SHEARER official records, 1785-1901: Franklin Co, PA Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Carolyn Shearer. cks@pa.net USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/pafiles.htm ____________________________________________________ SHEARER ITEMS Deeds, Wills and Orphan Court Records, Franklin County [Arranged in chronological order. DB are Deed Book numbers, WB are Will Book numbers, OC are records of the Orphans' Court.] DB 1, p 108-9 6 Jul 1785. Deed. William Elliott and wife Rose of Fannett Twp. To Joseph Shearer of same. Land patented to William McClure Feb 11, 1775 who sold same to William Elliott Apr 4, 1783. 234.75 acres. Wit: Thomas Hamilton, Fredrick Blair. DB 3, pg 251-2. 13 Jul 1789. Richard Peters, gentleman of Blockley Twp, Philadelphia County, surviving executor of Rev. Richard Peters, late of Philadelphia, to Peter Shearer of Hamilton Twp, yeoan. Land patented 1 Jul 1749 to Hugh Parker of Lancaster County on Back Creek, a branch of the Connecogheague, in Antrim Twp, then Lancaster County, but now in Hamilton Twp, Franklin County, due to a division of Cumberland County. 259 acres for 163. 15 pounds. Hugh Parker sold to Richard Peters who died 1776? (faded). Wit: Sharp Delany, Dan. Baldwin. Recorded 31 Jul 1789. DB 4, p 495 9 Nov 1791. Deed. George Cook, farmer, of Franklin County to John Shafer and Henry Shearer of same place, land in Hamilton Twp. WB A, pg 283. 19 Sep 1793. Letters of Administration on the estate of John Bricker granted to Peter Shearer and Henry Bricker. DB 3, pg 253. 14 Apr 1794. Peter Sheaer and wife Christina, of Hamilton Twp, to Joseph Mitchell. 130 acres for 870 pounds. Signed: Peter Shearer (in "English"), Christian Shearer (in German script) Recorded 5 Nov 1794. DB 3, p 505 Aug 30, 1795. Articles of Agreement. John Potts of Fannett Twp to Peter Shearer of Lurgan Twp. DB 5, p 427 Nov 7, 1795. Deed. Peter Shearer of Path Valley Twp, Franklin County, and wife Elizabeth to Christopher Bower of Sherman's Valley, Cumberland County. Land in Lurgan Twp and Letterkenny Twp. DB 4, pg 421-3. 27 Nov 1795. Christopher Bower of Shearman's Valley, Cumberland County, and wife Mariah to John Creamer, land on Conodoguinit Creek in Letterkenny and Lurgan Townships, formerly in Cumberland, now in Franklin. Neighbors: Michael Rine, Peter Shearer, Mr. Davis, John Rode, John Creamer. Part of 733 acres and 97 perches which Robert Jones, William Jones and Loyd Jones by their certain indentures made their hands and seals dated 25 Apr 1782 conveyed to Peter Shearer and his heirs and assignees. Signed Christoper Bower (in German Script), Mariah (her mark) Bower. [Note: Her mark looks like a capitial "E" turned clockwise 90 degrees] Wit: George Shearer, Dewalt Kiefer. Recorded 10 Feb 1796. WB B, pg 58. May 4,1798. Letters of administration on the estate of Margaret Benson, deceased, granted to Joseph Bricker,. Sureties: Henry Bricker and Peter Shearer DB 7, p 132 May 27, 1800. Deed. Peter Shearer and wife Elizabeth of Fannett Twp to Christopher Bower of Sherman's Valley, Cumberland county, Land in Letterkenny and Lurgan Twp. WB B, pg 115. Will of John Kesey, Metal Twp, w/w 21 Apr 1800, w/p 6 Nov 1801. Wife Mary. Son John, Daughters Barbara, Elizabeth, Nancy and Mary. One half of daughter Nancy's share to be paid to herself separate from her husband (not named), other half to be paid to her Ôfirst children' by William Stinger. Son John to have the plantation. Exec: Son John and son in law Barnet Shutter. Wit: R. Childerstone and Peter Shearer. [Note: Jacob Shearer and wife Maria Elizabeth Barbara Bossert are buried in what is sometimes known as the "Keasey Graveyard" on the back road NE of Willow Hill in Metal Twp. Other graves are there, all very old and most can no longer be read. This graveyard was on the old Shearer farm that belonged to Jacob.] DB 6, p 179 Feb. 25, 1804. Deed. Henry Shearer and wife Christina of Guilford Township to John Sheaffer of the same place; land in Guilford Twp. WB B, p277 8 Jan 1805. Will of Peter Shearer, Peters Twp, written 31 Dec 1805 (sic) Wife Christena; son Jonathan, daughter Rebecca; sons Benjamin, Solomon, Daniel, Peter and George. Lands in Knoxville, Tenn to sold; Exec: Brother Frederick and son Jonathan. Wit: Jacob Shearer and Frederick Stum. [This is Peter Jr who married Christina Marckel] WB B, p307. George Stenger, Antrim Twp, yeoman, w/w 8 Mar 1806, w/p 9 Dec 1806. Wife Christina the small room in my present dwelling house, a small room upstairs about the entry, all the household furniture and yearly beef, port, grain and eight gallons of whiskey, also twenty four pounds in lawful money and servant girl Susanna Shatz. Son George the plantation whereon he now lives in Letterkenny Twp, joining lands of James McCalmont, Esq, John Mahon, Charles Cummins, and Christley Keefer; also mountain land bounded by James McCalmont, Esq, lands formerly of John Beard and Christley Keefer, subject to payment of two hundred pounds to my two daughters, namely Barbara married to Samuel Leidig and Catherine married to John Sheaffer; Son Adam the plantation whereon he now lives in Letterkenny Twp and a tract of mountain land; Son Jacob the plantation I now live on joining lands of Joseph Davis, Mathew Linn, Patrick Long, conrad Speelman, and John Beaty in Antrim Twp or the plantation I own at Fort Loudon, joining lands of Frederick Shearer, James Patton, Samuel Walker, and James Dickey; also a tract joining James Patton and Conrad Stenger in Peters Township. Residue of estate to be divided among my five children: George, Adam, Jacob Barbara and Catherine and grandchildren to my son William deceased, namely: Polly, Catherine, and George. Five pounds to the Falling Spring or Grindstone Hill congregation. Tombstones to be erected at my grave and my wife's. Exec: Sons George, Adam, and Jacob and son in law John Sheaffer. Wit: Gabriel Carpenter, George Hetrich. [Frederick Shearer was the brother of Jacob Shearer who married Maria Barbara Elizabeth Bossert. Their brother Peter Jr married Christina Merkel. Peter Jr died c 1806 Peters Twp, and Christina married (2) Conrad Stenger as her second husband.] DB 8, p 50 Dec 12, 1807. Deed Mary Alexander of Guilford Twp, exec of John Alexander, to Peter Shearer of Lancaster County. Land in Greene Twp DB 10, p 293 Apr 8, 1809. Deed. George Trayor and wf Mary of Strasburg, Franklin County, to Christian Shearer, blacksmith, of same. Lot #53 in Strasburg. DB 9, p 440 May 4, 1810. Articles of Agreement between Hugh McCurdy of Fannett Twp and Jacob Shearer of same, 1/14 part of 204 acres bounded by Rev Samuel McDougal, dec'd, Samuel Moore, Hugh James and John ___ryde?, Robert Alexander, Nehemiah Killgore and James Elder. Wit: John Moore [Jacob Shearer signs in English script. This is the Jacob Shearer who married Maria Barbara Elizabeth Bossert.] WB C, p 35 Jan 20, 1812. Will. Petition of Henry Shearer (Junior) of Letterkenny, yeoman, second son of Henry Shearer Senior who died Jan 4, 1812. No widow, but issue: Abraham, Henry, Dewalt, Daniel, Christina, Mary, Joseph, Samuel, Hannah and Solomon and the widow and issue of John Shearer his son who died about four days before intestate. John leaves a widow Mary and seven children: John, Sally, Simon, Mary, Henry, Peggy, and Michael. Land in Letterkenny Twp bound by Jacob Rohrer, Jacob Beelman, Abraham Crotzer, Jacob Detwiler and others. 230 acres with one log house and two log barns. Letters of administration were grantd to Abraham Shearer and Henry Shearer. (see also Orphan's Court Docket A, p360) Estate appraised Jan 22, 1812, by Abraham Crotzer and John Mish. Notes due from: Joseph Shearer, Michael Shearer, George Shearer, Dewald Shearer, Ch. Shearer, C. shearer, Lud. Shearer, Peter Gruber (2), Abr. Kegler (2), Jacob Kegler. Included in the inventory: Two tickets to the Chambersburg Calvinist Church lottery and one ticket to the German Presbyterian and Reformed Church of Carlisle lottery. [Copied from loose papers in the file at the courthouse in Chambersburg, 1986.] OC C, p35 Jan 29, 1812. Letter of Adm on estate of John Shearer granted to Henry Shearer and John Bear OC A, p 360 May 10, 1812. Orphan's Court. Petition of Henry Shearer second son of Henry Shearer, late of Letterkenny Twp, deceased. Deceased died intestate 10 Jan 1812, leaving no widow, but issue: Abraham, Henry, Peter, Dewalt, Daniel, Christian, Mary, Joseph, Samuel, Hannah, and Solomon, and the widow and issue of John Shearer his son who died about 4 days before intestate, a widow and 7 children: John, Sally, Simon, Mary, Henry, Peggy and Michael. Intestate died seized on a tract of land situated in Letterkenny Twp, bounded by lands of Abraham Crotzer, Jacob Detweiler and others. 230 acres. OC A, p 415 Mar 9, 1813. Orphans Court , Account of John Bear, adm of John Shearer, late of Fannett Twp. Approved WB C, p 174 Feb 15, 1814. Letters of Adm on the estate of Peter Shearer granted to Michael Shearer. [Read loose papers in the file 11/19/02. Not much information, but this clearly refers to Peter Jr . Conrad Stenger who married Christina, widow of Peter Jr signs some of the papers.] DB 10, p 295 Apr 1, 1814. Deed. Christian Shearer and wife Susanna of Strasburg to John Gilmore of same. Lot #53 in Strasburg. DB 12, p 514 Apr 9, 1817. Release from George Ryne of Lack Twp, Mifflin County, PA, guardian of John Shearer, Michael Shearer and Mary Shearer, minor children of John Shearer, dec'd, late of Fannett Twp, to John Bear and Henry Shearer, adm of John Shearer, dec'd. $272.50. Wit: John Holliday, Elizabeth Holliday. DB 12, p515 Apr 10, 1817. Release from Dewalt Shearer of Fannet Twp, guardian of Samuel Shearer and Peggy Shearer, minor children of John Shearer, dec'd, late of Fannett Twp to John Bare and Henry Shearer, adm of John Shearer. $181.54. Wit: John Holliday, Elizabeth Holliday. DB 12, p515 Apr 15, 1817. Release from Peter Shearer of town of Strasburg, guardian of Henry Shearer and Sally Shearer, minor children of John Shearer, late of Fannett Twp to John Bare and Henry Shearer, adm of estate of John Shearer. $181.89. Wit: Robert Robeson and Jacob Cassell. DB 12, p515 Apr 19, 1817. Release from Mary Shearer of Lack Twp, Mifflin County, PA, widow of John Shearer, late of Fannett Twp, to John Bear and Henry Shearer, adm of John Shearer. $315.81. Wit: John Holliday, Elizabeth Holliday. [Other records show that Mary's maiden name was Rhyne/Rhine/Rine.] DB 10, p 700. 28 Oct 1817. Deed. John McCurdy of Metal Twp to Jacob Shearer of Fannett. 40 acres. $240. Land in Metal Twp, part of a larger tract surveyed 16 Nov 1792 and warranted to Hugh McCurdy, conveyed by deed poll dated Apr 29, 1801, as recorded Bk F, p413ff. Wit: James McCurdy, David Beatty. DB ? 26 Mar 1818. Abraham Shearer of Letterkenney Twp to Jacob Rohra. $30 per acre. 127 acres in Letterkenny Twp adj lands of said Shearer, John Nevin, and Peter Beeler(?)./Beelman(?). Late the estate of Henry Shearer. Wit: Jacob Cassel, Henry Meyer. [Shearer and Rohra sign in German script]. DB 1, p 431 Apr 1, 1819. Release between the heirs of Henry Shearer, viz: Henry, Peter, Dewald, Simon, Solomon, Mary and Hannah Shearer, Henry Shearer, assignee of Joseph Shearer, Mary Shearer assignee of Christian Shearer and Peter Shearer, Dewald Shearer and George Rine, guardians over the persons and estate of the 6 minor children of John Shearer, deceased, all of Franklin County, and Abraham Shearer a son. DB 14, p 63 Apr 1, 1819. Deed. Abraham Shearer and wife Mary of Letterkenny Twp to Jacob Rohra of same. Same land granted to Henry Shearer Aug 9, 1809. Henry died intestate leaving to survive him 11 children: Abraham, Henry, Peter, Dewald, Christian, Daniel, Joseph, Simon, Solomon, Mary, Hannah and the heirs of John. The land was sold to Abraham Shearer the eldest son. 122 acres and 126 perches in Letterkenny Twp. DB 12, p 431-2 May 19, 1820. Deed. Henry Shearer of Letterkenny Twp, 254 acres and 114 perches. Henry (Senior) died intestate and left 12 children: Abraham, Henry, Peter, Dewald, Christian, Daniel, Joseph, Simon, Solomon, Mary, Hannah, and the heirs of John deceased. Peter Shearer, Dewald Shearer and George Rine are the guardians of the six minor children of John. All quit claim to Abraham for $6276.84. Wit: Jacob Cassel. [Peter, Simon and Solomon sign in English script, Mary and Hannah sign ÔX' and rest of signatures are in German script.] DB 12, p 6 Feb 15, 1822. Alexander Potts of Metal Twp to Jacob Shearer of Fannett. Land in Fannett where Shearer now lives. $700. East of Conigugig Creek up the creek to Shearer's mill dam then N31W 21 perches, reserving for the said Shearer 8 acres and 112 perches, one acre still reserved to the said Potts including the graveyard. Neighbors: Survey land of Samuel Moore, heirs of Doyle, John Harper and up the said creek. Wit: Edward McVitty, Robert Culbertson. [This is Jacob (born 1774) who married Maria Barbara Elizabeth Bossert.] OC B, p 407 Mar 12, 1822. Orphans' Court. Admrs account of the estate of Peter Shearer of Peters Twp, approved. Balance $11,421.59 in the hands of the accountant, Michael Shearer, adm. [This a further accounting of the estate of Peter ShearerJr who died c1806.] WB C, p 620 Nov 4, 1822. Letters of Adm on the estate of Dewalt Shearer granted to Jacob Shearer OC C, p 63 Oct 4, 1825. Orphans' Court. Account of Jacob Shearer, adm of Dewalt Shearer deceased, approved. DB 15, p311 April 1826. Deed. Robert Robeson and Michael Grove of Letterkenny Twp, admrs, of John Rode late of Letterkenny Twp, deceased, to Abraham Shearer of Southampton Twp. Whereas patent bearing date Nov 22, 1785, land was granted to Robert Machon situated in Letterkenny Twp, containing 203 1/2 acres, called "Greenfield". Robert Machon & wife Mary, by deed dated May 15, 1787, convey to John Rode, Sr. Henry Rode and John Rode exec. of' John Rode convey to Michael Shearer Oct 9, 1815. Michael Shearer and Marv' his wife, convey to John Rode Jr. Oct. 9, 1815. OC C, p217 Aug 9, 1830. Orphans' Court. Petition of Robert Robeson and Michael Groce, adm of Abraham Shearer of Letterkenny Twp, deceased, was read setting forth that the sd Abraham Shearer died intestate leaving a widow Mary and four children: John, Eliza, Rebeckah and Abraham, who are yet minors. Plantation in Letterkenny Twp Neighbors: Heirs of John Nevins, heirs of William Reed, Jacob Rohra, heirs of John Wesley and John Winger, 200 acres. DB 16, p 99 Nov 17, 1831. Deed. David Washbaugh, sheriff of Franklin County to Joseph Shearer of same. Patent dated Feb 11, 1775 to William McClelland Jr for land in Fannett Twp, and by him conveyed to William Elliott Apr 4, 1783. DB 18, p 709 May 22, 1835. Deed. James Elliott and wf Isabella to Samuel Shearer, all of Metal Twp. Land in Metal Twp DB 19, p 146 Aug 4, 1838. Deed. John Greager of Mifflin Twp, Cumberland County, to Daniel Shearer of Franklin. Land in Loudon. OC D, p 386 August term of Court, 1841, Orphan's Court. Petition of Jeremiah Cover states that Simon Shearer , late of Letterkenny, died intestate, leaving seven children: Joseph Shearer, Elizabeth wife of Jeremiah Coover Lydia Shearer, Samuel Shearer, Henry Shearer, Reuben Shearer, and Mary Ann Shearer. Said Samuel and Henry are minors and have no guardian. Reuben and Mary Ann and also minors, first of who Joseph Shearer is guardian, and second of whom Solomon Creamer is guardian. OC D, p 403 Oct 1841. Orphans' Court. Return of inquisition on the estate of Simon Shearer of Letterkenny Twp, deceased, was confirmed by the court. Joseph Shearer for himself and Reuben Shearer , his ward, Jeremiah Cover in right of his wife and Solomon Creamer guardian of Samuel Shearer , Henry Shearer and Mary Ann Shearer plus Lydia Shearer in her own right, severally appeared in open court and refused to take the property at the valuation and desired that the same should be sold. Two tracts in Letterkenny Twp bounding Abraham Rohra, Solomon Creamer, Christian Myers, James Kell and others. 130 acres and 148 perches. Above land sold to Joseph Cramer for $18.10 per acre, total $2387.84. (p420) WB E, p 11 Oct 12, 1842. Will of Jacob Shearer of Path Valley, written Sep 28, 1842. Wife Barbara Elizabeth, sons Jacob, Elias, George, Amos, Frederick. Dau: Catherine and her children, children of daughter Susanna, Polly, and Martha E. Exec: Sons Jacob and Elias. Wit: Joseph Brown, Henry Kunsman. WB E, p 49. August Court, 1844. Petition of Michael Shearer, one of the heirs and the son of Michael Shearer, late of Hamilton Twp. Michael (senior) died August 1842 leaving 4 children and one daughter dead. Gideon Shearer of Huntingdon County, Elizabeth wife of Jacob Leedy of Huntingdon county, Lydia wife of George Houser of Path Valley and Michael. Rebecca who was married to James McHenry and who died before her father leaving issue one son, Solomon McHenry of Chambersburg. Land in Hamilton Twp. DB 21, p 125 Mar 22, 1848. Deed. Henry M. Liniger and wf Rebecca of Orrstown to Henry Shearer of Letterkenny Twp. House and Lot #10 in Orrstown. DB 22, p 536 Oct 9, 1849. Power of Attorney, Susanna Shearer of Ashland County, OH, to John B. Hassler of the same place. DB 22, p 538 Nov 7, 1849. Release from John B. Hassler, attorney in fact of Susannah Shearer, Admrx of Solomon Shearer, late of Richland County, OH, deceased to Jonathan Shearer, surviving executor of Peter Shearer, late of Franklin County. DB 28, p 163 Mar 13, 1854. Deed. Henry Shearer and wf Catherine Ann of Orrstown to Jacob Wise of same. Land in Lurgan Twp. WB F, p 160 11 Mar 1856. Will of Samuel Shearer, Metal Twp, written 25 Jan 1866. Sisters Mary, Margaret; Brother John and Michael; wife Catherine. Exec: Charles Campbell and brother Michael; Wit: Jesse M. Jones, George Coons, John Witherow. WB G, p 73 12 Jan 1865. Will of Maria Barbara Elizabeth Shearer, Fannett Twp, written 20 Sep 1864. My late husband Jacob Shearer; five sons Jacob, Frederick A., Elias, Amos A, and George W; daughter Polly; Mariah Brandt. Exec: George W. Shearer. Wit: Samuel R. Gilbert, William A. West. WB G, p 241 23 Oct 1867. Will of Jacob Shearer, Metal Twp, written 24 Jun 1867. Wife Agnes to support my afflicted daughter Mariah Elizabeth; son George W; daughters Josephine and Annie; son Jacob F. Exec: brother George W. Wit: William A. West, Elias Shearer. WB G, p 242 25 Oct 1867. Noncupative will of Catherine Ann Shearer of Orrstown who died 26 Aug 1867. William H. Blair, Esq, being called said that on the 20th day of June 1867, Dr. Maxwell Kennedy and he were in her house in her sick room, (she) said she wanted to make her will and that she wanted the money coming from her father's estate to go to her husband Henry Shearer and at his death to her children, also gravestones were to be to the graves of her deceased children. WB G, p 316 21 Dec 1868. Will of Mary Shearer, Letterkenny Twp, wirtten 24 May 1856. Four children: son John, daughters Elizabeth wife of Jeremiah Killinger, Rebecca wife of Stephen Killinger and son Abraham. Exec: Son Abraham. Wit: William H. Morris, John E. Maclay. WB G, p 373. 10 Sep 1869. Will of Peter Shearer, Fannett Twp, wirtten 20 Jan 1869. Wfe (not named); son McGinley. Exec: Sons Jonah E, and John M. Wit: Elias Shearer, William A. Shields. WB G, p 151 Apr 7, 1875. Will of Catherine Shearer of Fannett Township proven. Will written Jul 16, 1874. Legatees: adopted daughter Catherine Krouse, sister Nancy Krouse, sister Hannah Krouse, sister Margaret Coons, brother George Krouse; Agnes Bair, niece Margaret Krouse, Cathrine Boggs, daughter of brother George. Exec: John W. Stitt. Witness: Wm H. Mackey. WB K, p 166 Apr 3, 1885. Will of William Shearer of Fannett Twp, written Jun 15, 1881. Wife Amy. Sons Denton O., John P., Samuel A. Daus: Margaret I. Colb, Susan A. Wolff. Grandchildren Annie and William, children of Samuel A. Exec: Denton O. and John P. Wit: James McEnespy, John A. Elder. [According to "Biographical Annals of Franklin County" page 611, William Shearer was born near Strasburg 1809, son of Christopher Shearer and Ôan English wife'. He married Emma Neil, daughter of David Neil of Path Valley, 12 May 1837. She was born 12 Mar 1812, died 21 Apr 1898. Children Samuel, Denton O., Margaret who married William F. Kolb and Susan A. who married Daniel Wolff, merchant and postmaster of Spring Run, and John. ] WB K, p 195 10 Jun 1885. Will of Elias Shearer, Fannett Twp, will written 2 Aug 1883. Wife Eliza, Son William C, daughters Maria E, Catherine A, Margaret I, Sarah A, Mary I, Larue B and Clarissa E. Exec: Son William C. Wit: John H. Witherow, M.P. Hammond. WB K, p 277 10 Dec 1885. Eliza Shearer, widow, Fannett Twp. will written 2 Jul 1885. Daughter Catherine A. Rummell, granddaughter Eliza Rummel; son William C; daughters Sarah A. Bair, Clara E. Shetter, Maria E. Barclay, Margaret I. Everett, Mary J. Garver, Larue B. Hammon. Exec: Son William C. Wit: John A. Elder, John H. Witherow. WB O, p 48 4 Feb 1897. Will of John P. Shearer, Fannett Twp., written 22 Sep 1896. For her kind care, nursing, etc to my sister Susan A. Wolf; my niece Elizabeth A. Wolf; nephew John Shearer Wolf, sister Margaret I. Kolb; nephew John Waldo Shearer; brother in law Daniel Wolf; wife Lauretta J. Shearer. two children Amy Ruth Jewll and Marjorie. Exec: D.O. Shearer. Wit: W.H. Shearer, Daniel Wolf. WB P, p 485 25 Oct 1901. Will of Peter Shearer, Barbara Shearer, Christena Shearer and Elizabeth Shearer of Peters Township, dated Jul 16, 1891. All own, in common, a tract of land in Peters Township. Executor: Friend and relation George N. Stenger