Melchior Schubert and Maria Krauss [75b-1]

[75b-1] MELCHIOR SCHUBERT, b July 9, 1747; d Dec. 24, 1831; s David and Anna (Krauss) Schubert [75b]; m May 30, 1775, by Rev. Christopher Schultz to MARIA KRAUSS, b Mar. 13, 1751; d Dec. 13, 1849; dau Christopher and Susanna (Schultz) Krauss [202-1].

Children (8):

[75b-Ga] } ~ -; ; (1. Maria Yeakel. [75b-6b] | > Christopher, b Nov. 18, 1782; d Mar. 7, 1858; {9 Sabina Yeakle. [38-39] {1. Solomon Yeakel.

{Dates from Schubert Family Bible in possession of Amazia Miller, Macungie, Pa.]

According to the data obtained by the Editor it would appear that Melehior Schubert was married twice. Records in the 8. H. L. show that on May 30, 1775, Meichior Schubert was married to Maria Krauss by Rev. Christopher Schultz. Both Melchior Schubert and his wife, Maria Krauss Schubert, are buried in the Hosensack Schwenkfelder Cemetery, and according to the dates on the tombstones Melchior Schubert died in 1831, and Maria Schubert died in 1849.

There evidently must be an error in the date of death of Maria Krauss Schubert, for in the will of Melchior Schubert, which was probated, January 17, 1832, we find among other items this statement: “T give and bequeath to my late wife, Hannah James ———_———’ which would indicate that he was married a second time to Hannah James. <A search of the court records failed to disclose any divorce or separation papers granted to Melchior Schubert, and it is not likely that he had two wives living at the same time. Hannah James Schubert was born August 8, 1757, and died September 20, 1862, aged 105 years, 1 month, and 12 days. She is buried in the Evangelical Cemetery at Upper Milford, Lehigh Co., Pa.

The Editor has corresponded with several people who knew Hannah James Schubert personally, but they have been unable to throw any light on this situation. Mr. Charles E. Schubert of Shimerville, Pa., a grandson of Melchior Schubert, states that he remembers seeing Hannah Schubert when he was a boy. Reuben Schubert of Zionsville, Pa., states that he believes that Maria Krauss was the mother of Meichior Schubert’s children. WILL OF MELCHIOR SHUBERT

‘In the name of God, Amen, I Melchior Shubert of uppermilford township, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, cooper, being in tolerable good state of health and sound mind memory and understanding. But considering the uncertainty of this transitory life, b make and publish this my last will and testament in manner and form following, to wit: First itis my will and I do order that all my Just debts and funeral expenses be duly paid and satisfied as soon as conveniently can be after my decease. Item, I give and bequeath unto my late wife Hannah James, one bed, one Cow together with such of my household and kitchen furniture and utensils as she may choose to keep for her own use. Item, I give and bequeath unto my lawful children in the following manner to my Daughter Susanna Intermarried unto Michael Miller the sum of six dollars, to my son David the sum of Eight dollars, to my son Christopher Fifteen dollars, to my daughter Nancy intermarried unto Christian Ewert eight dollars, to my daughter Rachel seven dollars, to my daughter Hannah intermarried with George Shultz seven dollars, to my daughter Sophia six dollars and to the children of my daughter Sarah deceased eight dollars. These here mentioned sums are to be paid by my herein appointed Executors as soon as Convenient can be after my decease to my herein named children or to their lawful children. The remaining money my Executors shall put out upon Interest on good security and the Interest arising out of this money so put upon interest shall be for the maintainance of my said wife, Hanna, and my herein named and appointed Executors shall give her so much of the said Interests as she wants or shall otherwise provide for her sufficient maintenance so long as she remains single, and lastly after my decease and the decease of the said Hanna or her marriage the residue of my property shall be divided unto my eight children as before mentioned in eight equal shares. And lastly I nominate, constitute, and appoint my son Christopher and my son-in-law Christian Ewert to be the executors of this my last Will and Testament hereby revoking all other wills Legacies and bequests by me heretofore made and declaring this and no other to be my last Will and Testament. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the second day of August one thousand eight hundred and thirty one. Melchior Shubert (Seal) Signed sealed and declared by the said testator as his last Will and Testament in the presence of us George Yeakel, Abraham Yeakel Proved Jan’y 17, 1832.”’ [Will Book 2:125 Allentown, Pa.]|