Individual Details

Probate

In his will written 6 June 1754 (probate 27 March 1758),Timothy Holt bequeathed to beloved wife Rhoda the east end of the dwelling house from the bottom of the cellar to the top of the chimney. She also receives the improvement on all his money and notes and a lengthy list of other provisions for her support. The provisioning of wife Rhoda is entrusted to his son Timothy. Sone James receives all the lands and buildings where he now dwells. Son Timothy receives the homestead land and buildings where father Timothy now dwells. Youngest son Joseph receives £16 with what he has received for his learning is his full portion. Daughters Rhoda, Priscilla, Hannah, and Phebe each receives thirteen shillings four pence together with what each received at time of marriage is their full portion. James and Timothy were named executors. Real estate was valued at £792.12.8 and personal estate £109.8.6.[1]
                The problem of Priscilla Holt: All published genealogies note the daughter Priscilla in this family, but universally suggest nothing is known about her. From the will of Timothy Holt, we know there was a daughter Priscilla, she likely falls between Rhoda and Hannah in birth so born about 1708, and that she did marry. But who is her husband? Published genealogies universally accept that Oliver Holt had a daughter Priscilla that married Nathan Chandler, although without noting the documentation that supports this. For the time being, it will just be accepted that Priscilla a daughter of Oliver married Nathan Chandler and that Priscilla daughter of Timothy has an unknown husband. However, the possibility that it was Priscilla the daughter of Timothy that married Nathan Chandler should be considered.

[1] Essex County, MA: Probate File Papers,1638-1881.Online database. AmericanAncestors.org.New England Historic Genealogical Society, 2014. Case 13700