Hello - when I started this I had the intention of posting something once a day but then my world turned upside down - I adopted a golden retriever who is finally getting used to me being on the comp…

Hello - when I started this I had the intention of posting something once a day but then my world turned upside down - I adopted a golden retriever who is finally getting used to me being on the computer. It is too hot to be outside so I am in here working on the blog.

My interest in the Wolfords are in this country only. My old friend the late Jon Wohlford had some research on them from Europe and I will include that but not here at this time. I am starting off with my 5th great grandfather Johannes Wolford who was born about 1695 in Switzerland (?) He and his wife Anna Maria Agatha (some people think her maiden name was Zimmerman) came to Philadelphia on the ship Friendship arriving 3 September 1739. They appear to have lived in Bucks Co. He bought land in Tulpehocken Twp Berks Co in 1749 near the town of Rehersburg. He died here in 1751/52. His will is dated 22 March 1749/50. His will is full of flowery language of the day, being translated from the "Original Dutch into the English Tongue by John Hover."

The will mentions his wife Mary Agatha and she received 1/3 share of his whole estate plus "30 pounds of Pennsylvania lawful currency and her dwelling seat and abode on my plantation as long as she does not remarry."

Second it says his 6 children shall have equal shares except his youngest son, John George Philip shall have 5 pounds more of Pennsylvania lawful currency in case his mother dies before he is 12 years of age. . (Note John George Philip, commonly referred to as Philip or sometimes Philip I born 1743 had as his guardian Conrad Weiser. Philip eventually moved to West Manheim Twp. York Co PA and married Catherine Kraemer.. They are my 4th great grandparents.)

The will does not mention the other children by name (more about them in the next post) The will just says his sons get 24 pounds lawful Pennsylvania currency and the daughters get 21.

He appointed Sebastian Stone and Godfried Rohrer to be his executors ( It is interesting that here his name is John Welfare. Wolford or Wohlfart translated to English is Welfare. His signature is Johannes Wollfart.

More next time