Abstract of the Will of James [Jacob] Delplanck of Oley Township, Berks1 County,
Pennsylvania. Original research on the identity of Jacob Shaffer’s first wife was done by Joseph
Nielson. Footnotes by Scott R. Jenkins, [email protected] or
[email protected]
“Delplanck, James2, Oley3. Signed 29 May 1758, recorded 10 May 1760.4
To son Frederick, the 514 acres of land in Maxatawny5, bought of Peter Wentz, and
to pay to my dau. Catherine Scheffer6 £2007.
To dau. Mary Keim £200.
To dau. Susanna, the 100 acres of land where I live and 100 acres of woodland thereto
joining. Wife to have the use of it until dau. is of age.
To wife Mary Catherine, the money, Bonds, Notes, etc.
Remainder equally divided when Susanna is of age.
Exrs8: wife Mary Catherine and son Frederick. Wit9: Conrad Preiss, Christian Kuntzy.”
1
- Berks County, Pennsylvania was settled by immigrants from Germany, including Shaffers and Delaplanks.
- “James” is a variation of the name “Jacob” and is equivalent to “Jakob” in the German language.
3
- Oley township, Berks County where Jacob Delaplank lived is located a few miles from Maxatawny township,
Berks County, Pennsylvania where Jacob Shaffer lived. See http://usgwarchives.org/maps/pa/county/berks/usgs/
4
- This is probably the date the Will was probated in Court, following Jacob’s death.
5
- Jacob Shaffer owned an interest in 175 acres of land in Maxatawny (See Indenture of August 15, 1767)
6
- “daughter Catherine Scheffer” is Catherine Delaplank Shaffer. The phonetic spelling “Scheffer” probably
reflected the German pronunciation of the surname Shaffer.
7
- Catherine and Jacob Shaffer signed a release in February, 1761 acknowledging receipt of this devise of £200 and
delivered it to Frederick Delaplank, Catherine’s brother, who was an executor of the estate
8
- meaning “Executors” – those responsible to distribute the property under the Will.
9
- meaning “Witnesses” – those who observed Jacob sign the Will.
2