Estate inventories give us a glance into the home life of Colonial Americans.
Deborah Watts was born in Lower Dublin Township, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania on February 6, 1695. Her parents were the Reverend John Watts and Sarah Eaton.
She married Benjamin Engle which was variously spelled Engle, Ingle, Engles, Inglis, Ingels. According to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Church Records, Benjamin was born about 1693. His parents were Paul and Mary Engle. He was baptized on May 22, 1811 when he was 17 years and 8 months old
Old Style Calendar
Before 1752 the year began on Lady Day, March 25th,. Dates between January 1st and March 24th were at the end of the year. Old Style (O.S.) and New Style (N.S.) are used to indicate whether the year has been adjusted. Often both dates are used.
It was common for bequests to include wearing apparel.
from Genealogical and Biographical Memorials of the Reading, Howell, Yerkes ...
By Josiah Granville Leach
In the settlement of the estate of Reverend John Watts, John Shall and Mary his wife signed a receipt dated 27 September, 1715, and Benjamin Engle and Deborah his wife signed one dated 31 March, 1721. The said Mary and Deborah were doubtless married shortly before the date of their respective receipts. They were unmarried on 25 July, 1715, when they joined in an agreement of record signed in their maiden names.
