Francis was born in about 1749 in County Antrim, Ireland. He might have been born in the town of Carrickfergus. His parents are unknown at this time.
On November 21, 1770, Francis married Miss Jane Alexander. Sometime after their marriage, the Lees emigrated to the United States. There is a Francis Lee who arrived in Philadelphia in 1771. Whether this is our Francis is unclear. The timing of this arrival fits, as the first mention of Francis is in 1774 when he paid a 4 pound tax in Philadelphia. He was also an innkeeper in Philadelphia. The "Indian Queen" was located at the corner of Fourth and Market Streets.
Francis Lee was a Private in the 1st Battalion Pennsylvania Militia under Captain Tench Francis. In 1781, Francis was involved in moving French gold from Boston to Philadelphia. The gold was for use by the Whigs.
Francis ran the inn until about 1787, when he moved to land he had purchased in Chester County.
Francis and Jane had 11 children: James Alexander, William B., Francis, William J., George, John, Thomas, Jane, Margaret, Hannah and Eleanor. Of their 11 children, 6 died as babies (William B, Francis, William J., John, Margaret and Hannah) and 1 (George) as a young adult.
In about 1785, Francis' wife, Jane, died. He then married Elizabeth Bache or Beach. The wedding took place in the First Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia by Dr. Ewing on December 17, 1790. The book, "Marriage Records of the First Presbyterian Church of Philadelphia, 1702-1745 and 1760-1803" lists the bride as Elizabeth Bache. Their wedding announcement in the Dec. 24, 1790 issue of the Pennsylvania Mercury lists her name as Mrs. Beach. So we know her first name was Elizabeth. Was her maiden name Bache and her first marriage was to a Mr. Beach? A marriage license was issued in Philadelphia to an Elizabeth Osburn and an Edward Beach on Aug. 17, 1767. Could this be Elizabeth's first marriage and the name of "Bache" was actually "Beach" and transcribed incorrectly when the records were compiled and published almost 100 years later? Or, was her maiden name "Bache" and the newspaper got it wrong when they wrote the announcement? Because the newspaper article was written at the time of the marriage, I tend to think the newspaper is correct and Francis married a Mrs. Beach. Whether this is the Elizabeth Bache who had previously married a Edward Beach still needs to be explored.
On Nov. 18, 1793, Francis married Margaretta (or Margaret) Cloyd. She was the daughter of David Cloyd. They had five children: David Cloyd, Ann, Alfred, Mary and Francis. Ann died when she was a child.
Francis' last wife was Elizabeth Cloyd. It's unclear how Elizabeth and Margaretta were related, if at all. Francis and Elizabeth had no children.
In the 1930's, Dr. Albert Gerberich complied a book of cemetery inscriptions in Pennsylvania. This was "Lancaster County, PA Cemetery Inscriptions." The name is deceiving, as it included other counties besides Lancaster. The listing for Francis Lee, Esq. (page 203) buried in Great Valley Presbyterian Church Cemetery, states that he died in his 66th year on April 30, 1816. This must be a mistake, as his will was proved on May 9, 1815. It's possible that Dr. Gerberich transcribed the stone incorrectly. It was over 100 years old at the time, so the "5" might have looked like a "6."
Francis Lee's will was written on April 29, 1815; the witnesses being John Attkins and William Tredwick. As stated before, it was proved on May 9, 1815. His executors were his good friends, Rev. William Latta and Thomas Bodley.
The will begins, "In the name of God Amen I Francis Lee of East Whiteland Township, Chester County and state of Pennsylvania, being weak and sick in body but of sound disposing mind & memory (blessed be Almighty God for the same.) do make this my Last Will in manner and form following, to wit..."
He gave his beloved wife, Elizabeth one third of his personal estate and one third of the yearly income or proffits (sic) of all of his real estate during her natural life. He also left Elizabeth a horse and gig. (a small carriage.)
His son Thomas received 400 pounds; to son Francis he gave his gold watch and to son Alfred, $20 to purchase a silver watch.
Francis left his daughter Mary all of his silver plate. To his "much respected friend, Mrs. Mary Latta, wife of the Reverend William Latta," he gave one hundred dollars.
He stated, "I do order if anything should happen or arise that would require any aid in my family, during my son Francis's minority, I impower my Executors to settle all disputes that may arise among them."
and, "I order all my real estate and all my personal property that will be and remain, to be kept and remain unsold until my youngest son Francis, arrive to the age of twenty one years and the proffits (sic) arising there from to be appropriated to schooling and supporting my younger children, that are at home with me (and my beloved wife) they, my said wife and children, afformentioned (sic) to have the whole of the proffits (sic) arising from all my estate until he the said Francis, arrives to the age of twenty one years.
It is my will and I do order and direct that when my said son arrives to that afforsaid (sic) age, that each of my surviving children shall nominate and appoint (each one of them) one reputable citizen, and when appointed they said citizens to value and appraise my Plantation, whereon I now live in East Whiteland Township. I give and devise it to my son David, to his heirs and assigns forever if he choses to keep it and said valuation. The said David, to have one equal share of the said value and each of my other children, to have share and share alike with him in the value thereof, to be equal (sic) divided among them."
The rest of his personal and real estate to be equally divided among his surviving children, or their legal representatives. Once again, Francis uses the phrase, "share and share alike."
Francis's will was registered in Book M, Page 135 in Chester County, Pennsylvania, Number 6173.
Funeral expenses paid out of the estate included $2.50 to Cornelius Dempsy for digging the grave, $30 to W.H. Brown for the coffin, and $29.51 to Jurdelle V. Hooker for the grave stone.
The inventory of Francis's estate was filed on June 9, 1815.
It was an extensive list, one befitting a man with a large home and farm. Included were 5 looking glasses (mirrors), numerous tables and chairs, bedsteads, glassware and silver.
There were many farm animals and implements listed, including several horses, 14 swine, (worth $97), sheep, 2 hives and bees ($4), wheat in the ground ($130), rye in the ground ($128.50), and a pair of hobbles (75 cents).
Of interest to me was an "encyclopedy" valued at $30. Francis also owned 12 shares in the Philadelphia Bank, valued at $1,200. It looks as if his total estate was valued at $6,859.24. According to the website of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, that would be about $85,000 in today's money. Another site said the estimate would be closer to $105,000.
Francis Lee was buried in Great Valley Presbyterian Church Cemetery in May, 1815.
------
American Republican
March 25, 1816
TO BE SOLD AT PUBLIC SALE,
On Tuesday the 9th day of April next, the personal property pertaining to the estate of Francis Lee, Esq. deceased, consisting of the following articles, viz:
A copy of the rare and valuable work called the Encyclopedia, a handsome Coachee and harness, horses, cows, sheep and swine; farming utensils, household and kitchen furniture; wit a variety of other articles.
The sale to commence at 11 o'clock on the said day, when the conditions will be made known by
WM. LATTA
THOS. BODLY. Ex'rs.
On November 21, 1770, Francis married Miss Jane Alexander. Sometime after their marriage, the Lees emigrated to the United States. There is a Francis Lee who arrived in Philadelphia in 1771. Whether this is our Francis is unclear. The timing of this arrival fits, as the first mention of Francis is in 1774 when he paid a 4 pound tax in Philadelphia. He was also an innkeeper in Philadelphia. The "Indian Queen" was located at the corner of Fourth and Market Streets.
Francis Lee was a Private in the 1st Battalion Pennsylvania Militia under Captain Tench Francis. In 1781, Francis was involved in moving French gold from Boston to Philadelphia. The gold was for use by the Whigs.
Francis ran the inn until about 1787, when he moved to land he had purchased in Chester County.
Francis and Jane had 11 children: James Alexander, William B., Francis, William J., George, John, Thomas, Jane, Margaret, Hannah and Eleanor. Of their 11 children, 6 died as babies (William B, Francis, William J., John, Margaret and Hannah) and 1 (George) as a young adult.
In about 1785, Francis' wife, Jane, died. He then married Elizabeth Bache or Beach. The wedding took place in the First Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia by Dr. Ewing on December 17, 1790. The book, "Marriage Records of the First Presbyterian Church of Philadelphia, 1702-1745 and 1760-1803" lists the bride as Elizabeth Bache. Their wedding announcement in the Dec. 24, 1790 issue of the Pennsylvania Mercury lists her name as Mrs. Beach. So we know her first name was Elizabeth. Was her maiden name Bache and her first marriage was to a Mr. Beach? A marriage license was issued in Philadelphia to an Elizabeth Osburn and an Edward Beach on Aug. 17, 1767. Could this be Elizabeth's first marriage and the name of "Bache" was actually "Beach" and transcribed incorrectly when the records were compiled and published almost 100 years later? Or, was her maiden name "Bache" and the newspaper got it wrong when they wrote the announcement? Because the newspaper article was written at the time of the marriage, I tend to think the newspaper is correct and Francis married a Mrs. Beach. Whether this is the Elizabeth Bache who had previously married a Edward Beach still needs to be explored.
On Nov. 18, 1793, Francis married Margaretta (or Margaret) Cloyd. She was the daughter of David Cloyd. They had five children: David Cloyd, Ann, Alfred, Mary and Francis. Ann died when she was a child.
Francis' last wife was Elizabeth Cloyd. It's unclear how Elizabeth and Margaretta were related, if at all. Francis and Elizabeth had no children.
In the 1930's, Dr. Albert Gerberich complied a book of cemetery inscriptions in Pennsylvania. This was "Lancaster County, PA Cemetery Inscriptions." The name is deceiving, as it included other counties besides Lancaster. The listing for Francis Lee, Esq. (page 203) buried in Great Valley Presbyterian Church Cemetery, states that he died in his 66th year on April 30, 1816. This must be a mistake, as his will was proved on May 9, 1815. It's possible that Dr. Gerberich transcribed the stone incorrectly. It was over 100 years old at the time, so the "5" might have looked like a "6."
Francis Lee's will was written on April 29, 1815; the witnesses being John Attkins and William Tredwick. As stated before, it was proved on May 9, 1815. His executors were his good friends, Rev. William Latta and Thomas Bodley.
The will begins, "In the name of God Amen I Francis Lee of East Whiteland Township, Chester County and state of Pennsylvania, being weak and sick in body but of sound disposing mind & memory (blessed be Almighty God for the same.) do make this my Last Will in manner and form following, to wit..."
He gave his beloved wife, Elizabeth one third of his personal estate and one third of the yearly income or proffits (sic) of all of his real estate during her natural life. He also left Elizabeth a horse and gig. (a small carriage.)
His son Thomas received 400 pounds; to son Francis he gave his gold watch and to son Alfred, $20 to purchase a silver watch.
Francis left his daughter Mary all of his silver plate. To his "much respected friend, Mrs. Mary Latta, wife of the Reverend William Latta," he gave one hundred dollars.
He stated, "I do order if anything should happen or arise that would require any aid in my family, during my son Francis's minority, I impower my Executors to settle all disputes that may arise among them."
and, "I order all my real estate and all my personal property that will be and remain, to be kept and remain unsold until my youngest son Francis, arrive to the age of twenty one years and the proffits (sic) arising there from to be appropriated to schooling and supporting my younger children, that are at home with me (and my beloved wife) they, my said wife and children, afformentioned (sic) to have the whole of the proffits (sic) arising from all my estate until he the said Francis, arrives to the age of twenty one years.
It is my will and I do order and direct that when my said son arrives to that afforsaid (sic) age, that each of my surviving children shall nominate and appoint (each one of them) one reputable citizen, and when appointed they said citizens to value and appraise my Plantation, whereon I now live in East Whiteland Township. I give and devise it to my son David, to his heirs and assigns forever if he choses to keep it and said valuation. The said David, to have one equal share of the said value and each of my other children, to have share and share alike with him in the value thereof, to be equal (sic) divided among them."
The rest of his personal and real estate to be equally divided among his surviving children, or their legal representatives. Once again, Francis uses the phrase, "share and share alike."
Francis's will was registered in Book M, Page 135 in Chester County, Pennsylvania, Number 6173.
Funeral expenses paid out of the estate included $2.50 to Cornelius Dempsy for digging the grave, $30 to W.H. Brown for the coffin, and $29.51 to Jurdelle V. Hooker for the grave stone.
The inventory of Francis's estate was filed on June 9, 1815.
It was an extensive list, one befitting a man with a large home and farm. Included were 5 looking glasses (mirrors), numerous tables and chairs, bedsteads, glassware and silver.
There were many farm animals and implements listed, including several horses, 14 swine, (worth $97), sheep, 2 hives and bees ($4), wheat in the ground ($130), rye in the ground ($128.50), and a pair of hobbles (75 cents).
Of interest to me was an "encyclopedy" valued at $30. Francis also owned 12 shares in the Philadelphia Bank, valued at $1,200. It looks as if his total estate was valued at $6,859.24. According to the website of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, that would be about $85,000 in today's money. Another site said the estimate would be closer to $105,000.
Francis Lee was buried in Great Valley Presbyterian Church Cemetery in May, 1815.
------
American Republican
March 25, 1816
TO BE SOLD AT PUBLIC SALE,
On Tuesday the 9th day of April next, the personal property pertaining to the estate of Francis Lee, Esq. deceased, consisting of the following articles, viz:
A copy of the rare and valuable work called the Encyclopedia, a handsome Coachee and harness, horses, cows, sheep and swine; farming utensils, household and kitchen furniture; wit a variety of other articles.
The sale to commence at 11 o'clock on the said day, when the conditions will be made known by
WM. LATTA
THOS. BODLY. Ex'rs.
Francis was born in about 1749 in County Antrim, Ireland. He might have been born in the town of Carrickfergus. His parents are unknown at this time.
On November 21, 1770, Francis married Miss Jane Alexander. Sometime after their marriage, the Lees emigrated to the United States. There is a Francis Lee who arrived in Philadelphia in 1771. Whether this is our Francis is unclear. The timing of this arrival fits, as the first mention of Francis is in 1774 when he paid a 4 pound tax in Philadelphia. He was also an innkeeper in Philadelphia. The "Indian Queen" was located at the corner of Fourth and Market Streets.
Francis Lee was a Private in the 1st Battalion Pennsylvania Militia under Captain Tench Francis. In 1781, Francis was involved in moving French gold from Boston to Philadelphia. The gold was for use by the Whigs.
Francis ran the inn until about 1787, when he moved to land he had purchased in Chester County.
Francis and Jane had 11 children: James Alexander, William B., Francis, William J., George, John, Thomas, Jane, Margaret, Hannah and Eleanor. Of their 11 children, 6 died as babies (William B, Francis, William J., John, Margaret and Hannah) and 1 (George) as a young adult.
In about 1785, Francis' wife, Jane, died. He then married Elizabeth Bache or Beach. The wedding took place in the First Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia by Dr. Ewing on December 17, 1790. The book, "Marriage Records of the First Presbyterian Church of Philadelphia, 1702-1745 and 1760-1803" lists the bride as Elizabeth Bache. Their wedding announcement in the Dec. 24, 1790 issue of the Pennsylvania Mercury lists her name as Mrs. Beach. So we know her first name was Elizabeth. Was her maiden name Bache and her first marriage was to a Mr. Beach? A marriage license was issued in Philadelphia to an Elizabeth Osburn and an Edward Beach on Aug. 17, 1767. Could this be Elizabeth's first marriage and the name of "Bache" was actually "Beach" and transcribed incorrectly when the records were compiled and published almost 100 years later? Or, was her maiden name "Bache" and the newspaper got it wrong when they wrote the announcement? Because the newspaper article was written at the time of the marriage, I tend to think the newspaper is correct and Francis married a Mrs. Beach. Whether this is the Elizabeth Bache who had previously married a Edward Beach still needs to be explored.
On Nov. 18, 1793, Francis married Margaretta (or Margaret) Cloyd. She was the daughter of David Cloyd. They had five children: David Cloyd, Ann, Alfred, Mary and Francis. Ann died when she was a child.
Francis' last wife was Elizabeth Cloyd. It's unclear how Elizabeth and Margaretta were related, if at all. Francis and Elizabeth had no children.
In the 1930's, Dr. Albert Gerberich complied a book of cemetery inscriptions in Pennsylvania. This was "Lancaster County, PA Cemetery Inscriptions." The name is deceiving, as it included other counties besides Lancaster. The listing for Francis Lee, Esq. (page 203) buried in Great Valley Presbyterian Church Cemetery, states that he died in his 66th year on April 30, 1816. This must be a mistake, as his will was proved on May 9, 1815. It's possible that Dr. Gerberich transcribed the stone incorrectly. It was over 100 years old at the time, so the "5" might have looked like a "6."
Francis Lee's will was written on April 29, 1815; the witnesses being John Attkins and William Tredwick. As stated before, it was proved on May 9, 1815. His executors were his good friends, Rev. William Latta and Thomas Bodley.
The will begins, "In the name of God Amen I Francis Lee of East Whiteland Township, Chester County and state of Pennsylvania, being weak and sick in body but of sound disposing mind & memory (blessed be Almighty God for the same.) do make this my Last Will in manner and form following, to wit..."
He gave his beloved wife, Elizabeth one third of his personal estate and one third of the yearly income or proffits (sic) of all of his real estate during her natural life. He also left Elizabeth a horse and gig. (a small carriage.)
His son Thomas received 400 pounds; to son Francis he gave his gold watch and to son Alfred, $20 to purchase a silver watch.
Francis left his daughter Mary all of his silver plate. To his "much respected friend, Mrs. Mary Latta, wife of the Reverend William Latta," he gave one hundred dollars.
He stated, "I do order if anything should happen or arise that would require any aid in my family, during my son Francis's minority, I impower my Executors to settle all disputes that may arise among them."
and, "I order all my real estate and all my personal property that will be and remain, to be kept and remain unsold until my youngest son Francis, arrive to the age of twenty one years and the proffits (sic) arising there from to be appropriated to schooling and supporting my younger children, that are at home with me (and my beloved wife) they, my said wife and children, afformentioned (sic) to have the whole of the proffits (sic) arising from all my estate until he the said Francis, arrives to the age of twenty one years.
It is my will and I do order and direct that when my said son arrives to that afforsaid (sic) age, that each of my surviving children shall nominate and appoint (each one of them) one reputable citizen, and when appointed they said citizens to value and appraise my Plantation, whereon I now live in East Whiteland Township. I give and devise it to my son David, to his heirs and assigns forever if he choses to keep it and said valuation. The said David, to have one equal share of the said value and each of my other children, to have share and share alike with him in the value thereof, to be equal (sic) divided among them."
The rest of his personal and real estate to be equally divided among his surviving children, or their legal representatives. Once again, Francis uses the phrase, "share and share alike."
Francis's will was registered in Book M, Page 135 in Chester County, Pennsylvania, Number 6173.
Funeral expenses paid out of the estate included $2.50 to Cornelius Dempsy for digging the grave, $30 to W.H. Brown for the coffin, and $29.51 to Jurdelle V. Hooker for the grave stone.
The inventory of Francis's estate was filed on June 9, 1815.
It was an extensive list, one befitting a man with a large home and farm. Included were 5 looking glasses (mirrors), numerous tables and chairs, bedsteads, glassware and silver.
There were many farm animals and implements listed, including several horses, 14 swine, (worth $97), sheep, 2 hives and bees ($4), wheat in the ground ($130), rye in the ground ($128.50), and a pair of hobbles (75 cents).
Of interest to me was an "encyclopedy" valued at $30. Francis also owned 12 shares in the Philadelphia Bank, valued at $1,200. It looks as if his total estate was valued at $6,859.24. According to the website of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, that would be about $85,000 in today's money. Another site said the estimate would be closer to $105,000.
Francis Lee was buried in Great Valley Presbyterian Church Cemetery in May, 1815.
------
American Republican
March 25, 1816
TO BE SOLD AT PUBLIC SALE,
On Tuesday the 9th day of April next, the personal property pertaining to the estate of Francis Lee, Esq. deceased, consisting of the following articles, viz:
A copy of the rare and valuable work called the Encyclopedia, a handsome Coachee and harness, horses, cows, sheep and swine; farming utensils, household and kitchen furniture; wit a variety of other articles.
The sale to commence at 11 o'clock on the said day, when the conditions will be made known by
WM. LATTA
THOS. BODLY. Ex'rs.
On November 21, 1770, Francis married Miss Jane Alexander. Sometime after their marriage, the Lees emigrated to the United States. There is a Francis Lee who arrived in Philadelphia in 1771. Whether this is our Francis is unclear. The timing of this arrival fits, as the first mention of Francis is in 1774 when he paid a 4 pound tax in Philadelphia. He was also an innkeeper in Philadelphia. The "Indian Queen" was located at the corner of Fourth and Market Streets.
Francis Lee was a Private in the 1st Battalion Pennsylvania Militia under Captain Tench Francis. In 1781, Francis was involved in moving French gold from Boston to Philadelphia. The gold was for use by the Whigs.
Francis ran the inn until about 1787, when he moved to land he had purchased in Chester County.
Francis and Jane had 11 children: James Alexander, William B., Francis, William J., George, John, Thomas, Jane, Margaret, Hannah and Eleanor. Of their 11 children, 6 died as babies (William B, Francis, William J., John, Margaret and Hannah) and 1 (George) as a young adult.
In about 1785, Francis' wife, Jane, died. He then married Elizabeth Bache or Beach. The wedding took place in the First Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia by Dr. Ewing on December 17, 1790. The book, "Marriage Records of the First Presbyterian Church of Philadelphia, 1702-1745 and 1760-1803" lists the bride as Elizabeth Bache. Their wedding announcement in the Dec. 24, 1790 issue of the Pennsylvania Mercury lists her name as Mrs. Beach. So we know her first name was Elizabeth. Was her maiden name Bache and her first marriage was to a Mr. Beach? A marriage license was issued in Philadelphia to an Elizabeth Osburn and an Edward Beach on Aug. 17, 1767. Could this be Elizabeth's first marriage and the name of "Bache" was actually "Beach" and transcribed incorrectly when the records were compiled and published almost 100 years later? Or, was her maiden name "Bache" and the newspaper got it wrong when they wrote the announcement? Because the newspaper article was written at the time of the marriage, I tend to think the newspaper is correct and Francis married a Mrs. Beach. Whether this is the Elizabeth Bache who had previously married a Edward Beach still needs to be explored.
On Nov. 18, 1793, Francis married Margaretta (or Margaret) Cloyd. She was the daughter of David Cloyd. They had five children: David Cloyd, Ann, Alfred, Mary and Francis. Ann died when she was a child.
Francis' last wife was Elizabeth Cloyd. It's unclear how Elizabeth and Margaretta were related, if at all. Francis and Elizabeth had no children.
In the 1930's, Dr. Albert Gerberich complied a book of cemetery inscriptions in Pennsylvania. This was "Lancaster County, PA Cemetery Inscriptions." The name is deceiving, as it included other counties besides Lancaster. The listing for Francis Lee, Esq. (page 203) buried in Great Valley Presbyterian Church Cemetery, states that he died in his 66th year on April 30, 1816. This must be a mistake, as his will was proved on May 9, 1815. It's possible that Dr. Gerberich transcribed the stone incorrectly. It was over 100 years old at the time, so the "5" might have looked like a "6."
Francis Lee's will was written on April 29, 1815; the witnesses being John Attkins and William Tredwick. As stated before, it was proved on May 9, 1815. His executors were his good friends, Rev. William Latta and Thomas Bodley.
The will begins, "In the name of God Amen I Francis Lee of East Whiteland Township, Chester County and state of Pennsylvania, being weak and sick in body but of sound disposing mind & memory (blessed be Almighty God for the same.) do make this my Last Will in manner and form following, to wit..."
He gave his beloved wife, Elizabeth one third of his personal estate and one third of the yearly income or proffits (sic) of all of his real estate during her natural life. He also left Elizabeth a horse and gig. (a small carriage.)
His son Thomas received 400 pounds; to son Francis he gave his gold watch and to son Alfred, $20 to purchase a silver watch.
Francis left his daughter Mary all of his silver plate. To his "much respected friend, Mrs. Mary Latta, wife of the Reverend William Latta," he gave one hundred dollars.
He stated, "I do order if anything should happen or arise that would require any aid in my family, during my son Francis's minority, I impower my Executors to settle all disputes that may arise among them."
and, "I order all my real estate and all my personal property that will be and remain, to be kept and remain unsold until my youngest son Francis, arrive to the age of twenty one years and the proffits (sic) arising there from to be appropriated to schooling and supporting my younger children, that are at home with me (and my beloved wife) they, my said wife and children, afformentioned (sic) to have the whole of the proffits (sic) arising from all my estate until he the said Francis, arrives to the age of twenty one years.
It is my will and I do order and direct that when my said son arrives to that afforsaid (sic) age, that each of my surviving children shall nominate and appoint (each one of them) one reputable citizen, and when appointed they said citizens to value and appraise my Plantation, whereon I now live in East Whiteland Township. I give and devise it to my son David, to his heirs and assigns forever if he choses to keep it and said valuation. The said David, to have one equal share of the said value and each of my other children, to have share and share alike with him in the value thereof, to be equal (sic) divided among them."
The rest of his personal and real estate to be equally divided among his surviving children, or their legal representatives. Once again, Francis uses the phrase, "share and share alike."
Francis's will was registered in Book M, Page 135 in Chester County, Pennsylvania, Number 6173.
Funeral expenses paid out of the estate included $2.50 to Cornelius Dempsy for digging the grave, $30 to W.H. Brown for the coffin, and $29.51 to Jurdelle V. Hooker for the grave stone.
The inventory of Francis's estate was filed on June 9, 1815.
It was an extensive list, one befitting a man with a large home and farm. Included were 5 looking glasses (mirrors), numerous tables and chairs, bedsteads, glassware and silver.
There were many farm animals and implements listed, including several horses, 14 swine, (worth $97), sheep, 2 hives and bees ($4), wheat in the ground ($130), rye in the ground ($128.50), and a pair of hobbles (75 cents).
Of interest to me was an "encyclopedy" valued at $30. Francis also owned 12 shares in the Philadelphia Bank, valued at $1,200. It looks as if his total estate was valued at $6,859.24. According to the website of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, that would be about $85,000 in today's money. Another site said the estimate would be closer to $105,000.
Francis Lee was buried in Great Valley Presbyterian Church Cemetery in May, 1815.
------
American Republican
March 25, 1816
TO BE SOLD AT PUBLIC SALE,
On Tuesday the 9th day of April next, the personal property pertaining to the estate of Francis Lee, Esq. deceased, consisting of the following articles, viz:
A copy of the rare and valuable work called the Encyclopedia, a handsome Coachee and harness, horses, cows, sheep and swine; farming utensils, household and kitchen furniture; wit a variety of other articles.
The sale to commence at 11 o'clock on the said day, when the conditions will be made known by
WM. LATTA
THOS. BODLY. Ex'rs.
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