Will of James Campsey (1772 - 1851)

The following is the transcribed will of James Campsey, recorded in Donegal Township, Washington County, Pennsylvania on 13 December 1847. Three witnesses signed the original on Christmas day of that same year. This will seems to indicate that James Campsey became a fairly well to do American. He willed $1400 to his oldest son, $1300 to his second son, $1400 to his third son (Joseph), $1400 to his fourth son, $1400 to his daughter.

I received the transcript from Ms. Regina Gray who obtained it from Mr. Jim Miller of Claysville, Pennsylvania, sometime in early 2000. Ms. Gray sent me a copy of her transcription via email on 16 April 2000.

The last will and testament of James Campsey, senior of Donnagall Township, Washington County State of Pennsylvania. I James Campsey, senior considering the uncertainity of this mortal life and being of sound mind and memory and blessed be almighty God for the same do make and publish this my last will and testament and manner and form following that is to say first I give and bequeath to my oldest son Willaim Campsey the sum of fourteen hundred dollars for payment of which he has received a Deed of Conveyance from me for a tract of land adjoining lands of Joseph Hayburn, Benjamin Anderson and others. Containing one hundred and twenty acres more or less in full payment of the afforesaid bequeathment. 2nd I give and bequeath to my second son John Campsey the sum of thirteen hundred dollars all of which the said John Campsey has received from me through the hands of George McConahey in full payment of said bequeathment. 3rd I give and bequeath to my third son Joseph Campsey fourteen hundred dollars all of which he has received in cash from me and obligation on David Sights which is in full of and full payments to him the said Joseph Campsey. 4th I give to my fourth son James Campsey the sum of fourteen hundred dollars all of which he has received from me in full of the bequeathment. 5th I give and bequeath to my only daughter Rebecca McConahey fourteen hundred dollars all of which she has been paid in full of said bequeathment. 6th as to all the rest residue and remainder of my estate mixed or other wise chattles whatsoever kind I give and bequeath the same to my fourth son James Campsey whom I have appointed sole Exceutor of this my last Will and testament hereby revoking all former Wills by me made. 7th and lastly it is my Will should James Campsey my fourth son die before he receives the sixth and last bequest the aforesaid his heirs shall receive the same. In witness where of I have here unto set my hand and seal this 13th day of December in the year of our lord one thousand eight hundred and forty seven 1847. James Campsey

Signed sealed and published by the above named James Campsey to be his last Will and testament in presence of who at his request and in his presence have signed our names as witnesses this 25th day of December 1847

Thomas Miller

John ________

James Miles

Washington County PA but remember that on 22 day of November at 1851 before me Squire Odel Squier Register for the probate of wills and granting of letters of Administration in and for said County came James Miller and John Cit_zell the subscribing witnesses to the foregoing Will of James Campsey deceased after being duly qualified Depose and say that they were present and saw the testor Execute said Will and that they heard him publish pronounce and declare the same to be as and for his last Will and testament and that they at his request and in his presence and in the presence of each other subscribed their names as witnesses there unto and at the time of his so doing he was of sound mind memory and understanding to the best of their knowledge obsevation and belief sworn to and subscribed before me

James Miller

Odel Squier Register

John Cit_zell