- The Will of Elias Parshall:
In the Name of God Amen the Eighth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty one I Elias Parshall of the town of Islip County of Suffolk and State of New York feeling the decays of the body but of sound mind and memory But knowing the uncertainty of life and the certainty of death I do therefore make this my last will and testament that is to say Principally and first of all I give and recommend my soul into the hands of God who gave it and my body I commit into the earth to be buried in a decent Christian burial at the discretion of my executors Nothing doubting but at the general resurrection I shall receive the same again by the mighty power of God And as touching such worldly estate as it hath pleased God to bless me with in this life I give, devise, and dispose of the same in the following manner and form. First I order all my just debts should be paid and Likewise funeral Charges out of my estate I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Anna Parshall all my household furniture to dispose of as she shall think proper together with the whole of my other estate during her natural life the whole to be disposed of as she the sd Anna Parshall shall think proper and further whatever of said property shall remain after the decease of the said Anna Parshall and all Necessary Expenses Paid except the said houshold furniture, the one equal quarter I give and bequeath to my Beloved grandchildren Lewis Parshall, Daniel Parshall, and Josiah Parshall the sons of my son Lewis Parshall Deceased to be equally divided between them when they shall arrive at the age of Twenty one years and in case of either of their decease to go to the survivor or survivors. The other three quarters to be disposed of as she the said Anna Parshall shall think proper at her decease. Lastly I do hereby nominate constitute and appoint my well beloved wife Anna Parshall and my son in law Isaak Howell to be the executrix and executor to this last will and testament and I do hereby utterly revoke and make void all other wills and testaments ratifying and confirming this my only last will and testament in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and my seal this day and years above written Signed sealed published pronounced declared by the said Elias Parshall as his last will and testament in presence of us the subscribers.
Elias Parshall (L S)
Zebulon Gillett
John Hawkins
Daniel Howell.
* Records Suffolk Co. (N. Y.) Surrogate's Office.
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| Notes |
- Elias Parshall was a ship builder during the greater part of his life. He probably resided at Aquebogue until after the close of the Revolutionary War. It appears from the Census of 1776, that he was then a resident of Southold Tp., and it is probable that he was during the War. In 1779, he was obliged, with others, to flee from the Island to escape the persecution of the British force, as appears from the following:
"At a meeting of the Governor and Council of Safety at Windham the 21st of September 1779
"Present His Excellency the Governor
Honble Matthew Griswold
Elipht Dyer Wm Williams i v
Wm Pitkin Nathl Wales j q
"On motion of Elias Parshall, of S.hold on Long Island, representing that he is a friend to the United States, that he had lately built on said island a small vessel of about 20 tons, for trade; that by means of the threats and usage from the enemy, within whose power the inhabitants of said island are, he dared not remain longer on said island, and has therefore brought over part of his family and effects on board of said vessel to this State, which are now in the river at East Haddam, and moving for liberty of landing and safe protection for said effects for his own benefit; and further shewing that Matw Welles of said South Hold, a friend to the States, has also come over from said island in said vessel, with his family and effects, for the same occasion and for safety: Resolved, that the said Parshall be permitted to land his said goods and effects within this State, and that they shall and may remain safe & free from any arrests, in his own care, unless and until other order shall be given concerning them; provided that said effects and goods be under the inspection of Colo. Jabez Chapman, who is to examine and see that no articles are introduced from the enemy and contrary to law, and to make report to his Excellency the Governor in the premises. And the said Parshall is also permitted to bring over the rest of his family, and to be reported accordingly."
Subsequently he removed to Patchogue, where he had a ship yard. He also was the owner and captain of a merchant vessel with which he made regular trips between New York and the West Indies. This vessel he commanded in person until after the marriage of his daughter Charity to Capt. Brown, when he retired from active command and was succeeded by his son-in-law. On one occasion his vessel was attacked by pirates, whom he defeated after a vigorous resistance. A set of silver buttons given him by his passengers to commemorate the event are still in possession of his great-granddaughter, Mrs. Louretta Neff, of Masontown, Pa. [From James Clark Parshall, 1903]
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1746 - 1823 (77 years)
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