Individual Details

Probate

William Messer – probate with will
https://www.americanancestors.org/databases/essex-county-ma-probate-file-papers-1638-1881/image?volumeId=13788&pageName=18379:1&rId=245876855


In his will written 4 February 1761 (probate 13 April 1761), William Messer bequeathed to beloved wife Allice all the personal and movable estate and debts due to him and use of all the real estate until son William Messer is age twenty-one. Son William Messer receives the lands and buildings at age twenty-one and is to pay the legacies to his two daughters. Daughter Allice Messer receives £26.13.4 when she arrives at full age or the time of marriage, with the same bequest to daughter Elizabeth Messer. If any of the children die prior to adulthood, their portion is to be divided among the other children. Wife Allice was named executrix.1

1 Essex County, MA: Probate File Papers, 1638-1881.Online database. AmericanAncestors.org. New England Historic Genealogical Society, 2014. Case 18379

Property

Deeds – 139:119, 164:243 – there are no deeds for Jonathan Messer
139:119 – 1776 – William Messer sells to John Wilson – and the one just before is Daniel Bodwell selling to John Wilson
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9Z8-MDNS?i=424&wc=MCBG-129%3A361613201%2C361988601&cc=2106411
164:243- 1798 – William with wife Sally sell in Methuen – it is a mortgage – but this is William Whittier Messer with wife Sally Johnson – married in 1795
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-99ZZ-1W5V?i=249&wc=MCBP-729%3A361613201%2C362015201&cc=2106411