JOHN NICHOLAS YAPLE Born 1764

The last Will and Testament of John Nicholas Yaple of the town of Middletown in the County of Delaware and State of New York.-

I John Nicholas Yaple considering the uncertainty of this mortal life, and being of sound mind and memory (blessed be the mighty God for the same) do make and publish this my last Will and Testament in manner as follows: -- that is to say.-

First: I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Catharine Yaple the exclusive use of all my lands and Real estate of every description which I shall possess at the time of my decease.

Item - I give and divide unto my Grand children all my lands and real estate aforesaid after the death of my said wife to be divided in manner following - (that is to say) - To my son John Yaple one equal seventh part - To my daughter Annah A. Dixon ( wife of Jacob I. Dixon) one equal seventh part. - To my daughter Eunice Barlow Wife of Charles Barlow one equal seventh part. - To my daughter Sally W. Tremper ( wife of Benjamin Tremper) one equal seventh part. - To my grandchildren, the children of my deceased daughter Helana Shaver (late wife of Adam Shaver Jun.) one equal seventh part. - To my Grandson, the child of my deceased daughter Susannah Barlow (late wife of Charles Barlow), one equal seventh part. - And to my Grand children, the children of my son Peter Yaple, one equal seventh part.

Item—I give and bequeath all my personal property to the same, to be divided, in the same manner and at the same time, as my above mentioned Real Estate.

Item-I give and bequeath unto my son Peter Yaple one dollar, to be paid to him at the time of my decease.

And I do hereby constitute and appoint my said oldest son John Yaple, and said son-in-law Charles Barlow sole executors of this my last Will and Testament, In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal the twenty third day of February, one thousand eight hundred and forty two.

John Nicholas Yaple

The above instrument consisting of one sheet was now here subscribed by John Nicholas Yaple in the presence of each of us and was at the same time declared by him to be his Last Will and Testament, and we at the same time at this request signed our names hereunto as attesting witnesses.

Cyrus Burr of Andes in Delaware County

Richard Akerly of Middletown, Delaware County

Delaware County

Surrogate Court

In the matter of the probate of the last will and testament of John Nicholas Yaple late of said county, deceased, as a will of Real and Personal Estate. Delaware County sc.

Cyrus Burr of the town of Andes in the county of Delaware being first duly sworn deposes and says that he saw the above named John Nicholas Yaple late of the town of Middletown in the county of Delaware, deceased, subscribe and execute the instrument now shown him and which purports to be the last will and testament of the said deceased and bears date the 23^rd day of February 1842 and that he heard the said Yaple, deceased, declare the same to be his last will and testament and that he, this deponent, together with Richard Akerly, the other subscribing witness subscribed their names as witnesses to said instrument at his request and at the time thereof, the said John Nicholas Yaple was of sound mind and memory, of full age to make said will, and not under any restraint.

Sworn and subscribed before me the 18^th day of March 1846.

Nelson K. Wheeler (?) Signed by: Cyrus Burr

Surrogate

Delaware County

Surrogate Court

In the matter of the probate of the last will and testament of John Nicholas Yaple late of said county, deceased, as a will of Real and Personal Estate. Delaware County sc.

Richard Akerly of the town of Middletown in the county of Delaware being first duly sworn deposes and says that he saw the above named John Nicholas Yaple late of the town of Middletown in the county of Delaware, deceased, subscribe and execute the instrument now shown him and which purports to be the last will and testament of the said John Nicholas Yaple and bears date the 23^rd day of February 1842 and that he heard the said Yaple declare the same to be his last will and testament and that he, this deponent, together with Cyrus Burr, the other subscribing witness subscribed their names as witnesses to said instrument at his request and at the time thereof, the said Yaple was of sound mind and memory, of full age to make said will, and not under any restraint.

Sworn and subscribed before me this 3^rd day of April 1846.

Nelson K. Wheeler (?) Signed by: Richard Akerly

Surrogate

I hereby certify that the foregoing is the record of the Last Will and Testament of John Nicholas Yaple late of the town of Middletown in the county of Delaware, deceased, duly proved as a will of Real and Personal Estate, and of the proofs and examinations in relation thereto taken in the Surrogates court of the county of Delaware,

April 3^rd 1846

Nelson K. Wheeler

Surrogate

This is what information we have gathered concerning John Nicholas Yaple.

John Nicholas Yaple was born Aug 1764 in Upper Milford, Northampton Co., PA. He married Catharine Akerley.

Their children were:

ABRAHAM H. YAPLE

Be it remembered that at a Surrogates Court held at the Surrogate office in Stamford in and for the County of Delaware on the 20^th day of Sept., 1878 the last will and testament of Abraham H. Yaple late of the town of Middletown in the county of Delaware, deceased was duly proved before Isaac H. Maynard, Surrogate of said county and was by said Surrogate adjudged valid and established as a will of real and personal estate and the same together with the proofs and examinations taken on ?? thereof are ?? to an order of the Surrogate here recorded to wit:

I Abraham H. Yaple of the town of Middletown in the County of Delaware and State of New York of the age of sixty eight years and upwards and being of sound mind and memory do make publish and declare this my last will and testament in manner following that is to say:

First - I will and direct that all my just debts and funeral charges be paid by my executors hereinafter named out of my personal property.

Second - I give devise and bequeath to my beloved wife Frances S. Yaple all of the rest and residue of my personal property after the payment of debts and funeral charges for her sale, use and benefit also the use of all my real estate during her natural life.

Third - I give and devise to my son Philip G. Yaple after the death of my wife all my real estate subject to the payment of the following legacies:

To my oldest daughter Hannah E. Prentis the sum of four hundred dollars. To my second daughter Ann Eliza J. Prentis the sum of four hundred dollars. To my third daughter Frances J. Redding the sum of four hundred dollars. And to my youngest daughter Augusta E. Gladson the sum of three hundred dollars and I direct that the above legacies be paid to my daughters by my son within one year after the death of my wife and I make the payment of the same a lien upon my real estate.

I hereby direct that in case any of my daughters should die before my wife and leave a child or children of her body that in that case the child or children take her share but should she leave no child or children then that her share shall be equally divided between her sisters.

Lastly - I hereby appoint my beloved wife Frances L. Yaple executor and my son Philip G. Yaple executor of this my last will and testament hereby revoking all former wills by me made. In witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name this six day of November 1877.

A.H. Yaple S.S.

The foregoing instrument was at the date thereof subscribed by the said Abraham H. Yaple in our presence and he at the same time declared the same to be his last will and testament and requested us to sign our names as witnesses which we do in his presence.

Samuel P. Ives, Margaretville, Delaware Co., New York

Jeremiah Akerly, Margaretville, Delaware Co., New York

Delaware County - Surrogates Court

In the matter of the probate of the last will and testament of Abram H. Yaple last of said County, deceased, as a will of Real and Personal Estate.

Delaware County sc

Samuel P. Ives of the town of Middletown in the County of Delaware being sworn deposes that he saw the above named Abram H. Yaple, late of the town of Middletown in the County of Delaware, deceased, subscribe and execute the instrument shown him and which purports to be the last will and testament of the said Abram H. Yaple and bears date the 6^th day of November 1877 and that he heard the said Abram H. Yaple declare the same to be his last will and testament and that he, this deponent, together with Jeremiah Akerly the other subscribing witness subscribed his name as a witness to said instrument at his request and at the time thereof the said Abram H. Yaple was of sound mind and memory of full age to make said will and not under any restraint.

Samuel P. Ives

Sworn and subscribed before me this 20^th day of September 1878 - Isaac H. Maynard, Surrogate

Delaware County Surrogate Court

In the matter of the probate of the last will and testament of Abram H. Yaple late of said county, deceased, as a will of Real and Personal Estate.

Delaware County sc

Jeremiah Akerly of the town of Middletown in the county of Delaware, being sworn, deposes that he saw the above named Abram H. Yaple late of the town of Middletown in the county of Delaware, deceased, subscribe and execute the instrument shown him and which purported to be last will and testament of the said Abram H. Yaple and bears date the 6^th day of November 1877 and that he heard the said Abram H. Yaple declare the same to be his last will and testament and that he, this deponent, together with Samuel P. Ives, the other subscribing witness, subscribed his name as a witness to said instrument at his request and at the time thereof the said Abram H. Yaple was of sound mind and memory of full age to make said will and not under any restraint.

Jeremiah Akerly

Sworn and subscribed before me this 20^th day of September 1878 - Isaac H. Maynard, Surrogate

I Isaac H. Maynard, Surrogate of the County of Delaware do hereby certify that the foregoing is a correct copy of the whole of the probate of the last will and testament of Abram H. Yaple, deceased, together with the proofs and examinations taken on the probate thereof.

Isaac H. Maynard

Surrogate

CORNELIUS B. YAPLE

Be it Remembered, That at a Surrogate’s Court Held at the Surrogate’s Office in Stamford, in and for the County of Delaware on the 1^st day of May, 1884, the last Will and Testament of Cornelius B. Yaple late of the town of Middletown in the County of Delaware, deceased, was duly proved, before Daniel T. Arbuckle, Surrogate of said County, and was by said Surrogate adjudged valid, and established as a Will of real and personal Estate, and the same, together with the proofs and examinations taken on the probate thereof, are pursuant to an order of the Surrogate here recorded, to wit:

The last Will and testament of Cornelius B. Yaple of the town of Middletown, Delaware County and State of New York.

I Cornelius B. Yaple make this last will and testament as follows viz:

First: I direct that my debts and funeral expenses be paid out of my personal estate.

Second: I give and bequeath to my wife Mary Yaple all of my land, House, Barn and personal property that is on the land at my death and seventy dollars in money to be paid to her by my Executor yearly on the first of December in each year during her natural life for her use and benefit and to go to my heirs at her death and the rest of my personal property to be equally divided by my Executor between my sons Henry I. Yaple, Franklin Yaple and my daughter Ann Eliza Dumond, wife of John G. Dumond deducting from the shares of Henry I. Yaple, Franklin Yaple each the sum of $500 and from the share of my daughter Ann Eliza Dumond the sum of $1400, they each to share and share alike taking into consideration what they have had heretofore out of my Estate (Viz) Henry I. Yaple $500, Franklin Yaple $500 and Ann Eliza Dumond $1400.

Third: I direct that in case either of my sons or daughter should die previous to me that that the shares given them by me in this will be given to their heirs equally and according as stated in my second direction above mentioned.

Fourth: I hereby appoint my son Henry I. Yaple my sole Executor hereby revoking all wills heretofore made by me and direct that my son Henry I. See to my wife.

I witness whereof I have hereunto subscribe my name the 20^th day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighty.

Cornelius B. Yaple

The foregoing instrument was at the date thereof subscribed by the said Cornelius B. Yaple in our presence and he at the same time declared the same to be his last will and testament and requested us to sign our names as witness which we did in his presence.

Ozias S. Decker - Margaretville, Del. Co., NY

Jeremiah Akerly

DELAWARE COUNTY, ss

Ozias S. Decker Of the town of Roxbury in said County of Delaware, and Jeremiah Akerly of the town of Middletown in said county, being duly and severally sworn in open Court, do severally depose and say, that they were acquainted with Cornelius B. Yaple late of the town of Middletown in said County of Delaware, deceased in his life time, and are the subscribing witnesses to his last Will and Testament. That the said Cornelius B. Yaple did in the presence of these deponents, subscribe his name at the end of the instrument which is now shown to them and which purports to be the last will and testament of the said Cornelius B. Yaple and bears date the 20^th day of February 1880, and that the said Cornelius B. Yaple did at the time of subscribing his name to said instrument as aforesaid, declare the same to be his last Will and Testament, in the presence and hearing of these deponents, who did thereupon at his request and in his presence and in the presence of each other, subscribe their names at the end of the said Will as attesting witnesses thereto. That at the time thereof the said Cornelius B. Yaple was of sound mind and memory, of full age to make said Will, and not under any restraint.

Ozias S. Decker

Jeremiah Akerly

Sworn and subscribed this 1^st day of May 1884, before me.

Daniel T. Arbuckle, Surrogate

I, Daniel S. Arbuckle, Surrogate of the County of Delaware, do hereby certify that the foregoing is a correct copy of the whole of the probate of the last Will and Testament of Cornelius B. Yaple, deceased, together with the proofs and examinations taken on the probate thereof.

Daniel S. Arbuckle, Surrogate

FRANCES L. YAPLE

Be it remembered, that at a Surrogate’s Court, held at the Surrogate’s Office in Stamford, in and for the County of Delaware on the 28^th day of Dec., 1883, the last Will and Testament of Frances L. Yaple late of the town of Middletown in the County of Delaware, deceased, was duly proved, before Isaac H. Maynard, Esq., Surrogate of said County, and was by said Surrogate adjudged valid, and established as a Will of real and personal Estate, and the same, together with the proofs and examinations taken on the probate thereof, are pursuant to an order of the Surrogate here recorded, to wit:

I Frances L. Yaple of the town of Middletown in the County of Delaware and State of New York of the age of seventy three years and upwards, and being of sound mind and memory do make, publish and declare this my last Will and Testament in manner following, that is to say:

First: I will and direct that all my just debts and funeral charges be paid by my Executor, hereinafter named, out of my property.

Second: In consideration of the last will and testament of my husband, Abraham H. Yaple, dated the 6^th day of November 1877 wherein he gave to my daughters more than he ought and did not give my son, Philip G. Yaple, as much as he ought, in consideration of his work and labor for us and the money that he had earned teaching school, which my husband had had of him, I do therefore give, devise and bequeath all of my property which I may have at the time of my death, both real and personal, subject to the first clause of this my last will and testament, to my son, Philip G. Yaple, for his sole use and benefit.

Lastly: I appoint Philip G. Yaple, my son, sole executor of this my last will and testament, hereby revoking all other and former wills by me made.

In witness whereof I have hereto set my name and seal the sixteenth day of July 1878.

Frances L. Yaple

X (mark)

The foregoing instrument was at the date hereof subscribed by the said testatrix, Frances L. Yaple, in our presence and she at the same time declared the same to be her last will and testament and requested us to sign our names as witnesses which we do in her presence.

Samuel P. Ives, residing at Margaretville, Delaware County-NY

Edwd. L. O’Connor, residence at Margaretville, Del. Co., NY

DELAWARE COUNTY, ss

Samuel P. Ives at the town of Middletown in said County of Delaware, and Edward L. O’Connor of the town of Middletown in said County, being duly and severally sworn in open Court, do severally depose and say, that they were acquainted with Frances L. Yaple late of the town of Middletown in said county of Delaware, deceased, in her life time, and are the subscribing witness to her last Will and Testament. That the said Frances L. Yaple did in the presence of these deponents, subscribe her name at the end of the instrument which is now shown to them and which purports to be the last will and testament of the said Frances L. Yaple and bears date the 16^th day of July, 1878, and that the said Frances L. Yaple did at the time of subscribing her name to said instrument as aforesaid, declare the same to be her last Will and Testament, in the presence and hearing of these deponents, who did thereupon at here request and in her presence and in the presence of each other, subscribe their names at the end of the said Will as attesting witnesses thereto. That at the time thereof the said Frances L. Yaple was of sound mind and memory, of full age to make said Will, and not under any restraint.

Samuel P. Ives

E.E.O’Connor

Sworn and subscribed this 28^th day of Dec., 1883, before me.

Isaac H. Maynard, surrogate

I, Isaac H. Maynard, Surrogate of the County of Delaware, do hereby certify that the foregoing is a correct copy of the whole of the probate of the last Will and Testament of Frances L. Yaple, deceased, together with the proofs and examinations taken on the probate thereof.

Isaac H. Maynard, Surrogate

PHILLIP YAPLE

In the name of God, Amen. I Phillip Yaple of the Town of Middletown in the County of Delaware, being mindful of my mortality do this 24^th day of February in the year of Our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty five make and publish this my last Will and Testament in manner following:

First: I give and bequeath unto my son - Henry Yaple, the sum of eighty nine dollars.

I give and bequeath unto my son - Samuel Yaple the sum of two hundred and fifty two dollars.

I give and bequeath unto my daughter - Rachel Smith wife of Samuel Smith two hundred and fifty two dollars.

I give and bequeath unto my daughter - Mary Gunn wife of Samuel Gunn the sum of fifty two dollars.

I give and bequeath unto my grand children - Melissa Halcott wife of Richard Halcott, Merrick Akerly, Philip Akerly, Louisa Akerly and Jane Ann Ackerly each the sum of thirty one dollars.

All the above sums above bequeathed to be paid unto then respectively so soon as one year after the decease of myself and my wife Nelly shall have expired - and the above sum or sums are given and bequeathed over and above all advances of money or other things heretofore made to any or either of the above legatees - My son Abraham H. Yaple having given me a bond & mortgage for the sum of eight hundred dollars payable in one year after the decease of myself and wife. Said sum is calculated to pay the above legacies, he having this day conveyed to him by me the farm or real estate owned by me - Subject to a life lease of myself and my wife which I consider to be his share, and my executors hereinafter named are desired and requested to collect said bond/mortgage and pay the legatees as aforesaid. Also I give to my wife - Nelly Yaple all the rest and residue of my personal estate whatsoever and whensoever of what nature kind and quality ? the same may be and not herein before given and disposed of to and for her own use disposition use and benefit absolutely. And I do hereby constitute and appoint my trusty friends Samuel Akerly and William Sanford executors of this my Last Will and Testament hereby revoking all former wills by me made. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the 24^th day of February in the year 1845.

Philip Yaple

The above instrument of one sheet was at the date thereof declared to us by the testator Philip Yaple to be his Last Will and Testament and he then acknowledged to each of us that he had subscribed the same and us at his request sign our names hereto as attesting witness.

Edward I. ?Barhan? Residing in Roxbury, Delaware Co.

Isaac Birdsall residing in Middletown, Delaware Co.

CHRISTIAN YAPLES WILL

Be it remembered that at a Surrogate Court held at Delhi in & for the County of Delaware the 27th day of July 1855 the last Will and Testament of Christian Yaple late of Middletown in said county, deceased was duly proved before Wm. Gleason Surrogate of said county, said Will consisting of a principal or original part and of a codicil thereto; whereupon said will was declared valid and established as a Will of Real and Personal estate and the same consisting of said two parts together with the ... of 2 taken thereon are here recorded – viz. The last Will and Testament of Christian Yaple of Plattekill in the town of Middletown and County of Delaware and State of New York.

"I Christian Yaple considering the uncertainty of this mortal life and being of sound mind and memory Blessed be Almighty God for the same) do make and publish this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following that is to say:

First I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Anna Yaple during her life the use of all that visonage or tenement, situated lying and being in PlatteKill in the town of Middletown County of Delaware and State of New York, being the tenement that I now live on. Also I further give to my wife Anna Yaple during her life the use of all my household goods, bedsteds, bedding and other furniture and all the rest and residue of my personal estate whatsoever and wheresoever; of what kind and quality soever the same may be; and after her decease to be divided with my several children as herein stated;

I give and bequeath unto my eldest son, Jacob Yaple the sum of twenty five dollars.

And I further give and bequeath unto my young sons William Yaple, David Yaple, Henry C. Yaple, Christian Yaple, Jun., Cornelius B. Yaple, and my daughters Mary Dumond, Catherine Warren, Eleanor Wead, Rachael Northrup, and to the heirs of Jane Dumond, deceased, and to their heirs and assigned, all that visonage or tenement situated lying and being in PlattenKill in the town of Middletown in the county of Delaware and state of New York equally to be divided between them after the decease of my beloved wife Anna Yaple.

And as to all the rest residue and remainder of my personal estate goods and chattel of what kind & nature I own, I give and bequeath my said sons and daughters named William Yaple, David Yaple, Henry C. Yaple, Christian Yaple, Jun., Cornelius B. Yaple, Mary Dumond, Catharine Warren, Ellanor Wead, Rachael Northroup, and to the heirs of Jane Dumond, deceased, and to their heirs and assigns.

And I further give and bequeath to my daughters Mary Dumond, Catharine Warren, Ellanor Wead, and Rachael Northroup, after the death of my beloved wife Anna Yaple all of my beds and bedding.

And I do hereby appoint my son Cornelius B. Yaple and my trusty friend and son-in-law Cornelius Dumond executors of this my last will and testament.

And lastly my express will and ... is, and I do hereby order and appoint that if any difference ... question or controversy shall arise, be ensued, or happen concerning any gift, bequest, matter or thing in this my will given and bequeath expressed or contained, that there no suit or – in law or equity or otherwise shall be brought, commanded or prosecuted for and concerning the same .. the same shall be referred wholly to the award, order and determination of my friend William Sanford & Cornelius B. Delamater, both of the town of Middletown, and what they order, direct and determine shall be binding and can .. to all and every person and persons therein concerned.

In witness whereof I have hereunto put my hand and seal the eighth (8^th) day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand and eight hundred and forty one.

Christian Yaple

The above instrument consisting of one sheet was now here subscribed by Christian Yaple the testator, in the presence of each of us and was at the same time declared by him to be his last Will and Testament, and we at his request sign our names hereto as attesting witnesses.

Warren Dimmick, residing in Middletown, Delaware County

Mary Dimmick, residing in Middletown, Delaware County

Whereas I, Christian Yaple of the town of Middletown, County of Delaware have made my last Will and Testament in writing, bearing date the 8^th day of June in the year Eighteen Hundred and forty one, and have thereby bequeathed to my son Henry C. Yaple an interest (undivided?) in all that visonage or tenement situated lying and being in PlattenKill in the town and county aforesaid. Also I thereby bequeath to my said son Henry C. Yaple an undivided interest in all my personal estate goods & chattel – Now I do by this, my writing, which I hereby declare to be a codicil to my said will to be taken as a part thereof, do hereby order and declare that my wish is that only the sum of ten dollars be paid unto him, Henry C. Yaple, my son aforesaid in face of this said legacy I have as aforesaid given and bequeathed unto the said Henry C. Yaple. And lastly, it is my desire that this my present codicil be assigned to and made a part of my last Will and Testament to all intents and purposes. – In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this fourteenth day of October in the year Eighteen Hundred and forty four.

Christian Yaple

There are three letters testamentary, witnessing the will of Christian Yaple. These are very difficult to read, but may be added at a later date.

We will add more wills as we get them.

If anyone has any wills they would like posted here just email them to me and I will put them here for everyone.