Actual Court Documents 1821-1844
THE FIRST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF ROBERT FINNEY
dated September 11, 1821....unprobated
In the name of God, Amen. I, Robert Finney of the Township of Mead and the County of Crawford, in the State of Pennsylvania, Farmer being, through divine goodness of a sound and disposing mind; yet feeling the infirmities of advanced age and knowing that, in the order of the course of nature, I cannot expect to be continued long in this world; and wishing, Ante I have the expression of my mental faculties to make such apportionment of the property, which God, in his merciful providence has been pleased to bestowe upon me, as will seem most equitable and advantageous to my posterity, I now make and execute this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following viz.
lnfinis. Committing my precious and immortal soul to my blessed Redeemer in whom is all my hope, I devise that, on my demise my mortal remains may be decently interred, that my funeral traps and all my lawful debts may be paid as soon as particular.
Item. As to all my estate, personal and real, which I may leave, it is my will that the same be sold. Whomsoever my administrator, herein after named shall think it for the welfare of my descendents and the avails put into a productive state, at the discretion of my administrators.
Item. From the avails of my worthy estate when sold, it is my will that five hundred dollars be paid to my daughter, Jennett Mead, widow of the late General Mead and that five hundred dollars be paid to my son James Finney and the residue, after paying these legacies and all my lawful debts, be put at interest and so kept for the sole benefit of my eleven grandchildren, viz. The children of my daughter Jennet Mead, viz. Robert, Catherine, Jane, Alexander and Maria, and the children of my son James Finney, viz. Jane, Robert, Wilson, Joseph, Sarah and David Mead, and that the due an exact proportion be paid to these my grandchildren as they come of age, by my administrators, from the above mentioned avails. Here I would add, that it is my pretentious desire that my son James Finney would vest the legacy of five hundred dollars to him bequeathed in some real estate, there he may with prudence be comfortable and have a home for himself and his children should they find it convenient to live with their father.
Further, should I in my life time sell my estate or any part of it, it is my will that the same distribution should be made of it as before specified.
Lastly, I appoint my daughter, the widow Jennet Mead of the township of Mead, Thomas Atkinson (Colonel) and William MacArthur, Esquires, of Meadville, my sole administrators on all the estate I may leave, both real and personal, enjoining it for them to make the disposal of the same for the benefit of my portenty in the manner and form specified in this my last will and testament, paying themselves reasonably from the estate for their care and attention to the same.
In testimony whereof I have this eleventh day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty one set my hand and seal.
ROBERT FINNEY (seal) Signed, marked and sealed and delivered in the presence of us the undersigned:
Timothy Alden, Elder Hutchinson and Rebecca Hutchinson (her mark)
2nd WILL
IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ROBERT FINNEY
LATE OF CRAWFORD COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA -
LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT
Published February 2, 1824
Last Will and Testament of Robert Finney, Dec'd Know all Men to all persons to whome these presents shall come Greeting Know that I Robert Finney of the County of Crawford and the State of Pennsylvania being of sound mind and due discretion Do make ordain and constitute and appoint this to be my last will and testament, hereby revoking and making Null and Void all and any or every will or Wills heretofore by me made in the same form as they were made or as if they never had been made I do hereby make constitute and, appoint Doctor Daniel Bemus Catherine Mead and Robert Mead to be executors of this my Last will and testament. My executors will sell so much of my real or personal Estate as will pay my Expences so far as regards my funeral expence, doctors, Physicians and any other debts that I now owe or may owe at my death.
I do hereby and by these presents give divide and bequeath to my said Executors all my property real personal and mixed to sell; they shall divide the proceeds as follows:
1st pay to the North Western Bank of Pennsylvania the amount lately due by my Daughter Jennett Mead now deceased or by her legal representatives, they will then divide the surplus that may remain after all just expences having paid into two moieties or half parts one of which shall be paid to the heirs or Legal representatives of the said Jennett Mead deceased or to the survivor or survivors of them or either of them in equal parts each to each, the other shall be paid to heirs or Legal representatives of my son James Finney by his wife now Deceased or to the survivor or survivors of them or either of them in equal parts each to each.
ROBERT FINNEY (seal)
Signed sealed pronounced and published in presence of us this second day of February 1824
SIMEON DUNHAM
THOMAS FREW
WILL BOOK A p.41
REGISTERS DOCKET BOOK A p. 229
Crawford County, Pennsylvania
IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ROBERT FINNEY
LATE OF CRAWFORD COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA -
Published February 24, 1824
To all to whom these presents may come, Greeting. Whereas I ROBERT FINNEY of the Township of Mead, County of Crawford and the State of Pennsylvania, am seized in my demesne as offer of and in certain part or piece of Land, containing of Indentures more or less situate in the township, County and State aforesaid Bounded in the North by Land of Edward A. Reynolds, west by land of Sarah Mead, deceased, and French Creek, South by and Lot of James White and Land of Samuel Lord and East by lands of James Harrington - And whereas also my daughter JENNET MEAD, late of this place, a prepaid owed, and her Administrators now owe to the NORTHWESTERN BANK of PENNSYLVANIA at Meadville, a certain sum of money amounting to SIX HUNDRED DOLLARS OR MORE and whereas I myself am also indebted to several persons in diverse sums of money - Now, know Ye that I the said ROBERT FINNEY for the purpose of discharging the aforesaid mentioned DEBTS, to wit, of my said daughter JENNET MEAD, deceased, & my own Have constituted and appointed and by these do constitute and appointing GRANDSON ROBERT MEAD, my true and lawful attorney, giving unto him my said Attorney full power and authority for me and in my name to seal, sign, execute and deliver all such deed or deeds for the Absolute Sale and conveyance of such part or parts, quantity or quantities of my Land as aforesaid as he my said attorney full power and authority to lease my forementioned Land to such person or persons, in such manner, for any length of time not exceeding five years, and issuing for the same such as he my said attorney may think fit and expedient; giving unto him my said attorney full power and authority to transact all business relative to my Lands and Debts as aforesaid for me in such manner, as if I myself were personally prepared and able, might do or could do. Hereby satisfying and confirming all such deed or deeds once absolute conveyances for the SALE OF MY LANDS aforesaid. And all such lease or leases limited as aforesaid as he my attorney make _________. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this Twenty fourth day of February Anno Domini One thousand eight hundred and Twenty four. The words "DEBTS" being underlined before signing-
ROBERT FINNEY (seal)
Signed, sealed and delivered
in the presence of
JAMES WHITE
B. C. OSBURN
Whereas I, Robert Finney of the Township of Mead, County of Crawford and State of Pennsylvania am seized in my demesne as offer of land in a certain tract or piece of land containing two hundred acres, more or less, situate in the Township, County and State mentioned aforesaid bounded on the North by land owned by E.A. Reynolds, ____ ____ by land by the heirs of Jennett Mead, deceased, and French Creek, south by and lot of James White and lands of Samuel Lord and east by lands of James Herriott—and whereas ___ ___daughter , Jennett Mead, late of this place ____ ____ and her administrator ____ give to the Northwestern Bank of Pennsylvania a certain form of money amounting to six hundred dollars or more. And whereas, I myself am also indebted to several persons in various sums of money. Now know ye that I said Robert Finney for the purpose of discharging the aforesaid mentioned debts, to wit, my said daughter, Jennett Mead, deceased, and my own have constituted and appointed my grandson, Robert Mead my true and lawful attorney giving unto him full power and authority for me and in my name to seal, sign, execute and deliver all such . . . etc., etc.
Signed, Robert Finney
Witnessed by James White and B. C. Osborn
Before me, Thomas Atkinson (administrator of the first will), a justice of peace in _____ County, _______ came James White, one of the subscribing _______ to the foregoing instrument of writing, who being duly qualified doth ____ and say that he was present when Robert Finney signed, sealed and . . . etc., etc.
Sworn and subscribed before me the 20th day of July 1824.
Signed, James White
Notice in the Crawford Messenger on April 5, 1827
Sheriff’s Sales: By virtue of sundry writs of Vendirioni Exponas, issued out of the Court of Common Pleas of Crawford County and to me directed will be exposed to public sale at the Meadville Court House on Monday the 9th day of April next. All that certain piece or parcel of land, situate in Mead township, known by the name of Rocky Spring tract, supposed to contain 200 acres, more or less, being the residue of a larger tract, granted to Robert Finney by letters patent, bearing the date of February 3, 1813 which patent is recorded in the records of Crawford County, Book D. page 219, which tract originally contained 279 acres of land more or less, out of which has been sold the following pieces—10 acres to the Alleghany College, 19 acres to J. Herrington, and 75 acres to Jennett Mead, which 75 acres are to be selected from each part or parts as her or her assigns may think proper—Seized and taken in execution as the property of Robert Finney.
Hugh Brawley, Sheriff
LOTT DUNHAM FILES SUIT AND JAMES FINNEY REPLIES IN APRIL, 1827
MEADVILLE, CRAWFORD COUNTY PA
In the COURT of COMMON PLEAS of CRAWFORD COUNTY of April Term, 1827
James Finney, late of said county known and way attached to answer Lott Dunham and Catherine Dunham of a plea of trespass in the case vs. and whereupon the said Lott Dunham & Catherine Dunham by David Derickson, their attorney complained, that whereas on this 25th day of July in the year of our Lord 1824 at the county aforesaid a certain discourse was had and moved by and between the said Lott P. Dunham & Catherine Dunham, and the said James Finney of and concerning a certain instrument of writing, purporting to be the Testament and Last Will of a certain Robert Finney, late of the county aforesaid, deceased upon which said discourse the said Lott P. and Catherine did then and thus affirm that the said instrument of writing was the last will and testament of the said Robert Finney, Deceased, which said affirmation of the said Lott P. and Catherine the said James Finney did then and there deny: and thereupon the said James Finney to wit: The same day and year aforesaid, at the county aforesaid, in consideration that the said Lott P. and Catherine at the special instance and request of said James Finney had paid to the said JAMES, the SUM OF ONE DOLLAR, upon himself did assume, and then and thus faithfully promised to said Lott P. and Catherine to pay them the sum of one dollar, if the said instrument of writing was the last will and testament of the said Robert Finney, deceased; And the said Lott P. and Catherine do avow that the said instrument of writing in the day and year aforesaid, was the will and testament of the said Robert Finney, Deceased, to wit, at the county aforesaid, whereof the said James Finney then and thus had notice. Nevertheless, the said JAMES, HIS PROMISE AND UNDERTAKING aforesaid not regarding, but continuing to deceive the said Lott P. & Catherine, the said SUM OF ONE DOLLAR (although to do the same, the said James afterwards to wit, the same day and year aforesaid at the county aforesaid was required), but the same TO PAY hath hitherto refused, still doth refuse, to bring damage to Lott P. & Catherine Dunham and therefore THEY BRING SUIT.
signed DAVID DERICKSON, ATTY.
JAMES FINNEY REPLY TO DUNHAM SUIT
(April, 1827 Term)
And the said James Finney by his attorney, T.J. Fox Alden, comes and defends the force (?) and injury when de (defendant?) and (saith) that the will and true it is; that the said defendant upon himself and upon in manner of form as the said plaintiff, against him hath declared: But the said defendant further saith, that the said plaintiffs then action aforesaid against him ought not to have or maintain because he saith the said instrument of writing is the said declaration mentioned, purporting to be the last will and testament of the said Robert Finney, deceased, is not the last will and testament of the said Robert Finney as by the said declaration is supposed and he puts himself on the county.
T.J. Fox Alden, Attorney for the defendant
The Court at the request of the Caveator Decree & Direct an issue to the Court of Common Pleas of Crawford County to try whether the said paper writing to be the last will & Testament of the said Robert Finney, Dec 'd, that Lot P. Dunham & Catherine his wife, late CATHERINE MEAD, be Plf & JAMES FINNEY, dfdt. - on the issue devisavit vel non, to enter and docketed as of April Term 1827
JAMES COCHRAN, Register
James Cochran, Register for the granting letters of Administration in and for Crawford County, on the third day of July, 1827 called a meeting in his office,
"having received information from James Finney, that Robert Finney... lately died... made in writing his last Will and Testament, and appointed you, DANIEL BEMUS, CATHERINE MEAD DUNHAM, to be Executors. Therefore at the instance of said JAMES FINNEY and his attorney, T.J.F. ALDEN...each of you to appear... on Wednesday the Eleventh day of July, then and there to make probate of said will (if any such exists) and take out letters testamentary thereon according to Law, or Renounce your right and title to such executorship, that administration with the will of the said Robert Finney, annexed, may be committed to such person or persons, as may the _____ thereto.
Given under my hand and seal of said office this third day of July, 1827,
James Cochran
James Finney heir at law to Robert Finney, deceased, hereby enters a CAVEAT to the legality of a paper purporting to be the last will and testament of Robert Finney, deceased, purporting to be signed by the said Robert Finney and attested by SIMEON DUNHAM & THOMAS FREW, dated around February 1824. The said James Finney, heir at law ...further... (says) that an affidavit vel non may be directed to the Court of Common Pleas of Crawford County to try the validity of said paper.
Signed JAMES FINNEY, 11 July 1827
CRAWFORD COUNTY- At a Registers Court held at the Register Office in Meadville on the 12th of July 1827- Present- James Cochran, Register;
Henry Shippen, John Brooks,
Judges of Common Pleas
A paper purporting to be the Last Will and Testament of Robert Finney, deceased, was produced, dated 2d February 1824, (This would be the second will- hm) & to be attested by Simeon Dunham & Thomas Frew as witnesses thereof was produced for probate by Lot Dunham who intermarried with Catherine Mead, therein name-- whereupon the court:
Thomas Frew, called and sworn, says, The name Thomas Frew signed as a witness to this paper is my signature. I can't say I saw Robert Finney sign his name, but I heard Dr. Bemus ask him if he was satisfied with this, he Robert Finney answered he was, don't recollect whether he read it to him or not nor whether he called it his will or what he called it-
At certain times Robert Finney appeared to be childish, at other times rational- At the time of my being called to witness this I don't recollect of hearing him say anything except answering the questions asked to him by Dr. Bemus- 1 was at his house the same day evaluating property & heard him converse both before and after the witnessing paper- I would suppose that if he was asked any question he could answer it correctly, but if left alone he would begin to talk childish. I would not suppose he was able to compose himself long enough to make a will, but if it was written & read to him he could judge if it was right or not- I can't say for certain whether he had discretion of mind enough to Judge of & understand it- It might be that he can't- I have been acquainted with him about thirty years- for about five years he lived about two miles from me-
Cross examined by Alden for the Caveator- He was old & frail in body & mind- was said to be upwards of eighty years old-
James Finney one of the heirs at Law the Caveator appears to oppose the probate of the same paper as the Will of said deceased.
Whereupon the Court, at the request of the Caveator, Decree and direct an Issue to the Court of Common Pleas of Crawford County to try whether the said paper writing be the Last Will and Testament of the said Robert Finney Decd- That Lott P. Dunham & Catherine, his wife, late Catherine Mead Planitiffs and James Finney Defendant on the Issue devisanit-vel-non to be entered and docketed as of August Term 1827
JAMES COCHRANE Register
(An apparent consultation between the two lawyers) It is agreed that the above case be put down for trial at the next November Term - July 25th 1827
D. DERICKSON Attny for Ptff
T.J. FOX ALDEN, Atty for Deft
The Register's Court met July 25, 1827
Present James Cochran Register;
Henry Shippen & John Brooks,
Judges of Common Pleas
The name Simeon Dunham to this paper is my signature- I am not certain that I saw Robert Finney sign his name, but if I did not see him sign it he acknowledged it to be his signature- I was called on to be a witness- Dr. Bemus asked him if he was satisfied with it, he said he was & acknowledged it as his act & Deed & that it might be recorded as such- them were his words- I was with Robert Finney all that day- I conversed with him & heard him converse- he appeared rational. Sometimes he appeared forgetful but he appeared to me to have his common sense as formerly when I have seen him-
Cross examined by Mr. Alden for JAMES FINNEY‑
I have been acquainted with him for many years past but more particularly for seven years past- About seven years ago I considered his mind as good as it ever was; His mind has become more frail since but I can't say exactly when- Ask him a question & he would give a rational answer- Of latter times he did appear to fail in long conversations, but I thought it was from forgetfulness- I do not recollect that his paper was read to him before he acknowledged it was his signature. - I thought he was capable of making a will at that time & since that he spoke to me on the subject of his intentions of disposing of his property and appeared capable- He told me his calculations, that be a debt paid in Bank & the rest divided between James Finney’s children & Ms. Mead’s children- He supposed at the time JAMES FINNEY was dec'd.
By Derickson for Executor-
James Finney was absent at that time somewhere to the Southwest- He supposed him dead because he had not written to him. Robert Finney has lived for the last ten years with his daughter, Mrs. Mead till her death & since then with his granddaughter.
Sworn in Register's Court July 25, 1827- Before Henry Shippen Dr. Daniel Bemus called by Mr. Derickson for Executors- Offered as a Witness & objected to all interested-
At the suggestion of the Court, Derickson waves the testimony of Dr. Bemus at present-
JAMES HAMILTON, Esq., called by the Caveator & as testimony written as on the annexed sheet-
Mr. Alden for the Caveator calls James Hamilton Esq., sworn says‑
I have been acquainted with Robert Finney since the year 1798- 1 live in town, he lived about two miles from town- I have not been much in his company since he moved to his daughter- I think I saw him but once since- He was unwell & I had not much conversation with him- Before he moved I thought his mind had grown much weaker, he had failed in his mental faculties- I suppose he could make a disposition of his property, but I could not suppose he would make a judicious one---
IT IS AGREED the above case be put down for trial at the next term
(signed) D DERICKSON
Attorney for the Plaintiff
T FOX ALDEN
Attorney for the Defense
(After Court that 25th day of July 1827, Dr. Bemus met with David Derickson, Attorney at Law for the plaintiffs. We have only the document to follow- no conversation from the doctor of the deceased and the Attorney for the plaintiffs- both distinguished men of Meadville}
To All to whom these presents Shall come Greeting Know Ye That Whereas I Daniel Bemus of Meadville, Crawford County and State of Pennsylvania Doctor of Medicine have been named and appointed one of the executors of an instrument of writing purporting to be the last will and testament of ROBERT FINNEY, dated the 21'd day of February One thousand Eight hundred and twenty-four. Now Know Ye that 1 the said Daniel Bemus have Renounced and by these presents Do Renounce my Right of Executorship and all other rights to me belonging or appurtaining in the said instrument of writing purporting to be the last will as aforesaid
Witness my hand & seal this 25th day of July 1827
David Derickson Daniel Bemus (seal)
ROBERT MEAD, LOT P. DUNHAM & CATHERINE
DUNHAM, EXECETORS OF ROBERT FINNEY, Deceased
VS.
JAMES FINNEY James Doughty (?)
Amicable act for Ejectment for two hundred acres of land situate in Mead Township, Crawford Co. bounded by land of Samuel Lord heirs of intended deceased.
It is agreed that this action is entered as above stated in the Court of Common Pleas of Crawford County of November term 1827- And it is agreed that land legal title as above described was in Robert Finney’s name at the time of his decease; that James Finney, Defendant, is now in possession of the same. And that Robert Mead, Lot P. Dunham & Catherine Mead are the Executors of the last will & testament of said Robert Finney and to whom the Letters Testamentary have been issued
(signed) DAVID DERICKSON, Atty for Plaintiffs
11th October 1827 to James Cochran Esq. Prothy
T. J. FOX ALDEN
Atty for the Defense
Defendant pleads not guilty.
It is agreed that this cause be put to trial at next term. Plaintiff takes deferrence for the undivided Moiety or half part of the, land described in the Writ
T. J. FOX ALDEN
Atty for the Defense
Summons to John Reynolds
Greeting: We command you (that setting aside all manner of business and excuses,) you be and appear in your proper person before our Judges at Meadville, at our County Court of Common Pleas forthwith to testify all and singular those things which you shall know in a certain action depending and undetermined, between Lot Dunham and Catherine Dunham, wife, plaintiff, and James Finney, defendant. And this you are not to omit under the penalty of one hundred pounds. Witness the Honorable Henry Shippen, Esquire, President of our said Court at Meadville, the 13th day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty seven.
Executors of Robert Finney vs. James Finney in Crawford County Court, November, 1827
Expense account for Thomas Frew
For 6 days attendance at the above November, 1827 in this case @ 62.5 cents per day; $3.75
total
For attendance at Meadville previous to the August, 1927 term at the time the caveat was entered against the will. 62.5 cents
Mileage- 4 miles circular- 12 cents
Now comes Thomas Frew who upon his solemn oath doth depose and say the above account is just and true to the best of his knowledge. Signed by Thomas Frew and James Cochrane, registrar.
Executors of Robert Finney vs. James Finney in Crawford County Court, November, 1827
Expense account for James Doughty, a witness in the forgoing case
For 6 days attendance at the above November, 1827 in this case @ 62.5 cents per day; $3.75
total
For attendance at Meadville previous to the August, 1927 4 days $1.25
Mileage- 2 miles circular- 12 cents
Total due: $3.25
Now comes James Doughty who upon his solemn oath doth depose and say the above account is just and true to the best of his knowledge. Signed by James Doughty and James Cochrane, registrar.
Executors of Robert Finney vs. James Finney in Crawford County Court, November, 1827
Expense account for Carpenter Osburn, a witness in the forgoing case
For 2 days attendance at the above November, 1827 in this case $4.00 total
Executors of Robert Finney vs. James Finney in Crawford County Court, November, 1827
Expense account for Elder Hutchinson, a witness in the forgoing case
For 4 days attendance at the above November, 1827 in this case $2.50 total
Executors of Robert Finney vs. James Finney in Crawford County Court, August & November,
1827
Expense account for William Eaches, a witness in the forgoing case
For 2 days attendance at the above August, 1827 in this case $4.00 total
(Next, a meeting of the principals took place, probably in the plaintiffs' attorney's office: James Finney had been called to meet with Edward A. Reynolds and David Derickson. Whether Lott Parent Dunham was with his brother-in-law Reynolds is not known. He did not sign any document)
JAMES FINNEY Meadville, Crawford County, Pennsylvania
and
EDWARD A. REYNOLDS
ARTICLE OF AGREEMENT
DEED BOOK "P", PAGES 249-250
DATED: 27 December 1827
RECORDED: 7 APRIL 1835
Memorandum of Agreement made this twenty seventh day of December one thousand eight hundred and twenty-seven by and between James Finney of Mead Township, Crawford County of the one part and Edward A. Reynolds of the Borough of Meadville of the other part.
Witnessed' that the said James Finney for and in consideration of the premises hereinafter mentioned cloth hereby covenant, grant and agree to and with the said Edward A. Reynolds to remise, release, grant, sell and convey, and by these presents cloth remise, release, grant, sell and convey unto the said Edward A. his heirs and assigns all his right, tides interest, property, claim and demand
Of , in and to the tract of land adjacent to the Borough aforesaid and on the North side of it being the same which Robert Finney late of said County decd. and father of said James Finney died seized of and part of which land descended to the said James Finney as heir at law of the said Robert Finney, And the said Edward A. Reynolds covenants and agrees in consideration therefore to do, pay and perform as follows, viz - Assign to the said James Finney his heirs and assigns a deed from the Sheriff of Crawford County to the said Edward's for three hundred acres of land in Beaver Township, County aforesaid sold by the Sheriff of Crawford County as the property of Thomas Foster at the suit of the Commissioners of said County - assign to said Finney a judgment which said Reynolds holds against Wm. Davis of Meadville for Sixty dollars in the Court of Common Pleas of said County - Give to said Finney an order on Wm. Davis an order for five dollars, Pay to the said Finney on the first day of June next twenty five dollars in cash, and further satisfy pay and discharge the said James Finney’s portion of the debts due by the estate of the said Robert Finney decd. All the costs that are due and owing by the said James Finney for contesting a suit with Lott P. Dunham & Catharine Dunham plaintiffs in the Court of Common Pleas of Crawford County at August Term 1827, and such portions of the costs as the said James would have been liable to pay, in the cases if the Execution of R. Finney decd. against the said James tried at the Nov. Term 1827 in the County aforesaid.
And the said James Finney doth further covenant and agree to execute and deliver to the said E. A. Reynolds his heirs and assigns all and every other deed or deed of conveyance necessary in law for the full and absolute release and conveyance of his portion of the land and premises aforesaid to the said Edward A. at any time the same may be required of him and the said James to deliver free and peaceable possession of the premises aforesaid to the said Edward forthwith or when called for.
WITNESS our hands and seals the day and year aforesaid
WITNESS James Finney (Seal)
David Derickson Edward Reynolds (Seal)
Recd. 27 Dec 1827 the five dollar order on Wm. Davis
James Finney
Recd. of Edw. A. Reynolds full compensation for the foregoing consideration mentioned in the agreement
Jany. 22 1828 James Finney
David Derickson
CRAWFORD COUNTY
Personally appeared before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County David Derickson who being first duly sworn did depose and say that he is the witness to the execution of the foregoing instrument that the same was drawn by him and executed by the parties thereto and that he subscribed himself as a witness thereto at the request and in the presence of said parties as he now thinks and believes.
WITNESS my hand and seal the 25th April 1833. David Derickson
/s/ James Hamilton
ARTICLE OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN JAMES FINNEY AND EDWARD A REYNOLDS - 27th November 1827; Recorded April 7, 1835 - JAMES FINNEY sells a tract of land of land adjacent to the borough of Meadville and on the north side--received from ROBERT FINNEY. In return JAMES FINNEY RECEIVES, VIZ:
1. 300 acres in Beaver twp.- sold by the Sheriff of Crawford county as property of THOMAS FOSTER
2. A judgement that REYNOLDS holds against WM. DAVIS: $60.00
3. Give to said FINNEY an order on WM. DAVIS for $5.00
4. Pay FINNEY $24.00 in cash on next June 1st.
5. Pay all debts due and owing arising from the lawsuit
contesting his father's will against CATHERINE and
LOT DUNHAM tried at the November term 1827
CRAWFORD COUNTY
November 23, 1832- (In the matter of) Daniel Bemus, administrator de bonis non of David Mead vs. Robert Mead, Lott Dunham & Catharine, his wife, Jane Mead, Maria Mead, Alexander Mead and James Finney and their tenants.
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to the Sheriff of said County _____, whereas Thomas Wilson and Henry Hurst, administrators of the Estate of David Mead, deceased lately in our County Court of Common Pleas, before our judge at Meadville at our said Court heretofor the said County in the Term of May in the year of our Lord one thousand, eight hundred and eighteen by the judgement of the same court recovered against Jennett Mead and Robert Finney, late of Crawford County as will of a certain debt of four thousand, four hundred and forty-five dollars, twenty three cents lawful money of Pennsylvania as six ____, which to the same plaintiffs or administrators as in our same court were adjudged for their damages, which they sustained by occasion of the detention of that debt, a here of the same defendants were convicted, as it appears to be on record.
And whereas after the rendering of the said judgement, the said Thomas Wilson and Henry Hurst departed this life and administration de bonis non of the estate of the same Jennett Mead was grantee to Daniel Bemus of the said County. And whereas also since the rendering of the said judgement, the said Jennette Mead departed this life and afterwards Robert Finney also departed this life and Robert Mead, Lott Dunham and Catharine his wife. (The said Lott in right of _ ____) are the executors of the last will and testament of the said Robert Finney and Robert Mead, Alexander Mead, Catharine Dunham, wife of Lott Dunham, Jane Mead, Maria Mead are the heirs at law of the said Jennette Mead, deceased, the same persons together with James Finney are the heirs at law of the same Robert Finney, deceased, and the said Jennette Mead and the said Robert Finney, at the time of their deaths, respectively were seized of _____ lands and tenements within your bailment And now on behalf of the said Daniel Bemus, administrator de bonis non aforesaid. We have understood in our same court that ______ judgement was given, execution was____ for the debt and damages aforesaid still remains to be made to him whereof the said Daniel besought us to grant him a proper remedy in this behalf and because we are willing that what is just in this behalf should be done. We command you that by this writ make known to the said Robert Mead, Alexander Mead, Lott Dunham and Catharine, his wife, Jane Mead, Maria Mead and James Finney and also to the tenants of all the lands and tenements of which the said Jennett Mead and the same Robert Finney died seized that they be and appear before our Judge at Meadville at our County Court of Common Pleas there to be held the second Monday in November, next to show if anything for themselves they have to know to say why the said Daniel Bemus ought not to have execution against them the same Robert Mead, Lott Dunham and Catharine his wife as executors of Robert Finney and against the goods and chattels of the same Robert Finney in their hands in execution and against all and single the lands and tenants of which the said Robert Finney and of which the said Jennett Mead died seized are for the debt and damages aforesaid accruing to the force and affect of the recovery aforesaid if he shall think fit and further to do and receive what our said court shall then and there consider in this behalf and how you then there thus writ.
I authorize and deputize James Foster to execute this writ on James Finney as fully and effectively as though it were done by me—witness my hand and seal the 7th day of November, A.D. 1832.
Signed, A. Smith, Sheriff
ORPHANS COURT DOCKET A- Estate of ROBERT FINNEY, Decd, Petition for Citation to the Executors-
At an Orphan's Court held at Meadville, in and for the County of Crawford, on the 15th of February 1844, before the Judges of said Court, the petition of Joseph Finney was presented, setting forth that Robert Finney, late of said county made his last will and testament, which is duly admitted to probate in said county, by which said last will and testament he appointed among others Catherine Mead (since intermarried with and now the wife of Lot P. Dunham and Robert Mead his executors, who took upon themselves the duties of Executors.) And your petitioner further represents that it is more than one year since probate was taken of said will, and that said Executors have not settled any account of their proceedings under said will. Your petitioner, who as a divisee, is interested in said estate, therefore prays that said Executors may be cited to appear and settle their accounts agreeably to the laws of this Commonwealth.
Citation awarded Feb. 15, 1844- the Court a Citation returnable to next term.
Aug. 15, 1844, Continued and returnable to next term
Nov. 15, 1844, Continued to next term
Feb. 14, 1845, Continued to next term
March 17, 1845, Citation issued to Joseph Finney
Citation returned March 18, 1845, "served on Lot P. Dunham and wife personally and copy left.'
Answer to Citation- Lot P. Dunham & Catharine Dunham his wife respectfully answer to the citation issued by the Court, requiring them and Robert Mead to settle an account as executors of Robert Finney, deceased, that they never accepted the said executorship, were not sworn, and did not act in the capacity of executors of said estate- That Robert Mead transacted all business of said estate, so far as your correspondents know or are informed. (Filed April 19, 1845)