An American Family History

Josiah Yerkes was born on November 28, 1718 in the Manor of Moreland. His parents were Herman Yerkes and Elizabeth Watts. He was a farmer.

He married Mary Walton about 1747. Their life and children together are described in detail in the section on Josiah and Mary Yerkes.

In 1751 his father died. He had already received 50 acres. The will provided him with one pound and the provision that

it is also my Will that if Josiah my son thinks proper to keep the Thirty acres that is over and above the fifty acres that I gave him he may keep it he Paying my two Daughters Sarah and Elizabeth the Sum of Sixty Pounds (viz) Thirty Pounds each Current Money of Pennsylvania . . .

His will was dated December 2, 1791.

The Manor of Moreland was composed of a tract of ten thousand acres, and was created, in 1682, by a grant from William Penn to Dr. Nicholas More. Most of the Manor was in Philadelphia County, but is now Moreland Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.

Children of Herman Yerkes & Elizabeth Watts: Anthony Yerkes John Yerkes Sarah Yerkes Hufty Josiah Yerkes Herman Yerkes Silas Yerkes Elizabeth Yerkes Howell Stephen Yerkes Elias Yerkes Titus Yerkes

Children of Josiah Yerkes and Mary Walton Joshua Yerkes Josiah Yerkes Rebecca Yerkes Wood Sarah Yerkes Bower Margery Yerkes Saurman Mary Yerkes

Will Abstract for Josiah Yerkes of Moreland
December 2, 1791
To son Joshua, 30 s.
To son Josiah, 30 pds.
To daughter Rebecca Woods, 10 pds.
To granddaughter Sarah Boon, cow
To daughter Margaret 20 s.
To daughter Mary, house and 2 acres, horse, cow, and choice of stock
To son Nathaniel, remainder and 100 acres
Executor: son Nathaniel Yerkes
Witnesses: Silas Watts and George Shelmire

Cattle were vital to a household and an important legacy. Unweaned cattle are calves. Female cattle are heifers and cows (had a calf). Male cattle are steers (castrated) and bulls. Oxen are trained draft animals and are often castrated adult male cattle.