one hundred and Twenty
Acres.
BEGINNING at a Post dividing this from other Part of the said described Tract now in the
Tenure of the said Edward Nicholas, Thence North East Two hundred and eighty Perches to a
Post dividing this from Land of Owen Evans, thence by Land of Jonathan Dickinson North
West Three hundred and Twenty Perches to a Post, Thence South West by Other part of the
Said Three Thousand Six hundred Acres Two hundred and Eighty Perches to a Post, Thence by
the said Land in the Tenure of the said Edward Nicholas South East Three hundred and
twenty Perches to the Place of Beginning Containing five hundred and Sixty Acres, Together
also with all and singular the Buildings, Improvements ... To Have and to Hold the said
last described Piece of Land ... unto the said Thomas Addis ...
IN WITNESS whereof the said Parties to the Presents have hereunto interchangeably set
their Hands and Seals the Day and Year first above written.
Sealed and Delivered
in the Presence of us
Wm. Evans )
George Evans ) Edward Nicholas (Seal)
Jo. Mattson )
Be it remembered that Edward Nicholas personally appeared before me Edward Roberts one of
the Justices of the Peace for the County and City of Philadelphia and brought this Writing
Indented, which he acknowledged to be his Deed and desired the same might be recorded
according to the Law. Witness my Hand and Seal the 1st Day of October 1733.
Edward Roberts (Seal)
Recorded March 21st, 1787.
Although his plantation was but 30 miles, as the crow flies, from the present site of
Philadelphia's City hall, Limerick Township was then on the frontier and subject to
periodic vicious Indian attacks. On 29 April 1728, 74 inhabitants of the region, including
Edward Nicholas, signed the following petition, the hand written copy of which is
reproduced on the next page:
To the Honorable Patrik Gordon Esq. Governor of the Province of Pensilvania &c:
This Petition of the Frontier Inhabitants of ye County of Philadelphia humbly Sheweth
Whereas Your Petitioners are at Present So Alarmed by a Nois of ye Indian That Several
Families have Lost their Plantations with what Effects they Could Possibly Carry away
Women In Child bed being forced to Expose themselves To Coldness of ye Air and hereby
Their Lives are In Danger
We Your Petitioners therefore humbly Pray That Your Hon. would Be Pleased To Take or Use
Such Measures with ye Indians That Your Petitioners may be Freed From Those Alarms. for
Yet we are Informed That That The Indians are Consulting Measures Against us. We hope Your
Hon. will Comply With our Humble Request To prevent as well our Fears as Danger. And Your
Petitioners as in Duty Bound Shall Ever pray &ca. Ap. ye 29—1728."
The signatories whose names can be deciphered are:
Jacob Peterson Adam Schlonecker
William Woodle Daniel Schöner
Joseph Bewlls Fridrich Reichardt
Jonathan Woodle Michal Schenck
John Kendall Valentin Geiger
Jonathan Brooke Christian Aigs
Elliot Evans Conrad Schreiber
Anthony Henkel Jacob __________
John Renberg Jacob __________
Christoph Wittman John Mak
John Böhner John Reichelsdörfer
Martin Zentler Michael Schmidt
Matthias Otto Johannes Schneider
Gerhardt Henckell Wendel Fry
Peter Peterson Georg Hollenbach
Adam Ox Miles Ringer
Christian Manschmid Jacob Colter
Martin Bitting Jacob __________
Georg Geiger John Aister
Bastean Reiffschneider Richard Jacob
Johannes Eschbach Isaac Dubois
Fredrich Antes Thomas hauer
Henrich Antes Nichlos hicks
Hendrich Pielers Jno Pawling
Elias Jost Samuel Adams
Cassimer Schreiber David Evance
Henrich H. Bitting John David
John Phillips
Ed. Nicholas
The Limerick Township tax returns for 1734 listed 21 residents and landowners, accounting
for 4,827 acres of the approximately 14,000 acres within the township's boundaries:
John Davy 300 acres
Enoch Davis 300
Edward Nicholas 600
John Kendall 300
Owen Evans 400
William Evans 300
Joseph Barlow 400
Peter Umstead 250
Oliff Pennypacker 250
Henry Reyner 100
William Woodly 150
Johathan Woodly 300
William Malsby 200
Henry Peterson 200
Peter Peterson 100
Nicholas Custer 7
Hironemus Haas 250
Lawrence Rinker 50
Stephen Miller 170
Barnaby Coulson 50
Martin Kolb 150
See Clifton S. Hunsicker, "Montgomery County, Pennsylvania - a History" New
York, N. Y.: Lewis Historical Publishing Company, Inc. 1923. v. 1, p. 307.
Edward Nicholas was a member of the Church of England, and his name is found in some of
the records of the early churches of that denomination in Montgomery, Chester, and
Lancaster counties. Moreover, he appointed as one of his executors, his friend, the
Reverend William Currie. The Reverend Currie was rector of the St. James, Perkiomen, St.
David's, Radnor and St. Peter's, Great Valley, Churches.
For example, he may be the same Edward Nicholass (sic) who helped build Bangor Episcopal
Church in Caernarvon Township of Lancaster County in 1730. The old records of Bangor
Church recite this charter from William Penn and the early history of the church:
By the Honorable William Pen Esquire Original Proprietor of the province of Pennsylvania,
his charter. To all persons who should be inclined to transplant themselves from any part
of Christendom into said Provence. It is Granted they shall enjoy the free exercise of the
Christian Religion under whatever Denomination. Upon this so engaging a place of
Privileges.
Among others several families of Welch, known by the Name of the antient Brittons, Did
Transplant Themselves from Wales in Old England into the Province aforesaid and settled
Themselves first in the township of Radnor, in the County of Chester in the Province
aforesaid, Where they erected a place of worship where they had Divine Service According
to the Doctrine and Discipline of the Episcopal Church of England of which church they
were all zealous Members and had for their Minister the Rev. Mr. Robert Wayman, the
Society's Missionary for Propagating the gospel in Foreign parts. After some years Many of
them Finding Their Settlement too confined, From the vast number of Incomers, They, Anno
Domini 1730, Removed some miles to the Westward into a New County called Lancaster, and
settled in a Township called Caernarvon from a shire of the same name in Wales in Old
England and fixing here They (in imitations of all good Christians) Found that no Place
would be agreeable to them without the Public Worship of God, Therefore unanimously and
cordially consented and agreed according to their Worldly Circumstances to Build a Church
of square Logs which they finished and Gave it the Name of Bangor from a Diocese of that
Name in Wales in Old England.
The principal members who Built the said Church were as follows:
Thomas Williams Philip Davies
George Huttson Reese Davies
Nathan Evans Thomas Morgan
Edward Davies Gabriel Davies
Morgan John Edward Davies
John Bowers Hugh Davies
John Edwards David Davies
Nicholas Huttson Morgan Evans
Evan Hughs John Davies
Zaccheus Davies Charles Huttson
George Huttson Thomas Nicholass
Edward Nicholass John Davies
By will, Thomas Morgan, Esq., a Welchman, of Morgantown, Dec. 6th, 1740, donated 93 acres
lying around this log church, which they had named "Bangor", to its use and
service. This property was let out on ground-rents for the purpose, according to the terms
of the will, of "supporting the preaching of the Gospel," the leases running to
the period of 99 years. On this property houses were erected, the church thus becoming the
nucleus of the village. It was intended to have named the "Village Bangor",
after "Bangor, in Wales", but in this way it came to be called "the
Churchtown," and so "Churchtown". See Franklin Ellis and Samuel Evans,
"History of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania." Philadelphia, Pa.: Everts &
Peck. 1883, p 688.
By coincidence, about 100 years after the original church was built, Joseph Yost, a
great-grandson of Edward Nicholas migrated from Limerick Township to the Churchtown area
with his family and, according to family legend, is buried in Bangor churchyard. If so,
his grave is unmarked, but a number of Joseph's children and grandchildren are buried in
the Bangor Episcopal, Caernarvon Presbyterian and Churchtown Methodist graveyards at
Churchtown.
Edward Nicholas signed his will 9 May 1744 in the presence of Wm. Biddle, Jr., Clayton
Biddle and John Ross, Jr. It was probated 24 March 1746/7 at Philadelphia and is
registered in Book H, pp. 239-242, but the original (no. 135, 1746) is also filed in the
office of the Register of Wills for Philadelphia County. Here is an extract:
In the Name of God Amen, I Edward Nicholas of the Township of Limerick in the County of
Philadelphia Farmer, being at present weak in body but of sound & disposing mind
memory & understanding calling to mind the Uncertainty of this Transitory life, &
that it is appointed for all men once to dye, do think it proper to Settle my Temporal
affairs; And Therefore Do make this my last Will & Testament, in manner & form
following, hereby Resolving & making Void, all former & other Wills by me at any
time heretofore made & Declare this only to be my last Will & Testament.
First & principally I recommend my Soul to Almighty God who gave it; hoping thr'g the
Merits of my Dear Redeemer Jesus Christ, to receive the same again with pardon of my Sins,
And my body to be decently buried at the Discretion of my Execr's herein after named. As
Touching the Disposition of my Worldly Estate wherewith it hath pleased God in Mercy to
bless me, I Give & Dispose thereof in the manner following.
First, I will & order that all my Just Debts & Funeral Expenses be paid by my
Execr's as soon as Conveniently may be after my decease.
Item I Give...my dear & well beloved Wife Elizabeth, all that...Tract of Land whereon
I now dwell Containing Three Hundred Acres; being part of my Tract of Six Hundred Acres;
Together with the free use & enjoyment of all the buildings & Improvements...to
Hold...during the Term of her Natural life & no longer.
Item after payment of my Just Debts & Funeral Expenses, I Give & Devise to my said
Wife Elizabeth one full third part of all my personal Estate, to Dispose thereof at her
will & pleasure.
Item I Give...my Daughter Mary & her Husband, Conrade Yost, the full Quantity of One
Hundred Acres of Land, part of my Six Hundred Acre Tract af'd to be located & laid out
for them to the full Extent of the Line on the North West side of the s'd Tract; To Hold
the s'd One Hundred Acres...during their Natural lives, And from & immediately after
the Determination of that Estate, Then I Give...the s'd One Hundred Acres of Land with the
Appurtenances, to the Children of the s'd Conrade & Mary w'h shall be then living
Equally to be divided between them their Heirs & Assigns for Ever.
Item I Give...my two friends the Reverend Mr. Wm. Currie & Mr. Thomas Bull of the
County of Philad'a Gent, after the Decease of my said wife Elizabeth, all that my ...
Tract of Land Containing Three Hundred Acres with the Appurtenances, Devised as afd. to my
sd. Wife Elizabeth & whereon I now dwell...In Trust...That they...shall...pay or Cause
to be paid the Rents & profits of the sd. Message...to my Daughter Susannah Yearly
& Every Year during her Natural life, for her only Sole & Separate Use &
Maintenance; And from & immediately after the Decease of my said Daughter Susannah;
Then I do will & order, & hereby Authorize and empower the sd. Wm. Currie &
Thomas Bull...to...sell the...Three Hundred Acres of Land...for the best price that Can be
got for the same, & to...Execute all Necessary Deed or Deeds for the absolute
Conveying the same to such purchaser in Fee Simple. And the money Arising from such Sale I
will & order shall be Equally divided among my Children Henry Nicholas of London,
Edward Nicholas & Elizabeth Nicholas of Monmouthshire in Great Britain, & Mary the
Wife of Conrade Yost And if Either of my said Children...should happen to dye without
issue, before payment of their respective Legacy,...the part or Share of such Decedent, I
will Shall be Equally Divided among the survivors of them; but if they or either of them
dye leaving issue, the part or share of such Dece'd...shall be Equally divided among the
Children of such Decedent.
My Will further is, And I do hereby order, Authorize & empower the s'd Wm. Currie
& Tho's Bull...to...Sell Two Hundred Acres of my Land (being the residue of my Six
Hundred Acre Tract afd.) to be Located & laid out on the South East side of the sd.
Six Hundred Acre Tract, to the full Extent of the line,...for the best price that Can be
got for the same, & to...Execute, all necessary Deed & Deeds for the absolute
conveying the same to such purchaser in Fee Simple. And the money Arising from the Sale of
the sd. Two Hundred acres of Land, (w'ch I Will & order to be Sold as soon as
Conveniently may be after my decease,) I Give & Dispose in manner following.
I Give & Bequeath to my afd. Son Henry Nicholas Clothier in London the Sum of One
Hundred pounds Current money of this Province, to be Remitted & paid to him by my
Exec'rs as soon as Conveniently they can after Sale of the sd. Two Hundred Acres of Land.
But if my sd. Son Henry should be dead; then I will that the sd. sum be paid Equally among
his Children as they respectively Attain the age of twenty one Years & if my sd. Son
Henry at that time should be dead without issue, Then I will the sd. One Hundred pounds
shall be paid to my sd. Son Edward & Daughter Elizabeth Equally between them; & if
Either of them be dead then to the Survivor.
Item I Give & Bequeath to my sd. Son Edward Nicholas in England the Sum of One Hundred
pounds Current money af'd to be Remitted & paid as before directed to my Son Henry,
but if he happen to be dead leaving issue then to be pd. to his Children Equally as they
attain the age af'd. & if without issue then to my Children Henry & Elizabeth
Equally or to the Survivor of them.
Item I Give & Bequeath to my Daughter Elizabeth the Sum of One Hundred pounds Curr.
money afd. to be Remitted & paid as before directed to my son Henry, but if she happen
to be dead leaving issue then to such issue Equally as they attain the age afd. & if
without issue then to my two Sons Henry & Edward Equally or to the Survivor of them.
But in Case the sd. Two Hundred Acres of Land should not Sell for the sd. Three Hundred
pounds; then I will my Exec'rs to Appropriate so much of my personal Estate, to the
payment of said Legacies as will make up the Deficiency in such Case.
Item my Will further is, That in Case the sd. Two Hundred Acres should happen to Sell for
more than the sd. Three Hundred pounds Such Overplus money shall be paid & Equally
divided between my beloved Daughters Mary & Susannah.
Item I Give & Bequeath to my Daughter Jane in England Five Shillings Sterling & no
more.
Item I Give & Bequeath unto Katharine Killpach Fifty pounds Curr. money of Pennsylv'a
to be pd. her by my Exec'rs out of my personal Estate.
Item I Give & Bequeath to my two friends the afd. Wm. Currie & Tho's Bull the Sum
of Ten pounds Currency to Each of them.
Lastly, I nominate, Constitute & appoint my said...wife, Elizabeth, & my sd. two
friends, the afd. Wm. Currie & Tho's Bull, Executors of my Last Will & Testament.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto let my hand & Seal the Ninth day of May in the
year of our Lord one thousand Seven hundred & Forty four.
When Edward Nicholas died, he possessed a substantial personal estate valued at L-279.7.2.
The most valuable item was a "Black Sam," a slave, appraised at L-50. Edward
Nicholas owned 4 horses, 3 colts, 4 oxen, 20 cattle, 21 sheep, and 4 hogs plus farming
equipment, furniture, household effects and foodstuffs. On 23 December 1746, his neighbors
John David, George Evans and Enoch Davis inventoried and appraised his personal estate.
The appraisal, presented below, is now in the files of the Register of Wills for
Philadelphia County.
An Inventory of the Estate of Edward Nicholas Late of the township of Limerick in the
County of Philadelphia Yeoman Deceased taken and Appraised by John Davis, George Evans
& Enoch Davis all of the Sd township Yeoman this twenty third Day of December In the
Year of our Lord one thousand Seven hundred and forty Six &c.
L- S D
To Purse and Apparel 18.19.6
To a Bay horse 5.10.0
To a Rone horse Horse Colt 6.10.0
To a Mare and Colt 10.00.0
To a Bay horse 4 year old 5.00.0
To a Natural Pacing Colt 9.00.0
To a 2 year old Bull 1.15.0
L - S D
To a Brown heifer 1.15.0
To a Pide Steer 1. 5.0
To another Pide Steer 2. 0.0
To a Pare of Oxen 8.10.0
To a Pare of young Oxen 4.10.0
to 3 Steers 7.10.0
To a Cow 4.10.0
To a Cow 3.10.0
To Ditto 3.10.0
To Ditto 3.00.0
To 2 Cows 5.00.0
To Ditto 5.00.0
To a Steer 1.10.0
To 4 Calfs 3.5.0
To 21 Sheep 8.0.0
To 4 Hogs 2.0.0
To a Wind Mill to Clean Corn 3.0.0
To 2 Ox Yoaks 0.8.0
To 2 pare of Iron Hopples & Chain 0.8.0
To 2 Ox Chains 0.12.0
To Haimes Cleavises and Chains 0.10.6
To 2 traces 0.16.0
To 4 forks & a Shovel 0.7.9
To a Cart and Yeok 3.0.0
To a Harrow and Plugh 2.5.0
To a Chain fork and Haims 0.7.6
To an Iron Barr 0. 2.0
To a Stack of Wheat 60 Bushels 7.10.0
To a Quantity of Rye 40 Bushels 5.0.0
To an ox yeok & Pick fork 0.7.0
To a grinding Stone 0.3.0
To a Hide 0. 3.0
To a Plugh and Irons 0.13.0
To 3 Hodgh & 2 Barrels 0.15.0
To a Dough trough 0. 3.0
To 4 old Spades 0. 4.0
To 4 Hoes 0. 7.0
To 3 Axes 0.11.0
To 25 Bords of Walnut 1. 0.0
To a Pare of haimes and Hay Hook 0. 2.0
To an Anvil Vise Beakiron &
Bellows hamers & 3 tongs 4.17.0
To all the old Iron Lumber in the shop 0.18.0
To one Harrow tooth a Piece of
Iron and Steel 0. 3.6
To an Old Hoe and Scyth 0. 2.0
To a hand Saw 0. 1.6
To a Pitching Ax 0. 3.6
To a Brake 0. 1.6
To Swingel trees and a Barrel 0. 5.6
L - S D
To a Brass Kettle 3.10.0
To 4 Weges Mall & two Rings 0.8.0
To 4 Sickles 0.6.0
To one Sickles 0.2.0
To 5 Augres 2 Chisels Gouge & Adzs 0.12.0
To an Ax and Stilyards 0.15.0
To 2 Men’s Saddles 2.10.0
To 2 Women’s Saddles 2.10.0
To a Bed and Bedstead 9.0.0
To a Chest 0.18.0
To a Warming Pann 0.10.0
To 2 Spinning Wheels 1.0.0
To a howel 0.1.6
To 2 Beds 2 Pillows Bolster & 2 Sheets 6.0.0
To 2 Chests 0.10.0
To a Sive and Loome 0. 3.0
To a Barrel of hoops & 2 Bells 0.18.0
To a Bed Stead 0.8.0
To 3 Bells a Gun barrel & Pinchers 0.14.0
To 11 Bushels of Wheat 1.7.6
To a half Bushels 0.3.0
To 3 Guns 3.15.0
To 3 Potts and Brey Pan 1. 7.0
To 7 Puter Dishes 2.15.0
To 18 Plaits 1.15.0
To a Salt and Server 0.4.0
To a Backsord 0.1.0
To 2 tubs & 2 Pails 0.5.10
To a ladle Scimer and flesh fork 0.4.0
To 2 Grid Irons 0.3.0
To 8 Spoons 0.1.4
To a Lanturn 0.2.6
To 6 Peggs 1.2.0
To an old tub 0.1.0
To a Wine Pipe and Hodgh 0.9.0
To a Chest of Draws 3.0.0
To 5 Chairs 0.10.0
To a Pare of Dog Irons 2 pair of
tongs & fire Sho 1.10.0
To a Pare of Bellows 0.1.6
To 2 Sheets 0.4.6
To a table Cloath 0.2.0
To 4 Knifes and forks 0.4.0
To a hammer 3 Gimlets lock Rasp
Bell and other Lumber 0.3.9
To a Box and Lumber 0.2.6
To a half Barre frying Pan & hama 0.5.6
To 3 Hodgh 0.12.0
To 3 Seader tubs 1.1.0
L- S D
To a Churn and Barrel 0.7.0
To a tub of Grees 0.5.0
To Beef and Pork 5.10.0
To a Parcel of leather 0.3.0
To a tub of Butter 0.6.0
To 5 Bags and 2 Bushels of Malt 0.15.0
To 13-1/2 Bushels of Barley 1.16.0
To 11 Acres of Corn in the Ground 11.00.0
To Black Sam 50.00.0
This Being a true and Perfect Inventory of the afore Sd Estate Being all that Came Befor
us or to our knowledge taken and appraised the Day and year afore Sd In testimoney whereof
we have hereunto Set our hands#
his
John J David
mark
George Evans
Enoch Davis
An Appraisemt
of Edward Nicholas
Estate
According to an undated list of disbursements filed with the Register of Wills, the sale
of personal property, which took place in the Spring of 1747/8, brought L-31.3.1 less than
the appraised value. Including this adjustment, the list of disbursements accounts for
only L-253.3.6 although the appraisal totaled L-279.7.2. This discrepancy may be due in
part to errors we made in deciphering the figures shown on the appraisal, and it may also
indicate that the list of disbursements is incomplete. The accounting, presented below,
shows debts and expenses paid, legacies disbursed, and adjustment cited above, and a list
of debtors who could not pay the estate the sums they owed:
by Cash pd Wm Evans 1.15. 6.0
by Cash pd Enoch Davis -.11. 0.0
by Cash pd Jno Johnston 2.10. 6.0
by Cash pd Henry Shetler (or Stetler) 1.0. 0.0
by Cash pd the Widow for her Dower 81.13. 4.0
Cathrine Kilpatch Legacy 50.0. 0.0
by Cash pd Jno Ross for Advice 1.0. 0.0
by Legacys to the Exors 20. 0. 0.0
by Cash to Wm Currie for Subscription
due & Service at the funrl 3.
by Cash pd Hugh Pugh -.10. 0.0
by Cash pd Susannah Nicholas alias
Baker 2.15.0.0
by Cash pd Jno Coplen 0.10.0.0
by Cash pd Hugh Hall 0.11.4.0
by Cash pd for proving the Will &
printing Advertisement for the
Vendue 1.16.0.0
by Cash pd Wm Brooke -.18.0.0
by Cash pd Jno Davis -. 5.8.0
by Cash pd Geo Evans 19.11.0
by Cash pd for advertising the Land
in Dutch & English -.12.0.0
by Cash pd Jno Shrack -. 2.0.0
by Cash pd Geo Grub -.10.0.0
by Cash pd for advertising Land
a 2d time -.12.0.0
by Cash pd Owen Evans -.3.0.0
by Cash pd Conrad Yoste -.11.0.0
by Cash pd Conrad Yoste for 5 rouph 3.1.10.0
175.13. 1.0
Item by the deficioncie of the Sale
of the Sevl goods & Chattels mention'd
in the Inventory wch being appraised in
the Fall & not sold till the Spring
upon the whole Sold for less than they
were appraised by the Sum of 31. 3. 1.0
Item by my Expence & Trouble for ad-
ministring the Will Selling Land &
Overseeing Susannah's Estate during
her Lifetime 40. 0. 0.0
Item by insolvont Drs Barbara Campbel
2.10.0.0 Andrew Lymas 0.11.6.0 Geo
Brye 0.3.0.0 Hans Bowman 0.0.7.0 Moses
Bund 0.14.0.0 Saml Tomplen 0.15.0.0
Jno Pawl 0.18.3.0 5. 2. 4.0
251.18. 6.0
paid at the Regts office for the
acct: 17/6 fair Copy Clk &c 7/6 1. 5
L-253. 3. 6.
Incidentally, there is an error in addition on the original document since the first
subtotal is overstated by five shillings, and the total of unpaid debts is understated by
ten shillings.
On 21 March 1747/8, "Conrad Yost Mary, his wife, & Susa Nicholas Spinster"
were granted letters to administer the Estate of Elizabeth Nicholas, who had died
intestate. "Conrad Yost of Limerick Town'p In behalf of Mary his Wife a dau'r of
Elizth Nicholas widow & Late of the same place deced, Susannah Nicholas another daur
of the sd Deced, Charles Railes of Coventry Town'p Yeom & Geo. Rutter of Philada
Butcher" signed a £500 bond to guarantee performance of their duties. They were
required to submit an inventory "before the 21st Day of April next" and to
render an accounting by the "22nd Day of March anno 1748", but only the
inventory is still preserved in the Register of Wills office at Philadelphia. See
Philadelphia County Wills, no. 81, 1747. The inventory, presented below, was made 24 March
1747/8 by George Evans and Charles Reilles. They appraised her estate at £-95.13.6.
A true and perfect Inventory of the Goods Chattles and Credits of Elizabeth Nicholas
Widdow of Edward Nicholas of Limerick Township in the County of Philadelphia Late Disceasd
Appraised by us the Subscribers this Twenty fourth Day of march Anno: Do: 1747/8 as
followeth viz.
L -. S. D
To a fether Bedd 1 boulster 4 pillows
two Sheets one blanked and a Rug 5.10. 0
to a pair of Curtians and Walnot
bedd Steed 1. 6. 0
To an old Coat 0.10. 0
To two pair of Treases and old Iron 0.18. 6
To a Small walnot Desk a box Iron
frame 1 heater 0.17. 0
To a watering pott and 13 pound of
flaxen yearn 1.13. 0
To 5 Knifes 3 forks 2 tonges Choping
Knife bill hook 0. 9. 0
To old Sickels Shears Leather Whiel
Reel and Riddle 0.12. 0
to Indian Corn Hops and Wooll 0.10. 0
To old Hogsheads old Barrels
Churn pail Ceeler 1. 2. 0
To a Hogshead and wine pipe 0. 8. 0
To faling ax pott and Cettle 0.18. 0
To Erthenware pails Scimmer and
6 Spugns 0. 8. 0
To maul Rings and Bellis 0. 4. 0
To plow Irons and two Clevises 0.19. 0
To 24 harrow teeth and breaker 1. 1. 0
To a blaze Paicing mare 9. 0. 0
To a pide Cow and Calf 3.15. 0
To a pide hifer and white face Stear 2.10. 0
To a bay mare 6.00. 0
To a Sow 0.07. 0
To a Grind Stone 0.02. 0
To a bag and 2 busel flax Seed 0.07. 0
To Cash in the hands of Susannah
Baker 2. 5. 0
To Cash in the hands of Connerd Yoast 0.15. 0
To Cash in the hands of Samuel
Meredith 3.07. 0
To Cash in hands of Henry fryer
To Cash in the hands of William
Brooke belonging to the Exors 0.00. 0
To Cash in the hands of Enoch Davis 50.00. 0
Witness our hands the Day and year
above written
George Evans
Charles Reilles
As provided in his will, Edward Nicholas' executors sold the 200-acre tract along the
southeast side to provide a legacy of £-100 to each of his children in England: Henry,
Edward and Elizabeth Nicholas. This land was sold to...for £...See Philadelphia County
Deeds, Book....
In his will, Edward Nicholas bequeathed 100 acres, along the northwest side of his tract,
to his daughter, Mary, and her husband, Conrad Yost, for their use while living. He
provided that when both Conrad and Mary had died, the land was to be divided equally among
their children. On 9 June 1780, Henry Yost, one of the children of Conrad and Mary, paid
Frederich and Ann (Lute) Yost, John Yost, and Daniel and Susannah (Yost) March a total of
£-300 for their shares of the bequest and acquired the 100 acres of his grandfather's
land. We have found no record that he paid anything to his half-sisters, Mary (Bingaman)
Lord and Margaret (Bingaman) Koon, who were the children of Mary (Nicholas) Yost by her
second husband, Frederick Bingaman. However, by the terms of Edward Nicholas' will, they
were not entitled to share in this portion of his estate. See Montgomery County Deeds,
Book 2, pp. 442-443.
Edward Nicholas bequeathed 300 acres to his wife Elizabeth for her use while living. He
provided that after her death, the rents and profits from this land were to be paid to his
daughter, Susannah Nicholas, during her life and when she had died, the tract was to be
sold and the proceeds divided equally among "my Children, Henry Nicholas of London,
Edward Nicholas & Elizabeth Nicholas of Monmouthshire in Great Britain, & Mary the
Wife of Conrade Yost" or their heirs.
On 14 December 1785, Henry Yost paid his half-sister Mary and her husband Edward Lord
£-22.10.0 for Mary's interest in the property. On 30 October 1786, Henry Yost paid his
half-sister, Margaret, and her husband, Henry Koon, £-25 for Margaret's interest in the
property. Since he paid one sister less than he paid the other and each one less than he
or his brothers ultimately received for their equal shares, Henry evidently drove a hard
bargain. On 1 April 1787, Daniel March, husband of Susannah Yost, who was one of the
daughters of Mary and Conrad Yost, paid Frederich Yost and his wife, Ann, £-83.6.8 for
Frederich's interest in the property. On 14 October 1789, Daniel March paid Henry Yost and
his wife, Susannah, and John Yost, £-166.13.4 for their interests. On this same date,
Henry Yost and his wife, Susannah, assigned the deeds from Edward and Mary Lord and Henry
and Margaret Koon to Daniel March for the same price as he had paid for them in 1786.
Thus, Daniel March acquired a one-fourth interest in the 300 acres.
Meanwhile, Peter Aston, a Philadelphia merchant had acquired the other three-fourths’
interest of Henry, Edward, and Elizabeth Nicholas in this manner: On 28 December 1784, the
English heirs of Edward Nicholas gave Henry Nicholas a letter of attorney authorizing him
to settle their claims upon the estate. See Montgomery County Deeds, Book 2, pp. 218-222.
Here is an extract:
To all to Whom these presents Shall Come
we Mary Nicholas, widow and Sole administratrix of Edward Nicholas, late of the Parish of
Llansoy in the County of Monmouth in the Kingdom of Great Britain Yeoman Deceased, which
said Edward Nicholas was one of the Sons and Only surviving Son mentioned in the last will
and Testament of Edward Nicholas late of the Township of Limerick in the Province of
Pennsylvania...,
Edward Nicholas of the parish of Wolvesnewton in the said County of Monmouth Yeoman, which
said Edward is one of the two sons of the above named Edward Nicholas heretofore of the
parish of Llansoy...who was the only Surviving son of Edward Nicholas who died in
Pennsylvania...,
William James formerly of Llangwin Ycha but now of the parish of Llangwew in the said
County of Monmouth Yeoman, and Ann his wife, which Said Ann was one of the daughters of
the said Edward Nicholas heretofore of Llansoy...,
Georg Jones late of the parish of Shirenewton in the County of Monmouth, but now of the
Parish of Westbury upon Trim in the County of Gloucester Labourer, which Said Georg Jones
is one of the sons of William Jones and Elizabeth his wife, which Said Elizabeth was one
of the Daughters of and named in the last Will and Testament of Edward Nicholas who dyed
in Pennsylvania ...,
Edward Jones of the parish of Shirenewton in the County of Monmouth Yeoman the Other Only
surviving Son of the said William Jones by the said Elizabeth his wife Daughter of the
said Edward Nicholas of Pennsylvania ... Send Greeting
Whereas the said Edward Nicholas heretofore of the parish of Llangunnook in the said
County of Monmouth but late of Pennsylvania in North America was in his lifetime and at
the time of his decease seized in fee of Divers ... Lands and premises, Situate and being
in the Province of Pennsylvania aforesaid or elsewhere in North America and was also
possessed of a considerable personal Estate there or Elsewhere in America afd., And
Whereas such Real and personal estates now become the Real and personal Estate (among
Others) of them the said Mary Nicholas widow, Edward Nicholas, Henry Nicholas hereinafter
... Named and Described, and the said William James and Ann his wife, George Jones and
Edward Jones and Others.
Now this Indenture Witnesseth that We the said Mary Nicholas, Edward Nicholas, William
James and Ann James, his wife, George Jones and Edward Jones in Consideration of five
Shillings a piece to us in the hand paid by Henry Nicholas now of Llangunnock and County
of Monmouth aforesaid Yeoman, One other of the sons of the said Edward Nicholas late of
Llansoy and County of Monmouth aforesaid Deceased and out of the Special Trust and
Confidence we Respectively have in him...and for Divers Other Good and Valuable
Considerations...Have...appointed the said Henry Nicholas...Our True and lawful
Attorney...to enter into take Possession of all and singular the property and
properties...in the Province of Pennsylvania aforesaid or elsewhere in America...and to
ask demand sue for Recover and receive of and from all...and to Grant Bargain Sell Release
and dispose thereof, or of any part or parcel thereof, and to make...any such Deed and
Deeds...unto,...such person and persons who shall purchase the same....
In Witness whereof the said Mary Nicholas, Edward Nicholas, William James and Ann James
his wife, George Jones and Edward Jones have hereunto set our hands and seals the twenty
eight Day of December, in the twenty fifth year of the Reign of George the third King of
Great Britain etc. and in the Year of our lord one thousand seven hundred & eighty
four.
Sealed and Delivered ) her
by the above Named ) Mary X Nicholas
) mark
Mary Nicholas )
Edward Nicholas ) his
William James and ) Edward X Nicholas
Ann James his wife and ) mark
George Jones and )
Edward Jones in the ) his
presence of us ) William X James
) mark
)
Howel Price of Usk ) her
Castle ) Ann X James
John Stockham Clerk of ) mark
the parish Church of usk )
) his
Usk Burrough ) George X Jones
Monmouthshire" ) mark
)
his
Edward X Jones
mark
Henry Nicholas sailed to Philadelphia where on 1 June 1785 he sold their share of Edward
Nicholas' estate for £-200 to John Stevens. See Montgomery County Deeds, Book 2, pp.
222-225. Here is an extract:
THIS INDENTURE made the first Day of June in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven
hundred and Eighty five BETWEEN
Mary Nicholas, widow & sole administratix of Edward Nicholas, late of the parish of
Llansoy in the County of Monmouth in the Kingdom of Great Britain yeoman Deceased, Who was
one of the sons, and Only Surviving Son mentioned in the last will & Testament of
Edward Nicholas, late of Limerick Township in the County of Montgomery in the State of
Pennsylvania Deceased,
Edward Nicholas of the parish of Wolvesnewton in the said County of Monmouth Yeoman One of
the Sons of the said first mentioned Edward Nicholas Deceased,
William James of the Parish of Llangwin in the said County of Monmouth Yeoman and Ann his
Wife, One of the Daughters of the first named Edward Nicholas deceased,
George Jones of the parish of Westbury upon Trim in the County of Gloucester in the said
Kingdom of Great Britain Labourer, One of the Sons of William Jones and Elizabeth his wife
Who was one of the daughters of and Named in the last will and Testament of the said
Edward Nicholas late of the said Township of Limerick Deceased and
Edward Jones of the parish of Shirenewton in the said County of Monmouth Yeoman the Other
Only surviving Son of the said William Jones by the Said Elizabeth his wife by their
Attorney Henry Nicholas formerly of Llangunnook in the said County of Monmouth, at present
Residing in the City of Philadelphia in the State of Pennsylvania Yeoman, Duly Constituted
And the said Henry Nicholas (he being another of the sons of the said first named Edward
Nicholas Deceased) of the one part and John Stevens of the said City of Philadelphia
Gentlemen of the other part.
WHEREAS the said Edward Nicholas late of the said Township of Limerick Deceased was in his
lifetime and at the time of his Decease seized in his Demense as of fee of and in Divers
... Real Estate Situate in the said State of Pennsylvania Or elsewhere in North America
And was also possessed of a considerable personal estate,
AND WHEREAS such Real & personal Estate is now become the Right and property of them
the said Mary Nicholas "widow", Edward Nicholas, party hereto, Henry Nicholas,
William James and Ann his wife, George Jones and Edward Jones and Others.
AND WHEREAS the said Mary Nicholas, Edward Nicholas, party hereto, William James and Ann
his wife, George Jones and Edward Jones, by Deed Poll or letter of Attorney under their
hands and seals duly Executed bearing date the twenty eighth Day of December in the Year
of our Lord 1784 Did Constitute and appoint the said Henry Nicholas to be their true and
lawful Attorney and did thereby authorize and empower him the said Henry Nicholas for them
and in their Names to enter into and take Possession of all and singular the property and
properties Real and personal ... whatsoever in the Province (now State) of Pennsylvania
aforesaid or elsewhere in America Whereunto the said constituents were entitled or wherein
they were interested in any manner howsoever And all and all manner of property and
properties...Situate lying and being in Province (now State) of Pennsylvania aforesaid or
elsewhere in North America which were the property and properties...of the aforesaid
Edward Nicholas late of the said Township of Limerick Deceased.
And whereunto they the said constituents together with the said Henry Nicholas and others
Entitled or interested in under the will of the same Edward Nicholas And to grant bargain
sell...and Deliver any such deed and deeds and Other Conveyances and assurances in the law
whatsoever needful and necessary for conveying and assuring such sale or Sales unto or to
the use of such person and persons who should purchase the same or any part thereof...as
in and by the said deed poll or letter of attorney...
NOW THIS INDENTURE WITNESSETH that the said Mary Nicholas, Edward Nicholas, party hereto,
William James and Ann his wife, George Jones and Edward Jones, by their attorney
aforesaid, and the said Henry Nicholas, for and in Consideration of the sum of two hundred
pounds Current lawful money of Pennsylvania unto the said Henry Nicholas in hand well and
truly paid by the said John Stevens...Have Granted Bargained Sold unto the said John
Stevens...All and every the...Real Estate Also all and every the Goods Chattels Effects
and personal Estate whatsoever Belonging unto them the said Mary Nicholas, Edward
Nicholas, party hereto, William James and Ann his wife, George Jones and Edward Jones, and
Henry Nicholas, of what nature or Kind soever Or wheresoever Situate lying Or being in the
said State of Pennsylvania or elsewhere in America, by whatsoever name Or names Known or
Called or by whatsoever metes and Bounds Described and wherein Or whereto...to have and to
hold...Unto the said John Stevens....
IN WITNESS whereof the said parties to these presents Have interchangeably set their hands
and seals hereunto the Day and Year first above Written
her
Mary X Nicholas )
mark )
his
Edward X Nicholas ) by their Attorney
Sealed & Delivered ) mark ) his
In the presence ) his Henry X Nicholas
of us ) Willm X James ) mark
Asheton Humphreys ) mark )
Andrew Harvey ) her (Seal)
Ann X James )
mark )
his
George X Jones )
mark )
his
Edward X Jones )
mark )
Recorded: 24 February 1786 George Bryan
John Stevens in turn sold his right in Edward Nicholas' estate to...for £- _____.
Peter Aston and Daniel March then agreed on a division of the 300 acres on a basis which
reflected the relative values, and on 17 November 1789, Daniel March paid the Reverend
William Currie, surviving executor of Edward Nicholas' will, £-16.13.4 for a deed to 106
acres and 133 perches. Peter Aston paid the Reverend Currie £-33 for a deed to 213 acres
and 106 perches. Evidently the 300 acres actually consisted of 320 acres and 79 perches,
and Daniel March got one-third of it and Peter Aston two-thirds. See Montgomery County
Deeds, Book 4, pp. 506-513.
Edward and Elizabeth ________ Nicholas had at least six children. There may have been
others who died before Edward Nicholas signed his will in May 1744.
Henry Nicholas
Edward Nicholas = Mary
Elizabeth Nicholas = Edward Jones
Jane Nicholas
Susannah Nicholas
Anna Maria Nicholas = 1) Johann Conrad Jost
= 2) Frederick Bingaman
i. Henry Nicholas
B. __ ___ 16__ probably at Parish of Llangunnock, County of Monmouth, Wales. He
was baptized __ ___ ____ at _____ church at ______________. His sponsors were __________
and __________. See the baptism records of the church, p __.
M. Probably not.
D. He evidently died before 28 December 1784, without issue, perhaps at London, England,
and is buried in _______________ cemetery at __________________.
E.
According to his father's will, he was a clothier in London.
ii. Edward Nicholas
B. 2 February 1695 probably at Parish of Llangunnock, County of Monmouth, Wales.
His baptism on 2 February 1695 is recorded in the parish register of the church of
Llanfihangel tor-y-mynydd, which is near Llangunnock. See the baptism records of the
church.
M. ___ _______ ____ - Mary _______ at _____ church at ___________, ______________ County,
______________. Rev. ______________________ presided. The witnesses were
____________________ and _________________. See the marriage records of ____________
church, p ____.
She was born ______________ at _____________, _____________ County, _________, the
daughter of ________ and _______ (_______) __________________. She died _______________ at
____________, _____________ County, ______________ and is buried in ___________________
cemetery at _________________.
D. Before 28 December 1784 at Parish of Llansoy, County of Monmouth, Wales ___________ and
is buried in ____________________ Cemetery at ________________________.
i. Edward Nicholas, yeoman, resided at Parish of Wolvesnewton, County of
Monmouth, Wales in 1784.
ii. Ann Nicholas married William James, formerly of Llangwin Ycha but
residing at Parish of Llangwew, County of Monmouth, Wales in 1784.
iii. Henry Nicholas, yeoman, resided at Parish of Llangunnock, County
of Monmouth, Wales in 1784. He traveled to Philadelphia in 1785 as representative of his
grandfather's heirs who were living in Great Britain and sold their three-fourth's
interest in a 300-acre tract for £200 on 1 June 1785 to John Stevens of Philadelphia.
iii. Elizabeth Nicholas
B. __ ___ 16__ probably at Parish of Llangunnock, County of Monmouth, Wales. She
was baptized __ ___ ____ at _____ church at ______________. Her sponsors were __________
and __________. See the baptism records of the church, p __.
M. ___ _______ ____ - William Jones at _____ church at ___________, ______________ County,
______________. Rev. ______________________ presided. The witnesses were
_____________________ and _________________. See the marriage records of ____________
church, p. ____.
He was born _______________ at _____________, _____________ County, _____________, the son
of _____________ and _________ (_______) Jones. He died _______________ at _____________,
____________ County, _______________ and is buried in _______________ Cemetery at
__________________.
D. Before 28 December 1784 at _______________, _____________ County, ___________ and is
buried in ____________________ Cemetery at ________________________.
i. George Jones, laborer, formerly of the Parish of Shirenewton, County
of Monmouth, Wales but residing at Parish of Westbury Upon Trim, County of Gloucester,
England in 1784.
ii. Edward Jones, yeoman, resided at Parish of Shirenewton, County of
Monmouth, Wales in 1784.
iv. Jane Nicholas
B. __ ___ 16_ probably at Parish of Llangunnock, County of Monmouth, England. She was
baptized __ ___ ____ at _____ church at ______________. Her sponsors were __________ and
__________. See the baptism records of the church, p __.
M. ___ _______ ____ - _________ _______ at _____ church at ___________, ______________
County, ______________. Rev. ______________________ presided. The witnesses were
____________________ and _________________. See the marriage records of ____________
church, p. ____.
He was born _______________ at _____________, _____________ County, ____________, the son
of ___________ and _______ (______) ________________. He died ________________ at
_____________, _____________ County, ________________ and is buried in ___________________
cemetery at _________________.
D. ______________ at _____________, _________ County, __________ and is buried in
________________ cemetery at ____________________.
She evidently displeased her father greatly for he willed her "Five Shillings
Sterling & no more."
v. Susannah Nicholas
B. __ ___ 17__ probably at Limerick Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.
She was baptized __ ___ ____ at _____ Church at ______________. Her sponsors were
__________ and __________. See the baptism records of the church, p. __.
M. Unknown.
D. Before 28 December 1784, probably at Limerick Township, Montgomery County,
Pennsylvania, and is buried in ____________________ Cemetery at ________________________.
When her mother died in 1747/8, the grant of letters of administration referred to her as
a "spinster". Yet she is referred to as "Susannah Nicholas, alias
Baker" in the account of distribution of her father's estate and as "Susannah
Baker" in the appraisal of her mother's personal property. Why, we do not know;
perhaps she was the common-law wife of a man named "Baker" or had been married
to him and then was divorced.
vi. Anna Maria Nicholas
B. __ ___ 17__ probably at Limerick Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.
She was baptized __ ___ ____ at ________ Church at ______________. Her sponsors were
__________ and __________. See the baptism records of the church, p __.
M. (1) ___ _______ before 1741 - Johann Conrad Jost at _____ Church at ___________,
______________ County, Pennsylvania. Rev. ________________ presided. The witnesses were
__________________ and ______________. See the marriage records of ____________ Church, p.
____.
He was born _______________ at _____________, _____________ County, Germany, the son of
_____________ and _________ (_______) Jost. He died about 20 March 1760 at Limerick
Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, and is probably buried in the churchyard at the
Augustus Evangelical Lutheran Church at Trappe, Upper Providence Township, Montgomery
County Pennsylvania.
M. (2) ___ _______ c1762 - Frederick Bingaman at _____ Church at ___________, Montgomery
County, Pennsylvania. Rev. ______________________ presided. The witnesses were
____________________ and _________________. See the marriage records of ____________
Church, p ____.
He was born _______________ at _____________, _____________ County, _____________, the son
of _____________ and _________ (_______) Bingaman. He died _________________ at
_____________, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, and is buried in __________________
Cemetery at __________________.
D. Before 9 June 1780, probably at Limerick Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, and
is buried in ___________________ Cemetery at _________________.