George Yoh ¹

   FamilySearch ID: G67J-BH1

  Noted events in his life were:

1. He immigrated Ship Townsend on 5 Oct 1737 to Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA. ¹

2. George was listed on a deed in 1741 in Exeter Twp., Berks, PA. ² 1. The Original Warrant (1738)
Seller: The Honorable Proprietaries of the Province of Pennsylvania.
Buyer: Peter Schmidt (also referred to as Schmidt Smith).
Date: 1738.
Property: 100 acres of land.
Location: Originally described as being in Oley, Philadelphia County (which later became Exeter Township, Berks County).

2. Schmidt to Yoh (1741)
Seller: Peter Schmidt.
Buyer: George Yoh (Location not specified, but likely local).
Date: November 16, 1741.

3. Yoh to Rusting (1763)
Seller: George Yoh.
Buyer: George Rusting (Location not specified).
Date: December 17, 1763.

3. George Yoh on 13 Jul 1752 in Reading, Berks, PA. ³ During the fall of 1748, Penn 's two sons, Thomas and Richard, caused a town to be laid out by Nicholas Scull, their surveyor-general, on the land adjoining the Schuylkill river at the "Ford, in the road that extended from Tulpehocken settlements to Philadelphia. It was named Reading, after the countrytown in Berkshire, England. The town-plan comprised 520 lots, and 204 out-lots, numbered consectively. The lots between the river and King (Third) street were laid out in 1776. At the time there was not a town, not even a village, in all the surrounding territory for many miles. The nearest town was Lebanon, twenty-eight miles to the west, which had been laid out in 1740; and the next was Lancaster, thirty-three miles to the southwest, which has been laid out in 1728.
First Patentees. In 1751 7 lots were awarded to patentees, 3 to justice Conrad Weiser.
In 1752, lot 36 was awarded to George Yoh (yeoman) and lot 386 to George Yoh (potter) and many others.
County-Seat. By a petition presented to the Assembly at Philadelphia on Feb. 4, 1752, in appears that Reading then contained 130 dwelling houses, besides 41 stables and other out-houses; and 160 families, which consisted of 378 persons. It is believed there were three small churches in the town at that time, Lutheran, Reformed, and Friends; all erected in 1751.
==Source: Morton Luther Montgomery, History of Berks County, Pennsylvania: in the Revolution, from 1774 to 1783 (C. F. Haage, printer, 1894, 295 pages.==.

4. He was listed on a deed 16th of December 1754 in Exeter Twp., Berks, PA. ⁴ Research note: Deeds were not required to be filed with the county unless the seller or buyer wanted to pay the fee to have them recorded. Sometimes deeds written years ago are later filed to prove ownership, as follows:

Transcription: Deed from Peter Smith to George Yoh (Page 499 in Deed Book 7)

Know all Men by these present writing shall come that I Peter Smith near Oley for and in Consideration of the sum of Twenty six pounds to me in hand paid by George Yoh of the said Place has bargained and unto the said George Yoh all my Right Title and Interest Claim and Demand in and to the Land Plantation and Improvement near Oley adjoining to John Kesston land on the Great Creek it is one hundred acres for which I have a warrant. To hold to him the said George Yoh his Heirs and assigns for ever. But it is agreed that George Yoh shall pay the quit rent to the proprietor from the beginning concerning the said land. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my own hand and seal this
16th of December 1741.
Peter Smith (signed)

Witness my hand and Seal this 16th day of December 1754. Peter Smith (Seal). Witnesses present: John Newman, George Leyland, Henry Christ.

Berks County SS: The 20th Day of December Anno Domini 1762 before me the Subscriber one of his Majesty's Justices of the peace of Berks County came Ernst Sigismond Seyde of Alsace Township in the said County & made Oath on the Holy Evangelists that he saw and heard Peter Schmidt the grantor within named sign seal & as his Act and Deed Deliver the within written Bargain and Sale. And that he signed his name Ernst Sigmond Seyde as Witness thereto with his own hand and that John Bowman also signed his name at the same time as a witness thereto. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name and seal. Recorded & this Record & the Original Diligently Compared & found to agree exactly Word for Word & Figure for Figure this first Day of May A.D. 1783.
Henry Christ, Recr.

Next Transcription: Deed from George Yoh to George Riesling (Page 500 in Deed Book 7)

To all People to whom these presents shall come George Yoh of the Township of (blank) in the County of Berks in the Province of Pennsylvania Potter sendith greeting. Whereas the honorable the proprietaries of the Province aforesaid granted a warrant, dated in or about the year 1731, unto Peter Schmidt (also Smith) to take up the quantity of one hundred acres of land then said to be near Oley in the County of Philadelphia but now in the Township of Exeter in the County of Berks aforesaid. And Whereas the said Peter Schmidt by a certain Deed sold under his hand and seal duly executed bearing date the 16th day of November Anno Domini 1741 for the Consideration therein Mentioned did Grant and Assign all his Right Title Interest Property Claim and Demand of in and to the said recited warrant and land surveyed or to be surveyed by virtue thereof unto George Yoh, party hereto and to his heirs and assigns, To hold to him the said George Yoh his heirs and assigns forever. Subject to the payment of the Proprietaries as in and by the said recited deed poll relation being thereunto had may more fully and at large appear. Now know ye that the said George Yoh for and in consideration of the sum of one hundred and fifty pound lawful money of Pennsylvania to him in hand paid by George Hiesling of the Township of Tulpehocken in he County of Berks aforesaid at and before the ensealing and delivery hereof the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged hat granted bargained sold and assigned and by these presents doth grant bargain sell and assign unto George Heisling and his heirs and assigns the said warrant and all the estate right title interest claim and demand whatsoever of the said George Yoh to the said one hundred acres of land (more or less) or other land whatsoever surveyed or to be surveyed by virtue of the said recited warrant. Together also with all and singular the houses out houses buildings barns stables and improvements whatsoever thereon erected and made with the appurtenances to have and to thold all and singular the premises hereby granted or bargained sold and assigned with all and singular the appurtenances unto the said George Hiesling his heirs and assigns to the only proper us and behoof of the said George Hiesling his heirs and assgns forever. Subject nevertheless to the payment of the proprietary purchase money interest and quit rent now due and hereafter to become due and payable for the same. The witnesses whereof the said George Yoh hath hereunto set his hand and seal dated the fourteenth Day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and sixty three.
Johann Görg Yoh (Seal).

Berks County SS: Be it remembered that on the twenty sixth Day of May Anno Domini 1781 Before me James Biddle Esqr. One of the Majestys Justices of the Peace... came the Above Named George Yoh and acknowledged the above Written Deed...

Recorded & this record & the original Diligently Compared & found to agree exactly word for word & figure for figure the first Day of May A.D. 1783.
Henry Christ, Recr.

5. Occupation: potter in 1758 in Exeter Twp., Berks, PA.

6. George was listed on a deed on 16 Dec 1758 in Alsace Twp., Berks, PA. ⁵ This document from the Berks County Deed Book #5 page 499 records a series of transfers for a specific tract of land. While the initial "Deed Poll" (a short, informal assignment) from Peter Smith to George Yoh is contained on the bottom half of page 499, the more formal deed that recites and "finishes" the legal history of that transaction for the next buyer begins at the top of page 500.

Following the deed transcriptions is our complete analysis of where this land was likely located.

1. Summary of the Deed
Date of Original Sale: December 16, 1758 (Later acknowledged in 1762 and recorded May 1, 1783).

Grantor (Seller): Peter Smith (also written as Peter Schmidt), a resident of Berks County.

Grantee (Buyer): George Yoh, a Potter.

Purchase Price: 26 Pounds (for the initial 1758 sale); later sold by Yoh to George Reisling in 1763 for 150 Pounds.

Location & Description: Approximately 100 acres of land in Berks County (noted as being "near Oley" and formerly in Philadelphia County before Berks was formed). The property was located near the "Great Creek" and adjacent to the land of John Keaton. The Keatons are known to own land in Exeter Township near its northern border with Oley Township. Below we describe the location.

Previous Ownership: The land was originally granted to Peter Schmidt via a Warrant from the Proprietaries of Pennsylvania dated around 1751.

2. Full Transcription of Deed
[Page 499 - Bottom Half]
Know all Men by these Presents that I Peter Smith of Berks County for and in Consideration of the Sum of twenty six pounds to me paid by George Yoh of the said Place Have bargained and sold Unto the said George Yoh All my Right Title and Interest Claim and Demand in and to the Land Plantation and Improvements whereon I dwell beginning at John Keatons and by the Great Creek it is one hundred Acres for which I have a Warrant to take up behind the said George Yoh his Heirs and Assigns for Ever And it is agreed that George Yoh shall pay the Arrears to the Proprietor from the Beginning concerning the said Land In Witness Whereof I have hereunto set my own hand and seal this 16th of December 1758.

Peter Smith {Seal}

Witness present: John Newman, Ernst Sigismund Suplee.

Berks County ss. The 20th day of December Anno Domini 1762 before me the Subscriber One of His Majesty's Justices of the Peace of Berks County came Ernst Sigismund Suplee of Alsace Township in the said County, & made Oath on the Holy Evangelists that he saw and heard Peter Schmidt the Grantor Within Named sign seal & as his Act and Deed Deliver the Within written Bargain and Sale And that he signed his name Ernst Sigismund Suplee As Witness thereto With his own hand And that John Newman also Signed his Name At the same Time As a witness thereto. In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal At Reading the Day and year aforesaid.
James Diemer {Seal}

Recorded & This Deed and the original Diligently Compared & found to agree exactly word for word & figure for figure this first Day of May AD 1783. Henry Christ Rec'r

[Page 500 - Top Half]
To all People to whom these presents shall come George Yoh of the Township of [Alsace] in the County of Berks in the Province of Pennsylvania Potter Sendeth Greeting Whereas the Honourable the Proprietaries of the Province aforesaid Granted a Warrant Dated on or about the Year 1751 Unto Peter Schmidt (als Smith) to take up the quantity of one hundred Acres of Land then said to be Near Oley in the County of Philadelphia but now (as the Lines are run) in the County of Berks aforesaid And Whereas the said Peter Schmidt in and by a certain Deed Pole Under his hand and Seal duly Executed bearing Date the 16th Day of December Anno Domini 1758 for the Consideration therein Mentioned did Grant and Assign All his Right Title Interest Property Claim and Demand of in and to the said recited Warrant and Land surveyed or to be surveyed by virtue thereof Unto George Yoh party hereto And to his heirs and assigns...

Now Know ye that the said George Yoh for and in Consideration of the sum of one hundred and fifty pounds Lawful money of Pennsylvania to him in hand paid by George Reisling of the Township of Bethel in the County of Berks... Hath Granted bargained Sold and Assigned... the said Warrant And all the Estate Right Title Interest... to the said One hundred acres of Land (more or less)... Together Also with all and singular the Houses Outhouses Buildings Barns Stables and Improvements...

In Witness Whereof the said George Yoh hath hereunto set his hand and seal Dated the fourteenth Day of December in the year of our Lord One thousand seven hundred and sixty three.

George Yoh {Seal}

Sealed and Delivered in the Presence of us: George Maister, Jacob Yoh.

Berks County ss. Be it remembered that on the twenty sixth Day of May Anno Domini 1764 Before me James Diemer Esq. One of His Majesty's Justices of the Peace of the County of Berks Came the Above Named George Yoh and acknowledged the above written Deed Pole to be his Act and Deed...

Recorded & This Deed & the original Diligently compared & found to agree exactly word for word & figure for figure the first Day of may AD 1783.
Henry Christ Rec'r

3. Analysis of The Land's Location

To learn where this land was, we traced later deed transactions...

1738: PA gives warrant to Peter Schmidt
1751: Peter Schmidt to George Yoh
1763: George Yoh to George Riesling
1767 George Riesling to Casper Egle
1767 Egle sells 2 acres to Anthony Fricker, per Deed Book 5 page 265

This last deed describes the entire history of the property from Schmidt to Egle and identifies the land as being on the "Great Creek" which today is called Antietam Creek, south of Alsace and north of the Schuylkill River, in Exeter Township, just east of the city of Reading.

7. He was naturalized on 5 Apr 1761 in Exeter Twp., Berks, PA. ^{1 6}

8. He was listed on a George Yoh sold his lot in Reading to Nicholas Seitzinger deed on 29 Oct 1762 in Reading, Berks, PA. ^{7 8} Key Summary of the Document
Date: October 29, 1762.
Grantor: George Yoh (Yeoman) and wife Mary Elisabeth.
Grantee: Nicholas Seitzinger (Yeoman).
Location: Lot No. 25 in the Town of Reading, Berks County, PA.
Price: £400 (Pennsylvania currency).
Chain of Title: Originally granted to Michael Schmehl by the Penn family, then sold to George Yoh in 1759.
-----
This Indenture made the twenty ninth day of October in the Year of Our Lord one Thousand seven hundred and sixty two Between George Yoh of the Town of Reading in the County of Berks in the province of Pennsylvania Yeoman and Mary Elisabeth his Wife of the one Part And Nicholas Seitzinger of the same Place Yeoman of the other Part Whereas the Honourable Thomas Penn and Richard Penn Esquires true and absolute Proprietaries of the Province of Pennsylvania... did grant and confirm unto Michael Schmehl (by the Name of Michael Schmell) and to his Heirs and Assigns A certain Lot of Ground situate on the North Side of Penn Street in the said Town of Reading marked on the General Plan of the said Town No. 25 bounded and described as follows (that is to say) Between Penn Street and Thomas Street and between Queen Street and Callowhill Street; containing in Breadth East and West sixty Feet and in Length two hundred and thirty Feet Bounded southward by the said Penn Street Eastward by a Lot of Ground marked in the Plan of the said Town of Reading No. 26 Northward by a twenty Feet Alley and Westward by Queen Street aforesaid with the Appurtenances. And Whereas the said Michael Schmehl and Martina his Wife in and by a certain Indenture bearing date the seventeenth day of April in the Year of Our Lord one thousand seven hundred and fifty nine for the Consideration therein mentioned did grant and confirm unto George Yoh, Party hereto and to his Heirs and Assigns All that the above mentioned and described Lot of Ground No. 25
Now This Indenture Witnesseth that for and in Consideration of the Sum of four hundred pounds lawful Money of Pennsylvania to them the said George Yoh and Mary Elisabeth his Wife in Hand well and truly paid by the said Nicholas Seitzinger... Have granted bargained sold aliened enfeoffed released and confirmed... All that the above mentioned and described Lot of Ground No. 25 Together with all and singular the Messuages Houses Outhouses Barns Stables Edifices and Improvements thereon erected...To have and to hold the said described Lot of Ground No. 25 unto the said Nicholas Seitzinger his Heirs and Assigns To the only proper Use and Behoof of him the said Nicholas Seitzinger his Heirs and Assigns forever Subject to the Proprietary Yearly Quit Rent...
In Witness whereof the said Parties to these Presents have hereunto interchangeably set their Hands and Seals Dated the day and Year first above written.
Johann Georg Yoh [Seal]
Mary Elisabeth [her X mark] Yoh [Seal]
Sealed and Delivered in the Presence of us:
Jas. Read
Thos. Price
Received the day of the date of the above written Indenture of the above named Nicholas Seitzinger the Sum of four hundred Pounds lawful Money of Pennsylvania it being the Consideration Money above mentioned in full.
£400. --
Johann Georg Yoh.

9. George was listed on a George Yoh and wife Mary Elizabeth gave land to son Jacob providing Jacob care for them deed on 18 Aug 1779 in Windsor Twp., Berks, PA. ⁹ ===================================
Research Notes - Summary of Agreeement
In Deed Book 7 page 121 George Yoh and Mary Elizabeth his wife assigned land to son Jacob.

Conditions of the Sale
This was not a standard sale for cash, but a Maintenance Agreement. Jacob Yoh received the land in exchange for the following "Rent Charge" and care requirements:
Financial: A yearly annuity of £400 (Pennsylvania currency) paid in quarterly installments.
Housing: The parents retained the right to live in the house currently occupied by Leonhard Willger, including the use of the garden.
Subsistence: Jacob had to provide 20 bushels of wheat, 20 bushels of rye (milled and delivered), two fat hogs (100lb+ each), and firewood.
Livestock: The parents kept two cows of their choice, which Jacob had to pasture and stable at his expense.
Clothing: Jacob was legally bound to provide new shoes annually and specific items of clothing (coats, leather breeches, gowns) every three years.

Location and Neighbors
Township: Windsor Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania.
Acreage: Approximately 301 acres (comprising two tracts of 150 and 151 acres).
Adjoining Neighbors/Markers:
Samuel King (South 40 degrees East).
Nehemiah Hutton (mentioned as a neighbor in the boundary descriptions).
William Tomlinson's land.
The River Schuylkill (the land is described as lying along the east side of the river).
Leonhard Willger (the deed mentions the parents have the right to live in the house where Leonhard Willger "now dwells").

===================================
This Indenture made the 18th day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy nine. Between George Yoh of Windsor Township in the County of Berks in the State of Pennsylvania Yeoman of the one part and Jacob Yoh (son of the said George Yoh and Mary Elizabeth his wife) of the same place of the other part Witnesseth that the said Jacob Yoh for divers good causes and considerations and especially for and in consideration of the sum of five shillings lawful money of Pennsylvania in hand paid by the said George Yoh and Mary Elizabeth his wife at and before the ensealing and Delivery of these presents the Receipt whereof he doth hereby acknowledge Hath given granted and confirmed and by these presents doth give grant and confirm unto the said George Yoh and Mary Elizabeth his wife and their assigns, one Annuity or Yearly Rent charge of four hundred pounds lawful money of Pennsylvania issuing out of all that Messuage or Tenement Plantation and two tracts of Land situate in the township of Windsor in the County aforesaid containing three hundred and one acres of land it be the same more or less (it being the same two tracts of land which the said George Yoh & Mary Elizabeth his wife by their Indenture of the same Jacob Yoh by Deed under their hands and seals bearing Date in August one thousand seven hundred and seventy nine granted unto the said Jacob Yoh in Fee.

With all and singular the Hereditaments and appurtenances thereunto belonging To Have and to hold the said Annuity or yearly Rent charge of four hundred Pounds lawful money of Pennsylvania unto the said George Yoh & Mary Elizabeth his wife and their assigns for and during the time of the natural lives of the said George Yoh & Mary Elizabeth his wife and the life of the survivor of them payable to be paid in and upon the four quarterly usual terms of the County of Berks aforesaid by equal portions and if it shall happen that the said Annuity or yearly Rent charge of four hundred pounds or any part there of shall be behind and unpaid in part or in the whole by the space of thirty days next after either of the times or days of payment wherein the same should or of Right ought to be paid as aforesaid then and so often and at all times thereafter it shall and may be lawful to and for the said George Yoh and Mary Elizabeth his wife and their assigns in and upon the premises aforesaid or in to any part thereof to Enter and Distrain for the said Annuity or yearly Rent charge and the Distress and Distresses then and there found and taken to lead Drive and Carry away and impound and the same as provided to Detain and keep.

At the proper Ridge and charge of the said Jacob Yoh his heirs and assigns for the space of five Days and if within the same space of five Days payment & satisfaction of the said annuity or yearly Rent charge be not made then and at any time then after the same Distress & Distresses to expose and sell by publick Auction for the best price that may be gotten and after the said Annuity or yearly Rent charge and the Arrearages be paid and satisfied together with the costs and charges thereabouts the overplus if any be to Return to the said Jacob Yoh his heirs Executors Administrators or assigns.

And the said Jacob Yoh for him self his heirs Executors Administrators Doth Covenant promise grant to and with the said George Yoh & Mary Elizabeth his wife & their Assigns that the said Jacob Yoh his heirs and Assigns shall and will well and truly pay or cause to be paid unto the said George Yoh & Mary Elizabeth his wife and their assigns the said Annuity or yearly Rent charge of four hundred Pounds aforesaid in and upon the terms & times before mentioned and in Manner & Form before expressed according to the true Intent & Meaning of these presents.

And also that the said Messuage or Tenement Plantation and two Tracts of Land containing in the whole three hundred and one Acres of land it be the same more or less Hereditaments and premises before mentioned and every part thereof with the appurtenances to be charged or chargeable with the Annuity or yearly Rent charge aforesaid and Granted by these presents shall from time to time Continue overt and sufficient for the payment of the said Annuity or yearly Rent charge of four hundred pounds lawful money aforesaid During the Natural Lives of the said George Yoh and Mary Elizabeth his wife and the life of the survivor of them.

Provided always Nevertheless & that if the said Jacob Yoh his Heirs Executors Administrators and assigns shall & do well and truly pay & Deliver unto the said George Yoh and Mary Elizabeth his wife or their Assigns During the terms of their Natural Lives and the Life of the survivor of them on the Land & Plantation aforesaid to wit yearly & Every year twenty bushels of good Wheat and twenty bushels of Rye and to haul the same to the Mill and to bring the Meal to their Dwelling house as often as occasion may Require. Two Swine good and fat at proper Season in the year that each of them shall weigh not less than one hundred pounds. Good and sufficient Small cut fire wood to Deliver at their Dwelling house. Two Rows of Apple trees in the Young Orchard and to make the Cider of the apples when Required by the said George Yoh & Mary Elizabeth his wife. Two bushels of salt. Yearly sounds of good Rackett [Rock] salt.

Two Cows to be Chosen by the said George Yoh & Elizabeth his wife of the cows of the said Jacob Yoh his heirs and assigns for their own Benefit every year in the spring and the said Jacob Yoh his Heirs & Assigns shall keep the said two cows in summer in Good Pasture and in winter in Good fodder and Stabling and the said George Yoh & Mary Elizabeth may feed the said Cows with Grass which they can and may Gather on the land aforesaid if they think proper and the said Jacob Yoh his Heirs and Assigns Shall give a pair of New Shoes to each of them. And Every three years a good Woollen Coat and a pair of new Leather Breeches to his said father and a Woollen Body Coat well lined and a short gown to his said Mother and a good Handkerchief and the sum of ten Pounds in Law full money yearly and the Wooll of two sheep which they may Chose Every Spring in the year and to Let them have a good Rideing Horse when Required.

And also to Keep their present Dwelling house and the garden in good order and Repair During the time aforesaid and that in Case the said George Yoh and Mary Elizabeth his wife should incline to Live in the same house where Leonhard Willger now Dwells then to keep the said house in good order and Repair for them and in their old age or sickness to give them good attendance in all Cases whatsoever then the said Jacob Yoh his heirs or Assigns shall pay on every first Day of June aforesaid to the said George Yoh & Mary Elizabeth his wife the sum of five Shillings and no more whilst the Provisions as aforesaid are Duly found given and Delivered according to the true intent and Meaning hereof in lieu of the full quarterly paments of one pound which shall be due.

In Witness whereof the said Jacob Yoh had set his hand and seal on the Day & year above written.
.

10. He signed a will Will of George Yoh on 25 Apr 1782 in Windsor Twp., Berks, PA. ¹⁰ In the Name of God Amen I George Yoh of Windsor township Berks County and State of Pennsylvania Being Weak in Body, but of Sound and perfect mind and memory Blessed be Almighty God for the same do make an publish this my last will and Testament in manor and form following that is to Say - first I give and bequeath unto my beloved Elisabeth all my Household and Kitchen Furniture with all the catel I know have together with sixty one pounds in Bonds to Do with it wat She Pleases \endash I give to my son Daniel the sum of one hundred and twenty pounds in Bonds \endash I give to my son Peter the sum of one hundred and twenty pounds in Bonds \endash I give to my son Jacob the sum of five shillings it being the full of his Legace in my Estate \endash I give to my Daughter Catarina the sum of one hundred pounds in Bonds \endash I give to my Daughter Eve the sum of one hundred pounds in Bonds which sum of money I will and order to be Payd as the Bonds I am in Possession of becomes Due beginning with the oldest Son and the Bond as comes due first and so on in Rotation till all is Payd of and lastly as to all the Rest Residue and Remainder of my Personal Estate goods and chattels of what kind or nature soever I give and bequeath the same to my fair beloved wife Elisabeth whom I hereby appoint to be Executrix of this my Last will and testament here by Revoking all former wills by me and in witness where of I have Set my Hand and Seal this twenty-fift Day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty two \endash
George Yoh.

George married Mary Elisabeth Wix. (Mary Elisabeth Wix was born on 11 May 1719 and died on 16 Aug 1788 in Windsor Twp., Berks, PA ¹.)