Johann Martin Fry

A Patriot of the American Revolution for PENNSYLVANIA with the rank of PRIVATE. DAR Ancestor # : A043084

• http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=martin%2D... Martin Frey was baptized as "Johann Martin Frey" at Rappenau Evangelische Kirche. The names of his parents were given in the church baptismal record as "Johannes Frey ux. Maria Catharina geb. Götzin". The sponsors (Taufzeugen) at his baptism were 1. Michael Künzel, 2. Martin Rotenhöfer, and 3. Margaretha, Nic. Englerts Tochter, ledl. (Rappenau Evangelishe Taufregister (Birth Register), 1740-1749, pg. 98, as found at http://www.azstarnet.com/~bkentry/rotnhofr/kirchen.htm)

Johann Martin Frey was confirmed "am Charfreytage" in 1761 at Rappenau Evangelische Kirche. His date of birth is shown in the confirmation record as "24t 8bris 1748" and his father's name as "weil. Johannes Frey, gewesener Bürger hier". (Rappenau Confirmations Register 1760-1769, pg. 254, as found at http://www.azstarnet.com/~bkentry/rotnhofr/kirchen.htm)

At the age of 23, Martin Frey, along with two of his brothers, Jacob and Michael, arrived in America on the Brig "Betsey", which docked at Philadelphia, PA early in December of 1771. The ship was captained by Andrew Breyson, departed from London, and carried 78 passengers. On 4 December 1771, the three brothers subscribed to the oath of abjuration at the State House in the City of Philadelphia. Martin signed his own name on the oath as "Johann Martin Freÿ". His brother, Michael Frey, also signed his own name while brother, Jacob Frey, made his mark. (Source: Strassburger and Hinke, "Pennsylvania German Pioneers", Vol. I, pg. 738, List 292C, and Vol. II, pgs. 855-856, List 292C)

Martin traveled to America as an indentured servant to Caspar Gier (or Geyer) and his assigns of Philadelphia for whom he was obliged to serve for a term of four years to repay his cost of passage of 19.11 pounds. (Source: "Record of Indentures" of Indentures bound out as apprentices, servants, etc. and of German and other redemptioneers in the office of the Mayor of the City of Philadelphia, October 3, 1771 to October 5, 1773, original volume in possession of The American Philosophical Society (Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc., Baltimore, 1973)

During the period of the Revolutionary War, Martin served at least twice in the Northampton County Militia: 1. 14 May 1778, Muster Roll, Fourth Battalion, Seventh Company, Northampton County Militia, Capt. George Roudebush, 5th Class - Martin Fry. (Source: PA Archives, 5th Series, Vol. 8, pg. 315)

2. 3 May 1785, Return of Captain John Sentee's Company of the Sixth Battalion in Bethlehem Twp. (Source: PA Archives, 6th Series, Vol. 3, Militia Rolls, 1783-1790, pg. 833, #76 Martin Frey)

Martin Frey is also listed in the DAR Pariot Index.

On 18 October 1785 Martin had patented to him 35 acres of land in Northampton County (PA Archives, 3rd Series, Vol. 26, Northampton Co., PA, Patent 22). In 1785 and 1786 he was assessed taxes on 30 acres of land and two cows. In 1788 he was taxed 5 shillings on 40 acres of land, one horse and one cow.

In 1790 Martin was living in Plainfield Twp., Northampton Co., PA. In his household were one male over the age of 16, five males under the age of 16, and four females. (1790 Pennsylvania census)

On 26 April 1800 Martin and his wife, Magdalena, and their four sons; Henry, John, Jacob, and Martin Jr., attended church services at Dryland Union Church at Hecktown in Lower Nazareth Twp., Northampton Co., PA.

In the 1830 Federal Census (Page 74), Martin Frey was listed in Upper Nazareth Twp., Northampton Co., PA. Males 1 (80-90 yrs) 1 ( 5-10 yrs), 2 (20-30 yrs); Females 1 (40-50 yrs) and 2 (15-20 yrs)

Four years after the 1830 census, Martin Frey died in Upper Nazareth Twp. at the age of almost 86 years of age. Obituary from Easton Centinel, Easton, PA - Friday August 29, 1834 - Died in upper Nazareth on the 23rd of August, Mr. Martin Frey, a native of Germany in the 86th year of his age. (Newspaper extracts of Marriages and Deaths, Northampton County, 1799-1851, Vol. I, pg. 425, Marx Room, Easton Public Library, Easton, PA)

According to estate documents on file in the Northampton County courthouse at Easton, PA, Martin died in Upper Nazareth Twp. He is buried in Forks (aka. Salem) Church cemetery in Forks Twp. just south of Stockertown. The inscription on his tombstone reads:

 "Zum Andenken an Martin Frey

  Ist Geboren den 24ten October 1748

  Erzeugte in zwey Ehen 12 Sohne und 3 Tochter

  Erlebte auf seiner ersten Ehe 129 enkel und 66 Urenkel

  Starb August 23ten 1834

  War Alt 85 Jahr 9 Monat und 29 Tag"

Translation:

  "In memory of Martin Frey

   Born 24 October 1748

   Had in two marriages 12 sons and 3 daughters

   Lived to see from his first marriage 129 grandchildren and 66 great grandchildren

   Died August 23, 1834

   Aged 85 years, 9 months and 29 days"

Martin died intestate. On 15 September 1834, his widow, Rebecca Frey, filed a bond to administer his estate. The sureties on the bond were Henry Weitzell, a farmer of Forks Twp., and Joseph Shnyder, a storekeeper of Easton, PA. On 3 October 1834, Martin's "goods and chattels" were inventoried by Abram Heller and P.F.B. Schmidt. The inventory included a list of "Notes" (monies due to Martin for outstanding loans), including a note against Henry Sheffer and one against Andrew Frey. The inventory also listed payments made to John Frey and George Frey in 1816. In 1835 Jacob Frey acted as the agent of widow Rebecca Frey for the filing of the initial accounting of Martin's estate. This accounting listed $10 received from Martin Frey. In 1836, Jacob Frey, a son and heir, filed the final settlement. This document listed a tract of land partly in Upper Nazareth, Bushkill, Forks and Plainfield Townships valued at $3,396.76. (Estate file #4479, Northampton Co. courthouse, Easton, PA)

Documents found in the Northampton County courthouse show that Martin's second wife, Rebecca, was actually known as "Margaret". Prior to her marriage to Martin Frey, she was the wife of John Meyer of Forks Township. John Meyer died intestate around September of 1809 in Forks Township at the age of 32. The executor of his estate was his widow, Margaret, who filed a bond of administration on 11 September 1809. The sureties were Philip Slough, Boro of Easton, Innkeeper, and Peter Young, Forks Twp., gunsmith. The final settlement of John Meyer's estate was filed on 20 February 1817 by "Martin Frey and Margaret, his wife, late Margaret Meyer". (Estate file #2647, Northampton Co. courthouse, Easton, PA)

(Note: Based on the dates of the documents in this estate file, Martin Frey probably married Margaret (aka. Rebecca) sometime between September of 1809 and February of 1817.)

John (aka. Johannes) and Margaret "Rebecca" (Bender) Meyer were the parents of Sarah Meyer (18 Apr 1803-20 Jul 1874), who was the second wife of Jacob Frey (17 Feb 1783-29 Apr 1856), son of Johann Martin and Maria Magdalena (Scherer) Frey.

There are 14 Northampton County orphans court record book entries pertaining to Martin's estate, several of which list the names of his surviving children. These 14 entries, in chronological order are:

1. 23 Jan 1835 (Book 12, pg. 211): Conrad Frey, "one of the sons of Martin Frey, the elder, late of Upper Nazareth Twp., yeoman, deceased", filed a petition in which he stated that "his father died intestate on or about the 23rd day of August 1834 leaving a widow named Rebecca, his second wife, and issue thirteen children to wit:

  - Henry, the oldest son

  - John

  - Martin and Jacob, who are twins

  - Joseph

  - Michael

  - George, who died lately leaving a wife and three small children who are now in the state of Ohio and whose names are unknown to the petitioner.

  - Andrew

  - Conrad, the petitioner

  - Aaron, the son of the second wife, who is a minor and has no guardian

  - Susan, intermarried with John Simon

  - Catharine, intermarried with Benjamin Wheitzell (Whitesell)

  - Elizabeth, intermarried with Henry Shaeffer (Shiffer)"

The petition went on to say that the "said intestate died seized in his demise a certain messuage, tenement and tract of land situated partly in Upper Nazareth and partly in Bushkill Twp. bounded by lands of Abraham Heller, John Kern, Jacob Frey, Martin Frey, and others containing 90 acres or thereabouts". The petitioner "prayed the court to award an inquest to make partition of the land and premises aforesaid to and among the children and representatives of the said intestate. If such partition cannot be made without prejudice to or spoiling the whole, then to value and appraise the same and make report of their proceedings".

The court issued a writ to the sheriff of Northampton County, "commanding him to take with him twelve good honest and lawful men of his bailiwick to go upon the land and premises and make a just and true partition of same and, if partition cannot be made without prejudice to or spoiling the whole, to value and appraise the property".

2. 23 Jan 1835 (Book 12, pg. 206): Jacob Frey, one of the heirs and legal representatives of Martin Frey, deceased, filed a petition in which he stated that "Martin Frey left issue twelve children, one of whom to wit, Aaron, is a minor under the age of 14 years". Jacob prays the court to appoint a guardian for him. On recommendation of the petitioner, the court approved Lewis Micke, Esq.

(Note: This entry suggests that Aaron was a natural born son of Martin and Rebecca and that he was born sometime after January of 1821.)

3. 24 April 1835 (Book 12, pg. 222): Sheriff Daniel Raub, Esq. reported to orphans court that the "land could not be parted and divided to and among the children and legal representatives without prejudice to or spoiling the whole thereof" and that the land had an appraised value of $51 per acre amounting to $4,385.68. Heirs Henry Frey, John Frey, Martin Frey, Jacob Frey, Joseph Frey, Conrad Frey, and Benjamin Weitzell appeared and refused to accept the real estate as valued. The court ordered the other heirs to appear at the next session of orphans court to accept or show cause why the land should not be sold.

4. 21 Aug 1835 (Book 12, pg. 342): Petition of Aaron Frey, child of Martin Frey, late of Township of Upper Nazareth, deceased. Petitioner is a minor above the age of 14 and has no guardian. He made choice of Abraham Heller. The court approved.

(Note: This entry, along with #2 above, indicate that Aaron was born between January and August of 1821. His previous guardian must have died or moved away and now Aaron requested a replacement.)

5. 21 Aug 1835 (Book 12, pg. 354): Return by Sheriff. Heirs of Martin Frey being called and none appearing willing to accept the real estate at the evaluation made, the court ordered the administrator of the estate to sell the land by public vendue or outcry on the premises with liberty to sell the land as parcels if deemed most advantageous. Notice to be given of time and place of sale by at least three insertions in one English and one German newspaper and by 10 hand bills set up in noted places in the vicinity of the premises more than 20 days prior to the day of sale.

6. 20 Nov 1835 (Book 12, pg. 383): Jacob Frey reported he "exposed the premises on 3 Oct 1835 to sale by public vendue or outcry but no person offered a sufficient price. He then adjourned the sale until 2 Nov and again exposed the premises but no persons offered a sufficient price and the land now remains unsold. He prays the court grant an alias order of sale. The court granted same.

7. 22 Jan 1836 (Book 12, pg. 399): The court register presented the account of Jacob Frey, "agent for Rebecca Frey, administrator of Martin Frey, late of Upper Nazareth Twp.", "which account being excepted to and on motion of Mr. Brooks, the court appointed William Hackett, Charles Innes, and Charles Kitchen, auditors, to audit and resettle the said account".

(Note: This entry indicates that, sometime between 1834 and 1836, Rebecca Frey appointed Martin's son, Jacob Frey, to act for her as her agent in settling Martin's estate. Did she perhaps remarry or move out of the area? Also note that at least one of Martin's heirs apparently objected to the terms of the final settlement, which then prompted the court to order an audit.)

8. 23 Jan 1836 (Book 12, pg. 414): Jacob Frey filed a report in which he stated that he had inserted three ads in the "Democrat and Argus" (English) and "Northampton Correspondent" (German) newspapers and posted at least 10 hand bills and that, on Saturday, 26 December 1835, he held a sale of Martin's real estate. The land was sold to George Knecht for $39.50 per acre. Knecht was the highest bidder. The court confirmed the sale.

9. 19 Aug 1836 (Book 12, pb. 460: Jacob Frey filed an accounting showing a balance remaining for distribution to the heirs of $2,099.82.

10. 19 Aug 1836 (Book 12, pg. 484): The auditors; William Hackett, Charles Innes, and Charles Kitchens, filed a report and resettlement. Further exceptions were filed by one or more of the heirs.

11. Aug term 1837 (Book 12, pg. 617): The court, upon review of the auditor's report and further exceptions, directed three corrections to the final accounting involving outstanding loans ("notes) and advancements that Martin had made to Susanna Frey's husband, John Simon; to John Frey; and to Andrew Frey.

12. 24 Nov 1837 (Book 12, pg. 629): The auditors filed an updated report and settlement that included the corrections ordered by the court in August of 1837. Martin's widow, Rebecca, by the laws then in effect, was entitled to one third of Martin's personal estate and one third of the proceeds from the sale of his real estate. This money was placed in a trust fund and the interest paid out to Rebecca up to the time she died, at which time the trust fund was then to be distributed to the other heirs. The remainder of Martin's estate, after the widow's third, was distributed in equal portions to 11 of Martin's children (same names as in #1 above). Conrad Frey and Henry Shiffer, husband of Elizabeth Frey, did not receive a share since they were "indebted to the estate in sums beyond the share to which they are severally entitled, the former in the sum of $223.80 and the latter in $214.51, and both of them are insolvent. The excess of those debts beyond the share of each are consequently losses to the estate." The report also noted that, "upon decease of the widow, the further sum of $1,049.91 will be distributed among the heirs".

13. 16 Apr 1850 (Book 16, pg. 220): On motion of Mr. Ihrie, the court permitted Jacob Frey, the acting administrator of the said Martin Frey, deceased, to pay unto the Court the sum of $180.77 coming to Andrew Frey, one of the children and heirs of Martin Frey, falling due at the widow's death. On the same day the money was paid unto the court and deposited in a bank.

(Note: This entry seems to indicate that Rebecca Frey was now deceased. Although it is not clear why Jacob Frey was ordered to pay Andrew's share to the court and not directly to Andrew, unless Andrew was also deceased or living out of the area.)

14. 31 Aug 1850 (Book 16, pg. 329): The court issued a "rule to show cause why the money paid unto the court at the April term last by the administrator, Jacob Frey, for the share due Martin Frey, a son of the deceased, should not be paid to Lewis Micke and Robert Levers, administrators of George Levers, deceased, upon their judgements in foreign attachment against the said Martin Frey and the said Jacob Frey as garnishee of the said Martin".

(Note: This legal jargon seems to indicate that Martin Frey Jr., who died 23 Aug 1834, was in debt to the estate of George Levers and the administrators of George's estate were now going after Martin Jr.'s share of Martin Sr.'s estate.)

(Other sources: Findagrave.com - Memorial# 95731320)

• Reference: RootsWeb's WorldConnect - SmartCopy: Jan 19 2016, 17:34:20 UTC

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Johann Martin FREY was born9 on 24 Oct 1748 in Rappenau, Baden-Württemberg, Germany and was christened on 25 Oct 1748 in Rappenau Evangelish Kirche, Rappenau, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. He died10 on 23 Aug 1834 in Upper Nazareth Twp., Northampton Co., PA and was buried11 in Aug 1834 in Forks (aka. Salem Church) Cemetery, Forks Twp., Northampton Co., PA. Johann married Maria Magdalena SCHERER about 1776 in Northampton Co., PA.

Martin Frey was baptized as "Johann Martin Frey" at Rappenau Evangelische Kirche. The names of his parents were given in the church baptismal record as "Johannes Frey ux. Maria Catharina geb. Götzin". The sponsors (Taufzeugen) at his baptism were 1. Michael Künzel, 2. Martin Rotenhöfer, and 3. Margaretha, Nic. Englerts Tochter, ledl. (Rappenau Evangelishe Taufregister (Birth Register), 1740-1749, pg. 98, as found at http://www.azstarnet.com/~bkentry/ rotnhofr/kirchen.htm)

Johann Martin Frey was confirmed "am Charfreytage" in 1761 at Rappenau Evangelische Kirche. His date of birth is shown in the confirmation record as "24t 8bris 1748" and his father's name as "weil. Johannes Frey, gewesener Bürger hier". (Rappenau Confirmations Register 1760-1769, pg. 254, as found at http://www.azstarnet.com/~bkentry/rotnhofr/kirchen.htm)

At the age of 23, Martin Frey, along with two of his brothers, Jacob and Michael, arrived in America on the Brig "Betsey", which docked at Philadelphia, PA early in December of 1771. The ship was captained by Andrew Breyson, departed from London, and carried 78 passengers. On 4 December 1771, the three brothers subscribed to the oath of abjuration at the State House in the City of Philadelphia. Martin signed his own name on the oath as "Johann Martin Freÿ". His brother, Michael Frey, also signed his own name while brother, Jacob Frey, made his mark. (Source: Strassburger and Hinke, "Pennsylvania German Pioneers", Vol. I, pg. 738, List 292C, and Vol. II, pgs. 855-856, List 292C)

Martin traveled to America as an indentured servant to Caspar Gier (or Geyer) and his assigns of Philadelphia for whom he was obliged to serve for a term of four years to repay his cost of passage of 19.11 pounds. (Source: "Record of Indentures" of Indentures bound out as apprentices, servants, etc. and of German and other redemptioneers in the office of the Mayor of the City of Philadelphia, October 3, 1771 to October 5, 1773, original volume in possession of The American Philosophical Society (Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc., Baltimore, 1973)

During the period of the Revolutionary War, Martin served at least twice in the Northampton County Militia: 1. 14 May 1778, Muster Roll, Fourth Battalion, Seventh Company, Northampton County Militia, Capt. George Roudebush, 5th Class - Martin Fry. (Source: PA Archives, 5th Series, Vol. 8, pg. 315)

2. 3 May 1785, Return of Captain John Sentee's Company of the Sixth Battalion in Bethlehem Twp. (Source: PA Archives, 6th Series, Vol. 3, Militia Rolls, 1783-1790, pg. 833, #76 Martin Frey)

Martin Frey is also listed in the DAR Patriot Index.

On 18 October 1785 Martin had patented to him 35 acres of land in Northampton County (PA Archives, 3rd Series, Vol. 26, Northampton Co., PA, Patent 22). In 1785 and 1786 he was assessed taxes on 30 acres of land and two cows. In 1788 he was taxed 5 shillings on 40 acres of land, one horse and one cow.

In 1790 Martin was living in Plainfield Twp., Northampton Co., PA. In his household were one male over the age of 16, five males under the age of 16, and four females. (1790 Pennsylvania census)

On 26 April 1800 Martin and his wife, Magdalena, and their four sons; Henry, John, Jacob, and Martin Jr., attended church services at Dryland Union Church at Hecktown in Lower Nazareth Twp., Northampton Co., PA.

In the 1830 Federal Census (Page 74), Martin Frey was listed in Upper Nazareth Twp., Northampton Co., PA. Males 1 (80-90 yrs) 1 (5-10 yrs), 2 (20-30 yrs); Females 1 (40-50 yrs) and 2 (15-20 yrs)

Four years after the 1830 census, Martin Frey died in Upper Nazareth Twp. at the age of almost 86 years of age. Obituary from Easton Centinel, Easton, PA - Friday August 29, 1834 - Died in upper Nazareth on the 23rd of August, Mr. Martin Frey, a native of Germany in the 86th year of his age. (Newspaper extracts of Marriages and Deaths, Northampton County, 1799-1851, Vol. I, pg. 425, Marx Room, Easton Public Library, Easton, PA)

According to estate documents on file in the Northampton County courthouse at Easton, PA, Martin died in Upper Nazareth Twp. He is buried in Forks (aka. Salem) Church cemetery in Forks Twp. just south of Stockertown. The inscription on his tombstone reads:

 "Zum Andenken an Martin Frey

  Ist Geboren den 24ten October 1748

  Erzeugte in zwey Ehen 12 Sohne und 3 Tochter

  Erlebte auf seiner ersten Ehe 129 enkel und 66 Urenkel

  Starb August 23ten 1834

  War Alt 85 Jahr 9 Monat und 29 Tag"

Translation:

  "In memory of Martin Frey

   Born 24 October 1748

   Had in two marriages 12 sons and 3 daughters

   Lived to see from his first marriage 129 grandchildren and 66 great grandchildren

   Died August 23, 1834

   Aged 85 years, 9 months and 29 days"

Martin died intestate. On 15 September 1834, his widow, Rebecca Frey, filed a bond to administer his estate. The sureties on the bond were Henry Weitzell, a farmer of Forks Twp., and Joseph Shnyder, a storekeeper of Easton, PA. On 3 October 1834, Martin's "goods and chattels" were inventoried by Abram Heller and P.F.B. Schmidt. The inventory included a list of "Notes" (monies due to Martin for outstanding loans), including a note against Henry Sheffer and one against Andrew Frey. The inventory also listed payments made to John Frey and George Frey in 1816. In 1835 Jacob Frey acted as the agent of widow Rebecca Frey for the filing of the initial accounting of Martin's estate. This accounting listed $10 received from Martin Frey. In 1836, Jacob Frey, a son and heir, filed the final settlement. This document listed a tract of land partly in Upper Nazareth, Bushkill, Forks and Plainfield Townships valued at $3,396.76.(Estate file #4479, Northampton Co. courthouse, Easton, PA)

Documents found in the Northampton County courthouse show that Martin's second wife, Rebecca, was actually known as "Margaret". Prior to her marriage to Martin Frey, she was the wife of John Meyer of Forks Township. John Meyer died intestate around September of 1809 in Forks Township at the age of 32. The executor of his estate was his widow, Margaret, who filed a bond of administration on 11 September 1809. The sureties were Philip Slough, Boro of Easton, Innkeeper, and Peter Young, Forks Twp., gunsmith. The final settlement of John Meyer's estate was filed on 20 February 1817 by "Martin Frey and Margaret, his wife, late Margaret Meyer". (Estate file #2647, Northampton Co. courthouse, Easton, PA)

(Note: Based on the dates of the documents in this estate file, Martin Frey probably married Margaret (aka. Rebecca) sometime between September of 1809 and February of 1817.)

John (aka. Johannes) and Margaret "Rebecca" (Bender) Meyer were the parents of Sarah Meyer (18 Apr 1803-20 Jul 1874), who was the second wife of Jacob Frey (17 Feb 1783-29 Apr 1856), son of Johann Martin and Maria Magdalena (Scherer) Frey.

There are 14 Northampton County orphans court record book entries pertaining to Martin's estate, several of which list the names of his surviving children. These 14 entries, in chronological order are:

1. 23 Jan 1835 (Book 12, pg. 211): Conrad Frey, "one of the sons of Martin Frey, the elder, late of Upper Nazareth Twp., yeoman, deceased", filed a petition in which he stated that "his father died intestate on or about the 23rd day of August 1834 leaving a widow named Rebecca, his second wife, and issue thirteen children to wit:

  - Henry, the oldest son

  - John

  - Martin and Jacob, who are twins

  - Joseph

  - Michael

  - George, who died lately leaving a wife and three small children who are now in the state of  Ohio and whose names are unknown to the petitioner.

  - Andrew

  - Conrad, the petitioner

  - Aaron, the son of the second wife, who is a minor and has no guardian

  - Susan, intermarried with John Simon

  - Catharine, intermarried with Benjamin Wheitzell (Whitesell)

  - Elizabeth, intermarried with Henry Shaeffer (Shiffer)"

The petition went on to say that the "said intestate died seized in his demise a certain messuage, tenement and tract of land situated partly in Upper Nazareth and partly in Bushkill Twp. bounded by lands of Abraham Heller, John Kern, Jacob Frey, Martin Frey, and others containing 90 acres or thereabouts". The petitioner "prayed the court to award an inquest to make partition of the land and premises aforesaid to and among the children and representatives of the said intestate. If such partition cannot be made without prejudice to or spoiling the whole, then to value and appraise the same and make report of their proceedings".

The court issued a writ to the sheriff of Northampton County, "commanding him to take with him twelve good honest and lawful men of his bailiwick to go upon the land and premises and make a just and true partition of same and, if partition cannot be made without prejudice to or spoiling the whole, to value and appraise the property".

2. 23 Jan 1835 (Book 12, pg. 206): Jacob Frey, one of the heirs and legal representatives of Martin Frey, deceased, filed a petition in which he stated that "Martin Frey left issue twelve children, one of whom to wit, Aaron, is a minor under the age of 14 years". Jacob prays the court to appoint a guardian for him. On recommendation of the petitioner, the court approved Lewis Micke, Esq.

(Note: This entry suggests that Aaron was a natural born son of Martin and Rebecca and that he was born sometime after January of 1821.)

3. 24 April 1835 (Book 12, pg. 222): Sheriff Daniel Raub, Esq. reported to orphans court that the "land could not be parted and divided to and among the children and legal representatives without prejudice to or spoiling the whole thereof" and that the land had an appraised value of $51 per acre amounting to $4,385.68. Heirs Henry Frey, John Frey, Martin Frey, Jacob Frey, Joseph Frey, Conrad Frey, and Benjamin Weitzell appeared and refused to accept the real estate as valued. The court ordered the other heirs to appear at the next session of orphans court to accept or show cause why the land should not be sold.

4. 21 Aug 1835 (Book 12, pg. 342): Petition of Aaron Frey, child of Martin Frey, late of Township of Upper Nazareth, deceased. Petitioner is a minor above the age of 14 and has no guardian. He made choice of Abraham Heller. The court approved.

(Note: This entry, along with #2 above, indicate that Aaron was born between January and August of 1821. His previous guardian must have died or moved away and now Aaron requested a replacement.)

5. 21 Aug 1835 (Book 12, pg. 354): Return by Sheriff. Heirs of Martin Frey being called and none appearing willing to accept the real estate at the evaluation made, the court ordered the administrator of the estate to sell the land by public vendue or outcry on the premises with liberty to sell the land as parcels if deemed most advantageous. Notice to be given of time and place of sale by at least three insertions in one English and one German newspaper and by 10 hand bills set up in noted places in the vicinity of the premises more than 20 days prior to the day of sale.

6. 20 Nov 1835 (Book 12, pg. 383): Jacob Frey reported he "exposed the premises on 3 Oct 1835 to sale by public vendue or outcry but no person offered a sufficient price. He then adjourned the sale until 2 Nov and again exposed the premises but no persons offered a sufficient price and the land now remains unsold. He prays the court grant an alias order of sale. The court granted same.

7. 22 Jan 1836 (Book 12, pg. 399): The court register presented the account of Jacob Frey, " agent for Rebecca Frey, administrator of Martin Frey, late of Upper Nazareth Twp.", "which account being excepted to and on motion of Mr. Brooks, the court appointed William Hackett, Charles Innes, and Charles Kitchen, auditors, to audit and resettle the said account".

(Note: This entry indicates that, sometime between 1834 and 1836, Rebecca Frey appointed Martin's son, Jacob Frey, to act for her as her agent in settling Martin's estate. Did she perhaps remarry or move out of the area? Also note that at least one of Martin's heirs apparently objected to the terms of the final settlement, which then prompted the court to order an audit.)

8. 23 Jan 1836 (Book 12, pg. 414): Jacob Frey filed a report in which he stated that he had inserted three ads in the "Democrat and Argus" (English) and "Northampton Correspondent" (German) newspapers and posted at least 10 hand bills and that, on Saturday, 26 December 1835, he held a sale of Martin's real estate. The land was sold to George Knecht for $39.50 per acre. Knecht was the highest bidder. The court confirmed the sale.

9. 19 Aug 1836 (Book 12, pb. 460: Jacob Frey filed an accounting showing a balance remaining for distribution to the heirs of $2,099.82.

10. 19 Aug 1836 (Book 12, pg. 484): The auditors; William Hackett, Charles Innes, and Charles Kitchens, filed a report and resettlement. Further exceptions were filed by one or more of the heirs.

11. Aug term 1837 (Book 12, pg. 617): The court, upon review of the auditor's report and further exceptions, directed three corrections to the final accounting involving outstanding loans ("notes) and advancements that Martin had made to Susanna Frey's husband, John Simon; to John Frey; and to Andrew Frey.

12. 24 Nov 1837 (Book 12, pg. 629): The auditors filed an updated report and settlement that included the corrections ordered by the court in August of 1837. Martin's widow, Rebecca, by the laws then in effect, was entitled to one third of Martin's personal estate and one third of the proceeds from the sale of his real estate. This money was placed in a trust fund and the interest paid out to Rebecca up to the time she died, at which time the trust fund was then to be distributed to the other heirs. The remainder of Martin's estate, after the widow's third, was distributed in equal portions to 11 of Martin's children (same names as in #1 above). Conrad Frey and Henry Shiffer, husband of Elizabeth Frey, did not receive a share since they were " indebted to the estate in sums beyond the share to which they are severally entitled, the former in the sum of $223.80 and the latter in $214.51, and both of them are insolvent. The excess of those debts beyond the share of each are consequently losses to the estate." The report also noted that, "upon decease of the widow, the further sum of $1,049.91 will be distributed among the heirs".

13. 16 Apr 1850 (Book 16, pg. 220): On motion of Mr. Ihrie, the court permitted Jacob Frey, the acting administrator of the said Martin Frey, deceased, to pay unto the Court the sum of $180.77 coming to Andrew Frey, one of the children and heirs of Martin Frey, falling due at the widow's death. On the same day the money was paid unto the court and deposited in a bank.

(Note: This entry seems to indicate that Rebecca Frey was now deceased. Although it is not clear why Jacob Frey was ordered to pay Andrew's share to the court and not directly to Andrew, unless Andrew was also deceased or living out of the area.)

14. 31 Aug 1850 (Book 16, pg. 329): The court issued a "rule to show cause why the money paid unto the court at the April term last by the administrator, Jacob Frey, for the share due Martin Frey, a son of the deceased, should not be paid to Lewis Micke and Robert Levers, administrators of George Levers, deceased, upon their judgements in foreign attachment against the said Martin Frey and the said Jacob Frey as garnishee of the said Martin".

(Note: This legal jargon seems to indicate that Martin Frey Jr., who died 23 Aug 1834, was in debt to the estate of George Levers and the administrators of George's estate were now going after Martin Jr.'s share of Martin Sr.'s estate.)

(Other sources: 1. Findagrave.com - Memorial# 95731320)