Will of Henry Hoffines

(1778-1864)

Source: (1) Don Sheaffer, Email Correspondence, 2003 (2) Wayne County, Ohio, Probate Court Records, Will of Henry Hoffhines, Case File # 2490

Background: The following is a transcript of the will of Henry Hoffines who was born 10 March 1778 in Berks Co., Penna. The third son of Johann Adam Hofheintz, he moved his family to North Central Ohio. The Tax records for Canaan Twp. indicate that Henry moved into the area sometime during the year of 1839. (Don Sheaffer, 2003)

In the name of the Benevelen father of all. I Henry Hoffines do make and publish this my last will and testament.

Item first, I give to my beloved wife as far as the laws of our land allow.

Item second, it is my wish that all my Sons shall share equal of my Estate also all my daughters share equal of my Estate that are now living and further the children of my daughter Poly Shall have what she would of been entitiled to and the children of my daughter Elizabeth shall have the share she would of been entitiled to. I further give and bequeth to my Grandson Willis Henry, son of my daughter Elizabeth fifty dollars over and above of his equal share of the rest of my Grand Children.

Item third I do heregy nominate and appoint John Hough and John Blacher Executors of this my Last will and testament. I do also Authorize and empower them to sell all my Real Estate by private sale or in such manner upon such terms of credit or otherwise as they may think proper just and deed to purchase as to execute acknowledge and deliver it fee simple.

I do hereby revoke all former wills by me made. Intestamoney where of I have hereunder set my hand and seal this 21st day of October A.D. 1857.

Within the Letters of Administration the following children are listed :

John Hoffhines, Son

Daniel Hoffhines, Son

Solomon Hoffhines, Son

Andrew Hoffhines, Son

Christina Steinburg, Daughter

Sarah A. Hoffhines, Daughter

Lovina Freeman, Daughter

Leah Showalter, Daughter

Mandilla Freeman, Gr Daughter

Mary Freeman, Gr Daughter

Franklin Freeman, Gr Son

Leander Freeman, Gr Son

Willis Freeman, Gr Son

John Showalter, Gr Son

Elizabeth Showalter, Gr Daughter

Catherine Showalter, Gr Daughter

Henry Showalter, Gr Son

Benj. F. Showalter, Gr Son

Erra Showalter, Gr Son

Samuel Menges, Gr Son

Israel Menges, Gr Son

Peter Menges, Gr Son

Lucy A. Campbell, Gr Daughter

Melina Ritter, Gr Daughter

Mary Ann Dirk, Gr Daughter

Lovina Lahr, Gr Daughter

Wesley Lahr, Gr Son