WILL OF JOHANN PETER ROCKEFELLER OUR IMMIGRANT ANCESTOR

In the name of God—Amen: This sixth day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and sixty-three I Peter Rockefelder of the township of Amwell, County of Hunterdon and Western Division of the Province of New Jersey, yeom being of perfect health and sound of mind and memory blessed be God, do, in this my time of health make this my last will and testament writing in manner and form following, viz:

Item, I give and bequeath to my son William Rockafelt all my lands or plantation lying in Amwell Township, County of Hunterdon, New Jersey purchased of William Burtis, Samuel Green, and Justice Gonce Bounded South by Ezcal Rose's land, West by James Abits land, North by Peter Fisher's land, East by Noah Hixon's land, containing two hundred seventy and five acres of land be there more or less all the above described land with all thereunto appertaining or thereunto belonging I give to him the said William Rockafelt and his heirs and assigns forever, except a half acre where the Burying Place is. In consideration thereof the said William Rockafelt is to pay to my Executors hereafter named the sum of three hundred and twenty-five pounds of good and lawful money of the Province of New Jersey to be paid in four equal payments, the first payment to be paid in one year after my decease and one the year following the first payment and so yearly and every year till the above three hundred and twenty five pounds be paid.

Item, I give and bequeath to my son Peter Rockafelt the sum of ten pounds of good and lawful money of the Province aforesaid over and above his equal share of my moveable estate as my eldest son or heir at law above what shall hereafter be given him.

Item, I give unto my Son Peter Rockafelt one equal sixth part of all my moveable estate as also one equal sixth part of the three hundred and twenty-five pounds that my Son, William Rockafelt is to pay to my Executors for and in consideration of his having my Real Estate.

Item, I give to my daughter Mary Gatir one equal sixth of all my moveable estate as also one equal sixth part of the three hundred and twenty-five pounds that my son William is to pay in consideration of his having my Real Estate.

Item, I give to my daughter Ann Runk the one equal sixth part of all my moveable estate also one equal sixth part of the three hundred and twenty-five pounds that my son William is to pay to my Executors in consideration of his having my Real Estate.

Item, I give to my daughter Elizabeth Johnson one equal sixth part of all my moveable estate and also one equal sixth part of the three hundred and twenty-five pounds that my Son William is to pay to my Executors in consideration of his having my Real Estate. And, whereas my daughter Else Snuke is departed this life and left four children William, Ann, John and Peter I give to the above said Else Snuke's children one equal sixth part of my Personal Estate and also one sixth part of the three hundred and twenty-five pounds that my Son William is to pay to my Executors in consideration of his having my Real Estate to be equally divided amongst my daughter Else Snuke's four children or so many of them as shall live to come of age, the sons at the age of twenty-one and the daughter at the age of eighteen till which time their share or part is to be put out at interest and the money paid them as they come of age.

And, whereas, my daughter Catherine has married that orban or so very ill that she cannot live with him my will is that my Executors hereafter named should keep one equal sixth part of all my moveable estate and also one sixth part of the three hundred and twenty pounds that my son William is to pay to my Executors in their hands to-wards maintaining my daughter Cristane and apply it for her support or maintainence as long as she lives and after her decease, if any remains, the remaining part to be equally divided amongst my children.

But if it so happen that my said daughter Cristeen should live after the said sixth part was expended my will is that all my children should equally contribute toward her support. And I do appoint my son Peter Rockefelt and Philip Peters Executors of this my last will and testament and I do hereby revoke all former wills by me made and do acknowledge this to be my last will and testament.

In Witness whereof I Peter Rockefelt have set my hand and seal the day and year first above mentioned.

PETER ROCKENFELLER (Seal)

WILLIAM ABIT
JOHN GARRISON
Witnesses.