Tobias Stehman (abt. 1692 - bef. 1771)

Born about 1692 in Conestoga, Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Died before 2 Sep 1771 before about age 79 in Conestoga Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania

Biography

"Tobias Steman, of Connestogoe Township," Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, signed his will on 28 January 1771. He signed a codicil to his will on 30 May 1771. The will was proved on 2 September 1771. The main provisions of the will were: ^[1]

• He bequeathed to "my only son and child Tobias Steman" the plantation "whereon I now dwell" containing 450 acres. It adjoined land owned by Michael Shank, John Bare, deceased, Adam Kendig and Andrew Frehl. It was to be rented out until his son Tobias reached the age of 21.
• His wife, Anna, was provided for.
• His "Negroe Slave Joseph Cowan" was to be freed when he reached the age of 31.
• If his son Tobias were to died before reaching the age of 21, then 100 of the 450 acres was to go to his nephew Martin Bare and the remaining 350 acres to his sister, Elizabeth Bare. Elizabeth's two sisters, Maria, wife of Peter Refonaugh, and Anna, wife of Benedict Eshelman, along with the children of his sister Frana, were to receive money.
• He appointed Christian Herr of Mannor Township and Martin Bare of Connestogoe Township as guardians for his son Tobias.
• He appointed Christian Hare and Martin Bare as the executors of his will.
• In the codicil to his will, he referred to his "late brother-in-law John Bare, deceased."

Research Notes

There does not seem to be any evidence that Tobias was born in 1692 (as the date currently appears). It seems unlikely since his only child was born in 1759, when Tobias would have been 67 years old.

Sources

1. ↑ The will of Tobias Steman: Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, Will Book C, page 251. FHL film #005534201, image 133 of 555.